Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
'You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.' We, through the amazing work of Jesus Christ, have become children of God. What this means for us is that we get what Jesus gets: eternal life with God in heaven; the grace and love of God in our lives; a personal relationship with God. As the children of God we receive all the blessings Christ receives as the Son of God. How great a blessing it is for us to be called children of God, to be brought into right relationship with God. This is great news for us. We are not a group of random group of people, we are the children of God. God has called us into his presence and claimed us as his own. Go forth and celebrate the good news. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Galatians 3: 15-25; The Law and the Promise
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
What Paul is trying to say here is that God's promise(s) trump everything. If God promises salvation we are going to get salvation. Furthermore, we need to believe in the promises of God, and not in our supposed ability to make those promises come true. The Law was not put in place, says Paul, to give people the opportunity to save themselves; it was put in place to assist people in living righteous lives. It is faith that really matters. For Paul, nothing else will do. We must believe in Jesus and confess him as Lord and savior. There is nothing else we can do to receive salvation. Confess Jesus. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
What Paul is trying to say here is that God's promise(s) trump everything. If God promises salvation we are going to get salvation. Furthermore, we need to believe in the promises of God, and not in our supposed ability to make those promises come true. The Law was not put in place, says Paul, to give people the opportunity to save themselves; it was put in place to assist people in living righteous lives. It is faith that really matters. For Paul, nothing else will do. We must believe in Jesus and confess him as Lord and savior. There is nothing else we can do to receive salvation. Confess Jesus. God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Pizza
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Remember to go to CiCi's Pizza in Bridgeville sometime tomorrow. Anyone who goes to CiCi's and says they are with MLCC, 10% of their cost will come back to the church. This will be a good way for the church to get a little extra money, plus it's Pizza! God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Remember to go to CiCi's Pizza in Bridgeville sometime tomorrow. Anyone who goes to CiCi's and says they are with MLCC, 10% of their cost will come back to the church. This will be a good way for the church to get a little extra money, plus it's Pizza! God bless you.
Pastor Josh
<><
Board Meeting
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do not forget that tomorrow after church we will be having a Special Board Meeting to vote on new officers for the new church year which starts on July 1, 2008. All members of the Board, please make sure you attend the meeting tomorrow. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Do not forget that tomorrow after church we will be having a Special Board Meeting to vote on new officers for the new church year which starts on July 1, 2008. All members of the Board, please make sure you attend the meeting tomorrow. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Galatians 3: 1-14; Faith or Observance of the Law
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
It all begins and ends with faith. We have to believe in Jesus as the Son of God; that is the only thing that can save us. Living a holy life is important, but living a holy life is a response to that which has been given to us. Our holiness cannot save us. A lot of people in Paul's time thought they could be saved by the law, living a righteous life, doing goof works. They were wrong. We must confess Jesus Christ as Lord and savior in order to get salvation. Remember the words of Paul, that we are justified by faith, not by the law. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
It all begins and ends with faith. We have to believe in Jesus as the Son of God; that is the only thing that can save us. Living a holy life is important, but living a holy life is a response to that which has been given to us. Our holiness cannot save us. A lot of people in Paul's time thought they could be saved by the law, living a righteous life, doing goof works. They were wrong. We must confess Jesus Christ as Lord and savior in order to get salvation. Remember the words of Paul, that we are justified by faith, not by the law. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Friday, June 27, 2008
Galatians 2: 11-21; Paul Opposes Peter
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
In short, do not force others to live a certain way when you do not live that way yourself. The Jews and Gentiles had a tough relationship, mainly because some of the Jews tried to make the Gentiles live by the Law. That would not be so bad except that the Jews were not living by the Law anymore. We should not be in the practice of forcing people to live a certain way if we are not prepared to do the same. We should all live according to the will of Jesus Christ, no matter who we are or where we come from. By all means, tell others to follow Jesus, but make sure you follow him, too. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
In short, do not force others to live a certain way when you do not live that way yourself. The Jews and Gentiles had a tough relationship, mainly because some of the Jews tried to make the Gentiles live by the Law. That would not be so bad except that the Jews were not living by the Law anymore. We should not be in the practice of forcing people to live a certain way if we are not prepared to do the same. We should all live according to the will of Jesus Christ, no matter who we are or where we come from. By all means, tell others to follow Jesus, but make sure you follow him, too. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sunday Scripture and Sermon for June 29, 2008
