Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
WEPC
Welcome to Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church! We'd love to worship with you. Check out this podcast for weekly sermon series, devotionals, and book reviews.
Our 175-year history reminds us that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. We who are part of this historic congregation today are indebted in countless ways to the faith of those who have gone before us. As recipients of this godly heritage and stewards of the gospel, we tirelessly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ so that the generations that come after us will experience the joy of knowing, loving, and serving
My guess is that you’ve heard the idea, “It’s possible to do all the right things for all the wrong reasons.” In the church, it might play out something like this: We can read our Bibles, go to church, put money in the collection plate, and live an exemplary life, yet all as a means of serving ourselves. Perhaps we do these things to ease a guilty conscience; perhaps it’s to impress others, or perhaps it’s to try to earn God’s approval or secure blessings from God.
Jesus calls all that acting. In those days, some people went to great lengths to do all the right things for all the wrong reasons. They made public displays of giving money to the poor. They made a great fuss as they brought money to the temple. They did all they could to draw attention to themselves. But their giving was not pleasing to God because they gave to serve their own purposes.
Jesus wants our generosity to be motivated by love and gratitude. When our hearts are filled with the knowledge and richness of God’s kindness to us, our natural response should be generous in the way in which we live, give, and pray. Instead of doing things for recognition or reward, we do them for God’s glory and pleasure.
As we gather together this week, we’ll be doing the difficult work of reflecting on whether we do things to be noticed by others, to be noticed by God, or to give God glory. What is the motivation of our hearts? Our hope is that we will develop the kind of spiritual habits that point to Jesus and reflect his love to the world around us.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”-Matthew 5:44-45
How many of us have ever heard (or used) the phrase, “Don’t get mad; get even!”? Most of us want to fight back when someone hurts us. We want to prove we are right and the other person is wrong. In our highly-polarized society, the fabric of self-preservation is woven deeply within us, and we are constantly looking to hurt those who hurt us.
As we have so often seen in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus would have us behave differently. In what we’re going to be studying together this week, Jesus refers to an Old Testament law that required justice for a person who was wronged but also set limits on the punishment of an offender. The truth is that relationships don’t function very well when all we focus on is getting our due.
Under God’s rule, justice is tempered with great mercy and with love. We are to be willing to show kindness to people who take advantage of us. We are to be prepared to give our time and resources to those who don’t deserve them. And we ought to serve where and when we may not want to.
This means that many of us will find Jesus’ calling extremely challenging. But Jesus empowers us to give and show love even in the most difficult situations. When he was beaten, he not only turned the other cheek; he offered his whole body to death. In Jesus, God’s justice is tempered with great mercy.
May his grace empower us to go the extra mile and to love those who seem unlovable.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Matthew 19:5-6
God’s design for marriage is for a husband and wife to leave their families and to form something new. This involves much more than a contract, or even a commitment. A married couple makes a covenant together, committing to love one another with the same gracious and undeserved love that God has shown to us.
Our model for marriage is Christ himself, who loved us and gave his life for us. Yet what we find is that this kind of self-giving love is not easy to imitate. While marriage calls for learning and growing, it often reveals our broken, selfish, and pride-filled hearts, where division and pain can lead to divorce. Sadly, many Christians end up struggling in silence due to the stigma and shame.
In the verses we will be studying together this week, Jesus speaks into one of today’s deeply painful realities. Many homes have experienced the shattering hurt of divorce. As a child, perhaps your parents left you with the crushing reality of divorce. Perhaps you have experienced it yourself. Perhaps you are watching your own children navigate the mess of separation and divorce. Or perhaps your marriage is fraying at the seams, and divorce seems like the only option.
In an imperfect world, divorce is a reality we must contend with. However, as we will see together this week, Jesus is not offering us a loophole for rightfully pursuing divorce. Instead, he urges us to hold marriage in high esteem. That means that we need to both nurture our marriages as well as support those who have experienced divorce with grace and empathy.
As we talk about these difficult things together, my prayer is that it brings us to a place of greater prayer for one another and as a church. May God give us the grace to navigate this conversation, and the wisdom to see how our marriages reflect his love for us as the bride of Christ.
How many of you have memories of either singing (or teaching your own children) the song, “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see…”? This children’s song is a reminder that little eyes don’t just see another child’s toy, they can lead one to envy what another has. Jesus says much the same thing in Matthew 5:27-30 by using the example of someone looking at another person lustfully.
There is little doubt that we live in a sex-saturated culture. Billboards, magazines, best-selling novels, and blockbuster movies bombard us with images meant to tantalize, tease, and tempt. Computers and cell phones, with their instant access to the web, bring unsavory images into our minds instantly. At issue is the fact that while sexual attraction between a man and a woman is a gift from God, looking lustfully at another person is both a sin against that person and against God.
This is why Jesus calls us to flee from the idolatry of lust, and warns us of the dangers that lead to adultery and divorce. Not only have marriages been destroyed because of it, but it can also enslave people in habits that create deep shame and self-loathing. This is also why we need the grace and forgiveness of Jesus, and why we need to take action quickly to deal with this destructive issue.
As we continue in our sermon series on The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus invites us to continue performing heart surgery as we navigate these difficult subjects. May our prayer be for God to soften our hearts to hear the hard things, and the strength to make the changes that are necessary. I look forward to seeing you either in person or online.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
Has this ever happened to you? Your colleague belittles you in front of your coworkers, and you silently plot how to get even. A driver rudely cuts you off on the freeway, and you hit the accelerator to show them what you think of their driving. Your parents made mistakes that have hurt you, and you’ve spent your adult life being angry over how they treated you.
Anger can be incredibly corrosive when we let it simmer in our hearts. It can eat away at marriages and friendships. It can ruin a career in one foolish outburst. And it can damage our witness as believers. Jesus warns us that if it is left unchecked, anger can escalate into name-calling, hostility, and even murder. But even if we think that we are obeying God’s law against murder by not killing, Jesus tells us that the root of murder lies in our heart if we let anger fester.
So how do we deal with anger? Jesus calls us to be active in seeking reconciliation with our neighbors. Perhaps we’ve wronged someone else. Perhaps they’ve wronged us. Regardless, Jesus calls us to take it upon ourselves to make things right again. Doing so follows the example of Jesus: “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10).
In grasping God's love for us while we were still enemies, it should melt the anger in our hearts towards others. With whom do you need to make peace today? Let us be reconciled to God! Then, may we be reconciled to one another!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” - Matthew 5:17
Have you ever noticed that very few drivers come to a complete stop at a stop sign? Most prefer the “rolling stop option.” Or the many places in Warsaw where a light turning from yellow to red is almost always guaranteed to have a truck or car running through it? People apparently think that these are only suggestions.
But are God’s laws like that? Are they merely suggestions? The psalmist treats God’s law with the utmost seriousness. He declares, “My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.” (Psalm 119:112)
As Jesus was teaching his listeners, he reminded them of how serious God’s laws are. He explained that he did not come to abolish the law or any of God’s commands; rather, he came to fulfill them. In fact, he said that not even the smallest letter (a reference to ‘yodh,’ the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet) or the least stroke of a pen would be eliminated from the law.
In addition, Jesus says there will be great rewards for keeping God’s laws and great penalties for not keeping them. The problem, though, is that none of us can keep God’s law perfectly because (at heart) we are all in rebellion against God and his Word. So what can we do?
We remember that Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly - something that we could not do. We also remember that we need the grace that only Jesus can provide through his death and resurrection. And then we focus on living the law (not to merit favor), but out of a heart of gratitude and love.
As we look at this challenging scripture this week, I pray that you are allowing God to prepare your heart and mind for a bit of “spiritual surgery.” May God grant to us a deeper desire to live for him. And may that love for God and His ways compel us to love others well. Let’s keep up the invitational nature of our church culture.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
In our health-conscious world, we often look for labels that say, “Reduced Sodium.” But let's be honest; how many of us truly get excited when we see a bag of chips or a box of crackers that contains those words?
Most likely not too many of us! That’s because salt is delicious. It’s why chips, crackers, French fries, pizza, and many other things taste good. Salt exists to make food better. That is one of its God-given purposes.
In this passage we’ll be studying together this week, Jesus says we are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” He doesn’t say we “can be” or “should be” these things. He says we already are based on our identity in Him. Jesus calls us to bless people, to build them up, and to do what we can to help meet their needs. He calls us to use our words and our actions to stick out in this dark world, pointing people to the kingdom of God.
By the way, this isn’t limited to the church. The way in which we treat our spouses, talk to our coworkers, use our resources, or engage with social media are all examples of how we are called to be salt and light. Every sphere of life presents us with salt and light opportunities. So let’s continue to walk in step with Christ, seasoning the world with salt and shining light in the darkness.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
Last week in church, we started to look at the Beatitudes. However, we didn’t finish them, meaning that we get to take a look at the second four. In where we left off, we were just beginning to talk about what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Many of us are hungry for approval. We want our parents to tell us they are proud of us. We want our employer’s stamp of approval on our work. We want our friends to think we are good enough for them. Deep down, we long for (and are hungry for) acceptance and approval.
Sadly, we often try to satisfy our hunger by gorging on junk food. What does that look like? We want approval from others so badly that we’re willing to compromise our convictions. We want to prove ourselves through our job so badly that we burn out on our career, sacrificing our family and our health. We want so badly to be morally acceptable that we build our lives on a system of rules, looking down on others and sinking into despair when even we don’t measure up. These foods cannot satisfy our hunger for true righteousness.
This is why we need to hunger and thirst for the righteousness that only Jesus Christ can bring. That’s why we need to ask Christ to change our hearts and desires, and to have a desire to obey God and to see God’s will be done here on earth. As we continue in our sermon series this week called The Master’s Guide to Greatness, we will learn about what it means to hunger and thirst for the things of God, and to be a people who participate in the mission of God in this world.
I look forward to seeing you in person or online. And keep up the good work of inviting friends & neighbors. As we welcome 17 new members this week, they consistently have commented on how welcoming and friendly we are as a church. Praise God!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
There have been many times over the years where we have gone out for a nice meal, but where I haven’t been able to finish it all. When that happens, I come home with a box of leftovers ready to be taken to church with me for lunch the next day. Yet on countless occasions, I open up the fridge the next morning only to discover that someone has eaten my lunch! When that happens, 9 times out of 10, I call out, “Nathaniel!!!!”
But I’ve noticed that even when we’re down to 2 kiddos in the house, there is still a well-worn spot in front of our refrigerator because of all the foot traffic! I’m exaggerating, but it certainly seems like trips to the grocery store have not decreased! If anything, our food budget is just as high (we’re all complaining about that now, right?!).
However, I’ve also been in places and countries where hunger is a daily problem. I have seen desperate parents begging for food, starving themselves so that they can feed their children, or feeding them with whatever scraps they can pull together. While not to that same extreme, perhaps you have had moments where you question if you will have enough to satisfy the grumbling in your stomach.
When Jesus sat on a hillside and began teaching the crowds around him, the people were also hungry. Though they may not have been hungry for physical food, they did have a spiritual hunger (whether they realized it or not). Jesus reminded them (and us) that true hunger for God would make them full. When we search for God, the righteousness of God will fill our hearts.
Are you hungry? Do you need to be filled? Are there others in your life who need to be filled that you need to invite? Then, I look forward to seeing you, either in person or online, as we learn where we find our true satisfaction.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven... Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:3,10
The Sermon on the Mount begins with a series of “blessing” statements. These are often called the Beatitudes. Each statement begins with the Greek word macarios, which can be translated as “blessed” or “happy.”
Some people wear #blessed t-Shirts. Some of us might say we are #blessed because we got a bonus or because we didn’t have to stop for a red light on the way to work. But being blessed is about more than just feeling good or making a gain on our bank account. True blessing is about living in line with God’s will, the way we are created to live. In the Bible, one who is blessed is described as whole and flourishing through a strong connection with God. Living in tune with God, or in step with the Spirit, may not bring us more money or an easier life, but it will lead to peace and wholeness as we walk with God.
As we begin a new sermon series together this week, we will see what a kingdom lifestyle looks like; one that is truly “blessed.” However, what we will also see is how difficult this lifestyle pursuit is. Jesus makes some puzzling and provocative statements, and we may not always feel so happy about putting His commands into practice. Yet what we will also see is that the Sermon on the Mount is a picture of what it means to flourish in relationship with God and our relationships on earth. As we await the coming kingdom, we can seek to be kingdom builders here.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
For a couple of hours on Monday, April 8th, we will be transfixed by the movement of heavenly bodies as much of North America is plunged into blackness. A dark celestial glory will be on display as the moon blocks the sun’s rays from reaching the earth. During that brief window, we will be impressed, gobsmacked, mesmerized, and in awe. Perhaps we will marvel at how little we control in our own lives and in the world at large. Nevertheless, at some point following this glorious display, we will recover and return to our daily routines.
The Apostle Paul recognized that glory comes in many forms. His reference to the mystery of bodily resurrection testifies to this diversity: “There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another” (1 Cor. 15:40).
In 2 Cor. 3, Paul contrasts the fading glory of the covenant administered by Moses with the unfading glory of the covenant administered by Christ. The Sinai covenant could be thought of as our pending solar eclipse; both feature an overwhelming glory that reigns for a time but ultimately fades. Meanwhile, the covenant anchored in Christ’s redemptive work is altogether set apart; its glory is heavenly, spiritual, and unfading.
Equally marvelous, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they have been made competent ministers of this greater covenant. Yes, the very same of whom he would observe “…not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (1 Cor 1:26). How about you? Do you identify as a minister of this covenant of unfading glory? Join us as we explore the biblical concept of glory and this highest of callings together.
Grace and peace,
Matthew Liethen
On the first Easter Sunday morning, a couple of women were in for the surprise of their lives. Instead of finding a closed tomb, they found an open grave, and an angel greeting them with the words, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” For them and for every follower of the Lord Jesus, life would never be the same. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead changed the course of history.
The resurrection is God's way of announcing that our life does not have to be a one-way journey to the cemetery. God is saying we don't have to be stuck in our past. The risen Savior broke the chains that bind us, that cause us to live in fear, and that cause us to question what is ahead. Because Jesus is alive, “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39).
It is the greatest news in all of human history; and so as we gather together this weekend, may we join in celebration. May we sing aloud, “Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!” And may we be able to believe and profess that Jesus breaks the chains of sin and death. “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”
I look forward to seeing you either in person or online. And let’s not forget, this is the time of year when people are open to invitations. Let’s be thinking and praying for the people we can invite to join us this Easter Sunday! And then let’s make those invitations!
He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
How should we view Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem? Was it an event to celebrate, or a day of sadness?
For many who saw Jesus riding into the city, it was a day of rejoicing. They lined the streets, shouting, “Hosanna!” (a shout of praise), expecting Jesus to restore Israel to its former glory. With excitement and religious fervor, the people shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” (Mark 11:9)
Today we look differently on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. We know that the people shouting “Hosanna” had false expectations. They expected Jesus to set up an earthly kingdom, with them at the top. But that wasn’t his mission, and they were soon disappointed. In fact, just a few days later, the mood became ugly. A disciple of Jesus betrayed him; religious leaders called for his execution; soldiers mocked him, flogged him, and spat on him; and the Roman governor had him crucified.
Why, then, do Christians still call it a “triumphal entry”? Because we’ve learned from the Scriptures the purpose of Jesus’ suffering and death. Though innocent, he suffered for the guilt of our sins. What’s more, he did not remain dead but arose triumphantly from the grave—and that’s something to celebrate!
For us, Christ’s entry is truly a sign of glory to come!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” - Jonah 4:11
Though Nineveh was a great city, its people had wandered far from God. Jonah didn’t care much about that, though, because Nineveh’s people were enemies of his own people. Still, God was concerned about Nineveh’s people. So he sent Jonah to teach about him, and they “turned from their evil ways” (Jonah 3:10).
Contrast that many years later with another great city of God’s people - Jerusalem. That city had wandered as well; and as Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.’” (Luke 19:41-42). Jerusalem’s leaders had rejected many of God’s prophets, and they soon would reject Jesus as the Son of God who could bring them peace with God.
Jonah missed out on the heart of God. Jerusalem missed out on the heart of God. We miss out on the heart of God. For Jonah, Nineveh was full of “those people.” Immoral, sinful, rebellious people—people who certainly didn’t deserve God’s grace. Jerusalem did not deserve it, either. And neither do we.
But that’s the odd thing about grace. By its very definition, grace is for undeserving people. Grace is compassion for people who don’t deserve mercy. The Ninivites didn’t deserve it. The people of Jerusalem didn’t deserve it. And we don’t deserve it.
As we come to the conclusion of Jonah, God asks the question, “Should I not have concern for the great city…?” This is a question for all of us. We all know some of “those people”—people who have made a mess of their lives, people who don’t deserve God’s love. Just like us. Should we not be concerned about them?
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” Jonah 3:9
As we left off last Sunday, after three days in the sour belly of a fish, Jonah is vomited onto dry land. God gave him a second chance. Then God calls Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh about a second chance. This time, however, Jonah obeys and he begins to preach.
But did you ever stop to think that this seems like an odd sermon? “Judgment!” We don’t find words of hope, no offer of forgiveness, no call for repentance. Isn’t it odd that the same Jonah who has tasted God’s grace now has no grace to offer Nineveh?
Still, in spite of Jonah’s lack of effort, God was moving and the entire city repents! Everyone, from the children playing in the streets to the king in the palace, repents of their sin and pleads for God’s mercy. And just as God relented with Jonah, God relented with the people of Nineveh. The Word of God and His compassion shone through.
As we will see together this week, our God is a God of second chances! God intervened for us through Jesus Christ! And when we ask for forgiveness, repent and put our trust in Jesus, and turn to God; God withholds the judgment that is rightfully ours. That is unmerited grace; and that good news should both bring us joy as well as change our attitude towards others.
I look forward to seeing you in person or online as we unpack and reflect on these beautiful truths.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
Have you ever been in a precarious position? What is the posture you assumed in those moments? Triumph?! Hopefulness?! Despair?! Have you ever viewed that precarious position as a picture of God’s grace?
Probably not! If we’re anything like Jonah, we cried out in despair: “In my distress, I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” (vs. 2)
As Jonah sank into the depths of the earth, he felt cut off from life and separated from God. From a human perspective, his life was over as he sank in the storm. Yet as the seaweed wrapped around him, God saw him and did the “impossible.” God delivered Jonah from the grip of death. Salvation comes from the Lord!
Jonah didn’t dive voluntarily into the sea expecting a huge fish to save him, nor did he expect to be vomited from the beast onto the beach. But God used Jonah to point to His grace, and He also used Jonah to point to the grace we have in Jesus Christ. In fact, that is something that we will be seeing together this week in our Sunday morning services and as we receive the Lord’s Supper.
Though we may be born in the belly of the beast called sin, and although we may live in that sin and run away from God, Jesus frees us for eternal life! He pulls us up out of the depths - out of the pit - and He sets us high on a rock! As we gather together this week, either in person or online, may we be able to say along with Jonah, “Salvation comes from the Lord!”
Grace & Peace
Pastor Aaron
We love the story of a good hero; so much so that it’s spawned comics and, TV shows, and movies. For the past decade, the DC and Marvel empires have risen on the backs of many of these superhero blockbusters. Of course, as I once heard someone quip, “The problem with these movies is that everything is at stake, and nothing is at stake.” In other words, the whole world seems to be in peril, but the reality is that everything will be OK because the hero always wins in the end.
Even the Bible is filled with heroic figures who stood for God, who did what is right, and whose names are well-remembered. However, not everyone stands out as a hero. The Bible is filled with just as many stories of the people who did not finish well and whose stories should serve as a warning.
One such story is that of Jonah. Each time I read it, I see too much of myself in this obstinate prophet. He knew God was sovereign and would have His way, and yet he ran. He heard God’s call to “go,” yet he went in the opposite direction. He saw God’s hand of grace time and again, and yet he complained. Jonah is no hero.
But the story of Jonah points us to a greater hero - one who always does the will of the Father. One who intervened when we were on the run. One who always preaches grace and truth. One who extends that grace and truth to those who don’t deserve it.
Jesus Christ is the hero of the story, and he desires to be the hero of our story.
This week, we are starting a new series on the story of Jonah, and we will see a stark contrast to the story of Ruth. While Ruth saw the hand of God intervening and chose to step into that plan willingly, Jonah saw the hand of God intervening and fought it the entire way. What we see is that while Ruth, an outsider, finished well, Jonah, the insider, did not.
Yet God intervened, and His desire is to do the same for us. If you’ve been on the run, or you know someone who has been on the run, then this is the series for you. I look forward to seeing you in person or online!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
The story of Ruth is one of the Bible’s great love stories. It overflows with kindness and compassion, and it highlights how God’s people experience His sovereignty and tender mercy as He works through the lives of His people. Just think about what we have seen:
As Ruth had shown kindness to her mother-in-law Naomi, (Ruth 1:16-17), so Boaz - a close relative of Naomi - showed kindness to Ruth. Boaz’s kindness is not only personal but also flows from the kindness of God as he acts to provide Ruth and Naomi a home because they are his relatives (Ruth 2:20). Boaz acts as the guardian-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi and the people of Bethlehem bless Boaz by saying, “May you…be famous in Bethlehem.”
We might never have given Bethlehem a second thought if not for the fact that Ruth and Boaz, with their son Obed, became ancestors of David there (Matthew 1:5). And many years later, Jesus, a descendant of David, was also born in Bethlehem. Out of “the house of bread” came the “Bread of Life.”
This week, we thank God for the redemption that we have through Jesus Christ, who saves us from our sin through his birth as the Son of God and through his death on the cross. Why? Because of love. In fact, it’s the greatest love story ever! “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
May each of us experience that this week as we come together in worship!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
The word redeem means “to buy back.” For Boaz, this meant using his money to buy back a relative’s land and having a child with Ruth to preserve the family name of that relative.
