Extremely Favored
Some information tends to carry huge implications to our lives. Some news could change our lives drastically. The visit to the Dr. as you wait the test results to find out you have a terminal disease. A shooting at the school where your kids attends. Sudden death of a loved one in a car accident. These things are shocking, disturbing to your ears.
A young girl was planning a wedding; she was so excited, but one day she had an unexpected visitor who brought to her some disturbing news. She may need to put the wedding on hold.
God’s Final Message
To communicate is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs or behavior to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc. to someone else. Sometimes, there is miscommunication (failure to communicate clearly); at times there is misunderstanding (failure to understand something, misinterpretation).
With all the technological advancements you would think that it would be nearly impossible for us to miscommunicate or misinterpret the message. But it happens all the time.
Reasons for Giving Thanks
It is my hope and prayer you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Gratitude doesn’t come natural to many of us. This is one of the first things we were taught, and we then tried to teach our children-to be grateful.
What Prompts You to Generosity
During the holiday season, people tend to be much nicer to others. (Except on black Friday lines). During holiday season we witness generosity take place. Have you ever wondered what motivates people to be generous? What motivates you to give of your money, your time, talents? For some people it is compassion, for others competition, jealousy, guilt, pride, or the spot light.
The Danger of Unbelief
Last Sunday I preached about the question “who is Jesus?” A question every follower of Jesus must be able to respond biblically. Studies have been conducted which reveal the sad truth that our Christian faith is shifting in this country. There is a disconnection in what we say we believe and how we live. The Barna Research Group conducted a study in 2009 which reveals how the faith of many professed Christians has changed throughout the years.
A Dangerous Question
Throughout centuries people have wrestled with the identity of Jesus. The question “who is Jesus?” has puzzled many great minds for centuries. Some people have viewed Jesus as a prophet, a great teacher. Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet like Muhammad; Jehovah Witnesses believe Jesus was a created angel (Michael the archangel). Mormons believe Jesus was Lucifer’s brother. Scientologists believe Jesus was a great teacher who taught us how to be spiritually advanced. Who do you believe Jesus is?
The Battle is the LORDs
We all have to fight battles in this life; perhaps you may be fighting one right now. We all face challenges that make us feel afraid, helpless, hopeless, to say the least. At times these challenges get the best of us; stress and anxiety and insecurity. This is how the first king of Israel felt for over a month; he faced a huge problem. He didn’t know how to overcome it; he was afraid and the whole nation with him.
The Ministry of Jesus
Every believer in Jesus is called to ministry. There are different kinds of ministry, but every Christian is called to. The word ministry is the word diaconia, which means ministry or service. Everyone of you is called to service in God’s kingdom. Jesus said he came to serve (minister) and to give his life for many. Have you ever wondered what Jesus’ ministry was about?
The Key to Revival
When you read the Bible, you are confronted with the notion that God is a God of restoration. Even after mankind failed God he drafted a plan to restore mankind back to himself. When his people were enslaved, he made the provision to rescue them and give them a new beginning in the land of the promise. When we go through tough times in life, when we experience struggles with relationships, family issues. At times, we may feel discouraged or hopeless because of how things develop in our lives. However, God in his word gives us hope; he gives us the key to be made whole again. To be revived.
Authentic Worship
Every Sunday we gather here for “Worship.” Churches around the world meet together to worship. But the reality is that many attend church services, but only a minority worships or at least understands worship. Worship is one of those words we throw around in church a lot, but many times we quite don’t understand what worship is. How do you know you have worshiped God? How do you know you are truly worshiping God?
The Church Matters
Maybe you have heard people say that they love Jesus, but don’t like the church. There are people who think they can have a relationship with Jesus apart from his church. They want to love Jesus and believe in him but don’t want anything to do with the church. The sad reality is that according to the Bible, this sentiment goes against God.
Disrespecting Jesus
On Sept 12 The Somerville, MA Police was looking for a man who urinated on the American flags at the Veterans cemetery. The person who saw this and reported it said, “What possible reason could they have for desecrating a WW2 Memorial?
There are people who have no regard for memorials, for the sacred. No respect at all. However, this man will pay for his offense; Somerville police is investigating, and he will have to give an account for his actions to the authorities.