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Scripture for this Sunday is John 3: 10-15, in which Jesus teaches Nicodemus about heavenly things, as well as making a statement about his own work. The sermon is entitled 'Bridges and Ladders,' and will focus on how Jesus is the bridge, or ladder, to God. I hope to see you all on Sunday. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
The Scripture for this Sunday is John 3: 10-15, in which Jesus teaches Nicodemus about heavenly things, as well as making a statement about his own work. The sermon is entitled 'Bridges and Ladders,' and will focus on how Jesus is the bridge, or ladder, to God. I hope to see you all on Sunday. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Galatians 2: 1-10; Paul Accepted by the Apostles
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul writes, "God does not judge by external appearances." Paul knew how he would be preceived by the Apostles, but still he went to them. Paul knew that the Christians might not accept him for what he had done in the past, but he still went to them. Paul did not always fit the mold of 'preacher,' but he still preached. Some of us sometimes think we don't quite have the makings of a preacher, or a worker for Christ. If you think that I would remind you of Paul; remember his previous situation and remember that even though he may not have totally fit into people's idea of preacher, God still used him to reach the Gentiles. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Paul writes, "God does not judge by external appearances." Paul knew how he would be preceived by the Apostles, but still he went to them. Paul knew that the Christians might not accept him for what he had done in the past, but he still went to them. Paul did not always fit the mold of 'preacher,' but he still preached. Some of us sometimes think we don't quite have the makings of a preacher, or a worker for Christ. If you think that I would remind you of Paul; remember his previous situation and remember that even though he may not have totally fit into people's idea of preacher, God still used him to reach the Gentiles. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Greg Bunton Concert
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please remember to come to the church tonight as we have a music celebration. Greg Bunton, a Disciples of Christ minister from Oklahoma, will be coming tonight and giving a FREE concert. We'll be starting at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a chance for you to buy some of Greg's music. Please come and join this celebration with us, and bring as many people as you possibly can. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Please remember to come to the church tonight as we have a music celebration. Greg Bunton, a Disciples of Christ minister from Oklahoma, will be coming tonight and giving a FREE concert. We'll be starting at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a chance for you to buy some of Greg's music. Please come and join this celebration with us, and bring as many people as you possibly can. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Galatians 1: 11-24; Paul Called by God
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
When Stephen was stoned to death in the book of Acts Paul stood by and watched, and was pleased. Not too much later he was called by God to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. There are two lessons in this. One, there is grace and forgiveness for all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul, for all intents and purposes, was a murderer, but God showed him grace. Two, God can use anyone. Paul hated the Christians, and the Christian faith, but God used him to proclaim the good news. God can use anyone, even you. Remember Paul, and remember that there is grace for all of us; and remember that God can use anyone. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
When Stephen was stoned to death in the book of Acts Paul stood by and watched, and was pleased. Not too much later he was called by God to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. There are two lessons in this. One, there is grace and forgiveness for all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul, for all intents and purposes, was a murderer, but God showed him grace. Two, God can use anyone. Paul hated the Christians, and the Christian faith, but God used him to proclaim the good news. God can use anyone, even you. Remember Paul, and remember that there is grace for all of us; and remember that God can use anyone. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Galatians 1: 6-10; No Other Gospel
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is no other gospel, no other good news outside of Jesus Christ. Paul's message is quite simple: Jesus is the only way, his message is the only gospel. Part of Paul's 'beef' is contextual. Some of the new Christians sometimes had problems with the faith; they would get led away, fall away, etc. Paul is writing this letter, and most of his other letters, to get them back on course. However, Paul's words are not just contextual. Paul's words are for us as well. Sometimes we fall away; we are led away by tv, the internet, people who are preaching what is not the true gospel. Paul is reminding us, not just the Galatians, to remember the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Remember, there is no other gospel, no other good news outside of Jesus Christ. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
There is no other gospel, no other good news outside of Jesus Christ. Paul's message is quite simple: Jesus is the only way, his message is the only gospel. Part of Paul's 'beef' is contextual. Some of the new Christians sometimes had problems with the faith; they would get led away, fall away, etc. Paul is writing this letter, and most of his other letters, to get them back on course. However, Paul's words are not just contextual. Paul's words are for us as well. Sometimes we fall away; we are led away by tv, the internet, people who are preaching what is not the true gospel. Paul is reminding us, not just the Galatians, to remember the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Remember, there is no other gospel, no other good news outside of Jesus Christ. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, June 23, 2008
