Willamette Christian Church: Recent Episodes
Willamette Christian Church
Listen to the conversation between Josh Butler and author, professor, and podcaster A.J. Swoboda on the Gospel of John.
Josh Butler, Aline Bahamondez, and Megan Lemmons discuss John 4:43-54 and the importance of community when facing challenges in our lives.
John Rosensteel and Josh Butler discuss our teaching series on the Gospel of John, taking a closer look at the themes in the book and what it means to be centered on Jesus, encountering him in our personal lives. They take us through some of the curated resources available to go deeper into the study of the Gospel of John, and bring to light the richness of the Old Testament backdrop in the Gospel of John and the hope that this series will lead to a deeper understanding and connection with Jesus.
Join us for this transformative series on navigating the trials of the Christian life. Discover how God’s tests and trials are not meant to discourage us, but rather to help us grow as we deepen our trust in Him and receive His blessings. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your faith and embrace the blessings that await you.
- Discover Willamette • http://willamette.cc/discover • Learn more about Willamette and how to get involved!
- I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Find Community • https://willamette.cc/community • Growth happens best in community. Find your circle today!
- Discover Willamette • http://willamette.cc/discover • Learn more about Willamette and how to get involved!
- Rooted • https://willamette.cc/rooted • Rooted begins January 22. Sign up today!
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Adore: An Advent Devotional • https://willamette.cc/adore • Join us this advent season in a daily devotional. Jump in any time!
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Adore: An Advent Devotional • https://willamette.cc/adore • Join us this advent season in a daily devotional. Jump in any time!
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Adore: An Advent Devotional • https://willamette.cc/adore • Join us this advent season in a daily devotional. Jump in any time!
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- Connect With Us • https://willamette.cc/connect • We would love to connect with you! Fill out our online Connection Card form.
- Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- Give Online • https://my.willamette.cc/give • Partner with us as we inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Find A Counselor • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Counselor-Referral-List.pdf • Download a list of our recommended counselors.
- 500 in 4 • https://www.willamette.cc/anlm • As a church family, we've adopted Nyamirama, a community in Rwanda. We've committed to sponsoring 500 children in 4 years. Join our efforts to ensure this community is thriving by the year 2025.
- Find A Counselor • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Counselor-Referral-List.pdf • Download a list of our recommended counselors.
We strive to meet individual needs through relationships with others in community. When additional care is required, Willamette Cares addresses unique life circumstances in multiple ways. Find out more on our Care page.
- Find A Counselor • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Counselor-Referral-List.pdf • Download a list of our recommended counselors.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- Discover Willamette • http://willamette.cc/discover • Discover generally falls on the second Sunday of each month after the 11AM service. Discover Willamette is the best place to learn more about Willamette and how to get involved. Lunch is provided, and kids are welcome!
- Find A Counselor • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Counselor-Referral-List.pdf • Download a list of our recommended counselors.
We are excited to be a part of child dedications today, joining together in a family and community commitment to raise our children to know and love Jesus for their whole life. If you're interested in registering your child to be dedicated in the future, contact Audrey at audreyw@willamette.cc, or learn more at willamette.cc/kids/baby-dedications.
- Under Pressure Labs • https://willamette.cc/labs • October 2, 9 & 16 at 9am
- Find A Counselor • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Counselor-Referral-List.pdf • Download a list of our recommended counselors.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Under Pressure Labs • https://willamette.cc/labs • October 2, 9 & 16 at 9am
- Find A Counselor • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Counselor-Referral-List.pdf • Download a list of our recommended counselors.
- Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
When we are under pressure, we often look to coping mechanisms to ease our pain, gain control over our circumstances, or find temporary relief in our anxiety. Sadly, many of the ways we try to relieve the pressure often just make things worse. They cannot bring us the relief, comfort and peace that we are hoping for. When we trust God and do what He asks us to do, the Spirit gives us what we need to not only cope, but overcome the pressures we are feeling.
- Under Pressure Labs • https://willamette.cc/labs • October 2, 9 & 16 at 9am
- Find A Counselor • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Counselor-Referral-List.pdf • Download a list of our recommended counselors.
- Find Community • https://willamette.cc/community • Growth happens best in community. Find your circle today!
