Sermons, Lectures, & Teachings
Honoring the past context for God’s word.
Understanding the current relevance for God’s word.
Living in the future hope of God’s word.
Overflow of the Heart | Luke 1:25-55
A young woman named Mary had received surprising news herself. News that could have ruined her life. It could have been the catalyst for Joseph, her fiancé, to call off her marriage. It could have made her an outcast in society. It could have brought out feelings of anger or frustration or disappointment because the life she once thought was hers for the taking was now taken away.
The Shepherd’s Guidance | Psalm 23:2-3
Advent leads to more, however, than the celebration of Christmas Day. Yes, we celebrate the newborn babe Jesus who was born in that lowly stable, surrounded by animal feed and manure. Even moreso, we celebrate the arrival of our Shepherd, the one who leads us, once we are willing to declare, as Robert pointed out last week, “The Lord is my shepherd.“
I AM the Vine | John 15:1-17
Jesus often spoke in picture illustrations so that his audience would relate. He captured the ordinary and turned it divine. By likening himself to bread, he communicated that we need him to live, that he alone satisfies. By likening himself to a shepherd, a common profession in the time and region of Jesus, he communicated that he will lay down his life for us and protect us from enemies.
I AM the Light | John 8:12-18
Our passage for today is in John 8 (John 1), so feel free to turn there now. Jesus had just been at the Festival of Shelters. The Festival of Shelters, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot, is a Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites’ 40-year journey through the wilderness after the Exodus.
I AM the Bread of Life | John 6
The people were discontented with their current government and they were looking for a leader they wanted to follow. Someone who would solve their problems. But, as we’ve been reading this year in our Bible plan, the whole making-people-king-thing didn’t really work out for them in their favor in the past. Yet, here were the people again, following signs and miracles, wanting a king.
Paul’s Practical Tips For Modern Day Wisdom | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
I think this is so interesting. The first section calls for the body, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you.