Hebrews 13: 1-25; Concluding Exhortations
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The author of this letter does not pull any punches. These final words of commission are strong, and for some may be too much to ask. However, I think you will find, if you go back and read the words of Jesus, that these exhortations are pretty consistent with the teachings of Jesus. I think these words, and the words of Jesus, can be summed up in two word: Be Holy. As we are called to be God's children, we are also called to holiness. Jesus' will for us is to be perfect as our father in heaven is perfect. The journey of faith is sometimes hard because we are sometimes held to a higher standard, the standard of Jesus Christ. Remember in all of your days to be holy, ad God would have you be holy. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
The author of this letter does not pull any punches. These final words of commission are strong, and for some may be too much to ask. However, I think you will find, if you go back and read the words of Jesus, that these exhortations are pretty consistent with the teachings of Jesus. I think these words, and the words of Jesus, can be summed up in two word: Be Holy. As we are called to be God's children, we are also called to holiness. Jesus' will for us is to be perfect as our father in heaven is perfect. The journey of faith is sometimes hard because we are sometimes held to a higher standard, the standard of Jesus Christ. Remember in all of your days to be holy, ad God would have you be holy. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Hebrews 12: 1-13; Cloud of Witnesses
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." One of the blessings we have in Jesus is that he never leaves us. But one of the things we often forget to talk about is how we have brothers and sisters in Christ who are always with us as well. A church family is one of the greatest blessings we have available to us. In a church family we have people who will bear with us, who will never leave us. It is a blessing for us to be surrounded by people who love us, and who lift us up in faith. Praise God for our church family. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." One of the blessings we have in Jesus is that he never leaves us. But one of the things we often forget to talk about is how we have brothers and sisters in Christ who are always with us as well. A church family is one of the greatest blessings we have available to us. In a church family we have people who will bear with us, who will never leave us. It is a blessing for us to be surrounded by people who love us, and who lift us up in faith. Praise God for our church family. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Hebrews 11: 1-40; By Faith
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
By faith... This is the most famous passage in the letter to the Hebrews, and it is also the most important. What we learn from this passage is that faith, our belief in and service to God, can make amazing things happen in our life. It seems as though the author of this letter is simply listing just about everyone from the OT, but this list is helpful because by faith all these people were able to do amazing things. Their faith in the Lord was strong and secure. How is your faith? Is it strong and secure and able to make things happen? It needs to be. Jesus tells us with faith the size of a mustard seed we can move a mountain. By faith we can do just about anything. How strong is your faith? God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
By faith... This is the most famous passage in the letter to the Hebrews, and it is also the most important. What we learn from this passage is that faith, our belief in and service to God, can make amazing things happen in our life. It seems as though the author of this letter is simply listing just about everyone from the OT, but this list is helpful because by faith all these people were able to do amazing things. Their faith in the Lord was strong and secure. How is your faith? Is it strong and secure and able to make things happen? It needs to be. Jesus tells us with faith the size of a mustard seed we can move a mountain. By faith we can do just about anything. How strong is your faith? God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Friday, June 20, 2008
Hebrews 10: 1-39; Christ's Sacrifice Once For All
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
'Their sins and their lawless acts, I will remember no more.' Because of Jesus our sins are washed away. Jesus, being in very nature God, came down to the earth to live the life of a man in order than we may be forgiven of our sins. The ministry of Jesus revolved around the forgiveness of sins. Prior to Jesus sacrifices were offered for the forgiveness of sins. This went on each and every day. But now, because of Jesus, all sins have been forgiven forever. Praise be to Jesus that once and for all he washed away the sins of the world. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
'Their sins and their lawless acts, I will remember no more.' Because of Jesus our sins are washed away. Jesus, being in very nature God, came down to the earth to live the life of a man in order than we may be forgiven of our sins. The ministry of Jesus revolved around the forgiveness of sins. Prior to Jesus sacrifices were offered for the forgiveness of sins. This went on each and every day. But now, because of Jesus, all sins have been forgiven forever. Praise be to Jesus that once and for all he washed away the sins of the world. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sunday Scripture and Sermon for June 22, 2008
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Scripture passage for this Sunday is John 17: 20-26, in which Jesus prays for all believers. The sermon title is 'The Messiah' and will focus on the concept of the Messiah to be found throughout John's gospel. I hope to see you on Sunday. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
The Scripture passage for this Sunday is John 17: 20-26, in which Jesus prays for all believers. The sermon title is 'The Messiah' and will focus on the concept of the Messiah to be found throughout John's gospel. I hope to see you on Sunday. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Hebrews 9: 11-28; The Blood of Christ
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
'And he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.' Jesus is going to come back. When? I do not know, and no one does, no matter what people claim. We have no earthly idea when we are going to see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven. However, we do know Jesus is going to back. Jesus is going to return and an end will be brought to all the suffering, all the pain, all the sorrow. When Jesus returns he will take us to be with him; a place of perfect joy and peace. Our call is to make sure we are ready for that day when Christ returns; through prayer, Bible study, worship, etc. we prepare ouselves for the day of Christ's return. Remember, he will be back. Be ready for him when he gets here. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
'And he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.' Jesus is going to come back. When? I do not know, and no one does, no matter what people claim. We have no earthly idea when we are going to see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven. However, we do know Jesus is going to back. Jesus is going to return and an end will be brought to all the suffering, all the pain, all the sorrow. When Jesus returns he will take us to be with him; a place of perfect joy and peace. Our call is to make sure we are ready for that day when Christ returns; through prayer, Bible study, worship, etc. we prepare ouselves for the day of Christ's return. Remember, he will be back. Be ready for him when he gets here. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Hebrews 8: 1-13; The High Priest of a New Covenant
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is a new covenant, a covenant in which the children of God will be forgiven their sins, a covenant in which God will never leave us nor forsake us. The letter to the Hebrews says that God turned from Israel when they turned from him. That is not going to happen anymore. God, in the new covenant, has made the promise that he will always be with his people. This is done through Jesus, our High Priest. Through the ministry of Jesus, specifically his death on the cross, our sins are wiped away, making forever secure God's presence in our lives. From the new covenant we have the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
There is a new covenant, a covenant in which the children of God will be forgiven their sins, a covenant in which God will never leave us nor forsake us. The letter to the Hebrews says that God turned from Israel when they turned from him. That is not going to happen anymore. God, in the new covenant, has made the promise that he will always be with his people. This is done through Jesus, our High Priest. Through the ministry of Jesus, specifically his death on the cross, our sins are wiped away, making forever secure God's presence in our lives. From the new covenant we have the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Hebrews 7: 11-28; Jesus Like Melchizedek
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
'You are a priest forever.' One of the most amazing things about Jesus is that he is eternal. Like God, he was there in the beginning. And like God he is going to be there in the end. Jesus will always be working on our behalf. He is High Priest forever, which means he will forver be with us, forever be praying for us, forever presenting us holy and blameless before the Father. Thanks be to God for the wonderful gift of an eternal High Priest, one who will forever work on our behalf. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
'You are a priest forever.' One of the most amazing things about Jesus is that he is eternal. Like God, he was there in the beginning. And like God he is going to be there in the end. Jesus will always be working on our behalf. He is High Priest forever, which means he will forver be with us, forever be praying for us, forever presenting us holy and blameless before the Father. Thanks be to God for the wonderful gift of an eternal High Priest, one who will forever work on our behalf. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, June 16, 2008
Hebrews 6: 13-20; The Certainty of God's Promise
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
God's promises always come true, even if it is a seemingly impossible promise like the one God made to Abraham (that in his old age Abraham would bear a child). The letter to the Hebrews says, 'We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.' We know God's promises will always come true. However, there is a catch. The letter to the Hebrews also says, 'And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.' We have to be patient. God's time is not our time, so sometimes we do have to wait for the promises of God to come true. That being said, God's promises will come true. We have the comfort of knowing God will come through on what he promises. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
God's promises always come true, even if it is a seemingly impossible promise like the one God made to Abraham (that in his old age Abraham would bear a child). The letter to the Hebrews says, 'We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.' We know God's promises will always come true. However, there is a catch. The letter to the Hebrews also says, 'And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.' We have to be patient. God's time is not our time, so sometimes we do have to wait for the promises of God to come true. That being said, God's promises will come true. We have the comfort of knowing God will come through on what he promises. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Hebrews 5: 1-10; Jesus the Great High Priest
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The letter to the Hebrews gives us a pretty solid description of the function(s) of the High Priest. One of those functions was to pray for people. One of the tasks of the High Priest was to lift up the people, in prayer, into the presence of God. If you'll look through the gospels you will notice Jesus praying for his disciples/us a lot of the time. As the great High Priest Jesus prayed for us. But the catch is that he still prays for us. Jesus, after being resurrected, did not die again. He was lifted up still living. What this means for us is that Jesus is still praying for us. Since Jesus not die his ministry, his ministry of prayer, still continues. Jesus is still praying for you. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