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
Care & Counseling Resources We would love to come alongside you in prayer and support. We have a dedicated team of volunteers who care about you and will confidentially pray over your requests. They also offer support in a variety of ways, including hospital and hospice visits, funeral and memorial support, physical home needs support and more. Complete our Care Request Form and someone from our team will reach out to you.
Download the Under Pressure study guide, which is being used by all of our Home, Women's, and Men's Communities during this series.
- Community Life • http://willamette.cc/community • The Fall session of community life begins September 11. It is a wonderful chance to get connected with others at Willamette. Our goal is to gather and grow together in our faith!
- Rooted • https://willamette.cc/rooted • Rooted begins Sept 11. Sign up today!
- Rooted • https://willamette.cc/rooted • Rooted begins Sept 11. Sign up today!
- Find Community • https://willamette.cc/community • Growth happens best in community. Find your circle today!
- Connect With Us • https://willamette.cc/connect • We would love to connect with you! Fill out our online Connection Card form.
- Community Life • http://willamette.cc/community • Springs session of community life begins May 1. It is a wonderful chance to get connected with others at Willamette. Our goal is to gather and grow together in our faith!
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- Connect With Us • https://willamette.cc/connect • We would love to connect with you! Fill out our online Connection Card form.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Adoption & Foster Care Ministry • https://willamette.cc/the-exchange • Learn more about our Adoption and Foster Care Ministry here at WCC!
- Discover Willamette • http://willamette.cc/discover • Discover generally falls on the second Sunday of each month after the 11AM service. Discover Willamette is the best place to learn more about Willamette and how to get involved. Lunch is provided, and kids are welcome!
- Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- Father's Day • http://willamette.cc • Join us next week for Father's Day! We will have a special treat for all of the men.
- Discover Willamette • http://willamette.cc/discover • Discover generally falls on the second Sunday of each month after the 11AM service. Discover Willamette is the best place to learn more about Willamette and how to get involved. Lunch is provided, and kids are welcome!
Download the Acts study guide, whether you want to dive in deeper on your own or with your community.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- Support our Students • https://my.willamette.cc/give/nicaragua • Our students are participating in a mission trip to Nicaragua through Forward Edge International this Summer
Download the Acts study guide, whether you want to dive in deeper on your own or with your community.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Discover Willamette • http://willamette.cc/discover • Discover generally falls on the second Sunday of each month after the 11AM service. Discover Willamette is the best place to learn more about Willamette and how to get involved. Lunch is provided, and kids are welcome!
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Connect With Us • https://willamette.cc/connect • We would love to connect with you! Fill out our online Connection Card form.
- Discover Willamette • http://willamette.cc/discover • Discover generally falls on the second Sunday of each month after the 11AM service. Discover Willamette is the best place to learn more about Willamette and how to get involved. Lunch is provided, and kids are welcome!
Download the Acts study guide, whether you want to dive in deeper on your own or with your community.
- Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- Community Life • http://willamette.cc/community • Springs session of community life begins May 1. It is a wonderful chance to get connected with others at Willamette. Our goal is to gather and grow together in our faith!
- Connect With Us • https://willamette.cc/connect • We would love to connect with you! Fill out our online Connection Card form.
- What's Happening • https://willamette.cc/bulletin • Take a look at everything that's going on here at Willamette.
- Easter Connect Card • https://my.willamette.cc/easter • When prompted during the service, please fill out this connect card!
Sermon Notes • April 17, 2022 Easter Sunday • Pastor Brian Becker 1 Corinthians 15:13-19 (NIV)If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching useless and so is your faith… And if Christ has not be raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins… If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NIV)But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead… For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Christ has indeed been raised from the dead!
John 11:25 (NIV)I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die."
Matthew 27:31-33 (NKJV)After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him… They came to a place called Golgotha which means "the place of the skull."
John 19:41-42 (NKJV)At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Luke 24:1-6 (NKJV)Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen!
Mark 16:6-7 (NKJV)But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell His disciples - and Peter - that he is going before you into Galilee, then you will see Him, as He said to you.
Distracted by misplaced ambitions.
Distracted by personal failures.
Distracted by outside influences.
Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his steps we are healed.
The death of Jesus was not the end of Jesus.
Romans 8:11 (NLT)The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by the same Spirit living within you.
Psalm 36:7-9 (NIV)How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of. Your house;
You give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life.
Repent: A sorrow for sins: "I have been part of the problem."
