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I consider myself a sports fan. There are some sports that I enjoy watching more than others. Yesterday I had the joy of watching a few minutes of children learning to play basketball. I could have watched for an hour easily, it was that entertaining. These kids were so focused, trying so hard. They…

Last week during the children’s sermon, Lance shared a passage that directly precedes the text I’m going to preach from today. To refresh your memory, he shared from Mark 10:35 and following, where James and John come and ask Jesus, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Does that…

Introduction We are coming to the close of our summer series about the Gospel The Gospel is good news! In this series, we have looked at how Jesus presented the Gospel in his interactions with people and then through his stories. In the last few weeks of this series, we are going to look at a few elements…

Introduction Text 15 One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. 16 Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!…

When Everything Changes I’m going to invite Drew to come read this morning’s Gospel reading for us: Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became…

INTRO Church family it is so good to be back here with the opportunity to share with you from God’s word. It has been a long time! Before we jump in to the text this afternoon, I want to take just a minute and express some gratitude. These past two and a half months have been the hardest of my entire…

Unity of believers I think by now you have gotten the idea that discipleship includes the unity of the believers. Our message tonight will continue on that path of unity, in our oneness in Christ and in the Father. (insert Unity of Believers-1 picture Here) Unity of believers through need of one another…

First Things First As we come to the end of Matthew we find what is appropriately called the Great Commission; Context: Jesus has ministered for 3 to 3 1/2 years, He called 12 men to follow Him (including the one who betrayed Him), He has been challenged, arrested, tried, convicted, scourged, crucified,…

Let us pray…Gracious, loving, and ever patient God, we are here this day to hear your words for us. Speak into our hearts and help us to be open to your Spirit’s prompting for our lives every day, Amen. As we begin this morning, there is so much going on in our world. So much turmoil and conflict, that…

Conversations on Holiness I read an interesting book a few years ago written by a Christian comedian named Keith Davenport, titled, Conversations on Holiness . His main point was that conversations among believers about holiness have just … sort of … stopped happening. Think about it… 16 for it is written,…

First Things First As we come to the end of Matthew we find what is appropriately called the Great Commission; Context: Jesus has ministered for 3 to 3 1/2 years, He called 12 men to follow Him (including the one who betrayed Him), He has been challenged, arrested, tried, convicted, scourged, crucified,…

We live in a world where there are two forces. Those forces are Christians and unbelievers. We hear of Christians watering down their beliefs all the time. Denominations have been split because of questionable beliefs. Church’s have pulled out of denominations because of a change in beliefs. Since the…

To Be, or Not to Be? Commitment to self, or commitment to Christ? Prayer: God, show me the way to the cross. It is still hard to understand why the Son of God would let mortal men condemn Him to such a horrible death. What love you demonstrated in that act! Show me how to demonstrate that same love to…

Last week we celebrated Easter and we talked about how everything has changed. The tomb is empty. Jesus rose from the dead and that changes everything. If you follow the ongoing story fo the Gospel and the book of acts you would know that Jesus continued to make appearances after his death and then he…

Welcome/Bienvenido: Tithe and Offering Diezmo y Ofrenda Proverbs 3:1-2 Christian Standard Bible (CSB) 3 My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; 2 for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being . Proverbios 3:1-2 Nueva Biblia de las Américas (NBLA) 3 Hijo…

Years ago, I heard a story once of a journalist who went to do a story on men who served in the foreign legion. After several days of travel, the journalist arrived at their fort out in the middle of no where. Interviews were conducted for several days and it was noted that these men knew each other…

Introduction These words that were just read come after one of the most famous discussions of love ever. As we have noted previously, this passage was not written about marital love, though it has application for that. This passage was written to the church. Paul is arguing that using a spiritual gift…

Mark's version of the Resurrection is less than satisfying. There's no appearance of Jesus -- no signs to hold onto. Yet one suggestion as to why might help us. Jesus' followers already received all they needed -- God's promise (not signs). We too are looking for signs that we'll be OK with COVID19 progressing. Maybe we've already received what we need to be OK -- God's promise. Maybe by doing as Mary, and Mary, and Salome did and focussing on serving others, we too will find a new way forward in this difficult time.

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Count Zinzendorf, a Moravian leader who knew and assisted John Wesley, said this about Jesus, “I have one passion, it is he and he alone.” A good friend of mine, who is one the greatest disciple-makers that I know, said this, “I have one hobby in life, it’s people.” Those two statements, even though…

Intro: James was excited as he turned the two hundred mark heading towards home. Two and three –quarter laps had gone and he was still in the lead. His one and only goal was to win this race and he was full of confidence that he could do it. His thoughts race ahead to the podium, the applause, the glory,…

Trouble in the Text: The Thessalonians were in need of the way of God’s labor of love. Thessalonica was a populous and religious city, a city with many gods and altars ; at the crossroads of many trade routes between Macedonia & Achaia (Greece), and Asia (Turkey). So much so, that they had their own…

“We live in a culture that commends effort. From childhood we have been told, “Don’t give up. Don’t be a quitter. Keep trying until you accomplish your goal.” You’ve seen the Avis ad, “We try harder!” In the natural world, trying harder is commendable and often effective. But God’s ways aren’t our ways.…

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in…

Introduction What Humility is Not A pretense of being unaware of your strengths There is nothing more prideful than mock humility Dangerous during a job interview Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better…