The letter to the Hebrews gives us a pretty solid description of the function(s) of the High Priest. One of those functions was to pray for people. One of the tasks of the High Priest was to lift up the people, in prayer, into the presence of God. If you'll look through the gospels you will notice Jesus praying for his disciples/us a lot of the time. As the great High Priest Jesus prayed for us. But the catch is that he still prays for us. Jesus, after being resurrected, did not die again. He was lifted up still living. What this means for us is that Jesus is still praying for us. Since Jesus not die his ministry, his ministry of prayer, still continues. Jesus is still praying for you. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Hebrews 4: 1-13; A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rest is a very important theological term. Rest does not just mean sleep, it means to be comforted, it means to have burdens lifted off of you. The journey of faith is sometimes hard, full of trials and tribulations. There are times when we need a good rest from our burdens and concerns. We have that rest with God. Our part is to accept that rest. God has given us the invitation to rest in his presence; he has let us know he will help us bear our burdens. We need to accept that invitation, recognizing that we need rest, we need God's help; and we also need to recognize, and trust, that God will ease that burden. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Rest is a very important theological term. Rest does not just mean sleep, it means to be comforted, it means to have burdens lifted off of you. The journey of faith is sometimes hard, full of trials and tribulations. There are times when we need a good rest from our burdens and concerns. We have that rest with God. Our part is to accept that rest. God has given us the invitation to rest in his presence; he has let us know he will help us bear our burdens. We need to accept that invitation, recognizing that we need rest, we need God's help; and we also need to recognize, and trust, that God will ease that burden. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Friday, June 13, 2008
Hebrews 3: 7-19; Warning Against Unbelief
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
God speaks and makes his presence known to us each and every day. In nature, through speech, through others, God speaks to us. When God speaks to us we need to listen. This is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do, listen. We hear so many other things, sometimes our own heart. As a result of this our ears are sometimes closed to what God is saying to us. Jesus tells us to keep our eyes open, looking for his return. I think if he were here today he might tell us to keep our ears open, listening for God. In all things, listen to the Lord, and he will direct your path. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
God speaks and makes his presence known to us each and every day. In nature, through speech, through others, God speaks to us. When God speaks to us we need to listen. This is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do, listen. We hear so many other things, sometimes our own heart. As a result of this our ears are sometimes closed to what God is saying to us. Jesus tells us to keep our eyes open, looking for his return. I think if he were here today he might tell us to keep our ears open, listening for God. In all things, listen to the Lord, and he will direct your path. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Summer Hours
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please note that this coming Sunday, June 15, 2008, begins our Summer Worship Hours. Adult Sunday school will begin at 9:00, and worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Please note that this coming Sunday, June 15, 2008, begins our Summer Worship Hours. Adult Sunday school will begin at 9:00, and worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Sunday Scripture and Sermon for June 15, 2008
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Scripture passage for this Sunday is John 1: 1-18, in which John gives us an account of the divinity of Jesus. The sermon is entitled 'Christ Divine' and will focus on the divinity of Jesus. I hope to see you Sunday. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
The Scripture passage for this Sunday is John 1: 1-18, in which John gives us an account of the divinity of Jesus. The sermon is entitled 'Christ Divine' and will focus on the divinity of Jesus. I hope to see you Sunday. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Hebrews 2: 5-18; The Founder of Salvation
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Immediately after his baptism Jesus is thrown out into the wilderness by the Spirit where he is tempted for forty days. Hebrews 2: 18 reads, 'for because he himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.' Jesus, because he was tempted himself, is able to help us in our temptation. He knows what it means to be tempted, he knows what it is like to feel that pull; he also knows how to resist. Jesus was able to fight off the temptation in the wilderness. What this means for us is that we have a Savior who knows what it is like to suffer temptation. Jesus will be with us we are tempted, and he will give us the strength to resist temptation. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Immediately after his baptism Jesus is thrown out into the wilderness by the Spirit where he is tempted for forty days. Hebrews 2: 18 reads, 'for because he himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.' Jesus, because he was tempted himself, is able to help us in our temptation. He knows what it means to be tempted, he knows what it is like to feel that pull; he also knows how to resist. Jesus was able to fight off the temptation in the wilderness. What this means for us is that we have a Savior who knows what it is like to suffer temptation. Jesus will be with us we are tempted, and he will give us the strength to resist temptation. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Hebrews 1: 1-14; The Supremecy of God's Son