Like Ruth, Boaz is a person of noble character. As Ruth clung to Naomi out of respect for her mother-in-law and for the Lord, Boaz clung to the Word of God, recognizing that all honor and praise belong to the Lord. As this story reveals, Boaz is a man who seeks after a heart that loves God and loves others. But he is also a man who does what is right.
When Ruth takes a risk by asking to be redeemed, Boaz could have passed up this opportunity because there was another redeemer. But he didn’t. He went out of his way to make his intentions clear with a vow: “As surely as the Lord lives, I will do it.” Someone who loves the Word of God does not make a vow lightly (Deuteronomy 23:21-23).
But Boaz is a picture of the ultimate promise maker and promise keeper; for just as God promised, He sent us “one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26). And Jesus Christ lived a life of perfect purity. But even more than that, this same Jesus also redeemed us from the poverty of sin by purchasing us for God.
As we continue in our series on Ruth, I hope that you are able to discover the provision, the security, and the purity that we have because of Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing you either in person or online. Have a wonderful and blessed week!
Grace & Peace,
Aaron Kelin
As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek. Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” Ruth 2:3-4
Have you ever had one of those times when you worked hard for something? Or when you had to ask someone else for help? It’s not always easy to ask for what we need, and hard work is, well, hard. And even though we might be tempted to give ourselves the credit for working diligently (or asking someone else for assistance), have we ever stepped back and marveled at how God is the one who has provided for us? Whether through our work, or the asking of others, or the generosity of the people around us, God’s hand is ultimately the one who is at work.
As we continue in our sermon series on the book of Ruth this week, what we will discover is all of these “as it turned out” moments. “It just so happened” or “just then” can often be chalked up to coincidences, but as believers, do we really believe that there are any coincidences? Or is it a matter that it is the providential hand of heaven moving?
The Westminster Larger Catechism asks: “What are God’s works of providence?” The answer says, “God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.
If there ever were a story that fit this more beautifully than the story of Ruth, we would be hard-pressed to find it. I hope that you are able to tune in either in person or online as we unpack these beautiful truths together. And don’t forget to invite your friends and neighbors who need to hear about God’s hand of provision and help.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
Have you ever had a famine in your life? Maybe not an actual famine, but a spiritual, emotional, physical, or relational one? Have you ever felt bitter? Have you ever felt so much sorrow that you just want to be alone? Or, have you ever seen people who believe that they would be better off if they were not around? Isolation can be a tool of Satan that leads to even more trouble and sorrow.
Yet, can a person in trouble still be a blessing to others? Absolutely. I have seen people in times of trouble deepen their faith by aiming to continue to help others. I have seen people’s faith strengthened when they moved from focusing on their own concerns to giving of themselves to others, for Jesus’ sake.
And that is what we will find this week as we begin a new sermon series on the book of Ruth. If our bitterness is dealt with in a healthy way, it can actually lead to healing for us (and others). In the midst of her bitterness, Naiomi said, “May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me.” (Ruth 1:8). In the midst of her troubles, Naomi still found the faith to wrestle with God and ask him to bless her daughters-in-law.
Today, you may find yourself questioning God and even wrestling with Him. In this kind of struggle, I invite you to hear Naomi’s trust in God and her blessing of others. She knew that her daughters-in-law had suffered as well, yet she did not add to their suffering. In the midst of a tearful separation, she prayed for them. Naomi was on a journey of faith—one in which her tears accompanied her walk with God.
May God use us in our journey of faith, and may He bring healing to our hearts and lives. If you (or anyone you know) could use this healing, this new series would be a great one to invite someone to. I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me, I will never drive away.” John 6:37
Physical hunger is very real in our world today. It is estimated that up to a billion people in the world struggle with food insecurity (about 1 in 7 people). That is a terrible statistic to behold, especially since we have been blessed with so much.
However, there is another kind of hunger that is even more prevalent: spiritual emptiness and insecurity, and this emptiness extends from the poor to the rich and from the young to the old. Sadly, those with stomachs that are full are the very same ones where spiritual insecurity is even more pronounced. Jesus understands this, and he points his listeners to move beyond the full stomachs they had just received from feeding the 5,000. Instead, he invites them to feast on himself as the “bread of life.”
They came to Jesus for a second helping, but Jesus tells them that they missed out on the main course! The good news is that when we come to Jesus to satisfy all of our spiritual needs, we need not worry that He is going to spit us out or that He is going to throw us up. We belong to Him forever! The evidence of this is our fruit. And as we grow in grace, we increasingly hate sin and its effects on our lives. This is the process of sanctification, and the more we lean into the “I am” statements of Jesus and live for him, the less we need to worry about our salvation.
In fact, Jesus would say, “You needn't worry about it at all. Your heart belongs to me, and I will not let it go!” As we spend time talking about our eternal security this week, my prayer is that your hunger will be satisfied in Jesus, and that you would not live in fear. I look forward to seeing you either in person or online.
Over the years, I have had many conversations with people who experience doubt. For some, it is the suffering they see in the world. For others, it is the feeling that science has refuted everything religion offers, and so the Bible is nothing but fairy tales. And still, for others, it is a personal tragedy that leaves them with the nagging question: Is all of this true?
Maybe you have the same doubts from time to time (or all the time). Like Thomas, you are a realist. We just celebrated Christmas, and you know that there is no such thing as a “virgin” birth. You’ve never seen someone rise from the dead, so how is that even possible? How could a person pay for all my sins?
It’s easy to criticize Thomas for his doubts, but the truth is that many of us live with similar hesitations. After all, Jesus is no longer on earth for us to see and touch. We cannot have the same experience as the first disciples who walked with him after his resurrection. So, we need Jesus to prepare us for the challenges of skepticism and doubt in our own lives.
And that is what we hope to unpack this week as we come together in worship. Though we may not have the opportunity to feel the wounds of the cross with our own hands or to see and feel the hands of Jesus, we still have the testimony of those whose lives were changed by the Lord’s power. We still have their witness. We still have their willingness to give their lives for their faith. Surely, that says something to us!
What does John say in John 20:30-31? “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.” As we will see this week, we live in an uncertain world, and God welcomes the questions and the people with the questions. But the hope and prayer is that we will come to the same beautiful, certain confession as Thomas: “My Lord and my God!”
A new year often means a fresh start, hitting the ‘reset’ button, goal setting, and new possibilities followed by the realization that we’re a long way from Spring and it’s too cold to get out of bed. Ah, yes, the January doldrums. Know the feeling?
Well, to start 2024, we’re going back to the basics and revisiting one of Paul’s earliest writings—his letter to the Galatians. By all counts, these believers had started well in the faith only to find themselves mired in a long ‘to-do’ list of religious obligations. They needed to hear from God as they wavered between complete adequacy in Christ and their belief that their own efforts would boost their spiritual standing and bring about lasting results. Sounds a bit like our new year resolutions, doesn’t it? Paul addresses this very conundrum as only he could: Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? (Galatians 3:3).
Galatians is a message featuring many contrasts: law and grace, bondage and freedom, the Spirit and the flesh, faith and works, Hagar and Sarah. Wait. What? Yes, we will explore each of these themes as we witness the Apostle Paul’s emotional appeal to his Galatian converts. We will see that by placing their confidence in a hybrid of faith and legal observation, the believers risked forfeiting their true identity and privileges for a return to a life of bondage.
Grace, mercy, and peace,
Matthew Liethen
I hope you had a blessed Christmas celebration and are enjoying these final days of 2023. We pause at the threshold of a new year, knowing that 2024 will usher in new chapters for WEPC. Although there will be some obvious changes, much will remain unchanged. No matter what the coming months may bring, WEPC's mission to display the majesty of Christ, proclaim the hope of the gospel, and bring the joy of Jesus to our city and world will remain the same. Even more so, Our Lord's faithfulness and commitment to His people will remain firm and unshaken. I believe that God will do tremendous things here at WEPC in 2024 and beyond; I can't wait to see what He will do next!
This Sunday, I have the privilege of proclaiming God's Word to you one last time as one of your pastors. For this occasion, I have chosen Philippians 1:3-11. In these verses, Paul writes to a church that he loves dearly, celebrating what God has done in the past, praising God for their faithfulness in the present, and praying for their continued fruitfulness for Christ in the future. As you prepare for Sunday, I invite you to read these verses, reflect on what God has done in your life and in this congregation, and ask Him to continue to bring about abundant gospel fruit in your life and in this congregation. In all things--both in 2024 and beyond--to God be the glory and praise!
Are you familiar with the story of “The Christmas Truce”? It took place during the week of Christmas in 1914 as World War I raged in Europe. In various parts of the Western front, as soldiers were dug into their trenches (in some places just 30 yards apart), they could hear one another singing Christmas hymns. Amidst the shouts back and forth, an informal ceasefire was eventually decided upon, with reports of numerous British and German troops participating. On Christmas Day, soldiers gathered together in “no man’s land,” where they lit candles, sang hymns, exchanged gifts, and played soccer. For a few short hours, those soldiers experienced peace.
Tragically, that peace would not last. Shortly after the holiday celebrations ended, the hostilities resumed. The resulting fighting continued for four more years, killing and maiming millions.
As we reflect on that backdrop, we are reminded that peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is more than warm feelings or sentimentality. God’s peace - His shalom - is much richer and points to a sense of harmony and wholeness. It leads to a flourishing that can only come from the true Prince of Peace.
When the angels appeared, they proclaimed, “Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” This was not some sort of brief truce. Because of Jesus Christ, he made a way for us to be at peace with God, and he also made a way for us to experience peace with one another. While we may have to work for it, it also looks forward with hope to this promise: “Of his government and peace, there will be no end.”
As we prepare for this Christmas Eve/Day, may we be a people seeking peace - peace with God through Christ, and peace with others. May we give thanks that our “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” has come, and may we live in anticipation of the lasting peace we will experience when he comes again.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13
I thank God that I grew up in a home with a father who loved me, provided for me, corrected me, and taught me God’s will in Jesus. Not everyone has that, so when the statement of Jesus being our “Everlasting Father” arises, I understand why people may bristle. We recognize that earthly fathers fail (even my own father isn’t perfect), but we can rest assured that our God and Father never fails.
This is why we need to remember how wonderful it is to hear Isaiah’s prophecy that Jesus is the picture of a perfect father forever. Even though he did not have children of his own, he calls us his children and promises his unending, eternal care. There is nothing temporary or passing about his steadfast love and abiding faithfulness.
As we continue with our sermon series called Christmas Unwrapped, our hope is that we will unwrap this incredible gift of Jesus Christ and untangle the various reservations and complications people have in their minds. Jesus is coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial with God, yet he is also “Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.” What an amazing, yet incomprehensible thought! May the depth and security of the good news of Jesus embrace you this Christmas season.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
What’s in a name? This Sunday, we’ll explore the second title bestowed on the One whose advent was greatly anticipated: Mighty God.
The spiritual atmosphere of first-century Israel was thick with messianic expectation. Change was afoot, but how was God working? Would he finally deliver his people from foreign oppressors and restore the glorious Davidic kingdom? Not exactly. Instead, onto this scene strode a humble carpenter who did the ‘impossible’ routinely: He changed water into wine, restored the lame and blind, fed the multitudes, and raised the dead.
John’s gospel declares that these ‘signs’ authenticated Jesus as Israel’s long-sought Messiah, the Mighty God of Isaiah 9:6. These snapshots from his earthly ministry should lead everyone to ponder, “Who but God could display such power over the natural order?”
In this advent season, let us rediscover and celebrate anew our Lord’s multifaceted glory. As we approach the manger to behold the helpless babe, may our hearts know that we worship the promised Mighty God.
Grace and peace,
Matthew Liethen
When you speak with counselors, they will often tell you that they are a guide and that a guide cannot lead someone where they do not want to go. If a person does not want to seek health and wholeness, then the counselor’s words and advice will only fall on deaf ears. As people say, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make them drink.”
As parents and friends, we experience the same thing. When our children experience pain, they often turn to us. As a friend to others, people may come to us seeking advice. In those moments, we seek to listen and offer words of wisdom. We attempt to offer a helpful perspective and guide their thinking.
Yet what do we realize? A counselor's wisdom is limited, and they may not always be available! As parents and as friends, we know that we do not know all the answers, nor can we always see and understand the whole situation. We may not listen as well as we should, and we can let our own opinions cloud our judgment.
This is why we need a “Wonderful Counselor” like Jesus. In His divinity, He is all knowing. In his humanity, He understands. Colossians 2:2-3 says, “...In order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
As we begin a new sermon series together this week that looks at Isaiah 9:6-7, what we hope to remind ourselves of is that fact that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. We can come to Him for direction and counsel. We can talk to him honestly, and humbly seek His guidance. However, we must desire to listen to His Word, knowing that all the treasures of divine wisdom and knowledge are found in Him.
This week, we reach the conclusion of our sermon series on “The Abundant Life” of discipleship. Each week, we have seen what it means to be people who “Gather,” who “Grow,” who “Give,” and who “Go.” This past week, we talked about how we can give thanks for the time, talents, and treasure that God has given to each of us. We also spoke about how we are to use those gifts to bless others.
It seems appropriate, then, that we would talk this week about “Going” into our community and world to share those gifts. I give thanks that WEPC is a church that seeks to “go,” and we do it both locally and globally. This has been on display through our giving towards Operation Christmas Child, through our Wednesday night ministry, and through our local and global mission partners. However, I am also reminded of our desire to “go” when I hear the stories of you answering the challenge to bless others with gift cards, prayer, and random acts of kindness. In fact, in this week’s service, we’re going to hear many stories and testimonies of how God is blessing us to bless others!
In the world, we sometimes hear the phrase, “How to win friends and influence people.” This statement seems to be the main point of this passage at first glance. In what might be considered the most confounding words Jesus ever utters, he says, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9)
What?! Is that the model? Give somebody else’s wealth away in order to win friends and get into heaven?! Is Jesus really making a dishonest person the hero of the story?
There is far too much to unpack in a quick newsletter article (which is a great teaser to say, “Don't forget to come on out or tune in Sunday morning.”); however, there is a principle that we can learn: We need to be wise with the wealth with which we are entrusted. When we bless others for the sake of God’s kingdom, we store up treasures in heaven.
That doesn't mean God loves dishonest gain in order to give that away. Rather, we are reminded that giving makes us wise and pleases God, who holds all wealth in his hands. Afterall, the pursuit of earthly riches and the values of the things of this world cannot last; they eventually rot and come to nothing. Jesus reminds us, “You cannot serve both God and money."
Which one are you serving?
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
During this fall season, our minds often turn to harvest, to bounty, and to Thanksgiving. It is not a season where we think of putting down roots that grow; we save that for spring. Yet Paul reminds us that when we allow our roots to be grounded in Christ and grow in the things we have been taught, we will grow up with lives of overflow and thankfulness.
Though Paul doesn’t refer specifically to trees as he writes to the Colossians, the imagery of being rooted in Christ points to the stability and nourishment that comes from having a life like a tree or a plant. The roots lead to living a life that is being built up, that is strong, and overflowing with the fruit of gratitude.
As we learned last week, our worship “gatherings” function as a wonderful place to receive rich nutrients. However, that is just one place where we grow. As we will see this week, we also “grow” when we invest in missional communities, small groups, and growth groups. Those may be different names for the same thing, but they remind us that our lives are to be deeply rooted in Christ so that we may stand firm and bear much fruit. It's the roots that allow us to build!
As we look to the future, may God continue to grow good things in and through us.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
Last Sunday, Pastor Aaron challenged us to live as God's people on mission for Him in our daily lives. But how do we get there? What does it mean to be a community on mission together as we seek to gather, grow, give, and go forth in the love of Christ?
During November, our services will be oriented around the theme of "The Abundant Life," which is found as we live together as God's family. Each Sunday, we will look at a particular aspect of our Kingdom life. We will begin this week by focusing on God's call for us to gather together in love. As we will see, this is foundational to our other callings to grow, give, and go as followers of Jesus.
I invite you to read Acts 2:42-47. How does this passage describe the gatherings of these early believers? What is similar to our gatherings today? What is different? I encourage you to reflect on this text and ask the Lord to give you a greater longing and deeper delight in gathering with the family of God.
“Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
The life of following Christ is not just about “me, me, me.” The gospels challenge us repeatedly to devote our lives to living for others. Jesus equates serving others with serving God.
All too often, though, our lives become consumed by our own plans. Our schedules may be filled with important, honorable things to do. Yet, we often risk focusing only on our own plans and missing out on the opportunities God gives us to make room for others in life.
Matthew repeatedly stresses that if we love God, we will inevitably love others. In fact, if we don’t love others, our love for God is in question. Love in action is not just for the people closest to us but also for people who are marginalized, suffering, and in need. When we care for such people, we are showing our love for Jesus.
For many of us, the thought of showing hospitality tends toward shared time with friends and family. But do we consider hospitality as an active expression of our faith? The Bible calls us to “welcome the stranger” and “practice hospitality.” More than making room, hospitality calls for Christians to be ready even for the unexpected. While our deeds of compassion and mercy are not how we enter God’s kingdom, they show that we are part of God’s family.
…But now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-9
As we start a new two-week sermon series on the invitation to live our life on mission, we are going to see this consistent call to live as light in a world full of darkness. While we once lived in darkness; now that we are children of light, we are called to be light and to serve as a witness to the living Christ.
Sometimes we mistakenly think that witnessing to our faith means only knocking on doors or traveling to faraway lands to talk about the love of Jesus. In reality, shining the light of Christ’s love can happen in our everyday lives all of the time. It happens when we recognize we are new creations in Christ. Centered in gratitude for what Christ has done for us, we are empowered to love and respect the great variety of people God brings into contact with us.
I can remember a number of years ago being in a church consistory/session meeting where the Senior Pastor verbally belittled and berated the Associate Pastor, even though he wasn’t there to speak for himself. I remember the room feeling uncomfortable, and saying later to that pastor, “I felt uneasy that we were talking about a coworker in this way without him being present to defend himself.” I only received a lot of excuses for why he did so.
However, I still believe that living as children of light means that we must live differently. I also believe that it means we must shine light whenever darkness presses in. Since we are called to make the most of every opportunity, every day is ripe with new opportunities to show and share Christ’s love through our lives. May we do so in thought, word, and deed.
Actually...Did you know that our current sermon series will be coming to a close this Sunday? This week, we will consider one final teaching not found in the Bible: the notion that when a person passes away, it is because "Heaven must have needed another angel."Most of us have probably encountered this idea before. During times of mourning or loss, it is comforting to think of our loved ones as being joyful and radiant in the presence of God. For understandable reasons, many have taken this a step further and envisioned their loved ones becoming the most glorious kind of created being we can imagine, an angel.While this thought process is understandable, it is not biblical. Scripture consistently presents angels and humans as two distinctly different creatures; nowhere in the Bible do the lines blur. Moreover, as we will discover on Sunday, the Bible offers us an even greater hope. Those who die in the Lord enjoy His presence now, and at His return, we will be raised with glorious, imperishable bodies. We will be (for the first time) truly human, set free from the shackles of sin to glorify and enjoy God forever in a new creation.I invite you to read Revelation 21:1-5 and prayerfully allow your imagination to revel in these words.
"It is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” Mark 7:15
After a day of playing outside, my parents always reminded me when it was time to come inside for dinner, “Don’t forget to wash your hands before you sit down. And use soap!” they would say. The desire for cleanliness has stuck with me, and I still squirm when I see someone in the public restroom bypass washing their hands after using the facilities.
Germs are a thing!
In the Bible, the Pharisees also carefully washed their hands before eating. However, in those days, the focus wasn’t as much about germs; their handwashing laws had to do with spiritual holiness. So when they asked why Jesus’ disciples didn’t wash, it wasn’t about hygiene; they were looking for a way to criticize Jesus as if to say He and his disciples were not spiritually holy.
Jesus used that opportunity to teach them that spiritual impurity isn’t about what is on our hands or what goes through our digestive system. He reminded them that spiritual impurity comes from our sinful hearts. Handwashing could not remove greed, deceit, sexual immorality, hatred, etc.
We can try to obey all the regulations, cultural values, and expected behaviors in our society—most of which are for the good of everyone. In addition, we can believe all the right doctrines and try to live pure lives—which is even more important. But none of that will cleanse our hearts. Only the renovating, cleansing work of Jesus in our hearts can bring about true cleanliness!
“But godliness with contentment is great gain…For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:6, 10)
Have you ever sat back after a good meal with a groan and a sigh? The meal was so good - and you are so full - that you cannot possibly eat any more. You might even say that you’re stuffed or cannot possibly eat another thing. Yet we know that even after a full meal, we will soon get hungry again. Other times, even if our stomach is full, our eyes may desire more.
The same is true with our finances. Some people think that financial fullness is where we should rest. Other people think God will always bless you physically if God loves you. Others live with a scarcity mindset, thinking that that is how to honor God. And still others have a covetous heart towards people with financial means.
These various views will often lead people to quote from the Bible by saying, “Money is the root of evil.” However, as we will discover this week, that is a misquote on multiple levels. First of all, Paul states that “the love of money…” This is the starting place of trouble. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” It’s only when we return the love of the One who first loved us that we are satisfied.
But second, Paul also says that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Money isn’t the root, but it is a root. A desire for power and sex can also be roots that lead to evil. In addition, the love of it can lead to all kinds of evil. Money is a medium of exchange, and it can lead to good things and bad things.
