Crossborn: Recent Episodes
Rod Schorr
"...they reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened, for the nations, a doorway of faith." Acts 14: 27 (lit.)
What a blessed thing our Scriptures describe for us this morning: God pouring His Word and His Good News out into the non-Jewish world! If that had never happened, where would we be today! But it did happen dear ones! That door was flung wide open for you too! All you have to do is go through it!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"...they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead, however..." Acts 14: 19
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who are blown and bent by the wind and those who stand up to it. Which one are you? This morning in Acts 14, my what a contrast we see! Those fickle, changeable Lystrians and the constant, faithful Paul! Let's take a look.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lover of God
"...that you should turn from these useless things to the Living God." Acts 14: 15
That day when Paul preached in the city of Lystra, one man was truly listening. Though a crowd was there with him, we cannot speak for the others. So ingrained they were with the "useless things" of their culture that they seem not to have heard a word! And that makes the Lystrians an awful lot like Americans today!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God.
"Now, having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them forth..." Acts 13:3
Here in the Book of Acts, we find the early church to be a mighty cross-cultural powerhouse! Powerfully gifted to serve a needy world, and powerfully enabled to proclaim the Good News to the lost. May the same be said of our church today!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"...he examined the guards and commanded that they be put to death..." Acts 12: 19
Let's face it People are frail, and not even Christians are an exception. No, not even that wonderful exemplary New Testament Church! When God answers their prayers and sets Peter free, they just can't believe it! They call the messenger 'crazy'! What an exhortation to us all! Let's take a look.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
“...they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord...” Acts 12:10 NKJV
How bleak and depressing the world looked that day for Peter and his church. His dear friend James had been run through with a sword, with crowds of evil people cheering it all on. The wicked King Herod now lays hands on Peter. Tomorrow is his ‘doomsday’. But hold on! Someone is praying!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts, Dear Lovers of God
"Now about that time, Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church." Acts 12:1
Wherever the Kingdom of God advances, you can be sure that opposition will arise. This morning, Herod the 'People Pleaser', seeing that his murder of James has thrilled the populace, now lays hold of Peter. Oh, but, things don't work out too well for him this time.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' series: The Book of Acts: God's Church the Right Way
"In those days, prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch..." Acts 11: 27
Today, the Christian church is flooded with self-proclaimed "prophets" who make reckless proclamations that never come true. So...are they truly "prophets"? What is a "prophet"? What is his purpose? And how can we know if a person truly is one? Oh, very important questions. Let's all learn this well today, because the very integrity of God's Word is at stake!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson. Calvary Chapel Old Towne
"...the disciples were first called 'Christians' in Antioch." Acts 11: 26
It may be a word that world despises. It may a name that the forces of evil rise up against; but there is no greater title than the one first given to the believers in Antioch. 'Christian'! The word literally means 'belonging to Christ', implying loyalty and allegiance. Never be ashamed of it, dear faithful follower!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Doing Church the Right Way
"When they heard these things, they became silent, and they glorified God saying 'Then God has also granted the Gentiles repentance to life.'" Acts 11: 18
Peter was heavily criticized for befriending and consorting with the 'foreigners' in their day. It was a violation of age-old standards. But nothing can silence the critics more swiftly or thoroughly than changed lives! And that's what the Gospel always does!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Church Done Right
"...that through Him, all who believe in His name will receive remission of sins." Acts 10: 48
Where would we be if the events of this chapter had never happened? If Peter had not obeyed the Lord, set aside his prejudices, and faithfully preached the Good News to the non-Jews? We "gentiles" would have no hope, nor would all the rest of the world. This morning, Pastor Dave expounds upon the beauty of God's plan for the whole world.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts, Dear Lovers of God
"But a voice spoke to him again the second time: 'What God has cleansed, you must not call common'." Acts 10:15
The great disciple, Peter, was carrying within his heart the very same tendencies toward pride and prejudices that all of us have. But--praise His name!--God was going to do something about it!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA.
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified." Acts 9: 31
In the wake of Saul, the Destoyer's, removal from the scene, the fledgling churches enter into a peaceful period where they are free to do what all Christians are called to do: they minister to the hurting, they heal the afflicted, they rescue the lost.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
This morning we find our new believer, Saul (or 'Paul' as he soon will be) completely alone and cut off in this world. His former friends are his bitterest enemies. The Christian brothers don't trust him at all. he is the ultimate 'outsider'. Does that strike a chord? And yet he could be more safely 'in' if he tried.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"The Lord said to him: 'Arise and go to the street called 'Straight' and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for--behold!--he prays!" Acts 9:11 NKJV
Could it possibly be a coincidence? That this greatest conversion of all time--Saul the 'Destroyer' kneeling before Jesus!--should happen on 'Straight Street', of all places! Praise God! Goodness knows, the man has been on 'Crooked' long enough! Isn't it marvelous how our Savior works!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"...he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying: 'Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?'" Acts 9: 4 It has to be one of the most dramatic moments in all the B ib le: the complete overthrow of a wicked man. Saul, the great persecutor, was the 'ravenous wolf' from the Tribe of Benjamin, prophesied by Jacob some 2000 years before. (Gen 49: 27). But hang on! He is just about to become a 'lamb'!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From the Pastors' series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Then the Spirit said to Philip: 'Go near and overtake this chariot...'" Acts 8: 29
He was treasurer to the Queen of a thoroughly pagan land; a man of great authority and prestige! Who would ever expect him to come to the Lord? And yet, there he was: in the middle of the wilderness, driven by the dictates of a deep spiritual hunger!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"But Peter said to him: 'May your money perish with you because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money.'" Acts 8: 20 NKJV
It is the bedrock foundation of the Gospel of Christ that not a thing we now have, as Christians, has come by our own means. Nothing was 'bought', 'earned', 'acquired' by your own means, dear Christian, or mine. No. Jesus did all that on the Cross, and that's why it's called 'Gospel': 'Good News'!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word..." Acts 8: 4
What an amazing God we serve! He overthrows evil with good; turns trials into triumphs! This morning, our little church is 'scattered' under the fierce persecutions of the enemies of God. But God is in control! He just turns every fugitive into a missionary!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"...but he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven..." Acts 7: 55
Stephen was the church's first martyr and what a model of courage he is! He knew the great risk behind what he was doing and yet he did it anyway. He spoke Truth in the face of great e il and paid for it with his life. But--oh!--he 'looked up' dear ones! Let's you and I do the same!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
If ever a prosecutor should regret pressing charges, Stephen's case is surely one of them. He actually proves that his accusers are guilty of the charges they leveled against him! Though the favor of God was always at work among the, they stubbornly rejected His deliverance. And how like the USA today!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvaryary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles and gave him favor and wisdom..." Acts 7: 10
Stephen's 'defense' may seem long, detailed and historical, but--make no mistake--there is nothing superfluous about it. Every word exonerates Stephen and every new subject makes the same devastating point: a nation can fall out of favor with God. And so has the U.S. of A!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God.
"...and all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel." Acts 6: 15
This week, we are learning how the believer responds to a hostile environment. I think we need this lesson more than ever before.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Pastor Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." Acts 6: 3
This morning our fledgling church struggles with its first case of discord in the congregation. How beautiful the response of these earliest believers! And how crucial that we--and every believing church--follow their wonderful example!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne Orange, CA From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"...they departed from the presence of the Council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name." Acts 5: 41
This morning, we see God's mighty hand at work, keeping His church save, sound and fearless as ever! And that He will do for you too, dear faithful one! And for all His dear church! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We must obey God rather than men.'" Acts 5: 29
Christians are expected to honor officials and obey the laws of the land. But there does come a time when the Christian will say 'no'. When he must choose between obeying God's clear commands and the commands of men. This morning Pastor Dave Johnson explores this crucial moment in the early ministry of the Apostles.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA. From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." Acts 5: 20 NKJV
Acts 5 has to be the most seeker-unfriendly episode in the history of the church! But God was not about to let hypocrisy infiltrate his fledgling congregation! With the demise of Ananias and Sapphira, God had purified HIs church, and oh what a powerful force it became!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"But Peter said: 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?'" Acts 5: 3 NKJV
Acts 5 has to be a text for the most seeker unfriendly service in the history of the church! But, if this story is unsettling to you, or shocking, that is a good thing!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul..." Acts 4: 32
Pastor Dave offers wisdom and insight into the amazing unity of this early, already persecuted church!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lover of
God
"...and when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken..." Acts 4: 31
As the world hangs heavy under the turmoil and the lawlessness, we are hearing it over and over: "I can't think of one happy thing." Oh, but we're Christians, dear ones! So how should we respond? Wouldn't you know? Our brave church in Acts 4 does it just right! Let's learn from them today.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne Orange CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God.
"...and when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken..." Acts 4: 31
As the world hangs heavy under the turmoil and the lawlessness, we are hearing it over and over: "I can't think of one happy thing." Oh, but we're Christians, dear ones! So how should we respond? Wouldn't you know? Our brave church in Acts 4 does it just right! Let's learn from them today.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne Orange CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God.
"Whether it is right, in the sight of God, to listen to you more than to God, you be the judge." Acts 4: 19
We continue our study of the 'brave Church': people so inspired and empowered that nothing was going to stop them now. Not that many wouldn't try! This morning, the 'authorities' tried to forbid them to even 'utter' the name of Jesus. What a laugh! Let's take a look...
Message by Asst. Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne Orange, CA. From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"...for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved." Acts 4: 12
How apt that question the jealous rulers of the people posed to Peter when he so miraculously healed the lame man: "By what power or in what name have you done this?" Oh! So glad they asked! That powerful name the subject of our message this morning. Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"...for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved." Acts 4: 12
How apt that question the jealous rulers of the people posed to Peter when he so miraculously healed the lame man: "By what power or in what name have you done this?" Oh! So glad they asked! That powerful name the subject of our message this morning. Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3: 19
That day on the Temple steps, Peter was preaching to the very enemies of Christ! "You who killed the Prince of Life..."! (Acts 3: 15) But--oh!--God was calling them too! He calls all of us to action, with the promise of a new life!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"...so he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking leaping and praising God." Acts 3:8
The lame man Peter healed that day, had been in that condition "since his mother's womb" (Acts 3: 2). In other words, he was 'born that way', to be lame was 'his nature'. And everyone knows there is no changing that, right? Oh, hold on! Here comes the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, with all the power to bless and transform anyone who is 'born that way'.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lover of God
"...be saved from this crooked generation..." Acts 2: 40
Last week we listened to the very first sermon in the history of the Church. It was simple, concise and to the point. But more importantly, it 'pierced', as only something from the Spirit of God could do. So, how did that crowd of listeners respond? Oh that is the blessed subject of this morning's text.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne Orange, CA
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lover of God.
"Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and heed my words..." Acts 2: 14
This morning we come to the very first sermon ever preached by a Christian preacher. How remarkable, the man God chose to deliver it: the most broken, discouraged, defeated disciple of all the Eleven. But--my!--what a message! And what a transformation! That is the work of the Holy Spirit of God.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne
From the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lover of God
"Suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind." Acts 2:2
The day was 'Pentecost', remembering when God first gave the Law to His people. But oh, on this Pentecost, He gave something so much greater! He have the Holy Spirit and a changed heart, and the power to live gods Law, not just obey, but live it; to live life God's way like never before. And that was going to change the whole world.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, from the Pastors' Series: The Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke..." Acts 1: 16
Christians do not follow their own devices; their own intuitions, the advice of others or the trends of the day. No! They follow God's Word and when they do, they never have cause for regret.
Pastor Dave explains the early church's very first reliance upon the Holy Word of God.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne
From the series on the Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me..." Acts 1: 8 NKJV
Every believer in Jesus Christ becomes a member of Kingdom of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work of the Kingdom; called by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Christ to all the world.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson
A new series on the Book of Acts: Dear Lovers of God
"The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach." Acts 1:1 NKJV
Luke, the beloved physician, (Col 4; 14) sets out to investigate the remarkable story of Jesus and becomes part of the story. This wonderful book of Acts is meant not only to be studied, but also to be lived out.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson: From the Series on the Book of Acts.
"...the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." Jn 21: 25
This morning we come to the end of one of the greatest books ever written! And wouldn't you think that John might be proud of it? But no! Look at the incredible humility of this man. John sees his book as just one in the 'pile' that would cover the whole earth if they could ever be written! Let's see what that means...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Final in the series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Simon said to Him, 'Yes Lord, you know that I love you.' He said to him: 'Feed my lambs.'" Jn 21: 15
Isn't it amazing? One of history's greatest Christians was actually one who stumbled; who wavered! In fact, he was giving up ministry altogether to go back to his secular job! Oh, until He met the Savior once again! And then everything changed! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had removed it, and plunged into the sea." Jn 21:7
This morning, we are catching Peter at his very lowest. He seems ready to give up his calling in Christ and go back to his fishing! Oh, but hold on! That's going to change! He's going to plunge in!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Jesus said to him: 'Because you have seen me, you believe? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.'" Jn 20: 29
There was a direct correlation between Thomas' absence from that first gathering and the state of his heart. He was now a skeptic. What he witnessed at the Cross had disillusioned him for good! But, oh!, God loves the skeptic!--Thomas' story is the proof of it--and if you're a skeptic too, you should know that He loves you as well.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the Cross: 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.'" Jn 19:19
At our Savior’s most perilous, most vulnerable moment, His sovereignty is just as manifest as ever! On trial for His life; on His way to a Roman execution, and still He rules! Still He is ‘King’! Even Pontius Pilate must declare it! And you can be sure that He rules over your circumstances today!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"So David said to God: 'I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now I pray, take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly." 1 Chron. 21: 8
Pastor Dave offers a profound and relevant call to repentance from the story of Israel's disobedience.
"They said to her: 'Woman, why are you weeping?'" Jn 20: 13
Oh, we learn something beautiful from Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb: how easily we can be blinded by fear and despair! Even as Mary wept that day, there was nothing but Good News! Yes, great victory and joy, though all the world seemed wrong, and everything seemed lost and dark. Let's learn it well today...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees came with lanterns, torches and weapons..." Jn 18: 3
Rejected, betrayed, denied and abandoned by the very ones He loved! This chapter recounts the emotional pain that our Savior endured. The next chapter presents the physical. Which do you think was worse? Have you endured emotions pain?Oh he came to join you in that!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
“I do not pray for the world, but for those whom You have given me.” Jn 17:9
This morning we have the rare privilege of ‘eavesdropping’ on a prayer between God the Son and God the Father! How staggeringly profound it is! Where is the preacher who could ‘expound’ this thing? But—oh, most wonderful of all!—His prayer was for you! Let’s scratch the surface together!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned to joy." Jn 16:2
Here in our Scriptures this morning, we see it: what a merciful friend we have in Jesus! He is deeply moved by the worries and the tears and the sorrows of His disciples. He knows all about their painful thinking, and speaks peace and comfort to them because of it. Today, He will do the same for you.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Jn 16: 33
Sailors used to say that, when you sail through the Straits of Magellan, no matter which way you pointed your bow, the wind would be against you! How like those straits is our world today! And how wonderful to know the One who has 'overcome' it all! And, if you know Him, you will too!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned to joy." Jn 16:2
Here in our Scriptures this morning, we see it: what a merciful friend we have in Jesus! He is deeply moved by the worries and the tears and the sorrows of His disciples. He knows all about their painful thinking, and speaks peace and comfort to them because of it. Today, He will do the same for you.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me first. " Jn 15:18 It has to be one of the great mysteries of our world: its inexplicable, persistent animosity toward the Christian. This morning, Jesus explains some of that mystery, as He leaves yet more parting instructions to His disciples. And—oh!—how wonderfully empowering His words are for you!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...and you are my friends if you do what I command you." Jn 15: 14
Let's face it: we are living in an increasingly 'friendless' world, as we stare into our screens and withdraw into our 'safe spaces'. What this sad and isolated human race needs is a friend; a true friend! And--oh, how wonderful!--Jsuus Christ is the One!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"I am the Vine, you are the branches." Jn 15: 5
How profound the loss that comes to those who sever themselves from God! That's what Jesus came to solve! He came to be the vine if you will be the 'branch':and with a 'connection' like this, you can't lose! Let's take a look.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange CA.
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"He who believes in me, the works I do he will do also, and greater works than these..." Jn 14: 12
The life of the new believer in Christ is not a 'repair job'. It's not self-reform. There are no band-aids, stitches or slings; but total and thorough healing. There is no duct-tape, bondo, or superglue. No! It's a major renovation. Everything about it is new! Welcome to the study of it...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Let not your heart be troubled...." Oh if ever there was a time for such advice, that night in the Upper Room was it! But...can we really do that? Do we have control over a 'troubled heart'? Oh you do, dear one! If you know Him, you can say 'goodbye' to the troubled heart! Let's learn it!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you." Jn 13: 34
"All you need is love..." go the lyrics of Lennon and McCarthy. It's "what the world needs now", according to Mr. Bacharach. That's a wonderful sentiment, but just pointing out the need doesn't make it happen. Poets and philosophers have been doing that for centuries with no results...until...until Jesus came!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...when Judas had gone out, Jesus said: 'Now the Son of Man is glorified...'" Jn 13:31
We are at the Last Supper in our Scripture this morning and what a dark night it is! A betrayal is underway. The betrayer has 'gone out' to set in motion our Savior's crucifixion. But how shocking what Jesus says of this moment: "Now the Son of Man is glorified..." What on earth did He mean?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...you ought also to wash one another's feet". Jn 13:14
Of all the things our Savior could have left for us to do, this one staggers the mind! He didn't tell us to build a 'mega-church'; He didn't tell us to anoint ourselves as 'prophets', 'priests', 'popes' or 'miracle workers'! No! Upon His departure, he commanded us to serve others! To "wash one another's feet".
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Jesus was led up by the Spirt into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil..." Mt 4: 1
Pastor Bob Boxer offers practical insights from Matthew's account of the temptations of Christ.
Pastor Larry Dunne, from Ireland, offers a passionate and moving exploration of one of the most beautiful Psalms in the Bible. Psalm 110.
Message by Pastor Larry Dunne, Missionary to Ireland, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"I know that His command is everlasting life." Jn 12: 50
When Christian faith becomes unpopular, how do you respond? Doesn't a sweeping rejection of God argue something 'wrong' with God? If 'all the world' rejects Him, shouldn't you reject Him too? Oh, get ready! Here in his final farewell to the 'critic s', Jesus sets the record straight on all that.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"I know that His command is everlasting life." Jn 12: 50
When Christian faith becomes unpopular, how do you respond? Doesn't a sweeping rejection of God argue something 'wrong' with God? If 'all the world' rejects Him, shouldn't you reject Him too? Oh, get ready! Here in his final farewell to the 'critic s', Jesus sets the record straight on all that.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"For still a little time, the light is yet with you. Walk while you have the light." Jn 12: 35 (literal)
"A neglected opportunity never returns." So goes an ancient proverb. in our Scripture this morning, our Savior warns us of the same : while you have the light, get going! Get started!! Walk in the light, because darkness is coming, and opportunities do not linger! Let's learn it well this morning.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth For A World In The Grip Of A Lie
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in..." Rev 3: 20
Calvary Bible Teacher Steve Vu explores the beautiful theme that runs all through the Book of Revelation, of our Savior's desire to rescue us and be with us.
Message by Steve Vu, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"He who loves his life will lose it..." Jn 12: 25 All through the Scriptures, the theme is the same: "we are aliens and pilgrims, our days are as a shadow." 1 Chron 29: 15. "My days are but a hand's breadth, my best state but a vapor." Ps 39:5. Which begs the question then: "What exactly are we clinging to?" Here in our Scripture, Jesus gives us a beautiful answer. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA. From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"...she took a round of costly oil and anointed the feet of Jesus..." Jn 12: 3
"The hour is coming when true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth," Jesus once predicted. (Jn 4:23) Here in our Scripture this morning it's happening! Mary at the feet of Jesus, pouring out that costly oil! Pouring out her heart! Let's learn from her this morning.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"He prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation..." Jn 11: 51
There is one thing these 2000 years have taught us all: the voice of God's Truth will not be silenced! God'w wonderful Word has been banished and burned, despised and maligned, and still it speaks forth. What better example than wicked Caiaphas, who was used bu god to proclaim our salvation!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Jesus said to them: 'Unbind him, and let him go!'" Jn 11:44
"And death shall have no dominion," is the refrain from one of Dylan Thomas' poems, but--oh!--it's the wishful, desperate refrain of all the human race! Name even one culture that doesn't cry out against this tyranny and its bondage! Praise God! That tyranny and bondage brought our Savior into the world! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"I AM the Resurrection, and the life. He who believes in me, though he die, yet he shall live." Jn 11: 25
Ever since the Fall, Man has been in the arena. The enemy confronting him, no man can defeat. In every nation, every culture, every language, the people of the earth lament that no man wins this battle against Death. But--oh!--praise God! You Savior has come to win that battle for you.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"I AM the Resurrection, and the life. He who believes in me, though he die, yet he shall live." Jn 11: 25
Ever since the Fall, Man has been in the arena. The enemy confronting him, no man can defeat. In every nation, every culture, every language, the people of the earth lament that no man wins this battle against Death. But--oh!--praise God! You Savior has come to win that battle for you.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Lord, look! He whom you love is sick." Jn 11:3
What a treasure in the Scriptures we have here this morning, in this simple prayer of these dear anxious sisters! We learn from it, today, how to respond when a crisis hits. And how greatly we are loved by a wonderful Savior. How about you? Have you been fretting too? Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John, Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Lord, look! He whom you love is sick." Jn 11:3
What a treasure in the Scriptures we have here this morning, in this simple prayer of these dear anxious sisters! We learn from it, today, how to respond when a crisis hits. And how greatly we are loved by a wonderful Savior. How about you? Have you been fretting too? Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John, Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Lord, look! He whom you love is sick." Jn 11:3
What a treasure in the Scriptures we have here this morning, in this simple prayer of these dear anxious sisters! We learn from it, today, how to respond when a crisis hits. And how greatly we are loved by a wonderful Savior. How about you? Have you been fretting too? Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John, Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"...so he (Elisha) answered: 'Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 2 Kgs 6: 16
Pastor Dave Johnson offers a powerful exposition of Elisha's mighty faith under the siege of a Syrian army.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand." Jn 10: 28
Last week we learned about the Shepherd's voice. This week? The Shepherd's 'grip'! And praise God! What a comfort it is, because you are safe in that grip, dear lamb of the flock! Yes, safe forever!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Other sheep have I, which are not of this fold. Them also must I bring and they will hear my voice." Jn 10: 16
Let's face it: we live in a world that is noisy with voices: the voices of the atheists, the voices of the skeptics, the voices of the reprobates, the voices of bigotry, greed, self-indulgence and temptation. How on earth will we ever make its through this world? Praise God! By tuning in to the Shepherd's voice. That's how!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Other sheep have I, which are not of this fold. Them also must I bring and they will hear my voice." Jn 10: 16
Let's face it: we live in a world that is noisy with voices: the voices of the atheists, the voices of the skeptics, the voices of the reprobates, the voices of bigotry, greed, self-indulgence and temptation. How on earth will we ever make its through this world? Praise God! By tuning in to the Shepherd's voice. That's how!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"I am the Door If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved." Jn 10:9
"Such ones, for their bellies' sake, creep and intrude and climb into the fold." Good ol' Milton! Never was known to mince his words! (Lycidas line 114). And this morning--more sternly yet!--Jesus warns us: not everyone within the 'fold' has come with good intentions. Only those who used the Door!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...but now you say 'We see', therefore your sin remains." Jn 9: 41
We come to the wonderful conclusion of this incident with the man born blind. Have you come to acknowledge that you were 'born blind' to? Oh then there's hope for you! It is the people who think they 'see'--that is: who think they're 'just fine'--who are in trouble. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"They answered him saying: 'You were completely born in sin, and now you are teaching us?'" Jn 9: 34
This morning we return to our story of the man born blind, only to discover that it is not only the eyes of this man that have been miraculously changed: this man is changed all over! Praise God! Get ready! He's going to preach to the Pharisees! He's preaching to the preachers! And fully qualified to do so, too!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"They answered him saying: 'You were completely born in sin, and now you are teaching us?'" Jn 9: 34
This morning we return to our story of the man born blind, only to discover that it is not only the eyes of this man that have been miraculously changed: this man is changed all over! Praise God! Get ready! He's going to preach to the Pharisees! He's preaching to the preachers! And fully qualified to do so, too!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?" Jn 9: 2
The most remarkable thing about the Bible is that literally everything you read 'applies', applies to you in power, profound ways. And no other incident in all the Bible applies more than this one does: this story of the man born blind. Let's dig in and start applying now!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?" Jn 9: 2
The most remarkable thing about the Bible is that literally everything you read 'applies', applies to you in power, profound ways. And no other incident in all the Bible applies more than this one does: this story of the man born blind. Let's dig in and start applying now!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?" Jn 9: 2
The most remarkable thing about the Bible is that literally everything you read 'applies', applies to you in power, profound ways. And no other incident in all the Bible applies more than this one does: this story of the man born blind. Let's dig in and start applying now!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?" Jn 9: 2
The most remarkable thing about the Bible is that literally everything you read 'applies', applies to you in power, profound ways. And no other incident in all the Bible applies more than this one does: this story of the man born blind. Let's dig in and start applying now!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." Jn 8: 58
This morning as Jesus finishes His encounter with this gathering of any skeptics and critics, we learn the awesome truth: that Jesus Christ is truly God, co-eternal with the Father. He is, in fact, the great I AM. What does that mean for us? Oh, get ready to be blessed. God's Word never fails to do that!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...you are of your father the Devil and the desires of your father, you want to do." Jn 8: 44
No passage of Scripture pertains more to our generation than this one. Jesus could have been speaking these words in Times Square! As Americans today, we smugly think that we're okay with God. After all 'We're a Christian nation', aren't we? We're all God's children.' Here Jesus is saying: "You're somebody's children anyway. But as for precisely whose, well, that depends on the 'likeness'."
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed!" Jn 8:36
Americans today still boast in their liberty We're "the land of the free, the home of the brave"! But--hold on!--that was to be sung by a nation "under God". And to many Americans, freedom today means being under no one! So...are we still free? Jesus has something to say about this. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"...and the multitudes marveled saint, 'It was never seen like this in Israel.'" Mt 9: 33
Pastor Dave Johnson explores the awesome deliverance of our Savior and the various ways our world responds to it.
"Lord, you have searched me and known me..." Ps 139:1
Ben Townsend turns to Psalm 139 to expound upon one of the most beautiful attributes of God: His 'knowing' of all things.
"I am going away and you will seek Me and will die in your sin..." Jn 8: 21
Americans today live under a great delusion: that "we have all the time in the world." That "nothing will ever change." It is actually a sign of the end times mentioned by Peter (2 Pet 3: 3-4). This morning, these adversaries of Jesus reveal the same mindset. And--oh!--does Jesus ever set them straight!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"I AM the Light of the world. He who follows me shall never walk in darkness." Jn 8: 12
How amazing the transformation of that poor woman caught in adultery! Her accusers silenced and sent on their way! her life transformed by the word of His mouth--"Go and sin no more!! How can that be? how do you explain it? Oh! The Light of the World has come! And He's come for you too!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"He said to her: 'Woman, where are your accusers? has no one condemned you?' She said: 'No one, Lord.'" Jn 8: 10-11
Of course, Edmund Burke was right: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing." That is because the wicked never rest! This morning we see it again, as the enemies of Christ come, bringing a poor humiliated woman as their 'tool'. Let's see what our Savior does with that! Get ready to be blessed!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"And the officers answered: 'No man ever spoke like this man!'" Jn 7: 38
Isn't it awesome how the most unlikely people surrendered to the Truth of His Word? Zacchaeus? The Centurion? The divorcee at the well? Andrew these tough armed guards, these temple police! They come back just spell out from their encounter with Jesus. May yours be a similar experience.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
'He who believes in me, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water." Jn 7: 38
This morning, Jesus offers the water of life to a spiritually thirsty world. But did you know, dear Christian, that that life-giving water will actually be coming through you? Oh, yes! Count on it! Like "rivers" it will flow! And you will be a blessing to all the world. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"So there was great division among the people because of Him." Jn 7: 43
From beginning to end, all through chapter 7, we see a great storm of controversy, with Jesus at the very center of it all. It still happens today! Let's face it: Jesus Christ draws a line in the sand! It's a line that divides the whole human race! And the great question today is: which side are you on?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me." Jn 7: 16
This world has always been looking for Truth, and--oh!--in all the wrong places too! Our passage this morning actually addresses this issue, as the crowds express their amazement at the teachings of Jesus. Where did He get His grasp of the Truth? Oh!--what a relevant question for us today!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him." Jn 7:1
Here in chapter 7, on His way back to Judea, Jesus steps into a minefield. There is danger, opposition, hatred and discouragement in almost every verse of our text this morning. And--guess what?--it's the same field you and I must walk through. So...welcome to the army of the Cross! Let's dig in...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Then Jesus said to the Twelve: 'Do you also want to go away?'" Jn 6: 67
John Trapp puts it well: "No man stumbles alone, but is always drawing company along with him." Oh, how true! Here in this morning's text, as "many of His disciples" fall away, Jesus is concerned about that. What about you? Will you stay true, while much of the world defects? Oh! How blessed if you do!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"The Jews then complained about Him because He said: 'I am the Bread which came down from heaven.'" Jn 6: 41
How remarkable is Isaiah's prophecy of the coming of the Savior: "He shall be a sanctuary, but also a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." Is 8:14 Well...which one is He? A sanctuary or a stumbling block? Oh, that will depend on you? We find the same issue here in our text this morning.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up on the last day." Jn 6: 40
"Show us the evidence," says most of the world, "Then we'll believe." Fair enough; and as a matter of fact, the evidence for Christ and His Resurrection is overwhelming. It keeps appearing, in fact, to this very day! Did you know? Let's take a look.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me shall never hunger." Jn 6: 35
A healthy appetite is one of the signs of physical well-being. And--oh!--how true even more so in the spiritual sense! Spiritual blessing and lasting fulfillment are promised to those who 'hunger' for the things of God. How about you? Does that include you? Then you are greatly blessed!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, Ca
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...and then, by a great wind that was blowing, the sea awakened..." Jn 6: 18 (lit.)
This morning, as His disciples head out to sea, alone, in the dark, against terrible headwinds, we learn that Jesus is the answer there too: when everything goes against us! How about you? Have you been facing 'headwinds' lately? Then this morning's message is especially for you!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
It was Matthew Arnold who pointed out that "From first youth to extreme old age, the soul is tested." Oh yes it is. In fact, it happens every day--all around us--in the circumstances of our lives. It was happening to the disciples that day the hungry crowd showed up! Let's see how they did...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"These are they which testify of me..." Jn 5: 39
"None need be believed who testify of themselves," is an old rabbinical saying from he Talmud. To this day that is jut good jurisprudence: a plurality of witnesses to try any case. But does it pertain to the Son of God? Did He need to observe it at all? How shocking that He did! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"...he does not come into Judgment, but has passed from death into life." Jn 5: 23
Does anyone ever run p heir credit card, thinking somehow that they will never get a bill? How foolish to think so! But so much more foolish is this sad world we live in; compounding our debt with every choice we are, and blithely thinking we will never have to pay; there will never be a reckoning!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"He who does not honor the Son, does not honor the Father who sent Him." Jn 5: 23
Christ's adversaries all had one thing in common: they considered themselves deeply religious; claiming to obey God and honor God. But, of course, they didn't want Christ! Still don't today. Jesus is making it perfectly clear this morning: rejection of Him is rejection of God.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"The man answered: 'Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool...'" Jn 5:7
This morning, yet another man delivered by a single word: 'Arise!' Remarkably, he never asked for help; didn't cry out for mercy or deliverance, and didn't even know who gave it when it came! Such is the awesome love of Christ that just invades the world of our suffering, when no one else can help!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"The man answered: 'Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool...'" Jn 5:7
This morning, yet another man delivered by a single word: 'Arise!' Remarkably, he never asked for help; didn't cry out for mercy or deliverance, and didn't even know who gave it when it came! Such is the awesome love of Christ that just invades the world of our suffering, when no one else can help!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"The man answered: 'Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool...'" Jn 5:7
This morning, yet another man delivered by a single word: 'Arise!' Remarkably, he never asked for help; didn't cry out for mercy or deliverance, and didn't even know who gave it when it came! Such is the awesome love of Christ that just invades the world of our suffering, when no one else can help!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"The man answered: 'Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool...'" Jn 5:7
This morning, yet another man delivered by a single word: 'Arise!' Remarkably, he never asked for help; didn't cry out for mercy or deliverance, and didn't even know who gave it when it came! Such is the awesome love of Christ that just invades the world of our suffering, when no one else can help!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way." Jn 4:50
How different from he Samaritans of last week are these Galileans today, who welcome Jesus only caused of His miracles. In Samaria, Jesus did not perform a single miracle, and yet they came streaming out to hear him--and believed His every word. And that's how you and I must be.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Come! See a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Christ?" Jn 4: 29 That dear Samaritan woman! Who would have thought that she, of all people, would be history's first evangelist! But she was!@ No sooner had she found Christ herself than she was off to tell the world about Him! What an example for us today! We should all be doing what she did that day!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"The woman said to Him: 'Sir! Give me this water!'" Jn 4: 15
How amazing! Jesus' last encounter was with on of Israel's finest: a Pharisee, a "teacher of Israel", a "ruler of the Jews"--Nicodemus. But here this morning: a nameless, disreputable Samaritan woman with a string of broken marriages behind her. But--oh!--Jesus loves her too! And He's going to change her life! Let's take a look.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"He must increase, I must decrease." John 3: 30
In the Christian walk, is there anything more important than finishing well? What, after alll, will it mean if we don't? This morning we witness the final days of John the Baptist's great ministry. But--oh!--he finishes well! There's so much for us to learn today from this faithful, godly man! Let's get started...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...men loved the darkness, rather than the light." Jn 3:19
We're in the final portion of Nicodemus' famous Night School season with Jesus, but--my!--what brutal honesty we find in this conclusion! And every unbeliever must reckon with it now!--that "people love the darkness, rather than the light." Let's make sure that doesn't include you!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...whosoever..." Jn 3: 16
Martin Luther once called this verse "the heart of the Bible", "the Gospel in miniature", insisting that the entire story of the Bible is told within it. How true! This one verse contains everything you need to know to be free at last and live forever! And the wonderful thing is: it was written for you!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for A World in the Grip of a Lie.
"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up." Jn 3: 14
When Jesus spoke of a life "born again," "born of the Spirit", Nicodemus just had to ask: "How can these things be?" Well, Jesus is gong to answer that question, but--my!--what an answer! It somehow pertains to that ancient story of the snake in the wilderness--the snake on the pole! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...you must be born again..." Jn 3:3
It is possible to go through a lifetime of religious quest, searching for Truth, seeking the 'spiritual', hungering for moral and spiritual reform, and miss it all; never truly finding anything! That's where Nicodemus was headed, until he showed up that night at Jesus' door! Let's go there with him today...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all men..." Jn 2: 24
"The Humanist's view of life stands in awe of human potential," is the boast of Polly Toynbee, British journalist and champion of secular humanism. But this morning we encounter one person who doesn't quite share her 'awe': Jesus Christ, who "knew all men", and "knew what was there in Man." This morning, let's take a look from His perspective...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"He made a whip of cords and drove them all out of the Temple..." Jn 2:15
This morning we come to another side of our precious Savior--one that is purposely and almost universally ignored today: His wrath. Although He is our gentle Shepherd, He is also God incarnate and therefore He is Holy and altogether righteous. he will make no compromise with wickedness.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave..." Psalm 105: 17
Joseph, son of Jacob, was a righteous man who walked by faith, who called sin "sin" and who found great favor from God, even during times of great adversity. This morning, Pastor Novak explores seven character traits of this godly man--traits that should be found in the life of every faithful Christian.
Message by Pastor Jiri Novak, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"Jesus said to them: 'Fill the waterspouts with water.' And they filled them up to the brim." Jn 2:7
The wedding of Cana is the boundary line between the Old and the New. Just like that water in the old stone jars that was turned to wine, the old dispensation, with its old dead legalism and religious ceremonialism was being replaced--transformed!--into something new, alive and joyful. Let's see what that means for us today!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Jesus said to them: 'Fill the waterspouts with water.' And they filled them up to the brim." Jn 2:7
The wedding of Cana is the boundary line between the Old and the New. Just like that water in the old stone jars that was turned to wine, the old dispensation, with its old dead legalism and religious ceremonialism was being replaced--transformed!--into something new, alive and joyful. Let's see what that means for us today!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"You shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." Jn 1: 51
Our Scripture begins with a remarkable moment in the ministry of our Lord. Jesus with only two disciples! And those two, so far, knowing practically nothing! But, what a beginning! With this small beginning, heaven itself would one day be "open" for the ransom and rescue of all mankind!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"You shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." Jn 1: 51
Our Scripture begins with a remarkable moment in the ministry of our Lord. Jesus with only two disciples! And those two, so far, knowing practically nothing! But, what a beginning! With this small beginning, heaven itself would one day be "open" for the ransom and rescue of all mankind!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"Praise be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Cor 9: 15
Pastor Yves Dushime, preacher and evangelist for Franklin Graham's Operation Christmas Child, offers a powerful personal message about the redemption and transformation that comes when Christians give toward the lost.
Missions Sunday at Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"John saw Jesus coming and said: 'Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.'" Jn 1: 23 NKJV
It might be the most remarkable statement in the entire Bible. And how astonishing that John knew this, the moment he saw Jesus, when all the rest of the world could not see it--disciples included! Jesus had come to be the sacrificial lamb that takes away the is of the world.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'make straight the way of the Lord'." Jn 1: 23
John the Baptist was a remarkable man! Filled with the Spirit even before he was born! (Lk 1:41) Jesus insisted there'd been "no one greater". (Mt 11: 11) And yet you would never know it, listening to John speak! To him, Jesus was everything, and he himself ws only a 'voice'! What a perfect example of the true Christian! This morning, let's learn from this wonderful spokesman for Christ.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on the Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Jn 1: 14
There is no statement in all the Bible more important than this one: "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." It is the fulfillment of everything said and done in the Old Testament. This was God's purpose ever since the Fall! And how wonderful to know that it was His purpose for you!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"...and the world did not know Him..." John 1: 10
There is no one in all the world more deluded than the agnostic, and no one in greater peril! At least the atheist knows he is taking an openly defiant position! But the agnostic? He clings to the notion of an "innocent ignorance". Our Scripture this morning makes it clear: there is really no such thing.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series:
The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"...and the world did not know Him..." John 1: 10
There is no one in all the world more deluded than the agnostic, and no one in greater peril! At least the atheist knows he is taking an openly defiant position! But the agnostic? He clings to the notion of an "innocent ignorance". Our Scripture this morning makes it clear: there is really no such thing.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series:
The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie.
"That was the true Light, which gives lit to every man, coming into the world." Jn 1: 9
When John sat down to write this book, this gaol was to shine the Light of Christ into the overpowering darkness of this world and dispel it forever! But--wouldn't you know?--there are 'false lights' dotting the landscape, and the perils of following them are great! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on the Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1
America ha been walking for decades now through the gloomy labyrinth of her own darkness. We've lost the Way! And with every new 'step'--new trend--the way just gets darker and darker. Can we find our earrings again? John's Gospel is proof that we can, if...we go back to the beginning.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series:
The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1
America ha been walking for decades now through the gloomy labyrinth of her own darkness. We've lost the Way! And with every new 'step'--new trend--the way just gets darker and darker. Can we find our earrings again? John's Gospel is proof that we can, if...we go back to the beginning.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series:
The Gospel of John: Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Jn 1: 5
John's Gospel is all about Truth. He mentions the concept 23 times (and 20 more times in his epistles). There's a reason for that: John knew he was writing to a world that was caught in the grip of a lie! And that makes his writings so relevant today, because our generation is still caught in the grip!
An Introduction to the Gospel of John.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Beginning of his series on the Gospel of John:
Truth for a World in the Grip of a Lie
"The owner of the Vineyard said: 'What shall I do? I will send my Son whom I love...'" Luke 20: 13
Pastor Dave Johnson offers powerful insights into this parable of...well...not just "unruly tenants"...it's a parable of all the world!
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"Which of these three, do you think, was a 'neighbor'?" Lk 10: 36
During his encounter with Jesus, the Teacher of the Law finally asked the question that so many in our world keep asking today: "Who is my neighbor?" That is such a loaded question! Doesn't it imply that we don't, after all, want to care about everybody?
Pastor Dave Johnson offers powerful insights into the great Parable of the Good Samaritan, which is still so relevant to us today.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"...the authority God has given me for building up and not for tearing down." 2 Cor 13: 10
"Only entropy comes easy", one of Chekhov's characters observes. How true! It takes force and fortitude to build things up, and almost nothing at all to tear things down. And, as Christians, you are I are committed to "building up". Paul certainly was. Let's learn how to do it this morning...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Final message in his series on 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"Let Truth and Falsehood grapple," dear old John Milton once claimed, "the Truth will never be put to the worse." Yes, it is good for Truth to be tested at times; and never is that truer than in the life of the Christian! He is supposed to be 'tested' and 'proven'. In fact, he must 'test' and 'prove' himself!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange CA
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You, The Ultimate Survivor
"I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls..." 2 Cor 12: 14
I love Charles Spurgeon's advice to his students on the subject of winning souls: "Do not enter this ministry if you can help it. If any student in this room could be content to be a newspaper editor, or a grocer, or a farmer, or a doctor, or a lawyer or a senator, or a king, in the name of heaven and earth let him go his way, his is not the man God has chosen." Oh yes! The soul-winner! A profession more kingly than kingship itself. And the great news is that you, dear Christian, already qualify! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor!
"To the elect Lady, and her children, whom I love in Truth..." 2 Jn 1
If we truly love God, we will love one another; and if we truly love one another, we will do "in the Truth". Apart from he Truth of God, "love" does not even happen! This morning, CCOT's great Bible Teacher, Steve Vu delves into the Second Epistle of John to offer powerful insights about these two great pillars of our Christian Faith: "walking in the Truth" and "loving one another".
Message by Steve Vu Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:9 ESV
How thoroughly "unDarwinian" is the Christian! His Scriptures teach the "survival of the weakest", not the "fittest"; and that, with every wound, scar or infirmity, God's strength is perfected, God's strength prevails! No one understood this better than Paul. But this morning, let's make sure we learn it too!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You: The Ultimate Survivor
"...labors...imprisonments...and countless beatings... stoned... shipwrecked... adrift at sea..." 2 Cor 11: 23-27
There are times in life, when trials are intense, that survival alone is glory! Never has that been truer than with the Christian. He shines like a star when he perseveres, even through the worst of adversities. Paul was the ultimate example of this: the ultimate survivor. You need to be one too!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"...labors...imprisonments...and countless beatings... stoned... shipwrecked... adrift at sea..." 2 Cor 11: 23-27
There are times in life, when trials are intense, that survival alone is glory! Never has that been truer than with the Christian. He shines like a star when he perseveres, even through the worst of adversities. Paul was the ultimate example of this: the ultimate survivor. You need to be one too!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise." 2 Cor 11: 19 NKJV
False teachers and self-appointed "apostles" were taking over the church at Corinth. They came teaching heresies, distorting the Gospel, causing division and slandering the existing leadership. If left unchecked, they would run that church right into the ground. And the Christians at Corinth were just "putting up with it". How sad! Let's learn from this today...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"If someone comes and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached..." 2 Cor 11: 4
"Oh what a goodly outside falsehood has," one of Shakespeare's characters complains. How surprising to find that observation way back in Shakespeare's day. But Paul observed it even in his day! This is the age-old battle for the Truth, where falsehood comes disguised as 'goodness' and 'light'. Let's take a look.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"When the measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves among themselves, they are not wise." 2 Cor 10:12
It is probably the greatest source of unhappiness today: "comparing". We measure our happiness, we evaluate our lives, we base our self-esteem on comparison with others. Worse yet, we use comparison to make excuses for our sins. Our Scripture this morning labels it bluntly: "unwise"! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You The Ultimate Survivor
"...for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through through God for the pulling down of strongholds." 2 Cor 10: 4
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor!
"...whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully." 2 Cor 9: 6
There are bodies of water that never "give". They have plenty of inflow, but nothing flows out. Special names are reserved for such places: "Salton Sea", "Great Salt Lake", "Dead Sea". And isn't it interesting that, even in our respiration, we must "give" if we want to "receive" and survive! Our Scripture this morning is tell us that the same is true on the spiritual level for every Christian. Let's learn this precious truth together.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA.
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You The Ultimate Survivor
"...so give proof before the churches of your love..." 2 Cor 8: 24 ESV
Paul had been bragging about the corinthians Christians: how enthusiastic they were about that Jerusalem Offering! But that was a year ago and now it's time to collect the offering. What if things have change? What if passions have cooled and people are having second thoughts? Oh, it's "proof-time" in Corinth! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You The Ultimate Survivor.
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team).
"Though He was rich, yet for your sake, He became poor..." 2 Cor 8:9
It all began when ruthless persecution smote the Christians in Jerusalem. A few years later came terrible famine. That's when Paul came up with a brilliant inspiration: what if the non-Jewish Christians took up a collection? Yes! The "children" of the Gospel now blessing the spiritual "parents". It was an outlandish idea! And God has been using Christians to bless the world ever since!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You: The Ultimate Survivor
"For Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets." 2 Cor 7: 10 NIV
"Sorrow never comes too late and happiness too swiftly flies," is Thomas Gray's sad assessment of life. But isn't this Word of God refreshing? Not all sorrow is bad! Some sorrow is definitely needed; can't come soon enough, in fact! And you will never find true happiness without it. Let's dive in...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"But you will receive power when the Hoy /s;irit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1: 8
Pastor Dave Johnson gives a powerful presentation of what God has been doing, using our little church, to fulfill His purposes throughout the world.
"But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us..." 2 Cor 7:6
"No pity extends to the prideful man, who carries his own comfort with him." Wow! What a thought! Could it be that our present, carefree generation is just crafting its own "comfort" using self-made baubles and frauds? Oh, this world is in desperate need of real comfort, and there is only One who can bring it!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Old Towne, Orange, CA 92672
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers." 2 Cor 6: 14
Isn't it remarkable? Last week we were exhorted to be "big-hearted" people, not "small; with generous affections, not "narrow" (2 Cor 6: 11-13). We must "open our hearts" and love this lost world as God "so loved" it. But now, this morning, we are warned not to be "yoked"! What does that mean?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"Our heart is wide open...but you are restricted in your affections." 2 Cor 6: 11,12
Let's face it: we are living in an ever narrowing age! We confine ourselves to the iPhone and the web. We 'unfriend' people with a single click. We filter our news; we guard our 'safe space'. Worst of all, we tighten the confines of our worship and fellowship! And none of that...is like Christ.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor!
"Our heart is wide open...but you are restricted in your affections." 2 Cor 6: 11,12
Let's face it: we are living in an ever narrowing age! We confine ourselves to the iPhone and the web. We 'unfriend' people with a single click. We filter our news; we guard our 'safe space'. Worst of all, we tighten the confines of our worship and fellowship! And none of that...is like Christ.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor!
"Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us." 2 Cor 5:20 ESV
Isn't it amazing? Christ has His "ambassadors" in every corner of the world! And you, year Christian, are one of them; if you are faithful to your Savior. What does it mean to be an "ambassador"? Well, the answer to that question can be challenging, unnerving and--oh!--so richly rewarding!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne,
from his series: 2 Corinthians: the Ultimate Survivor.
"...God who, through Christ, has reconciled us to Himself and has given us a ministry of reconciliation." 2 Cor 5: 18
Ever since Man's fall into sin, a great chasm yawns wide! it separates the human race from the God who loves us so! But what wonderful news we read in our Scripture this morning. God has been longing for that chasm to be bridged! His great desire is for you, and I, to be reconciled to Him!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
2 Chronicles 20:1-30; Is 58;11
Pastor Jiri Novak explains the wonderful protection, provision and victory that is granted to one of Israel's kings when he truly serves and worships the Lord Almighty.
"The Lord will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your fram. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Is. 58:11
"Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back--it was exceedingly large." Mk. 16:4
Technically speaking, a person cold argue that all the eyewitnesses of the Resurrection were lying! It's an absurd argument, but it cannot be completely refuted. But there is one powerful witness to the Lord's Resurrection that could not lie, and can't be refuted. It's the stone that covered the tomb. If it could speak, and explain how it moved, it would prove the Resurrection beyond a shadow of a doubt. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"If any in Christ: new creation. The old: gone. Behold, the new has come." 2 Cor 5: 17 (literal)
We cannot move on in our study of 2 Corinthians until we reflect on this colossal verse; by far one of the greatest in all the Bible. It is loaded with theological Truth that encompasses the creation and fall of Man in Genesis to those closing words in Revelation: "Behold! I make all things new!" Rev 21: 5
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men." 2 Cor 5: 11
There is great shortage of 'the fear of the Lord' in our culture today; sadly, even among Christians. But fear off the Lord is "the beginning of wisdom". (Prov 9:10). It's the only antidote for the evils of our world (Prov 16:6). The Bible even calls it "greater than treasure" (Prov 15: 16). Surprisingly though, in this morning's text, we see that it comes part-and-parcel with a love for the lost. What does that mean? Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You: the Ultimate Survivor
"For we walk by faith and not by sight." 2 Cor 5:7
It's one of the most important Truths in all the Bible. In fact, it's the 'point' of almost every story, every incident, beginning with the temptation of Man in the garden in Genesis, to the faithful, suffering believers in Revelation. We must "walk by faith and not by sight." Let's see what that means.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You: The Ultimate Survivor.
"...this tent that is our earthly home..." 2 Cor 5:1
"I have no idea what awaits me or what will happen when all of this ends," writes Albert Camus, the great existentialist philosopher. But isn't that the point of being a philosopher, to know what's going on? How wonderful to hear Paul say those words: "We know..."! And we certainly do!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor.
"So then, we do not lose heart..." 2 For 4: 16
Judging by the great lengths to which Paul goes to explain his afflictions, it seems as if yet another accusation has been laid against him: "He suffers so much! Shouldn't a real Apostle be more victorious?" Oh, Paul's answer is wonderful for us all! Though afflictions abound, we need never lose heart!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: Second Corinthians: You the Ultimate Survivor
"For we have this treasure in jars of clay..." 2 For 4:7
I love what A. E. Housman calls the human race in one of his poems: "proud and angry dust"! That brings to mind what Paul writes here in our text. Every Christian carries a great 'treasure' within himself; offered by God to all the world. But the Christian himself? He's a 'jar of clay'. What on earth does that mean? Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You--The Ultimate Survivor
"...for the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe." 2 Cor 4: 4
"There are none so blind as those that will not see," Matthew Henry once so wisely observed. Our Scripture this morning is discussing just that. It is a blindness of the mind and it comes part-and-parcel with the choices we make to turn from our God and embrace the world. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor!
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente worship team)
Pastor Rocky Cook offers insightful instruction from several chapters in Luke, on how to "soar" as a minister for Christ, just as the very first Apostles did.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom..." 2 Cor 3: 17
W. Somerset Maugham said it well: "The nation that values anything more than freedom, will lose its freedom, and if it is comfort and money that was valued more, they will lose that too." So True! And no one understands that better than the Christian, who has truly 'seen' the bondage he was in.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor
"...what once had glory has come to have no glory at all." 2 Cor 3: 10 "Things that were glorious now have no glory," one Hemingway character bitterly observes. He was right, and he could have been quoting our Scripture this morning! Man calls too many things 'glorious', doesn't he? In the end, everything fades! Everything but the real thing. Let's make sure we have that.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA from his series 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor
"You show that you are a letter from Christ." 2 For 1:3
This may come as a shock to some, but self-expression is not the 'sacred right' of a Christian. You now live to express Someone else, not yourself. In fact, our Scripture this morning calls you a 'letter'; "a letter from Christ," written "for all to read". What on earth does that mean? Let's find out...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You: The Ultimate Survivor
"For we are, to God, the fragrance of Christ..." 2 Cor 2: 15
A great aviator/author once made this sad observation: "Though human life is priceless, we always act as if there were something of even greater value yet, but...what is that something?" (Antoine de Saint-Exupery) Oh, ask the Christian; he can tell you. He has it! And it commands the attention of all the world!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Town, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor.
"I trust in You, O Lord. I say 'You are my God. My times are in your hand.'" Psalm 31: 14-15
Pastor Bob Boxer gives an inspiring message of hope and deliverance for the New Year ahead.
Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men." Lk 2: 14
I wonder what those shepherds would say if they joined us this morning to sing Silent Night! Would it be like: "What are you talkin' about? Do you not know what happened that night?" At the scene of the nativity, things may have been quiet and peaceful enough, but up on the hills on the outskirts of town? Oh, it was everything but a Silent Night! Let's take a look...
Christmas Eve message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"...for we are not ignorant of his designs."
"Ten paces huge he back recoiled, the tenth on bended knee..." I love that line from Milton's Paradise Lost. It is describing what happened to Satan when an angel of God rose up to oppose him. And that's what we need to do! Rise up and oppose him! And we certainly cannot afford to be ignorant of his 'designs'.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, orange, CA.
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor
The original story of Christmas is just filled with 'journeys'. Seven of them to be precise. Angels of the heavenly host made two journeys to announce the coming. Mary and Joseph made the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The shepherds made a brief journey into town from their outpost up on the hills. And of course, the wise men, journeyed far from their royal courts in the east. And don't forget the dreadful journey of escape from the sword of Herod, intent on killing the new-born threat. But...oh...that 7th journey! It was the greatest journey of them all. The journey of the One who found us!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the 2017 Christmas Cantata
There was ugly politics in the church at Corinth; just as ugly as America's politics today. Some angry enemy was scouring Paul's every move, hoping to find a character flaw. And, of course, he finally found something (they alway do!): an innocent change of travel plans became "proof" that Paul was "not a man of his word." Ugly all right; but Paul's beautiful defense is wonderful instruction for us today and it is all about integrity.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." Ps 103:2
Pastor Dave Johnson offers inspiring insights on the thankful heart from Psalm 103
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"...but that was to make us rely not on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead." 2 Cor 1:9
I love that godly old spiritual from the horrible days of slavery: "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen." But--praise God!--it is not quite true! Our sufferings are not totally unique to us. Others have suffered, just as we do. This morning even Paul recounts his own despair, and promises marvelous deliverance.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Corinthians: You The Ultimate Survivor
Let's make one thing perfectly clear: the righteous do suffer! God spoke to the Israelites through Isaiah the prophet: "I have refined you, but not like silver. I have tried you in the furnace of affliction." Is 48: 10. But there is something ironic about affliction, and it has a great deal to do with 'comfort'. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
A new series on 2 Corinthians: You, the Ultimate Survivor.
Pastor Jiri Novak preaches on the incredible plan of God as it unfolds throughout the ninth chapter of Daniel.
Message of 11-5-17 by Pastor Jiri Novak, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"Maranatha!"--O Lord! Come!
This morning Paul closes this wonderful letter to the Saints in Sin City! He's offered up some pretty blunt talk, and he's done his share of scolding. But this morning he closes with tender affection, gentle warnings and a deep longing for the Lord's return. Lord, let it speak to our hearts today!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Town, Orange, CA
Final message in his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"For a wide open door of effective ministry has opened to me..." 1 Cor 16:9
Paul is concluding his great Epistle to the Corinthians, but even in his closing remarks we find profound, inspiring truth! He explains, for example, why he can't come to Corinth right away: a "wide open door" has presented itself to him in Ephesus. That's what happens to faithful messengers of the Gospel. God opens a door! Get ready, dear Christian! Look for it! A wide-open door will swing open for you too.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Town, Orange, CA
From his series on First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"Behold I tell you a mystery..." 1 Cor 15: 51
On the inside cover of Sir Walter Scott's Bible, I am told, you will find these words: "Within this awful volume lies the mystery of mysteries..." Oh yes! God's Truth is hidden to the hearts of fallen men, but for you who are open to the message of His Book? What a glory! The mystery is solved. This morning, Paul explains it all to us...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"What you sow is not the body that is to be..." 1 Cor 15: 37
The resurrection--of Christ and of you!--is the very core of the Christian Faith. Lose your grip on that and you've lost it all! Here in our text this morning, Paul goes to great lengths to convince the wayward Corinthians; he even uses one of their errors to make his point. That's how passionate he is about giving them this truth! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"...for God has put all things in subjection under His feet." 1 Cor 15:27
Wouldn't you know? Some so-called 'teacher' in the church at Corinth was insisting that "there is really no such thing as a resurrection." There are Christians today (so-called) who will argue the same point. But if there is no resurrection, why have a church at all? Paul fiercely refutes the notion today.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on
First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"...the Gospel I preached, which you received, in which you stand and by which you are being saved." 1 Cor 15: 1-2
Aren't Christians strange? Their Gospel is the only story in which the Hero dies to rescue the villain! But oh!--what Good News that is for us! May we never forget it! May we never let go of it; which, sadly, is what was happening at Corinth. It's happening today as well! This morning Paul tries to prevent that from happening....
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City.
"For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace." 1 Cor 14: 33
Some seven years after laboring with the Corinthians, Paul wrote his great letter to the Colossians saying: "I rejoice to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ."I wonder if he had Corinth in mind when he wrote that, because Corinthian worship was nothing but confusion and chaos. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
Numbers 22-24 (excerpts)
"And Balaam said: 'If Balak should gibe me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the Word of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own will For what the Lord speaks, that will I speak.'" Num 24: 12-13
Our excellent Bible Teacher Art Archilla preaches from the story of Balaam this morning and explores the impossibility of God's people being 'cursed'.
The Sunday Morning service at Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"...if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?" 1 Cor 14:8
The Church at Corinth was a confusing place. Their message was muddled. The purpose and the 'point' of their church was unclear. Various groups were vying with each other for supremacy and the lost, unbelieving world outside was never going to 'get it'. Paul writes this chapter with a deep sense of alarm. After all, dear Christian, this is 'battle'! And we had better be ready!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA. From his series: 1 Corinthians: to the Saints in Sin City
"Love never fails." 1 Cor 13:8
One of the most profound truths in all of Scripture is just three little words: "Love never fails". What does it mean? And how does it apply? Oh, have you got an eternity or two? Then we can explore it together! But we'd better get started and—just be warned!—we'll only be scratching the surface!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA From his series: 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but rejoices in the Truth. It always protects, always believes, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Cor 13: 4-7
"Whatever a man's actions are, such must be his spirit," someone once wisely observed. Oh, yes! In the end, it is only what a person does that ultimately defines him. Here in our text this morning, Paul lists 15 things that love does and doesn't do and--guess what?--it's a perfect description of Jesus Himself! May it describe us all as well!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 For. 13:1 ESV
The 13th Chapter of First Corinthians is one of the most beautiful pieces of literature ever written. How amazing that it came from the pen of a missionary rabbi, who was simply trying to instruct his churches! Of course, Paul wasn't the real author of it. Every beautiful word has been breathed-forth by the Spirit of God! We're just testing the water this week, but get ready for a very deep plunge.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"Now, all of you are the Body of Christ, and individually members of it." 1 Cor 12: 2
By its very definition, a machine has no unnecessary parts. The same is true for the human body and--oh!--supremely true for the Body of Christ! You, who have been called by Christ, and baptized into His Spirit, are a part! A 'necessary' part! You belong! And that's wonderful news!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"Now, concerning Spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed." 1 Cor 12:1
"He would adore my gifts instead of me," says the Lord about mankind in George Herbert's beautiful poem ("The Pulley"). And--wouldn't you know?--it was happening in Corinth! The sad, chaotic spirit in that church was turning the gifts of God into yet another cause for division! Let's learn from it today...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"When you come together, I hear there are divisions among you." 1 For 11: 18
"Divide and conquer" is an ancient principle, practiced by tyrants and conquerors for centuries. But it goes all the way back to the Devil's playbook! Jesus Himself warned us about it: "A house divided against itself will not stand." Mk 3: 25 And--wouldn't you know?--that's what was happening in Corinth.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians "To the Saints at Sin City".
"...the head of every man is Christ; the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God..." 1 Cor 11:3
"A perfect woman, nobly planned, to warn, to comfort and command..." wrote Wordsworth of his "Phantom". But was she just an "apparition"? Because we desperately need the real thing! This world desperately needs all the beautiful qualities of a woman; just as much as we need the qualities of a man! How wonderful, our glorious God, who has given us both. And all for our own protection.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange CA, from his series on First Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"...(for I am) not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved." 1 For 10: 33
"Where is there a dungeon as dark as one's own heart, or a jailer as inexorable as the self?" asks Nathaniel Hawthorne in one of his tales. That is so true! But when a person becomes a Christian, all of that begins to change. He no longer lives in the "dungeon of the jailer". He no longer seeks his own good, but the good of others. And his ultimate burden--just like His Savior!--is for the lost!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
1 For 10: 12-22
"...flee from idolatry...for the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons and not unto God." 1 For 10: 14, 20
American preachers used to equate "money" and "ambition" with idolatry when they preached. After all, no American was drawn to the actual idol of wood or stone. But--my!--how that's changed! Now we find idols everywhere! They decorate our living rooms and ornament our gardens. Do we really know what we're doing? Do we really know what an idol is? Let's settle this issue today!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA.
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"We should not put Christ to the test, as some of them did..." 1 Cor 10:9 (ESV)
Paul has been pressing upon the Corinthians that the risk of being rejected by God is real! Merely 'belonging', in some superficial way, is no guarantee that the danger is gone! This morning, Paul goes on to give the most vivid historical proof of this: the Israelites who 'belonged' to the Exodus, but who tempted the Lord with their rebellious ways. The parallels to present day American are startling, to say the least!
"I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air." 1 Cor 9: 26
The Apostle Paul was an extraordinary man: history's greatest evangelist and missionary. Everywhere he went, he left churches in his wake. But if you could ask Paul how he would most like to be known, I'm sure he would tell you: "Soul-winner will do." It was actually his greatest ambition. It should be ours too.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Rom 12: 2
Pastor Bob Boxer delves into the powerful message from Romans 12 about the battle for your mind, and the importance of your winning it!
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O King.But even if He does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3: 17-18
The Bible never promises us freedom from adversity. In fact, God uses every trial, every hardship, every "setback" to "promote" us toward a closer walk with Christ.
Pastor Jiri Novak offers deep insights into the "fiery" ordeal of Daniel's three friends.
Calvary Chapel Old Town, Orange, CA
"We will put up with anything, rather than hinder the Gospel of Christ." 1 For 9:12
The only real hope for all Mankind is found in those four little books of the Bible called "the Gospels". Take those out and you don't have a Bible! All 62 of the other books orbit around those four! Nor would you have any hope! Like Paul in our text this morning, every faithful Christian knows that and lives for the sake of the Gospel. How about you? Are you ready to be one of them?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel, Old Towne, Orange CA.
From his series on First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Cor 8:9 ESV
That poor little Corinthian church! Paul finds yet another source of division to address. This time, the "strong" ones, exercising their Christian liberties, were looking down on the "weak" ones with their tender conscience, and causing them to stumble. it still happens today! Let's learn this well...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men." 1 Cor 7: 23
Everything changed when you were bought with that price! That's actually the theme of this next section of First Corinthians. But the change was in you; not in the world; not in your circumstances. In fact, you are still very much in the circumstances. And--wouldn't you know?--that is precisely where God wants you!
"They have taken away my Lord, and I don't know where they have put Him." Jn 20: 13
The very first report on the morning of the Resurrection was bad news, not good! Did you know? Mary Magdalene hastened to the disciples to report that someone had desecrated the Savior's tomb, and even taken His body. And why shouldn't she suspect that, after what she had just seen on Friday? This is the "grief" that comes from a world of bad news! Does it strike a chord today? But--oh!--hold on! We are right at the brink of great joy!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
If any man has a wife...(or) any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever..." 1 Cor 7: 12-13
Christian faith is so much more than spiritual principles and theological truths. In fact, God wants to bring order and meaning to every corner of your life: every situation, circumstance and relationship. "Do you mean, even this sad, one-sided marriage of mine?" Yes! Even that sad, one-sided marriage!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband." 1 Cor 7: 3
Shakespeare's 'Benedict' once put it well: "When I said I would die a bachelor, I didn't expect to live until I married." (Much Ado II:iii:260) I love that! But the truth is that many a die-hard bachelor has learned there's nothing wrong with 'wedlocked'! In fact, it is just plain 'better' for most people, and better for the whole world as well! That is Paul's main point as he addresses some questions on marriage this morning.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?" 1 Cor 6: 19
We live in a culture obsessed with two things: our bodies and sex. Our little girls grow up under the ruthless gloom of standards of physical perfection; we diet, exercise, airbrush and photoshop, all because the 'body' is now our new religion! Then, of course, there is our unbridled appetite for sex. How refreshing is the Christian in all of this: a gracious temple of the Holy Spirit in a wilderness of depravity!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"...but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Cor 6: 11
It's America's favorite word: "rights"; but--guess what?--having turned our backs on the God of our Salvation, all of our "rights" just become cumulated "wrongs". How wonderful if I can live life His way instead of mine! This morning, Paul addresses that very issue with the Christians in Corinth.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"I have written to you in my letter, not to associate with sexually immoral people..." 1 Cor 5:9
"Tell me what company you keep, and I'll tell you what you are," said Don Quixote's sidekick one day, and that sure made him wiser than his master! Christians today need to take it to heart: we are not to get "mixed up" (literal translation) with the sinful practices of this world or lend our fellowship to those who do.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief?" 1Cor 5:2 NIV
Nothing distinguishes the Christian more than the way he grieves. He just does not do it the way the rest of the world does. This morning, as Paul addresses a scandal in the church at Corinth, he actually rebukes the believers for not "grieving". What about you? What makes you grieve? Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"We have been made a spectacle to the world; to angels as well as to men." 1 Cor 4:9
"All the world's a stage, its men and women merely players," announces one of Shakespeare's characters. Perhaps that's true, but no one is more "on display" than the Christian! Our Scripture this morning calls the Christian "a spectacle to the world". What on earth does that imply? Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA. From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"For who sees any distinction in you? And what do you have that you did not receive?" 1 Corinthians 4: 7
I love how Shakespeare lets poor, tormented Hamlet be his mouthpiece; "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason. How infinite in faculty...and yet, to me...what a quintessence of dust." All of which is perfectly Biblical. The Bible warns against exalting Mankind, and that is what Paul is addressing this morning.
1 Corinthians 4: 1-5
"This is how one should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." 1 For 4:1
Our Scriptures this morning reveal a sobering truth: you and I are servants of Christ and stewards--the word means 'managers' really--of the mysteries of God. What on earth does that mean? And how do we actually fulfill that role? Oh! God has wonderful plans for you! Get ready to be greatly used in His Kingdom.
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us and establish the work of our hands for us." Ps 90: 17
(Scripture reading: Psalm 90:12-17; Acts 4: 13-14; Eph 2: 8-10; 3: 20)
Pastor Steve Wible, CCOT's missionary to Asia (location is sensitive and undisclosed) delivers a powerful message on being used of God to reach the world for Christ.
1 Cor 3: 16-23
"If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool..." 1 For 3: 18
It was some kind of self-proclaimed 'wisdom' that was splitting the church at Corinth. Members of one group were claiming to have a 'wisdom' that other groups lacked. This morning Paul calls an end to it all! It's time to get rid of such 'wisdom' and become 'fools', once again, for Jesus Christ.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"...for other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid: Jesus Christ." 1 Cor 3:11
This morning, Paul makes a remarkable point: Christians are 'architects'. Paul uses that word to describe himself (vs 10: Gr. "architekton"); and in similar terms he describes us all: we are builders, building our lives and building our church. The burning question, of course, has to be: Are we building it well; will it last?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"...are you not being merely human?" 1 Cor 3:4
In the wake of all their jealousies and strife, Paul asked the Corinthian Christians: "When you do these things, are you not being merely human?" What a strange question! Of course we are "merely human"! Isn't that what we're supposed to be? Isn't that what we really are? Incredibly enough, the answer is "no". Not since you've known Christ! And if you truly are in Christ, may you never again use the excuse: "After all, I'm only human."
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
"Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor can the mind of man imagine the things that God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 For 2:9
The world has been calling Christians 'stupid', 'deranged' and 'uneducated' since the Gospel began! So it shouldn't surprise us now. But—praise God!—we have been given a 'wisdom' that this world will never grasp! Hang on to it dear Christian, and do all that you can to help others 'see' it!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." 1 Cor 2: 2
It is entirely possible to know too much; especially when it comes to our need for salvation. Unsaved seekers balk at the 'simplicity' of the Gospel; their knowledge gets in the way! Cults, heresies and eccentric churches are man-centered; full of their own knowledge, with no real interest or patience for the only two things worth knowing: Christ and the Cross!
"Consider your calling brothers: for not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth." 1 Cor 1: 26
We live in a world that loves to divide! It's been going on since day one: the 'haves' and the 'have nots'; the 'rulers' and the 'ruled'. We have a 'Silicon Valley Elite', right now, trying to run our country! But praise God! He wants only ordinary people to be part of His extraordinary Kingdom.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, Ca
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints at Sin City
"If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man." James 3: 2
CCOT Bible Teacher Steve Vu gives an excellent message from James 3 about the power of our speech and how God intends to use it in our lives.
"For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing..." 1 Cor 1:18
"The fool has said in his heart, there is no God," we read in Psalm 14:1. But, of course, he thinks himself very 'wise'! Our Scripture this morning makes the same point: that this world, so proud of its own cleverness and 'wisdom', completely rejects the Gospel as 'foolish'. Let's deal with that this morning...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
1 Corinthians 1: 7-13
"I appeal to you brothers, by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree..." 1 Cor 1: 10
"A house divided against itself will not stand," Jesus warned. (Mt 12:25) And now, more than ever, as our nation divides, we who are called by His name must unite. Let's see what that means...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
1 Corinthians 1: 1-6
"...to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints together..." 1 Cor 1:3
Throughout the Mediterranean world, there was no more sinful city than Corinth, with its evil pagan gods, its sexual permissiveness and its thoroughly decadent lifestyle. Even as late as Shakespeare's day, the favorite word for a thorough reprobate was: 'Corinthian'. And yet...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Corinthians: To the Saints in Sin City
2 Thes 3: 6-18
"As for you brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thes 3: 13
"This weary pilgrimage" is how our forebears often described life in this world; and you won't find many to argue with that. But...shouldn't "good people" be exempt? Oh, no! Not at all! The good can grow weary too! But our Scripture this morning is warning us all, not to let that happen.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Final in his series on 2 Thessalonians: A Church in the Cross-hairs.
Most of the world will never 'get it', but every Christian knows it's true: that this world's greatest need is the Word of God! This world of ours came into being by the spoken Word of God and, in the end, it will survive no other way! That's why we preach it. That's why we carry it to distant lands.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series on 2 Thessalonians: A Church in the Cross-hairs
2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17
"So then, stand firm, and hold on to the teachings we passed on to you..." 2 Thes 2: 15
"Here I stand and with God's help, I will not do otherwise," said Martin Luther when he refused to recant his 95 Theses--his great statement of faith in Christ. He was facing a conviction that could send him to the stake! But what was important to Luther, should be important to us: standing firm in the Truth of God. Let's learn it well...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on: 2 Thessalonians: A Church in the Cross-hairs
"They perish because they refused to love the Truth and so be saved." 2 Thes 2:10
Do not listen to all the arguments that deny the Truth these days: "There's no such thing as Truth", "No one can know the Truth." "Truth is just someone's subjective opinion." Do not let yourselves be swayed, dear ones, because in the end, one thing--and only one--will matter: did you love the Truth?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Thessalonians: A Church in the Cross-hairs
"The One who now restrains it, will do so until He is taken out of the way..." 2 Thes 2: 7
Paul has been instructing the Thessalonians about a future time of 'lawlessness' and 'the Man of Lawlessness'--AntiChrist--who will trouble the world at the end of time. But...what's keeping him? Why hasn't he come already? Oh, the answer to that question is wonderful comfort for you!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Thessalonians: A Church in the Cross-hairs
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team
"Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together with Him..." 2 Thes 2: 1
The little church of the Thessalonians was a church in the cross-hairs, suffering great hardship and persecution. And now, at their most vulnerable moment--wouldn't you know?--false teachers have stepped in to lead them astray! Paul writes this Epistle to bring them back to the Truth of God
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Thessalonians: A Church in the Cross-hairs
2 Thessalonians 1: 5-12
"When He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints and marveled at among all who believe." 2 Thes 1: 10 (ESV)
Nothing in all the Scriptures is more thoroughly attested than 'the Day of the Lord': the Judgment Day! Simply because our Savior has said so, we all know that day will come! Even unbelievers, in their collective unease, somehow know it is coming! So the question for us this morning is: Are you ready?
Genesis 12: 1-9
The world is crying out for people, men and women alike, who are willing to take the risks and ready to take the necessary steps to obey God when He calls. Abram's father Terah, had been called by God to go to Canaan, but he stalled: he settled in Ur instead. This morning, Pastor Dave Johnson focuses on how Abram surpassed his father in boldly following the call of God.
"...your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that your are enduring" 2 Thes. 1:4
The Thessalonian Christians were suffering great persecutions and afflictions. To make matters worse, false teachers and lying prophets had shown up with heresies that 'explained' the suffering. Paul writes this Second Letter to silence the heretics and keep his faithful little flock on track.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 2 Thessalonians: A Church in the Cross-hairs.
"Then Noah built an altar unto the Lord..." Gen 8: 20
Pastor Dave Johnson explores the courageous and risky worship of Noah, taking the first of all his surviving livestock to offer to the Lord who saved him.
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne
from his series on Genesis.
"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances." 1 Thes 5: 16-18
We are in the midst of this long list of imperatives (there are actually twenty of them) that Paul has left to his spiritual 'family' in Thessalonica. Everything listed here is so important for the Christian. They keep us on track. They keep us real. This morning, let's commit ourselves to 'keeping it real' by putting them into practice.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Final message in the Series on Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians: Keeping It Real
"Nothing is real until it is experienced," someone once observed. "Not even a proverb is true until your life has illustrated it." How very true; and never truer than when it comes to the Christian. How about you? Are you a real Christian? This morning, let's see what that means
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
"For you are all children of the light, children of the day, not of the night or the darkness." 1 Thes 5:5
Some 700 years before Bethlehem, the prophet Isaiah had foretold what Jesus' arrival would do: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, a great light has shined!" Is 9:2 This morning, let's see what that means for us!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Thessalonians: "Keeping it Real"
"While people are saying 'peace and safety' destruction will come on them suddenly..." 1 Thes 5:3
The Scriptures make it perfectly clear that the Day of the Lord will literally happen before we even know it! Like a flash of lightning seeing the night sky; like a thief in the night, it will be sudden, swift and totally unanticipated. How dreadful to be caught unprepared! You won't be unprepared, I trust! This morning, let's make sure...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
"Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will always be with the Lord." 1 Thes 4:17
We are living in an age of great uncertainty. A great majority of Americans--and probably of people worldwide--no long believes that the future looks good. But you, dear follower of Jesus Christ, are an exception! Your future has been foretold, and it is glorious! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on First Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden." Gen 3: 8
"Of man's disobedience and the fruit of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste brought death into the world and all our woe..." is how Milton describes the subject matter of his wonderful Paradise Lost. And how true! We live in a world that has fallen into sin and now lies completely estranged from the God who created us and continues to love us still. This morning, Pastor Dave Johnson explores the Biblical account of the Fall of Man and its dreadful consequences, as related in Genesis 3
Message by Pastor Dave Johnson, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"But Jesus answered them, 'You give them something to eat...'" Mk 6: 37
We serve a wonderful God who loves to do His amazing work, not with powerhouses and dynamos but with the simplest things: a lunchbox, for example, with a couple of loaves and fishes. This morning, Pastor Bob Boxer explores the wonders of God's grace as He promises to use you, just as you are, do great things in His Kingdom.
"Ambition is nothing but a species of madness," one of our philosophers observes (Spinoza). Mr. Macbeth could have told us the same! But there are good ambitions and, incredibly enough, we Christians are told to be ambitious; to 'aspire' for all the right things! How blessed we will be if we do!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: First Thessalonians: Keeping it It Real
In spite of the trend in our culture today to throw off age-old values and standards, nothing will alter what God's Word has said: "Without holiness, no one will see the Lord." (Heb 12: 14) Our Scripture this morning is dealing with the most important issue confronting the Christian: his sanctification.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange CA
From his series: 1 Thessalonians: Keeping It Real
"May the Lord make you increase and abound in love, for one another and for all." 1 Thes 3: 12
The Bible tells us that this world will grow 'cold'. Jesus Himself predicted it. But you, dear Christian--dear faithful Church!~--are going to be an exception to it all, just like the Thessalonians in our Scripture passage this morning! Here is wonderful, encouraging good news for us all!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his Series on 1 Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
"...that no one be moved by these afflictions..." 1 Thes 3:3
The times do change and move continually, observes one of Spenser's knights. And we're certainly seeing that in our day and age! There are vicious forces at work in our time. The pressure is great and all the world seems to falter beneath it. But not the Christian1 If he is 'for real', he stands unmoved!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series on 1 Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente worship team)
"...they displease God and oppose all Mankind..." 1 Thes 2: 15
Speak with any self-respecting, self-appointed humanist, atheist or skeptic and you're bound to hear him insist upon his "love for all mankind." He claims, in fact, to be "setting Man free" from the oppressive strictures of religion! But--my!--does our Bible tell a different tale! Let's take a look!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange CA
From his series on 1 Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
"...the Word of God which is at work in you who believe..." 1 Thes 2: 13
It's a modern-day mantra, the skeptic's constant litany: "The Bible is just a collection of myths, you know!" "Written to control the masses." "No longer relevant to our enlightened age...". On and on it goes. But to those who see it for what it really is--the Word of God--there is limitless blessing and reward!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
"We were gentle among you like a mother...we dealt with each of you as a father." 1 Thes 2: 7, 10
Isn't it incredible? Paul, the once-notorious persecutor of the church, who hounded and hunted the Christians from door-to-door, now pastors a little flock of his own! To top it off, he does it with all the "gentleness of a mother" and the gravity of a "father"! We have a lot to learn from his example. Let's get started...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
"We had boldness in our God to declare to you the Gospel of God". 1 Thes 2:2
"Oh what authority! What a show of truth can cunning sin cover itself with." One of Shakespeare's characters has been saying that on the stage for 400 years now, and it still rings true! Every great deception in history has come with "authority and a show of truth". So, where is the real thing; and how can we be sure? Paul is addressing that issue this morning: here's wonderful truth for every believer.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on 1 Thessalonians: Keeping it Real
That little church in Thessalonica! Who would have thought, after all the riots and the mayhem, that they would still be there! And now they've become well-known! Known for their faith in the living God and the radical changes that came as a result! That's what we need to be known for as well!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his Series: Paul's First Epistle to the Thessalonians: Keeping It Real
"How delicate that thing we call 'authenticity'. It takes but time and a human touch for it to be 'duplicity'." Sadly, that is sometimes true even in Christian circles! How about you? Are you 'authentic'? Are you 'for real'? There's proof of that you know! Paul lists the proof for us this morning. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians: Making it Real
Acts 17: 1-9 and 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-3
"These are the ones who have turned the world upside down..." Acts 17: 6
Isn't it ironic? The highest compliment ever paid to the Christians of this world came in the form of a vicious attack! We are "the ones who turn the world upside down". In light of the world we live in today, can you think of a greater honor than that?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Town, Orange, CA.
First in the Series on Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians: Making it Real
"Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible." Eph 6: 24
It is no accident that the very last word in this great Epistle to the Ephesians is the word 'incorruptible'. That is, after all, the point Pual's been making: that Christians must never give up, never retreat, never compromise and never let anything corrupt or diminish their love for the One who has saved them.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Final in the series: The Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet.
"...for as yet they did not understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead." Jn 20:9 ESV
How incredible that the most important place in the history of Man, where the most important discovery in history was made, was an empty place of all things, where nothing was found! Oh but that was the greatest discover of all! That empty tomb! Have you come to grips with it yet?
"...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication..." Eph 6: 18
Paul has given us this marvelous list of the spiritual resources of the Christian: Truth, Righteousness, and the Gospel; Faith, Assurance of Salvation and the Word of God. This is your armor and you must put it on! But wait! You're not done yet. Now that you are fully armed, there is one more thing to do...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"...the shield of faith...the helmet of salvation...the sword of the Spirit." Eph 6: 16-17
You have an enemy, and he wants to see you fall! He wants to knock out your faith; negate your confdence, destroy your peace of mind, nullify the work of Christ in your life, mess up your example, silence your witness and paralyze your walk. So...yes!...absolutely! You'd better be 'armed'!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team)
"Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..." Eph 6: 13
Ask any battle-toughened general: "what is the most powerful, most effective military strategy of all?" He will answer with a single word: surprise. Oh, yes. Many a crushing defeat has come upon those who were taken by surprise. That's why we must be ready, dear ones! It's time to armor up.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"...for our struggle is not against flesh and blood..." Eph 6: 12
The Christian church in America today is suffering from a failure of nerve! The early church, all the way back to the days of Paul, was a powerful force! It stood strong and courageous in the face of overwhelming evil. And that is what we must do today! We are called to 'war', dear ones! Let's get ready for it.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"Humanity can be divided into two: master and slave," writes Aristotle (Politics). Such was the brutal state of our world when the Gospel first arrived! But our text this morning brings an amazing message: both master and slave must care for each other: "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Eph 5: 21)
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Eph. 6:1
"Happiness is made of minute fractions," S. T. Coleridge once observed. Yes, little soon-forgotten things that may not seem important in our desperate pursuit. But this morning our Scripture presents us with one little "fraction" that is absolutely key--to your happiness and the world's. It's called "parenting". Let's take a look.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA 92866
From his series on the Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"...a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife..." Eph 5: 31
How many times have we heard someone say that "marriage is only a piece of paper"? Sadly, people don't know any better, but that is one of the most foolish statements a person can make! We're talking about one of the holiest things God ever created, and it has nothing to do with "a piece of paper".
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente worship team).
"Wives submit to your husbands...husbands love your wives." Eph 5: 21, 25
How many thousands of books have been written on the secrets to a happy marriage? And yet, today, more than ever before in history, our marriages are in trouble! But right here in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we find all the answers we need! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team).
"...redeeming the time, for the days are evil." Eph 5: 16 Last week we began focussing on the Christian's 'walk': a very important teaching for us. Our 'walk' is not like the rest of this world. We watch our step. We make choices wisely. This morning we focus on one more aspect of it: we "redeem the time". What on earth does that mean? Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team
"Look carefully then, how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise." Eph 5: 15
It's not easy, is it?--this thing called "the Christian walk"? The path is narrow, the way is steep, hazards abound and deadly detours beckon. So, if you are are wise, you will definitely watch your step. Let's see what Scripture has to say on that subject.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series: "Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet".
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." Eph 5: 8
The Epistle to the Ephesians offers one great, long exhortation: "Do not live like the rest of this world." Paul has been saying it since the beginning of chapter 4, and this morning, here in chapter 5, he's still saying it! You must be different, Christian! As different as night and day. Let's learn it well...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
Pastor Dave Johnson offers a unique perspective of Christmas from the Book of Revelation, full of victory and triumph.
Everything that happened on that very first Christmas, happened precisely as planned! This morning we will go through some of the Scriptures that show that great plan unfolding, but don't think for a moment that we'll get through them all! And can you find, anywhere else, better proof that you are loved by God/ He did it all for you! Let's take look...
Christmas week sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Town, Orange, CA
"Become, now, imitators of God..." Eph 5:1
This morning we confront the command to be "imitators of God". Of all the commands of God that have been given us, this surely is the most extreme! And yet, it is a command that is spoken to every Christian. It is spoken to you! So, let's see what it entails...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"Put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph 4:24
We're getting very practical now in our study of this great Epistle to the Ephesians. God's Word now just comes out and tells us how we should live! And that certainly is something we all desperately need.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on the Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
The most natural thing in the world is a longing to be 'accepted' and 'included'. As children, we all longed for that. But then we grew up and started seeing this sad, fallen world for what it really is; and we learned that, in many respects, we should never 'fit in'. Have you learned it yet?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of doctrine." Eph 4: 14
Last week Paul was urging us on toward unity with one another: toward this remarkable stature of "the perfect man" (vs 13). He was talking about a level of maturity that "measures up" to a likeness of Christ. Today he goes on to mention the very opposite of maturity: infancy and the perils of it. Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet.
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team.
"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry." Eh 4:12
Isaia once uttered this prophecy to the children of God: "You shall be called priests of the Lord; they will speak of you as the ministers of our God." Is 61:6 Did you know that he was speaking to you when he said it? Oh, yes! If you're in this church as a true follower of Jesus, you're already a 'minister'.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from his series: The Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry." Eph 4:12
Isaiah once uttered this prophecy to the children of God: "You shall be called priests of the Lord; they will speak of you as ministers of our God." Is 61:6. Did you know that he was speaking to you when he said it? Oh, yes! If you're in this church as a true follower of Jesus, you're already a 'minister'!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series:The Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"A jailer is another kind of captive..." wrote the tormented poet Nerval. It is not real clear what he meant by that, but one thing is certain: our jailer is now a captive, and all of his minions with him. Jesus conquered them at the Cross! He has taken them into captivity! And all because He loves you.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all..." Eph 4: 5-6
There's a synonym for "division" and "disunity" in an army: it's called "defeat". Of all the things required for a victory in battle, nothing is more important than unity! Jesus spoke of this: "No house divided against itself will stand," He said (Mt 12:25). This morning, let's focus on our church's greatest need.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente worship team.
"...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you were called..." Eph 4: 1
The Book of Ephesians splits right down the middle. The first three chapters are full of theology: the deep theological mysteries behind the love of God and His saving plan for us. But now, here with chapter 4, it is time to put it all into practice. And the first thing we must do is "walk worthy".
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA.
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ..." Eph 3:18
What a narrow measure is the span of a human life: a mere hyphen between two dates, carved on a slab of stone. Is there any hope at all for us? Oh, yes! There is Someone who loves you, with a love so great it cannot even be measured. This morning's task is to measure it anyway. Let's get started...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA, from his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet.
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team.
"...to make known this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God..." Eph 3:9
"Within that awe-filled volume lies the mystery of mysteries," wrote Sir Walter Scott to a friend one day. He was talking about the Bible. Oh, yes! Here within this awesome book, we find the answer to every crying question made by Man! The mystery unfolded, dear ones, and given to you!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA from his series on the Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
Music by pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente worship team.
"I, Paul, a Prisoner of Christ Jesus..." Eph 3: 1
This morning as we continue our study of this great Epistle to the Ephesians, we are reminded that its author is sitting in a dungeon. But why? Paul was such a godly man! How could God let that happen to him? Why do the righteous suffer so? Well, that is precisely what Paul goes on to explain here. Let's take a look.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet.
In the Bible, He is the God "who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen, or can see." 1 Tim 6: 16. How remarkable then, to read in our Scripture this morning that ou and I are now "no longer strangers", and have even been given "access to the Father" through Christ by the spirit. Here is Good News that will change your life forever! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from the series on the Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
"He Himself is our peace..." Eph 2: 14
Down through the centuries, the nations of the world have made thousands and thousands of treaties of peace, and yet there has never been lasting peace. Isn't that amazing? What on earth is our problem? And what, after, is the solution? The answer, surprisingly enough, is a Person.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on the Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team.
"He has broken down in His fles the dividing wall of hostility..." Eph 2:14
"Something there is that doesn't love a wall," writes Robert Frost in one of his poems, "that wants it down." True! And no one hated a wall more than Jesus! In fact, He gave His life to make sure it came down! We're talking about the "wall" that was separating you from your God and blocking your way to life everlasting.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: "Good News for the Rebel Planet"
"...this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..." Eph 2:8
This morning we find ourselves at the very heart and core of Paul's great message to the Ephesians. These verses present to us the most important doctrine of the Christian faith! This is Christianity! These verses define the Christian. This morning, let's make sure they define you too!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA.
From the series on Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Worship Team of Calvary Chapel San Clemente.
"...seated with Him together in the heavenly places..." Eph 2:6
"Where is there a jailer as unyielding as one's self?" wrote Nathanael Hawthorne once. How very true! Have you ever tried to make a change, to alter your surroundings, only to discover that you've brought the bondage with you? Maybe it's time you saw yourself in the liberating livght of God's Word!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Worship Team of Calvary Chapel San Clemente)
Last week in our Scripture text (Eph. 2: 1-3) we witnessed the dire consequences of the Fall of Man; "dead in trespasses and sins..." (Eph. 2:1) But, praise God, this week everything's changed! God in His wonderful kindness and mercy has done something about it! Here is hope for you, if you'll have it!
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente worship team)
It is impossible to grasp the significance of a Savior if we fail to comprehend the 'trap' we've been rescued from. Here in the second chapter of Ephesians, Paul pauses to reflect upon just that subject. That trap was a vicious one indeed, until our Savior came and set us free! Let's take a look...
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Ephesians: Good News for a Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team)
Some day we will see it clearly: this 'history' we are caught up in is one comprised of spiritual kingdoms and dominions, all of which are just as real as flesh and blood itself! There are 'rulers' and 'authorities' at work in our world today! And you were never created to be under their 'heel'!
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from the series on Paul's Epitstle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team)
It's a very important truth of our Faith; important enough for the Apostle's Creed: "and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty." But what does it really mean? And how do we apply it? Oh, there's wonderful good news in the answer to those questions. Let's take a look...
Ephesians 1: 19-20
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Ephesians: Good News for a Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team)
"...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened..." Eph 1: 18
What happens to a person when he puts his trust in Christ? Oh, the answer to that question is incredibly profound! Here in our Scripture this morning, Paul doesn't exhaust the subject, but he mentions several wonderful things; and all of them, if you know Christ, have happened to you as well.
Messagy by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Series on the Epistle to Ephesians: Good News for a Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team)
"Certitude is not the test for certainty," wrote Oliver Wendell Holmes once, and what a wise observation that is. Simply feeling "certain" is proof of nothing at all. The Christian is very "sure" but the test of his certainty is not his feelings; it is a wonderful, personal guarantee from God Himself.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Ephesians: Good News for a Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team)
"We'll take upon us the mystery of things, as if we were God's spies," says old King Lear to his fool. He proves himself the 'fool' instead, for the mysteries of God cannot be 'taken', and they certainly can't be 'spied' out. But, praise God! He wants you to know them! In fact, He's gone out of His way to make that happen.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from the series on Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team.
"...according to the riches of His grace which He lavished upon us..." Eph 1: 7-8
"How destitute is he whose gold is firm..." writes Emily Dickinson. That certainly describes our world today. How about you? Is your gold 'firm'? Or is it the lasting, heavenly kind? If so, then, you are rich indeed! That's what our Scripture is pointing out this morning.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from the series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team)
The very first message an unbeliever gets, when he truly reads his Bible, is a bleak one: "I'm on the wrong side! I've joined the rebel faction." Oh, yes, and the rebellion is going to be crushed! But here's the incredible news of the Gospel: Jesus laid down His life for the rebels! God loves you! That's wonderful news for you! That's wonderful news for the whole rebel planet!
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
First in the Series on Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians: Good News for the Rebel Planet.
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team).
The Bible is such an incredible thing! Here we are in the midst of the formal, closing remarks of Paul's letter, and yet we find this staggering truth: there are Christians already in the household of Caesar! These are wonderful, encouraging words for Christians today! Let's explore it...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Final message from the Series on Philippians: Joy Rediscovered.
Music by Pastor Holland Davis, and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team
"The only natural law in this world is need," someone once observed. This world is full of needy creatures, and the neediest of them all, by far, is Man! But what marvelous good news we read here in our Scriptures this morning. Your Father in Heaven "shall supply your every need." There is great encouragement in these words for you.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA,
From the series on Paul's Epistle to the Philippians: Joy Rediscovered.
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team.
Grown-ups live in "the land of lost content", suggests A. E. Housman in one of his poems. Isn't that the truth! Especially here in our own blessed land, we have lost the capacity for contentment; and lost along with it, of course, is our joy. I think it is time we got it back, don't you? Let's take a look...
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Mustic by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team.
Ours is called The Age of Anxiety, but it's been that way for a long, long time. Jeremiah, David and many others in Scripture have wrestled with fretful, anxious thoughts. Even Paul himself, who wrote our text this morning, was hoping to "have less anxiety" (Phil 2:28). How about you? Are you wrestling with it too? Oh, that makes you dearly loved of God, and He's done something about it!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From his series on the Epistle to the Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
Music by Pastor Holland Davis and Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team.
"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen." Lk 24:5-56
All around the world, there are sacred tombs and holy shrines where the remains of religious leaders lie: Mohammed in Medina, Confucius in QuFu, Abraham in a cave outside Hebron. Buddha's remains are in shrines all over Asia. But aren't Christians strange? They have no shrine! And the one location most precious to them is an empty place that can no longer be found! Let's take a look...
Easter Sunday Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Ask any parents what they want from their kids; it will always be the same: "We want them to get along." Here among the closing remarks in Philippians, Paul speaks like the loving parent he is: "I want you two to get along! Just...agree!" It is so important that we do that! But the question is: how?
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
(Music by Pastor Holland Davis and the Calvary Chapel San Clemente Worship Team.)
"Example is the school of mankind," someone once observed, "and men will learn at no other." If that is true, then we're in trouble! Never has there been a greater need for someone to rise up, speak up and exemplify the Truth of God in this world. We need real mentors! Are you ready to be one?
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
How interesting--and is it really just a coincidence?--that for centuries now, humankind has been called a 'race'! Oh, it certainly is; and each of us must run it! This life on earth was never intended to be anything else. This morning, let's see what we must do if we want to win in the end.
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
Special thanks to Pastor Holland Davis, Calvary Chapel San Clemente, for the generous offering of music for this podcast.
There's one thing about real Christians: they are very good at "accounting". They have been doing it all their regenerate lives. They counted the cost when they first came to Christ, and they count the cost now, with almost every decision they make. And are they ever blessed for it! Let's take a look...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
Special thanks to Pastor Holland Davis, Calvary Chapel San Clemente, for the generous offering of music for this podcast.
In the perfect paradise "joy is wisdom", argues William Butler Yeats (The Land of Heart's Desire). But I've got news for Yeats, joy is wisdom right here too: here in this sad and fallen world! In fact, you'll never survive without it; especially if you're a Christian. So guard it well, dear faithful saints! Guard your joy!
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
(Special thanks to Pastor Holland Davis, Calvary Chapel San Clemente for his generous offering of music for this podcast).
"As we love, we serve," observed Robert Luis Stevenson once. That is especially true of the Christian! The servant's heart is the ultimate proof of the love of the Redeemed! They search for ways to serve Him in return. How about you? Do you have that servant's heart? God bless you! You are rare!
Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series: The Epistle to the Philippians: Joy Rediscovered.
There is one thing our generation desperately needs and, sadly, has nothing of: the fear of God. How perilous to be without it! Nations and peoples that do not have it, perish! It's just that simple! But you have it, right? And your younger ones too? Oh, then you have every reason to rejoice!
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Cavary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Paul's Epistle to the Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
"Your mind is tossed upon the sea," observed one of Shakespeare's characters to a struggling friend. Wouldn't it be nice to change all that--to just change your mind--stop being driven by nagging thoughts and selfish impulses, fears and worries? Well, our Scriptures say you can! In fact, you must!
From the Series on Paul's Epistle to the Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
In every church, throughout the world, a trial is taking place. Yes, every time thy gather. Our church is no exception. Right now, as we worshp, serve and fellowship together, the love of Christ is on trial! And the question is: do we have it? Is it here? Is that what our church is all about? Let's find out...
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on Paul's Epistle to the Phiippians: Joy Rediscovered.
Philippians 1: 29 - 2: 2
Isn't it remarkable that, with more 'super-churches' and 'mega-churches' than ever before in history, America is actually less Christian than ever? And even the Christians themselves seem to struggle. How can that be? The answer is simple: Americaa has never needed 'super churches'. It needs Christ, and His Church.
From the Series on Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
The day Christians no longer stand together, for the Truth of God's Word, will be the day the light of the world is extinguished. It's just that simple: "You are the light of the world," Jesus told us, remember? (Mt 5:14) God expects us to stand sholder-to-shoulder. Are you ready to do that? Let's see what it means...
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
From the series on Paul's Epistle to the Philippians: Joy Rediscovered.
The day Christians no longer stand together, for the Truth of God's Word, will be the day the light of the world is extinguished! It's just that simple. "You are the light of the world," Jesus told us, remember? (Mt 5: 14) God expects us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder. Are you ready to do that? Let's see what that means...
Message by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Series on Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
"Life is a foreign language and all men mispronounce it," one writer has observed. "Life is a jest," writes another. It's "an incurable disease"; a "brief candle" and "a tale told by an idiot." Oh, the world has plenty of opinions on the subject. But what about you? As a Christian, what is "life" to you?
From the Series on Philippians: Restoring Your Joy
Calvary Chapel Old Towne's Youth Pastor, Jerry Dayton, offers an insightful study of Peter's walk with Jesus upon the water.
Pastor Dave Johnson offers a powerful message on the life-changing power of an encounter with Jesus Christ.
Christmas and the story behind it is full of 'wonders'. But one thing, especially, is the most 'wondrous" thing of all. And if we don't come to terms with it, we'll miss Christmas altogether!
From the Series on Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
"I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel." Phil 1: 12
Paul's letter actually seems to be a response to something heard from the Philippians. They are worried about his imprisonment. They view it as 'calamity'. They see Paul's sufferings as a disaster. So Paul is writing to address their concerns; and does he ever set the record straight! He sees no 'calamity' at all. And neither should we!
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the Series on Philippians: Restoring Your Joy
Pastor Larry Dunn, CCOT's missionary to Ireland offers an excellent message from God's Word on the gracious gift of prayer
This week we begin the study of one of the best-loved books in all the Bible: Paul's joyful, uplifting Letter to the Philippians. If you've been wondering, as a Christian, just what has happened to your joy, you've come to the right place. You're going to get it back! Let's get started...
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
First in the Series on Paul's Letter to the Philippians: Joy Rediscovered
We come to the conclusion of Peter's great Second Epistle, but—wouldn't you know?—there is nothing 'formal' or 'salutary' about this conclusion. It is loaded with profound truths that can only come from the Spirit of God, and every one of them is a precious treasure! Let's dig in...
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
Final sermon in the Series on 2 Peter: The Battle for the Truth
"...waiting for and hastening the coming of the Day of God." 2 Pet 3: 12
Here in this third chapter, the subject of "the end" just doesn't go away! And every time Peter tries to change the subject, "the end" just comes back again. Which is very appropriate actually, because--guess what?--"the end" is not going away! It's coming! And you and I must be ready for it.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, in Orange, CA
From the Series on 2 Peter: The Battle for the Truth
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promises as some count slowness..." 2 Pet 3: 9
"All men think all men are mortal, except of course, themselves," someone once observed. How true! All of us are frightfully "mortal" and time is very short! There's nothing 'slow' about the coming of that Day. make sure you're ready for it.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the series on 2 Peter: The Battle for the Truth
"In the last days, scoffers will come..." 2 Pet 3:3
Peter's first letter was a warning to faithful Christians that persecution was coming. In the first two chapters of his second letter, he warned about deceivers and false teachers. But there is one more thing he must warn them about: scoffers that will come in the last days. He's warning us as well.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Series on 2 Peter: The Battle for the Truth
One thing every Christian needs to know is that there is no 'going back'. Jesus warned us time and again; and now, here in his great Second Epistle, Peter warns us also of the perils of turning back; of getting 'tangled' once again in the things we've left behind. Let's take it to heart this morning.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
From the Series on 2 Peter: The Battle for the Truth
"They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of corruption." 2 Pet 2:19
"Good men love their freedom heartily," writes Milton, "the rest love only license." Yes, and what a difference between the two! And how sad the nation that cannot discern that difference, You can, can't you? That's what we will learn to do, in our passage of scripture this morning.
2 Peter 2: 10-19
We come this morning to a very harsh passage in what is already one of the harshest books of the Bible. Peter's famous denunciation of the false teachers of his day. Though not for the faint-hearted, this passage offers important advice and a wonderful message of hope!
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA.
From the Series on 2 Peter: The Battle For the Truth
It is not uncommon to hear someone say: "Oh, I don't believe in the Old Testament God. I just believe in the New." Well, here in our 'New Testament' Scripture this morning, Peter silences that argument. The God of the Old Testament is our God today. He doesn't change! And He knows exactly what He is doing.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
From the Series on 2 Peter: The Battle for the Truth
The Bible is the Christian's greatest treasure.It is "the lampu unto your feet and the light unto your path." (Ps 119: 105) And it's the only hope yu have of ever getting through the 'darkness'. No wonder, then, our Enemy is out to snatch it from you! In our Scripture text this morning, Peter warns us all never to let that happen.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Calvary Chapel Old Towne, Orange, CA
from the series on 2 Peter: The Battle for the Truth
"...be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure...' 2 Pet 1:10
"Certainty is genrally illusion," writes Oliver Wendell Holmes. That's a very true assessment of life in this fallen world. But this morning in our Scriptures, we are actually commanded to 'make sure' of our salvation! And how wonderful to remember that, whatever God commands, He enables us to do!
"... having escaped the corruption that is in the worl..." 2 pet 1:4
The salvation you find in Jesus Christ is not a 'journey of self-improvement'. It is not a program of 'moral reform'. It is a :rescue' pure and simple! You will 'escape' the corruption that is in the world! And when you do, wonderful things will come your way! This morning, let's see what they are...
" Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" 1 Pet 5:8
"There are none so blind as thoes who will not see" the great Matthew Henry once observed. How truly spoken! And, by far, the most foolish people in all the world are those who go throuhj life completely oblivious to the presence of an enemy; especially this one: the Enemy of their souls.
"They think it strange that you do not plunnge with them into the same flodd of dissipation...' 1 pet 4:4
True greatness is found in the one who, in the midst of a crowd, maintains his independence. In our Scripture for this moring, Peter tells his band of aliens and strangers that that's what they must do. We do not 'plunge', like the rest of the world! And how blessed you will be because you don't!
"The end of all things is near, therefore..." 1pet 4:7
Christians are people who live 'on the brink'. They know it. They live that way. "The end of all things" is ever on their mind. It colors everything they do ! Peter writes abour this to his scattered little band of "aliens and strangers', hoping that they will live that way too. You and I must do the same!
"This water symbolizes the baptism (cleansing) that now saves you." 1 Pet 3:21
"Theirs was the giant race, before, that is, the flood." writes John Dryden. Oh yes! And when the Judgment comes again, no one will stand, there will be no such thing as a 'giant' race. But isn't is wonderful to know that you will be save through it! That, after all, is what your baptism means!
"Servants be subject to your masters with all respect..."1 pet 2:18
Peter is in the midst of a series of exhortations to his 'aliens' and 'strangers', and all of them are controversial. Last week it was "Honor the rules; be submissive to government." This week: "Servants be subject to your masters." Here is true wisdom for every Christian in the work place.
"Be subject for the Lord's sake, to every human institution..." 1 Pet 2:13
Christians are actually governed by the Word od God. That is our ultimate 'rule' of faith and practice, and every true Christian knows it. But, interestingly enough, that same Word of God commands us to 'submit' to 'every human institution'. And the reasons for that are very instructional for us today.
"...abstain from the passions of the flesh which wage war against your soul."
There are some enemies in the world that will never be appeased! They will not tolerate 'detente'. You will never make a treaty with them. This morning, here in Peter's epistle, we meet some of them! The impulses of the sinful self. There's just too much to loose by tolerating them!
"As you come to him a living stone, rejected by men, but in the sight of God chosen and precious." Pet 2:4
Every person should be told one thing before he comes to Christ: "What the Christian embraces, the world rejects." You must live with it; deal with it; yes even take it as an 'honor', dear faithful 'stranger' in this world! Because when you come to Christ marvelous things begin to happen!
"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hyporisy, envy and slander of every kind"** 1 Pet 2:1
Peter has been encouraging you, dear "stranger in the world", with awesome evidence of your new life in Christ. You've been "born again... through the living and enduring World of God" 1 Pet 1:23 Now it's time to get busy! There is something very important that you must do! Let's take a look...
One last thing that sets you apart--- that makes you a "stranger" in this world--- is your love for one another! Yes, it is rare; the world will call it "strange"! Scripture tells us that, in the end times the "love of men will grow cold"(Mt24;12) Thats a frightful thought. It's already happening! But you, dear faithful believer, are a wonderful exception!
"... you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you..." I Pet 1:14
"History stumbles along trails of the past..." Winston Churchill oce observed. And certainly is true of individuals! Much of the heartache of modern life comes from 'stuff' that we've inherited. But the good news is that Christ has come to set you free from that! You have every reason to rejoice!
"..do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance." I Pet 1:14
Peter has been encouraging the 'aliens' and 'strangers'. They've been given an awesome rescue by God that makes them the envy of prophets and angels. So, how should they respond? Lets see...
How greatly favored are these 'strangers' and 'aliens'; these 'scattered ones' throughout the world! This morning, Peter is telling them that they are favored of God with a 'rescue' that has been planned since time immemorial. It's just one more thing that sets us apart - that makes us 'strange'!
One more thing makes us 'aliens and strangers' in this world - sets us apart in a remarkable way - that is our perseverance. The Christian 'endures' when hardships come. He persevers - he even rejoices! - right in the midst of his griefs! And that, thw world will call 'strange'. Lets take a look...
When Peter calls us 'stranges in the world', he seems to be using it as a title of honor! There's a reason for that. Every little thing that makes us 'strange' in the eyes of the world is an incredible, enviable blessing. This morning, let's look at just one of them: the joy of the 'Stranger'.
"It is my desire that we be better strangers," Jokes one of Shakespeare"s characters (Orlando in As You Like It). But for the Christian, that is no joke! It is supremely important that we live 'as strangers in the world'. It's one of the points that Peter will make in this marvelous, uplifting, encouraging letter!
"Joy to the world!" More than any other word or concept, 'joy' is what typifies Christmas. 'Joy' was announced to the shepherds that night; the Wise Men 'overjoyed' to see that Bethlehem star. And 'joy' was promised constantly, in the prophecies of Christmas. How are you doing with 'joy'? Here are three wonderful reasons for you to find joy this this year! Merry Christmas!
"The riddle we can guess, we speedily despise" writes Emily Dickinson, Well, no one is goingto despise
this passage of Scripture! The final portion of the Book of Daniel is full of mystery. Daniel himself could
not explain it! But there's a beautiful reason for that: this book was written for you, not him!
"Light breaks where no sun shines..." writes Dylan Thomas in one of his poems. Our Scripture this morning says much more that that! In the darkness and gloom of a world lost in sin, the "light that breaks" will be you! Yes! You, dear Chriistian, are going to "shine", and the sight of it will be glorious!
Just two little verses in our text this morning tell all the story of the end of time: The Great Tribulation,
the Rescue of the Church (Rapture), the Resurrection and the Judgment. Are you ready for that? How do you
know? There's only one way to be sure: make sure your name is written in the Book!
Daniel 11 paints a stark picture of warfare and turbulence that will ravage our history 'til the end
of time. But right in the very midst of it all -- in verses 32-33 --- a ray of hope shines forth! Did you
know that those verses are talking about you? Yes, you are "the people who know their God."
Is it not an astounding thing that the most hated bookin thge history of mankind --- despised and
banished and burned throughout the ages --- is still the worl'ds #1 best-seller? There's a reason for
that: God's awesome plan of salvation is there on its pages! And nothing ever really gets in its way!
Here in Daniel's final vision, the earthly kingdoms of sinful man rise and fall like a relentless tide,
all the way to the end ot time! But in the end, only one Kingdom will remain. Will you be part of it?
Daniel 10 contains one of the strangest passages in all the Bible: this heavenly Visitor's reference to
'princes' or 'powers' over the nations in Daniel's day, that try to oppose and obstruct the purposes
of God. These are not earthly powers, they are spiritual. And we are up against them too!
Last week we saw Daniel pouring out his heart to God in prayer and repentance for his people. The
seventy years ordained for their punishment was almost up. Would God now forgive and restore
them to their land? But the answer to Daniel's prayer went far beyond anything he had requested!
This morning wee see Daniel, fervently praying for the nation he loves ----- it's a beautiful prayer, that
captures the heart of God! And this morning we can learn a great deal from it: about how we can
pray and how we can make a difference in our world! Let's all take it to heart this morning...
Daniel 9:1-19
John 10: 1-11
Pastor Gene Loeffler's farewell sermon as he departs for the pastorate of Pecan Vally Community Church in San Antonio Texas.
Daniel 8:15-27 Even back in the Old Testament, Scripture talks about Antichrist: a powerful, persuasive individual that will rise up to deceive the human race and oppose the things of God. Here in Daniel 8, he seems to be the vicious Antiochus IV of the 2nd Century BC. But he's just a shadow of the real thing to come! Let's take a look...
From the series by Pastor Rod Schorr: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 8: 1-14
This awesome Book that God has given you! You're not going to take it for granted I hope? Because everything else in this world is "like grass" that "withers" and "perishes" when the summer sun comes, while "the Word of the Lord endures forever." (1 Pet 1: 25) Need some proof of that? Daniel 8 has plenty of it!. Let's take a look...
This is the full podcast of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from the series: The Book of Daniel: for the Lions in Your Den.
Daniel chapter 7
In his vision that night, Daniel saw a 'churning sea', and can you think of a better word to describe ourown generation today? Everywhere we look, things are 'churning' and so are we! But God gave this vision to Daniel to comfort him, not alarm him; and it will do the same for us.
This is the full recording of Pastor Rod Schorr's message, from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den.
Daniel 6: 11-28 "Through faith they conquered kingdoms, ministered justice...and shut the mouths of lions...." Heb 11: 33. It's one of the most beautiful miracles in the Bible! And the story of Daniel's deliverance in the lion's den is just loaded with hope and encouragement for you; especially if you feel 'trapped' right now.
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's message from the Series: The Book of Daniel: for the Lions in Your Den.
Daniel 6: 11-28 "Through faith they conquered kingdoms, ministered justice...and shut the mouths of lions...." Heb 11: 33. It's one of the most beautiful miracles in the Bible! And the story of Daniel's deliverance in the lion's den is just loaded with hope and encouragement for you; especially if you feel 'trapped' right now.
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's message from the Series: The Book of Daniel: for the Lions in Your Den.
Daniel 6: 1-13
"As long as there is one upright man, the scene is never desolate." But this morning things do look pretty bleak! All the rulers in the kingdom of Persia have turned against Daniel; he is utterly alone. But there's a lot to learn from a lonely righteous man. Let's take advantage of it today...
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's message from the series on the Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den
Daniel 6: 1-13
"As long as there is one upright man, the scene is never desolate." But this morning things do look pretty bleak! All the rulers in the kingdom of Persia have turned against Daniel; he is utterly alone. But there's a lot to learn from a lonely righteous man. Let's take advantage of it today...
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's message from the series on the Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den
Daniel 5: 17-31
There's an old anonymous adage that goes: "It is pride that takes a country down." How very true! Pride is the ultimate conqueror of lands and kingdoms! The signs of God's judgment against human pride are all over the place. And here in our text, I see four in particular...
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on the Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den.
Daniel 5: 17-31
There's an old anonymous adage that goes: "It is pride that takes a country down." How very true! Pride is the ultimate conqueror of lands and kingdoms! The signs of God's judgment against human pride are all over the place. And here in our text, I see four in particular...
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on the Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den.
Isaiah 6: 1-13
"Woe to me," I cried, "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips." Is 6: 5
Sermon by Pastor Dave Johnson
Isaiah 6: 1-13
"Woe to me," I cried, "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips." Is 6: 5
Sermon by Pastor Dave Johnson Part 2
Isaiah 40 by Pastor Bob Boxer. "The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth." Is 40:28
Isaiah 40 by Pastor Bob Boxer. "The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth." Is 40:28
Daniel 5: 1-17
"There is no more mistaken path to happiness than worldliness and revelry," writes Schopenhauer. Well, our Scriptures begin with great 'revelry' today, and the outcome will not be a happy one. And what a picture of our own generation we find on this page of our Bible this morning.
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from the Series: "The Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den"
Daniel 5: 1-17
"There is no more mistaken path to happiness than worldliness and revelry," writes Schopenhauer. Well, our Scriptures begin with great 'revelry' today, and the outcome will not be a happy one. And what a picture of our own generation we find on this page of our Bible this morning.
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from the Series: "The Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den"
Daniel 4:28-37
"Force without wisdom always falls of its own weight," someone once wisely observed. We've seen it time and again: the fall of Rome, the fall of great tyrants, the fall of the Soviet Union. This morning, we diagnose the downfall of King Nebuchadnezzar. Perhaps it will help us 'stand' in the end!'
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 4:28-37
"Force without wisdom always falls of its own weight," someone once wisely observed. We've seen it time and again: the fall of Rome, the fall of great tyrants, the fall of the Soviet Union. This morning, we diagnose the downfall of King Nebuchadnezzar. Perhaps it will help us 'stand' in the end!'
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 4: 1-27. Calamity rarely comes without a warning. God, in His gracious, infinite patience, warns us time and again! Warns us of things to come. The only question is: will we heed it? That was the question for Nebuchadnezzar in his day; and, if we are wise, we will learn from his mistake.
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den.
Daniel 4: 1-27. Calamity rarely comes without a warning. God, in His gracious, infinite patience, warns us time and again! Warns us of things to come. The only question is: will we heed it? That was the question for Nebuchadnezzar in his day; and, if we are wise, we will learn from his mistake.
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den.
Daniel 3: 19-30
Two great, precious truths from our Christian faith come to the surface of this story today. Do you know them, dear Christian? Do you treasure them too? I'm talking about: the security of the believer and the presence of Christ in the midst of affliction. And nothing is more important to us right now!
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in your Den.
Daniel 3: 19-30
Two great, precious truths from our Christian faith come to the surface of this story today. Do you know them, dear Christian? Do you treasure them too? I'm talking about: the security of the believer and the presence of Christ in the midst of affliction. And nothing is more important to us right now!
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in your Den.
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure." Heb 12:4
Part 2 of Pastor Gene Loeffler's message on the sanctity of marriage and the controversy surrounding it.
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure..." Heb 12:4
Part 1 of Pastor Gene Loeffler's message on the sanctity of marriage and the controversy surrounding it.
Daniel 3: 1-18
Men, dads, when younger ones look up to you, what do they see? Oh, now there's a question with the destinies of nations in the balance! Like never before, in the history of our dear nation, do we need mentors and dads to be there and to be real men! This morning, we learn what that means...
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 3: 1-18
Men, dads, when younger ones look up to you, what do they see? Oh, now there's a question with the destinies of nations in the balance! Like never before, in the history of our dear nation, do we need mentors and dads to be there and to be real men! This morning, we learn what that means...
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 2: 36-49
That old hymn says it well: "In the cross of Christ I glory, tow'ring over the wrecks of time..." This world we live innow--so impressive and so intimidating!--is on its way out! The kingdoms of this world are soon to be supplanted by the Kingdom of our Lord. And the question is: are you ready for that?
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 2: 36-49
That old hymn says it well: "In the cross of Christ I glory, tow'ring over the wrecks of time..." This world we live in now--so impressive and so intimidating!--is on its way out! The kingdoms of this world are soon to be supplanted by the Kingdom of our Lord. And the question is: are you ready for that?
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 2:24-35
We were powerless when we came into this world, and powerless we will depart. But in the meantime—how interesting!—the illusions we entertain! That we are powerful; that we are in control! That’s the way Nebuchadnezzar was thinking, until he had that dream! Let’s take a look...
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the seriesThe Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 2:24-35
We were powerless when we came into this world, and powerless we will depart. But in the meantime—how interesting!—the illusions we entertain! That we are powerful; that we are in control! That’s the way Nebuchadnezzar was thinking, until he had that dream! Let’s take a look...
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the seriesThe Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den
Daniel 2: 13-24 When trials come, how do you respond? That is the ultimate test of the Christian! Some people grumble or start questioning God. But Daniel? What an example he sets for us today! Let’s take a look...
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den.
Daniel 2: 13-24 When trials come, how do you respond? That is the ultimate test of the Christian! Some people grumble or start questioning God. But Daniel? What an example he sets for us today! Let’s take a look...
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in Your Den.
Daniel 2: 1-13 "There are other spirits, standing apart, at the forefront of the age to come," wrote the Utopian dreamer Keats. Oh, yes! He was right about that! There are 'other spirits', and they are just waiting to be welcomed! Be careful dear ones! Not everything 'spiritual' is here for your well-being.
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in your Den.
Daniel 2: 1-13 "There are other spirits, standing apart, at the forefront of the age to come," wrote the Utopian dreamer Keats. Oh, yes! He was right about that! There are 'other spirits', and they are just waiting to be welcomed! Be careful dear ones! Not everything 'spiritual' is here for your well-being.
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions in your Den.
Daniel 1: 8-21 We have just begun our study of Daniel and already we are confronted with one of the most powerful lessons we could ever learn: the importance of resisting temptation and keep our hearts pure! What an incredible example this teenager, Daniel, sets for us this morning!
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's message from the Series on the Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den
Daniel 1: 8-21 We have just begun our study of Daniel and already we are confronted with one of the most powerful lessons we could ever learn: the importance of resisting temptation and keep our hearts pure! What an incredible example this teenager, Daniel, sets for us this morning!
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's message from the Series on the Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den
introduction to the Series on the book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den
Dan 1: 1-7
The Word of God is an amazing thing! And if we had to rank all the books of the Bible for their mystery and majesty and grandeur, this Book of Daniel just might top the list! So incredibly accurate and precise are its prophecies that the skeptics and unbelievers just refuse to believe it was written in Daniel's day. But it was! And every word of it has come true so far, and there's plenty more to come!
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's first sermon in the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den.
introduction to the Series on the book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den
Dan 1: 1-7
The Word of God is an amazing thing! And if we had to rank all the books of the Bible for their mystery and majesty and grandeur, this Book of Daniel just might top the list! So incredibly accurate and precise are its prophecies that the skeptics and unbelievers just refuse to believe it was written in Daniel's day. But it was! And every word of it has come true so far, and there's plenty more to come!
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's first sermon in the series: The Book of Daniel: For the Lions In Your Den.
Acts 12: The miraculous deliverance of Peter from behind the iron gates of Herod's prison happened for only one reason: a church was mightily praying.
Part 2 of Pastor Gene Loeffler's sermon
Acts 12 Peter's miraculous deliverance from behind the iron gates of Herod's prison happened for one reason: a church was mightily praying.
Part 1 of Pastor Gene Loeffler's sermon.
Daniel Chapter 3
The world around us keeps making us choose: whom will you serve? To whom are you faithful. And this morning, Daniel's three friends set the ultimate shining example for us all as they faced that fiery furnace.
Part 2 of the sermon by Pastor Bob Boxer
Daniel Chapter 3
The world around us keeps making us choose: whom will you serve? To whom are you faithful. And this morning, Daniel's three friends set the ultimate shining example for us all as they faced that fiery furnace.
Part one of the sermon by Pastor Bob Boxer
Mt 28: 16-20 No other passage in all the Bible has done more to transform our world than the one we study today. It started with just eleven faithful men, doing as they were told, but the church has been a mission to the world ever since. And our church is part of it! What an awesome privilege. And how incredibly important!
Part 2 of the final sermon in Pastor Rod Schorr's series on the Book of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant-King.
Mt 28: 16-20 No other passage in all the Bible has done more to transform our world than the one we study today. It started with just eleven faithful men, doing as they were told, but the church has been a mission to the world ever since. And our church is part of it! What an awesome privilege. And how incredibly important!
Part 1 of the final sermon in Pastor Rod Schorr's series on the Book of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant-King.
Matthew 28: 11-15 The trouble with the skeptic is that his doubt about one thing almost always requires the blindest belief in something else; nowhere is that more evident than with those who doubt the Resurrection! The things they will believe, hoping to prove it all ‘untrue’! And it’s been going on for 2,000 years!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon, from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 28: 11-15 The trouble with the skeptic is that his doubt about one thing almost always requires the blindest belief in something else; nowhere is that more evident than with those who doubt the Resurrection! The things they will believe, hoping to prove it all ‘untrue’! And it’s been going on for 2,000 years!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon, from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27:57-66; 28: 1-10 Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate the empty tomb and Christ’s great victory over death forever! But on that very first Easter Sunday, nothing looked more impossible than a ‘resurrection’! Maybe it looks ‘impossible’ for you today! And that is no accident! The world still wants you to doubt it today!
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 45-56 What we witness in this life will one day witness against us! Or 'for us', depending on how we've responded; for none of us are 'passive' observers. What happens in this life draws a line in the sand, and we, as we respond, place ourselves on one side or the other. That is especially true of the Cross.
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: "The Rise of the Servant King".
Matthew 27: 45-56 What we witness in this life will one day witness against us! Or 'for us', depending on how we've responded; for none of us are 'passive' observers. What happens in this life draws a line in the sand, and we, as we respond, place ourselves on one side or the other. That is especially true of the Cross.
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: "The Rise of the Servant King".
Matthew 27: 39-44 The truest statement ever made was a falsehood spoken by Jesus’ enemies when they taunted Him at the foot of the cross. “He saved others. Himself he cannot save.” Of course they had it all wrong! Of course it wasn’t true! Or was it? Actually, it was the truest untrue statement ever made!
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 39-44 The truest statement ever made was a falsehood spoken by Jesus’ enemies when they taunted Him at the foot of the cross. “He saved others. Himself he cannot save.” Of course they had it all wrong! Of course it wasn’t true! Or was it? Actually, it was the truest untrue statement ever made!
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 32-44
It's amazing how the Bible can portray the complexities of the human condition with the simplest of scenes. In fact, there really is no 'complexity' at all. There are just three crosses on that hill and the 'choices' they represent. Let's study this scene well, dear ones, for all eternity hangs in the balance!
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 27-31 "Come let us mock the great and then mock mockers after that," writes William Butler Yeats, "for we traffic in mockery." How true! Mockery just comes natural to a world that turns its back on God. But God had an awesome purpose in mind that day when it happened to Jesus, and it happened just for you!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: the Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 27-31 "Come let us mock the great and then mock mockers after that," writes William Butler Yeats, "for we traffic in mockery." How true! Mockery just comes natural to a world that turns its back on God. But God had an awesome purpose in mind that day when it happened to Jesus, and it happened just for you!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: the Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 32-44
It's amazing how the Bible can portray the complexities of the human condition with the simplest of scenes. In fact, there really is no 'complexity' at all. There are just three crosses on that hill and the 'choices' they represent. Let's study this scene well, dear ones, for all eternity hangs in the balance!.
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 15-26 That must ahve been the most painful thing of all, when the world He loved--the very people He had taught and healed and cared for--cried out 'Barabbas'! First He'd been sold for teh price of a slave, and now exchanged for a notorious murderer. But shockingly enough, that still happens today!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from his series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 15-26 That must ahve been the most painful thing of all, when the world He loved--the very people He had taught and healed and cared for--cried out 'Barabbas'! First He'd been sold for teh price of a slave, and now exchanged for a notorious murderer. But shockingly enough, that still happens today!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message from his series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 15-20
The voice of warning is never more needed than when all men fall in step behind the movements of their day. And though men may fail to do so, God alway ‘warns’! And we should always listen! It happens here this morning, in the troubled dream of this dear woman. Let’s take a look...
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew:The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 15-20
The voice of warning is never more needed than when all men fall in step behind the movements of their day. And though men may fail to do so, God alway ‘warns’! And we should always listen! It happens here this morning, in the troubled dream of this dear woman. Let’s take a look...
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew:The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 27: 1-14
When a heart of stone is broken, only gravel is produced. This morning we find Judas the Betrayer trying to turn things around. Something has happened to give him regrest; he wishes he could undo what he's done. But regret is not a magic trick. It doesn't make things go away. Only genuine repentance can do that.
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 27: 1-14
When a heart of stone is broken, only gravel is produced. This morning we find Judas the Betrayer trying to turn things around. Something has happened to give him regrest; he wishes he could undo what he's done. But regret is not a magic trick. It doesn't make things go away. Only genuine repentance can do that.
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 26: 69-75
There in the courtyard that night, as Jesus was being interrogated, it was impossible to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked; between the followers of Christ and the enemies of Christ. And isn't that the way our world so often looks today? This morning, let's see if we can change that...
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon, from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 26: 69-75
There in the courtyard that night, as Jesus was being interrogated, it was impossible to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked; between the followers of Christ and the enemies of Christ. And isn't that the way our world so often looks today? This morning, let's see if we can change that...
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon, from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 26: 57-68
The trial of Jesus took place in three stages: a preliminary hearing that night in the courtyard of Caiaphas' palace; an official trial under jewish law the next morning; and then a third that afternoon under Roman law with Pontius Pilate. And though justice was never served, Jesus just let it happen; and He did that for you!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Matthew 26: 57-68
The trial of Jesus took place in three stages: a preliminary hearing that night in the courtyard of Caiaphas' palace; an official trial under jewish law the next morning; and then a third that afternoon under Roman law with Pontius Pilate. And though justice was never served, Jesus just let it happen; and He did that for you!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Matthew 26: 47-56
It is amazing the way Jesus finished His troubled prayers, then got up and joined His disciples at exactly thge moment His captors arrived! Almost as if He knew they were coming and went out to meet them halfway! Oh, yes! That is exactly what He did, because this was no ordinary captive!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew 'The Rise of the Servant King'
Matthew 26: 47-56
It is amazing the way Jesus finished His troubled prayers, then got up and joined His disciples at exactly thge moment His captors arrived! Almost as if He knew they were coming and went out to meet them halfway! Oh, yes! That is exactly what He did, because this was no ordinary captive!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew 'The Rise of the Servant King'
Matthew 26: 31-46
It doesn't take a spiritual giant to observe that 'Adversity has no friends'. (Ovid). Our passage this morning is filled with foreboding as the Savior prays on the eve of the Cross. His followers are right there beside Him, but He is so alone! And all their claims of loyalty and courage are so very soon to vanish!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 26: 31-46
It doesn't take a spiritual giant to observe that 'Adversity has no friends'. (Ovid). Our passage this morning is filled with foreboding as the Savior prays on the eve of the Cross. His followers are right there beside Him, but He is so alone! And all their claims of loyalty and courage are so very soon to vanish!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 26: 14-31 Life is full of contrasts, and what an incredible one we have this morning, where the sweetest passage in all the Bible--Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus--leads right to the most despicable, the most hideous. "Everyone has his price" they say. But this morning, let's you and I make sure we don't!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Matthew 26: 14-31 Life is full of contrasts, and what an incredible one we have this morning, where the sweetest passage in all the Bible--Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus--leads right to the most despicable, the most hideous. "Everyone has his price" they say. But this morning, let's you and I make sure we don't!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Mt 26: 1-13
It's one of the sweetest episodes in all the Bible: that fragrant oil was worth a fortune! Why, even the bottle was worth quite a bit. But this woman held nothing back! She broke the bottle and poured out all its contents in worship of Him who had changed her life so! And we are supposed to be doing that too!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from his series on the Gospel of Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Mt 26: 1-13
It's one of the sweetest episodes in all the Bible: that fragrant oil was worth a fortune! Why, even the bottle was worth quite a bit. But this woman held nothing back! She broke the bottle and poured out all its contents in worship of Him who had changed her life so! And we are supposed to be doing that too!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from his series on the Gospel of Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Matthew 25:31-46
Regardless of your earthly estate, did you know that you are an 'heir'? Yes! to a fabulous inheritance that will not pass away! It's been waiting for you since the world began! And ever since you came to that Cross, you've been carrying the key that will make it all yours!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon, from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: "The Rise of the Servant King".
Matthew 25:31-46
Regardless of your earthly estate, did you know that you are an 'heir'? Yes! to a fabulous inheritance that will not pass away! It's been waiting for you since the world began! And ever since you came to that Cross, you've been carrying the key that will make it all yours!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon, from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: "The Rise of the Servant King".
Matthew 25: 14-30
"How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem all the uses of this world," lamented Hamlet in his darkest hour. That was a good revelation for him. it's a good one for us as well, for it is often the illusory'profits' of this world that make us unprofitable servants of God. Let's dig in...
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: "The Rise of the Servant King"
Matthew 25: 14-30
"How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem all the uses of this world," lamented Hamlet in his darkest hour. That was a good revelation for him. it's a good one forus as well, for it is often the illusory'profits' of this world that make us unprofitable servants of God. Let's dig in...
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: "The Rise of the Servant King"
Matthew 24: 42-51
William Butler Yeats wrote chilling of our world:"Twenty centuries of a stony sleep, vexed with dreams of a rocking cradle." Yes, the 'end' will very soon be 'born' in that 'cradle'. And Jesus has warned about that 'stony sleep'. This morning He urges us to stay awake. The stakes in this are enormous, dear ones. Let's all take it to heart!
Part 2 of the sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 25: 1-13
How strikingly similar are the two groups of people in Jesus' parable this morning. Both groups are comprised of unmarried girls; both are part of the ceremony; both have identical lamps; both are expected to let their light shine. But there, you see, is where the difference lies! One group has been foolish, and the ultimate question confronting us this morning is: to which group do you belong?
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from his series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 25: 1-13
How strikingly similar are the two groups of people in Jesus' parable this morning. Both groups are comprised of unmarried girls; both are part of the ceremony; both have identical lamps; both are expected to let their light shine. But there, you see, is where the difference lies! One group has been foolish, and the ultimate question confronting us this morning is: to which group do you belong?
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from his series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 24: 42-51
William Butler Yeats wrote chilling of our world:"Twenty centuries of a stony sleep, vexed with dreams of a rocking cradle." Yes, the 'end' will very soon be 'born' in that 'cradle'. And Jesus has warned about that 'stony sleep'. This morning He urges us to stay awake. The stakes in this are enormous, dear ones. Let's all take it to heart!
Part 1 of the sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
It won't be like the first time, or like anything we've ever seen before.
It Won't Be Christmas
"...So shall the coming of the son or Man be."
"Men are never less safe than when they are most secure, "wirtes John Trapp of our text this morning. So true!-and jesus is speaking about that this morning. He warns against a false sense of security, because the day of His Coming is close hand, and it won't be at all like the first time he came.
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: Matthew: Rise of the Servant King
It won't be like the first time, or like anything we've ever seen before.
It Won't Be Christmas
"...So shall the coming of the son or Man be."
"Men are never less safe than when they are most secure, "wirtes John Trapp of our text this morning. So true!-and jesus is speaking about that this morning. He warns against a false sense of security, because the day of His Coming is close hand, and it won't be at all like the first time he came.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: Matthew Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 24: 15-36 Solomon said it well in his Proverbs: "The bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterwards..." Oh, yes, 'afterwards'! That is what Jesus is warning us of today. Trying times are on the horizon, Christian, and you and i must be wise, discerning the true from the false. Let's learn it well today...
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon, from the Series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Matthew 24: 15-36 Solomon said it well in his Proverbs: "The bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterwards..." Oh, yes, 'afterwards'! That is what Jesus is warning us of today. Trying times are on the horizon, Christian, and you and i must be wise, discerning the true from the false. Let's learn it well today...
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon, from the Series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Matthew 24: 1-25
Best-selling author, Alvin Toffler, once called it Future Shock blaming our modern epidemic of dread and anxiety on "too much change in too short a time." Later, he explained it in even starker terms: "the premature arrival of the future". And you know? That is the cause of much dread and anxiety! The future always comes 'prematurely'! This morning, Jesjus warns us to be ready, wise, and watchful.
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 24: 1-25
Best-selling author, Alvin Tofflerf, once called it Future Shock blaming our modern epidemic of dread and anxiety on "too much change in too short a time." Later, he explained it in even starker terms: "the premature arrival of the future". And you know? That is the cause of much dread and anxiety! The future always comes 'prematurely'! This morning, Jesjus warns us to be ready, wise, and watchful.
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 23: 37-39 Luke records that Jesus 'wept' one day, when He looked down on Jerusalem from an elevated place along the road. (Lk 19: 41) Here again, we seeHim grieve for the city and its people. That's how much He loved them! And today He grieves for our city too! Let's share His burdened heart in this!
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 23: 37-39 Luke records that Jesus 'wept' one day, when He looked down on Jerusalem from an elevated place along the road. (Lk 19: 41) Here again, we seeHim grieve for the city and its people. That's how much He loved them! And today He grieves for our city too! Let's share His burdened heart in this!
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 23: 13-26 "A good surgeon cuts deep," wrote Spurgeon of this passage. Yes, and Jesus was the best of them all. Here, speaking the harshest words in all the Bible, Jesus denounces the evil leaders who were burdening and corrupting the people of His day. Can you imagine what Jesus would say today? But with every stern, condemning word, the love of Christ for you shines forth! Yes, incredibly enough, there is encouragement for you, dear child of God, even in this passage. Let's take a look...
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 23: 13-26 "A good surgeon cuts deep," wrote Spurgeon of this passage. Yes, and Jesus was the best of them all. Here, speaking the harshest words in all the Bible, Jesus denounces the evil leaders who were burdening and corrupting the people of His day. Can you imagine what Jesus would say today? But with every stern, condemning word, the love of Christ for you shines forth! Yes, incredibly enough, there is encouragement for you, dear child of God, even in this passage. Let's take a look...
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 23: 1-12
I have stood in the temple of 'Matzu' in the city of Beigang, where people try to please the goddess by mutilating themselves with saws and skewers. There's a temple in Central India that people approach by 'rolling' on the ground, hoping to be blessed! Yes, wherever needy people gather, you will find the 'Gurus' with prescriptions like that! And the people? Just as lost as ever! The same is true in our culture today.
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 23: 1-12
I have stood in the temple of 'Matzu' in the city of Beigang, where people try to please the goddess by mutilating themselves with saws and skewers. There's a temple in Central India that people approach by 'rolling' on the ground, hoping to be blessed! Yes, wherever needy people gather, you will find the 'Gurus' with prescriptions like that! And the people? Just as lost as ever! The same is true in our culture today.
Part 1 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 16: 13-20. Pastor Gene Loeffler explores the significance of Jesus' famous words: "Upon this rock, i will build my church," and what it means for our personal Christian walk and for our church. Part 2
Matthew 16: 13-20. Pastor Gene Loeffler explores the significance of Jesus' famous words: "Upon this rock, i will build my church," and what it means for our personal Christian walk and for our church. Part 1
Matthew 22: 15-46 The world will always mock the righeous and seek to bring them down. It happened to Jesus in His day. This morning He walks a 'minefield' of challenges and trick questions aimed at putting Him to shame. But those who came to 'trap Him with His words', wound up being trapped by their own!.
Part 2 of the Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the series: "Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King."
Matthew 22: 15-46 The world will always mock the righeous and seek to bring them down. It happened to Jesus in His day. This morning He walks a 'minefield' of challenges and trick questions aimed at putting Him to shame. But those who came to 'trap Him with His words', wound up being trapped by their own!.
Part 1 of the Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the series: "Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King."
Matthew 22: 1-14 How many times have we heard someone say: "I've ived a pretty good life. I think I'm going to heaven." But "pretty good" is not enough. The Bible tells us that "without holiness, no one will see the Lord." And holiness, like the wedding garment in our story this morning, is something only Christ can give you!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon, from the series on The Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 22: 1-14 How many times have we heard someone say: "I've ived a pretty good life. I think I'm going to heaven." But "pretty good" is not enough. The Bible tells us that "without holiness, no one will see the Lord." And holiness, like the wedding garment in our story this morning, is something only Christ can give you!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon, from the series on The Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 21: 33-46 When all is said and done, when the Day of Judgment comes, we will not be asked how 'religious' we have been, or how 'good' we have been, or which way the 'scales' are tipping. No, on that final day, only one question will be asked of us: 'What have you done with my Son?'
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 21: 33-46 When all is said and done, when the Day of Judgment comes, we will not be asked how 'religious' we have been, or how 'good' we have been, or which way the 'scales' are tipping. No, on that final day, only one question will be asked of us: 'What have you done wiht my Son?'
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 21: 18-32 How interesting that this final week of Jesus' life--those final days before the Cross--were punctuated with moments of Divine wrath. First we saw it in the Temple, and now by the roadside as He curses the fruitlessness of that tree. The message is coming through loud and clear here: God has no patience with barren, fruitless things.
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message, from his series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 21: 18-32 How interesting that this final week of Jesus' life--those final days before the Cross--were punctuated with moments of Divine wrath. First we saw it in the Temple, and now by the roadside as He curses the fruitlessness of that tree. The message is coming through loud and clear here: God has no patience with barren, fruitless things.
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's message, from his series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 21: 12-17 How significant that the very first thing Jesus did, after being welcomed as the coming 'King', was to restore the House of Worship to its original holy purpose! Here is the mighty wrath of God falling upon all who profane His holy things! There is much for us to learn from this today. Let's take it to heart...
Part 2 of the message by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'
Matthew 21: 12-17 How significant that the very first thing Jesus did, after being welcomed as the coming 'King', was to restore the House of Worship to its original holy purpose! Here is the mighty wrath of God falling upon all who profane His holy things! There is much for us to learn from this today. Let's take it to heart...
Part 1 of the message by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'
Matthew 21:1-11 When Caesars or Kings arrived in those days, from their distant exploits and conquests, they did so with the most extravagant pomp. But how different this One, who rode on a donkey that day through the streets of Jerusalem! And in the end, He turned out to be the only real 'Conqueror', the only true 'King'!
Part two of Pastor Rod Schorr's message, from the Series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Matthew 21:1-11 When Caesars or Kings arrived in those days, from their distant exploits and conquests, they did so with the most extravagant pomp. But how different this One, who rode on a donkey that day through the streets of Jerusalem! And in the end, He turned out to be the only real 'Conqueror', the only true 'King'!
Part one of Pastor Rod Schorr's message, from the Series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
Matthew 20:29-34 Never have Americans been more 'in the dark' than they are right now, and this morning's text offers wonderful insight into what exactly can be done about that. Here is hope for every lost and hurting individual, caught in the 'darkness' of the culture around us!
Part 2 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 20:29-34 Never have Americans been more 'in the dark' than they are right now, and this morning's text offers wonderful insight into what exactly can be done about that. Here is hope for every lost and hurting individual, caught in the 'darkness' of the culture around us!
Part 1 of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
Matthew 20: 17-28 Part 2 of the message. Ours is the generation that expects to be 'served'; demands to be 'served'. We see it in every quarter of our culture. But how different that makes us from Jesus who, in spite of His divine power and authority, just came "to serve" and "to lay down His life as a ransom" for us. This morning, let's imitate!
From the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King
Matthew 20: 17-28 Ours is the generation that expects to be 'served'; demands to be 'served'! We see it in every quarter of our cultuer. But how different that makes us from Jesus who, in spite of His divine power and authority, just came ''to serve" and to "lay down His life as a ransom" for us! This morning, let's imitate!
From the series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Americans are people who cherish their freedom. A love of liberty is the very foundation of this great land. But there is a 'counterfeit' freedom that should never be pursued; never be embraced. This morning, Pastor Dave Johnson reveals some insights into this from the troubling record of Genesis 18. Part 2 of the message.
Americans are people who cherish their freedom. A love of liberty is the very foundation of this great land. But there is a 'counterfeit' freedom that should never be pursued; never be embraced. This morning, Pastor Dave Johnson reveals some insights into this from the troubling record of Genesis 18. Part 1 of the message
Ephesians 4: 30
Lots of people struggle under the hurts and the wrongs of others, and the greatest danger of all that is the 'bitterness' that can ensue. This morning, preaching from Ephesians 4:30, Pastor Bob Boxer reveals to us how we can find true deliverance from all that. Part 2 of the message.
Ephesians 4: 30
Lots of people struggle under the hurts and the wrongs of others, and the greatest danger of all that is the 'bitterness' that can ensue. This morning, preaching from Ephesians 4:30, Pastor Bob Boxer reveals to us how we can find true deliverance from all that. Part 1 of the message.
Part 2 of the sermon on Matthew 20: 1-16, from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King, by Pastor Rod Schorr.
Matthew 20: 1-16 Part 1 of the sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
"How seldom do we merit that which we obtain," observed Coleridge once, in one of his poems. He was talkng about this life, but in the Kingdom of God, it is even more true: it is all about grace, and God's infinite mercy upon people who never deserved a thing! That's what this parable is about.
Part 2 of the Sermon on Matthew 19: 16-30, by Pastor Rod Schorr, encouraging us to 'be sold out for Jesus Christ'.
From his series on Matthew: 'The Rise of the Sermon King'.
Mt 19: 16-30 Part 1 of the Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
Wouldn't you know? The very first thing that happens after Jesus blesses those little children--after telling all the world that 'only the little ones' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven--behold! here comes a very accomplished, sophisticated, 'unchildlike' man who wants to enter as well! Let's see if he can...
Matthew 19: 1-15 (cont.)
Part two of Pastor Schorr's sermon, from the series on the Gospel of Matthew: "The Rise of the Servant King"
The Bible makes it clear to us that 'God is not mocked' (Gal 6:7). But that is exactly what our generation is trying to do! With every new trend and movement and act of legislation, we are tampering with sacred things and taunting the Almighty. This morning, Jesus has something to say about that. Let's take a look...
Matthew 19: 1-15
Part one of the sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr, from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: 'The Rise of the Servant King'.
The Bible makes it clear to us that "God cannot be mocked" (Gal 6:7), but that is exactly what our generation is trying to do right now. With every new trend and movement and act of legislation, we are tampering with sacred things and taunting the Almighty. This morning, Jesus has something to say about that. Let's take a look...
Matthew 18: 21-35
Pt 2 of the Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
"It is always a mistake not to close one's eyes," writes one of the Romantic poets, "whether to forgive another's wrongs, or to look better into one's self." Yes, either, way, that's wise advice. And this morning Jesus reveals to us what a 'mistake' it is when we do not forgive. Let's learn this well...
Matthew 18: 21-35
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
"It is always a mistake not to close one's eyes," writes one of the Romantic poets, "whether to forgive another's wrongs, or to look better into one's self." Yes, either, way, that's wise advice. And this morning Jesus reveals to us what a 'mistake' it is when we do not forgive. Let's learn this well...
Matthew 18:7-20
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
This world is but a thoroughfare of woe,' says Chaucer's 'Knight', 'And we be the pilgrims passing to and fro. Yes, there will always be suffering and heartache in our world. But this morning Jesus tells us that there's something we can do about it. Here's a lesson well worth learning. Let's get busy...
Part 2 of the Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Matthew 18-7-20
from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
This world is but a thoroughfare of woe,' says Chaucer's 'Knight', 'And we be the pilgrims passing to and fro. Yes, there will always be suffering and heartache in our world. But this morning Jesus tells us that there's something we can do about it. Here's a lesson well worth learning. Let's get busy...
In our Scriptures this morning, poor Peter gets into trouble again and--wouldn't you know?--once again, his mouth is the source of it all! But Jesus graciously extricates him from his troubles and, in doing so, what a Savior He proves to be... (part 2)
In our Scriptures this morning, poor Peter gets into trouble again and--wouldn't you know?--once again, his mouth is the source of it all! But Jesus graciously extricates him from his troubles and, in doing so, what a Savior He proves to be...
Matthew 27:57-66; 28: 1-10 Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate the empty tomb and Christ’s great victory over death forever! But on that very first Easter Sunday, nothing looked more impossible than a ‘resurrection’! Maybe it looks ‘impossible’ for you today! And that is no accident! The world still wants you to doubt it today!
Part 2 of Pastor Schorr's sermon from the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King.
"Jesus said to her: 'O. Woman! Great is your faith! Let it be done as you have desired." Mt 15:28
Inoffensible Faith
"An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city," we read in Proverbs (18:19). And id that is the case, what hope us there for our generation-which is alwats so eaily 'offended' by Jesus? This morning we meet a woman who could not e offended! We have much to learn from her...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servent King'
"Jesus said to her: 'O. Woman! Great is your faith! Let it be done as you have desired." Mt 15:28
Inoffensible Faith
"An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city," we read in Proverbs (18:19). And id that is the case, what hope us there for our generation-which is alwats so eaily 'offended' by Jesus? This morning we meet a woman who could not e offended! We have much to learn from her...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servent King'
Matthew 13: 44-58
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr from the Series on Matthew: The Rise of the Servant King
"What some call treasure, others call dross", someone once observed. Yes, like 'beauty' it is in the eye of the beholder. But the wise person knows when he's found the real thin, and this morning, Jesus exhorts us to be that kind of person! Ready for a 'Treasure Hunt'? Let's get started...
God's marvelous plans just keeps on unfolding!
Seeds, Weeds and the Kingdom of God
“The enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat…”Mt 13: 25
There is no one amoung us more flawed than the 'perfectionist'! Incredibly enough, not even God is excepting perfection right now as He builds up His kingdom on earth. This world is a feild is a 'field' in which good things and evil must grow side by side. And God let's that happen, because He loves you!
From the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant-King
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
God's marvelous plans just keeps on unfolding!
Seeds, Weeds and the Kingdom of God
“The enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat…”Mt 13: 25
There is no one amoung us more flawed than the 'perfectionist'! Incredibly enough, not even God is excepting perfection right now as He builds up His kingdom on earth. This world is a feild is a 'field' in which good things and evil must grow side by side. And God let's that happen, because He loves you!
From the Series on the Gospel of Matthew: The Rise of the Servant-King
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Keeping His Word alive in our hearts.
Hearticulture 101"But some seed fell on good ground..." Mt. 13
"It is the disease of not listening that troubles me the most, " Shakespeare's Falstaff once confessed. But as a matter of fact, he was wrong: that wasn't his biggest problem. All kinds of people 'listen'; they never just 'hear'! This morning Jesus makes that point and tells us what to do about it.
Keeping His Word alive in our hearts.
Hearticulture 101"But some seed fell on good ground..." Mt. 13
"It is the disease of not listening that troubles me the most, " Shakespeare's Falstaff once confessed. But as a matter of fact, he was wrong: that wasn't his biggest problem. All kinds of people 'listen'; they never just 'hear'! This morning Jesus makes that point and tells us what to do about it.
Christmas Changes Everthing
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Given after our Christmas Cantata
There's nothing more comforting than knowing He's there!
Awesome, Protective Big Brother
"For whoever does the will of my Father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother! Mt. 12:50
Matthew 12 is a very tense chapter: filled with antagonism of Jesus' enemies. But interestingly enough, the climax comes when Jesus' family appears! Does that strike a chord? This morning we learn something beautiful about Jesus and 'family' and how you fit in. Get ready to be blessed.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
There's nothing more comforting than knowing He's there!
Awesome, Protective Big Brother
"For whoever does the will of my Father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother! Mt. 12:50
Matthew 12 is a very tense chapter: filled with antagonism of Jesus' enemies. But interestingly enough, the climax comes when Jesus' family appears! Does that strike a chord? This morning we learn something beautiful about Jesus and 'family' and how you fit in. Get ready to be blessed.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Happy the Thankful Heart “Strengthened in the faith as you were taught an overflowing with thankfulness” Col 2:6-7
Sermon by Pastor Dave Johnson
Happy the Thankful Heart “Strengthened in the faith as you were taught an overflowing with thankfulness” Col 2:6-7
Sermon by Pastor Dave Johnson
Some people wait for it all their lives!
'Proof' That Proves Nothing
"Some Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him: 'Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." Mt. 12:38
"We know too much and are convinced of too little, "T.S Eliot once complained of our 'sophisticated', skeptical generation. He's right. And just like the skeptics of Jesus's day, our generation demands 'proof' from God before it will believe. Jesus has something to say about that. Let's take a look...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King
Some people wait for it all their lives!
'Proof' That Proves Nothing
"Some Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him: 'Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." Mt. 12:38
"We know too much and are convinced of too little, "T.S Eliot once complained of our 'sophisticated', skeptical generation. He's right. And just like the skeptics of Jesus's day, our generation demands 'proof' from God before it will believe. Jesus has something to say about that. Let's take a look...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King
Living life right, at last!
Make the Tree Good
"Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good, or make the tree bad and its fruit will be bad..."Mt 12:33 lit.
We are in the midst of an angry scolding:Jesus rebuking the Pharisee fir their hateful speech. They called his gracious healings and miracles 'eveil' and demonic': so now they're getting an earful! But in the midst of all that, are words that speaks volumes to us! Let's take them to heart this morning!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Living life right, at last!
Make the Tree Good
"Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good, or make the tree bad and its fruit will be bad..."Mt 12:33 lit.
We are in the midst of an angry scolding:Jesus rebuking the Pharisee fir their hateful speech. They called his gracious healings and miracles 'eveil' and demonic': so now they're getting an earful! But in the midst of all that, are words that speaks volumes to us! Let's take them to heart this morning!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Until he is 'bound', nothing leaves his grasp!
The Strong Man and His Plunder"They brought him a demon-possessed man who blind and mute, and Jesus healed him." Mt 12:22
Our Scritpures this morning begin with a poor man who has everything going against him: he cannot see to find deliverance;cannot even seak to make his needs known! But he's not the only one in trouble like that! And what Jesus did for him that day, He can do for you!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Until he is 'bound', nothing leaves his grasp!
The Strong Man and His Plunder"They brought him a demon-possessed man who blind and mute, and Jesus healed him." Mt 12:22
Our Scritpures this morning begin with a poor man who has everything going against him: he cannot see to find deliverance;cannot even seak to make his needs known! But he's not the only one in trouble like that! And what Jesus did for him that day, He can do for you!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Knowing He loves you is all that you need!
Ignoring the Opposition
"Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked Him: 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" Mt 12:10
Jesus sets a tremendous example for us this morning in our scriptures, by 'ignoring the opposition'. He refuses to let it intimadate Him, stop Him or influence Him in any way; and-read the passage!-there was plenty of it! You and I need to be just like Him.
Sermon by:Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Serant King'
Knowing He loves you is all that you need!
Ignoring the Opposition
"Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked Him: 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" Mt 12:10 Jesus sets a tremendous example for us this morning in our scriptures, by 'ignoring the opposition'. He refuses to let it intimadate Him, stop Him or influence Him in any way; and-read the passage!-there was plenty of it! You and I need to be just like Him.
Sermon by:Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Serant King'
What Heaven's exalted King became for you!
"Savior of The Heavy-Laden"
"Come here to me, all you who are weary and heavenly burdened, and I will give you rest." Mt 11:28(lit.)
In all of Scripture, can you find a verse more modern, more applicable, more relvant than this one? Jesus spoke these beautiful words to the weary and the burdened of His day. And how much more so, now, do we need to hear it and respond! He's the Savior of the heavy laden! Does that include you?
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
What Heaven's exalted King became for you!
"Savior of The Heavy-Laden"
"Come here to me, all you who are weary and heavenly burdened, and I will give you rest." Mt 11:28(lit.)
In all of Scripture, can you find a verse more modern, more applicable, more relvant than this one? Jesus spoke these beautiful words to the weary and the burdened of His day. And how much more so, now, do we need to hear it and respond! He's the Savior of the heavy laden! Does that include you?
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
There's a world of difference between:
You and Your Generation
"I tell you the truth, amoung those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater the he," Mt 11:11
"Rough Roads lead to greatness," said Seneca once in a speech. Yes, and John the Baptist was on a very 'rough road' when Jesus proclaimed him 'the greatest'. But then Jesus says something very surprising; about you! You are even 'greater'! Yes you-in your generation! What on earth did he mean?
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant king'
There's a world of difference between:
You and Your Generation
"I tell you the truth, amoung those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater the he," Mt 11:11
"Rough Roads lead to greatness," said Seneca once in a speech. Yes, and John the Baptist was on a very 'rough road' when Jesus proclaimed him 'the greatest'. But then Jesus says something very surprising; about you! You are even 'greater'! Yes you-in your generation! What on earth did he mean?
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant king'
Even a great one can have his doubts.
A Cross At the End of the Question
"Are you the One who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Mt 11:2-3
'Doubt is the brother of despair, 'someone once observed. It certainly was true of poor old John the Baptist, as he languished in his dungeon. One of the saddest passages in the Bible is this message he sent to Jesus: "Are you the coming One or not?" There's much to be learned here, so let's get started!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Ris eof the Servant King'
Even a great one can have his doubts.
A Cross At the End of the Question
"Are you the One who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Mt 11:2-3
'Doubt is the brother of despair, 'someone once observed. It certainly was true of poor old John the Baptist, as he languished in his dungeon. One of the saddest passages in the Bible is this message he sent to Jesus: "Are you the coming One or not?" There's much to be learned here, so let's get started!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Ris eof the Servant King'
Everything changes with . . .
The Touch of a Sovereign King “…she came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak.” Mt 9:18
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
From the Series on the Gospel of Matthew:
The Rise of the Servant-King
Everything changes with . . .
The Touch of a Sovereign King “…she came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak.” Mt 9:18
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
From the Series on the Gospel of Matthew:
The Rise of the Servant-King
PART TWO
It's time something was done about...
This Worn-out, Patched-up Heart
"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment..." Mt 9:11
In 'Letters from the Earth; Mark Twain has this to say: "Man seems to be a rickety, poor sort thing, always undergoing repairs, and a machine that inreliable just cannot have a market," Perhaps! But Jesus came to make all things new! And He doesn't even want you to 'fix up' the old stuff!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
It's time something was done about...
This Worn-out, Patched-up Heart
"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment..." Mt 9:11
In 'Letters from the Earth; Mark Twain has this to say: "Man seems to be a rickety, poor sort thing, always undergoing repairs, and a machine that inreliable just cannot have a market," Perhaps! But Jesus came to make all things new! And He doesn't even want you to 'fix up' the old stuff!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
These two weren't the only ones...
Living Among the Tombs
"Two demon possed men met Him, coming from the tombs..." Mt 8:28
What a spectacle of the human condition: These teo sad, tormented men, protecting their little domain amoung the tombs, and demanding that everyone 'leave them alone"! How marvelous tha Jesus didn;t do that! He brings liberty where ever He goes! is that something you need this morning?
Part One of 2
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series 'Rise of the Servent King'
These two weren't the only ones...
Living Among the Tombs
"Two demon possed men met Him, coming from the tombs..." Mt 8:28
What a spectacle of the human condition: These teo sad, tormented men, protecting their little domain amoung the tombs, and demanding that everyone 'leave them alone"! How marvelous tha Jesus didn;t do that! He brings liberty where ever He goes! is that something you need this morning?
Part Two of 2
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series 'Rise of the Servent King'
In a godless world, it's bound to happen!
When Faith Makes Waves
"Without warning, a furious storm came upon the lake so that the waves swept over the boat." Mt 8:24
"I have asked to be where no storms come...and out of the swing of the sea," writes one of my favorite poets: But Gerald Manley Hopkins knew better than that! He was faithful Christian. God doesn;t keep us from storms. In fact, sometimes it's our faith in Him that generates all the turbulence.
Part One of 2
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
In a godless world, it's bound to happen!
When Faith Makes Waves
"Without warning, a furious storm came upon the lake so that the waves swept over the boat." Mt 8:24
"I have asked to be where no storms come...and out of the swing of the sea," writes one of my favorite poets: But Gerald Manley Hopkins knew better than that! He was faithful Christian. God doesn;t keep us from storms. In fact, sometimes it's our faith in Him that generates all the turbulence.
Part Two of 2
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Just when you thought there was no hope left!
A Cure for the Incurable
"Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man: 'I am willing,'He said. 'Be healed!" Mt 8:3
This morning we observe as Jesus works the impossible. He Himself is the 'cure' for the incurable! Are you facing hopeless odds right now; struggling with something 'incurble'? Welcome to the club! This morning we learn, from two very likely people, how to find deliverance in Jesus Christ.
Part One of 2
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series 'Rise of the Servant King'
Just when you thought there was no hope left!
A Cure for the Incurable
"Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man: 'I am willing,'He said. 'Be healed!" Mt 8:3
This morning we observe as Jesus works the impossible. He Himself is the 'cure' for the incurable! Are you facing hopeless odds right now; struggling with something 'incurble'? Welcome to the club! This morning we learn, from two very likely people, how to find deliverance in Jesus Christ.
Part two of 2
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series 'Rise of the Servant King'
Being Vigilant in the age of deception.
