We are indeed all mortals...Isaiah 40:7-8

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.”

I came across this text today, quoted by Peter in I Peter 1:24-25, and it reminded me of conversations I've had in the last 24 hours with my mother and my mother-in-law about two of our relatives whose health is failing and for whom we've been praying.  We have a rather long life expectancy in America, but in the view of eternity, our time here is short.  What do we make of this?  Do we shout "carpe diem" and try to live each day like it is our last, or do we plan long-term and try to leave something behind that will last when we're gone?  The answer is both.  We must strive to make each day count, but we must also be wise builders who invest in the future and who take our responsibility seriously as members of the body of Christ.  God's Church will continue long after we're gone, his Word will endure forever.  God willing, the sacrifices we make for his kingdom will be enjoyed by the next generation.

Sermon Video: John 9:1-12, the Sin of the Man Born Blind

Why was this man born blind?  Jesus' answer to his disciples question shows us that we cannot view all suffering as a punishment for sin.  Sin causes suffering, but not all suffering is from sin.  God wants us to help the less fortunate, not blame them.  Jesus offers light in the darkness and truth for those who seek him.

To watch the sermon, click on the links below
Sermon Video Part 1
Sermon Video Part 2

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