Believe: A choice to follow: "I believe Jesus is the answer."
Sermon Notes - March 27, 2022Love Deeply (1 Peter 4:8-11) - Jon Furman 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
“cover a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:9-10 (NLT)Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-10 (NLT)There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all…To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy…
1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Use your gift as an ambassador/representative of God.
Use your gifts in God’s strength, not your own.
Use your gifts to make God great, not yourself.
Sermon Notes - March 20, 2022Unity of the Church (1 Peter 3:8-12) - Megan Lemmons 1 Peter 3:8-12Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
How are we able to be a community of Hope?
What is it that you think of when you hear the word “Unity”?
“Unity in the church”
Consonant: Agreement or harmony in sound.
Dissonance: Sounds that have tension or a combination of clashing sounds.
There is friction and there is tension in unity
1 Peter 3:8-9Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.
1 Peter 1:3All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,
1 Peter 3:8-11Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
Sympathy
Love
Tenderheartedness
Humility
SEARCH for peace and WORK to maintain it.
“Not only does shalom express much more than "peace;' but the kind of peace shalom represents is active and engaged, going far beyond the mere absence of conflict. There is a wide array of words and theological examples of shalom that give depth and flavor to the simple English word "peace;" as it is used in the Scriptures. Examples of various aspects of shalom include, according to one concordance, completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, and the absence of agitation or discord. Another concordance lists the word origin of shalom from shalem, meaning completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace and repayment.” - Randy Woodley
“As a social construct, shalom is also dynamic. Shalom is not a utopian destination; it is a constant journey. One does not wait on shalom; one actually sets about the task of shalom. In other words, people need to be going about the business of making shalom and living out shalom. This active, persistent effort takes place at every level, from personal relationships to societal and structural transformation. "The doing of righteousness and justice results in the building of a viable community, that is, shalom, in which the oppressed and disenfranchised have dignity and power.” - Randy Woodley
Isaiah 2:4The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.
- I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music’s YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays.
Sermon Notes - March 13, 2022The Hope of Joy (1 Peter 1:1-12) - Grant Hickman Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance —an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
1 Peter 1:5 (NLT)And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
1 Peter 1:6-7a (NLT)So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.
1 Peter 1:7b (NLT)So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
John 20:24-25 (NLT)One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
John 20:26-27 (NLT)Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
John 20:28-29 (NLT)“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT)This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
1 Peter 1:12 (NLT)They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
Jesus rescued our full self in the past and will restore our full self in the future, so we can confidently enjoy our full self in the present.
- I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
- I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music’s YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays.
Sermon Notes - March 6, 2022Wearing Goodness (1 Peter 2:1-12) - Daniel Knutson 1 Peter 2:1-8 (NIV)Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
Matthew 16:13-18 (NIV)****…[Jesus] asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter… And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
1 Peter 2:9-12 (NIV)****But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
May we live as the people of God.
May our good deeds, actions, and the way we live proclaim the goodness of God to the world.
May we continue to invite others into the family of God in the process.
- I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music’s YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
Sermon Notes - February 27, 2022Good Suffering (1 Peter 2:13-3:7 / 3:13-22 / 4:12-19) - Brian Becker Good Suffering
1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion…
1 Peter 2:11-16 (NIV)Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Therefore submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
1 Peter 2:17 (ESV)Honor everyone. Love the church. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
“Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace.” - Tactitus (Ancient Roman Historian)
1 Peter 2:18-25 (NIV)Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
Citizens vs AuthoritiesSlaves vs MastersWives vs Husbands
Too many Christians are known for what they are against than what they are for…especially right now.
Romans 12:10, 14, 18, 21 (ESV)Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor…Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Example: Greek - hupogrammoshupo: “under” // grapho: “to write”
An underwriting. A tracing of letters. Copying the writings of a teacher. An example. The example of Christ enables us to endure and do good when we suffer.
Worry doesn’t work.Worry can’t change what you can’t control. Worry never fixes tomorrow, but it always ruins today.
1 Peter 2:22-25 (NIV)“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Who is our Jesus?
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”“He himself bore our sins”“By his wounds we have been healed.”“We were like sheep going astray,”
*“But now we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.“*
*Jesus is available for us every step of the way.*
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Sermon Notes - February 20, 2022
Choose: Legacy - Brian Becker
Ruth 1:2-5 (ESV)They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons…and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
Ruth 1:20-21 (ESV)She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
Ruth’s story:Better than a fairytale— It is real.
