Immanuel Leidy's Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Immanuel Leidy's Church
Listen to sermon recordings from Immanuel Leidy's Church in Souderton, PA. Visit leidyschurch.org for more information.
Episode Notes We live in a dangerous world and are surrounded by the threat of evil, sickness and death. But the Kingdom of God is here. God’s King has come with sovereign power to call a new humanity, defeat cosmic evil and restore a broken creation. Though we live in a frightening world as God’s people we are people of confident hope saved by a loving and powerful God!
Episode Notes There are five means Christians have certainty about eternal life which we need to know. It is essential that we understand them because they together form an ironclad assurance in our eternal life relationship with God in the Lord Jesus Christ. As we grow to learn these ironclad assurances, faith is made strong, confidence in God’s love and faithfulness is achieved, and we are more focused on devotion to God and dedicating ourselves to God in all areas of life.
Episode Notes There are so many uncertainties in our world today. We all are receiving conflicting reports and advice from “professionals” in the fields of medicine, finance, investment, health, nutrition, that we do not know what to believe or what course to pursue. This has accelerated since the pandemic. How grateful we should be that the testimony of God is certain and unchanging even through the uncertainty of our everchanging world. We have confidence in the witness of God!
Episode Notes All believers are challenged to live in the victory we have in the Lord Jesus. Books and devotional materials have been written and widely distributed among Christians on the subject of the victorious Christian life. However, there does not seem to be unity over what validates victorious living. We will look at what are elements necessary for us to be overcomers of the world by living victorious in Christ Jesus.
Episode Notes True fellowship with God is evidenced by a love for God because God first loved us. John explains why this is so by giving reasons why Christians are to love. A main spiritual quality of believers is love, love for God and love for one another. We will examine John’s explanation for this truth and its implications for all believers desiring to live for Christ in this world.
Episode Notes Does it really matter what we believe about God, so long as we have faith and love Jesus? The short answer is Yes; it does matter what we believe about God, though we say we have faith and love Jesus. The reason why is clear; there are those teaching about Jesus but in error, and because it’s in error, it’s wrong and must not be trusted. John tells us to test the spirits to see if what is being said is from God, and that too means we must know what we believe about God.
Episode Notes The title of this sermon you heard before. It ties to another truism: “Your actions speak so loudly; I cannot hear what you are saying.” People are watching to see if our Christian walk matches our talk. Some conclude that Christians are hypocrites because conduct does not match Christian claims. Though we might be defensive or dismissive about such criticisms, we must not think that godly qualities, such as righteousness and love are not being granted us by God’s Spirit, so we live worthily of the gospel. God calls us to put into practice what we preach.
Episode Notes The truth that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary cannot be overlooked or overstated; for the incarnation of the Son of God is contingent on the miraculous truth that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and born a man. Jesus’ sinless life, sacrificial atoning death on a cross, and resurrection from death, all point to the salvation of His people. Believers in Christ are called to live in newness of life. Let us see how crucial this is for life now and for eternity.
Episode Notes John tells us that the spirit of antichrist is coming and has come into the world. Our archenemy, Satan, is the chief antichrist in Scripture; for he deceives the nations with his lies in direct opposition of God and God’s truth of Scripture. We are told to beware of the diabolical seeds sown by the devil, which appear as expressions of light, but are odious lies of treachery and defeat for those who succumb to them. We will learn more about why we must beware.
Episode Notes Most people you come in contact with today would tell you that they know God exists, and if they had any Christian roots, they would tell you that they love God too. However, if you pressed further about what they know of God and how they demonstrate love for God, your conversation might come to a respectful end. In order for us to know and love God we must know, love, and obey Christ as revealed in His Word. This is a proven truth we all must heed.
Episode Notes When a person is clueless about an actual world-wide event affecting people around the world, we might conclude that person is ignorant or living in the dark. One world-wide incident today is a COVID pandemic. This viral pandemic has impacted global commerce, commodities, energy, and employment, and medicine at an inconceivable rate, causing the minds of people to spin into confusion and division, nearly collapsing social structures of nations. John in his first inspired letter gives God’s light of truth, the antidote to dispel the darkness of false teachers, which has caused believers to be confused and divided over their relationship with God in Jesus Christ.
Episode Notes Lamentations has offered multitextured prayers and petitions to the Lord who holds all things in His hand. Here at the end of the book a pattern of destruction which is broken by a final plea to the Lord for restoration. Individually, fallen, sinful people desperately need to be restored to the Lord. Christ has completed that restoration and allows His people to come before the Father with exceeding jo
Episode Notes When does the suffering end? Because of the fall of Adam into sin, we will know sin, suffering, and death until the Lord comes back or calls us home. Even with the knowledge that we will worship the Lord without sin, suffering, and death at some future time, God’s people often are desperate to avoid hurts and to be removed from pain as soon as possible. Often this leads to an unrealistic expectation of the world and to ungodly demands upon God.
Episode Notes What good does it do me to know that God’s compassion never fails, if He does not hear my prayers? At this point, the Lamenter has affirmed God’s great love and mercy but still languishes amidst suffering. Like the Lamenter, we need to look to the Lord who gives all good things. Though we may not understand all of His purposes at this time, we continue to look to Him and trust that He will work all things together for good in our lives.
Episode Notes God is sovereign. Hallelujah! That blessed fact does not make the reality of suffering and failure easy. In fact, in the midst of troubles, life often seems to be flipped upside down. It may even feel as though there is no way forward. Apart from the Lord, there is not. Thanks be to God that He has poured out His wrath upon His Son and poured out His Spirit upon us.
Episode Notes The Lamenter is not done. Lamentations contain another circuit of destruction and woe. God’s people are still left with death and darkness because of their sin. If left to their own devices, there is no hope and no way forward. While Christians have the assurance from God’s Spirit of the efficacy of Christ’s atoning work, perfect peace in this life is not fully realized. Lamentations helps us see the way in which the costly mercy of God is freely given to His people at the cost of His Son.
Episode Notes No Fear: In a Dangerous World. Assuming the Presidency at the depth of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt promised hope and in his inaugural address in 1933 declared, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Do you ever feel afraid? This morning we find an answer to all our fears, in the LORD is our shepherd.
Episode Notes From A to Z, God’s wrath has been poured out upon Jerusalem and the nation is lost. The Lamenter gives voice to the suffering of the sinful people as they seek out the righteous God. While Christians today do not experience the loss of a national identity in the same way as the Israelites, our lives are often full of loss from death, sin, and unmet expectations. Lamentations serves as a powerful help by bringing our redemption to bear in the course of suffering.
Episode Notes Disaster has struck among God’s people. Filled with the sights and smells of death, the air is so thick it is hard to breath. The temple is gone, and people wonder if there is even a God to worship. How can life go on? How can this be possible for God’s chosen people? Does God even care that His people are suffering? Lamentations is a book of profound sorrow. Not only are its verses filled with heartache and pain, it is written in the midst of the loss of Jerusalem into the hands of pagan peoples. Among other things, it represents a loss of the established witness of God’s rule and reign on earth.
Episode Notes As a young child, I remember the wise sayings and tales of my grandparents. It was fun and exciting to hear how things used to be and what they learned in their lifetimes, but also how they wanted to pass these wise truths on to us. Today, such talks between the old and young are rare, but truths to live by from the learned continue to be passed on in Scripture.
Episode Notes God has redeemed His people. Amen! Down through the ages the Lord has redeemed His people in various ways. Isaac was spared by the Angel of the Lord and a provided ram. Israel was redeemed through the waters of the Red Sea from the jaws of Pharoah’s army. Ultimately we see the Lord’s redemption in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Even though all of God’s people have been saved by faith and been granted the righteousness of Christ, our position in time (awaiting Christ’s second coming) allows us to understand God’s purposes for His people.go here
Episode Notes As Christians, we are all in a spiritual battle, of which no one is exempt. This battle has had many casualties, from the deeply wounded to actual fatalities. Our adversaries in this battle often appear to us as merely of this world; but the Apostle Paul teaches our fight is not against flesh and blood, so the weapons to fight this battle are not of this world. We will examine God’s spiritual weapons and learn more about how to use them in this battle to have victory in Christ.
