Sermon Video: Not Even a Hint Among Us - Ephesians 5:3-7

After telling us that we need to imitate Jesus by walking "in the way of love," the Apostle Paul now reminds us how incompatible that calling is with continuing to live in sin.  As such, Paul reminds us that "even a hint" of immorality, impurity, or greed is too much for God's people.

Sermon Video: We are God's Dwelling Place - Ephesians 2:19-22

Leave it to God's grace to go far beyond our expectations.  The Apostle Paul begins by telling the Gentile followers of Jesus at Ephesus that because of Jesus they are no longer foreigners and strangers, but instead citizens of God's kingdom, AND members of God's own household.  This would seem blessing enough, it is a tremendous boon to all who come to Jesus by faith.  And yet, Paul goes further, telling us that not only has God made us citizens of his kingdom, and members of his household, God has gone much further by choosing to dwell within us.  

In the Ancient World, having God dwell among us would be a big deal.  The tabernacle and Temple reflected this blessing.  Having God literally take upon himself humanity, in the Incarnation, was an shocking step forward.  This is more.  God isn't just WITH us (amazing as that is), God is WITHIN us.  The implications are many and varied, all wondrous to consider.

Sermon Video: When the sins of God's people harm others - Genesis 20

In this chapter, Abraham returns to an old ruse, one he used disastrously back in chapter 12 of Genesis.  Like then, Abraham's plan involves deception and causes harm to others.

So, what do we do when the people who hurt us claim to be God's people?

The first step is to determine if they really are God's people, sadly many charlatans abuse God's name for their own ends.  Abraham was certainly God's guy, God even calls him a prophet in this text.

The second step is to remember that God's people are still flawed people.  Redeemed they may be, but perfect they are not.  They will fail, and those failures will at times harm others.  This isn't God's fault, it is ours.

Lastly, what ought to come next is repentance and an attempt to repair the damage coming from God's people.  In Genesis 20 Abraham does not repent, but God still requires that he be a part of the solution to fix what he has broken.  If/when God's people fail, they ought to be the first ones trying to make it right.

Sermon Video: Will God give me whatever I want? - Mark 11:24-26

 At first glance, Jesus' words appear to offer his followers a path to getting whatever they want from God.  Upon closer examination, this conversation fits with all the other times Jesus and the biblical authors wrote about prayer and requests from God: they need to conform to the will of God.  In addition, this promise is for the people of God, not the persons of God.  The people of God have one defining purpose: to be God's representatives here on earth, sharing the Gospel and making disciples.  When we pray, together, confidently, for that, God hears us and will bless our work on his behalf.

Secondly, Jesus reminds us that forgiveness too needs to be done God's way, and that means forgiving others and letting go of our pride, self-righteousness, and hopes of revenge.

Sermon Video: Building up God's people, including the doubters - Jude 17-23

Given the need that the Church has to be on its guard against false teachers and divisive people, what ought we to do about those who have doubts?  Doubt (and with it: fear, anxiety, etc.) is NOT a cause for excluding people from the fellowship of God's people.  Rather than judge those who doubt, Jude tells us to show them mercy.  In addition, those who are in danger of judgment should be "snatched from the fire", and even those who are in mired in darkness likewise should receive mercy from the people of God.  The reasons and the cure for doubt/anxiety/fear are a larger topic, the attitude of reaching out a helping hand to others is a simple principle to build upon.  {Also, this topic is yet another reason why 'church' is not a solo operation, why we need to be a part of God's people, both giving and receiving help in times of need}.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sermon Video: "God is really among you!" 1 Corinthians 14:20-28

While the people of the Church might long for signs and wonders, for flashy manifestations of the presence of God among us, the Apostle Paul instructs the church at Corinth that such things are not what convinces the Lost of their need to accept the Gospel.  Signs might get people's attention (as it did at Pentecost) but it is the preaching/teaching/sharing of the Word of God that illuminates for people their need for repentance.  And while it church services will seem odd or confusing to non church goers who happen to visit, Paul cautions us that our activities cannot afford to appear crazy (for example through people being "slain in the Spirit" or wild predictions about the future or conspiracy theories), lest the Lost be repulsed by us, and not hear the Gospel.  Instead, our church services ought to be thoughtful, organized, and useful.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sermon Video: They will be my people - Malachi 3:16-18

Following the warnings from the prophet Malachi to the people of Israel, those who "feared the LORD" gathered together to discuss the need for repentance.  God responded to this show of commitment from his covenant people by telling them that they will receive his favor as his "treasured possession", that they will receive his compassion, for "they will be mine".  When the people of God were moved to repentance and re-commitment, God responded quickly with compassion and love for his people.
At that point, the people decided to create a "scroll of remembrance" to help seal their commitment to the LORD, a public ceremony/document that would help them stay true to their word in the days ahead.

To watch the video, click on the link below: