Living Hope Chicago Sermons: Recent Episodes
Living Hope Chicago
A church on the southside of Chicago, near the University of Chicago, in the Woodlawn neighborhood. We are from many worlds, one family by Christ's redeeming grace. Rich and poor, black and white, internationals, those educated in prestigious, privileged classrooms and others on the streets of Chicago. Visit us at www.LivingHopeChicago.org
Words and image: from falsehood to truth and grace. Ephesians 4:25,29. Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Second sermon on Work and the Image of God in a series "Image is Everything." All our work is sanctified by Jesus' blessing, all our work must be energized by Jesus' grace, and all our work must find a balance of worshipful rest in Jesus.
Encouraged and established. Work and the image of God. Genesis 2:15. Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Our city and our church congregation has had a tragic week with various stories of people degrading others and so attacking the image of God which is in each of us. Learn to protect, respect, and polish and refine the glory that God has crowned us with, rather than tearing down and being glory hustlers and glory smugglers.
Image is Everything: Imago Dei from Genesis to Regeneration. Genesis 1:26-28 by Living Hope Chicago
Deepen your understanding and relationship with the Holy Spirit of God by visiting these hot spots in John's gospel for the way the Spirit gives us new birth, new thirsts, new witness (to and through us, and new fruit (repentance and dependence on Him).
Whether you feel that you've failed too many times or like you're able to walk on water, the truth is, that we are all utterly dependent on the grace of Jesus. When we see how Jesus graciously restores us from ourselves, we can truly set about his work.
We all have scars, but the story of your scars can be redeemed if you learn not to hide your scars, but place them in the plan of God and in the scars of Christ. When our lives are hidden with God in Christ, our wounds can become a witness to the world, so that we are no longer just victims, but resurrected with Jesus, victorious over fear and doubt and sin. Learn to make your wounds a window of witness to the world, and open door that invites others in the Peace that Jesus grants us when he extends his scarred hands in priestly blessing.
Genesis 50:15-21- Trusting God When Things Go Wrong by Ted Powers by Living Hope Chicago
Stay fruitful, my friends. A sermon on John 15:1-17 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Dont get an ulcer: I AM the way, the truth and the life. A sermon on 14:1-14 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Whats new got to do with love? A sermon on John 13:21-38 by Brad Beier. by Living Hope Chicago
Leverage your authority to serve. A sermon on John 13:1-20 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
God, are You hiding from me? Blindness and Glory. A sermon on John 12:36-50 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
2 small words, 6 letters: And Let... A sermon on James 1:1-8 by David Wilson by Living Hope Chicago
Christmas unwrapped: the dragon and the boy King. A sermon on Matt 2 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Is worship a waste? Pouring out treasure at Jesus' feet. A sermon on John 12:1-11 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Too much, too little, too late: Suffering and Resurrection. A sermon on John 11 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Snatch-proofed by the Shepherd's Sovereign Promise. A sermon on John 10:22-42 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
John 10:1-21 Givers and Takers: The Good Shepherd who lays his life down. A sermon by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Why Suffering? I was blind now I see. A sermon on John 9 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The truth will set you free. A sermon on John 8:31-59 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
I AM the light of the world. A sermon on John 8:1-30 by David Wilson, Ruling Elder by Living Hope Chicago
Go and sin no more. #MeToo #WeToo. A sermon on John 8:1-11 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
We have a drinking problem. Train your thirst & come to Living Waters. John 7:37-39 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Jesus testifies! A sermon on Revelation 1:9-18 by Corey Buchanan of Chicagoland Prison Outreach by Living Hope Chicago
We all have dis-abilities. Some break our relationship with God and others. Other disabilities might be considered blessings as they break us to humbling ourselves and turning to God as healer, and truly helpful for other people.