Episode Notes We all know the importance of maintaining healthy relationships at home and at work. We know it best when those same relationships are splintered by selfishness, distrust, or by forced maltreatment. When sin’s corruptive influences poison relationships by these or other ways, the outcome can turn out to be abusive or even deadly in the end. Let us see why these inspired guidelines for family and work relations matter to God and bless us as we obey them.
Episode Notes God instituted the covenant relationship of marriage between a man and a woman for life at the beginning of His creation of Man. Since the Fall of Man, sin cursed humanity, in rebellion against God, has sought to redefine and reformat God’s design of marriage to conform to their sinful appetites and sensual practices. Despite humanity’s revolt, God’s design of marriage remains unchanged, and we will see why marriages matter to God.
Episode Notes The word “imitation” has different meanings determined by its usage in context. Imitation can mean either genuine or counterfeit, to truly reproduce or artificially resemble. When Paul teaches that we are to be imitators of God he tells us what it actually means in contrast of what it does not mean. We will examine how being imitators of God distinguishes us from others who are living a contrary lifestyle.
Episode Notes An estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, with more dieting today than ever before. More people attempt to take off the pounds, yet obesity is up from 34% to 42% in the USA according to CDC reports, which may cause death. What is the problem? Old eating habits are not replaced with new healthy eating habits to keep off weight. Spiritually, Paul exhorts believers to put off old ways that result in corruption by learning to put on Christ’s new way, which produces righteousness and holiness of truth for life.
Episode Notes Do you like to receive a gift? I know I do. I have not heard of anybody refusing a gift. Gifts are usually given on special occasions or in celebration of an achievement. Paul teaches that Christ issues special gifts to believers, so they may accomplish divine works that build up and promote spiritual unity and maturity within the body of Christ. As we examine Christ’s gifts to His Church may we gain more insight about how these gifts are helping us grow by faith in Christ.
Episode Notes In response to being in Christ, Paul exhorts believers to live worthy of their high calling. As we do, our conduct preserves the unity of the Spirit among the people of God. In a world fractured by division and driven by greed and selfishness, we will see how living for Christ is attractive and appealing to people living without the hope of God in this world.
The Apostle Paul’s prayer for believers is a prayer every believer should want to see answered by God in their lives. Paul’s request for divine grace and power to become devoted to God by the Holy Spirit is the ultimate goal for every believer in Christ. Let us examine this inspired prayer in hope that we make it the chief motivation of our prayers and walk with the Lord.
Episode Notes I am certain all of us have been captivated by a good mystery, whether reading a mystery novel or viewing a mystery film. In most cases, the solving of the mystery does not happen until the end of the story, when the writer of the book or producer of the film chooses to disclose it. Paul refers to a mystery hidden in the past, but now revealed to the Church, and we will see its purpose for our lives.
I am certain all of us have been captivated by a good mystery, whether reading a mystery novel or viewing a mystery film. In most cases, the solving of the mystery does not happen until the end of the story, when the writer of the book or producer of the film chooses to disclose it. Paul refers to a mystery hidden in the past, but now revealed to the Church, and we will see its purpose for our lives.
Episode Notes There is a flurry of news about people trying to immigrate to this country. Many are trying to enter illegally, others lawfully. In both cases, these people are known as either legal or illegal aliens, not citizens. The road to US citizenship happens to those who fully comply with all of the legal requirements of US citizenship. Paul teaches us how those formerly alienated become citizens of heaven in Christ.
There is a flurry of news about people trying to immigrate to this country. Many are trying to enter illegally, others lawfully. In both cases, these people are known as either legal or illegal aliens, not citizens. The road to US citizenship happens to those who fully comply with all of the legal requirements of US citizenship. Paul teaches us how those formerly alienated become citizens of heaven in Christ.
Episode Notes How dead is dead? For a coroner to pronounce a person dead that person must be clinically dead. All vital signs of life expired. But what does it mean that sinners are dead in sin? How dead are we? Are all vital signs of spiritual life expired? Is there a way we can resuscitate our spiritual deadness? We will discover we cannot, only God Can, and God does in Christ.
Episode Notes The Apostle Paul’s inspired prayer for the saints to receive from God spiritual wisdom, understanding, and illumination in one sense has already transpired, when they by faith in Jesus Christ received God’s gift of salvation and eternal life. So, the question is, why pray for these saints for what they have already received? The answer to this question will be discovered as we expose the riches of the content of Paul’s prayer for the saints.
Episode Notes Robert E. Coleman wrote a classic work entitled “The Master Plan of Evangelism”, whereby he encourages believers to set the course of their life on the principles and pattern established by the Lord Jesus in order to fulfill God’s plan of the Great Commission in the world. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus reveals God’s master plan of salvation for the establishment of the Church. We will examine the standards of God’s master plan and why they are essential for the salvation of sinners.
Episode Notes Heirs Rejecting Division – People from time to time have been known to disagree. In a fallen and sinful world, there may be no more obvious statement. Sadly, division is also present within the assembly of believers. Paul encourages Titus to reject division and those who peddle in it. May we be a people completely focused on the redeeming love of God so that we might not be divided in unprofitable disputes.
Episode Notes Saved in the Kindness of God – All Christians were at one time separated from the love of God. They could not stand before the Lord because of their sin. It is the great lovingkindness of God that while we were far off sinners, He brought us near. He redeemed us from the power of sin and death. Is there any greater news than that? It is the gospel; the message we proclaim near and far.
Episode Notes _Grace Comes with Instruction. _The Gospel is the power of God for salvation. It is the proclamation that the Lord Jesus has lived, died, and rose again on our behalf so that we might not bear our sins. While this great grace is unearned, it comes with instructions. These instructions are given in light of the new heart God gives His people and God’s people follow them by the power of His Spirit at work within them.
Episode Notes As Paul writes to Titus, he gives him instructions for the way people are to behave and treat one another. Left to their own power, sinful people are not able to follow Paul’s instructions. If that were the final word for church life, his words would be our death and destruction. Praise be to God for our Savior Jesus Christ and His Spirit whom He has poured out upon His people.
Episode Notes The Lord calls His Church to faithfulness to His Word. The Church is to appoint faithful men to lead and teach within the Church. Paul left Titus in Crete to carry out this task. We also must seek to find men who understand the times and who have knowledge of what should be done.
Episode Notes The people of Crete did not have the best reputation. Paul commissioned Titus to help establish the church and its leaders on the island. Paul makes clear in his letter to Titus that establishing godly leaders is critical to the mission of the church. As our world continues to say “NO” to godliness and “YES” to sin, we share in Titus’ situation (even if we are not on a Mediterranean island). Let us seek out faithful watchmen to minister in our day.
Episode Notes The Bible is God’s revelation to His people, and it contains far more than just a bunch of facts stitched together. Throughout the pages of Scripture, the history of God’s redeeming work through the ages shines brightly. The Lord Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father serves as the pinnacle of that redeeming Word. The Lord calls His people to proclaim the truth of the gospel and the hope of eternal life.
Episode Notes How do you know when someone truly accepts you as a close friend? Is it when you let them know all your blemishes, quirks, and flaws? There is great value in such a relationship built on honesty, disclosure, and trust; but there is also great responsibility. This communion moves beyond the surface to genuinely love and care for one another, as in family relationships, which aids in praising, worshiping, confessing, and repenting of sins together in prayer to God. Let us be receptive to such loving communion as the family of God.
Episode Notes “Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can, seldom found in woman, never found in man.” This catchy proverbial saying has been around for some time. However, being patient for the coming of the Lord is incumbent on all followers of Christ. All believers are to live in the blessed hope of the glorious return of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. How are we to be patient? Why are we to be patient? What conditions are we to be patient? We will seek to answer them all!