“We are delusional to imagine that those whose lives are marked by deep tragedy will somehow, someday escape the weight of grief.” -Carolyn Custis James
“Sad stories do not always have happy endings, but sad stories can yield new beginnings.”
Ruth discovered grief could shape her rather than destroy her.
Ruth 4:13-14 (NLT)So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family!
Ruth 4:14-15 (NLT)May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
Ruth 4:16-17 (NLT)Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed.
“The world has a hole in it now. I shall look at the world through tears. Perhaps I shall see things that dry-eyed I could not see.” -Nicholas Wolterstorff
“I struggle indeed to go beyond merely owning my grief toward owning it redemptively. But I will not and cannot disown it. I shall remember Eric. Lament is part of life.” -Nicholas Wolterstorff
Ruth 4:17-18 (NLT)“Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. This is the genealogical record of their ancestor Perez:
Ruth 4:19-22 (NLT)Perez was the father of Hezron.
Hezron was the father of Ram.
Ram was the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.
Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
Salmon was the father of Boaz.
Boaz was the father of Obed.
Obed was the father of Jesse.
Jesse was the father of David.
“The decisions we make today are the stories we will tell tomorrow.”
Hesed חֶסֶד:“A costly brand of love that involves going above and beyond what anyone has a right to ask or expect.”
Psalm 23:6 (NLT)“Surely your goodness and kindness “hesed” will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” -King David
Different types of links in the chain:
-
- Broken link (Mahlon and Chilion)
- Damaged link (Elimelech)
- Strong link (Boaz)
- First link (Ruth)
Our God:is able to bring beauty out of ashes.
is able to take our past and give us purpose for our future.
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*Sermon Notes - February 13, 2022*
Choose: Ruth - Chapter 4 - Brian Becker
Our hope in Christ:"Your past may explain you, but it doesn’t have to define you."
Numbers 25:1-2 (NLT)While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab.
Setting: Time of the Judges
"Everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes."
A question we all must ask ourselves...Who gets to define your sexual ethic?
Ruth 1: 16-17 (ESV) “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried…”
Ruth 3:18 (ESV)She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
Ruth 4:1 (ESV)Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down.
And Behold:Ruth 2:4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem.
Ruth 3:8 And behold, a woman lay at his feet.
Ruth 4:1 And behold, the redeemer came by…
Behold:God is at work
God has a plan and a purpose
Ruth 4:1-6 (ESV)Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
Ruth 4:7 (ESV)Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel.
Boaz was living according to God's instructions for his people from hundreds of years earlier.
Deuteronomy 25:5-10 (ESV)“If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband's brother shall take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel. And if the man does not wish to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, ‘My husband's brother refuses to perpetuate his brother's name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me.’ Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him, and if he persists, saying, ‘I do not wish to take her,’ then his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face. And she shall answer and say, ‘So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house.’ And the name of his house shall be called in Israel, ‘The house of him who had his sandal pulled off.’
Ruth 4:8-11 (ESV)So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal. Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day." Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel.
Ruth 4:11-13 (ESV)May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.” So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife.
The results of Boaz trusting God's way:
- Boaz gave Ruth the dignity she deserved both privately and publicly.
- Boaz didn’t keep things a secret.
- Boaz took responsibility but didn’t take matters into his own hands.
The results of Ruth trusting God's way:
- Ruth adopted a new way of living.
- Ruth trusted and waited.
- Ruth refused to let her past dictate her future.
Who gets to define your sexual ethic?
Definition of Christianity:Christianity is trusting that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life…for all aspects of life.
We follow Jesus in all aspects of life.
2 Types of Purity:
- Outward Purity: The Behavior
- Inward Purity: The Heart
Outward Purity: The Behavior“Flee from sexual immorality...You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” - 1 Corinthians 6:18, 19-20
Inward Purity: The Heart“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” - Psalm 119:9-10
3 Responses to Impurity:
- Defensiveness
- Remorse
-
Repentance-The Biblical Response
-
God is a redeeming God.
- He has plans and purposes for you.
- He wants to guide you in all aspects of life.
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Sermon Notes - February 6, 2022Choose: Ruth - Chapter 3 - Brian Becker
Setting: Time of the Judges
"Everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes."