The issue is that though we may love money, money cannot love us back. Money cannot satisfy us. And money cannot buy God’s love for us or satisfy our desires. Only God can! By keeping money in its proper place and learning the spirit of contentment, we can find true satisfaction.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t be so earthly-minded that you’re no heavenly good?” How about the reverse? “Don’t be so heavenly-minded that you’re no earthly good?” Or, have you ever heard people use phrases like, “This world is not my home; I’m just passing through” or, “Be in the world, not of the world?”
The reality is that Christians are described in a number of ways and instructed to live in a number of ways. We are to live differently from the world, yet we are also called to be salt and light amongst the world. We look forward to the kingdom that is coming, but we are also called to grow God’s kingdom here on earth. We are called forgiven sinners, adopted sons and daughters, and beloved members of the body of Christ. All of these are key aspects of who we are in Christ.
But according to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, one of our most important identities is as “sent people.” Just as Jesus was sent into the world to show God’s love, He now sends us to do the same. Jesus often spoke of heaven, but He also spoke of God’s kingdom in our world. The mission He entrusted to His followers was not about pining for heaven but about making disciples and growing God’s kingdom.
So how are we to live? As a sent people! In John 17:18, Jesus said, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” The good news is that He prays for us as Jesus sends us into the world! We don’t go alone!
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” -Colossians 3:9-10I just love when you put fresh sheets or a new set of sheets on the bed. There is something about having everything be tight and tidy as you put your feet in for the first time. There’s also the fresh smell. And for some of us, perhaps there’s the sense that “I should really do this more often.”That sense of looking and feeling new is exactly what this verse is talking about. It starts in a rather ordinary way. “Don’t lie to one another.” That’s plain enough. We taught this to our children when they said, “I didn’t do it,” but it’s clear they did when chocolate was on their mouths and the cookie jar lid was halfway off. We know it’s wrong to lie, but we do it anyway.But look closer at why we’re not supposed to lie to one another. It’s because we’ve “put off the old self” and “put on the new self.” In Christ, we’ve got a new look; we’re new people. We’ve got fresh sheets, and we get to start all over.What’s the key? Is it just being true to our old selves? Is it just wearing our old clothes? Is it just sleeping in the same sheets forever? No, we are told that the most important thing is to be “renewed” in the “image of our Creator.”As we grow to know him better, we become more and more like our truest self, the person we were always meant to be, fresh and clean.
How many of us have ever been in a discussion where we have heard someone say something along the lines of, “Sure, I'm not perfect, but God loves and accepts me just the way I am”? Or, “God will never love you less than He does right now”? Ironically, variations of those themes might be something we have shared with others as a form of comfort.
Taken at face value, they are true statements. John 3:16 and 1 John 4:7-12 remind us, “God so loved us,” and “God is love.” Of course, if that were the whole story, that would fall drastically short. If we were to read the rest of the verses, we’d find that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Or “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10)
If all we do is take the first part of those verses, all we hear is, "Because God is love, He loves us just the way we are.” However, in doing so, we miss the second part, which is equally as important (if not moreso). God’s love extends to us as sinners in need of a Savior. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). That is true love!
For any of us (or anyone we know) who is like the Prodigal son, all of our running and rejecting doesn’t stop our Father from loving us. When we come to our senses and come back, our loving Father is scanning the horizon and running to us. Why? Because God loves us!
Have you ever experienced analysis paralysis? I usually find myself in this situation when I play a board game, especially when facing a tough opponent who will exploit any mistake I make. Out of a well-intentioned desire to avoid committing blunders of colossal proportions, I attempt to consider any possible outcome of every possible move I could make. However, this usually means that I overanalyze the situation and take too long to complete my turn.
Most of us, at one time or another, have probably felt overwhelmed by decisions we need to make or by challenging situations that we face in our lives. In those moments--especially when there is more at stake than just winning or losing a board game--we can feel tremendous pressure to succeed...or at least to avoid making a total mess of the situation. This is probably how King Solomon felt when he succeeded his father, David, as king of Israel. Yet, as Scripture tells us, God met Solomon in his time of need and provided him abundantly more than he asked for or imagined.
I invite you to read 1 Kings 3:1-15. In what areas have you, like Solomon, perceived a need for greater wisdom? How might God grant you the wisdom and strength to handle difficult situations faithfully?
We serve a generous God who delights in wisdom and is eager to lead us to greater depths of wisdom and delight as we follow Him. Even when we feel stuck by decisions or challenges in front of us, He stands ready to guide us and walk with us as we take each new step of faith.
Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.” John 7:16
Over the years, I have experimented with different kinds of diets. The most recent one was Keto. The idea is that you cut out all sugar and carbs, making your body burn fat instead of storing it.
This diet (and others like it) has been endorsed by a number of celebrities, bloggers, and social media influencers who have found success losing weight or improving their athletic performance. And initially, when I tried the diet, I also found success. However, I developed a known side-effect - an irregular heartbeat.
Now, since I already have an occasionally irregular heartbeat, I thought it might just be that, so I stopped the diet. What happened? The irregular heartbeat stopped. In fact, a few months later, I tried the diet again just to be sure, and the same thing happened. Lesson learned? As much as it was working, it wasn’t for me.
Sometimes, we are tempted to treat Jesus’ voice like just another voice in the world advising us about options for our diet, finances, or productivity. But in this passage in John 7, we are reminded that Jesus actually speaks for God because his teaching is from God. That means that Jesus’ instructions are not something we can pick and choose from. Every instruction He gave aligns with how you and I were created to live. If we want to experience life as it was meant to be lived, we will find it by listening to Jesus and doing what He asks us to do.
I hope we will see both why we need a wisdom that is not our own and where that wisdom comes from. So, if you have been (or are) stuck in the decision-making process, I look forward to exploring this with you.
The more we grow in our faith, the more we can expect to encounter obstacles along the way. At times, we may even face major barriers that threaten to block our spiritual progress and cause us to feel stuck in difficult or frustrating situations. This Sunday, we will spend the second week of our new sermon series looking at a time where being stuck was both a present and a potential reality. As we open up God's Word together, we shall encounter a barrier-breaking God whose heart for His people propels Him to dislodge the obstacles in our hearts and lives that keep us away from Him.
I encourage you to read Acts 8:26-40. How do you see the Lord leading Philip and the Ethiopian official in this passage? How do each of them respond to the Lord with faith and obedience? What can this passage teach us about following Jesus today? How will you pray for the Lord to break through a specific barrier, and how can you align your actions and attitudes accordingly?
Have you ever had a moment when you’ve gotten stuck when it comes to making decisions? For some of us we’re so ready to plow ahead that we never bother to ask God for direction. For others, we are so desperate in our desire to please God that we are afraid the decisions we are making might not be in His will. For others, we have felt the crash and burn after a poor decision. In every case, these things keep us from being able to make decisions and move forward.
We live in a world that is seeking to have us make decisions based on self-fulfillment, pleasing others, and what is socially acceptable. (How’s that working out for us?!) Instead, the purpose of this new series called “Stuck” is to help us get unstuck by showing us that the best way to make wise decisions is to base it on a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, through Scripture, and through relationships with otherwise, Godly people. But how do we do that if the decision isn’t black and white or even answered specifically in Scripture?
The key is wisdom! While some decisions are simple, everyday ones with little impact on our lives, other decisions are more important. Where do we turn to help us make wise decisions? How do we tune ourselves to the heart of God?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). This is a great lens by which we can begin this discussion and will influence where we go.
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
When we conclude our worship services, we offer a benediction (word of blessing) and a sending greeting. We do not simply say, “Have a nice week.” We go from our service of worship to our everyday life of worship. In order to do that, we need God’s blessing and equipping.
What a powerful way to wrap up the book of Hebrews! In giving God’s blessing, the writer of Hebrews is also sending us out with a reminder of who is going with us.
The writer summarizes almost the entire sermon in these two short verses (though a run-on sentence for sure). “The God of peace…” (not a God of wrath and anger). “Through the blood of the eternal covenant…”(not a covenant that is passing and in need of a new one; it is eternal). “Brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus…” (death could not hold any power over the Son of God). His sacrifice was once and for all. This is the God who is sending us and equipping us.
We do not do the good that we do on our own. We need God’s help and His equipping so that what we do is pleasing to Him. We need God to equip us with “everything good for doing his will.”
By God’s grace, we do everything for God’s glory forever and ever.
It’s hard to believe that we are quickly coming to the end of our study of Hebrews; what we started back in February will now be finishing in August. While we have spent 24 weeks on it (so far), the reality is that we could spend many, many more. In fact, as we turn our attention to Hebrews 13 this week, the reality is that we could easily break this up into four or five more Sundays.
The reason for this is because the author turns his attention from deep theology to practical living, and in these verses, we see example after example of how what we believe should be reflected in how we behave:
- It should lead to loving one another.
- It should lead to greater levels of hospitality.
- It should lead to an outpouring of care and concern for those who are in prison.
- It should lead to a greater sexual purity. It should lead to a greater level of contentment and not having a love for money.
- It should lead to greater respect for our church leaders.
- It should lead to a strengthened faith that can discern truth from error.
- It should lead to greater perseverance in our faith.
- It should lead to greater praise.
- It should lead to greater prayer.
But, alas, since we won’t be doing that, we’ll bundle them together under the umbrella of a greater way to live. Perhaps verses 15-16 sum it up best: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” May these words come alive in our hearts and church this week!
In the Old Testament, it was not unusual for people to be terrified and in awe of God’s presence. For example, in Exodus 20:18-19 it says, “When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” The people were afraid because they knew they were sinful and God is holy and awesome, with power beyond imagining.
The book of Hebrews reminds us that the old covenant was built on the law, on following rules, and on fear. However, since God has established a new and eternal covenant of grace with us in Jesus Christ, we can confidently approach God's throne. As we near the end of Hebrews and study Hebrews 12, we are once again shown the difference between law and grace. We are reminded where we are running and what the destination is - not Sinai, but Zion! Not trembling, but joy! Not death, but life!
Hebrews 12:22-23 says, “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” Because of Jesus Christ, we have been given access to God in a way never thought possible during the time of Moses. May each of us run with joy towards that final destination, knowing that we are finishing our race well!
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy…” - Hebrews 12:14
As Kreuger says, a common reaction to the discipline we learned about last week is to give up - to stop running the race. In a long race, sometimes you’ll notice that a runner's gait has flattened. Instead of feet that form a more rounded elliptical motion, their feet fall closer to an oval shuffle. Other times you’ll notice as they start to tire that their arms drop.
We might not think anything of it, but these things are signs of fatigue. It’s said that the position and motion of the arms are extremely important in running in order to maintain proper body coordination and rhythm. Your arms actually help you pull through your stride, and so they are the first parts of the body to show weariness.
This is no different in the Christian walk. Sometimes we get tired. Sometimes we get weary. Sometimes we get tired and weary of each other. This is why the pursuit of personal holiness is hard work, and which is why we need to be strengthened daily. The temptation is always there to trade the spiritual things for the earthly things, but if we do so, we will end up sharing in the tears of Esau. A lack of holiness leads to sin that separates us from God & one another, and makes us poor witnesses and a stumbling block to others.
This means that the call to the pursuit of peace and holiness is also a call to commitment. People who are at peace with God are responsible to pursue peace in their relationships with others. When we do so by loving others and seeking peace, others will see a reflection of God’s glory. May we be a people who live in His peace and put aside bitterness and hate.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” - Hebrews 12:10
I can remember times when our children were young when we had to steer them away from disaster. Our first house (parsonage) was on a busy 4-lane road with dangerous traffic, and when they played in the yard or rode their bikes, we had to give them strict instructions about where they needed to stop. Most of the time, they listened well and paid attention; but sometimes, they did not.
In those moments, we sprung into action to save them from harm. In the following moments, things were said, assurances made, and punishments administered. Perhaps there were even times when what I said sounded severe, even if I was not angry or vindictive. In the end, the prayer is that our children would understand that we were trying to protect them and they would grow into wise young men and women.
It is hard to be disciplined, even when we know we deserve it. Discipline is embarrassing and humiliating. None of us like to admit wrong—even when we know we are. But discipline is intended to make us better people. Parents discipline children; employers exert discipline on employees; coaches require discipline to win; and God demands discipline to shape people into his disciples.
Our verse says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” It is not fun to be set in the corner, sent to the principal’s office, put in jail, reprimanded by a superior at work, scolded by the coach, or, most of all, chastised by God.
The Bible is right: discipline is painful. But, thanks be to God, discipline also brings righteousness and peace. It makes us seek the Savior, Jesus. May we seek that Savior as we gather together for worship this week.
Dear Presby Family,
After last week's survey of the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith, this Sunday we will look at the well-known opening verses of Hebrews 12. How should the lives of past heroes of the faith inform our lives today? According to the author of Hebrews, their examples can motivate us to persevere as we run the race of faith. To run this race well, we need to cast off the things that slow us down and fix our eyes on Jesus. Because He has triumphed in His race, He gives us strength to endure as we follow in His ways.
I invite you to read Hebrews 12:1-3 and reflect on these verses. When you think of the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before you, who comes to your mind as someone God has used to encourage you in your faith? How would you describe the race God has called you to run? What might you need to cast off in order to persevere in the race? Ask Jesus to help you fix your eyes upon Him as you keep running the race He has marked out for you.
Pastor Andrew
Last week in Hebrews chapter 10, we learned the importance of encouraging one another to persevere and hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering and with confidence. Near the end of chapter 10, the author of Hebrews quotes Habakkuk, saying, “my righteous one will live by faith.” This week we will be considering what it means to live by faith.
Hebrews chapter 11 has been called the “Hall of Faith” and “God’s Hall of Fame.” We read about numerous people from the Old Testament, most of whom we are familiar with, who are commended for living by their faith. But this chapter is about the object of our faith and what we do because of our faith. It shows us what it looks like to trust in God.
You’ve probably heard someone say that what is important isn’t so much how much faith you have as it is who or what you’re placing your trust in. The people presented in Hebrews 11 trusted, or hoped, in God, even though they were experiencing all kinds of struggles and trials.
I encourage you to read Hebrews chapter 11. Ask God to show you the characteristics and actions that are being commended in these people. You may want to return to the Old Testament to read more about their lives. Ask God to help you assess your faith in Him and in His Word.
What might be said about you? By faith . . .
Hebrews 10:19-39 is a section of scripture filled with numerous twists and turns, so much so that you wonder where to place the focus. Should it be the familiar verses of 19-25? Should it be the call to live differently now that we know who Christ is in verses 26-31? Or should it be the call to persevere in verses 32-39? On the one hand, we could take each section on its own and extend our sermon series out even further. On the other hand, we could take them all together and connect them to the cleansing work of Jesus’ blood that we learned about last week.
What happens when believers gather together in worship and “draw near to God?” We hear the call to live differently, to turn from our sins, and to persevere. This is why worshiping together is so important and why we should encourage each other by doing it regularly.
Assurance leads to perseverance. Since we know that Christ is the victor over all that is wrong with the world, we can boldly follow His invitation to follow him. That same assurance also leads us to persevere when we face hardship or temptation, lean on others when we do, and still find joy in the midst of difficulty.
Again, this is why we need one another. This is why Christians aren’t meant to live in isolation. We need one another for encouragement. We need one another for perseverance. We need one another to help us run from the sin that so easily entangles us. And we need one another to remind us of the assurance we have in Jesus Christ. May God grant us strength to press into these things this week and to not shrink back. Why? Because we have faith and a blessed assurance in Christ.
“We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” - Hebrews 10:10
The Bible tells us that Jesus drew his final breath at three o’clock in the afternoon (Luke 23:44-46). While this may not seem significant to us, it would have been an important time in Jerusalem. Why? Because it was the time of the afternoon sacrifice. AND because it was during Passover week, Passover lambs would have been sacrificed at the Temple at that time.
It was customary also for the priest to blow a shofar at the time of the sacrifice, which was a ram’s horn. So picture that scene: Around the same time that Jesus took his last breath, the shofar could be heard. At the sound of the horn, people would stop what they were doing and fall silent for a few moments. And in that time of silence, Jesus died.
As the Passover lambs were sacrificed in the Temple, the Lamb of God was sacrificed on the cross. In God’s plan, never again would an afternoon sacrifice be needed. This was just as John the Baptist had prophesied: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Through Jesus’ one sacrifice, all who believe are forgiven and made holy forever.
To make sure Jesus was dead, a soldier jammed his spear into Jesus’ side, “bringing a sudden flow of blood and water” (John 19:34). That blood was the blood of forgiveness for you and me—and for all who trust in Christ alone for their salvation. What was a shadow before had now been revealed.
This section of scripture is both the exclamation point and the bridge. It is the exclamation point to everything we have covered with this incredibly deep theology, and it is the bridge to how we are to live as a result (the practical side that we will begin talking about next week). My prayer is that God will grant us the strength to press into these things. Why? Because Christ’s sacrifice is better, it moves us to worship and live differently.
“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” - Hebrews 9:14
Now that the weather has become warmer and we’re working outside, it’s easy to get sweaty. We have lots of memories of saying to our kids, “Why don’t you jump in the shower and quickly rinse off.” But most of the time, after having been outside running or working for hours, they (we) need much more than just a quick rinse…We need a deep-cleaning shower!
As we continue in our study of Hebrews 9 this week, we will discover that the old covenant laws of cleansing after a time of getting spiritually dirty provided just a quick rinse; it wasn’t a deep-down cleaning. Our passage will remind us that people needed to be fully cleansed from lives of sin, something which the blood of bulls and goats could never do.
The Old Testament law included ceremonial practices of washing to be clean. But the cleaning was never complete. People would get dirty again. What the old laws pointed to was someone who could provide a full, deep cleaning, someone who lived a life that was unblemished by sin. That someone is Jesus Christ, whose death for our sake provided purification once and for all. He is the mediator of a new and better covenant.
May we experience the life-changing, life-giving work of Jesus Christ, who cleanses us and makes atonement for our sins. May that knowledge move us to become “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” And may it cause us to live in anticipation of his second return, “Not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Heb. 9:28)
We are definitely in the thick of the message of Hebrews now. For the last several weeks, we have been working our way deeper and deeper into its mysteries, uncovering the rich truth that Jesus is our great High Priest. There's a good chance you have read or heard the name "Melchizedek" more in the last month than in the rest of your life combined!
Just in case we're tempted to think that we have exhausted all that the author of Hebrews has to say about how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament priesthood, the author goes even further in chapter 9. As we will discover on Sunday, Jesus is not only the perfect priest but the perfect Tabernacle. Jesus, through His finished work on the cross, has become the crossroads where a holy God and unholy people are brought together.
I encourage you to read Hebrews 9:1-14. As you pray and reflect on these verses, ask God to give you a greater awareness of His holiness and your need for Him. Thank Him for His cleansing and renewing power in your life. Ask Him to continue to make you more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
Years ago, a TV game show called “Let’s Make A Deal” asked contestants to make a series of choices in hopes of ending up with the best possible prize. Over and over, contestants had to decide: Do I want to keep what’s in the box? Or do I want to trade it for the prize behind Door Number 2? Or should I take the cash in the host’s hand?
Audience members dressed in crazy outfits tried to grab the host’s attention. Everybody wanted a chance to participate and have a shot at winning. Some even drove away in a new car.
In Hebrews chapter 8, we find much the same. High priests are dressed in ornate outfits, with every piece having meaning. They participated in mediating between God and the people, and they offered gifts and sacrifices to make atonement for the people's sins. Though, in truth, I can’t imagine anyone driving away in a new chariot!
However, the author Hebrews seems to say God has a better deal. You can see clearly what is in your hand with the temple priests and practices, and you don’t have to guess what’s behind Door Number 2. God says that the new and better plan is Jesus! Verse 6 says, “But in fact, the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one since the new covenant is established on better promises.”
What the rest of the chapter reminds us of, however, is how this was always a part of God’s plan. God always intended this better “deal,” this new covenant in Jesus. As a result, nobody has to be excluded or lose; we all are allowed the opportunity to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. As we gather together for worship this week in person or online, may we all give thanks for the greatest prize of all - Jesus!
As many of you know, from time to time, I get involved in different DIY home projects. One thing I enjoy about them is that at the end of the day, you can see that you've finished something. However, that’s not the way it always works. There are far too many projects around our house that are only 90-95% percent finished. Shower doors, painting, and trim work are all things that come to mind. The bulk of the work gets finished, and then due to different circumstances (next project that must get done, time, or finances), I move on to the next thing.Experiences like these can sometimes burden us with regrets or tire us with the “tyranny of the urgent/unfinished.” But we must remember that when God is at work, He finishes it completely. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them.”Yes, we sometimes have to wait for God to finish his “Yes and Amen” promises when we go to Him in prayer. But when it comes to the saving work of Jesus Christ, it is done. It is finished. The writer of Hebrews reminds us there is only One who can guarantee that the whole task will be completed. Jesus is the One who “is able to save completely.” We tire and retire from our projects, but Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us!May we give thanks to the true Finisher and Completer. It is Jesus who gave Himself for us “once and for all.” It is Jesus by whom we can draw near to God. And it is Jesus who is perfect forever. With thanksgiving, we can come to Him and experience His salvation and the promised perfection of heaven.
“The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” -Psalm 110:4
You might not have ever thought about it before, but we rely on shadows across many different areas of life. Scientifically, shadows were important in history because they provided early evidence that light traveled in straight lines. Compositionally, shadows add depth and meaning to an image; they create a mood. Artistically, actors use shadow puppets to tell a story. Meteorgically, Punxsutawney Phil uses shadows to determine if there will be more winter or not (OK, so that last one is a stretch...).
The thing about shadows is that they are a representation or a likeness of the real thing, but they are not the real thing. They may tell you what the real thing is like, or they may give you a general outline; but you would never settle for a shadow over the actual thing. I can’t hug or kiss a shadow, but I can with my wife and children.