Watching for Wolves
"Wtch out for false prophets...inwardly they are ferocious wolves." Mt 7:15
Our sinful, fallen world is having a love affair with falsehood! the people of God have never been free from the struggle to hold on to the truth. So we shouldn't be surprised when Jesus warns us to watch out: "be on your guard against false prophets...for inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
Being Vigilant in the age of deception.
Watching for Wolves
"Wtch out for false prophets...inwardly they are ferocious wolves." Mt 7:15
Our sinful, fallen world is having a love affair with falsehood! the people of God have never been free from the struggle to hold on to the truth. So we shouldn't be surprised when Jesus warns us to watch out: "be on your guard against false prophets...for inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Every choice of every day finds us...
At the Crossroad
"But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Mt 7:14
"All roads lead to Truth" people are fond of saying. But jesus tells us that there are really only two, and only one of them is right! He didn't even leave it up to us to figure out which is which! "The narrow one is right," He tells us, 'take it!" This morning, we will take Him at His word!
Every choice of every day finds us...
At the Crossroad
"But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Mt 7:14
"All roads lead to Truth" people are fond of saying. But jesus tells us that there are really only two, and only one of them is right! He didn't even leave it up to us to figure out which is which! "The narrow one is right," He tells us, 'take it!" This morning, we will take Him at His word!
Now is the time for...
A Searching Personal Inventory
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Mt 7:1
"It is easier to be critical than it is to be correct, "Benjamin Disraeli once observed. That is actually true to all of us! We all suffer from a kind of spiritual 'far-sightedness': how keenly we see the faults of others and rarely see our won! 'Judging others' is a hazard that every Christian must avoid.
Now is the time for...
A Searching Personal Inventory
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Mt 7:1
"It is easier to be critical than it is to be correct, "Benjamin Disraeli once observed. That is actually true to all of us! We all suffer from a kind of spiritual 'far-sightedness': how keenly we see the faults of others and rarely see our won! 'Judging others' is a hazard that every Christian must avoid.
One thing is certain: He loves it...
When you Pray
"This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in Heaven..." Mt 6:9
For some Christians, prayer is like a 'spare tire': ready in the trunk for whenever things break down, Don;t be one of them! God loves it when you pray; and you can't afford to neglect it! This morning, Jesus is teaching us all about prayer and how to do it right. Let's take it to heart.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series 'Rise of the Servant King'
One thing is certain: He loves it...
When you Pray
"This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in Heaven..." Mt 6:9
For some Christians, prayer is like a 'spare tire': ready in the trunk for whenever things break down, Don;t be one of them! God loves it when you pray; and you can't afford to neglect it! This morning, Jesus is teaching us all about prayer and how to do it right. Let's take it to heart.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series 'Rise of the Servant King'
There can be a world of difference between...
What 'They' See and What He Sees
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness before men, to be seen by them..." Mt 6:1
"Hypocrisy pays ample wages," wrote Martin Luther of this time, "While truthfulness goes begging." It's true of our day too; and that's something Jesus warns about, as He continues with His sermon. When we practice our righteousness for the applause of men, the 'wage' has already been paid!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
There can be a world of difference between...
What 'They' See and What He Sees
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness before men, to be seen by them..." Mt 6:1
"Hypocrisy pays ample wages," wrote Martin Luther of this time, "While truthfulness goes begging." It's true of our day too; and that's something Jesus warns about, as He continues with His sermon. When we practice our righteousness for the applause of men, the 'wage' has already been paid!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Rebroadcast of Pastor Rods Sermon on
"Mr. and Mrs. 'Right'"
Civilization teeters on the brink of crumbling homes! In the overall scheme of things, nothing is more important than the family and the home. That is why the entire chapter of Genisis 24 is devoted to the search for the right spouse and the starting of a home. Lets learn from this today.
Original Sermon Date: 7/22/2009
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Part One
Rebroadcast of Pastor Rods Sermon on
"Mr. and Mrs. 'Right'"
Civilization teeters on the brink of crumbling homes! In the overall scheme of things, nothing is more important than the family and the home. That is why the entire chapter of Genisis 24 is devoted to the search for the right spouse and the starting of a home. Lets learn from this today.
Original Sermon Date: 7/22/2009
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Part Two
The sad part is hat the 'stakes' are eternal!
The Games People Play
"Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5:20
"Oftentimes excusing a fault makes that fault worse," says one of Shakespear's heroes. If what he said is true, our generation is in big trouble! But it was true Jesus' day as well. This morning, Jesus addresses the age-old tendency to 'play games' with right and wrong. Let's take a look...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
The sad part is hat the 'stakes' are eternal!
The Games People Play
"Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5:20
"Oftentimes excusing a fault makes that fault worse," says one of Shakespear's heroes. If what he said is true, our generation is in big trouble! But it was true Jesus' day as well. This morning, Jesus addresses the age-old tendency to 'play games' with right and wrong. Let's take a look...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Every Search...ends with Him!
"The Fulfillment of Everything"
...I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." Mt 5:17
Want the bottom line? People long for 'fulfillment': for a life that is meaningful and purposeful and right. They want to escape the emptiness and futility that characterizes so much of life. But they look for fulfillment in all the wrong places, until they discover Jesus: the Fulfillment of everything.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Every Search...ends with Him!
"The Fulfillment of Everything"
...I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." Mt 5:17
Want the bottom line? People long for 'fulfillment': for a life that is meaningful and purposeful and right. They want to escape the emptiness and futility that characterizes so much of life. But they look for fulfillment in all the wrong places, until they discover Jesus: the Fulfillment of everything.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
Incedibly enough, it still happens today.
"A Week that Changed the World"
"He is not here, He is risen!" Lk 24:6
"Great things out of small things come and give being to greater things yet," wrote William Bradford once. And never was that more true than with that little, empty hillside tomb! Who could have guessed that it would change the entire world! And the great news is that it can change you too!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: Easter Service
Incedibly enough, it still happens today.
"A Week that Changed the World"
"He is not here, He is risen!" Lk 24:6
"Great things out of small things come and give being to greater things yet," wrote William Bradford once. And never was that more true than with that little, empty hillside tomb! Who could have guessed that it would change the entire world! And the great news is that it can change you too!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: Easter Service
God has but you here to be...
"The Salt and the Light"
"You are the salt of the earth...the light of the world." Mt 5:13,14
Celtic tradesman made themselves rich delivering it to Greece and Rome. Phoenician navies plied the seas, Tuarg caravans braved the Sahara, in desperate search for this one thing! 'Salt': an absolute necessity in out world. And, interestingly enough, Jesus says: 'that's you'!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King"
God has but you here to be...
"The Salt and the Light"
"You are the salt of the earth...the light of the world." Mt 5:13,14
Celtic tradesman made themselves rich delivering it to Greece and Rome. Phoenician navies plied the seas, Tuarg caravans braved the Sahara, in desperate search for this one thing! 'Salt': an absolute necessity in out world. And, interestingly enough, Jesus says: 'that's you'!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: 'Rise of the Servant King"
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness-Paradox No. 8:
"The Honor of What You Endure"
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of rightousness..."Mt 5:10
"It is strong proof of human depravity,"Writes on great Bible commentator, "that men's curses and God's Blessings often fall on the same person." (A.W Pink) Isn't that the truth!? This morning we finish the Beatitudes with the greatest Paradox of all: when we suffer as Christians, we should rejoice!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness-Paradox No. 8:
"The Honor of What You Endure"
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of rightousness..."Mt 5:10
"It is strong proof of human depravity,"Writes on great Bible commentator, "that men's curses and God's Blessings often fall on the same person." (A.W Pink) Isn't that the truth!? This morning we finish the Beatitudes with the greatest Paradox of all: when we suffer as Christians, we should rejoice!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness-Paradox No. 7:
"The Peace Maker's Kin""Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God," Mt.5:9
"There is a peace above all earthly dignities called a still quiet conscience," says one of Shakespear's characters. Something like that has happened to the person in the seventh Beatitude. He has found peace with God, then peace with himself. Now, incredibly, he brings peace to others!
Sermon by: Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness-Paradox No. 7:
"The Peace Maker's Kin""Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God," Mt.5:9
"There is a peace above all earthly dignities called a still quiet conscience," says one of Shakespear's characters. Something like that has happened to the person in the seventh Beatitude. He has found peace with God, then peace with himself. Now, incredibly, he brings peace to others!
Sermon by: Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness-Paradox No.6:
"Purity Opens the Door"
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God,: Mt 5:8
'His strength was like the strength of ten because his heart was pure', wrote Tennyson about on of his knights. Well, the Scriptures don't quite put it that way, but does tell us that we will be happy! And in addition to that, we will 'see' things that the world cannot see! 'Purity': let's examine it..
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness-Paradox No.6:
"Purity Opens the Door""Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God,: Mt 5:8
'His strength was like the strength of ten because his heart was pure', wrote Tennyson about on of his knights. Well, the Scriptures don't quite put it that way, but does tell us that we will be happy! And in addition to that, we will 'see' things that the world cannot see! 'Purity': let's examine it..
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness--Paradox No. 5
"Mercy's Rich Reward"
"Blessed are the merciful , for they will be shown mercy." Mt. 5:6
"He who shows no mercy to others, destroys the bridge that he himself must cross," Someone once observed. If only we could remember that, when tempted to harden our hearts toward the needy, or to retaliate for the wrongs of another! This, too is one of the paradoxes of happiness!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness--Paradox No. 5
"Mercy's Rich Reward"
"Blessed are the merciful , for they will be shown mercy." Mt. 5:6
"He who shows no mercy to others, destroys the bridge that he himself must cross," Someone once observed. If only we could remember that, when tempted to harden our hearts toward the needy, or to retaliate for the wrongs of another! This, too is one of the paradoxes of happiness!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness-Paradox No. 4:
Happy the Hungry Heart
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for rightousness, for they will be filled." Mt 5:6
There is a hunger hat the stomach never feels; it stirs up cravings in both poor and rich, malnourished and well-fed, and no one is ever happy until he finds its true fulfillment. But the sad thing is that we keep 'feeding' it all the wrong stuff! That's what Jesus was talking about here. Let's take a look...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series:The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness-Paradox No. 4:
Happy the Hungry Heart
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for rightousness, for they will be filled." Mt 5:6
There is a hunger hat the stomach never feels; it stirs up cravings in both poor and rich, malnourished and well-fed, and no one is ever happy until he finds its true fulfillment. But the sad thing is that we keep 'feeding' it all the wrong stuff! That's what Jesus was talking about here. Let's take a look...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series:The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness- Paradox No. 3
"Here's to the Tender Heart"
"Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." Mt. 5:5 (NASV)
"I crave the gentleness, whereby the prince of this world may be brought to nothing," wrote Ignatius of Antioch, one of the greatest Christians that ever lived Letter to the Trallians 4:2). Yes, a gentle spirit-a tender heart-can thwart the Evil One; and in the end, as Jesus said, it will inherit everything!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness- Paradox No. 3
"Here's to the Tender Heart"
"Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." Mt. 5:5 (NASV)
"I crave the gentleness, whereby the prince of this world may be brought to nothing," wrote Ignatius of Antioch, one of the greatest Christians that ever lived Letter to the Trallians 4:2). Yes, a gentle spirit-a tender heart-can thwart the Evil One; and in the end, as Jesus said, it will inherit everything!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness, Part 2:
"Joy in the Mourning"
"Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Mt 5:3 (lit)
Talk about a paradox! Ours is the culture that measures personal happiness by the amount of laughter or enjoyment we can accrue. We look upon 'mourners' as people to be pitied. How shocking, then, to hear Jesus say that 'mourners' are the ones to be envied! Goodness!-we have to sort this out...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness, Part 2:
"Joy in the Mourning"
"Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Mt 5:3 (lit)
Talk about a paradox! Ours is the culture that measures personal happiness by the amount of laughter or enjoyment we can accrue. We look upon 'mourners' as people to be pitied. How shocking, then, to hear Jesus say that 'mourners' are the ones to be envied! Goodness!-we have to sort this out...
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series: The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness,
Happy Destitution
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." Mt. 5:3
"Men never choose evil because it is evil," one eminent author observed, "but only because they mistake it for happiness." When it comes to our search for happiness, we do make a lot of wrong choices. Get ready for some surprises, as Jesus preaches upon this subject.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series:The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
The Paradoxes of Human Happiness,
Happy Destitution
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." Mt. 5:3
"Men never choose evil because it is evil," one eminent author observed, "but only because they mistake it for happiness." When it comes to our search for happiness, we do make a lot of wrong choices. Get ready for some surprises, as Jesus preaches upon this subject.
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon Series:The Paradoxes of Human Happiness
What do you see when you look out?
A World of Hurt
"People brought to him all who were ill, in pain, demon possessed, having seizures and paralyzed." Mt 4:24
"For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me." Surprisingly enough, David, of all people-giant-slayer, majestic king, hero of our faith!-is the author of those words! Is there anyone in this fallen world who doesn't eventually get hurt? That's exactly why Jesus came!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon series: 'Rise of the Servant King"
What do you see when you look out?
A World of Hurt
"People brought to him all who were ill, in pain, demon possessed, having seizures and paralyzed." Mt 4:24
"For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me." Surprisingly enough, David, of all people-giant-slayer, majestic king, hero of our faith!-is the author of those words! Is there anyone in this fallen world who doesn't eventually get hurt? That's exactly why Jesus came!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon series: 'Rise of the Servant King"
Why settle for anything less"
Your Highest Calling
"Come. Follow me, "Jeus said, "And I will make you fishers of men." Mt. 4:19
I love that line from Tennyson: "Live pure,speak true, right wrong, follow the King-Otherwise why be born?" (idylls of the King) And what was true of an Arthurian Knight, is even more true of the Christian! Whey be 'born again', if it's not going to make a difference? The Lord who saved you, also calls you to follow Him. And among all the vocations and careers in the World, that is the highest calling!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Series: 'Rise of the Servant King'
He did it...so that you could too!
Conquering Temptation
"Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil..." Mt 3:10
"I can resist everything...except temptation," says one of Oscar Wilde's beleaguered characters. That is the root of all our happiness! We are tempted everyday and whenever we give in, heartache and ruin can be the result! This morning, let's meet the One who has won this battle for us!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Series on: "The Rise of the Servant-King"
He did it...so that you could too!
Conquering Temptation
"Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil..." Mt 3:10
"I can resist everything...except temptation," says one of Oscar Wilde's beleaguered characters. That is the root of all our happiness! We are tempted everyday and whenever we give in, heartache and ruin can be the result! This morning, let's meet the One who has won this battle for us!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Series on: "The Rise of the Servant-King"
The moment has arrived, it was...
Decision Time
"The ax is already at the root of trees..."Mt 3:10
"The name of Jesus is not so much written as it is ploughed into the history of our world," Emerson once observed. How true! The pages of all out history and the calendars of all the nations are split tight down the middle with His coming! And ever since His arrival, it has been 'decision Time'.
The moment has arrived, it was...
Decision Time
"The ax is already at the root of trees..."Mt 3:10
"The name of Jesus is not so much written as it is ploughed into the history of our world," Emerson once observed. How true! The pages of all out history and the calendars of all the nations are split tight down the middle with His coming! And ever since His arrival, it has been 'decision Time'.
Which one are you?
Two Kinds of People
“People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan…” Mt 3:5
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Series on: "The Rise of the Servant-King"
Which one are you?
Two Kinds of People
“People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan…” Mt 3:5
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
Series on: "The Rise of the Servant-King"
What you have endured...He has endured!
The Exodus of Christ
"Get up! Take the child and his mother and escape to egypt... for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Mt 2:13
'To the solitary exile, a friend is everything, 'Willa Cather once observed. Yes, and to the Christian, who is a 'stranger' and a 'pilgrim' in this world, Christ is the greatest friend of all. There's a reason for that. He suffered 'exile' too! In fact everything you've been through, He's been through as well!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon series: "The Rise of the Servant King"
What you have endured...He has endured!
The Exodus of Christ
"Get up! Take the child and his mother and escape to egypt... for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Mt 2:13
'To the solitary exile, a friend is everything, 'Willa Cather once observed. Yes, and to the Christian, who is a 'stranger' and a 'pilgrim' in this world, Christ is the greatest friend of all. There's a reason for that. He suffered 'exile' too! In fact everything you've been through, He's been through as well!
Sermon by: Pastor Rod Schorr
Sermon series: "The Rise of the Servant King"
We are God's "Workmanship", His "Poiema" (Grk. Poem/work of art)
Making of a MasterpieceEphesians 2:1-10
Sermon by: Rick Housky
We are God's "Workmanship", His "Poiema" (Grk. Poem/work of art)
Making of a MasterpieceEphesians 2:1-10
Sermon by: Rick Housky
"The Christmas Dilema"
Matthew Chapter 1
Sermon by: Pastor Rod SchorrSeries on: 'The Rise of the Servant King'
"The Christmas Dilema"
Matthew Chapter 1
Sermon by: Pastor Rod SchorrSeries on: 'The Rise of the Servant King'
Every true believer is...
On the Way to the Promise Land
"The Lord replied, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' Ex 33:14-15
"Every morning's dawn speeds a man upon his journey," ancient Hessiod once observed. Yes, with every waking moment, we are on our way to somewhere! And where are you heading? Do you know? God has a wonderful destination for you, if you will stay with him!
Every true believer is...
On the Way to the Promise Land
"The Lord replied, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' Ex 33:14-15
"Every morning's dawn speeds a man upon his journey," ancient Hessiod once observed. Yes, with every waking moment, we are on our way to somewhere! And where are you heading? Do you know? God has a wonderful destination for you, if you will stay with him!
The defining quality of every regenerate person
Thankful and Content
*"You shall not covet" Ex 20:17
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
A Series on the Exodus: "Out of the Land of Bondage"*
The defining quality of every regenerate person
Thankful and Content
*"You shall not covet" Ex 20:17
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
A Series on the Exodus: "Out of the Land of Bondage"*
God has called us to be…
Children of the Truth
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” Ex 20:16
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
A Series on the Exodus: ‘Out of the Land of Bondage’
God has called us to be…
Children of the Truth
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” Ex 20:16
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
A Series on the Exodus: ‘Out of the Land of Bondage’
The whole earth is His and everything in it! He cares about...
What's Rightfully Yours
"You shall not steal." Ex 20:15
The language may be quaint, but James Russell Lowell's words still ring true today: "In vain we call old notions 'fudge' and bend out conscience to our dealing. But the Ten commandments will not budge, an stealing will be stealing." God loves you. He cares very much about what's rightfully yours!
The whole earth is His and everything in it! Yet He cares about...
What’s Rightfully Yours
“You shall not steal.” Ex 20:15
the language may be quaint, but James Russell Lowell’s words still ring true today: “In Vain we call old notions ‘fudge’ and bend our dealing. But the Ten commandments will not budge, and stealing will still be stealing.” God loves you. he cares very much about what’s rightfully yours!
Much more than your own well-being is at stake!
Stay Out of the Swamp
Tender Commandement #7: "You shall not commit adulatry." Ex 20:14
"Lust is nothing but a specie of madness, "somebody once ruefully observed. Really? It seems like such a natural thing, and so awfully prevalent today! But the Scriptures agree, and-goodness!-if true, then our generation is plunging toward madness! God has something much better for you!
Much more than your own well-being is at stake!
Stay Out of the Swamp
Tender Commandement #7: "You shall not commit adulatry." Ex 20:14
"Lust is nothing but a specie of madness, "somebody once ruefully observed. Really? It seems like such a natural thing, and so awfully prevalent today! But the Scriptures agree, and-goodness!-if true, then our generation is plunging toward madness! God has something much better for you!
The sternest commandment...is a 'tender' one too!
Life Can Be Murder
"You shall not murder" Ex. 20:13
"Murder , though it have no tongue, still speaks with a most miraculous organ," says Hamlet to himself. He is talking about the conscience. It always knows when God's commands are broken! And this one we have broken much more often that we think!. Let's reckon with it this morning...
The sternest commandment...is a 'tender' one too!
Life Can Be Murder
"You shall not murder" Ex. 20:13
"Murder , though it have no tongue, still speaks with a most miraculous organ," says Hamlet to himself. He is talking about the conscience. It always knows when God's commands are broken! And this one we have broken much more often that we think!. Let's reckon with it this morning...
It's the very first step in the right way to live.
Beginning with Honor
"Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long..." Ex 20:12
W.H Auden weighs in on our subject this morning: "Let us honor, if we can, the vertical man, though we truly value none but the horizontal one." that is especially true when it comes to our parents! We wait so long to honor them! We think more highly of them after they are gone! There has to be something seriously wrong with that. And-sure enough!- God's Word tells us so! Let's learn it...
It's the very first step in the right way to live.
Beginning with Honor
"Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long..." Ex 20:12
W.H Auden weighs in on our subject this morning: "Let us honor, if we can, the vertical man, though we truly value none but the horizontal one." that is especially true when it comes to our parents! We wait so long to honor them! We think more highly of them after they are gone! There has to be something seriously wrong with that. And-sure enough!- God's Word tells us so! Let's learn it...
Part Two
Good things happen when He is...
LORD OF MY DAY
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy..." EX 20:8
"Tell me what the people of a nation do on every sunday ," Wrote the great British statesmen, William Gladstone, "and I will tell you what nation's future will be." The same is true for families and individuals too! People who honor God with a day are lastingly happy and blessed! Let's check it out...
Good things happen when He is...
LORD OF MY DAY
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy..." EX 20:8
"Tell me what the people of a nation do on every sunday ," Wrote the great British statesmen, William Gladstone, "and I will tell you what nation's future will be." The same is true for families and individuals too! People who honor God with a day are lastingly happy and blessed! Let's check it out...
In the end, everything will depend upon...
THE NAME
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God..." Ex 20:7
"All day long, my name is blasphemed, " declares the Lord in the book of Isaiah (IS.52:5). It's just true today! The name of God and the things of God- His holiness, His attributes, His attributes, His judgements-are constantly disparaged! God cares very much about this, because He cares for you! Let's take a look.
In the end, everything will depend upon...
THE NAME
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God..." Ex 20:7
"All day long, my name is blasphemed, " declares the Lord in the book of Isaiah (IS.52:5). It's just true today! The name of God and the things of God- His holiness, His attributes, His attributes, His judgements-are constantly disparaged! God cares very much about this, because He cares for you! Let's take a look.
How would we ever have survived without them?
The Tender Commandments 1 and 2
“You shall have no other gods before me.” Ex 20:1-2
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
A Series on the Exodus: ‘Out of the Land of Bondage’
How would we ever have survived without them?
The Tender Commandments 1 and 2
“You shall have no other gods before me.” Ex 20:1-2
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
A Series on the Exodus: ‘Out of the Land of Bondage’
Drawing near to the One who 'dwells in unapproachable light!
"An Approach to the Unapproachable"
"Then Moses led the people out of camp to meet with God..." Ex 19:17
"I have seen nothing sacred," says a Hemingway Hero in one of his novels, "and things that were glorious had no glory at all." Many of us could say the same perhaps. But one day we will see it! We will stand in the blinding presence of His overwhelming glory. Ant the question now is; are we ready?
Part One of Pastor Rods Sermon on "Approaching the Unapproachable"
From the Exodus series "Out of the Land of Bondage"
Drawing near to the One who 'dwells in unapproachable light!
"An Approach to the Unapproachable"
"Then Moses led the people out of camp to meet with God..." Ex 19:17
"I have seen nothing sacred," says a Hemingway Hero in one of his novels, "and things that were glorious had no glory at all." Many of us could say the same perhaps. But one day we will see it! We will stand in the blinding presence of His overwhelming glory. Ant the question now is; are we ready?
Part Two of Pastor Rods Sermon on "Approaching the Unapproachable"
From the Exodus series "Out of the Land of Bondage"
Part one of Pastor Rods sermon on Exodus "Out of the Land of Bondage"
The central ingredient...is wood!
The Cure for Bitterness
"The Lord showed him a tree..." Ex 15:25 (NASV) Our story this morning is all about a bitter, contaminated pond; but in need not be confined to that "Each heart knows its own bitterness" we read the book of Proverbs (14:10) and the question is: What can we do about it? How marvelous! There is a 'Tree'!Let's find some deliverance this morning!
Part Two of Pastor Rods sermon on Exodus "Out of the Land of Bondage"
The central ingredient...is wood!
The Cure for Bitterness
"The Lord showed him a tree..." Ex 15:25 (NASV) Our story this morning is all about a bitter, contaminated pond; but in need not be confined to that "Each heart knows its own bitterness" we read the book of Proverbs (14:10) and the question is: What can we do about it? How marvelous! There is a 'Tree'!Let's find some deliverance this morning!
No progress is made without…
Pausing to Worship “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted.” Ex 15:1
Sermon by Pastor Rod Schorr
A Series on the Exodus:
‘Out of the Land of Bondage’
No progress is ever made without...
Pausing to Worship
“I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted...”Ex 15:1
“We must pause a while, from learning, to be wise, “ Samuel Johnson once wrote. How true! We should ‘pause’ as well after every blessing-every victory-if we truly want to triumph. How rare is the person who knows how to ‘Pause’. You are one of them, I hope! So were the people of the Exodus.
Part Two
Part One:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Cor. 16:13-14
Sermon and Worship by Sam Parsons
Part Two:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Cor. 16:13-14
Sermon and Worship by Sam Parso
A Time of Jubilee “…proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.” Lev. 25:10
Sermon byPastor Dave Johnson
Part One
A Time of Jubilee “…proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.” Lev. 25:10
Sermon byPastor Dave Johnson
Part Two
It's the mark of every true Christian
Following His Lead
"So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea..." Exodus 13:18
"It is often the rough road that leads to heights of greatness," Someone nce observed. If that's true, then we're certainly heading for greatness today! The road of our Exodus passes through very rough terrain. But, it's a good route-the best route!-for one important reason:God is leading!
Part one of "Following His Lead";
"Out of the Land of Bondage" By Pastor Rod Schorr
It's the mark of every true Christian
Following His Lead
"So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea..." Exodus 13:18
"It is often the rough road that leads to heights of greatness," Someone nce observed. If that's true, then we're certainly heading for greatness today! The road of our Exodus passes through very rough terrain. But, it's a good route-the best route!-for one important reason:God is leading!
Part two of "Following His Lead";
"Out of the Land of Bondage" By Pastor Rod Schorr
If you don't do it, the wrong person will!