Choices:Some choices are forever.Some choices are bigger.Some choices are harder.
Desperation thinking:Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Desperate times call for unethical measures.
Everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes.
Choices that honor God:Week 1: Choose Bravery
Week 2: Choose Generosity
Week 3: Choose Integrity
Week 4: Choose Purity
Epilogue: Choose Legacy
Ruth 3:1-5 (ESV)Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
Ruth 3:6-13 (ESV)So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
Ruth 3:14-18 (ESV)So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city. And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her, saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
Ruth 3:1 (ESV)Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?
Ruth is asking…How is this going to work out?
What am I going to do about it?
Structural Integrity:The ability of a structure to withstand its intended load without failing due to fracture or fatigue.
Structural Integrity:When a load-bearing structure fails, the load is transferred to and potentially overloads surrounding support structures.
Ruth 1:8-9 (ESV)But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return each of you to her mother’s house… that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!"
Ruth 1:16-17 (ESV)But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried.
Ruth 3:1-4 (ESV)Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
Integrity:Choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them. -Brene Brown
Ruth 3:7-9 (ESV)Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
We don’t know if integrity guides us until maintaining integrity costs us.
Integrity:What guides you?
Who guides you?
Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV)Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
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Sermon Notes - January 30, 2022Choose: Ruth - Chapter 2 - Brian Becker
Setting: Time of the Judges
"Everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes."
"The Choices we make, make us."-Cassandra Clare
"Prisoners who appeared early in the morning received parole about 70 percent of the time, while those who appeared late in the day were paroled less than 10 percent of the time." -NYT (Aug 17, 2011)
Decision FatigueCompassion Fatigue
How to read Ruth:
- It is God’s story.
- The smaller story tells the larger story.
- It is not an American story.
Choices that honor God:Week 1: Choose Bravery
Week 2: Choose Generosity
Week 3: Choose Integrity
Week 4: Choose Purity
Week 5: Choose Legacy
Choose Generosity
Hesed חֶסֶד (Hebrew):
A costly brand of love that involves going above and beyond what anyone has a right to ask or expect.
Ruth 2:1-7 (ESV)Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among theirs of the grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter." So she set out and went and gleaned in Sheffield after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, "The Lord be with you!" And they answered, "The Lord bless you!" Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?" And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest."
Ruth 2:8-13 (ESV)Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the well and drink what the young men have drawn." Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?" But Boaz answered her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Then she said, "I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants."
Ruth 2:14-17 (ESV)And at mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine." So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over. When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her. So she gleaned in the field until evening.
Ruth 2:3b (ESV)… she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.
Ruth 2:1-17 Breakdown:Boaz comes to his field…
Declares a pastoral blessing…
Fulfills the law…
Shows lovingkindness to - the enemy…
Becomes a person of refuge & safety…
Provides a way where there is no way…
Forgives a debt that cannot be repaid…
Ruth 2:1,4a (ESV)Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem…
Boaz declares a pastoral blessing…
Ruth 2:4b (ESV)And he said to the reapers, "The Lord be with you!" And they answered, "The Lord bless you."
Boaz fulfills the law…
Leviticus 19:9-10 (ESV)When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.
Boaz shows loving kindness to-the enemy…
Numbers 24:17 (NIV)I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab…"
Ruth 2:8,10 (ESV)Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Then she fell on her face… and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?"
Boaz becomes a person of refuge & safety
Ruth 2:8-9 (ESV)Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you?
Ruth 2:12 (ESV)
The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!"
Psalm 91:1-2,4 (NIV)Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
Boaz provides a way where there is no way…
Ruth 2:14 (ESV)And at mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come ere and eat some bread and did your morsel in the wine." So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.
Boaz forgives a debt that cannot be repaid…
Ruth 2:15 (ESV)When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.
Hesed חֶסֶד (Hebrew):
A costly brand of love that involves going above and beyond what anyone has a right to ask or expect.
Be like Boaz…But realize that we are Ruth…
Realize that we are Ruth:-She descended from Moab.
-She came spiritually confused.
-She came empty handed.
-She gleaned from another’s field.
Boaz points to Jesus… 1000 years later:Jesus comes to his field…
Jesus pronounces a blessing…
Jesus invites those who are not his people…
Jesus becomes a refuge and safe place…
Jesus provides an impossible way forward…
Jesus pays the debt we could never repay…
Let’s continue to choose generosity and Jesus.
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Sermon Notes - January 23, 2022Choose: Ruth - Chapter 1 - John Rosensteel
Finding God in the Margins: The Book of Ruth
by Carolyn Custis James ©2018
How to read Ruth:
- It is God’s story.
- The smaller story tells the larger story.
- It is not an American story.
Ruth 1:1-2 (NIV)In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.
Ruth 1: 3-5 (NIV)Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.
Ruth 1:6-7 (NIV)When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.
Ruth 1:8-10 (NIV)Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband." Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud and said to her, "We will go back with you to your people."
Ruth 1:11-12 (NIV)But Naomi said, "Return home, y daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me-even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons-
Ruth 1:13-15 (NIV)would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD’s hand has turned against me!" At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. "Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her."
Ruth 1:16-17 (NIV)But Ruth replied, "Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me."
Ruth 1:18-20 (NIV)When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, "Can this be Naomi?" "Don’t call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.
Ruth 1:21-22 (NIV)I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me." So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the the barley harvest was beginning.
The choices we make, make us.
"it was during the time the judges ruled…"
"there was a famine in the land…"
Famine: a widespread scarcity of food
Refugee: anyone who is forced to leave their country to escape war, persecution or natural disaster
refugeecarecollective.org
Ruth 1:8"may the LORD show you kindness…"
Chesed: love that doesn’t quit
God delights in using unlikely people in unexpected ways.
God’s story is all about a love that doesn’t quit.
Lamentations 3:22-23 "because of the LORD’s great chesed we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness."
"a never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love…" (Jesus Storybook Bible)
Ruth 1:16-17 (NIV)But Ruth replied, "Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me."
Being part of God’s story often calls for bold moves.
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Sermon Notes – January 16, 2022Brian Becker – The Worlds We Create: Justice Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)…bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…
Isaiah 61:3b (NIV)They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Other-worldly
Romans 12:2 (NLT)Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person…
The Way We Think
The Words We Say
The Things We Do
Biblical Justice
Social Justice
Racial Justice
Orthodoxy: Believing the right things
Orthopraxy: Doing the right things
James 1:22-24 (NIV)Do not merely listen to the word, and so decide yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:26 (NIV)But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.
James 2:14-18 (NIV)What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warn and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
The church is only as valid as it is effective in doing what Jesus did.
Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Jeremiah 22:3 (NIV)This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.
We create worlds by:The way we think.
The words we say.
The things we do.
Psalm 146:7-9 (NIV)He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
God’s message is to bring justice to:The outcast
The overlooked
The marginalized
The vulnerable
The voiceless
Micah 6:8 (NASB)He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
Do justice
Love kindness
Walk humbly
-Micah 6:8
Biblical justice is the work of making individuals, communities, and our world whole, by supporting goodness and impartiality in work to reflect God’s original intention for all of creation to flourish.
Jesus was constantly drawn to:The outcast
The overlooked
The marginalized
The vulnerable
The voiceless
Classism
Sexism
Racism
Ableism
1 John 3:16 (NIV)This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:17-18 (NIV)If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
“I’ve never done anything to them.” vs. “What can I do for and with them?”
How does my life reflect that I am for the vulnerable and marginalized in my community and my world?
Follow the pattern and path of Jesus:Draw close.
Feel their pain.
Seek to understand.
Help alongside.
Sacrifice for others.
Point to Jesus.
Love God.
Love People.
Prove it.
Do justice.
Love kindness.
Walk humbly.
-Micah 6:8
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Sermon Notes - January 9, 2022The Worlds We Create: Compassion - Matthew 9:35- 38 (NIV) - Jon Furman
Synonyms: Words in the same language that have the same meaning, like "Small" and "Little".
Antonyms: words in the same language that have the opposite meaning, like "Small" and "Big".
Homonyms: Words in the same language that have a similar spelling or pronunciation but different meanings.
Cleave: “To bring two things together” AND “To separate things into two”.
Contranyms - Words that mean something AND their opposite.
Oversight: “Supervising a process” OR “Not noticing an error”,
Sanction: “Approve of something” OR “Penalize something”
Because of the agency’s oversight, the corporation’s behavior was sanctioned.
