Will God continue to love me even when I have sinned against Him? Most of us ask this question in some way. The history of Israel, particularly in the era of Joshua and the Judges shows God’s overwhelming response to this question. Yes! From Rahab who ran a house of prostitutes, to a nation who continually rejected the God of Abraham for the gods of Canaan, to the judges who were largely morally flawed individuals… God kept loving and inviting His people and all people into personal relationship… all because of His amazing grace.
Grace Goes Camping, Grace series #4
God’s grace continues through the Old Testament in the book of Exodus. From who God uses to bring rescue to Israel, to even rescuing Israel, God’s one way love shines. But what happens when God’s grace to Israel shown in His powerful deliverance and provision is rejected by Israel almost immediately? God goes camping with His people … all because of His incredible one way love (grace).
Kerry Langman Memorial Service
Abraham, Trophy of Grace, Grace Series #3
What made God choose Abraham? The reality is there was nothing about who Abraham was or what he did that qualified him for God’s grace. God simply chose Abraham by His grace. Then after giving Abraham some amazing promises, God did something that would have shocked Abraham and confirmed in the clearest possible way how strong God’s one way love for Abraham was. In this we need to remember “As we have been loved by God, so we are to love others.”
Grace From the Start, Grace Series #2
While we often turn to Genesis 1 & 2 for other questions, the main character of the chapters is God and His grace is fully on display. But the greatest display of God’s one way love is not found in creation nor in the role God gave humanity to fulfill in creation. God’s full commitment to love humanity, independent of our response, is shown in the difference in how He reveals Himself in chapters 1 & 2.
Transformation
How does a “Son of Thunder” become a disciple Jesus loved? What changes John? We are not yet perfect, but we press on in eager expectation of perfection (1 Jn 3:1-3). We are characterized by God’s love in us, our love for God, and love for others (Jn 17:1-3, 20-26).
Hearing God 5 by 5, Hearing God #4
How can we learn to know what God is saying to us in the decisions we are looking to make? What can help us hear and be confident we are hearing clearly from God? Scripture, the Spirit and situations around us all can play a part to know the whole will of God for us. God wants us to hear Him clearly, so we can know His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Made for Conversation, Hearing God, #1
Every person has been made for conversational relationship with God. Unfortunately, many people, including followers of Jesus, struggle with hearing from God. In this first of four sermons in the series, we will see how personal conversational relationship is not only necessary to fully follow Jesus, but it is also what we’ve been made for.
Baptism, Ordinances of Faith #2
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.