Imagine what it might have been like for Mary to answer the door and see Magi with their whole entourage! Strange men from far away bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What became of these gifts, we don’t know, the Bible doesn’t tell us. They may have been a part of God’s provision for the Holy Family during what happens next.
View SermonMatthew
Unfolding the Master Plan
The Ulm Minster is the tallest church in the world (530 ft). It was planned and begun by Heinrich Parler in 1377, but it was not completed until 1890. That’s 513 years of construction! In the beginning, God had a clear plan for the heavens and the earth, for the garden, and for Adam and Eve. Unlike Ulm Minster, which had many architects and builders along with way, God has overseen the development of his plan over thousands of years.
View SermonDid you Hear the News?
The Resurrection of Jesus was shocking, world changing news.
It was so unexpected that even his disciples struggled to believe it! As with most big news, some were excited and others were definitely not! There are three basic approaches you can take when a breaking story puts you in a bad light. 1) cover it up, 2) Wait it out, 3) Admit your wrongdoing, apologize and deal with the consequences. As we consider the news of the Resurrection of Jesus, let us consider each of these approaches.
Rose-Colored Glasses
Sometimes we see our lives through rose-colored glasses. We see all of the ways that we consider ourselves to be “good Christian people” when the reality is that we could all use a little (or a lot!) of work. Today is a day to admit our wrong-doings and the impurities of our hearts.
View SermonBlessing the Nations
When God called Abraham in Genesis 12:3 he told him: “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” God didn’t save you to keep that blessing for yourself, he wants you to share it. There is no treasure greater than a relationship with the Living God! By sharing this treasure you lose nothing and those who receive the gift gain everything. We are called to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. What part is God calling you to play in his mission?
View SermonThe Heavens Declare
Did you see the “Christmas Star” a few days before Christmas? Some have speculated that a similar astronomical event may have been what the wise men saw after the birth of Jesus. Is this possible? Probably not. I like to think that God caused whatever it was as a supernatural event to announce the birth of his Son! “The Messiah is here!” was literally written in the sky!
View SermonGiving Thanks in All Circumstances
This Thanksgiving is likely to be very different for you than the celebrations of years past. You may still have turkey, and stuffing, and cranberries, and pumpkin pie, but you may not see as many people from outside your household, if you see any at all. Not only that, you may find your plans changing at a moment’s notice! This is why Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – to “Give thanks in all circumstances” is particularly poignant this year.
View SermonThree Kings
Even the best and most revered of Kings in this world are fallible and sinful. The memory of their failings sometimes fades over time even as the memory of their virtue grows. Jesus is different. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Psalm 95:3-5). Jesus cared deeply for those who were poor, weak, or vulnerable. He chose a humble birth to common parents. His early years were spent as a refugee living in a foreign land. He chose fishermen and outcasts as his band of disciples. He healed those who were sick, even touching the unclean. Finally, he cared for you in your spiritual sickness and poverty. Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9).
View SermonUsing our Talents in God’s Kingdom
We are called to be missional stewards of God’s resources, be it time, talent, or treasure. God has entrusted each of us with resources that he expects us to use for his glory and the expansion of his kingdom. Today we will focus on the “talent” aspect of stewardship. “Using one’s God-given abilities wisely and productively is a vital aspect of discipleship and will be rewarded with additional opportunities to serve God faithfully and fruitfully” (ESV Study Bible). What are you doing with what God has given you?
View SermonPreparation for the Wedding Feast
When we put our faith in Jesus, it is a decision that changes our lives daily and forever. Faith is not like a life insurance policy that you choose once and file away. As Christians, we can’t make a decision to follow Christ and then tuck that away as a memory and live our lives as we did before. We need to continue to pursue Christ for the rest of our lives.
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