Baptism has been practiced by the church from its very origin. Baptism is also something that some denominations argue over its meaning and practice. Today we look at Paul’s words to the church in Rome about the meaning of baptism. Baptism, Paul said, should remind them of an essential gospel truth. They are united with Christ, so when he died to sin… they died. When Jesus was raised… they too were raised to new life. Baptism is an outward ritual symbolizing an inward spiritual reality that has already taken place by grace through faith in Jesus. Baptism is a public testimony of a commitment to follow Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Communion, Ordinances of Faith #1
Communion is a ritual Jesus gave to His church to call us to unity in His work and commission. Unfortunately, at times it is something that divides Christians because of our different understandings or theologies surrounding Communion. This sermon looks at Paul’s instructions to the church in Corinth about their awful practice of Communion which was literally dividing the church. Through these instructions perhaps we can hear the Spirit speak to us about how Communion calls us to live in unity in Christ together as brothers and sisters.
Sacrifice, Philippians Series #4
Paul sacrificed for the sake of following Jesus. His career path, way of thinking, safety, and comfort, just to mention some. Paul was willing to do this because of the example of Jesus’ sacrifice for Paul and all of humanity, because of God’s great love for us. That love from God motivated Paul to sacrifice for the sake of the message of Jesus in his own life. How can God’s great love and sacrifice motivate you?
Be The Church
In this message, former Faith EMC pastor John Stanley calls for followers of Jesus to not settle to ‘do’ church, but to ‘be’ the church. “God has called us to the greatest thing ever… to be his representatives to a hurting world.” Being the church is not an easy road to take however. There will be disappointments, obstacles and failures. Despite this, God’s view of us never changes. We need to hold onto God’s view, so we can allow Him to do His job through us.
Work Out, Philippians Series #3
In Christ, Philippians Series #2
Another of Paul’s themes in Philippians is found in almost all of his letters because it is the foundation of Paul’s worldview, and more importantly, to the gospel of Jesus. All who follow Jesus are viewed by God as holy, no matter their past, whether good or bad. Because our position with God is not based upon our performance or perception of ourselves, but God’s perception of us based upon the performance of Jesus. No wonder Paul could write about joy even from a prison cell!
Joy In, Philippians Series #1
Of all the people in the world, Christians have the most reason to be joyful. Yet, Christians often do not have a reputation of joy. Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi was written from a prison, yet is dripping with joy. What can we learn?
Peter, Easter #4
Peter, despite his passion for the ministry and mission of Jesus, was actively resisting that very ministry and mission. The problem was Peter’s agenda for the Messiah and Jesus’ agenda were not the same. And when our agenda is different than God’s we face the decision of resisting God or submitting to Him.
Soldiers at the Cross, Easter #3
The soldiers who crucified Jesus were just doing their job. They had no idea that morning when they woke up they would be executing the Son of God. It was just another day, another execution to them. The events surrounding Jesus’ death caused them to change from mocking Jesus as the King of the Jews to hailing Him as the Son of God. How will we respond to the event of Jesus’ death for us?
Caiaphas, Easter #2
Caiaphas viewed Jesus as a threat because he was more concerned about his position, wealth, and authority than following what God was obviously doing and saying. Caiaphas knew that following God would cost him what he had, but was unwilling to surrender ‘his’ kingdom to God’s Kingdom. Like Caiaphas, Christians can resist the God they say they trust. And do what is wrong to try to hold onto something that we will eventually lose anyway.