Sermons from February 2023
Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness tells us about our freedom
God allows his creatures freedom to chose His way or ours. In how he faces his temptations in the wilderness, Jesus does not use his power to do what human nature would want, but sets an example of faith and trust in God. Our temptations should not be seen as an obstacle, but a means to strengthen our faith to choose life and not death.
The Transfiguration: a glimpse of the Kingdom after the Resurrection
Matthew relates the Transfiguration of Jesus on the high mountain between the Sermon on the Mount and the Mount of Golgotha. Peter, James, and John were given a gift to see Jesus with the glory accorded him. But first Jesus must go through the suffering and humiliation of the cross before the glory. Only by comprehending the gore of the crucifixion can we really understand Jesus’ glory.
Jesus shows us what following the law really looks like: read the instructions and listen to the Spirit
God gave us his law so we would know how to follow his ways. We tend to put our own meaning into them. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us not just the law, but the intent behind the laws–to show us how to live as God meant for us to live. We are God’s workmanship created to love and serve God and love and serve others.
Be Salt: Live in such a way that people who know you come to know your God
For the people in our lives that do not know God: are we telling them about Jesus? The Christian life is not just about living and walking the walk, but we are to also talk the talk. Make a difference day by day: be salt and light to those around you.