Episode Notes The attitude of self-presumption is something we all battle from time to time. It comes in the forms of setting life goals, making future plans, even buying on credit based on present health and income. What often accompanies this attitude are elements of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Before we know it, we have dethroned God and enthroned self, as we forget that our life, breath, strength, and skills for living come from God, leading to more sinful practices.
Episode Notes Why can’t we all just get along? When we see evidence of so much division and skepticism in our world, this question arises in the minds of many people. But for people to get along, there must be agreement of principles for that to take place. Forced alliances by coercion, collusion or compromise are untenable. For Christians, any attempt to live in agreement with worldly standards, or its lack thereof, is disloyal to our citizenship in heaven. We will see why this is so.
Episode Notes Do you remember the children’s Sunday School song, “Oh be careful little tongue what you say . . . for the Father up above is looking down in love . . .so be careful little tongue what you say.” This song has serious teaching not just for little children but for us all. God is weighing out our words, and the substance of our words has eternal consequences with God. We will see why this is so as we think about our speech in light of James 3.
Episode Notes There is a saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This saying should never be applied to people who say they have a faith in God but have nothing to show for it. In this case, James has much to say about that sort of faith; for true faith will be accompanied by works of faith. In fact, James says, “faith without works is dead.” Let us be people who have a living faith producing works rather than a dead one.
Episode Notes In chemistry, there are substances that are immiscible, meaning substances that are not capable of combining together, such as the liquids of water and oil. So, faith and favoritism do not mix in the church. James speaks against showing favoritism based on anyone’s status in life. To elevate the rich over the poor by granting prominence to the rich and marginalizing the poor is wrong. There are several reasons why this is so, which we will carefully examine.
Episode Notes Many people pride themselves with an ability to speak eloquently before a crowd. This is as true today as it was in the first century. But we must realize that a speech is often done from rote or by actors playing a role. The speech may have no meaning to the one speaking. James puts our focus on listening, not to a polished speech, but to hear the Word of God, with a faith-driven purpose to do what the Word says; for as we listen to do the Word we grow in godliness.
Episode Notes Malachi closes the Old Testament and leaves Israel with great anticipation. Not only is the Lord going to come but also the Way Preparer is going to signal His arrival. People from Malachi’s time onward must have looked eagerly for this one possessing the spirit of Elijah to come and prepare the way of the Lord. We look back and celebrate the work of John the Baptist as he directed folks to Jesus. We too stand in anticipation of the Lord coming. This time, He will come as a thief in the night.
Episode Notes People’s perspective on the meaning of life varies greatly from person to person. Some think the best way to go through life is to live in seclusion, much like those who choose to live alone. Others believe life at its best is engaging in as many life experiences as is humanly possible, much like those who travel the world over to discover various lands, cultures, cuisines, and traditions native to the locations visited. However, all of humanity faces life’s trials. James helps us to see that there is growt
Episode Notes Marriage, Marriage Is What Brings Us Together. While marriage is often a time of great joy and celebration, it was not so for the people of Israel in the time of Malachi. In pursuing foreign wives, they also pursued foreign gods. Malachi offers a strong rebuke for those not seeking the Lord alone. Because marriage is a God given symbol of His love for His Church, from beginning to end, the Scriptures hold marriage in high regard and call Christians to as well.
This week's sermon title is "Shine as Lights in the World." God is working in believers His salvation and we are to work out what God is working in us. When we faithfully do, we clearly illuminate the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This working out of our salvation is not easy; in fact, it can be very costly and hard because we battle against a corrupt world, sinful flesh, and attacks of the devil. Despite this, we can rejoice that God is working in us to shine for His glory as witnesses of Christ’s saving work. Let us shine for Jesus, the Light of the world!
Paul’s call to unity with Christ climaxes with a brilliant hymn exalting Jesus Christ as our supreme example through His humiliation, His sacrificial death and His exaltation at His Father’s righthand. The proclamation of Christ’s birth came by an angel from heaven; yet Jesus miraculous birth was in a lowly manger and his life on earth is portrayed by humiliation and by the final rejection leading to His sacrificial death on a cross. Yet, Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation proves His victory over sin; He whom all men will one day bow down. Let us follow in His steps in obedient faith with an assured hope of being with Him in glory.
The Apostle Paul’s call to unity is not for unity sake; it is a call to unity rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church must stand firm and strive for the unity of faith amid opposition, conflict and suffering for the cause of Christ. As we live worthy in unity with Christ, we will discover we are secured by the love and joy of the Lord, to love and serve Him and one another.
Obstacles and distractions often impede our progress in this life. For the Apostle Paul, his main obstacle and distraction could have been his imprisonment in Rome. But he would not permit his incarceration to hamper the mission God gave him to do. Instead, Paul viewed it as an opportunity to carry on his mission for the Lord. Today we have many obstacles and distractions often impeding our progress to live for the Lord. We will learn liberating truth to live and die for Christ despite the difficulties or troubles we may face.
We all are grateful when a project is completed or when a conceptual idea comes to fruition. When it comes to God’s plan of salvation of sinners to watch it being accomplished in those who hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ causes missionaries and Christians sharing this message to rejoice and give thanks to God. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi bursts with exuberant joy and thanksgiving because of what God started and promised to bring to completion in the lives of believers. Let us see how this spirited joy should be ours too.
Both nations and individuals are called to answer for their acceptance of or rejection of the Lord. The Lord speaking through Amos has presented a pretty bleak picture of the nation of Israel. The rest of the Scriptures confirm the witness of Amos. As we see the culture of our day grow in rejecting the Lord, we must remain faithful as individuals. Whether the Lord grants our requests and brings about repentance in the land or not, He will always remain faithful to His promises. He will see His people through.
In Amos’ day, the faithful life looked like a grand game of whack-a-mole. The rules were simple; either go along to get along or get whacked. Amos, like other prophets in Israel and Judah, was called to proclaim difficult truths to the people of his day. He also faced times of persecution and rejection. Christians today are often in a similar situation to Amos. As we have been called by Christ to make disciples in all the nations (even the ones who do not want to listen), so we should expect to face our own fair share of resistance.
The Christian life is full of peace. However, it is not the peace we associate with leisure and calm. Instead, the peace of the Christian life is a result of being reconciled to God. Those who lived in Israel during Amos’ ministry pursued a piece of the luxurious life failing to realize they had no peace with God. We must examine our hearts to know what has captivated us. Are we held in awe of God’s grace and mercy or are we constantly seeking after that peaceful easy feeling?
God has made a covenant with His people. When He pronounces judgment through one of His prophets, it is always in the context of His covenant with His people. The purpose of the prophet is to remind the people of the stipulations of the covenant and direct the people toward repentance. Amos, like the rest of the prophets is seeking to bring the people of God to their senses. We need to take heed of the prophetic words of Scripture in our lives that we might turn away from sin to the Lord before the day of Lord.
Israel’s rejection of God’s Law served as a sign they did not worship Him or serve Him. Their continued failure to repent seals the assessment. Our land seems to be marked by a similar rejection of the Lord. Is there anyway to be delivered or is our “fate” already sealed? Whether the nation repents or is crushed in judgment, believers must continue to look to the Lord.
In the beginning of Amos, it appears as though the world is in total disarray. Even more, it appears that the Lord is going to make the nations pay for their sins. It’s a good thing Israel does not face the same scrutiny, right? Wrong. God’s righteous judgment comes upon all. God’s people need to turn to Him in faith in order to be saved.
The world has tried to silence God’s truth from being declared by God’s people since the time of recorded history. Evidence of governmental interference to prohibit public Bible education in all U.S. funded institutions, such as public schools, colleges, and universities is well known. Today we are experiencing even greater governmental intrusion as churches choose to assemble to worship God. As then, so now, God’s people must not allow God’s message to be muzzled; we must boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ despite any fallout from the world.
