When the Oceans Rise...

We sang an iworship song in church this week entitled, "Still", that has a line in its chorus "When the Oceans rise, and thunder roars, I will soar with you, above the storm"...In light of the tragedy unfolding this past week in Japan, those words seemed especially poignant.  As we sang the song, the thought occurred to me that whatever the particular storm may be that we're facing (in this case; a literal wave in Japan), the time to prepare to stand firm through it is well BEFORE the storm clouds darken the horizon.  I know the metaphor may be stretched a bit here, but we all will face a variety of storms in life, and none of us knows ahead of time how we will react to tragedy.  How then do we prepare?  As Jesus explained in the Gospel of Matthew: the wise man builds his house upon the rock (7:24-29).  The only sure foundation any of us can have to face the inevitable trials and tribulations of life is to plant our feet firmly on the hope we have in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  When we have placed our trust in God, not even the loss of our own lives will conquer us. 
As always, our thoughts and prayers are with those suffering in our world.

Sermon Video: Psalm 19:7-11, "the Law of the LORD revives the soul"

This message explores the perfection and purpose of the moral
code of God revealed in the Law. Not only is God's law a guide to
right living, but the path to wisdom and joy as well.
 
to watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video Part 1
Sermon Video Part 2

Sermon Video: Colossians 1:23 "continue in your faith"

This sermon explores the need of the individual Christian, as well as of the local church, to maintain and defend faith.  Faith must be nurtured, discipline pursued.  Also, the historic essence of the Gospel message must continue to be our central focus.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sermon Video: Part 1
Sermon Video: Part 2

Justice Delayed...

The trial for the two men accused of killing Donald Dietz (my dad's neighbor) is finally beginning; the murder occured in Sept. of 2007; it has been almost four years...I know that the wheels of justice grind slowly, but this is fairly pathetic...it reminds me that we often have to wait until our lives here are over to know the justice of God that is missing in our lives.  It would be so much easier, we think, if God was sitting at his computer, hitting the "smite" key anytime somebody stepped out of line (ok, I stole that idea from a classic Far Side comic); at least then we'd know that justice does indeed prevail...It would be more satisfying perhaps, but would it be better?  Why does God wait so long?  II Peter 3:9 reminds us that, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  We may want God to avenge us now, to put the bullies and the jerks in this world in their place.  God's reply to us: "my child, I waited for you to repent, why shouldn't I do the same for my other children?"  I guess God really does know what he is doing...as for Donald and his family, hopefully they will at least receive the small comfort of knowing that human justice does eventually come about from time to time.

Sermon Video: John 8:31-36 "the truth will set you free"

"you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free"
Are we really free, or are even Americans slaves? Jesus said that anyone who sins is a slave to sin. He also offered us all freedom is we choose to believe in and follow him. There is Hope, you can be free!
 
Click on the link below to watch the sermon:
Part One - Sermon Video - John 8:31-36
Part Two - Sermon Video - John 8:31-36