Sermons from January 2023
Being Blessed: Happiness is not the Christian’s goal, but the blessing of God
The secret to being blessed is to let go of what we think we want and to accept where God has planted us and to trust Him fully that he has a plan for our life. Then we choose to do our part to fulfill it under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Certain qualities of life such as comfort, peace, integrity, and real fulfillment are assured to those who are willing to listen to God and follow…
Turning point: Leaving all to follow Jesus to fish for people
To leave family and job to follow Jesus seems counter-intuitive behavior. The Great Commission, Jesus’ last command, calls every follower of Jesus to go teach and make disciples by our life-style and words. 70% of Americans are not involved with church. But our task is not to fill up church pews, but to fill up heaven with souls who have accepted the Good News.
Amazing Grace: Paul and John Newton
The same grace that saved Paul and John Newton saves us and not only gives us a right relation to God, but also makes us part of something larger than ourselves–the body of Christ–to do the work of Christ in the world. Spiritual work must be done by spiritual means, empowered by the Holy Spirit by God’s grace–unmerited favor.
The Baptism of Jesus by John: Even though he was without sin, he identified with our humanity
And like that baptism marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, so baptism marks our new beginning. Baptism is not the finish line, but baptism, after receiving the Holy Spirit’s power, marks the launching of our ministry to do God’s work by His Spirit.
Jesus is the Light that has come to chase away the darkness around us and in us
The Wise Men followed a star to the place where the Christ Child was. Jesus came to give light so that we do not have to stumble in the darkness without hope. He gives us light and hope.
The Epiphany House Blessing: Inviting Jesus into your home for 2023
Father Don explains the symbols to write a chalk blessing. This is a specific blessing for the home that is traditionally done each year on Epiphany (also known as 3 Kings Day or Twelfth Night) that is done on the front door of the house and uses symbols drawn with blessed chalk. This is called the chalking the door, and is practiced by many Christians including Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and more!
A Covenant Is More Than a Resolution: John Wesley’s Renewal Covenant
Our New Year’s resolutions are usually gone by February. We are helpless; that is why God sent us a Savior so that we can have the life He intended. To remind us of our Covenant with God, John Wesley led his church in a New Year Covenant.