Sermon Video: "no prophet is honored in his hometown" - Luke 4:22-30

As Jesus begins his public ministry he proclaims his calling in his hometown by reading a passage from Isaiah concerning the Messiah.  Those who knew him best were perplexed because his wisdom was obvious, but they were unwilling to accept such a claim by "Joseph's son".  The double mistake of being judgmental and unwilling to recognize error leads Jesus to tell the fellow Israelites of his hometown that God is willing to go to the Gentiles if his people reject their chance.  Rather than respond with repentance, the people attempt to kill Jesus, but he simply walks through the crowd and goes on his way.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Is being a Christian hard?

At our Bible study today we were talking about I Peter 4:17-19 which lent itself to the question: Is it hard to be a Christian?  The answer is a bit of a paradox until you understand it.  On the one hand, it is exceedingly easy to BECOME a Christian.  It is after all, a free gift of God given by grace.  Jesus accomplished all the work that was necessary on the cross and confirmed his victory over sin through the empty grave.  For us to accept what God has already done for us requires a simple act of faith; it's easier than a lot of people assume.  On the other hand, it is exceedingly difficult to BE a Christian.  It is after all, a calling to live a holy and righteous life in which our example to imitate is Christ.  If that wasn't difficult enough, we also can expect to face persecution precisely because we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, as well as the refining "fire" of God's will that helps us to become more useful Christians.  God is indeed looking for servants who can do his will, not fans to sit in the stands and cheer him on.
Is it hard to be a Christian?  Yes, yes it is, the more so when you take your faith seriously.
Is it hard to become a Christian?  No, no it isn't, all you need to do is accept God's gift of grace.

Sermon Video: The Temptation of the Son of Man - Luke 4:1-13

Nobody enjoys being tested.  We especially don't apprecaite being tested when we're already tired, sick, or weak.  Jesus, as a demonstration of his loyalty to his Father's will and an example to us all, underwent three tests delivered by Satan himself.  In each test, Jesus responds by correctly quoting Scripture and relying upon the promises of God.  Because Jesus stood by the Spirit's power, and not his own, he becomes an example to us all when we face trials and tribulations.  Jesus stood firm on the Word of God, we can too.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Where are you going?

Yesterday my wife and I took a road trip to see a waterfall and find a Geo-cache (one of her hobbies).  The trip should have taken 45 minutes or so of scenic driving along the Allegheny river.  As we neared the destination we came upon a large bridge spanning the river.  There was only one problem, the bridge was closed for repair.  If you've ever driven around western Pennsylvania you know the problem we faced.  The only way across was to go back the way we came, work our way back away from the river until we can to a parallel route and then proceed.  In the end, the trip to the waterfall took an hour and a half instead of 45 minutes because of that one obstacle.
Is there a lesson here?  If you know where you're going, and are determined to get there, obstacles cannot keep you from finding your goal.  That's not bad, how about this as well, that which is worth doing is worth doing even if it costs you more than you'd hoped.  It was certainly a lesson in patience as well.
As we finally neared our destination, the TomTom told us to proceed down a dirt road that led to the falls.  After about 100 feet, the "road" took an exceedingly steep nose dive and we clearly no road, but rather a four-wheeler track at best.  At that point I put the car in reverse and backed on out of there.  We ended up getting good directions to an easier approach to the falls from the guy whose property bordered our would be "road" and made it there just fine.

Is there a lesson here?  Just because you think you know the way, it doesn't mean that you should throw yourself off of a cliff to get there.  I've heard of people whose GPS devices lead them into Death Valley where they become stranded (and their lives in danger from the heat) because they don't stop and think whether or not the advice they're getting is wise.  Thankfully, I decided before it was too late that reverse was the wise choice.
I thought we were just going for a ride, little did I know there were life lessons on the way there.  By the way, the waterfall was beautiful and I helped Nicole find the Geo-cache too.

Sermon Video: "prayer and the ministry of the word" - Acts 6:1-7

What begins as a food distribution issue to widows, turns into a decision about ministry priorities and delegation of authority.  As such, the solution of the Apostles to this age old problem, the tendency for leadership to become bogged down with worthy pursuits, becomes an examples for each local church today.  The church can do many things, but what must it do?  Pastors and other church leaders have a vast array of possible ministries, but what should always be the foundation of their ministry?

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Sermon Video: Fighting Against God - Acts 5:33-42

As the apostles are once again brought before the Sanhedrin, it appears as if the jealousy and anger directed at Peter and the apostles may lead to bloodshed.  At this crucial moment, Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, stands and speaks on behalf of the apostles.  He reasons with the Sanhedrin that they should do nothing to the apostles because if their enterprise is a human one it will fail on its own.  If, however, it is from God, it will succeed no matter what they do.  In the end, the apostles are flogged and then freed; after which they rejoice at having been counted worthy of suffering for the Name.  How would you or I respond to persecution?  Would we be worthy?  The only way to know is to begin to live for Jesus now, to take up our cross daily and follow him.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Hello God? Are you listening?

You ever have that feeling that maybe nobody is listening to you?  You've been working hard and doing your best, but it doesn't seem to make a difference? 
I've been there before, I've spun my wheels and wondered.  God was there with me, it wasn't easy, but we made it through (having a loving wife at your side helps too by the way).

Then there are other times, when things are all falling into place, when answers to prayer seem to come even before you get the chance to ask them.  It feels like you're coasting downhill, no need to pedal that hard even.  God is there too, even when it is easy, and he keeps me humble through it (having a wife who knows you better than anyone helps with the humility too, by the way).

A few recent things to highlight the point:
The Church has been looking into fixing the balcony of Miller Auditorium by adding a railing.  The cost would be several thousand dollars at least.  Yesterday, we hear that a local businessman has most of the materials already lying around and is willing to do the installation for free.  The correct response here is "wow!"  By the way, my secretary/office manager/church clerk was dancing in the office; always knew she had a little Pentecostal in her.

I've also been inundated of late with requests for aid; families in danger of being evicted or having their utilities shut off.  Each is a tough situation; layoffs and job losses are common these days.  After having several in one week (we can't always help resolve them too; it makes it hard, we do what we can), a young man walked into my office and told me the emotional tale of his recent troubles.  Needless to say, it was a tough situation, I didn't know how to help because the troubles seemed beyond our resources (even with the collective church fund we contribute to through Community Services).  I told him to come back the next day while I made a few phone calls.  When he returned it was clear that the weight on his shoulders had dropped overnight.  I hadn't done anything much of yet, but a kindly landlord was willing to be patient about rent and a crisis was averted.  He didn't need my help after all.

Yesterday I saw on Facebook that Mother Holly (St. John's Episcopal in Franklin) needed some extra help to unload a Second Harvest food truck.  I ended up helping a dozen or so people put food into carts and load it into their cars.  Not something terribly demanding, but very rewarding.  It was a chance to talk with each person as they went around the line getting their food, to find out about their troubles, and offer them hope for the future.

By the way, that was just some of this week's news; God, it seems, is busy these days.