So it is with our passage in Hebrews 7:1-10. Throughout Hebrews, we get these shadows - angels, human beings, Moses, Abraham, high priests, and Melchizedek. All of them are wonderful pictures and representations - shadows - of something better that was to come. Why would anyone settle for the old covenants and sacrificial systems when God replaced it with something far better?
The author of Hebrews now arrives at the central theme of his sermon, and Hebrews 7 begins the longest single expository section based on Genesis 14:17-20 and Psalm 110:4. What is the point? To drive home the fact that Melchizedek's priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood of Aaron...And that Jesus was superior to Melchizedek. In other words, Jesus over everything!
I pray that that knowledge continues to be an anchor for your souls. Because Jesus is our righteousness and peace, we have access to God. Because Jesus is greater, we never have to settle for a shadow!
“We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” - Hebrews 6:18-19
The writer of Hebrews uses the image of an anchor to describe the confident hope we can have in God. If you have ever been walking by the shore or lake in the summer, you are used to seeing boats bob up and down in the water or calmly drift while the occupants fish or lounge in the sunshine. Regardless of the wind, waves, or current, without an anchor, nothing can keep it in place. The anchor keeps the boat from drifting off in any direction.
No wonder Hebrews calls hope “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Just as an anchor holds a boat, so hope holds our souls. But did you ever think about this? An anchor without a rope or chain is useless. The anchor cannot serve its purpose unless the boat is tied to the anchor.
So it is with us. Without a hope that is tied to Jesus, we will not be secure. Without faith, we will drift.
Hebrews 6 explores this idea by first telling us about Abraham. It reminds us that God promised Abraham land and descendants, yet Abraham faced many threats to those promises. Thankfully, he held onto those promises, and God showed Himself to be faithful. The second example is that of Jesus. Jesus is our “forerunner,” who ran ahead of us. Yet only Jesus ran through death and returned to life. Because he did, we can be assured that God will also give us new life after death.
Our prayer is that when the waters of life get rough or when we can’t see the shore, that confident hope in Jesus will serve as the anchor for our souls.
Let’s be honest: It’s easy to become spiritually sluggish. After all, it takes energy to stay the course. My guess is that Paul understood this. In Colossians 1:9-11 he says, “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have
great endurance and patience....”
Just as Pastor Andrew reminded us that we need to continue to grow and mature and crave pure, spiritual food, we need to continually ask God to fill us with knowledge of His will to avoid spiritual drift. Sadly, many of us find it easy to become lazy in the affairs of the soul. We skip our prayers, slide through worship, and don’t make regular Bible reading a habit. We have things happen to us, and we experience the pain of the choices we (or others make), and it causes us to question.
Taken to its extreme, this sluggishness might lead to thoughts like, “Do I believe these things anymore?” Have I matured enough and done enough work that God could save me?” “Am I even a Christian?”
While Hebrews 6 warns us about spiritual drift, it is actually filled with hope. It is never too late to hear God’s call to return and to remember that God is present and faithful. God is a promise-keeper, and His promises to save and bring us to glory are guaranteed in Christ.
If someone calls you a "milk drinker," they probably don't intend it as a compliment.
The author of Hebrews certainly wasn't trying to compliment the spiritual condition of his listeners when he compared them to children who were not ready for solid food. To be fair, he probably didn't intend to insult them, either. Instead, he wanted to send them a clear warning that their lack of knowledge was a sign that they were in spiritual danger. Likening them to spiritual milk drinkers probably got their attention! Even though Jesus commended a faith that is childlike in its sincerity, wonder, and trust, He does not want us to remain in a state of perpetual immaturity when it comes to our knowledge of spiritual matters or our readiness to serve Him. Living the life He desires for us requires the strength and maturity that comes from eating solid food. If we never move past spiritual milk, we will be unprepared for the demands of authentic discipleship. Just as we may hear people say, "You are what you eat," to encourage a healthy diet, our passage this Sunday reminds us that what we feed upon spiritually determines what kind of people we will become.
I invite you to read Hebrews 5:11-6:3 and think about the difference between those who drink spiritual milk and those who eat solid food. Ask Jesus to show you areas in your life where He would like to wean you onto a richer and more sustaining relationship with Him.
Priests were God’s chosen servants; they served as mediators between God and his people. They worked in the temple, praying for the people and bringing their sacrifices to God. They offered sacrifices on behalf of the people to make atonement for their sins. And only the high priest was allowed to enter the most holy place to stand before God. Earlier in Hebrews, Jesus is referred to as the “faithful high priest.” In chapter 4, he is called the “great high priest.” This means he is actually the greatest of all high priests. He is the one true High Priest. Jesus is the greatest because, unlike all the others, he “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Because he is sinless and perfect, he is able to stand before God as the one who can make atonement for our sins. Because of his perfect life, Jesus’ atonement for our sins is real and lasting. For this reason, we do not need to be afraid to enter God’s presence; in fact, we can have “confidence” when we approach God. We can be confident that we will “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” As we gather together this Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are reminded that we no longer have to be afraid to approach God. Instead, we can approach him confidently, knowing that even though we cannot do this in our own strength, we can do it through Jesus, the great High Priest. So may we worship together with great joy and assurance, and may we enthusiastically invite others to share in that joy!
A few weeks ago, we talked about paying attention, so we don’t drift away. Like the warning signs that tell us of the dangers of a riptide, we need to pay attention so that it doesn’t lead to severe injury or death. The problem is that, sometimes, we get so used to seeing the warnings that we begin to ignore them. When that happens, disaster is right around the corner.
That was the issue for the people of Israel. The writer of Hebrews gives us a warning sign by telling us about the history of when Israel was wandering in the desert and when they rebelled against God. “Do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing…” (Hebrews 3:8). Because they hardened their hearts, an entire generation couldn’t enter the Promised Land.
We would do well to learn from the mistakes of others.
There is no doubt that spiritually, times are difficult. It is not easy to be a Christian in our culture. Yet we must also remember that “easy” spiritually has its own pitfalls - our faith can become atrophied and weak. Testing can be good as it can strengthen our faith, but when we face trials, we must seek to avoid a heart that grumbles against God.
How do we combat this and walk in faithfulness? A critical lesson in Hebrews 3 is that by staying in community with each other, we can encourage one another in our walk with God. Scripture gives us this recipe: love, encourage, and pray for one another. By doing so, and in God’s amazing grace, the Holy Spirit uses these acts of mutual care to see us press on in our faith.
This weekend we’ll explore how the author of Hebrews compares Jesus and Moses. In this epistle’s first few verses, Jesus is shown to be supreme over the entire cosmos, and then the scope of comparison narrows to celestial beings, humanity, and to Moses himself.
Touting Jesus as worthier of greater honor than Moses was a bold claim in the first century. Moses had always been revered as God’s chief representative. A larger-than-life figure administered the divine law and led the entire nation out of its centuries-long bondage in Egypt. Even Israel’s neighbors acknowledged that God had worked powerfully through Moses to fulfill his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In our passage, we find that Jesus and Moses are both worthy of honor, but in different respects. While one was a faithful servant within God’s house, the other remained faithful over God’s house, shepherding his people into spiritual abundance.
As this empowering message unfolds, we will see that everything Moses presided over had always been intended to point toward the advent of our Savior—the “great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb. 13:20)—and to his life-giving ministry.
In case you haven't noticed, Jesus is pretty amazing. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews seems to think so, too, since he has much to say about who Jesus is. As we have seen in the last few weeks, Hebrews exuberantly proclaims that Jesus is supreme over everything.
That implies, of course, that He is supreme over all of humanity. However, as we'll discover in Hebrews 2, Jesus is not only supreme overhumanity. He is supreme inhumanity. In other words, He is the supreme human. This week we will discover why that is astoundingly Good News.
I invite you to read Hebrews 2:5-18. What do these verses tell you about Jesus? What do they tell you about what it means to be human? How does the fact that Jesus became truly human for us eternally makes a difference in our lives? How can the supreme humanity of Christ make a difference in your life today?
What is the purpose of a level? It’s a tool filled with a liquid and an air bubble where the bubble's position reveals whether a surface is perfectly “level” or “plumb.” From carpenters to engineers to weekend warriors hanging pictures, we use them to ensure the work is straight (or level). Interestingly, although we may be off a fraction of a degree initially and not notice, we would be vastly far from the plumb line if that line were carried out a great distance.
Hebrews 2:1 says, “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” In other words, if our level is Jesus Christ and the written word of God (the things we learned in Hebrews chapter 1), then we should do our best to live for Jesus according to His standards in Scripture. To do anything less leads to drifting.
Drifting begins by asking, “Did the Bible really mean that when it says that?” “Can I take out the parts that I don’t like?” “Is Jesus really who He says (and Scripture says) He is?” Once you arrive at the place where Jesus Christ and the Word of God are no longer your plumb line, what else remains as your level? You! Society!
The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that this leads to a life that has drifted far away from God, and the warning given is one of punishment.
As we continue our journey through Hebrews, we will be challenged this week to continue walking with Jesus day by day. If we don’t, and if we’re not growing, the writer raises the question: Have we ever really begun the Christian life? He leaves the question hanging in the air, which can seem so haunting: “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (2:3) May the Lord help us pay attention and grow up in our faith.
This episode will explore question 14 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Mary Morton, and Caleb Warner
The fourteenth question in the New City Catechism is: Did God Create Us Unable To Keep His Law?
The answer is: No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature, and unable to keep God's law.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is Romans 5:12, which says,
"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—"
In C.S. Lewis’ work Mere Christianity, he uses a word that we don’t often use in modern English yet is often heard in Christian circles: “beget.” He says, “To beget is to become the father of, to create is to make. And the difference is this. When you beget, you beget something of the same kind as yourself. A man begets human babies, a beaver begets little beavers, and a bird begets eggs which turn into little birds. But when you make, you make something of a different kind from yourself. A bird makes a nest, a beaver builds a dam, a man makes a wireless set, or he may make something more like himself than a wireless set: a statue. If he is a clever enough carver, he may make a statue that is very like a man indeed. But, of course, it is not a real man; it only looks like one. It cannot breathe or think. It is not alive…Now that is the first thing to get clear. God begets is God; just as what man begets is the man.”
If I were to pick a quote that sums up Hebrews 1:4-14, that would be it. It reminds us that there is a difference between Christ and the angels - the angels were made, but the Son was begotten. This makes Jesus superior to them in every way. For the religious cults that claim that Jesus was nothing more than an angel, or the highest created angel (Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons), Hebrews 1 demolishes that theory! What do we read in Hebrews 1:5? “For to which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father’”?
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Hebrews 1:1-2
I believe that we human beings long to hear the voice of God. We hear the voices of the world around us, but we long for something more. Deep in our souls, we ache for assurance that God is real, and we want to hear from Him. But it can often seem like hearing from God is beyond our reach.
The author of Hebrews calls our attention to the variety of ways in which God speaks, and none of these require us to ascend to heaven ourselves. Certainly, we see how God spoke through prophets. God also addressed the people through His word, which was written down. In the Bible, we have the record of God’s interactions with humanity and the stories of God’s people throughout history; all of these things reveal God’s character to us.
But, ultimately, we see it in how God spoke through His Word - Jesus Christ. Jesus, who was a part of the triune God who spoke creation into existence, is also the same one who speaks at its consummation. Knowing that Jesus is the maker of all things means we can trust in him for all things. We can depend on Him as the one who cares for His creation. So when things in life seem to be out of control, we can trust in the sovereign power of Jesus as Lord over everything.
This week, as we gather together in our sanctuary, we also begin a new sermon series on the book of Hebrews. Jesus is the mind of God, and as such, what more can be said than what God has spoken to us through his Son? In him, we hear God’s voice. It doesn't require some mysterious spiritual practice or special knowledge; Jesus is the megaphone that tells us how to hear God’s voice and see His love in action here on earth.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
During the past several weeks, our worship and study of Scripture have focused on God's call for us to live in harmony with one another. As we have seen, God has a lot to say about this in His Word. His desire is that we will live more and more as a people who are united in Christ, who love one another, and who forgive each other. Yet, in order to do this, we first need to be brought into unity with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
As we complete our "Living Together in Harmony" sermon series this Sunday, we will focus on the foundation of all Christian unity and reconciliation, which is reconciliation with God Himself. Until we become part of God's new creation, our best efforts to achieve harmony with one another will fall short. However, God's wonderful promise to all who come to Him is that His grace overcomes our past failures, shortcomings, and brokenness, and he gives us a new start as participants in His new creation. The old has gone, and the new has come!
“When he came to his senses, he said…“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” So he got up and went to his father.” Matthew 15:17-20
Have you ever had one of those moments where you jumped to a faulty conclusion and yelled at your spouse or children for something they didn’t do? Hopefully, you also realize that you need to apologize when you realize that you hurt them. It can be an awkward moment (especially with our children), but it helps to establish trust that can last a lifetime. I believe that our relationships will be closer if we share our brokenness. There is an intimacy that comes from confession.
But let’s be honest - no one enjoys admitting they are wrong. We hope our spouse, or children, or friends will overlook our shortcomings and not call us out for our inconsistencies. We want to preserve the illusion of having our life pulled together. No one wants to say, “I was wrong, and I'm sorry!”
The problem is that we end up missing out on the blessing that follows by avoiding those painful words. When a wound is cleaned, the healing can begin; but if we live with sin festering in our lives, we miss the healing and wholeness that God has made available to us.
As we continue in our sermon series, Living Together in Harmony, we will see that confession and asking for forgiveness are key components to healing in relationships. Yet, not only does it impact how we relate to others, but it also relates to our relationship with God. We need to seek forgiveness in Jesus’ name.
This episode will explore question 13 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Steve Meulink, and Kathy Davis
The thirteenth question in the New City Catechism is: Can Anyone Keep The Law Of God perfectly?
The answer is: Since the fall, no mere human has been able to keep The Law of God perfectly, but consistently breaks it in thought, word, and deed.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is Romans 3:10-12, which says,
"None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?’” Matthew 18:21
The story in this parable seems almost impossible to imagine. Why would anyone who has just been forgiven a million-dollar debt refuse to forgive a debt of a few dollars? It doesn’t make sense.
Consider, though, how hard it can be to forgive others. How long have we held a grudge against someone, even for a simple mistake? Or how about refusing to forgive someone for saying something that hurt you—perhaps so long ago that you can’t remember what they said? Or maybe the offense was more serious. Perhaps a spouse betrayed you, a coworker lied and got you fired, a parent abused you, or a bully made your life miserable.
Only the grace of God makes it possible to forgive people who sin against us. Only when we begin to realize how much God has forgiven us in Christ can we learn to forgive. We forgive, not SO THAT we will be forgiven. This isn’t a quid pro quo. We forgive BECAUSE we have been forgiven. We can’t earn our forgiveness, but how we live shows how much we are open to being changed by the Lord’s grace.
As we continue our sermon series on “Living Together in Harmony,” we’ll examine how forgiveness fosters freedom in our relationships. How many of us long to experience that in life? So let’s look forward with great joy to the opportunity to worship together, learn together, and fellowship together over a delicious meal. Be blessed this week!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28
Because of the size of our family, flying to destinations and renting a car isn’t always an option for us. Our default is usually to hop in the car and make a road trip out of it. Sometimes we’ll drive straight through the night. Other times we’ll get a hotel. And, occasionally, we’ll pull into a rest stop to sleep for an hour or two.
While there is some debate about the introduction of the first rest stop, “safety rest areas” were constructed as part of the U.S. interstate highway system that was created in 1956. They were envisioned as off-road respites where motorists could take a break. They were easy to access and offered clean bathrooms, drinking water, and picnic grounds.
While many gas stations and fast food restaurants have popped up off exits today, imagine a time when that wasn’t the case. Imagine a time when there weren’t many options for family road trippers needing rest. I, for one, am thankful for the opportunity to stretch my legs, make a pit stop, and rest from a weary drive.
Of course, we don’t have to drive to feel weary and in need of rest. Cell phones keep us constantly connected to one another and to work. 9-5? If only that were possible! The kids are clamoring for attention. Illness sets in. Bills pile up. Relationships get messy. We place our heads on our pillows only to have the alarm clock buzz, and we repeat the routine. Fatigue sets in.
If you feel that way, you need to know that a quiet voice has been calling to you - the voice of Jesus. He knows you are tired and weary and invites you to come to him and find the rest that our souls long for. If you want real rest, the best place to find it is by becoming completely dependent on the true “rest area” for our weary soul - Jesus Christ.
“You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.” -Isaiah 62:2
Marriage is a metaphor often used in the Bible to describe God’s love for his people. In Isaiah, we see it as a word picture depicting the Lord as a bridegroom and rejoicing over his people as his bride. It is a deeply personal metaphor that is used in such a way as to express the infinite value of salvation and eternal life.
In the book of Isaiah, he prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem, the people’s exile to another land, and (later) their restoration. The promise of salvation is pictured this way in verse 5: “No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (‘My Delight is in her’), and your land Beulah (‘Married’).” And, “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.”
As we continue in our Living Together in Harmony series, we will be studying how we can let go of our labels and the names given to us by ourselves and others. How many of us carry around the wounds and the scars of what people have said about us? How many of us believe the lie that all we ever will be are these labels?
Instead, we will find how we can live in the new name God has given us. When we are joined together in Christ, we are given a new name and a new identity. We are children of God. We are heirs of the promise and co-heirs with Christ. We have an eternal inheritance. As such, we can see ourselves differently.
What do you do when your friend hasn’t been much of a friend? How do you respond when your coworker brags about being dishonest? How do you respond to a fellow church member who disagrees with you about some subject? In a world of such dissonance, how can we model what it means to be a people of harmony?
As we embark together on a new sermon series this week, we’ll be unpacking how we can navigate conflict in our world. How should we respond when you and I experience conflict within ourselves, our families, our places of work, and our churches? Do we fight? Do we flee? Do we live in fatigue? Do we forgive?
In this first sermon on Matthew 7:1-6, what we will see is how a judgmental attitude often leads to brokenness in relationships. While showing genuine concern for people living contrary to the gospel is appropriate, we are not called to pronounce a verdict on them. If the sin is more important than the soul, it indicates that we are the ones with the issue.
We will find that in our desire to fight and win, Jesus calls us to remember that he alone is the truly righteous judge. He also calls us to do the humbling work of self-examination. Only then can we appropriately come alongside other people who may be struggling with brokenness and sin.
A Peaceful New Year to You in Christ’s Name!
The post-holiday blues often spoil the joy which we greeted advent with. Before long, our roasts will have been eaten, the presents torn open, the carols sung, and our beautiful trees will be toppled. How can we carry our great Christmas hope into the new year?
As we peek into 2023 through rain-soaked windows, let’s recall that each of us still holds a priceless gift. Mysteriously, we have opened this gift several times, and yet, this parcel remains wrapped, without expiration, and ever accessible. Can you guess what it is?
Despite a good start, the Colossians had become distracted by shinier spiritual toys promising more and better divine revelation. While they already possessed Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3), they sought a spiritual upgrade which combined strict ritual adherence with heavenly visions. In a sense, they forgot all about their gift.
In response, Paul prayed that the Colossians would be continually filled with the knowledge of God’s will “through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col 1:9-10).
Thanks to Christ’s advent and our adoption into God’s family, we can appeal for this divine guidance as often as we wish! We can also pray for our brothers and sisters to benefit from these treasures of wisdom and knowledge in 2023.
Before stepping out into uncertain days, let us unwrap this gift afresh and anticipate God’s help, knowing that he will meet our every need in Christ Jesus.
Matthew Liethen
Do you ever feel like you are so busy getting ready for Christmas that Christmas itself becomes an afterthought? As much as I enjoy so many of the trappings of the Christmas season--the music, decorations, delicious food, parties, family gatherings, advent calendars, shopping for gifts, and extra church services--this time of the year can be exhausting. For many of us, this season, when we are regaled with tidings of "peace on earth and goodwill toward men," can ironically seem like one of the noisiest, most chaotic, most stressful, and most expensive times of the year. By the time it's over, many of us are ready for a long winter's nap.
In the midst of our frantic pace of life, the carol of Christmas that we will examine on Christmas morning stops us in our tracks. "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," an ancient hymn of Christmas and communion, urges us to cast aside our earthly distractions and enter into the divine mystery of Christ's incarnation and sacrifice for us. In haunting and solemn melodies, it reminds our restless souls who Jesus really is and what really matters most.
I would like to invite you to ask yourself what has been distracting you from Jesus this week and make an effort to put it aside. Confess your distractedness and restlessness to the Lord. Read the words of Habakkuk 2:20, and ask Jesus to help you to be still and silent before Him.
People say that joy is “The response we have to being united with what we love.” That means that it can be one of the highest experiences of human life. The journey to a desired destination brings joy. The arrival of a child at the end of a pregnancy brings joy. To experience freedom after a time in confinement brings joy.
Music is also one of those endeavors that leads to joy and rejoicing because it emanates from a place of joy within us. Music involves our bodies, minds, and emotions. Music touches our hearts and invokes a response.
It’s no wonder that so much of the Christmas season is filled with beautiful music. It should also be no surprise that the songs of the season come from the truths and joy of Scripture. Fittingly, as we sing and study together “Joy to the World,” it echoes the words of the Psalmist: “Sing to the Lord a new song.” Why? Because the Lord “has done marvelous things.”
Psalm 98:2 says, “The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.”The marvelous thing we celebrate this season is the salvation He brings in Jesus Christ. He is our King. He is our Savior. He is our Redeemer. And He is returning! That good news should lead us to join with all of heaven and earth to sing.
This episode will explore question 11 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Sunday School Teacher Angie Leopold, and Children's Director Angela Ayers
The twelfth question in the New City Catechism is: What Does God Require in the Ninth and Tenth Commandments?
