When we hear the word, “worship” we often think of music or a Sunday morning service. Throughout the Bible worship is described with words like delight, honor, ascribe supreme worth to, enjoy, give the best of what has been given to us to, and find pleasure in God. This week we look to David, a man after God’s own heart, to see how we can worship God in all spheres of life including, but not limited to, when we gather with others for corporate worship.
Sermons by Dean Wertz (Page 35)
When we buy a book, car or home we consider it “ours.” We have the receipt, title and/or bill of sale to prove that the product, building and land is ours. When we are given an unexpected day off, that day is “ours.” Yet, a careful reading of the Bible reveals that we, who are students of Jesus and lovers of God, are not ultimately owners but stewards. “Stewardship” is the management of the property or resources belonging to another in order to achieve the owner’s objectives. In this message we discover that God, the Owner of everything, is clear to reveal both his objectives, through his written word, and to give us a perfect example of stewardship, through his Son, his living word. This is great news for all who long to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
As we discovered last week, receiving God’s grace and forgiveness through faith in Jesus leads to a fresh start in a whole new life. Yet, this is just the beginning. After we believe in Jesus, he extends a new invitation, “Abide in me.” To abide means to live in a close continual dependent relationship with our resurrected Christ through the presence of his Holy Spirit who indwells all who put their faith in him. In this message we discover more about this beautiful way of life as well as the rewards for all who rsvp with a “yes” to this incredible invitation.
As we begin our fall series entitled ‘A Life of Love: Marks of a Disciple of Jesus’, we look directly to Jesus who demonstrates astounding love toward a notoriously sinful woman and toward all of us. Our capacity to love God and others is fueled by our understanding of God’s love for us. When we grasp our true identity as forgiven, beloved children of God, a whole new life is given to us. So in this opening message we celebrate the unconditional love of God available to you and me because of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Today’s service focuses on praising God for inviting ordinary people to join Him in bringing His love to people of every nation until His vision to be glorified throughout the whole earth is fulfilled. We are grateful for and extend a loving welcome to Don and Janet Guizzetti, as well as some of our teens, for joining us today, modeling this way of life and reminding us of this beautiful reality during our service today.
After Jesus presented the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, He did something unexpected and rare. He declared the story’s meaning in a clear memorable statement: God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. Have you ever wondered how to grow in humility? In this message you will discover answers to questions like: What is humility? How does God reward the humble? Why does humility rule in the Kingdom of God? and How can we cultivate humble hearts?
Like detours on a trip, redirecting our time to serve someone in need can be frustrating. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus reminds us that, though we cannot serve everyone in need, we each can serve at least one. When we do, we embark on an unknown journey that may get messy. Yet, these types of detours are tangible opportunities to abide in Christ and join in his vision and prayer for God’s Kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven.
Life is difficult and the closing move in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount reminds us of this sober reality. In this teaching, known as The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, we discover that while Jesus does not remove the challenges from His students, He does present a way to prevail through them. This way is a lifelong mentoring relationship with our living instructor that includes listening to Him and then doing what He says.
Do you ever wonder how some people are able to gladly sacrifice so much to honor God and love others? If we could discover their fuel for joyful obedience maybe we could do the same. In these twin parables Jesus reveals that there is a treasure available to all of us that is so wonderful that any sacrifices made to get it…
Do you ever get frustrated with God because He doesn’t work in ways you think He should? Do you ever wish God would do more to remove evil and darkness as well as violent and evil doers? If so, you are not alone. Apparently Jesus’ first followers felt this way as well. In this 2nd message from the parables of Jesus we discover what Jesus knew about God’s wise, though perplexing, plan as well as His extravagant patience in carrying it out.