In our message today we will make a close examination of 1 Samuel 28. This story is commonly known as “The Witch of Endor” and it’s actually been used to defend necromancy, the supposed practice of communicating with the dead. Was this woman a witch? Did she conjure up Samuel from the dead? Should Christians consult with mediums to speak with the dead? The Bible has much to say about witchcraft, sorcery, and calling upon the dead. Bring your Bible and come explore this fascinating text with me.
The Church longs for Christ’s return. When God’s people are united physically with their Savior to dwell in endless joy truly is something to look forward to. Sadly, however, the day of the Lord will not be pleasant for all. God’s Word tells us that the Day of the Lord will be terrible and awful for those who do not know Christ. Throughout the Scriptures there are warnings both for God’s people and the nations of the world to direct them to repentance and faith. We also must heed these warnings as we seek to live in the world today!
Every parent’s nightmare is teaching their child to drive. Some parents opt out by paying someone else to get into a vehicle with their child. I was too cheap and proud to think someone else could teach my child to drive. However, things did not go as I planned. I can hear me say, “Be Careful!” “You are going to hit something!” Or “Watch where you are going, or you will end up in a ditch!” This is not only true in drivers ed, but in life. God tells us, “Beware!” “Watch!” where we are going, or we will end up where we did not intend to go.
Throughout the history of the Church (and world) people have been interested in prophecy. People have longed to know what the future holds. However, that is not the only purpose Biblical prophecy fulfills. Throughout the Scriptures, Biblical prophets not only foretold events they also forthtold events. This is to say that they interpreted the actions of the people in light of the commands of Scripture. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit they often served as prosecutors highlighting Israel’s infidelity. They do the same for us today.
It has been said that we all like change, but only on our own terms. We have experienced many changes in our lives due to the coronavirus pandemic. The changes faced have altered our schedules, restructured our family life, and reorganized our priorities. When the pandemic restrictions were foisted upon us, we made transitions to cope and comply with those demands. When changes are imposed on us, how we deal with them has major implications on our faith-walk with God. We need God to grant us courage as we go through the transitions of life.
Bill Teate has been in full-time ministry for almost 50 years and he’s been a Christian longer than that. During that time God has worked in his life in some amazing ways! He has a good perspective from which to view life as we live it. Today, it is his goal to look back and see what God has done. There are lessons God has taught Bill. Some were hard lessons; all were good lessons. His desire is for his retrospective purview to help us in our endeavor to follow God’s will for our lives. This will be a good day to gain some perspective as he shares some thoughts with us.
Three weeks ago we considered how so-called Home Improvement shows on TV are not reality shows about “homes” at all. They are about houses. A house is not a home. We don’t need houses so much as we need homes. Women and men have specific roles to fulfill in homes being homes as intended by God. We’ve learned some of the strategic advice the Bible gives to women about their roles. This week we will scan some pertinent biblical passages to hear what the Lord might have for men. As we’ll see and hear, God speaks clearly and straightforwardly to men.
From the time of the Fall, mankind has sought to cast God in the image of man. Our culture today teems with obvious evidences of that fact. The rebellious spirit of our day is a direct result. We’re not the first generation or the first culture to battle against the Living God. The Philistines walked that road and it began to consume them. The Bible teaches us that God is a living and active God, not an idol conceived in the mind of man. Man – male and female – is made in the image of God and must turn from idols to serve and follow the living and true God.
Life is replete with tests. The tests we encounter in the course of our lives are the means used in the development of our mental intelligence, our physical coordination, and our moral behavior. We can recall how we went through tests either with joy or sadness based on the outcome. The outcomes may carry a heavy price, for success or failure of tests determines the course of our lives. When it comes to our relationship with God, how we stand up to tests of faith impacts us for eternity. Let us be examined by the testing of faith claims.
People love to be heroes. Young kids all over the country may be found counting down the seconds to recreate a last-second, game-winning shot. I’ve known an adult or two to do the same thing! That’s just one proof of the fact people love to be heroes. Often when we are watching a movie or reading a book we are tempted to identify with the star of the story and put ourselves into the starring role. Christians may even be tempted to do this when studying the Bible. We must recognize that God has chosen a Redeemer of His own choosing. (Hint: it is not any of us.)
Leidy’s Church is currently involved in Gospel Gleanings, a Dollar-A-Day Project to reach the Erukula and Mucherukala Unreached People Group in Andhra Pradesh, India with the Gospel. This is a strategic outreach to the most populous country in the world. India has more unreached people groups than any other country or region of the globe. Today we will consider some pressing reasons why we should be motivated to reach the unreached. We know people without Christ are lost. We know being lost has bad, far-reaching, disastrous ramifications. Things need to change.
We celebrate July 4th, Independence Day, to remember how the members of the thirteen colonies of the United States Congress unanimously signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Originally, this document declared the independence of United States of America from the tyrannical rule of Great Britain, who violated the colonists’ God-given “unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” It employed the Bible’s liberating truth to real life matters. We too should live by these biblical precepts by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Can you believe it? On this Sunday we’ll be done. It will all be in the rearview mirror. Hard to believe, Harry. It was way back on September 22nd that we began walking through Revelation. We should feel just a little bit like John when he reached this point: he wanted to worship. But he had to be corrected; he was falling down at the feet of a created being. He was rebuked and told what to do: Worship God. That’s been a theme throughout Revelation. John is reminded of what he’s heard and seen, all wrapped up in that command. That command should wrap it up for us too.
This week's sermon title is "A River to Drown In." God gave Ezekiel a vision of a river flowing from the temple of God. First it was ankle deep, then hip deep, then chest deep, and finally so deep it required swimming. It went out from the temple to the sea and made the salt water fresh water. Wherever the river went everything lived; but there were swamps and marshy areas where it didn’t reach. They weren’t healed. John receives a vision in Revelation 22 of a remarkably similar river. It flows from the throne of God; it has the tree of time on either side. One big difference: in this case there is no longer any curse! Jump in!
We should all desire to be on our way to a place where the sun doesn’t shine. Ordinarily, that is a phrase more connected with cursing than blessing. Not this time! We’re talking about the city of God! This is a city that has no need of the sun or the moon. Why? Because the Lamb is its lamp. It’s the city which Abraham and the patriarchs were seeking. It’s a bejeweled city that’s been through the fire, as it were. The kings of the earth (which the sun and moon represent, remember) will bring their glory into it. Nothing unclean shall ever come into it. Wow!
Would you still want to go to heaven if you knew there was no going down the Shore there? Our text from Revelation makes that case. It says there is no longer any sea, hence it follows there is no shore. What is being described is the new heaven and the new earth. Focus is directed to the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from heaven. The amenities afforded her inhabitants are described in some detail. They are desirable in all ways. Even more amazing are the building materials used for this city. Something old, something new, something borrowed, but nothing blue.
This is Pentecost Sunday. That’s the day the fire fell! It appeared as tongues of flame on the heads of those gathered at the Upper Room. It was a purifying fire. The fire of the Holy Spirit is a cleansing agent. Fire also is a means of torture and punishment. That is best exemplified by the fires of hell. On this Pentecost Sunday we’ll see how the promise of God in Genesis 3 is fulfilled as fire falls down from heaven just prior to the Great White Throne Judgment. The plain fact of the matter is that all who have ever lived must appear before the Judgment Seat of God.
The book of Revelation has multiple controversial passages. Someplace near the top of that list are the first few verses of chapter 20. On this Memorial Day weekend, since everyone will be gone down the shore or up to the mountains, it seems like a good time to slip this passage by folk without many paying attention. We’ll do a survey of millennial positions and then indicate what the passage really teaches! We’re all millennials, that is, we have millennial positions. Only one position is the correct one, however. Fortunately, it is held by our Preacher! He’ll explain it.
Our text from Hebrews describes in scintillating detail what it is the Word of God does. It is a sword able to judge the thoughts and intentions of our heart. That’s something few of us can do with complete accuracy. No posturing can turn it aside. Self-delusion has no effect upon it. Not a thing is hidden from it. Jesus is the Word of God. He is the One who comes riding in on the white charger in Revelation 19 with a sword coming out of His mouth. He rides through all the nations of history. He treads the winepress of God’s wrath. The Beast and false prophet are doomed.