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus asked his disciples at one point who people thought he was. Well, some thought he was a prophet, some thought he was Elijah, and so on. Then Jesus asks Peter, 'who do you say that I am?' Peter responds, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Who do you say Jesus is? Do you see Jesus as just some guy, some guy who said some good things and lived a good life? Or do you see Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, God in the flesh, our salvation? Jesus is not some random prophet. Jesus is God in the flesh, the only way to salvation. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Calling Jesus anything less than God simply won't do. Who is Jesus for you? He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Jesus asked his disciples at one point who people thought he was. Well, some thought he was a prophet, some thought he was Elijah, and so on. Then Jesus asks Peter, 'who do you say that I am?' Peter responds, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Who do you say Jesus is? Do you see Jesus as just some guy, some guy who said some good things and lived a good life? Or do you see Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, God in the flesh, our salvation? Jesus is not some random prophet. Jesus is God in the flesh, the only way to salvation. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Calling Jesus anything less than God simply won't do. Who is Jesus for you? He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Genesis 50: 22-26; The Death of Joseph
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
With the death of Joseph comes the end of Israel's good times in Egypt. In the first part of Exodus we're told that years later the Egyptians had forgotten all about the Hebrews and how they used to be friends. Pretty soon the Israelites are going to be finding themselves in a bad situation. However, we know God is going to deliver them. We know the story so well because we've heard it so many times. But we've also experienced it. We sometimes face difficult situations, times in which it feels like we can't get out. When that happens we know God will come and deliver us; we know God will come and rescue us from our plight. Praise God that he always delivers us. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
With the death of Joseph comes the end of Israel's good times in Egypt. In the first part of Exodus we're told that years later the Egyptians had forgotten all about the Hebrews and how they used to be friends. Pretty soon the Israelites are going to be finding themselves in a bad situation. However, we know God is going to deliver them. We know the story so well because we've heard it so many times. But we've also experienced it. We sometimes face difficult situations, times in which it feels like we can't get out. When that happens we know God will come and deliver us; we know God will come and rescue us from our plight. Praise God that he always delivers us. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Monday, June 9, 2008
Genesis 49: 1-28; Jacob Blesses His Sons
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
As Jacob is about to die he takes time to give his sons a blessing. In those blessings Jacob has certain things to say about his sons, things that will foreshaddow what each tribe of Israel will be like. Jacob knows his sons very well, and he knows what they will become. God knows us very well. He loves us and he spends a great deal of time getting to know each of us. And in his love for us God also blesses us and gives us a commission. However, before we are able to go out and do the work God has given us we must be aware of who we are. God calls us his children, his beloved, his disciples, just as Jacob called his sons certain things or described them in a certain way. Before we go out and serve the Lord we have to be aware of who we are, the children of God. We have to know in our hearts that we are loved by God and that we are blessed by God for the work he has given us. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
As Jacob is about to die he takes time to give his sons a blessing. In those blessings Jacob has certain things to say about his sons, things that will foreshaddow what each tribe of Israel will be like. Jacob knows his sons very well, and he knows what they will become. God knows us very well. He loves us and he spends a great deal of time getting to know each of us. And in his love for us God also blesses us and gives us a commission. However, before we are able to go out and do the work God has given us we must be aware of who we are. God calls us his children, his beloved, his disciples, just as Jacob called his sons certain things or described them in a certain way. Before we go out and serve the Lord we have to be aware of who we are, the children of God. We have to know in our hearts that we are loved by God and that we are blessed by God for the work he has given us. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Genesis 48: 1-22; Manasseh and Ephraim
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
'I am going to make you fruitful and will increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.' Genesis is the beginning; it is the beginning of God's blessing of the people of Israel. Throughout the book we have seen time and time again how God has blessed the people. Throughout the rest of the Bible we will see just how much God has blessed the people of Israel. As we read about these blessing let us remember our own blessings. God has taken good care of all of us; let us remember our blessings. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
'I am going to make you fruitful and will increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.' Genesis is the beginning; it is the beginning of God's blessing of the people of Israel. Throughout the book we have seen time and time again how God has blessed the people. Throughout the rest of the Bible we will see just how much God has blessed the people of Israel. As we read about these blessing let us remember our own blessings. God has taken good care of all of us; let us remember our blessings. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Genesis 47: 13-31; Joseph and the Famine