The answer is: Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive, but speak the truth in love. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone or resenting what God has given them or us.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is James 2:8 , which says,
"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well."
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” -John 1:14
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” is one of the more well-known songs of Christmas. Most of the time, we are familiar with the first three verses that tell the story of Christ’s birth with triumphant joy. Yet it’s the fourth stanza that draws deeply from Scripture and talks of the great mystery that is described in John 1.
In what you might call the prologue to the book of John, those early verses describe Jesus as the “Word of God.” “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In those opening fourteen verses of Scripture, we find a summary of the purpose of the coming of Christ. For all who receive Jesus and believe in him as the true light of the world, we are promised the “right to become children of God.” What an amazing, life-altering promise!
John 1 also says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” In other words, God himself came to be one of us. He came to live with us. He came to provide us with the gift of becoming children of God. When we sing, “Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing,” this simple yet profound lyric reminds us that God himself has come to be one of us.
That’s what we celebrate at Christmas! We celebrate the mystery that God became one of us so that He could save us from the curse of sin and death, giving us new life as the children of God. That good news leads us and invites us to sing, “O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!”
This episode will explore question 11 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Elder John Leopold, Deacon Sam Richter, and Communication Director Maegan McFarland
The eleventh question in the New City Catechism is: What Does God Require in the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Commandments?
The answer is: Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love. Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is Romans 13:9, which says,
“For the commandments, ‘You shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Dear Presby Family,
The season of Advent is here, and with it come many familiar rhythms, routines, and rituals that remind us of our Savior's birth. In the weeks ahead, we will light Advent candles, recount familiar truths, and sing hymns and carols that proclaim the excellencies of Jesus Christ, our Immanuel. Each Sunday, we will pay particular attention to a different Christmas hymn, considering its message and examining the truths that it teaches about Jesus.
This Sunday, we will focus on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," a hymn that was penned nearly three centuries ago that is still well-known and widely used today. As you prepare for Sunday, I encourage you to listen to this song, look up the words, and read through the account of the shepherds and the angels in Luke 2:8-15. What similarities and differences do you notice between Scripture and song? How does this song shape your understanding of who Jesus is? What other Scripture passages come to mind as you ponder this Christmas carol?
As we explore the message of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" together, I hope you will revel in the majestic truths it teaches. I hope you will gain a new appreciation for this song's strengths and imperfections.
This episode will explore question 10 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Presby Preschool Director Jeff Peck, and Senior Pastor Aaron Klein
The tenth question in the New City Catechism is: What Does God Require in the Fourth and Fifth Commandments?
The answer is: Fourth, that on the Sabbath Day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath. Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother, submitting to their Godly discipline and direction.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is Leviticus 19:3, which says,
"Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God."
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8
How many of you have ever experienced something like this? “Try it; you’ll like it.” Then, even if you respond that you’d rather not try it because you don’t really like it, the person comes back with, “Well, you’ve never had mine.”
“Tasting and seeing that the Lord is good” is something we often hear during this time of year. But what if you feel like what you are “tasting and seeing” isn’t particularly good? What if you are experiencing an empty seat at the table this year because of the passing of a loved one? What if you are experiencing a health complication? What if your financial outlook is bleak? (What else might you add to this list?)
It’s almost as if God is saying to us, “Try what I have to offer you instead.” David’s Psalm is one that invites us to discover the goodness of the Lord in the midst of whatever it is we are facing. In fact, David is celebrating that God has rescued him from his fears and troubles, and he is inviting us to give thanks for God’s salvation. No matter our context, we can give thanks for the ability to take refuge in God and to taste and see that God’s resurrecting, and restoring power is making all things new.
Psalm 34 is a song of gratitude we can all sing in every season of our lives because it is a reminder that God promises to bless His people. God will deliver, guard, supply, listen and redeem all who trust in His power to save. In fact, David’s joy is only a foretaste of the future redemption God will bring to all who trust in Him and call on Jesus Christ.
The Secret to Joy
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” - Philippians 4:11
What does it mean for us to be content? Can we ever truly be content? When we look around, it can be hard to imagine having total contentment. Sometimes it feels like the human heart is always looking for something more - more of this or that, the latest upgrade, or something that needs improvement. And how can we be content with so many things happening around us in the world? Wars. Economic threats. Racism. Oppression. Broken governments. All these things sow discontent everywhere.
Yet when Paul talks about what it means to be content, he’s not talking about finding it in the tangible things of this world. He knows he can’t find fulfillment in whether he’s well-fed or has plenty. For him, the secret of his contentment is to have his life defined by Jesus, not by his circumstances. His sense of peace focuses on the fact that Jesus promises to make all things right.
True contentment rests in the promise that God does not abandon the children he loves. It rests in the strength of Jesus Christ. And it also rejoices in the concern that believers show as they help one another, how they reach out to others in all kinds of different circumstances, and how it looks ahead in hope to the day when Jesus will return and remove all discontent.
Nothing in life lasts. Food spoils. Friendships shift and break. Hurricanes, drought, and wildfires consume livelihood. So why not look to a better way forward by finding contentment in the One who has already given you the eternal life “that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:4)?
“Can I just have a little peace?!” How many of us have ever uttered words along those lines? It could be the plea of a family member trying to escape the chaos of home life, a teacher bombarded with active children all day, or a medical patient caught in a whirlwind of tests, scans, appointments, insurance questions, and uncertain results. Stress takes its toll and steals our joy.
When the Bible speaks of “the peace of God” that can guard our hearts and minds, this is much more than the absence of noise or busyness. True peace comes from the Holy Spirit, from knowing that we have been made right with God through Jesus’ work of salvation. But how do we find this peace?
The apostle Paul encourages followers of Christ to look above and beyond the problem: to pray about everything, and thank God for listening and answering according to His perfect will. We are also to think differently - on things that are true, right, pure, lovely. While that may sound a bit too, “Let go and let God,” God promises to give peace to those who ask. And as we rest in His unfailing, sovereign will, we are able to find joy.
This episode will explore question 9 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Jeff Peck, John Leopold, and Nicole Klein
The eighth question in the New City Catechism is: What Does God Require in the First, Second, and Third Commandments?
The answer is: First, that we know and trust God as the only true and living God. Second, that we avoid all idolatry and do not worship God improperly. Third, that we treat God's name with fear and reverence, honoring also his Word and works.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is Deuteronomy 6:13-14 which says,
“It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you."
The Joy of Citizenship
What is the place you call home? I find that, even when we are away on a wonderful vacation, it’s always good to get back home again. You are able to unwind and settle back into everyday routines with the things that are familiar: sights, sounds, and smells; neighbors, family, community; work, shopping, banking…Even bills and laundry.
C.S. Lewis observed in Mere Christianity that, “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next…It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven, and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth, and you will get neither.”
I sense that this is also Paul’s point as he rounds out Philippians 3. We all are citizens of one country or another here on earth. But believers in Christ have a far more important status as citizens of heaven. All of our other identities fall in line under our heavenly citizenship.
And Paul’s reminder is just as relevant now as it was then - all kinds of influences distract us from giving God’s kingdom first place in our lives. He warns us not to put our minds “on earthly things.” God does not want us to feel “at home” where self-centered appetites and pleasures come first. Rather, we are called to live as people who pass along the love, forgiveness, compassion, and obedience received through Christ’s sacrifice. And one day, we will be transformed to have bodies that will be like Christ’s. We’ll truly be home!
This episode will explore question 8 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Jim Raisler and Steve Meulink
The eighth question in the New City Catechism is: What is The Law of God Stated in The Ten Commandments?
The answer is: You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below—you shall not bow down to them or worship them. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not covet.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is Exodus 20:3 which says,
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
This Sunday, we will continue our sermon series on Joy by turning our attention to Philippians 3, which I consider one of the most emotional and intense sections of Paul's writings. Here Paul uses uncharacteristically fiery (and even vulgar!) language to warn Christians against the dangerous spiritual forces which threaten to steal their joy in the Lord. Here Paul also gives us an intimate glimpse into his own personal life and the central passion that fuels every aspect of his life and work. In our time together, we will consider Paul's radically countercultural vision of true joy that surpasses all attempts to find joy apart from Christ.
I invite you to read through Philippians 3:1-14. How might Paul's words challenge us to redefine how we think of joy and reconsider what we're living for?
How much joy would you have if you won the lottery? Can you imagine the change in your life if your bank account suddenly grew by millions? You would probably look forward to long vacations, nice cars, and a life of relative ease.
But if you study the lives of lottery winners, you discover the sad reality that many flounder within ten years of winning a large sum of money. They receive the gift but don’t know how to use it. Their prize ends up being useless.
When you and I receive the gift of salvation, it is like a tremendous inheritance or a sudden infusion of wealth. When we put our trust in Christ, our sins are forgiven, and our eternal future is secure. However, if we don’t “continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling” by allowing God to “work in us to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Phil. 2:12-13), we end up with a faith that atrophies.
A faith that grows and matures is all about “having the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:5) In fact, the writer of Hebrews says in 12:2 that it was, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” A faith that grows and finds joy is about imitating Jesus’ humility, service, and obedience, even finding joy in the cross of suffering!
As we gather together this week, we will be discovering how a life that abides in Christ and imitates him is one that finds true joy. How much better is that than the lottery?!
There’s an old joke that perhaps you have heard: “Church would be great if you could just do without the people.” How many of us sometimes feel that way? Church can be an incredible place filled with uplifting people and numerous blessings, yet it can also be a place of hurtful words and painful rejection. But that’s not all! The Christian life can often be filled with heartache, suffering, health issues, financial woes, emotional trauma, and tears. Christians sometimes lose their grip and fall into worrying and complaining (even I can do this too).
So how in the world can Paul write a letter with a central theme of joy?! How can he say, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Phil. 1:27)? It’s because he sees that “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” (Phil. 1:12)
While human beings can often struggle to find happiness, Paul found it and triumphantly lived it - whether people partnered with him or not, whether people preached out of envy or not, or whether he lived or not. What could lead him to take such a view? His joy in Jesus! And that allowed him to claim the eternal goodness of the Lord, whatever happened.
As we begin a new sermon series together that has us studying the book of Philippians, I pray that our faith and joy may increase, no matter what the things are that may seek to steal it away. And may our “love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-10).
This episode will explore question 6 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Bethany Couture and Dan Ayers
The seventh question in the New City Catechism is: What Does The Law Of God Require?
The answer is: Personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience; that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves. What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is Matthew 22:37-40, which says,
“And [Jesus] said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.'”
“Just follow your heart.” “Pray about it and do what feels right.” “Let your conscience be your guide.”
How many of you have ever had this kind of advice given to you? This is based on an underlying assumption that inclinations and impressions we get in our hearts are a trustworthy source of direction in our lives. In Christian circles, this advice to follow your heart is often prefaced with a call to “pray about it,” but in the end, you do or believe what feels right. We can even wrap this in a language like, “I feel called,” or “I have discerned.” It’s the ultimate trump card to anyone challenging your feelings and decisions. After all, who can challenge you if you’ve prayed and feel called?
We need others to speak into our lives because our hearts can often be wrong. Our hearts can’t always be trusted. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” And Ecclesiastes 9:3 says, “The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil, and there is madness in their hearts while they live….”
God warns us not to trust our hearts because they are full of deceit and wickedness. Our hearts are so depraved because every human being is born with a sinful nature that corrupts everything about them. This doesn’t mean that no one has ever done a good deed in their life, but that even the good things we do are tainted with the stain of sin. And because of this sin, our hearts are infected and broken and can easily lead us astray. This means that the advice to follow your heart is foolish because a sinful heart cannot be trusted.
Instead, we need to be given a new heart, ask God to seek our hearts, and invite others to speak into our hearts. When making a decision or seeking truth, it’s a good thing for us to pray and ask God to move our hearts, but whatever we feel must be put in submission to the clear teaching of the Bible. If what we feel contradicts Scripture, we need to ignore our hearts and trust God’s Word.
This episode will explore question 6 of the New City Catechism with our panel: Angela Ayers, Andrew Morton, and Kathy Davis.
The sixth question in the New City Catechism is: How Can We Glorify God?
The answer is: We glorify God by enjoying him, loving him, trusting him, and by obeying his will, commands, and law.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based on is Deuteronomy 11:1, which says,
“You shall therefore love the Lord your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.”
“We are all God’s children.” It sounds good, doesn’t it? And my guess is that you’ve heard it numerous times. Or perhaps it sounds like, “We’re all united as one family in God.” “We’re all brothers and sisters.” “All roads lead to God.” Why? Because “God is love.”
These are common ideas that surface in our culture, and they all carry a similar theme. The basic assumption in the ‘we are all God’s children’ theology is that God created all of us in love, so we must be His children. It sounds good and tolerant, and the Bible does say that “God is love.” But it also leaves out God’s other attributes: holy, just, kind, grace-filled, merciful. In fact, the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, “What is God?” And the answer it gives is: “God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.”
But while the Bible teaches that all human beings are made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16), made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), and made for His glory (Isaiah 43:7), it does not teach that we are all God’s children. To be someone’s child assumes a parent-child relationship. It assumes that the child was either born into the family or they were adopted.
What the Bible makes clear is a distinction between those who are children of God and those who are not. Only those born by God’s Spirit through faith in Jesus are children of God (1 John 3:1-10, Galatians 3:26, John 8:34-41)! In addition, those children will have qualities and behaviors that show they belong to Jesus - they love Jesus, are controlled by the Spirit, and obey God’s Word.
This is what we’ll be unpacking together this week, and I look forward to studying it together with you. Until then, here is where I rest: I’m so grateful that God is love. I’m overwhelmed that I can be called His child. Most of all, I’m thankful I’ve been adopted into His family through faith in Jesus Christ.
Few things draw the ire and judgment of our culture as much as the appearance of judging or looking down upon someone else. To accuse someone of sin, it seems, has become an unpardonable sin in today's world.
How should we, as Christians, respond to this? On the one hand, the Bible warns us against the dangers of pride and judgmentalism. Because the church hasn't always done well in those areas, we need to ask the Lord to show us where we need to repent and do better. On the other hand, obedience to Christ means that, at times, we must take a stand on right, wrong, truth, and falsehood. Often it can feel like it's a constant juggling act to uphold the truth and love of Christ simultaneously.
This Sunday, we will continue our sermon series on ideas that aren't actually in the Bible by examining the cultural notion that "No one can judge me." We'll discuss what the Bible says on the topic and attempt to reclaim a biblical vision of God's love and justice. Because God's love and justice are perfectly shown to us in Jesus Christ, we who are united to Christ can extend the true and just love of Christ to those around us.
“God helps those who help themselves.”
That phrase sounds like something that makes a lot of sense when you first hear it, doesn’t it? After all, we see examples throughout Scripture of men and women who seem commended by God for their ingenuity. We read Scriptures like, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Doesn’t that imply that God helps us if we help ourselves? And then when you think about how getting ahead in our society takes hard work, it all seems to make sense, right?
Not quite. God does expect us to help ourselves in some things, like working diligently as to the Lord and not for people. However, if we take this statement to its logical conclusion, we end up in a place where we rely on ourselves for our salvation. But God does not help those who can help themselves because, from His perspective, we cannot help ourselves. We cannot save ourselves from our bondage to sin, so He does it for us. God helps the helpless who trust in Him.
The lyrics in the hymn, Rock of Ages say, “Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands. All for sin could not atone; Thou must save and Thou alone.” That line sums up the heart of our worship this weekend.
Bumper Sticker Theology
“God never gives you more than you can handle.” How many of us have ever heard a phrase like that? It sounds comforting, right? After all, life can be tough; and when we experience devastation or difficult blows, well-meaning loved ones often try to comfort us with sympathetic eyes, a warm hug, and a familiar phrase.
But what does, “God won't give you more than you can handle” mean? It seems like what people are trying to communicate is, “You are strong. You’ve got this!” And it feels good to hear, doesn’t it? If God loves us, then as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, we believe that there is a set, God-ordained limit to our suffering. God knows when we’ve reached the pinnacle of what we can endure and will make it disappear.
But Scripture tells us something far different. From Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to the woes of Job to the persecution of the prophets and the men and women in Christ’s early church, we know suffering is far more the rule than the exception. Only by drawing close to God and leaning on Him do God’s people ever see relief.
The truth is God never promises not to put more on us than we can handle, but He does promise to guide us through whatever we face. As we rest in God’s power, we find that we never receive more than God can handle. God’s grace is sufficient no matter what it is we face. He will meet all our needs.
The Pursuit Of Happiness
With a flurry of voices and messaging flocking to us from all quarters at all times, how can we be sure what is worth listening to? How do we size up the credibility of these divergent appeals and counsel that seek to guide and direct us? After all, they all contain an element of truth, right?
As followers of Christ, we regard the Scriptures as our reference point for all matters of life and godliness. When facing uncertainty or doubt, we turn to our spiritual roadmap and compass to avoid losing our way. We wait to see how God’s Spirit will speak during our quiet times with Him, within our circumstances, and through other godly people. And yet, if we do not regularly exercise good discernment, we will surely internalize a fusion of ‘biblical conventional wisdom’ which might sound alright but will act to keep us from living out and experiencing God’s best.
This week we will hear from three distinct biblical voices as we consider the all-too-common sentiment: “God just wants you (me…us…them) to be happy.” Each of these ancient authors—John, Peter, the Psalmist—will provide some inspired insight to help us navigate around this contemporary misconception that some might attribute to the Bible, yet sidetracks the Christian.
In the end, we will find that the pursuit of happiness will never lead us to the holy calling which God calls and equips his people to live out. It’s a matter of the eternal presiding over the temporal. Rather, in making Christlikeness our aim, we will find a life-giving joy and peace far superior to any fleeting, circumstance-bound pleasure.
Matt Liethen
One of the touching moments in a marriage ceremony is when the bride and groom face one another to speak their vows. When I officiate a wedding ceremony, I ask the couple to repeat words of fidelity, trust, and commitment. It’s an incredibly powerful moment and is often met with tears.
In Nehemiah 9, we see the people of Israel renewing their vows to the Lord with tears and celebration after their work. They recommitted to God, who was already committed to them. They made many promises about how they would govern their lives. Above all, they promised to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Yet all their newfound success had not made them choose to love God more; it tempted them to do whatever they wanted. God gave them salvation, but they worshiped other gods. Nehemiah wrote, “As soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight.” Israel chose to live their lives on their terms rather than the Lord’s.
The King needed to return to their hearts once again, and so God had to remind them of their vows through Nehemiah. Over 2,000 years ago, God renewed his vows of love to us by sending his Son. Jesus prayed, “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know I came from you, believing you sent me.” (John 17:6-8).
In this way Jesus repeated God’s vows to us, saying we belong to him alone. May we live out our love for him through hearts that continue to return to the King.
Are you a detail-oriented person? Are you wired for accuracy? Some of us are gifted in areas of numbers; others of us are grateful our last math class was years ago. Some of us love organization; others of us cringe at the thought of putting everything in a certain place for all time.
As we turn to Nehemiah 7, we see Nehemiah’s continued gifts for accuracy and organization, and his heart for the people of God. Nehemiah 7:5 says, “God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the common people for registration by families.” Throughout this chapter, we see how various tribes and families are mentioned, and how unsettled people are being returned and restored in Jerusalem.
Each person and each family were important. Each brought a gift or a talent to bless the community. And we see how the priests, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants all mattered to ensure that worship took place. As we mentioned a week ago, the work of Nehemiah begins to shift in these chapters. No longer is it about the physical rebuilding of the wall; ultimately, it is about the rebuilding of a people and the return of the people’s hearts to the King.
As we prepare to worship together this week, where (and in what ways) do you sense God is calling you to return? Where do you need to renew your covenant with God? Where are you being called to serve?
The path of following Jesus is often riddled with distractions, hardships, and opposition. When we place our faith in Jesus and align our lives with His heart and mission, we can expect to face challenges from the world around us and the brokenness within us.
This is nothing new. Nehemiah, amid his successful efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, had to deal with a constant barrage of distractions. Yet, he refused to act in a way that would derail his mission or compromise his character. This Sunday, as we look at the ways that Nehemiah responded to potential distractions, we will consider ways that we can be better equipped to withstand challenges in our lives that threaten to throw us off course. Most importantly, we will be reminded of the faithfulness of Jesus, who remained firm in His mission to the end, and who alone grants us the strength to stand firm in our times of trial.
As you prepare for Sunday, I encourage you to read through Nehemiah 6:1-19. Ask Jesus to show you areas in your life where you most need His grace and strength to remain true to His ways. Which distractions do you need to take a stand against? Jesus doesn't promise us that this road will be easy, but He does promise to be with us on the journey.
The story is told of a man who heard his daughter and some of her friends arguing loudly in the backyard. After a few moments, he couldn’t stand the sound of it, so he went out and reprimanded her. “But Daddy,” she protested, “we were just playing church.”
Ouch! It’s a sad (but true) statement that the church of Jesus Christ has often been marked more by factions than by fellowship. We can sometimes face more trouble from inside the ranks than we do from outside. Equally sad, we’re not alone in that observation.
As we turn our attention to Nehemiah 5, this is exactly what we see taking place. While they had navigated the antagonists that were outside the walls, they were now facing attacks coming from within. People were struggling to make ends meet, and many of their fellow Jews were taking advantage of them. So Nehemiah had to address this matter of injustice with grace and truth. He listened to the cries of the people, he took time to ponder them, and he responded with Godly wisdom.
Though Nehemiah couldn’t change the conditions under which they were working, he could change the way people responded and treated one another. Thankfully, as he confronted where they were wrong, the people received his words and vowed to change their ways. Doing so, allowed the project to move forward.