Though it’s hard to believe, the word Hallelujah is only found in the NT in our text today from Revelation. Then it occurs in rapid, staccato fashion four times in just six verses. What is the occasion for this sudden outburst? The ultimate, final triumph of God. That means the defeat of all His enemies. The first thing that takes place in celebration of His victory is the marriage feast of the Lamb. The fourth Hallelujah is the introduction to begin the banquet. We hear it each time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Communion points to Calvary, but it also points to the marriage Feast.
Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! That’s what John heard an angel descending from heaven proclaiming with great authority. No one believed it would really happen, though warnings for such a fall were prevalent for years. Then, one day, it did happen. This was a direct judgment of God on a land committed to immorality and sensuousness. One set of people do escape: those who had not participated in the sins of the land. Reactions rolled in rapidly accompanied by crocodile tears of woe. In this Babylon was found the blood of saints and prophets.
Reading through Revelation, one can get rather confused and disoriented. Apparently, when John was being shown these prophetic visions, he also became a bit disoriented. In chapter 17 one of the angels who had the seven bowls of wrath finally spoke words such as these to John: “Come here, I will show you” and “I will tell you the mystery” and “Here is the mind that has wisdom” and “What you saw are” and “Whom you saw is.” While things still are not perfectly lucid, chapter 17 is a big help. Isaiah 10 and Romans 2 will be instructive for us in understanding these things.
Arguably, Revelation 16 is the most frightening chapter in the Bible. In it one reads of the seven bowls of God’s wrath poured out in quick succession at God’s command. Whereas the seal judgments and the trumpet judgments were always partial judgments, the bowl judgments are total judgments. Everything in the sea dies, the sun scorches men with heat, utter darkness envelopes the kingdom, and a mighty earthquake splits the city into three parts. What’s most frightening, however, is that no one repents. A voice from the altar of God declares, “They deserve it.”
God’s people have experienced many victories over thousands of years, from Genesis to the present day. Two stand out from all the rest. The Red Sea victory and the Garden Tomb triumph. The one was the best foreshadowing of the other! Those victories are front and center in the minds of the saints in heaven as they stand on a crystal sea before the throne of God. With the harps of God for accompaniment, they sing the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. It’s one song. All victories are defeats for one side. There is a stark reminder of that as this song is sung.
This service focuses on reading the account of Christ’s Passion as found in the Gospel of Luke.
The sermon title seems to send a mixed message: how is it possible that Palm Branches of Joy are mixed with Grapes of Wrath? It’s not a mixed message; it’s an indication there are two different messages that are very much connected. One message is of ultimate Triumph, of a victory that is unassailable. The other message is of a final Judgment that is eternal. Luke’s record of the events of Palm Sunday includes an incident rarely read with the other events of that day. His record is a harbinger of events Revelation 14 will describe in more prophetic, agonizing detail.
Over the centuries a lot of ink has been spilled spelling out the person designated by the number 666. Not only has ink been spilled, but much money has accrued to those fellows who assure folk they know the identity of 666. For some folk the number 666 inspires fear – it is, after all, the number of The Beast of Revelation! He does marvelous signs, is a magnet for people’s adulation. Indeed, vast numbers of people even worship him. He is a deceptive fellow. But he’s not God. God will not allow him to deceive the people of God. Here’s the secret: God wins!
This week's sermon title is "Reigning Warfare." The seventh trumpet finally sounds! What happens? The Hallelujah Chorus is what happens, of course! Jesus is fully enthroned and begins to reign. That’s the message the apostolic Church took to the world. The nations did not take kindly to the declaration that Jesus reigns, in fact, they were enraged. In today’s sermon we meet the cast of the ensuing warfare and a summary of the plot line. Our text from Revelation contains some of the most provocative verses in the Bible. Who is the woman? Who is the dragon? Who is the male child? All this takes place in the context of war!
This week's sermon title is "Witnesses to What?" The apostle John was given a rod during his vision on the isle of Patmos. He was to take the measure of the sanctuary of God with it, but to throw out the outer court of the Temple. What could that mean? Then John sees two witnesses who are told to prophesy. As an explanation for who they are he is told they are the two olive tree and two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the whole earth! Well, that certainly clears things up, doesn’t it! Still a little murky on that? Not to worry. Next thing you know they are killed! But then they come back to life! What’s going on?
This week's sermon title is "No More Delay." Women tell us the most difficult part of pregnancy, labor, and delivery is that little bit of time termed “transition.” It’s always good to hear the doctor say that it is now time to push! The period from Jesus’ resurrection in AD 33 or so, and the destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem in AD 70 was a time of transition. It was difficult for early Christians who were Jewish to know how to relate to the temple and all its services. Gentile Christians were not in much better shape: should they go to Jerusalem for feasts or not? John receives the divine order to push!
This week's sermon title is "Lesson Not Learned." God is a God of mercy. The most significant element in the temple was the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. It was to provide a means of forgiveness to the people. It was not a carte blanche to sin indiscriminately because there is a Get Out of Jail Free card in one’s pocket. The Mercy Seat was to forgive sins as the people of God sought to follow Him and honor Him with growing faithfulness. Not all learn the lesson of the Mercy Seat. That was true in Jeremiah’s day; that was true in the days of John the Apostle as well. People turn everywhere but to God.
This week's sermon title is "Hell Unleashed." Do you remember when it is that the judgment of God begins? It begins when God lets a person or a city or a nation or a culture do whatever is desired and, (here’s the judgment), without suffering any negative consequences. At the opposite end of that spectrum is the point when God’s judgment reaches its final culmination. We know when that is: at the great white throne on the day of God’s final judgment. But what about in between those times? Our text from Revelation provides a horrific view of what happens in the interval. All hell breaks loose as the gates to the abyss are opened.
This week's sermon title is "A Trumpet Fanfare." When the Lamb broke open the seventh seal of the book that contained the purpose and will of God there was silence in heaven. It was a holy silence, signifying something remarkable. Into that silence is brought the prayers of the saints. With much incense added, the prayers of the saints ascend to the presence of God. What follows is a violent reaction. Fire from the altar of God is hurled to the earth. What does this mean? It means the judgment of God is about to break forth in a terrible way. The judgments are depicted in the form of a trumpet fanfare, as it were.
David once wrote, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” That sounds quite lovely, doesn’t it? But when the rubber meets the road how does that work itself out in practical situations with practical applications? This week we will explore several of the One Another verses found in the New Testament. Maybe – just maybe! – they will guide us into healthier relationships within the church. And, who knows, maybe the Lord Jesus will help us improve our relationships at home and at work as well! Wouldn’t that be great!
This week's sermon title is "The Promise." Psalm 103:17 says the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him. In Lamentations 3:22 we’re told the Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease. The first six seals John has seen opened might lead some to question those scriptural assertions. The entire 7th chapter of Revelation, therefore, is a gracious reaffirmation for John (and those folk of the seven churches and for us!) that God’s Promise is always true. In this world we may have tribulation, but Jesus tells His people to take courage for He has overcome the world.
This week's sermon title is "Sad Reality." When the sixth seal is opened a sad reality is exposed. Down through history God has called men and nations to repentance and faith. Many have refused, insisting on going their own way and doing their own thing. Their own thing inevitably leads to God’s judgment. That judgment is described in our text from Isaiah and, then, Revelation uses much the same imagery. It is calamitous. It reflects the sad reality we memorized in Psalm 2:10-12. Kings of the earth should do homage to the Son that He not become angry and they perish in the way. For His wrath may soon be kindled.
Those who keep track of such things tell us there were more Christian martyrs in the 20th century than all the previous centuries combined. The 21st century seems to be following that same pattern. Martyrdom has marked the Church – the people of God – since the beginning. Jesus spoke of the blood of Abel and of Zechariah, while we well-remember the blood of Stephen. The fifth seal opened by the Lamb presents a scene of the holy martyrs crying out to God. We must understand that Christian martyrdom will always be a part of earthly reality. It proclaims victory!
