In this well known figure of speech, Jesus calls himself the "good shepherd" who cares for his sheep. Jesus also claims to be the gate through which the sheep must enter. In this dual role, Jesus is the way to the Father, AND the means of guiding and protecting those who have found God through him. Jesus also warns his disciples that there are others who will try to lead the sheep astray if they don't listen carefully to their message. In addition, Jesus offers abundant life to those who believe in him which he was able to achieve by choosing to lay down his life on our behalf and then taking it back up again. This message of Jesus in the Gospel of John makes clear that Jesus is the exclusive path to God, all others lead to false hope.
To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
This blog serves as an outreach for Pastor Randy Powell of the First Baptist Church of Franklin, PA. Feel free to ask questions or send me an e-mail at pastorpowell@hotmail.com
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
With much Freedom, comes much responsibility
As Americans once again celbrate our independence this July 4th with all of the variety and excitement of such a free people, I was reminded of a line from the movie Spiderman. Peter Parker's uncle Ben tells him, "with great power comes great responsibility". The same notion holds true for each and every American. We have been given, by Almighty God and the sacrifices of those who fought for this country, a measure of freedom that would have been beyond the imagining of the writers of the New Testament. They lived in a world where constraints upon each person's choices were commonplace. People couldn't live where they wanted to, they couldn't choose the occupation they desired, and they certainly didn't enjoy much in the way of religious, speech, or political rights. Slavery was commonplace in our world until recent history. Participation in the political process was reserved for only a select powerful few.
All of this began to change with the American Revolution, and just as important, the Bill of Rights. It was not an easy road; we too have prejudice and denial of rights in our nation's history, but the end result is a nation in which each man and woman enjoys immense freedom. The question then becomes, what do we do with this freedom? How do we live as free men and women? The Apostle Paul wrote to the Churches in Galitia about the new freedom that Christian enjoyed to live according to the dictates of their conscience. He reminded them that, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13) Freedom is the birthplace of service to others. It is when we are the most free that we must choose to set aside our own indulgences to serve others. This is the great responsibility that comes with freedom.
As men and women created by God, we will all stand before the throne of God and answer for how we served others. As Americans, we will also answer for how we used this extraordinary gift of freedom. Did we use our freedom to indulge in selfish pursuits, or did we show gratitude to our Maker by using our gift of freedom to help others?
Today is our independence today. Celebrate the freedom that we enjoy with joy and passion, but also remember that as Jesus said, "from everyone who has been given much, much will be required" (Luke 12:48)
All of this began to change with the American Revolution, and just as important, the Bill of Rights. It was not an easy road; we too have prejudice and denial of rights in our nation's history, but the end result is a nation in which each man and woman enjoys immense freedom. The question then becomes, what do we do with this freedom? How do we live as free men and women? The Apostle Paul wrote to the Churches in Galitia about the new freedom that Christian enjoyed to live according to the dictates of their conscience. He reminded them that, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13) Freedom is the birthplace of service to others. It is when we are the most free that we must choose to set aside our own indulgences to serve others. This is the great responsibility that comes with freedom.
As men and women created by God, we will all stand before the throne of God and answer for how we served others. As Americans, we will also answer for how we used this extraordinary gift of freedom. Did we use our freedom to indulge in selfish pursuits, or did we show gratitude to our Maker by using our gift of freedom to help others?
Today is our independence today. Celebrate the freedom that we enjoy with joy and passion, but also remember that as Jesus said, "from everyone who has been given much, much will be required" (Luke 12:48)
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sermon Video, "Alive with Christ" - Colossians 2:11-17
Paul expains that our Spiritual baptism with Christ enables us to receive new life when we were dead in our sins. It also allows God to forgive us, destroys the written law which convicted us, and allows us to live a life free of legalistic attitudes. We must all die with Christ, and be raised with him to new life.
To watch the sermon video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
To watch the sermon video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sermon Video: A Father's Faith - Genesis 22:1-18
Abraham is put to the test by God who asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. What is God up to, Why would he ask something so contrary to his nature of Abraham? What does the test tell us about Abraham, and what does it reveal about God?
To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sermon Video: The Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-13
The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of the Church as God sends the Spirit to guarantee the redemption in Christ and inspire believers to become Christ-like. The Spirit allowed the believers to speak in many languages on that day, foreshadowing the spread of the Gospel message throughout the world.
To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
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