That should be the model for us. As we set out to live into God’s plans for our personal lives and church, we must make sure we do everything in our power to work together. We must avoid hitting the “self-destruct button” so that our focus on the work God is calling us to do is not hindered. May God grant us the wisdom and the strength to work together in grace and love so that His Kingdom's purposes are built here in Warsaw and beyond.
“When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews…” - Nehemiah 4:1
As the people began the work of reconstructing the wall, Israel’s opponents mounted a fierce campaign against them. Sanballat and his friends tried to bully God’s people to stop the work of rebuilding by ridiculing the people and threatening violence. As you can imagine, the people reacted in a very normal way: their emotional strength began to falter because of fear. Tension began to rise. Exhaustion set in.
How did Nehemiah handle this situation? With their enemies breathing down their necks, he encouraged the people to keep up the work. He prayed for God’s protection. “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.” Then he planned. He stationed people as guards so that they were ready to fight. And, finally, he provided words of strength and wisdom to the people. He spoke into the tension by saying, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
We must be reminded that when discouragement and disappointment set in, we serve a God who is strong and mighty. Because He fights for us, we can continue in the fight. Because He fights for us, we can be courageous in the midst of fear. The battle belongs to the Lord!
The Importance of Working Together
If you ever watch in nature, many animals and insects innately work together. Geese fly in a “V” formation. Bees have specific roles within the hive. Even ants have highly organized societies called colonies.
It’s not unlike what we see taking place in Nehemiah 3. For many of us, we might be tempted to skip over chapter 3 because it’s filled with hard to pronounce names like Eliashib, Hassenaah, Meremoth. Each of these people had work, families and stories of their own, yet they were able to work, pray, worship, laugh and cry next to one another.
My sense is that the words “next to” are crucial here. Nobody worked alone, trying to control the project. The repairs were made by people working side by side. Their diversity worked in unity, and I have no doubt that their love and care for each other caught the eye of people watching them.
When Paul wrote to the Romans in Chapter 12, or when he wrote to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 12:12), surely he must have had this idea in view. Because of Jesus Christ, we are one body with many parts. When we work together as Christ’s hands and feet, we show the body of Christ, the unity of Christ, and the grace and peace of Christ. I believe that when that happens, Jesus becomes contagious and winsome.
The Risks of Faith
If you’ve been around WEPC this week, you know that there has been a flurry of activity. There have been worker bees buzzing and making things happen, and it really has been like a well-honeyed machine with every person doing their part. In the process, we’ve been able to minister to over 60 kids from our church and community. A huge “thank you” goes out to Angela Ayers and her incredible team of volunteers. Every day this week, they consistently showed the love and joy of Jesus!
When God placed this on her heart, and she began to share it, there were risks involved. Would the staff be behind it? Would the Session agree to it? Would we have the finances to make it happen? Would we have the volunteers? Would people in our community even be interested in it?
This is not unlike Nehemiah. Nehemiah sensed that the Lord had called him to help his people. He risked asking the king for permission to leave to rebuild the wall. He risked asking the king for protection and provision. He risked asking the people of Jerusalem to help him. And he risked facing opposition from those who would seek to stop the work.
But because Nehemiah trusted God to bring success, he knew the Lord was with him, despite any opposition. In fact, when he told them that, “The gracious hand of my God is on me and what the king had said,” the people immediately replied by saying, “Let us start rebuilding” (v. 18). With faith in God and the hard work of the people, they completed the wall in 52 days and the surrounding nations stopped threatening Jerusalem. That’s the risk of faith!
We, too, can have hope today that the Lord our God is our strength. We cannot save ourselves, but God has saved us in Jesus Christ and has empowered us through His Holy Spirit. Yes there will be risks in life, but God equips us for the tasks to which we have been called. May God bless you and strengthen you this week!
Last week we learned that Nehemiah had a discontented heart. He heard about something that he wanted to see change. So after he wept and mourned and fasted, did he get right to work? No! Before praying for God's guidance and protection, he asked for God's forgiveness for him and his people!
What!? Why? Because Nehemiah understood why God's people had been sent into captivity. He understood why things were not going right after they had returned from captivity. He knew there was unconfessed sin that had created a barrier between God and the people, and that that sin kept them from experiencing God's blessings.
What is notable is that as Nehemiah prayed, he also included himself. Even though he seems like a righteous person, he realized that the people's sins were his sins. He could have simply pointed his finger and blamed others, but he didn’t. He not only owned his sins, but he owned the sins of his people AND the sins of past generations.
What Nehemiah recognized is that renewal starts on our knees. What we want to see happen “out there” can only take place if the right work has been done “in here.” Do we have a spirit that is broken for the things of the Lord? Are we asking for God to be at the center of our lives AND our dreams?
As we will discover, Nehemiah was an organizer. He knew how to pull teams together. He was knowledgeable about woods, metals, and surveying. But he didn’t begin by raising money or gathering workers; his work began with prayer. “LORD, the God of heaven … let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying.” Nehemiah realized his plans would be futile if the Lord wasn’t at the center of them from the start.
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” -Proverbs 25:28
How many of you have ever heard news about a troubling situation? When you did, what was your first reaction? Anger? Fear? Sadness? In Nehemiah, when he first learned of the condition of Jerusalem’s walls, he wept. Even though he had a good job as a cupbearer to the King of Susa, when the word reached him about the walls of Jerusalem, it says that he mourned and fasted and prayed for days.
Nehemiah was devastated because a city without a wall was wide open to be plundered by thieves or enemies. Not only did a city’s walls help to protect people and their households, it also represented the blessings that were stored within. But a city with broken down walls represented disgrace.
As we start a new sermon series together this week on the book of Nehemiah, what we will discover is how God uses people who are ready to be used by God. Nehemiah begged God to change the situation, and God called him to rebuild the walls (Nehemiah 2). But what did it all start with? A discontented heart! A heart that desired to see something change! A heart that mourned the current situation and was ready to be used by God.
Nehemiah’s name means “the Lord comforts.” It's amazing to think that God comforted Nehemiah, and then comforted His people through the strong leadership and vision of Nehemiah. As we will come back to over and over again through this series, “God won’t do something through us until He does something in us.”
Where is your heart of discontent? What are you weeping and fasting and praying over? Do any walls need to be rebuilt in your life? In your family? Your community? Do some walls need to come down, and others go up - so that sin can be cast out and kept out? How is God comforting you so that you can be a comfort to others?
I encourage you to join us as we dive into the book of Nehemiah, and I equally encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors. I believe that this promises to be a wonderful series of casting vision, bringing comfort to others, and building something incredible here - personally and as a church. I look forward to seeing you in person or online!
On his second missionary journey, Paul and his colleagues planted several churches in modern-day Greece, namely, in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. It is fascinating to trace the themes of his letters to these various places as we glean insight into what these diverse bodies of believers needed to hear in their specific contexts.
In the five chapters comprising the first Thessalonian letter, Paul alludes to the Lord’s return at least five times—once to end each of the five chapters. Have you ever wondered why this particular church—newly formed, mostly Gentile, severely persecuted—would need so many reminders that Jesus was coming back? Of all that God could have communicated to this church body through Paul, we read a letter expressing great gratitude for the Thessalonians’ firm stance amidst opposition and note several references to the Lord’s return.
What kinds of events or accomplishments are you anticipating ‘checking off’ this summer? At any given time, we have much to celebrate and anticipate: graduations, weddings, promotions, good health news, and new children and grandchildren, to name just a few. And yet, Paul’s Thessalonian correspondence indicates that a beleaguered church is to draw more inspiration from the prospect of the Lord’s return than perhaps all else. To borrow a boxing metaphor, Paul encouraged these Christians to stay in the ring by refocusing on the bell at the end of the round.
As we consider the Thessalonian dilemma this Sunday, we will explore how a church under duress was refreshed by framing their circumstances within the hope of Jesus’ return. We will also consider how this observation might nurture our souls as we navigate other praiseworthy milestones.
“But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility…” Ephesians 2:13
The world we live in has far too many divisions among cultures, races, traditions, and even families. While some divisions are natural, many of them are painful and negative. We can easily create barriers in the name of religion, gender, churches, communities, families, friend groups, and more. While these differences can help us think about who we are, our sinful nature distorts them in such a way that we put up walls that divide us. So while we can celebrate diversity, it should not lead to division.
In the first century, as the church of Jesus began and the gospel spread to many nations, there was deep division between people of Jewish origin and people of other nations. All non-Jewish people were called Gentiles. Sadly, throughout history and within our day, these divisions remain. Sunni & Shia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and ongoing tensions in the United States remain.
However, Paul states in Ephesians 2 that the finished work of Jesus breaks down the barrier, making “one new humanity out of the two.” Paul reminds us that we can find unity in the foundation that has already been laid in Christ. We celebrate that the dividing wall has come down, but we must continue to work out this relationship in Christ “who is our peace.”
As we unpack this important topic this week, may this reconciliation we have in Christ lead to reconciliation with others!
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27
Have you ever stubbed or broken a toe, especially your little toe? It seems so small, but when it is not functioning well with the rest of the foot, it is very noticeable. I have broken that little phalange no less than three times, and each time I am surprised at how something so small can affect the rest of the body. On one occasion, I broke it the day we were going to Disneyworld, meaning I had the next week to walk around “the happiest place on earth” gritting my teeth the entire time.
The human body is amazing. Each part depends on the other parts. We have all experienced how something as simple as a toothache can affect other parts of the body. While every part has an important role to play, no part is independent. All parts must work together so that the body can function well as a whole.
So it is no surprise that Paul often describes the church as Christ's body. Followers of Jesus are interrelated with every other person in the body of Christ. Though each believer may be unique, each believer is also dependent on the rest. Just like the human body has interrelated parts, church members must work together in unity to fulfill its mission in the world.
Of course, we recognize that some members of the church have a hard time becoming part of the body. That is because we can resist being dependent on others or having others depend on us. But Paul states clearly that just as “the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don't need you!’” neither can anyone in the body of Christ say that to a fellow church member. God has equipped each individual member with gifts and talents for the building up of the body.
As we continue in our sermon series Interwoven on this Pentecost Sunday, we see how the Holy Spirit brings the church and its members together as one in Christ. We are filled and equipped to strengthen and encourage one another, and to share the Good News with the world in which we live.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Today’s weekly update is something of a departure from the normal routine. Normally, I write a short devotion with an eye toward the weekend’s Scripture text(s) and theme. However, in light of all that has taken place in our community and world, this departure seems warranted.
In Psalm 13, David sums up the cry of our hearts in a simple, yet moving, lament. How long? How long, O Lord? How long are we going to see violence in our streets? How long are we going to see bloodshed in our schools? How long are we going to see trusted leaders of faith abuse their power and privilege, both nationally and within our own town? There is pain and heartbreak all around us, and we don’t have to look hard to find it.
Even David says that he needs, “Light for his eyes, or he will sleep in death.” How many of us relate to that? How many of us need to, “Let the morning bring us word of God’s unfailing love?” With so much darkness, it can feel like the light will never breakthrough.
Jesus also acknowledges this as He speaks to His disciples. He tells them that the way forward for them will not be easy. He tells them that they will experience resistance and hostility. He tells them that they may even be put to death. Beyond that, they (and we) will have to deal with many other problems in our fallen world - conflict, anxiety, depression, poverty, crime, divorce, cancer, tragedy, and disaster - a list that could go on and on.
Jesus wants us to understand that there will be days and even seasons of life that are incredibly difficult. Scripture never promises that faith in Jesus will make our problems go away - in fact, sometimes the opposite is true. But whatever does come our way, Jesus reminds us that we do not face our struggles without hope. We put our trust in a Savior who died but rose again, and who promises us salvation and new life by defeating sin and death.
Theologians call this theme in scripture Christus Victor - the idea that Jesus will triumph over every enemy of God, and that we will share in that victory because of our faith. In Christ, we have hope for the possibility of redemption in this life. Bodies can be healed, hearts can be softened, and lives can be changed. But even if we don’t experience some of the changes we hope for during our lives, we have the assurance that one day we will share in Christ’s victory.
David shares in that same hope. He ends Psalm 13 by saying, “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Yes, we see pain and tragedy in this world; but we hold on to the hope that Christ has overcome. May the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit rest on you this week.
It could be argued that Christianity is the first religion to affirm the goodness of singleness. In the ancient world, one was often defined by your family of origin, your children, or your spouse. Instead, we are reminded that God defines us by our relationship to Him as children of God and heirs in Christ. Being married is a gift, but it comes with certain anxieties like caring for your spouse and children. Paul argues that Christian singleness offers the benefit of being “undivided and devoted to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:35).
In the passage we’re going to be studying on Sunday, Paul says that the Lord can be at work in whatever situation we are in so that we may represent the gospel and grow in holiness. Those situations can include singleness, being married to an unbeliever, and dealing with difficulties in our marriages. Paul helps us to think through what it means to follow Christ regardless of our “present crisis/distress” (1 Corinthians 7:26). Paul uses singleness and marriage as an example of how our lives can be used to share the gospel, build up other believers and make disciples.
As we continue in our sermon series called Interwoven, we’re going to be exploring how God calls the church to engage all of their members. While Christianity may have been the first faith to affirm singleness, we know that the tendency is to focus on marriages, families, and children. So how do we encourage every member to see every person as valuable in the eyes of God?
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” -1 Corinthians 16:13
The Four Chaplains documentary tells the story of four WWII chaplains (one of whom was a pastor in my former denomination, the RCA) who were aboard the transport ship, the SS Dorchester, when it was torpedoed off the coast of Greenland in February of 1943. With the ship sinking and injured men jumping for overcrowded lifeboats, the four chaplains calmed the pandemonium by “preaching courage”, according to one survivor.
When life jackets ran out, each took his off, giving it to a frightened young man. They had determined to go down with the ship so that others might live. Another survivor said, “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven.” As the ship began to sink, the chaplains linked arms and prayed aloud together, offering encouragement to those perishing with them.
Their lives give testimony to the passage that we will be studying together this week. They showed courage by standing firm in their faith, by being strong, and by doing everything in love. In laying down their lives so that others could live, they followed the example of Jesus Christ.
As we continue in our sermon series, Interwoven, we’ll be talking about what it means to be created as male and to live into 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. In a world that lifts up the “machismo,” “gird up your loins,” and the “Braveheart/Gladiator” narrative, what we find is that Scripture gives us a broader view. And lest we think this doesn’t also apply to women, we would be woefully mistaken, as these verses have something to say to us all.
Today we will continue our sermon series, "Interwoven." These messages celebrate the way that God has brought us all, with our different gifts and experiences, together into one vibrant family in Christ. This week, in recognition of Mother's Day, we will consider how women (and not just moms) marvelously bear God's image. We'll take a look at Luke 10:38-42, which describes Jesus' friendship with two women who both wanted to honor and serve Him with the very best of their gifts.
I invite you to read through Luke 10:38-42. In what ways do you long to sit and be with Jesus? Which cares and worries threaten to burden or overwhelm you? How do the words of Jesus in this passage extend grace to you in the midst of your life this week?
Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” There isn’t a part of us that is unknown by God. No matter where we find ourselves, we are reminded that God is there. No matter what our thoughts are, God knows our words before we speak them. God is even familiar with our offensive ways inside us which need to be dealt with.
This week we are starting a new sermon series together called Interwoven, and the whole premise behind this series is to see how God has created and crafted each one of us to be a beautiful representation of who He is. Men and women, young and old, single and married; all of us are woven together into this beautiful body that we call a church.
Of course, it’s also messy, broken, and sinful, which is why God sent Jesus Christ into the world. What we see is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made—and remade—in Christ and that leads us to one of the most glorious announcements in Scripture: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)
God is weaving us together spiritually and as a body into this beautiful tapestry. My prayer is that this new series will lead us to a better appreciation of each other and our Creator. I look forward to seeing you this week! Don’t forget to continue inviting your friends and neighbors.
It is easy for us to forget how jaw-dropping the church of Jesus Christ truly is.
As our daily experiences in this broken world remind us, our fallen human tendency is toward division and disintegration. The more we follow our sinful hearts and the warped ways of the world, the more we will drift off into splintered groups of people who look like us, think like us, speak like us, vote like us, and behave like us.
However, Jesus loves us too much to let us languish in our comfort zones and echo chambers. Jesus is in the process of doing something shocking and utterly impossible from a merely human perspective. He is redeeming for Himself a new and holy people, drawn from every nation, language, and generation. Each Sunday, our "Interwoven" sermon series reminds us how Jesus is weaving together all sorts of different kinds of people with distinct gifts, perspectives, and experiences to create a glorious new family of faith.
This week, we will turn our attention to the fact that God's family includes believers of many different generations. As we shall see, each generation has unique gifts and blessings to offer for the glory of God and the good of the entire body. Our culture is constantly throwing up barriers between generations, and Jesus invites us to tear these barriers down. The more that our worship, fellowship, and service brings us together with believers of different ages and life experiences, the more we will reflect the heartbeat of Christ.
As you are listening to this sermon, I encourage you to read through 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, and Psalm 71:17-18. Ask Jesus to show you who He has placed in your life for you to love, serve, and tell about His mighty acts. Pray that He will lead us more and more to become a church family that reflects His heart for all the nations, tribes, and generations.
The fifth question in the New City Catechism is: What else did God create?
The answer is: God created all things by his powerful Word, and all his creation was very good; everything flourished under his loving rule.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based off of is Genesis 1:31, which says, “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”
The fifth question in the New City Catechism is: What else did God create?
The answer is: God created all things by his powerful Word, and all his creation was very good; everything flourished under his loving rule.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based off of is Genesis 1:31, which says, “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”
Offering isn't a sacrament in the traditional sense of the term, but it is something that is important to the life of the church and it's something that parents may struggle to explain to their children. On today's episode, the panel discusses what offering is, how Christ is represented in offering, and who is allowed to participate in offering.
The third question in the New City Catechism is: How and why did God create us?
The answer is: God created us male and female in His own image to know Him, love Him, live
with Him, and glorify Him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to His
glory.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based off of is Genesis 1:27, which says,
“So God created man in his own image. In the image of God He created him; male and female,
He created them.”
The third question in the New City Catechism is: How and why did God create us?
The answer is: God created us male and female in His own image to know Him, love Him, live
with Him, and glorify Him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to His
glory.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based off of is Genesis 1:27, which says,
“So God created man in his own image. In the image of God He created him; male and female,
He created them.”
Today our panel, Aaron Klein, Andrew Morton, and Kathy Davis discuss question and answer #3, which is:
How many persons are there in God?
There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Our family has always enjoyed putting together puzzles, especially Nicole. During the pandemic’s early days, we easily worked on finishing 4-5 of them, each one containing at least 2,000 pieces. As usual, my job would be to find all the edge pieces and separate them by colors while Nicole would work on more intricate portions of the middle. Together we made a great team.
However, what seemed unexplainable to us was the fact that not a single puzzle we put together contained all of the pieces! We would always be missing one or two pieces; and we were shocked by this as we always worked in one spot and completed it in a couple of days. Did a piece stick to an arm and fall off somewhere? Did it fall on the floor and get carried off to another part of the house? Did we accidentally eat one? (Cheez-Its and puzzle pieces are remarkably similar in size and shape…and maybe even taste!) Regardless, we were always amazed to step back and see the completed picture!
This week as we turn our attention to Romans 8:28-30, we’re going to see how individual pieces fit together to form a picture. Each one is necessary, and to try to understand each one separate from the others misses out on the God behind them. But if we step back and see them all together through the lens of the heart of God and His love for us, we see the beautiful puzzle come into view.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Like a puzzle, God uses all the pieces of our lives to lock together into something good and to make a beautiful picture. Why? So that we might “be conformed into the image of God’s Son.”
I’m looking forward to worshiping together with you this weekend as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of the King of Kings.
This Sunday morning we will greet one another with the words “Christ is risen!” and the response will be “He is risen indeed!” We will join together with centuries of Christians who mark this day as the day that changed everything. We will celebrate the amazing truth that although Jesus was dead, He’s now alive forevermore. Christ Jesus rose victorious over death. He is risen!
Yet throughout history, people respond to those words in different ways. When Mary stood outside Jesus’ tomb, she did so crying. It so blurred her mind when she saw the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb, that she assumed that someone had stolen His body. Even as Jesus was standing in front of her, she thought He was a gardener.
John had outrun Peter to the tomb, but he stopped at the entrance and just peered in. When Peter arrived, he barged right past John and went inside. He saw the empty grave clothes. He saw that the tomb was empty; yet scripture records (Luke 24:12) that he went away wondering what had happened.
When John finally did go inside, it says that “he saw and believed.” Unlike Peter, who wasn’t sure what had happened, John was sure: he believed. However, that doesn't mean that he understood what had happened. Scripture says, “they still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” Both Peter and John both had a long way to go in their faith.
What I am reminded of as we approach this Easter is that each of us can approach it with different reactions. For some of us, we struggle and we doubt. Could these things possibly be true? For others of us, we hear about the hope of the resurrection, but we wonder. And still for others, we believe.
Wherever you are this week, I pray that you will be strengthened in your faith to believe. The hope of the resurrection is the joyful assurance that because Christ lives, we too will live for all eternity. God’s love has the last word. As a powerful hymn puts it, “No power of hell, no human plan, can ever pluck me from His hand.”
Today our panel, Aaron Klein, Andrew Morton, and Kathy Davis discuss question and answer #3, which is:
How many persons are there in God? There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
On today's podcast episode, our panel Aaron Klein, Andrew Morton and Kathy Davis will be providing some insights on the sacrament of communion. This is Holy Week 2022, and today is specifically Maundy Thursday--which is the day historically known as when Jesus had his last supper with the disciples. It is this historical event that we base our sacrament of communion off of.
If you have thoughts or questions, please leave them below in the comments or email us at the church office at ashley@warsawpresby.org.