Have you heard of the four horses and horsemen of the Apocalypse? Today we read the Bible text from which all allusions to those figures find their source. We need to remember these four horses and their riders are what come forth as each of the first four seals of the book in the hand of the One who sits on the throne is opened by the Lamb. There is conquering and war and famine and death. Not one presents an attractive feature. Yet each has been part of reality since man took up dwelling east of Eden. Isaiah will speak to this, as will Jesus to Pilate. Let’s listen.
This week's sermon title is "Done." Christmas is over. It is done. It cannot be undone. By Christmas, of course, we mean the irruption (not eruption) of God into this fallen world to bring about the redemption, reconciliation, and restoration of the people of God. In the fifth chapter of Revelation the apostle John sees the full outworking of what he wrote about in the first chapter of his gospel account. It’s worth our examining again. We are among those who share the burden given to John the Baptist in the words of Isaiah to get up on a high mountain and declare, “Here is your God! He will tend His flock.” Come to Him.
This Christmas Eve Leidy’s Church will rejoice in remembering the steadfast, purposeful love of God in His promise to bring deliverance to a fallen world enshrouded in darkness. Entitled The Lights of Christmas, it will document God’s light shining in the softly radiant beams from the infant Christ’s face to the brilliantly illumined heavenly hosts that startled the shepherds out in the fields tending their flocks. A musical service, it will consist of songs and instruments and congregational carols ordered and arranged around biblical texts. Pre-service music featuring Darlene Schmidt will begin at 6:30. The service concludes with the candlelight singing of Silent Night.
This week's sermon title is "Rejoicing!" Last week John wept because the plan and purpose of God was thwarted. No one was worthy to put it into action. The word to describe the situation: hopeless. Well, with men it was indeed a hopeless situation, but with God all things are possible! John’s weeping turned to rejoicing in an instant. It was the miracle of Christmas. Just as Mary, the virgin of Nazareth, rejoiced as she realized God’s plan and purpose would be fulfilled, so every tribe, tongue, people, and nation will have cause to rejoice at God’s great goodness. We, too, have cause for great rejoicing.
This week's sermon title is "Weeping." Our world is filled with weeping. Something is out of whack. It’s been that way since the Garden of Eden. Driven from Paradise by God, Adam and Eve and all their descendants are unable to gain access to the Tree of Life. Guarded by angels with flaming swords, access to the Tree is severely restricted. God’s original plan and purpose for the world cannot be fulfilled. It is sealed with seven seals and no one can open it. John sees this plan in heaven and weeps because no one is able to open the plan. No one is able to bring it to pass. The Herods of the world seem to win.
It’s the second Sunday of Advent. That means the Preacher’s been off all week! After all, he didn’t even have to prepare a sermon for today. All he must do is read some questions from the congregation and then provide profound, accurate, and in-depth answers off the top of his head! Quodlibet means ask whatever you wish. Like Joseph, you might have questions about the Virgin Birth. Or, maybe some youth are wondering how they can have more insight than all their teachers. Or, what do we do when someone treats us in an evil fashion? Ask whatever you wish.
This week's sermon title is "A View of Heaven." Christmas is about heaven coming to earth. That’s what the angel Gabriel’s visit to Nazareth is about. If heaven doesn’t come to earth, then we’re all toast! In Revelation 4 the opposite happens: someone from earth is taken into heaven! It is the apostle John. Jesus, who has been speaking with John, suddenly bids John to come up. There are things Jesus wants John to see. It is a revealing view of heaven. Looking over John’s shoulder, as it were, we receive a view of heaven as well. A good way to begin Advent is by seeing and hearing heaven along with John.
This week's sermon title is "Eucatastrophe!" What in the world is a eucatastrophe, you might ask. And the answer is: a eucatastrophe is a good catastrophe. The famous landscape painter Bob Ross knew about eucatastrophes. He called them happy accidents. Tonight is Thanksgiving Eve. We’re looking forward to joyful celebrations tomorrow with an abundance of food, plenty of noise, and happy conversations. It is a right and good thing to do so! God enjoins His people to do so. Tonight, we’ll consider several biblical eucatastrophes and see how God blesses us through the experience of eucatastrophes.
This week's sermon title is "Let’s Get Radical." Jesus makes outrageous statements. He had the audacity to say that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of needle than for a rich fellow to get into the kingdom of God! Given that we live in the most affluent society in the history of the world, we might want to take notice! Of the seven churches to whom Jesus sends letters, none is rebuked as severely as the church in Laodicea. Will they be able to “hear” what Jesus speaks? Well, maybe we need to ask that question more of ourselves than of the Laodiceans. Jesus has a radical call and He has a radical promise.
This week's sermon title is "Keepers of the Key." What is the key to all of existence? The knowledge of God. Without such knowledge one can only live in darkness. The knowledge of God is the light of life. In His letter to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus has nothing critical to say about that congregation. He does give an accurate analysis of their situation, namely, that they are surrounded by darkness and much opposition. But they have held firm, they have kept the key. In Matthew’s gospel we hear Jesus saying He’s giving keys to His disciples. They must keep them; they must use them. We are keepers of the key.
This week's sermon title is "Be on the Alert." There is no deception worse than self-deception. In our day, virtue signaling is all the rage. Individuals do it. Companies do it. Communities do it. Sports teams do it. What is the goal of all the virtue signaling? To be seen as virtuous, of course! But what if that label “Virtuous” proves not to be accurate. Everyone may think it is accurate, but perhaps it isn’t Then what? We’ll see some examples of “then what” in our texts. Samuel brings a wake-up call to King Saul, while Jesus tells a parable about virgins who need to wake up. The church in Sardis needs to be on the alert.
This week's sermon title is "Tolerance Reconsidered." We live in an age marked by tolerance. Tolerance is considered an essential character trait. But in Jesus’ letter to the church in Thyatira that is the very attribute for which He rebukes them. He didn’t rebuke for their having the attribute of tolerance itself, but for their continuing with it when they knew it was preventing a malignant sore from being treated. Jesus says He will treat the malignancy – and it won’t be pretty. God is merciful. He calls for people to repent. He exercises great tolerance, but there comes a point in time when tolerance must be reconsidered. An insight for our age.
Would you like to move to Pergamum? According to Jesus, the throne of Satan was in Pergamum. Can you imagine incorporating that bit of information into a nifty real estate ad! Well, there was a church in Pergamum too. That meant confrontation, and at least one person from the church was martyred. Jesus commends the church for holding fast to Him in the face of violent opposition. Sometimes such in-your-face opposition is not effective. Hence, the devil has other schemes. He’s also a Liar. Liars seek to deceive. Jesus says deception is happening in Pergamum.
This week's sermon title is "The Crown of Life." If God is God and He is good, why do people suffer, and why are injustices not brought to account? These are common questions for all of us. We wonder about these things. Does God not know what’s happening? Can He not change things? The church at Smyrna needs to hear from God on just such questions, so Jesus’ letter to them does just that. The folk of Smyrna follow in a long line of God’s people that include men such as Naboth and Stephen, both killed by religious judicial authority. 100 years after this letter from Jesus the Smyrnans will still experience violent persecution.
This week's sermon title is "Refiner’s Fire." Paul spent more time with the church in Ephesus than with any other church. That church served as the base for evangelistic efforts throughout the wider region. Acts 20 records the touching, final farewell of Paul with the Ephesian Elders. It’s not too much to say the Church of Ephesus was top-notch. The letter they receive in Revelation says much the same thing, but with a significant caveat. There is a problem. It must be addressed. If not addressed, it could prove fatal. Jesus’ letter seeks to light the refiner’s fire. Little things can become big things. Just ask Solomon.
This week's sermon title is "It Begins." The book of Revelation is about the revelation of Jesus Christ. But what is a revelation? Think of the unveiling of a statue. Something preventing the object from being visible to plain view is removed and voilà, now the statue is plainly seen. The removal of that “something” is the act of revelation. Such an unveiling occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration. The apostle John was one of the disciples present then. While on Patmos, though, he received another revelation of Jesus. It is fantastic. It is fearful. It is symbolic. It is accurate. It begins the message of Revelation.