Teach Your Kids
"On that day, tell your son, 'I do this because of what the Lord did for me, when I came out of Egypt." Exodus 13:8
Knowledge is a treasure that can never be taken from you. It can be sold of exchanged, but cannot be taken. Greedy men and evil government may deprive you of every possession, but they cannot take what you 'know', dear Christian, and they cannot stop you from giving it to others!
If you don't do it, the wrong person will!
Teach Your Kids
"On that day, tell your son, 'I do this because of what the Lord did for me, when I came out of Egypt." Exodus 13:8
Knowledge is a treasure that can never be taken from you. It can be sold of exchanged, but cannot be taken. Greedy men and evil government may deprive you of every possession, but they cannot take what you 'know', dear Christian, and they cannot stop you from giving it to others!
Part Two
Rescued, by the blood of a lamb!
The Tyrant and the Lamb
“Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron said: ‘Up! Leave! Go worship the Lord as you have requested...and also bless me!” Ex 12:31-32
“Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered,” wrote Thomas Paine in one of his pamphlets, that certainly was true about the tyranny in Egypt. Nine ferocious plagues failed to loosen the tyrant’s grip! And so a tenth must come-more terrible than ever! to set God’s people free. Ultimately, it was a ‘Lamb’ that did the job! And what happened that night, still happens today!
Part Two
Rescued, by the blood of a lamb!
The Tyrant and the Lamb
“Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron said: ‘Up! Leave! Go worship the Lord as you have requested...and also bless me!” Ex 12:31-32
“Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered,” wrote Thomas Paine in one of his pamphlets, that certainly was true about the tyranny in Egypt. Nine ferocious plagues failed to loosen the tyrant’s grip! And so a tenth must come-more terrible than ever! to set God’s people free. Ultimately, it was a ‘Lamb’ that did the job! And what happened that night, still happens today!
Part Two
They are just as devastating as today!
The Plagues of a Hardened Heart
“...and Pharaoh's heart became hard...” Ex 7:22
Dostoevsky’s Dimitri said it well: “The battlefield is the heart of man.” That proves true in our Scripture this morning, as a plague after plague descends upon Egypt, and the heart of one man could have stopped it from happening! This morning, let’s kick through the wreckage and learn the lessons of a hardened heart...
Part One
They are just as devastating as today!
The Plagues of a Hardened Heart
“...and Pharaoh's heart became hard...” Ex 7:22
Dostoevsky’s Dimitri said it well: “The battlefield is the heart of man.” That proves true in our Scripture this morning, as a plague after plague descends upon Egypt, and the heart of one man could have stopped it from happening! This morning, let’s kick through the wreckage and learn the lessons of a hardened heart...
Part One of Pastor Rod’s study on “Exodus out of the Land of Bondage”
Wherever there is greatness, you’ll find a...
Burning Bush
“Do not come any closer...for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Ex 3:5
It should come as no surprise that Moses’s famous encounter with God happened during a lonely, grievous period of exile. Periods of sorrow are often times the holiest of ground, and every person used of God has been there: face-to-hidden-face at last with His all-consuming Holiness!
Part two of Pastor Rod’s study on “Exodus out of the Land of Bondage”
Wherever there is greatness, you’ll find a...
Burning Bush
“Do not come any closer...for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Ex 3:5
It should come as no surprise that Moses’s famous encounter with God happened during a lonely, grievous period of exile. Periods of sorrow are often times the holiest of ground, and every person used of God has been there: face-to-hidden-face at last with His all-consuming Holiness!
Part two of Pastor Rod’s study
It happens to even the best of us!
When Worse Comes to Worst
“Ever since I went to speak with Pharaoh in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people.” Ex 5:23
How many times has it happened to us? The first several steps toward doing right, always include a few steps backward! It’s nice to know that we’re not alone in this: Just one day into his new-found calling and Moses is ready to bail! Let’s join in his struggles this morning...
Part One of Pastor Rod’s study
It happens to even the best of us!
When Worse Comes to Worst
“Ever since I went to speak with Pharaoh in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people.” Ex 5:23
How many times has it happened to us? The first several steps toward doing right, always include a few steps backward! It’s nice to know that we’re not alone in this: Just one day into his new-found calling and Moses is ready to bail! Let’s join in his struggles this morning...
Part One
In the long run, you cannot afford it!
The Long-Range Dangers of Short-Term Disobedience
“At a lodging place along the way, the Lord confronted Moses and was about to kill him” Ex. 4:24
Eternity can teeter on the Fulcrum of a moment! Short-term foolish choices come with long-range, dangerous consequences! We see that in our scripture this morning: Moses-the man of destiny, called by God!-is about to lose it all with a moments indiscretion! Let’s learn is well today...
Part Two
In the long run, you cannot afford it!
The Long-Range Dangers of Short-Term Disobedience
“At a lodging place along the way, the Lord confronted Moses and was about to kill him” Ex. 4:24
Eternity can teeter on the Fulcrum of a moment! Short-term foolish choices come with long-range, dangerous consequences! We see that in our scripture this morning: Moses-the man of destiny, called by God!-is about to lose it all with a moments indiscretion! Let’s learn is well today...
Part One
How we respond to the call of God.
Send Someone Else!
“But Moses said: ‘O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Ex 4:13
The longest journey is the inward one of a man who discovers his destiny. For moses the journey was 80 years long and the last few steps were the toughest! He lived in a time of great crises and he couldn't afford to say “no”. and that makes him exactly like us! Let’s learn from his response today.
Part Two
How we respond to the call of God.
Send Someone Else!
“But Moses said: ‘O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Ex 4:13
The longest journey is the inward one of a man who discovers his destiny. For moses the journey was 80 years long and the last few steps were the toughest! He lived in a time of great crises and he couldn't afford to say “no”. and that makes him exactly like us! Let’s learn from his response today.
Part One of Pastor Rod’s study on “Exodus out of the Land of Bondage”
It doesn’t happen overnight.
How Bondage happens
“Egyptians worked them ruthlessly...and made their lives bitter.” Ex. 1:13-14
“Not all are free who scorn their chains, “ someone once wisely observed, and how truely spoken of our generation which so fiercely despises every constraint and so proudly proclaims itself ‘free’! The truth of it is that we live in bondage; financial bondage, emotional bondage, the bondage of addiction, abuse and guilt. Want to be set free? Welcome to the Book of Redemption: the Exodus!
Part two of Pastor Rod’s study on “Exodus out of the Land of Bondage”
It doesn’t happen overnight.
How Bondage happens
“Egyptians worked them ruthlessly...and made their lives bitter.” Ex. 1:13-14
“Not all are free who scorn their chains, “ someone once wisely observed, and how truely spoken of our generation which so fiercely despises every constraint and so proudly proclaims itself ‘free’! The truth of it is that we live in bondage; financial bondage, emotional bondage, the bondage of addiction, abuse and guilt. Want to be set free? Welcome to the Book of Redemption: the Exodus!
It's the one question that has all the answers!
"Wonderful Question Loaded with Hope"
Why do you look for the living amoung the dead? He's not here. He is risen!" Lk 24:5
A person's wisdom is revealed in the questions he tries to answer. Wise people ponder the deep, perplexing questions; foolish people have no questions at all. One of the greatest questions ever posed was asked that the day at the empty tomb. Let's be wise this morning and ponder it as well!
It's the one question that has all the answers!
"Wonderful Question Loaded with Hope"
Why do you look for the living amoung the dead? He's not here. He is risen!" Lk 24:5
A person's wisdom is revealed in the questions he tries to answer. Wise people ponder the deep, perplexing questions; foolish people have no questions at all. One of the greatest questions ever posed was asked that the day at the empty tomb. Let's be wise this morning and ponder it as well!
One way or the another, He will be praised!
"Lest the Stones Cry Out"
"I tell you," He replied, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Lk 19:40
"All the earth, with a thousand voices, praises God,"the poet Coleridge once observed. But he wasn't even close! There are great many more than a 'thousand'! Scientists tell us there is a frequency in everything that exists. And all of them perfectly tuned for the glory of God! Let's listen in...
Part Two of Pastor Rod's sermon on...
"Lest the Stones Cry Out"
"I tell you," He replied, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Lk 19:40
"All the earth, with a thousand voices, praises God,"the poet Coleridge once observed. But he wasn't even close! There are great many more than a 'thousand'! Scientists tell us there is a frequency in everything that exists. And all of them perfectly tuned for the glory of God! Let's listen in...
Now that the heart is cured, we are...
Really Living!
"...so that you may know that you have eternal lofe." 1 John 5:13
"We pause before inscripted stone to read what comfort it might give, but moving on, the question lingers:'Did he really live?" Yes, it is possible to exist for a lifetime and never really live! That's why Jesus came and died on a cross! When you know Him, your heart is cured and you are really living!
Part Two of Pastor Rods sermon on
Really Living!
"...so that you may know that you have eternal lofe." 1 John 5:13
"We pause before inscripted stone to read what comfort it might give, but moving on, the question lingers:'Did he really live?" Yes, it is possible to exist for a lifetime and never really live! That's why Jesus came and died on a cross! When you know Him, your heart is cured and you are really living!
The heart that is cured is No Longer Afraid.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear." 1 jn 4:17lit
"He who fears no danger, knows no sin," a poet once wisely observed: and that leaves out the human race! And perhaps, more than any time in history, ours is the generation of 'fear'. It's a symptom of the wounded heart: this constant wrestling with anxiety and dread. But God has given a 'cure'!
Part two of Pastor Rod Schorrs sermons on : "No Longer Afraid"
The heart that is cured is No Longer Afraid.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear." 1 jn 4:17lit
"He who fears no danger, knows no sin," a poet once wisely observed: and that leaves out the human race! And perhaps, more than any time in history, ours is the generation of 'fear'. It's a symptom of the wounded heart: this constant wrestling with anxiety and dread. But God has given a 'cure'!
Because of the 'cure', our love is.. No Longer Broken
"Everyone who loves has been born of God and Knows God" 1 John 4:8
The surest proof that the wounded heart is cured is the capacity to love; our love is no longer 'broken'. This is not the kind of 'love' the world keeps tossing around. In fact, it doesn't come from the world at all! And you, if you're a child of God, now have it!
Part two of Pastor Rod Schorrs sermon on: No Longer Broken
"Everyone who loves has been born of God and Knows God" 1 John 4:8
The surest proof that the wounded heart is cured is the capacity to love; our love is no longer 'broken'. This is not the kind of 'love' the world keeps tossing around. In fact, it doesn't come from the world at all! And you, if you're a child of God, now have it!
Part two of Pastor Rod's sermon;
Because of His love we are...No longer Deceived
"This is how we recognize the Spirit of Truth and The Spirit of Falsehood." 1 John 4:6
"O, What a godly outside falsehood hath..." whispered Shakespeare's 'Merchant' to his friend. It certainly is true today like never before in history perhaps, we live in a culture of glamorous deception. But when the love of God has 'cured' the 'wound' the heart is no longer deceived!
Because of His love we are...No longer Deceived
"This is how we recognize the Spirit of Truth and The Spirit of Falsehood." 1 John 4:6
"O, What a godly outside falsehood hath..." whispered Shakespeare's 'Merchant' to his friend. It certainly is true today like never before in history perhaps, we live in a culture of glamorous deception. But when the love of God has 'cured' the 'wound' the heart is no longer deceived!
Part Two of Pastor Rod's sermon
Because of His love, we are... No Longer Condemned
“We set our hearts at rest in his presence, whenever our heart condemns us.” 1 jn 3:19
One of the symptoms of a wounded heart is the condemnations. It spoils our joy and ruins our walk with God and His people. But praise God! His marvelous ‘cure’ can hush that voice!
Because of His love, we are... No Longer Condemned
“We set our hearts at rest in his presence, whenever our heart condemns us.” 1 Jn 3:19
One of the symptoms of a wounded heart is the condemnations. It spoils our joy and ruins our walk with God and His people. But praise God! His marvelous ‘cure’ can hush that voice!
It's time for all of to Learn...
What Love is
"This is how we know what love is..." 1 John 3:16
Shakespeare said it well:"Love is not that alters when it alterations finds, or bends with the remover to remove. "All kinds of things may look like 'love'. We throw the word around pretty freely. But do we really know what love is? This morning John gives us the only real definition...
Part two of Pastor Rod's sermon on...
What Love is
"This is how we know what love is..." 1 John 3:16
Shakespeare said it well:"Love is not that alters when it alterations finds, or bends with the remover to remove. "All kinds of things may look like 'love'. We throw the word around pretty freely. But do we really know what love is? This morning John gives us the only real definition...
The wounded heart is...Full of Doubts
“This is how we know we have come to know Him...” 1 John 2:3
What makes you so sure that your faith is real? What makes you think you have the Truth? How do you know that you’ve come to know God? Don’t all the religions of the world make that claim? In the day and age, the Christian’s assurance is under constant attack! But that was also the case in John’s day! And John gives us wonderful, practical advice that can silence the doubts of a wounded heart.
Part two of Pastor Rods sermon on "The wounded heart is...Full of Doubts"
“This is how we know we have come to know Him...” 1 John 2:3
What makes you so sure that your faith is real? What makes you think you have the Truth? How do you know that you’ve come to know God? Don’t all the religions of the world make that claim? In the day and age, the Christian’s assurance is under constant attack! But that was also the case in John’s day! And John gives us wonderful, practical advice that can silence the doubts of a wounded heart.
The End Of The World Part Two
“…in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” 2 Peter 3:3
By Rev. Bob Boxer
The End Of The World Part One
“…in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” 2 Peter 3:3
By Rev. Bob Boxer
Part Two: "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 john 1:5 "In one stride comes the darkness". Coleridge's Ancient Mariner said. He was talking about the darkness of a sunset, but it speaks just as truly of the darkness of a wounded heart. Our dark thoughts-about who who are, what we've done, the past behind us and the future ahead-come in a 'single stride', from a single problem: our thoughts of God are wrong. And here's the cure... From the series on "The Wounded Heart"
"God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 john 1:5
"In one stride comes the darkness". Coleridge's Ancient Mariner said. He was talking about the darkness of a sunset, but it speaks just as truly of the darkness of a wounded heart. Our dark thoughts-about who who are, what we've done, the past behind us and the future ahead-come in a 'single stride', from a single problem: our thoughts of God are wrong. And here's the cure...
From the series on "The Wounded Heart"
"The life appeared! We have seen it and testify to it..." 1 John 1:2 "Where is the life we have lost in the living?" the poet Eliot once asked: which is not a surprising question from one who complained that: "I have a measured my life with coffee spoons." But Eliot is not the only one! We can all miss out on life; we can all get life all wrong. It's one of the symptoms of a wounded heart! How marvelous that God loved us enough to come and offer again!
"The life appeared! We have seen it and testify to it..." 1 John 1:2 "Where is the life we have lost in the living?" the poet Eliot once asked: which is not a surprising question from one who complained that: "I have a measured my life with coffee spoons." But Eliot is not the only one! We can all miss out on life; we can all get life all wrong. It's one of the symptoms of a wounded heart! How marvelous that God loved us enough to come and offer again!
Every human heart has a mortal wound! "Behold! How great is the love the Father has lavished on us..." 1 John 3:1
Every human heart has a mortal wound! "Behold! How great is the love the Father has lavished on us..." 1 John 3:1
"Forgiving each other just as, in Christ, God forgave you." Eph 4:32
This will come as a surprise to some, but the opposite of 'forgiveness' is not 'vengeance' or 'resentment' or even 'bitterness'. It is 'despair' : as the heart lunges backward into the grievances of the past, and loses all perspective of the wonderful things of God. This too...is a crossroad.
Part Two of Pastor Rod Shorr's sermon on Forgiveness and Despair.
"Forgiving each other just as, in Christ, God forgave you." Eph 4:32
This will come as a surprise to some, but the opposite of 'forgiveness' is not 'vengeance' or 'resentment' or even 'bitterness'. It is 'despair' : as the heart lunges backward into the grievances of the past, and loses all perspective of the wonderful things of God. This too...is a crossroad.
"But prove yourselves doers of the Word and not just Hearers who delude themselves." Jas 1:22 Matthew Arnold had it figured out: "We do not what we ought, and what we ought not, we do, And we lean the thought that chance will bring us through." In the eternal scheme of things, there is no such things as 'chance', and nothing is more foolish than to be merely a 'hearer' of the Truth"
"But prove yourselves doers of the Word and not just Hearers who delude themselves." Jas 1:22 Matthew Arnold had it figured out: "We do not what we ought, and what we ought not, we do, And we lean the thought that chance will bring us through." In the eternal scheme of things, there is no such things as 'chance', and nothing is more foolish than to be merely a 'hearer' of the Truth"
Part two of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon on Contentment and Greed
"But godliness with contentment is great gain..." 1 Tim 6:6
"There is no greater guilt than discontent; no greater disaster than greed," wrote China's most famous philosopher (Lau-tzu). How interesting that even non-christians can see the hazards that lurk at this intersection. This too is a crossroad, and your personal peace and happiness depend upon the choice!
A lot of people get lost at the corner of... Contentment and Greed
"But godliness with contentment is great gain..." 1 Tim 6:6
"There is no greater guilt than discontent; no greater disaster than greed," wrote China's most famous philosopher (Lau-tzu). How interesting that even non-christians can see the hazards that lurk at this intersection. This too is a crossroad, and your personal peace and happiness depend upon the choice!
Part two of Pastor Rod Schorrs sermon on: Liberty or Bondage
It doesn't just 'happen' ; it's a choice Liberty or Bondage "...delivered from the bondage...into the glorious liberty..." Rom 8:21
"Man is born free and yet is everywhere in chains," someone once observed (Rousseau Du Contrat Social 1:1) That's especially true in our generation! When we choose to turn to God, we follow a road called 'Bondage' and every so-called 'liberty' becomes one more link in the chain! Let's learn!
It doesn't just 'happen' ; it's a choice Liberty or Bondage "...delivered from the bondage...into the glorious liberty..." Rom 8:21
"Man is born free and yet is everywhere in chains," someone once observed (Rousseau Du Contrat Social 1:1) That's especially true in our generation! When we choose to turn to God, we follow a road called 'Bondage' and every so-called 'liberty' becomes one more link in the chain! Let's learn!
Part two of Pastor Rods Sermon:
So often it is a choice between... Peace with Sin or Peace Within? "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." Rom 5:1
There is "a peace that can corrupt, no less than war can lay waste." wrote milton once (Paradise Lost XI:781) It takes some wisdom to recognize that. Sadly, that's a wisdom many people do not have. It is possible to make peace with all the wrong things, only to discover that we have no peace at all!
So often it is a choice between... Peace with Sin or Peace Within? "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." Rom 5:1
There is "a peace that can corrupt, no less than war can lay waste." wrote milton once (Paradise Lost XI:781) It takes some wisdom to recognize that. Sadly, that's a wisdom many people do not have. It is possible to make peace with all the wrong things, only to discover that we have no peace at all!
So many Lives go wrong at the corner of...
Counterfeit and True
"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." 1Jn.4:1
Emily Dickinson certainly nailed it:"Truth is good health, it is Safety, it's the Sky. How meager-what an exile-is a Lie, and vocal when we die." This might come as a shock to our sad, relativistic generation, but there is Truth and there are lies, and your eternal health hangs upon that choice.
Part Two of Pastor Rod Schorr's Sermon
So many Lives go wrong at the corner of...
Counterfeit and True
"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." 1Jn.4:1
Emily Dickinson certainly nailed it:"Truth is good health, it is Safety, it's the Sky. How meager-what an exile-is a Lie, and vocal when we die." This might come as a shock to our sad, relativistic generation, but there is Truth and there are lies, and your eternal health hangs upon that choice.
We are standing at the crossroads of.. Conformity and Honor "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world..." Romans 12:2
"Honor often stands, an island, rugged and alone." How true! All through life we face the choice: Shall we 'fit in'? Or do what is right? Shall we go for acceptance and popularity? Or honor and integrity? Conformity is one of those 'ways' in Proverbs 14:12, that 'seems right' but how costly in the end! You're called to go against the grain dear Christian! To swim against the tide! Lets do it!
Part two of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon on Conformity and Honor
We are standing at the crossroads of.. Conformity and Honor "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world..." Romans 12:2
"Honor often stands, an island, rugged and alone." How true! All through life we face the choice: Shall we 'fit in'? Or do what is right? Shall we go for acceptance and popularity? Or honor and integrity? Conformity is one of those 'ways' in Proverbs 14:12, that 'seems right' but how costly in the end! You're called to go against the grain dear Christian! To swim against the tide! Lets do it!
Part Two of Pastor Rod Schorr's sermon on Crossroads
"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it. and you will find rest for your souls." Jer. 6:16
All of life's business can be summed up in one small plural noun: 'choices'! The famous and the infamous-the hero and the felon-can all look back to see the 'choices' that have made them. Nothing in life is more determinative than the wisdom we use in making choices! We need God's Word and direction if we want to make them right. that's what we'll be learning in this series.
"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it. and you will find rest for your souls." Jer. 6:16
All of life's business can be summed up in one small plural noun: 'choices'! The famous and the infamous-the hero and the felon-can all look back to see the 'choices' that have made them. Nothing in life is more determinative than the wisdom we use in making choices! We need God's Word and direction if we want to make them right. that's what we'll be learning in this series.
Part two of "The Missing Chapters of Acts" by Pastor Rod Schorr
Down through the ages, many have wondered why the Book of Acts ends so abruptly. There are so many details left to explain; so many questions unasnwered. What happened to Paul? But the Book of Acts was never about Paul. It's about the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts1:8). And that is a story that is still being told; its chapters are still being written!
Down through the ages, many have wondered why the Book of Acts ends so abruptly. There are so many details left to explain; so many questions unasnwered. What happened to Paul? But the Book of Acts was never about Paul. It's about the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). And that is a story that is still being told; its chapters are still being written!
Part Two of Pastor Rod's sermon on " The Way We Were"
"Remember the former things, those of long age. I am God, and there is no other." Is 46:9
In June of 2007, Americas President made this sad proclamation to an audience of Christian broadcasters: " Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation." But...wait a minute! " Whatever we once were?" Does he not know? Do you know? Do your kids know? Let's get this straight!
"Remember the former things, those of long age. I am God, and there is no other." Is 46:9
In June of 2007, Americas President made this sad proclamation to an audience of Christian broadcasters: " Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation." But...wait a minute! " Whatever we once were?" Does he not know? Do you know? Do your kids know? Let's get this straight!
2-22-2009 Mountains & seas and the wrongs of human beings never really change. Even Abraham Lincoln complained about it: "Human nature will not change," he once wrote to a friend. So, what happens when someone does change? Well, that's a powerful thing! And that's what happened to Paul!
The world is trying to press you into the mold of secular cynicism. It is very much in vogue these days to question every answer, to hold nothing truly ‘true’ and to dispense with any convictions about what is right or wrong. But we’re not supposed to fit into the mold, remember? Let’s see what we must do....
It’s wonderful to ‘break the cycles’-to be delivered from those ,empty ways of life handed down to us’ from the past. But, for the christian, that is only the first step. The second step is justas important: God expects us to ‘break out of the mold’, to live our lives as very different people in this world.
It’s wonderful to ‘break the cycles’-to be delivered from those ,empty ways of life handed down to us’ from the past. But, for the christian, that is only the first step. The second step is justas important: God expects us to ‘break out of the mold’, to live our lives as very different people in this world.
When it comes to the ‘occult’, every christian has one thing to do: stay away from it! People who get involved in the occult open a ‘door’ to spiritual forces that can oppress them and their families for generations to come! But here’s the good news: God has sent his ‘deliverer’ to break this cycle too!
When it comes to the ‘occult’, every christian has one thing to do: stay away from it! People who get involved in the occult open a ‘door’ to spiritual forces that can oppress them and their families for generations to come! But here’s the good news: God has sent his ‘deliverer’ to break this cycle too!
Counsellors and physicians now call it an ‘epidemic’. Over 12% of our population are ‘weighed down’ with the burdens of anxiety. But God loves you! He wants to break his cycle ! He wants you out from under this load! Let’s see what must be done...
Counsellors and physicians now call it an ‘epidemic’. Over 12% of our population are ‘weighed down’ with the burdens of anxiety. But God loves you! He wants to break his cycle ! He wants you out from under this load! Let’s see what must be done...
All day long, Americans listen to the sizzle of a burning fuse! It sputters across the headlines of our newspapers; i smolders on the freeway. flares up at the office; and by the time we get home, it’s ready to blow! Anger is one of the primary causes of both physical and emotional sickness; it leads the pack as a factor in divorce. But here is good news: God wants you to blow out the fuse! Let’s do it...
All day long, Americans listen to the sizzle of a burning fuse! It sputters across the headlines of our newspapers; i smolders on the freeway. flares up at the office; and by the time we get home, it’s ready to blow! Anger is one of the primary causes of both physical and emotional sickness; it leads the pack as a factor in divorce. But here is good news: God wants you to blow out the fuse! Let’s do it...
Nothing is more destructive-Nothing could be more heart-breaking-than the addiction. The Bible calls it a poisonous snake! It not only bites the addict; it slithers into his home, biting everyone he love. But there is good news: God yearns to deliver the addicted! Let’s see what must be done...
Nothing is more destructive, Nothing could be more heart-breaking than the addiction. The Bible calls it a poisonous snake! It not only bites the addict; it slithers into his home, biting everyone he love. But there is good news: God yearns to deliver the addicted! Let’s see what must be done...
For victims of abuse, the obstacles to deliverance are countless and overwhelming. The cycle of sin and hurt in their lives is not something easily broken; it doesn’t happen overnight! But it happens, nonetheless, because God loves them too, and wants them whole! Let’s see how he does it...
For victims of abuse, the obstacles to deliverance are countless and overwhelming. The cycle of sin and hurt in their lives is not something easily broken; it doesn’t happen overnight! But it happens, nonetheless, because God loves them too, and wants them whole! Let’s see how he does it...
One of the cruelest falsehoods ever foisted on the human race is the idea of an imperious God who saves us and then waits for us extricate ourselves from the cycles of sin and hurt in our lives. It may be a popular notion, but it is not in the Bible! In the Bible, God himself is our ‘Deliverer’!
The introduction of a new series about breaking the cycle of sin in your life by Pastor Rod Schorr.