We are now just days away from Holy Week, when we remember and reflect on the final days of Jesus' life and ministry leading up to His death on the cross and victory over the grave. It often seems to me that Holy Week arrives more quickly and passes more abruptly each year! I urge you to take time in the days ahead to slow down, quiet your heart, and to observe Holy Week. You can do this publicly and privately: by joining us in gathering for worship as a church family, by setting aside time to celebrate Christ's sacrifice with your own family, and by intentionally spending some time alone with the Lord through prayer, Scripture reading, fasting, journaling, or music. If you're not sure where to begin, I recommend reading through the chapters in the four Gospels that cover Jesus' betrayal, death, and resurrection (Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 18-21).
As you may have guessed, this Sunday we will focus on Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, the event which set the events of Holy Week in motion. We will consider Jesus' reception by the crowd, His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the significance of His humble but victorious rule over our lives. As you prepare for Sunday, I invite you prayerfully to read the words of Matthew 21:1-11.
Information about Holy Week celebrations at WEPC is provided below. I hope to see you as we celebrate our glorious Savior together in the days ahead, and I pray that Christ will lead you on a closer journey with Him during this Easter season.
In this week's episode on Catechisms and Sacraments, Pastor Andrew will provide us some of the "why" behind catechism use. Why is it important? What is the role of the catechisms throughout history? What does it mean for us to use catechisms as a congregation? What do catechisms teach us about Jesus?
As always, if you'd like to reach out to us at the church, you can email ashley@warsawpresby.org.
Last year, we had a large oak tree in our backyard break in half during a storm. Sadly, this tree needed to be taken down as the damage was too severe. I couldn't do it on my own because of the size of the tree, so we had a company come and take the rest down and haul it away. It was far costlier than I initially imagined, but now I know why…It’s a hard job with lots of back-breaking labor.
I have a large amount of respect for Elisha’s school for prophets which had prospered enough that they needed to partake in a building expansion project. However, this story reveals that they didn’t hire out a company to do the work for them; they got to work themselves. They went into the woods, cut down logs, and took them back to enlarge their facility.
Everything was going well until a particular student's axhead flew off and landed in the Jordan River. Thankfully, Elisha was there and performed a miracle where he makes the ax head float. In 2 Kings 6:6-7 it says, “When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. ‘Lift it out,’ he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.”
On the surface, this seems like a small, insignificant miracle. But what it teaches us is that God cares about the small stuff of life—lost axheads, lost keys, lost glasses, lost phones—the little things that cause us to fret. Sometimes He restores to us what was lost, but sometimes He doesn’t. Yet even in those moments, He understands and comforts us in our distress.
How does it make you feel to know God cares about the lost things of the world? How does it make you feel to know that God cares about you? Where do you find comfort in the words to that old hymn, “I once was lost, but now am found…”? My prayer for us as we gather together this week either in person or online is that we will know the depth of the love of God for us and we will know that, “the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”
Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” -2 Kings 4:2
Any time spent watching the Food Network Channel reveals quickly that “EVOO” (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) is a staple in kitchens, and is the starting point for cooking many meals. In Biblical days, it wasn’t so different. Olive oil was a “miracle ingredient” and a staple for everyday life. They used it for fuel, lotions, medicine, and cooking.
In the story we’re going to read on Sunday, a widow is at her wits' end. She has lost her husband and her finances, and now she’s about to lose her sons to slavery. She has nothing to pay her creditors. All she has is a little bit of oil (something that had value). However, when that was empty, her last resource for light, heat, medicine, and food would also be gone.
No wonder she turns to Elisha for help!
But Elisha doesn’t produce a handful of shekels. He doesn’t turn to others to start up a collection. Instead, he asks her what she has; and he promises her that God will use what little she has to provide for her. As she follows his instructions, you can imagine that her despair was turned to hope. God provided for her! She could pay her creditors and live on what was left.
How many of you feel the same way? Sometimes we find ourselves in seemingly impossible and tragic circumstances. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed providing for our day-to-day needs. But what we are reminded of is that God is with us in both the big and small tragedies of our lives. He never leaves us without a way forward, even if we don’t understand it at the time.
That’s what I hope we discover as we gather together this week. My prayer is that you will sense the providing power of God in your life. God is faithful, and He will fill you up…even if all you feel you have is a little! May the words of Philippians 4:19 come alive for you: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
This episode will explore question 2 of the New City Catechism, with our panel: Aaron Klein, Andrew Morton, and Kathy Davis.
The second question in the New City Catechism is: What is God?
The answer is: God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based off of is Psalm 86:8-10 and 15, which says,
“There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God. . . .
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
This episode will explore question 2 of the New City Catechism, with our panel: Aaron Klein, Andrew Morton, and Kathy Davis.
The second question in the New City Catechism is: What is God?
The answer is: God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will.
The Bible passage this question and answer is based off of is Psalm 86:8-10 and 15, which says,
“There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God. . . .
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Have you ever been in the middle of a big undertaking and found out you didn’t have the resources to continue? Israel and Judah found themselves in such a situation in 2 Kings 3. They had marched out to take on the king of Moab, had taken the long way through the desert, and had ran out of water. To make matters worse, even though the war was his own idea, King Joram blamed God for what he thought was their impending defeat.
Have you ever done that? You didn’t ask God if you should do something, you step out and do it anyway, and then you end up in trouble? Then you blame God for what happened? Yeah, we can all relate!
However, even though he himself should have asked if God wanted them to take on the King of Moab, at least King Jehoshaphat had the sense to now insist that they inquire of God for direction and help. The contrast between faith and unbelief in this story is dramatic. Joram’s unbelief leads to despondency and pessimism. Jehoshaphat’s faith leads him to seek out and trust God.
Miraculously, God provides! He met physical needs, even if it seemed impossible to human reasoning. But more than that, God promises to provide guidance and deliverance to all those who seek Him. As we gather together this week in person or online, my prayer is that we will discover that whenever we depend on God, God shows Himself to be faithful. Before the crisis, seek God. In the middle of the crisis, seek God. After the crisis, seek and thank God.
Why can we depend on God? Because, “This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord…” 2 Kings 3:18
In this new podcast series at WEPC, we will be exploring the New City Catechism, as well as some of the sacraments and traditions of the Christian faith. We are excited to welcome you on this journey with us as we bring in many different congregation members to have difficult conversations about our faith.
“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?’ ‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,’ Elisha replied.” -2 Kings 2:9
For a prophet in the Old Testament, a cloak was a symbol of authority - a symbol of the power of God resting on that person. In last week’s message, we saw that when Elijah first met Elisha, he threw his cloak around him. I wonder, did Elisha feel the weight and responsibility in that moment? Did he sense God’s anointing and calling? As we learned, Elisha left everything and followed Elijah.
Years had passed since the time God chose Elisha to succeed Elijah as His prophet. Training and instruction had taken place. Job-shadowing and apprenticeship had happened. Now the time had come for the handoff, but before it took place, Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of his spirit...and this was no small ask.
Suddenly two things happened at once: a chariot and horses of fire came between them and Elijah was sucked up into a mini-tornado and was gone! Because he saw Elijah taken away, Elisha received what he had asked for. He picked up Elijah’s cloak and immediately performed his first recorded miracle.
I wonder how many of us are afraid to make the big “ask” of God? Perhaps we think God has done so much for us already. Perhaps we think that God has other people He needs to help. Perhaps we’re afraid of what God might ask us to do once He answers us.
But I think that there is something we can learn in all this. First, note that Elisha didn’t ask for a “safe” life, or a “rich” life, or a “blessed” life. He asked for a double portion of God’s Spirit. He didn’t want his life to be about himself…He wanted it to be about God. And second, don’t be afraid to ask for the double portion. Don’t be afraid to ask God to use you!
Last year, my son Gabriel started running track. He’s been more accustomed to Cross Country in the fall and the longer distances, but he decided that he wanted to do something in the spring as well. This led him down the road to some middle-distance running - things like the 800m and the 4x800m.
When I went to the meets, I noticed that the 4x100 athletes practiced the baton hand-off prior to their heats over and over again. They barely lost a stride. But in the longer distance runs, the handoff didn’t seem as important. The form wasn’t as polished.
Perhaps it’s because the shorter distance runners were sprinting their entire legs of the race, so the handoff required more precision. Those races might come down to a few hundredths of a second. But at the longer distances, the runners weren’t sprinting. As each runner ran two laps around the track, the gaps between runners were more significant, so the handoff didn’t require as much precision.
The Bible often uses imagery of athletes competing and runners running. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And in the very next verse he talks about receiving the crown…the prize. However, it’s in the instructions that Paul gives earlier in verses 1-5 that we really get the sense of what he’s trying to communicate:
The race is won and lost in the handoff!
If that’s the case, we need to train. We need to practice. We need to pass it on. We need to be mentored and we need to mentor others. We are called to be prepared to preach, correct, rebuke and encourage, and to do each of these things with patience.
As we close out this short sermon series on the family, we’re going to be looking specifically at how we train up the next generation. For some of us, we may acknowledge that we need someone to mentor us and grow us. For others, we may be reminded that we need to do a better job of passing on our faith to someone else; we need to “discharge our duties to the fullest.”
Do you remember how Jesus responded when He was asked which command in the Bible was most important? He quoted the Old Testament and affirmed that the most important thing we can do is love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
This Sunday, we will continue our new sermon series on the topic of families by turning our attention to Deuteronomy 6:4-9, which is the passage that Jesus quoted. In these verses, we see that loving God with every fiber of our being is not just something we do in isolation, it is at the very core of what it means to belong to the family of God. These verses also show us how our individual families play an important role in the life of God's bigger family, the church. As we explore this passage together, we will consider how we can order our lives, both as individuals and families, around the larger story of who God is and what He is doing in Jesus Christ.
I invite you to read through Deuteronomy 6:4-9 as you prepare for Sunday, and pursue a conversation with God about ways that He is inviting you to glorify and enjoy Him in the rhythms, routines, and everyday details of your life. As we cultivate this kind of lifestyle, we will find that nothing is more important or more rewarding than knowing God and making Him known to those around us.
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”- Mark 10:8-9
Over the course of the weekend, many of us will be celebrating the person we love. While it’s a man-made “holiday,” it’s never a bad thing to acknowledge the person who has a special place in your heart and life. In fact, hopefully they sense they are loved by you more than one day a year.
Here’s the reality: Marriage relationships have never been easy, but they seem to be getting tougher as time goes by. While the pain of separation and divorce seems to be a pandemic of its own, the challenges we face today were just as true in Jesus’ day. In fact, in the passage we'll be studying this weekend, some religious leaders tried to debate with Jesus on the subject in order to try and test Jesus and get Him into trouble with the legal experts. But true to form, Jesus turned the tables on them to explain the impact of marriage.
Jesus reminds them (and us) that marriage is not based on feelings. Marriage is the amazing and mysterious miracle in which two persons, a man and a woman with different backgrounds and families, become one unit. According to God, when two people come together in marriage, they create a new living thing: they become one flesh. When we promise, “I do,” to our spouse, life is no longer about just the individual; it’s about us.
To hold this beautiful vision of marriage is tough in a world that is so focused on the individual. Messages bombard us from all sides to try to convince us that the self is most important. Life is all about what I feel, what I want, what I need. For those of us who are married, Jesus invites us to die to that selfish spirit and work to build up and bless our spouse. For those of us who know the pain of a broken marriage, God invites us to experience the forgiveness, grace, and healing that give renewed peace and joy.
This week we’re excited to start a new sermon series together called “Family: Putting the Pieces Back Together.” While we’ll start with the foundation of marriage, we’ll also look at how we should order our family lives by following the Shema, a Jewish prayer based on Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and how we can raise future generations. I truly believe that God is going to bless us through this series.
Have you ever had one of those moments where you were left in charge with an expectation? Your parent or your boss asks you to do something, or you ask your children or employees to follow up on a request. Do you get to work immediately? Do you wait to get a few other things done before you turn your attention to what is asked of you? Do you forget?
When your parent or boss returns and you’ve met or exceeded the expectations, what is the result? When you return after having been away and the person has followed through, what is your response? You probably feel pleased with the outcome.
As we close out our sermon series Parable this week, we’re going to study the "Parable of the Pounds". Or "minas". Or "talents". But make no mistake, this is not a story primarily about stewardship of money. It’s not even so much about investing our spiritual talents wisely, though there is certainly room for that. Ultimately, we learn is that Christ has entrusted to us the call to use our gifts and talents to multiply disciples!
We’ve probably all heard the line, “the boss is coming, better look busy.” If our King has gone away but is returning at a future date, how do we want to be found when He returns? Will we serve our own kingdoms, or will we serve the kingdom of Christ? Each of us will be called to give an account for how we have used our time, talents, and resources to multiply the Kingdom of God. With that in view, let us strive to be faithful in how we live now.
Over the years, the show Law & Order has been something that I’ve enjoyed. In my opinion, the original show is still the best. Whenever you watch a program like this, or whenever you hear about law and politics, you sometimes hear the phrase quid pro quo. It basically means, “I will do something for you that equals the value of what you do for me.” It’s a way of trying to gain an advantage.
In Luke 14:7-14, Jesus tells a parable that seeks to undermine the quid pro quo mindset. In verses 12-14 He says, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Jesus has a dramatically different picture in mind when He talks about hospitality. When we think of throwing a party, we tend to include people we like and who are like us. But Jesus presses us to reach out toward the fringes of community life. This outreaching love and care is what distinguished the early church from its surrounding environment.
Two attitudes that are vital to Christian character are generosity and humility. Nurturing helps guard against a destructive and blinding mindset that ignores the needs and circumstances of others around us. Something as ordinary as sharing a meal is an expression of respect and equality. It includes sharing not just our resources, but ourselves; and it speaks loudly to our values and commitments.
As we continue in our sermon series, “Parable,” may each of us look to follow the example of Jesus, who is abundantly generous. May we be outrageously generous to people who least expect it and who are least able to reciprocate. May we seek to help others, even if we gain nothing from it.
Good soil makes a huge difference in the harvest a farmer can expect.
In Luke 8:4-15, Jesus told a story that reflected the farming practices in his time. A farmer would sow by hand, scattering seed in the field as he walked along. Now we might be tempted to think that a lot of seed was wasted as the farmer spread it wide. After all, a portion of the seed fell in places too poor to produce a crop.
But Jesus was not trying to teach people good planting practices. He was asking everyone to consider this story from the Father’s point of view; something that very few of His listeners seemed to be able to understand. Even His disciples had to ask Him what the story really meant.
This story forces us to look at the condition of our own hearts. While we would like to think of ourselves as good soil, most of us know how the busyness of life, as well as the heartaches and fears we face, can choke and wither and snatch our faith away. Perhaps we are tempted to feel discouraged as a result.
But Jesus reassures us with an amazing truth: good soil exists as well. Some seed sent its roots down deep and produced a hundredfold harvest. Jesus said in Luke 8:8, “Other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”
As we continue in our sermon series called “Parable” that has us looking at the story of our lives, the hope is that we will examine our own hearts and be challenged to have a heart that is fertile soil to hear God’s Word. My prayer is that we are encouraged to have a life story that produces a bumper crop of righteousness…a life that also blesses others.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” -Luke 6:46
Have you ever seen a video of a house falling into the sea after the waters washed away its foundation? I can’t imagine what it would be like to watch the house I call home be ruined by the rushing waters. It must be devastating and make you feel so helpless.
This week we will begin a new sermon series called Parable, about how our lives can tell a better story. We are going to be reminded that when Jesus gives building advice, He is talking about more than just building houses. He is talking about building our lives and making sure our foundation is firm, made up of wisdom and faith in Him. This foundation requires two things:
First, it involves listening to Jesus’ words. Listening is important and can be hard to do. If you have children or grandchildren, or if you work with students, you know that getting them to listen to instructions isn’t always easy. Listening often means putting aside our own ideas or agendas and paying attention for a while.
But listening is only the first step in the foundation of our faith lives. The second step is doing what Jesus asks of us. If we only listen and don’t do what is asked, we haven’t really accomplished anything. Our lives lack a solid foundation, and the result is that we can be washed away.
Even Paul uses building language 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 when he said, “No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is.” In other places, Paul refers to Jesus as the Cornerstone. And Peter talks about Jesus being the Living Stone.
As we will be discovering this week, Scripture clearly reminds us that our faith and lives need to be built on the foundation of both listening to what Jesus says and doing what He asks. May God give us all the strength to stand on the firm foundation of Jesus. I look forward to seeing you in person or online this week.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection…” Philippians 3:10
In one of his books, Max Lucado tells a story about the late champion boxer Muhammad Ali taking someone to his barn where he stored his trophies and awards. Standing in the doorway, he pointed to his many trophies and said, “It ain’t nothing.” He had come to the conclusion that when all is said and done, his accomplishments meant very little.
Many millenia earlier, the apostle Paul looked back on all of the things he had been proud of in his life, and he said, “Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss. I consider them rubbish.” Paul said this not because not because of adverse life experiences like Muhammad Ali, but because he had met the Lord Jesus. He was ready to let go of whatever was behind him so that he could serve the Lord and live by the power of the risen Savior.
As we enter into this new year, there are many things from the previous 18-24 months that we would perhaps like to leave behind. Are there things in our past keeping us from experiencing the power of Christ’s resurrection? As we look ahead, Paul invites us to stand in the grace of Jesus Christ and to let go of everything that keeps us from serving Him.
But that means it’s all about relationship! To know Christ, we must spend time with Him. To experience His risen power, we must give up our own lives. To gain Christ, we must share in His sufferings. As we look ahead to this new year, may we acknowledge the past but still strive towards the future. May we seek to become like Jesus in all things, and as we gather together in person or online, may we seek to know Christ!L
In some ways, a new year brings certain changes. We put the old calendar away and hang a new one on the wall. We spend the next ten days writing the wrong year on everything, crossing it off, and then writing the correct one. We often approach the new year as a time to start new habits or try to break old ones. The sensation of beginning a new year can evoke a hopeful sense of having a fresh start or a clean slate.
In other ways, a new year also picks up exactly where the last year left off. The dirty dishes I leave in my sink on December 31 will still be there on January 1. The money that I spend in the week after Christmas will remain absent from my wallet during the week after New Year's Day. Overall, most of the rhythms and habits of my life in January will probably be pretty similar to what they were a few weeks or months before.
Is there any real point, then, to beginning a new year, or is this just a mind game we play with ourselves? Maybe it's a bit of both. If nothing else, times of ending and beginning offer us a natural and meaningful opportunity to pause, take in our surroundings, reorient ourselves in light of bigger-picture realities, and then resume our activities with a renewed sense of purpose.
That is exactly what we will be doing during the next two Sundays in our upcoming sermon series "Looking Back, Looking Ahead." This week we will look back on the past through the lens of Psalm 136. This Psalm offers us a template for recounting our stories and experiences in light of who God is and how He is at work in our lives. Next Sunday, Pastor Aaron will lead us in the theme of looking ahead in anticipation of God's leading during 2022 and beyond.
That’s not a passage that many of us read often, nor is it a verse that we hear at Christmas. But maybe it should be! As we approach this weekend, gifts will be opened and received, others will be proclaimed the best Christmas gift ever, and still others will be returned for refunds.
However, Christmas reveals to us the life-altering richness of God’s greatest gift that He gave to us through Jesus Christ. This is why the words of Jude are fitting during this time of year. The closing words of his letter pulsate with hope, joy, and confidence. Because Jesus Christ has come into the world, we have the promise of faith to stand before God faultless, that we will be kept from falling, and that we can experience the great joy of eternal life. This life-changing, history-changing gift of God is made possible through faith in Jesus. God came to us in our helpless, hopeless brokenness and changed us and our future.
As we celebrate the first and best gift of Christmas this weekend, I pray that the truths of Jude’s words would speak powerfully into your lives. I pray that the healing power of this passage would penetrate your hurts and fears. Finally, I pray we would take up our new reality in Jesus…that we have a new identity in Him because we are new creations, and that our future is secure because “The Awaited One” has come into the world.
Have you ever had a song stuck in your head where the tune is playing over and over in your mind? Sometimes you can’t help singing or humming the tune all day long. If you look at the Gospel of Luke, there is much singing as we reach the story of Christ’s birth. Those songs are sung by elderly men like Zechariah and Simeon, and there’s even the song of the angels at Christ’s birth. In Luke 1:46-55 we find the words to a song Mary was singing. Why does Mary sing and what does she sing?
Mary’s song is beautiful and echoes the song of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Both women sing of God’s mercy for the humble. Both rejoice that God is not impressed by pride, riches, or power. Both shout with great joy that God keeps His promises and shows His mercy. Mary adapts the words of Hannah and the Psalms. She echoes the timeless voice of believers who hold fast to God, who believe in his great power to save, and who trust in His righteousness and mercy. They trust in God’s unfailing love.
And that is where we rest this week. If you are looking for the hope, joy, and peace of this season, it is ultimately (and only) found in the love of God. We can magnify God because He has drawn near to us in the person of Jesus Christ. May each of us come to know the love of God and the grace, mercy, and peace He brings.
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday either in person or online. And, as Pastor Andrew reminded us of this past week, don’t forget our "5 for 5 Challenge" - praying for five people/families for five minutes a day for five weeks...and then making sure to invite them to join you for one of our three Christmas Eve services.
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:2
Stars? Magi? Lavishly expensive gifts? What does this strange story mean? The wise men (or Magi) come from the East (most likely Persia) in search of a king. They had studied the Scriptures and stars; and when they saw this particular star, they left their own kings and kingdoms to search for the “king of the Jews.” When they finally found the newborn king, the Magi worshiped Him and gave Him gifts.
What we also see in this story is that Herod became jealous. He thought anyone looking for the “king of the Jews” should actually be seeking him. To protect his throne, Herod went on a murderous rampage (Matthew 2:16) after learning the Magi went home a different way.