This week's sermon title is "Know These Things." We live in tumultuous times. The nations are unsettled. There is deepening oppression in China. North Korea continues to act irrationally. The entire Middle East pulsates with hatred. In the Americas, no one can figure who belongs where. And Europe is a basket case. Things were no better in the first century. Therefore, as God sends a message to seven particular churches, He grounds them about matters that must be known. This concerns the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. People today still need to know these foundational truths about Jesus.
This week's sermon title is "Let’s Get Blessed!" In The Devil’s Dictionary Ambrose Bierce defines the book of Revelation this way: A famous book in which St. John the Divine concealed all that he knew. The revealing is done by the commentators, who know nothing. It is a truth commonly acknowledged among most Christians that Revelation is a difficult book to read, much less to understand. Today we will attempt to provide some ballast for reading Revelation, some preliminary matters that will help us gain some sea legs. At the top of the list is God’s assertion that those who read/hear Revelation are blessed.
This week's sermon title is "The Bulls of Our Lips." Now that’s an odd-sermon title, isn’t it? What in the world are the bulls of our lips? The phrase actually comes from Hosea 14:2 when the prophet instructs the repentant Israelites to present to God the bulls of their lips. Because it is such an odd phrase, most translations do not translate it literally. And that’s fine, since none of us even in this age of piercings know of anyone who has a bull on his lips! It is an apt phrase for concluding the book of Hebrews. It captures the sense of the Old Covenant and the heart of the New Covenant. We want to find bulls on our lips!
Over the summer we’ve been going through the book of Hebrews. We found it filled with doctrinal, sacramental, historical, and spiritual matters. Today we will look at the first half of the last chapter of Hebrews. Get ready to be shocked! The text is thoroughly practical. How can this be? What does this tell us? It tells us that presuppositions matter. How we think about and understand doctrinal, sacramental, historical, and spiritual matters will inevitably determine how we live life from day to day. If we see with vision we will be seeking the city.
This week's sermon title is "Two Mountains." Our text from Hebrews for today draws attention to two mountains. We can learn much from considering these two mountains. One is physical/literal and the other is spiritual/allegorical. Both are awesome. Both have powerful accompanying signs. One threatens death; the other promises life. Each of us will encounter both these mountains in the course of our lives. In fact, they show what comes after this life as well! There is a great shaking coming, and only one mountain will stand because the shaking will not affect it at all. We want to be in that mountain.
This week's sermon title is "Jesus: The Author and Perfecter of Faith." The title of this message comes directly from the book of Hebrews; and why not, for it says it all! Jesus is our Savior. He has fully atoned for our sins. He graciously offers salvation to sinners. He graciously grants salvation to those who repent and believe in Him. Just as they needed Jesus in their time, so we need Jesus today in our time. As a matter of fact, we will need Jesus for all of eternity! As we examine the Bible texts chosen for today, we will gain a better understanding of why we give thanks to God that Jesus must be, and is, The Author and Perfecter of Faith!
This week's sermon title is "Men of whom the world was not worthy? You’re kidding!" The first half of Hebrews 11 is populated by figures we’ve come to know and respect, folk who were looking for the city of God. The second half of Hebrews 11 is a different story. It includes folk of questionable status. Nonetheless, they are called men of whom the world was not worthy. How can this be? They sinned; they deserved the wrath of God. How can we celebrate them? Well, though sinful, they had faith in Christ. God worked deliverances through them. We are, thus, thankful for their faith. We need to be responsive to the same grace, for it extends to us as well.
This week's sermon title is "Within the Veil." Everyone’s heard of the good cop–bad cop routine. The bad cop threatens and intimidates, but the good cop listens and encourages. Hebrews 10 is a bit like that. On the one hand it says, “by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” That’s really good news. Yet, a bit later it says, “it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hand of the living God.” That sounds more like really bad news than really good news! We need to know both statements are absolutely true. It is difficult to hold on to both at the same time. We can only do so by going within the veil.
The title of this week's sermon is "Jesus: A Better Ministry of an Improved Covenant." How many of us are guilty of thinking that no one can do things quite the way we can? This attitude is exposed when we’re doing home projects. A family member or neighbor comes by and asks to help. We politely decline the offer because we would rather do it ourselves. The Hebrew Christians are instructed that reliance on past religious rites of OT Law, done by human effort, will never suffice. Like the Hebrews, we must steadily live trusting and depending on the excellent ministry of our exalted high priest who ratified an improved covenant with God.
This week's sermon title is "Jesus: A High Priest of Everlasting Hope." We focus our hopes in something or someone. We hope that our family stays healthy. We hope that friendships last. We hope our jobs remain the source of income to pay bills and feed our family. We hope that when trouble comes, things will work out in the end. The problem here is the objects of such hopes are unreliable and temporary. None of these hopes bring lasting consolation. We, like the Hebrews, need to learn where hope finds its rest; only a firm faith in Jesus Christ gives lasting hope. Let’s see why Jesus is our everlasting hope for time and eternity!
This week's sermon title is "Taking Hold of Hope." Hebrews 6 has one of the scariest passages in the Bible. It speaks of those who “have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance.” That is a no-hope passage! Hebrews 6 encourages us to be imitators of Abraham who through faith and patience inherited the promises of God. Examining Abraham’s chart of faith reveals several blips of unfaith. Those blips can help us in our walk of faith. Sometimes we need a good “bad example.” Abraham also had plenty of good “good examples.” Like Abraham, we need to have hope as an anchor for our souls.
This week's sermon title is "Becoming a Priest." Hebrews 5, when speaking of the priesthood, tells us “no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.” We want to consider how it was that Jesus came to understand that He was THE priest to whom all the promises of God pointed. Jesus did think about this, as His conversation in Matthew 22 with the Pharisees demonstrates. He stumped them, but He wasn’t stumped. So, what did He understand His task to be as a priest according to the order of Melchizedek? Why should this matter to you and to me and to all people? We’ll see.
This week's sermon title is "Rest: The Product of Diligent Faith, or, The Sloth’s Idol?" Living in a culture which prizes comfort and ease beyond nearly everything, we are constantly bombarded with messages of comfort and rest. The author of Hebrews talks about rest, and he says Christians should be diligent to enter that rest of which he speaks. On the surface this appears to be an oxymoron: diligent rest! We need to know what exactly is rest and how does a Christian find it? To do so, we will look to the Word of God, for we learn in Hebrews that God’s Word pierces as far as bone and marrow, but tender hearts will believe, obey, and find rest.
This week's sermon title is "So, How Often Do We Have to Encourage Others?" Grumble, Grumble, Grumble. We are called to encourage one another as long as it is called “today.” Even tomorrow, when it gets here, will be “today.” Think about that for a minute! Why is it so important to encourage one another? Because biblical encouragement is an antidote to grumbling. Grumbling, you see, hardens our hearts and turns them (and us!) away from the Lord. Israel grumbled, hardened their hearts, and died in the wilderness due to their unbelief. From this we learn we are to encourage one another that we might hold fast to faith in the Lord Jesus.
This week’s sermon title is “Taste and See.” The Psalmist says we should taste and see that the Lord is good. What the disciples tasted and saw on the Day of Pentecost was so powerful all the folk around them thought the disciples were drunk! They were not drunk! Instead, the Holy Spirit had given them eyes to behold the mighty deeds of God. As Peter preached about the deeds of God, the gathered crowd wanted to know what they should do in response to the deeds of God. What those crowds experienced is what chapter two of Hebrews is all about. They needed to touch God and to be touched by God.
This Sunday is Ascension Sunday! Thursday marked Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. While Jesus’ disciples watched, He ascended into heaven. They stood gazing skyward and two men dressed in white clothing said to them, “This Jesus . . . will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Jesus’ first coming included His living, dying, rising, and ascending. Each was in accord with God’s Word. Likewise, His second or final coming is certain from His Word. As Jesus’ disciples we can faithfully live in the certain hope of Christ’s return.