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
God used Joseph for good things in Egypt. Joseph managed to take care of the people as they were suffering because of the famine. Joseph was willing and able to do what the Lord required of him. What is God going to use you for? We are all called to do something, and we must heed that call if we are going to call ourselves faithful disciples. When God speaks to you and gives you instruction, follow that call and do what the Lord requires of you. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
God used Joseph for good things in Egypt. Joseph managed to take care of the people as they were suffering because of the famine. Joseph was willing and able to do what the Lord required of him. What is God going to use you for? We are all called to do something, and we must heed that call if we are going to call ourselves faithful disciples. When God speaks to you and gives you instruction, follow that call and do what the Lord requires of you. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Friday, June 6, 2008
Genesis 46: 1-34; Jacob Goes to Egypt
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the beginning it seemed like such a good idea, going into Egypt. Jacob and company were looking forward to the prospect of going down to a place where they would a lot of food and everything else. In the end it turned out to be a bad idea. What happened exactly? There is a song I like that talks about how sometimes we need to go through the valley before we stand upon the mountain of God. I think that may be going on with Israel here. They had to go into the valley, the pain and suffering, before they could stand on the mountain of God. That is debatable. What we do know for certain is that God was with Israel in Egypt. He was with them as they suffered, and he soon does deliver them. Praise God that he leads us out of the valley. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
In the beginning it seemed like such a good idea, going into Egypt. Jacob and company were looking forward to the prospect of going down to a place where they would a lot of food and everything else. In the end it turned out to be a bad idea. What happened exactly? There is a song I like that talks about how sometimes we need to go through the valley before we stand upon the mountain of God. I think that may be going on with Israel here. They had to go into the valley, the pain and suffering, before they could stand on the mountain of God. That is debatable. What we do know for certain is that God was with Israel in Egypt. He was with them as they suffered, and he soon does deliver them. Praise God that he leads us out of the valley. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Church Anniversary
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
This Sunday is the church's 58th Anniversary. I invite you all to come and be a part of our worship service, as well as the celebration after church on Sunday. We will be having strawberry treats. I hope you all can make it. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
This Sunday is the church's 58th Anniversary. I invite you all to come and be a part of our worship service, as well as the celebration after church on Sunday. We will be having strawberry treats. I hope you all can make it. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Sunday Scripture and Sermon for June 8, 2008
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel lesson for this Sunday is Matthew 9: 18-26, in which Jesus heals a woman simply by being touched by her. The Letters lesson for this Sunday is Romans 4: 13-25, in which Paul talks about faith, and what that means for us. The sermon title is 'What You Believe,' and will focus on how it is what we believe that matters. I hope to see you Sunday. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
The Gospel lesson for this Sunday is Matthew 9: 18-26, in which Jesus heals a woman simply by being touched by her. The Letters lesson for this Sunday is Romans 4: 13-25, in which Paul talks about faith, and what that means for us. The sermon title is 'What You Believe,' and will focus on how it is what we believe that matters. I hope to see you Sunday. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Genesis 45: 1-28; Joseph Makes Himself Known
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Joseph recognized something that we all need to keep in mind: even when something bad happens, God can work for good. Joseph endured a horrible thing, being sold into slavery. However, when he is speaking with his brothers he recognizes at that point that God did something good out of a bad thing. Joseph being in Egypt ended up being good for Israel because it meant they would have food during the famine. Even though Joseph was horribly mistreated by his brothers, God still did a good thing. We all face trials and tribulations, and when we do it is easy to get down and lose hope. When you face your trials and tribulations remember that even in the darkest times God can still do amazing things. God will never stop working in your life. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Joseph recognized something that we all need to keep in mind: even when something bad happens, God can work for good. Joseph endured a horrible thing, being sold into slavery. However, when he is speaking with his brothers he recognizes at that point that God did something good out of a bad thing. Joseph being in Egypt ended up being good for Israel because it meant they would have food during the famine. Even though Joseph was horribly mistreated by his brothers, God still did a good thing. We all face trials and tribulations, and when we do it is easy to get down and lose hope. When you face your trials and tribulations remember that even in the darkest times God can still do amazing things. God will never stop working in your life. God bless you,
Pastor Josh
<><
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)