The phrase “king of the Jews” appears in more than this story, however. Several times in the biblical story, others refer to Jesus by this title. Even when Jesus hangs on the cross, the Roman governor Pilate hangs a sign above his head, proclaiming Him, “Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews.”
Of course, Jesus’ life and ministry reveal to us that He is far more than just the “king of the Jews.” The story of the star of Bethlehem tells us that God’s love is for all people of all races from all nations and all times. None of us has a corner on God’s love or can keep God’s light for ourselves. Jesus came to be the Savior of the world—all of it.
As the King of all who call upon His name, this story reminds us that we are to be willing to leave everything behind and follow Jesus. We are to worship Him with honor and joy. We are to offer gifts to Him, the best of all that we have. This year, let’s start with the gift of our hearts and our service!
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.” -Luke 2:25
Expecting parents wait nine months for the arrival of their newborn baby. When the child finally comes, there is a sense of relief and excitement. Nine months is a long time to wait.
Now imagine you are waiting for the birth of a baby that would bring salvation to people everywhere. Imagine waiting year after year for this baby to be born. Imagine the sense of joy and relief when you are finally able to set your eyes on this child. That describes the experiences of Simeon and Anna recorded in Luke 2:21-40.
We do not know how long they waited, but we do know that they were old. Simeon was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” Anna could have been a widow for 84 years, and she was worshipping in the temple every day waiting to see a move of God.
Imagine hearing you would not die before you had seen the Messiah, and then having to wait. What happens to us when we have to wait with no end in sight? We get frustrated. Angry. Discouraged. Distracted.
Then one day the Spirit moved Simeon to go and see this child at the temple. Imagine the joy and the excitement Simeon must have felt! At last he was able to see the Messiah who had come to save, and he took the child in his arms and gave praise to God. Anna, too, saw Jesus and proclaimed to others the redemption that had come near.
Through the witness of Simeon and Anna, Luke announces the comfort of Israel has come to save all God’s people from sin, wherever they are throughout the world. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas: Jesus, the comfort and hope of the world, has come to us. May that news be our comfort and hope throughout this Christmas season, and may it move us towards others who need that same consolation.
Grumbling seems to be a favorite pastime of humanity, and Jesus-followers are not exempt. We see it in the way God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt and provided for them in the desert, yet they complained! We see it in the New Testament when God’s people grumbled regularly enough that the apostle Peter had to say, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). And James added, “Don’t grumble against one another...or you will be judged” (James 5:9).
That’s why Thanksgiving is a great time to put aside a grumbling attitude, to pause, and to think of God’s many blessings. Instead of complaining, we can turn our attention to God’s provision, providence, protection, and plan. Thankfully, that ultimate provision and plan are made evident as we turn our attention to the season of Advent this week. It is a season of hopeful expectation when we reflect on our need for a Savior, celebrate His coming, and watch for His triumphant return.
That’s why we’re starting a new series entitled “Awaited” this week. Not only is it a time when we wait and prepare for the Christmas season, but also when we are reminded that we are to live in expectation and anticipation of Christ’s second Advent. It is a season when we await in hope.
What are you awaiting this season? What are you awaiting in your life? What are you awaiting personally? Professionally? Spiritually? Relationally? Where do you need hope? This Sunday as we begin the Advent season, we do so by lighting the candle of hope. We are reminded that, throughout history, the people of God have looked to the Person of God to fulfill the promises of God. Advent reminds us that it’s all found in the Person and power of Jesus Christ.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When we think about the “big” questions in life, what are some that come to mind? “What does God want from me?” Or, “What does God want for me?” Those are some big-picture questions.
What about the ones that are a bit smaller? “What career should I pursue?” “Where should I go to school?” “Whom should I marry?” These are certainly big questions, but they might not be the ultimate issue questions.
And then of course you have the small, day-to-day questions. “What book should I read?" “What game should I play?” “What should I have for dinner?”
Here’s what Paul says when it comes to the questions, decisions and results of life: In every situation and in every decision, we are to rejoice and give thanks. Not sometimes. Not when we feel like it. Always!
If we’re honest, the adverb “always” trips us up. How is it possible to rejoice “always?" How can we give thanks when we are sick or worried about inflation, or when we get a poor grade or lose a friend? It must be possible, or God would not will it for us.
Here’s where I think Paul tells us the answer. In verse 18 he says, “In Christ Jesus.” Note that he’s not saying that we give thanks for all circumstances, but that we can give thanks in all circumstances. No matter what questions we ask or face, no matter what happens to us in life, no matter how we feel about things in the moment, we can still give thanks.
As we approach this Thanksgiving, may we pause to give thanks for all of God’s many blessings. May we see His faithfulness and goodness regardless of our questions or circumstances. Finally, may we know what it means to be “in” Christ Jesus. Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
This sermon wraps up our "Foundations" sermon series. Over the past several weeks, we have surveyed a variety of foundational beliefs, teachings, and practices of Christianity, including the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the importance of a relationship with Jesus. This week, we will turn our attention to another foundation of the Christian life, the task and calling of shepherding the family of God.
The Bible repeatedly uses the metaphor of a shepherd and the sheep to describe God's relationship with His people. In fact, Jesus described Himself as the "Good Shepherd" to highlight His role as our caretaker and king. Even though He is the ultimate shepherd, He has delegated much of the everyday work of caring and leading to human shepherds such as pastors, elders, and deacons. As we prepare to enter into a season of nominating and electing church officers for 2022, this message will remind us how foundational and beautiful these callings are. As beloved sheep of the Good Shepherd, Jesus longs for each one of us to be part of His family where we can be challenged, encouraged, and equipped to flourish in our faith, care for each other, and love Him more.
Growing up in the south suburbs of the city of Chicago, we always talked about the congestion, the traffic jams, and the aggressive drivers. It was an inconvenience and a frustration. There is a certain level of attraction to the big city, but I never realized how much it bothered me until I lived in a place like Warsaw and have to go home to visit family. Throughout high school and college, I’d avoid driving downtown as often as I could. It felt like a hassle.
But as I’ve gotten older and have had the opportunity to take my own children to see the John Hancock Center or the Willis (it’ll always be Sears to me) Tower, I’ve had a newfound sense of appreciation for it, despite the traffic. From street level, all you see is the chaos. But from the observation deck, the traffic flow seems peaceful and orderly in its grid-like system; and the view of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and other attractions helps you appreciate the city in a new way. The view from 1000 feet is different from the ground floor.
Often, our prayers resemble that when they are focused on the anxiety of the “street level” in our lives - our health, finances, relationships and decisions. Thankfully, Jesus cares about the chaotic troubles of this world; but he also invites us to see the world from God’s perspective. That’s what prayer does; and specifically, that’s what the Lord’s Prayer does. Whenever we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done," we are praying with a view from 1000 feet; and that perspective helps us to see things differently.
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As we continue in our “Foundations” series this week, we’ll be looking at the difference between religion and relationship, between works of the law and grace in Jesus Christ. What I hope we discover is that we stand on the foundation of the finished work of Christ on the cross and His grace alone. If you know of anyone else who needs to be reminded of this good news, then make sure to reach out to your friends and neighbors and share the podcast with them.
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (NLT)“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (ESV)
I love the way both of those translations talk about Hebrews 10:23…Holding fast to what we affirm - to our confession - and to do it without wavering. In what we discovered together last week, the Apostles’ Creed is a beautiful and inspiring summary of what we affirm. Even John Calvin said in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, the Creed “furnishes us with a full and every way complete summary of faith, containing nothing but what has been derived from the infallible word of God.” In other words, if we want to stand on a firm foundation in our faith, we need to stand on the Scriptures and how they are summarized in the Apostles' Creed.
We left off last week with Jesus' descent to the dead. It seemed like the enemy had won. But then we read, “On the 3rd day He rose again from the dead and ascended into heaven…” Those words remind us of something that is both wonderfully simple and astoundingly great: Jesus has gone bodily to be in the very presence of God!
But what does this mean? What is the significance of this belief? That Jesus, who rose from the dead after dying to pay for all our sin, now lives and rules with God the Father in heaven. And yet Jesus is also with us always— through the Spirit of God, who comes to live and work in our hearts. Jesus’ ascension made all of this possible.
This week we get to study the fact that Jesus was the ultimate “party crasher” who is the “life of the party.” His defeat of death, resurrection to eternal life, and giving of the Spirit assures us of so many heavenly blessings that a few minutes on a Sunday morning can’t do it justice; but we’ll certainly give it a try!
What do you believe? This question can apply to any number of things:
- What do you believe about the weather?
- What do you believe about the Chicago Bears this year?
- What do you believe about politics?
- What do you believe about what so-and-so is doing?
- What do you believe about __________________?
You get the picture.
Why is that important? It’s important because you and I constantly make choices and decisions based around what we believe. Whether we realize it or not, we each live by a personal credo statement. It’s the foundation on which we stand.
This raises a few questions. Will the foundation on which you stand be a solid rock or sinking sand? Where do you go when your spouse and you are constantly arguing and you feel like you’re on the verge of divorce? Where do you go when you find out that you have cancer? Where do you go when the news comes that you need surgery? What provides your anchor? What is your foundation?
In the coming weeks we’re going to be spending some time together in a new series called “Foundations.” The purpose of this series will be to provide us with a common starting place no matter where we are in our faith journey. We’ll start with a look at the Apostles' Creed, follow with a study of the Lord’s Prayer, and finish up by learning about the scriptural foundation that led to the Reformation.
What do I stand on? Where do I go? Thankfully, we can rest in the God who created us, who loves us, and who has given us His Son. Since this will be a great series for people who have questions about faith, life, and the church, let’s use this as an opportunity to invite our friends and neighbors.
This week we come to the end of our series that has seen us journey through the letter to the Ephesians. In a way, we are bidding “farewell” to an old friend who we’ve come to love so well. Hopefully, we keep the truths of Ephesians deep within, and we wear them well like a coat of armor.
Speaking of armor, because so much of our time will be spent Sunday on The Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-20 (something we could easily spend weeks on alone), we won’t have much time for Ephesians 6:21-24, Paul’s farewell blessing. This, too, could easily have been its own message, so why don’t we take a few minutes and address it here.
You and I use greetings like “hello” and “goodbye” often when we are in conversation. They are words of civility, but they can often become ordinary and impersonal. However, expressions that offer a blessing are much more meaningful and powerful.
If you think about it, Paul began his letter to the Ephesians with, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” then he ends it with, “Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” I love the fact that Paul didn’t just sign his letter, he brackets it with prayers for grace. His desire for the church is that they would experience the reality of God’s grace in their lives.
There is a lesson in this for all of us. Yes, it is a reminder that we should be thoughtful and meaningful as we wish people well. However, it is also a reminder that, in everything we say and do, we are to be a people of grace. In between the beginning and ending verses, he says that God raises us from the spiritual grave by grace (2:5), that God made him a minister by grace (3:2, 7-8), that spiritual gifts of grace were given to every member of the church (4:7-8), and that we should use our words to “give grace” to those we speak to (4:29). Ephesians is about grace through and through.
To be sure, having God’s grace-filled presence does not mean that we will be perfect in our conduct or that everything will always go our way. But by knowing that our sovereign God is in control of all things, it gives us the ability to see how, “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). That’s grace!
So as we close out this letter this week, I pray that you may lift your eyes to the One in whom we have hope, and the One in whom all things hang together - Jesus Christ! I pray that we may be a people of grace - saved by grace through faith, living in grace towards one another, and showing God’s grace to our community around us. It is for that reason that I end correspondence with the beautiful reminder and blessing...
We all work for somebody. You may be a 9-5 hourly employee. You may be a CEO who reports to a board. You may be a board that is concerned about your investors. However, no matter what your state of employment is, Ephesians 6 reminds us that we are all working for God!
Yet there’s more. Many of us have people who are responsible to us: we may be district managers, business owners, stay-at-home parents, or teachers. Paul reminds us that how we use or abuse our power in the workplace says a great deal about how we grasp the gospel.
In a time when it was assumed that masters could treat their servants with indifference at best and cruelty at worst, the gospel of Jesus leveled the playing field. Under the care and authority of Jesus, master and servant stood on equal footing because both were in fact fellow servants of Jesus Christ.
In today's world, Ephesians 6 teaches us that Christian employers are called to treat their workers with dignity and kindness. Furthermore, workers are called to give their best, knowing that they are ultimately serving Christ. All of our service is an expression of our gratitude for God’s grace shown to us in the redemption we have received through Christ.
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Colossians 3:20-21
At some point along the way, nearly every family experiences a conversation that goes something like this: A student is having a chat with a parent about some disagreement, and the parent says, “So long as you are living in my house and under my roof, you need to follow my rules.” The child responds, “I don’t have to listen to you just because you are my parent...I’m old enough to make my own decisions.”
Sound familiar? That's because there is, in many families, a wrestling match that takes place between parents and children over independence and authority, over who should be listened to and what the expectations are. Children want to be treated like adults, and adults want their children to grow up to be respectable members of society. If you are a Christian parent, you want your children to live like Jesus.
How do we do that in harmony? First, children are to submit to their parents. And, parents, we are to raise our children up lovingly and in the Lord. How do we do that together, and what does that look like in our daily lives?
One of the things I often say is that “what we believe needs to affect how we behave.” It’s the idea that the “vertical” relationship we have with Christ should affect the “horizontal.” Over the past few weeks, our series has taken us from beautiful theology to practical living. The theme tying it all together is found in Ephesians 5:21.
Submission. Love. Reverence.
John Calvin has stated, “Where love reigns, there is mutual servitude.” He added that this applies even to kings and rulers. They must serve their people, as must pastors and politicians. As we will see this week, so must husbands and wives. In all this, Jesus is the model.
Love is at the heart of the Bible’s teaching on submission. Submission is not about just giving in to someone else’s wishes or obeying what someone else says. It runs much deeper than that. Furthermore, being submissive is not a one-way street. Paul says clearly, “Submit to one another.” Biblical submission is mutual, wholesome, and loving. It is not a submission forced by a “because I said so” attitude. It is a spiritual maturity that is born “out of reverence for Christ.”
While our society sees submission as a “4 letter word,” Paul sees it as the church modeling the acts of Jesus Christ and His life of selfless sacrifice. As we unpack these beautiful truths together this week, let’s challenge ourselves to seek to have the heart and mind of Christ in all our relationships.
The more we come to know Jesus, the more we become like Jesus. One of the marks of a person whose identity is rooted in Christ is that he or she will increasingly live in a way that displays the beauty of Christ to others. As we continue our sermon series on identity, we will look at the first half of Ephesians 5. Building on some of the themes that Robby unpacked for us last week, we will consider what the Apostle Paul says about imitating Christ's example in our own lives.
As you prepare, I invite you to read through Ephesians 5:1-20. As you read these words, prayerfully ask the Lord to shine His light into your heart to reveal areas where He is calling you to change and to show you new ways in which He may be calling you to place your hope in Jesus alone, display Christ as beautiful, and bring the joy of the Lord to our city and our world.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. — Ephesians 4:22-24
Oftentimes when we come to a new year, many people resolve to live differently. We promise to lose weight, find a new job, quit smoking, care better for our husband or wife, or change in some other way. "It’s going to be great" we think to ourselves! Then the cold reality hits: change is not easy. After a few weeks (or days) into a new year, old and destructive habits sometimes return.
Of course, we can also experience this when it comes to our walks with Jesus. We are told that we are a new creation in Christ. We are told that the old has gone and the new has come. We are told that we need to put on heavenly clothing. Then what happens? The old creeps back in again!
The point is not to have us beating ourselves up when we falter. God is at work, and God is the one who is making us new through the renewing of our minds and hearts - a process we call sanctification. The Christian life is about knowing Christ better and desiring to live for Him each and every day.
As we continue in our sermon series called "Identity" this week, we’re going to be looking at what it means for us to live as children of light, even in the midst of darkness. We’re blessed to have one of our elders, Robby Kissling, sharing with us since both Pastor Andrew and I are away officiating weddings. May God bless Robby as he leads us, and may our hearts be receptive to hearing how we are called to live in the light.
In many ways, the book of Philippians can be described as a long and amazing thank-you letter. The apostle Paul wanted to express his gratitude and joy to the believers in the city of Philippi for the gift they had sent after learning of his imprisonment. Led by the Spirit, Paul also sought to encourage them to stand firm in persecution and to rejoice, regardless of their circumstances. I’d say that’s a great way to say "thank you"...and it’s the kind of thing that’s contagious!
Paul uses the image of a body to describe Jesus Christ as the head of the church. It is Jesus Christ who provides the direction and the coordination of His body. What is most beautiful about this imagery, though, is how it relates to Christ's authority over His church.
The image of the head and the body vividly shows that, just as our flesh and bone is joined together and supported by ligaments, we are joined together, growing and being built up in love under Jesus, who is the head of the body. It also means that we need everyone to function as the body! Everyone belongs; everyone serves. Because we belong to one another under Christ's authority, we also need one another to build up that body.
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”Ephesians 4:1
How many of us have ever asked, “What should I do with my life?” We probably all have. Of course, behind this question is a bigger and deeper one: “What is the purpose of my life?”
Those questions are ones that we never stop asking because we’re always entering different seasons in our lives. As children and youth we ask it when we're trying to figure out a career path. We ask it again when we think about getting married, or becoming parents, or increasing our responsibilities in other ways. We ask it when our children are grown up and the nest is empty. When we retire, we ask it all over again.
It’s a question that we not only ask about our walk in the world, it’s also a question that we (should) ask in our spiritual lives. “What is the purpose of my walk with Christ?” “What difference does it make in my life and in the world?”
Thankfully in Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul gives us the answer to the question, and what we find is that our walk with Christ determines our walk in the world. It provides direction. It provides purpose. It provides peace and unity in the body. It provides an example to the world. However that’s just a small sampling of the depths of the riches that we find in these verses.
In this prayer, we behold Paul's passion for the gospel, his desire to see people firmly rooted in the love of Christ, and his exuberant ambition for God’s glory.
Thankfully, God is a planner, as Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:1-13. Though His plan seemed like a mystery for generations, it has now been revealed in Christ. The division that existed between Jews and Gentiles, between the spiritual “haves” and “have nots,” has been torn down. Jesus demolished the walls of hostility and made the two groups one. And the purpose of the Church, then, is to make known the “manifold wisdom of God.” Our unity in Christ and His victory speaks to the heavenly realms and even makes the demon shudder! And that should remind us that we can have boldness and confidence in Christ!
If you have ever doubted God’s plan for you...if you have ever questioned your identity and who/whose you are in Christ...if your life sometimes feels like a mystery...then this is the week for you! You need to know that you are a part of God’s incredible plan!
Paul says that we have peace with God because of Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone, the capstone, and the keystone. In Him, all things hold together. This also means that we need to align ourselves with Jesus. It means that we are called to live in peace with one another.
As the apostle Peter describes it, all who believe in Christ are “like living stones...being built into a spiritual house.” (1 Peter 2:5). What is God building you into? What is God building our church into? How are we being called to be citizen peacemakers?
As we continue in our new sermon series called Identity, what we hope to discover is how our identity in Christ becomes clearer and surer the more we “know Christ better.” The more He opens the eyes of our hearts and reveals to us our glorious inheritance, the power, and the promise we have in Christ; the more confident we become of our identity. That gives us hope in this life and in the life to come.
We look forward to worshipping with you this weekend, and we encourage you to keep inviting your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to worship with you. Because so many of us struggle with the question, “Who am I?”, this series has the potential to speak into many people’s lives.
As we continue in our new sermon series called Identity, what we hope to discover is how our identity in Christ becomes clearer and surer the more we “know Christ better.” The more He opens the eyes of our hearts and reveals to us our glorious inheritance, the power, and the promise we have in Christ; the more confident we become of our identity. That gives us hope in this life and in the life to come.
Identity is an important topic in our world, and we are constantly surrounded by all sorts of messages about who we are. Because what our culture has to say about our identity tends to be less than helpful, it is important to discover what God has to say about our identity.
Welcome to a new sermon series on the topic of our identity. This series will take us all the way through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, as we consider what God has to say about who we are. This week, we will explore Ephesians 1:1-14, which has a tremendous amount to say about who we are in Jesus Christ.
As you listen to this series, I encourage you to do two things. First, prayerfully ponder the question "Who am I?" and consider some of the many ways you could answer that question. Are any of your answers surprising? Do any of your answers seem to be at odds or in tension with each other? Which answers to this question do you consider to be most central to your identity?
Second, I encourage you to prayerfully read through Ephesians 1:1-14. What does God have to say about your identity? What do you find most surprising in these verses? Which aspect of your identity in Christ needs to receive more of your focus?
This sermon comes from a guest speaker to our church, Lydia Harrison. Join with us as we discover more about Psalm 27 and what it means to seek His face.
This sermon unpacks how we see ourselves vs. how God sees us. Remember that guilt and shame only hurts the way we see ourselves, and keeps us from seeing the new creation we have become in Jesus Christ.
This sermon spoke into the heart of depression. What does it look like for Christians? What can we do to help each other walk through these difficult seasons?
The second sermon in our unmasking series dives into suffering. Why is there suffering in our world? What is the hope we have in Jesus Christ in the midst of our suffering?
This new sermon series dives into the different emotions that we all experience and how we should handle them when Christ is at the center of our lives.
This sermon is a continuation of our series on how to reach those who don't know the name of Jesus Christ.
How do we reach all non-believers in the name of Jesus Christ? This sermon dives into the different ways we can reach non-believers around us.
This is the beginning of our new sermon series together called “Go Fish.” It’s a series that focuses on sharing our faith. This sermon talks about being in “proximity” to Jesus, having a relationship with Him, and KNOWING Him rather than merely knowing ABOUT Him.