Every nation has customs, ways of behaving and ways of looking at the world that typify the culture. Behind all the customs may be found a worldview, an overarching understanding of how the world works, how it was made, and how one should conduct oneself in it. Worldview is the wallpaper of life, the background for all one sees and does. God gives very specific instructions to Jeremiah about worldview and customs. Paul presents the basic Christian worldview to assembled Greek philosophers, while Jesus insists God does have an unchanging worldview.
This week's sermon title is "Getting Fit". Among the most purchased items in America are various fitness machines, whether it be treadmills or elliptical machines or stationary bikes, you name it. Among the most unused items in America are various fitness machines! Everyone wants to get fit, but not everyone wants to do the workouts necessary to be fit. Jeremiah has a complaint against God. The task given him is much harder than he expected and he would like some relief. Wonder what God will tell him? Our text from Hebrews addresses the same issue and, to some degree, so does Jesus in our gospel text."
This week's sermon title this morning is "Standing in the Darkness." It’s no easy matter to put on a red coat when everyone else only wears green coats. It makes one stand out. Perhaps someone has explained to you the extraordinary delights and benefits of wearing a red coat, so you put it on with eagerness. As time passes, however, no one else puts on a red coat; everyone continues to wear green. Wearing the red coat becomes a real burden. You would just as soon lay it aside. That’s how Jeremiah feels about the task to which God has called him. He feels isolated; he feels rejected. Jesus and Paul address this matter. They say it is good.
This week's sermon title is "Beloved Refugees." One of the most frequently quoted verses of the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. What great words to hear. We often forget their context. Jeremiah is writing to refugees carried captive to Babylon from Jerusalem in 597BC. They were as discouraged and beaten down as a people could be. They felt abandoned by God. After Jesus’ ascension, it would have been easy for the early Christians to feel the same way. They didn’t. Nor should we. We are beloved refugees.
This week's sermon title is "The New Covenant." The term “new covenant” occurs in the OT only in our text from Jeremiah. It was spoken in a time of great despair for the people of God. Nebuchadnezzar had taken away many Israelites into exile in 597 BC. Our text comes sometime after that, at a time when Jerusalem is threatened with a final and thorough destruction. In the midst of such discouraging times, God proclaims news of the new covenant! It’s hard to believe. Similarly, when Jesus appeared to the disciples that first Easter, it was a dark time, and hard to believe. Yes, we too, were dead in our trespasses and sins.
This week's sermon title is "What God Can Do!" This is Palm Sunday! A day for singing Alleluias and praising God for sending the Lord Jesus who is the Son of David, the King of Israel. Of course, it’s also just five days out from the darkest of all the days of humanity, even darker than in the days of Noah’s flood. Good Friday will happen, but Good Friday is not the Final Word. Jeremiah, the prophet of dark forebodings of disaster for the nation of Israel, has a particular task assigned to him by God. He sees that it is done but cannot begin to imagine how it can be meaningful. He needed to learn what God can do.
This week's sermon title is "Roadways and Boundaries." Maps are wonderful. Without them folk can get hopelessly lost. One of the main prophetic insights given to Jeremiah was the value – indeed, necessity – of accurate maps. The maps referred to are not the ones we see on our GPS machines or that come up on Google maps. Instead, the maps Jeremiah references lay out the way folk should live. We need directions! The life that is directionless is frustrating and fruitless. Even worse are maps that give wrong information. Life can be wearying using the wrong maps. Jesus speaks to this issue in our gospel text.
God promised Jeremiah that He would be with him, that He would deliver him from his adversaries. There were many adversaries as it turned out! Today we look at one instance to get some idea of the deadly intentions leading figures had toward Jeremiah: they want to kill him! Jeremiah was not the only godly prophet ministering among the people of Jerusalem at that time. A fellow named Uriah had a similar prophetic ministry. Guess what? That man was killed by the king, personally! Why Uriah and not Jeremiah? Likewise, why James and not Peter in Acts 12?
People are very forgetful. In times of great abundance we tend to forget what it was like to count our pennies. When we are healthy and well, we don’t remember what it was like when we had that bad head cold. In a similar way, as a society grows more sophisticated, more learned, more affluent, there is a tendency to forget the truths by which our lives were formerly ordered. God makes such a charge against the Israelites. They have switched gods! Pilate’s judgment seat shows Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day doing the same thing. How about us–what have we forgotten?
We ought to consider more carefully the great legacy of literacy. Having a written language is a game changer. God took care to write things down. Some things He wrote in stone – hello, Ten Commandments! Moses smashed the first copy of the Commandments. In today’s text, God commands Jeremiah to write down all the prophecies he’s spoken. Guess what? When they’re read to the king, he burns them! Like the Ten Commandments, God has them written down, again. Luke and Pilate also write some things down. As it turns out, both write under God’s inspiration.
Some things never seem to change. A classic example is how prone we are to trust in our hearts, that is, to trust in the innate “good heartedness” of ourselves and others. The Lord spoke to and through Jeremiah about this issue, repeatedly. In today’s text we find as scathingly accurate an assessment of the human heart as will be found in any writing in any time. This does not make Jeremiah happy. What about Jesus? Doesn’t He have a better assessment of what to make of the human heart? We may need to reconsider the advice to “follow your heart and find happiness.”
If you’re going to carry a message for someone, it makes sense that you want to know if the person who is charging you to deliver the message is trustworthy. You want to be assured that you’re delivering an honest and accurate message. Jeremiah spent over forty years declaring a message to the Israelite people, a message they did not want to hear or believe. It makes perfect sense, then, that God would give Jeremiah assurance the message he was to deliver was truthful. Moses wanted such a confirmation, and Jesus gives His disciples (including us) similar assurances.
Today we launch into a character study of Jeremiah the prophet. He didn’t plan on being a prophet, nor did he think he was qualified to be a prophet. Yet, as it turned out, he served the Lord in exactly that role for over 40 years. What Jeremiah learned right off the bat is that God’s the One who does the calling! Likewise, the apostle Paul did not have any intentions of being an apostle of the Lord Jesus, but that didn’t stop Jesus from calling him to that office. Ditto for John, the youngest apostle who eventually became the oldest apostle. We need to hear God’s call too.
It is the end of January already. Statistically, that means that our New Year’s resolutions have already fallen to the wayside and we have begun to wonder in earnest what kind of year 2019 will be. Well, I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I am supremely confident that 2019 will be a good year. The basis of my confidence is not due to my financial security, physical health, or social standing. 2019 will be a good year, because we have a good King who reigns supreme over all things. We want to live and walk in the security of His kingship!
Slomon is inextricably linked in our minds to wisdom. Solomon is known as the epitome of wisdom. Early in his reign this designation was confirmed in the minds of all his subjects by the manner in which he proved which of two women who claimed to be a child’s mother really was the mother of the child. The Queen of Sheba had her breath taken away by Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. He was an extraordinary man. Being extraordinarily gifted can have its own set of challenges. Solomon experienced them. Solomon needed to exercise wisdom.
Technology has blessed us with many innovations and creature comforts. It improves efficiency in communication, manufacturing, and medicine. Its promise of a longer, healthier, more productive life is a reality. But an uncontrolled use of technology carries a cost in relationships. We may be more connected today, but we are more detached relationally. This disconnection impacts at home, at school, at work, and chiefly with God. We’ll survey the Scriptures to see how these distractions deter devotion in relationship to God.
If you’re a reader of the Bible then when you hear the name Nebuchadnezzar you think of the tyrant who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace. You’d be correct. He’s also the king whose Babylonian minions conquered and sacked Jerusalem, leaving it completely devastated. If you’re a student and his name is the answer to a question, you hope the test is multiple choice and not fill-in-the-blank; otherwise you’ll have to spell his name! As the most powerful potentate of his time, Nebuchadnezzar had an instructive relationship with God.