Do you believe in healing? A sermon on John 4:45-54 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Stay thirsty my friends: sustaining satisfaction in a world that runs dry. A sermon on John 4 by Brad Beier. by Living Hope Chicago
He must increase, I must decrease. A sermon on John 3:22-36 by Minister Leonard Smith by Living Hope Chicago
God loved the world THIS much. A sermon on John 3:16- 22 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Born all over again into a new family. A sermon on John 3:1-15 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The Economics of Worship. A sermon on John 2:13-25 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
How do you identify? Who are you in light of Jesus? A sermon on John 1:19-28 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
If God feels distant or unconcerned about your dark days and pain and fear, look once again upon the Son of God, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. There's grace upon grace waiting to be received. More soul-stealing than a total solar eclipse, the incarnation of God becoming human skin and bone is the more mysteriously glorious than than a neutron star's 100 billion ton core contained in a teaspoonful of humanity, more impossibly amazing than cramming the blazing sun into the brown paper sack. And the holy, holy, holy Creator of the Universe camped out among us, moving from earthly couch to couch, as it were, from the Garden to the Wilderness to finally the tent of meeting of the body of a Jewish carpenter. The exegesis of God the Father is God the Son, who is full of grace and truth.
The Word that answers everything. A sermon on John 1:1-13 by Brad Beier. by Living Hope Chicago
Created created to win. A sermon by Leonard Smith from Jeremiah 29:11 by Living Hope Chicago
The "I'm Good" Church that Gags God. A sermon on Revelation 3:14-22 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
A church in need of Revival. A sermon on Revelation 3:1-6 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Churches, like people, can look outstanding on the outside (great service record and works) but be infected on the inside with selfish desires. Jesus has some strong but hopeful words for people who need to throw off the burdens of sin and hold fast to his words and works. In the darkest times of doubt and shame, Jesus the morning star extends the promise of a new dawn upon those who overcome.
From listening to words of manipulation to hearing and heeding Jesus' words of truth and power. from secret shame into receiving the reward of a secret name, this is a call to churches who are deep in enemy territory but holding fast to Jesus name and His Word, no matter how sharp it is and deep it cuts. We prefer the wounds of a surgeon's scalpel, rather than those of a warrior's weapon.
Faithful courage, not fear, in suffering. A sermon on Revelation 2:8-11 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Do you remember your first love? A sermon on Revelation 2:1-7 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Paitence: A Fruit Worth Waiting For. A sermon on Galatians 5:26 by CW Allen by Living Hope Chicago
The last enemy to be defeated: death. A sermon on 1 Corinthians 15: 20 - 26 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The armor of God is a gift of the Gospel that allows pain and problems in unlike our own self-made armor that reacts with fight or flight. But the Enemy's attacks and even friendly fire hit the inner armor as a filtering and transforming layer that sorts and keeps truth and grace from the attacks sort and reject damaging deceitful debris. Smart armor like Vibranium. Inner armor like UnderArmor but much deeper.
Mercy! How shall we then live? A sermon on Romans 12:1-3 by Brad Beier. by Living Hope Chicago
The battle belongs to the LORD A sermon on Exodus 17:8-16 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Only God Knows (Dry Bones in the Valley (Ez. 37:3)a sermon by Pastor Donovan E Price by Living Hope Chicago
Acts 2:46-47 Reverberate: Committed To The Co-Mission, a sermon by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
This message is a call to Commitment by the Complete community. Commitment with a Common contribution and Commitment to a Comprehensive Compassion
Also during the sermon, a member spontaneously asked to share about her teeth being knocked out years ago by a violent incident in which she was pushed in front of a train, and how she now needed new dentures to regain her job that she lost when her dentures were thrown away mistakenly. The church is actively raising money to replace her dentures . Another member, a brother who is wheel-chair bound, offered to hire her as his home health care provider as her employment. It was a beautiful moment, right in the middle of the sermon!
Awed devotion to Gods means of grace. A sermon on Acts 2:42-47 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Maker fearfully & wonderfully made. Christmas eve sermon on Luke 1:30-35 and Psalm 139 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
How to be conTENT with the CONtent of your life. A sermon on Psalm 131 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
A love so high and wide its scary (in a God-fearing way). A sermon on Psalm 103 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
A Psalm for finding significance and security in your work and relationships. Creating a life of lasting value.
If God is not the center, Work is ultimately worthless (creating is restless, conserving is pointless), If we rely on and reckon God as our source and goal, work is significant and secure, and relationships redeemed.
Psalm 127 is written to convert anxious practical atheists into courageous creative Christ-centered communities.
The church shaped by God's Word. A sermon on Psalm 119:169-176 by DeMyron Haynes. by Living Hope Chicago
Soli Deo Gloria: all of life to God's glory alone. A sermon on Psalm 115 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Grace-full fear and fearless generosity. A sermon on Psalm 112 by Brad Beier. by Living Hope Chicago
(this copy trimmed of dead space). This is more than a prayer; it’s a desperate declaration. God alone is and will be all I need.
The Psalm calls forth 3 declarations: The sole salvation of the silent soul; The smoke & mirrors of selfish sin; The strong & safe love of God
We will test ourselves with the pride test and the prayer test to see if we truly trust God, and that though all of our waiting has an expiration date, hope has no expiration date!
Life and work in light of eternity. A sermon on Psalm 90 by Dr Donovan Price by Living Hope Chicago
Making the skeletons dance: a sermon on repentance and renewal from psalm 51 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
God doesn't need our praise, but we need to worship, so that our joy might be complete. We are commanded to praise God, but deeper still, we were created to praise Him. His high and exalted holiness is reason enough to sing to God, but how low he's reached to meet and redeem us is yet another reason. And you really need to see the call to unity in worship in this prophetic Psalm, and how when Christ Jesus is lifted up, he will gather all of us to his feet to worship.
Psalm 37 is a thoughtful view of anger, helping us as we Work for Justice, Walkin Peace. In this world, we watch the wicked wreak havoc but we wait on Yahweh’s deliverance as we walk (live) in wisdom, confident that God will cut off evil and vindicate righteousness. Our great model is not in self-help books, but the gospel image of Jesus, a God holy in his anger against sin, but meek and merciful enough to save us from our anger and equip us to address injustice and sin all around us
The Refuge in every season and the one who ends all wars. A sermon on Psalm 46 by Ben Anderson by Living Hope Chicago
Deliverance A to Z: from brokenness to boasting. a sermon on Psalm 34 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The shepherd King. A sermon on Psalm 23 & spoken word Psalm 23 Remix by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
God speaks in the skies, the Scriptures, and the soul. A sermon on Psalm 19 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The Lord is my light. A sermon on Psalm 27 by Pastor James Owolabi. Includes song "Our God" by Living Hope Chicago
Dwelling in the Torah and the Messiah. A sermon on Psalms 1 & 2 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Holu, chosen, and beloved. A sermon on Colossians 3 by Pastor Ted Powers by Living Hope Chicago
sowing and reaping: living, giving, and not giving up. A sermon on Galatians 6: 6 - 10 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Bearing our own burdens and sharing others'. A sermon on Galatians 6:1-5 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The fruit of the Spirit: tenacious tenderness. A sermon on Galatians 5:22-26 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Spirit-fruit: unshakable peace and persevering patience. a sermon on Galatians 5 :22-26 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Surrendering to God's call. A sermon on Exodus 3 and 4 by Pastor James Owolabi by Living Hope Chicago
the roots and choicest fruit of the Spirit. A sermon on Galatians 5 22 to 25 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Treasure hunting in the graveyard. A sermon on Luke 24 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Faith working through love. A sermon on Galatians 5: 13 - 18 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Tenacity: love worth its weight in truth. Sermon on Galatians 4:8-20 by Living Hope Chicago
Slaves no longer, Sons forever. A sermon on Galatians 4 by Pastor James Owolabi by Living Hope Chicago
People of the Promise or people of the Law. A sermon on Galatians 3; 15-29 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The Holy Spirit from start to finish. A sermon on Galatians 3:1-6 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Simple faith. A sermon on justification by faith alone from Galatians 2:15-21 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
In a world of diversity and division, we are called as the church of Jesus Christ to keep in step with the unity of the gospel by sitting at the same table, a reservation purchased by Christ himself. A call to know and love each other deeper
Make Grace great Again. One mission many methods. A sermon on Galatians 2 : 1-10 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The simple Gospel in a complicated World. A sermon on Galatians 1:1-10 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Resolve to simplify your life by standing on the simple truths of the gospel, relying on the sufficiency of Christ alone, reaching out in love and unity, and having a singular focus to live for Christ. This is an overview of the simplicity of the gospel of grace.
your God is too small. A sermon on Psalm 139 by Pastor James Olowabi by Living Hope Chicago
Matthew 2. Wise men seek him. A sermon by Justin Beach and a poem by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Christ saves Sinners. A sermon on 1 Timothy 1:15 to 17 by Young Bok Kim by Living Hope Chicago
Who are we and why do our lives matter? The incarnation (God becoming human flesh to restore his glorious image in us) helps us to understand our identity and to truly love our neighbor.
A love stronger than death. A sermon on Song of Songs made by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Guarding the garden and composting the junk. A sermon on Song of Solomon 4:10-5:1 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
After the honeymoon: conflict and resolution. A sermon on the Song of Solomon 5 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
In an opera-like story told through this love song, the Bride compares her true love, the Shepherd to King Solomon showing us a history-making love more valuable than a king’s power and wealth. Becuase Love is more than chemistry and economics. True love is friendship with a life-partner who is becoming the perfect person to help you overcome selfishness and willingly submit to becoming all who God made you to be. True love is not a Solomon-like GRAB of greedy getting to increase your harem of 1000 women, But love is a Shepherd-like GIVING that receives more than it could have ever demanded in the first place. Our true friend and true shepherd, Jesus, reveals to us in John 13 that all authority leads to washing feet and in Ephesians 5:25-26 husbands are called to love their wives in Christ-like giving, washing, serving. As we look for our "life-partner," our best friend to marry, let's never forget that Christ is our truest friend, and he serves us in love so that we can look for love not for what we can get, but for what we can give. And often, we get more joy and satisfaction in giving than any greedy demand would ever receive.
Fear and freedom in our relationships. A sermon on Song of Songs 3: 1-5 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Ideal love and real love. A sermon introduction on the Song of Solomon by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Rewriting The Ten Commandments, a sermon from Exodus 34 for this presidential election season. By Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The indispensable, ever-increasing glory of the Spirit. A sermon on Exodus 33 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The heart of a priest. A sermon on Exodus 28 and 29 by Brad beier by Living Hope Chicago
Worship Yahweh in his way. A sermon from Exodus 32 by Young Bok Kim by Living Hope Chicago
All things Tabernacle. A sermon on Exodus 25 to 31 by Brad beier by Living Hope Chicago
The costly, unparalleled privilege of fellowship with God. A sermon from Exodus 24 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The Promise And Problem Of Prosperity. A sermon on Exodus 23:20-33 by Brad Beier. by Living Hope Chicago
Exposing exploitation. A sermon from Exodus 22:16-27 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
God's wrath vs. Man's wrath. A sermon on James 1:19-21 by Jonathan Womack. by Living Hope Chicago
Eye for an eye. Seeing Beyond Blind Retaliation. A sermon on Exodus 21 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
The Mystery Of Marriage. A Sermon On Ephesians 5 21 - 33 By Jonathan Womack by Living Hope Chicago
Exodus 20:17 The heart of the law. A sermon by sermon by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
We all lie in many ways and for many reasons. There is a cure for the dishonest heart, so that we can learn to speak the truth not just in a factual way, but in an honest and loving way. We must love the truth, and live the truth, in order for our lips to begin to bear the truth.
Stealing and stewardship. The eighth commandment, Exodus 20. A sermon by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Love beyond the dumpster, part 3. From Exodus 20, the 7th command, a sermon by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Love beyond the dumpster, part 2. From Exodus 20, the 7th command, a sermon by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Respect authority. A sermon on the fifth commandment: honor your father and mother. By Young Bok Kim by Living Hope Chicago
No adultery! Love beyond the dumpster. A sermon on Exodus 20:14 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
Live a life of love (the 6th commandment, Do not Murder). A sermon by Brad Beier. by Living Hope Chicago
Sabbath is no mere law, but a life-supplying, freedom-seizing, joy-sustaining rhythm of work / worship / rest / ministry.
Hebrews 10:22-25 draw near to God, hold fast in faith, meet up together
The 4th commandment: Remember! Act! Set apart as special! Unto God!
Q: Sabbath still binding on us today? A: Do we still want blessing/freedom? Gen 2:2-3 Creation pattern; Exo 16 – wilderness provision; Exo 20 – law providing worship and rest that Jesus kept; 1 Cor 16 “Lord’s Day” first day
Sabbath is: 1) A rhythm of salvation’s freedom (Pharaoh vs. God) 2) A gift of grace (along with work) 1 Cor 15:10 3) An act of faith (surrender and trust) Matt 11:28-29
So burn on, don’t burn out – Acts 20:24
- The holy copyright of God’s name: Do not “lift up” (legal oath) the name of Yahweh (the I AM) our God in vain (insincere, false, or worthless way) Not just “don’t take his name lightly” but do take it up worthily, honoring its weight and importance
- Not just with lips, but honoring God in our thoughts
- Taking up God’s name in our very lives, not just lips and thoughts I may not feel like obeying, but God, I will, make me willing. Luke 6:46 Hearing and doing His word, not just confessing His name
- Honoring his name protects US from judgment
- Protects others from our judgment and pride over them
- Taking up God’s name means praying properly “In Jesus’ name” is about relationship, walking in His Word
- Lifting up God’s name worthily as family members We are his treasured possession, his children, his Bride
- Lifting up God’s name before unbelievers, spreading His honor 2 Cor 3; Rev 14:1; Acts 4:12
1) What is idolatry? Turning something good into your god The identity of idols. Identifying your idols. 2) Why is it prohibited? God is Jealous to be (and to give us) our highest good. Sin destroys community for generations. 3) What is commanded? True worship and faithful love 2 Cor 11:2 4) What is provided: Gospel of grace - jealousy that gives freely, fully, a dying, atoning, shame-covering love. Ezekiel 16
Faithfulness and Freedom: the 1st commandment/A sermon fr Exodus 20:1-3 by Brad Beier (4 - 24 - 16) by Living Hope Chicago
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Grace gives everything we need for life an godliness
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Grace gives us responsibilities (grace precedes but includes responsibilities)
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Grace gives us hearts to tremble before God so that we can be unshakable before all others
Four battle principles: 1. The battle is never a fair fight Deut 25:17-19 dirty war 2. The battle is already decided “tomorrow” = uh oh 3. We fight but every victory is of God’s hand –Isa 11:10 4. God’s every victory makes history and gains glory for him: a book, an altar, a name: Yahweh Nissi (banner)
Three questions of relevance: 1. How do we relate bloody battle to life today? 2. How should we respond to “enemies” in life today? 3. Why do we feel defeated so often, if the battle belongs to the Lord?
Text: Exodus 18:1-27 Title: Godly Leadership for God’s Community Outline: A story about Jethro’s visit with Moses, which has two parts. (1) Jethro’s hearing about Yahweh’s redemptive work for Israel (vv.1-12) Conversation #1: concerning Yahweh’s work Jethro’s response: “Rejoicing,” (v.9); “Blessing” (v.10); “Confessing” (v.11); “Offering” (v.12) Worship! Lesson: an ideal example of family conversation (2) Jethro’s advice on the leadership system in Israel (vv.13-27) Conversation #2: concerning Moses’ work Jethro’s response: “Not good!” (v.17) Lesson: an ideal example of church leadership
Jesus resurrection is healing the groaning globe and brings glory even through our sin and suffering.
There is a deep groaning and great glory: Of the children of God 8:11, 15-23 Of all the creation of God 8:19-22 Of God himself 8:26
The promise of God to heal us and bring us glory is: 1. Hopeful (believe!) 2. Conditional (only in Christ) 3. Provisional (a preview of full-ness of glory)
Good Friday Sermon from Romans 5:8 by Brad Beier (3 - 25 - 2016) by Living Hope Chicago
Jesus as King/A sermon from John 12:12-19 by Alex Smith (3 - 20 - 2016) by Living Hope Chicago
God rains down grace to turn our grumbling into gratitude.
1) The Tree of Life gives sweet relief in the bitter wilderness Exo 15:22-27 Yahweh Rapha – God is our Healer
2) Grace like rain (and birds and bread) falls down on us Exo 16 God is an ever-present provider Grace provides guidelines that protect us, rest us
3) Water from the Rock - righteous vs. rebellious complaining Exo 17:1-7 Do not harden your heart (Heb 3, 4)
Grace teaches, tests, feeds us and is found in Christ Jesus
What does Crossed-over mean? At least:
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The unparalleled, unique cross-over of the Red Sea.
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The many OT salvation stories (even Creation) which link into/point towards the Exodus event.
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The Cross of Christ as Exodus-fulfilling freedom.
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The disciple carrying the self-denying Cross, a freedom not just FROM sin and structures, but freedom FOR real life in Christ.
All passover pills/plans promise to deliver us from the plague of sin’s consequences. But only Christ, our Passover Lamb can provide the love and protection we need.
The ten plagues reveal God’s powerful hand (invincible, irreplaceable, irresistible), but also God’s loving heart to provide and protect.
Tenth Plague: 1) Defeat of Re (Ra) the Sun god and Pharaoh’s son 2) Power over the animals who represented Egyptian gods (12:29-30)
Exo 11 “GO!” Pharaoh wouldn’t let Israel go out from Egypt, so Moses goes out from before Pharaoh. Yahweh goes out in (goes off on) Egypt Pharaoh cries, “Go out!”; Yahweh goes out, Israel goes out from Egypt.
When we hear the word of God and see the hand of God, the signs and words of God are inform-ative and perform-ative.
Trends in the signs/plagues of the Exodus:
1) God’s hand is invincible. This is a God contest of cosmic proportions.
2) God’s hand is irreplaceable. All others are counterfeits
3) God’s hand is irresistible. Everyone will decide. * God makes a distinction/division between belief and unbelief. Hope remains.
Freedom is serious business. God’s liberating love for his people is serious. He is deadly serious about sin—their sin and those who sin against them.
4:21 Much blood is on Pharaoh’s hands, even his firstborn’s. 4:22-23 God loves his firstborn with a fierce love 4:24-26 Moses’ firstborn is redeemed by covenantal blood
To oppressors: working against God doesn’t work. Don’t take God’s patience for weakness and do not awaken His judgment.
To God’s people: Don’t excuse sin. The long wait for liberation is God’s patience, time for repentance and redemption of others.
1) Moses Questions God in Uncertainty 2) God Answers with 3 Signs of Authority 3) Moses Doubts His Own Ability 4) God Provides a Prophet, Priest, and King (Graciously) * God’s power is made perfect in weakness * You want signs? Look around!
Before we can ask “Who am I?” we must ask “Who is God?”
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The burning bush is a sign of God’s holiness
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The name of Yahweh is a sign of God’s powerful presence and faithful mercy The power of his being (and being with us): 3:14 I AM who I AM (I will be who I will be) … I AM (I will be) 3:15 YHWH = Yahweh Not “the LORD” but YHWH is from “I AM/I will be” Not “Jahovah” (Jews reverently insrerted Adonai vowels, a, o, a, into YHVH) The faithful mercy of his covenant: 3:15 and 6:1-7 Jesus is Yahweh - Isaiah 63:9; Isaiah 45:23-25 and Phil 2:4-11
Economics of love: Love adjusts, organizes, and ministers all our resources into all our relationships
This letter is a seed planted in the soil of slavery that would burst into bloom and bear the fruit of freedom.
How will God’s grace move you to love the hard(est) people “economically”? Love is a family matter (and family matters) Love affects the “bottom line” (it’s a money matter) Love is contagious (it’s a community matter) Love recognizes value (each member matters) Love bears another’s load (mediation matters) Love must win in the end (hope matters)
2 Cor. 9:-7-8 and 8:9 The rich One became poor so that poor become rich
Paul’s letter to Philemon The Economics of LovePage Economy: the adjustment, organization, or administration of affairs or resourcesThe economics of love: using all of our God-given time, talents, and treasures to seek, from the heart, reconciled relationships.Paul’s letter is a seed planted in the soil of slavery that will burst into bloom and bear the fruit of freedom. The kernel of the seed of freedom and forgiveness and fearlessness is:Philemon 6-7 Because our lives are deeply inter-woven by our Fellowship of faith in Christ; all of our God-given resources can and must be used to deeply love even deeply troubled relationships, seeking rest-oration and rest in Christ’s peace. See Colossians 1:19-22; 2:2; 3:10-11Christians aren’t people who are always right, but who can admit that they’re wrong. Christians don’t just think or say right doctrine, but think and pray and speak and act in deeply humble and loving ways.
Grace, mercy, and peace flow from heaven’s heights downhill to our deepest needs
God’s peace rules our hearts and history (and politics!)
God’s peace relieves our worst fears and rejoices our best fear
God’s peace reaches those who treasure Christ above all
Mercy in the Highest to the Lowest/A sermon from Luke 1:46-56 by Brad Beier by Living Hope Chicago
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The God of fire is a compassionate, covenant-keeper
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The God of fire commands our holy fear and full and final freedom God sees comprehensively God speaks clearly God reveals a revolutionary redemption