Acts 11:26“So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
Christianos: “Little Christ”
Loving - JudgmentalJoyful - AngryPeaceable - HostilePatient – Bad ListenersKind - DismissiveGenerous - DefensiveFaithful - FearfulGentle - ForcefulSelf-Controlled - Reckless
Matthew 9:35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
Christians do what we see Jesus Doing.
Matthew 9:36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Christians are motivated by Jesus’ motivation: Compassion
Matthew 9:37-38Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Christians are strengthened and multiplied by dependence on Jesus.
Learn from Jesus to live like JesusSee people like Jesus saw themAsk for his help, Not only his blessing
Our words are powerful. Just as God spoke and the world was created, our words create the world around us, affecting relationships and our environment. As we start this New Year, we seek to understand powerful words in scripture that we are called on to live by to create a more Kingdom-minded world.
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Sermon Notes - January 2, 2022The Worlds We Create: Words Create Worlds - Megan Lemmons
“Our words create worlds.” - Pastor Jo Saxton
Genesis 1:1-9In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so.
Genesis 1:26-27Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” So God created humankind in his image,in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
As those who are created in the image of a creative God -- we ourselves are creative people.
“Clearly, we are not equal partners with God in creation. God created and continues to create in a way that is totally different than anything we can do. God creates out of nothing. We take what God has already created, and we create something using already-existing forms and objects.” - Author Lynn Baab
James 3:2-6Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.
Proverbs 11:9 “Evil words destroy one’s friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.”
Proverbs 15: 1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:4“Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 25:18“Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.”
Proverbs 18:4“A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”
John 1:1-5, 14“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son,
What kind of world are we creating?
How has God’s word impacted my own life?
How have my own words brought destruction?
How can I begin to use my words to partner with God in his work of restoration?
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings.
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Sermon Notes - December 26, 2021The Good News of Rest - Hebrews 4:9-12 - Grant Hickman
Hebrews 4:9-12A Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. For the one who enters God’s rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from his own works. Thus we must make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
Make every effort to rest.
Sabbath is a reminder that we live in two worlds - this world and the world that is yet to come. When we sabbath, we find joy, holiness, and rest.
Let’s rest together in God, our Creator, and His Word.
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings.
- I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow!
- Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:8-9 (NIV)And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Let every heart prepare Him room.
We’re all innkeepers deciding if there is room for Jesus.
Matthew 1:23b (NLT)She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
John 1:14 (NLT)So the Word (Jesus) became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:4-5 (NLT)The Word (Jesus) gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it.
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 1:1 (NIV)Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us.
Why so many?
Something significant happened.
Something good happened.
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and the peace there will be no end.
We’re all innkeepers deciding if there is room for Jesus.
Good News
Great Joy
For All People
God is with us!
Merry Christmas
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
Sermon Notes - December 19, 2021
Good News: Long Awaited, Unexpected Good News - Brian Becker
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Advent: Waiting, longing, and tension of the in-between and not yet.
Come, Though Long-Expected JesusCharles Wesley-1744 Advent Hymn
Come though long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Matthew 1:18 (NIV)This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit…
Matthew 1:19 (NIV)Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
Matthew 1:20 (NIV)But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit…
Matthew 1:21 (NIV)She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 2:16 (NKJV)Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
| Waiting Should... | Waiting Can... | | --- | --- | | Settle the Soul | Agitate the Soul | | Develop Patience | Develop Anxiety | | Produce Endurance | Produce Bitterness | | Build Muscles | Build Doubt | | Cause Perspective | Cause Shortsightedness | | Teach Yeilding | Teach Comparison |
“Hoping does not mean nothing. It is the opposite of desperate and panicky manipulations, of scurrying and worrying. And hoping is not dreaming. It is not spinning an illusion or fantasy to protect us from our boredom or our pain. It means a confident, alert expectation that God will do what He said He will do. It is imagination put in the harness of faith. It is a willingness to let God do it His way and in His time.” –Eugene Peterson
May you experience the Holy Sacred Presence of God in the in-between wherever life has brought you.
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings.
- I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next!
- Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step!
- Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music’s YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays.
Sermon Notes - December 12, 2021
Brian BeckerWCC Lead Pastor
Good News: A Cause for Great Joy
Luke 2:8-9 (NIV)
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Terrified
“No news is good news.”
Luke 2:12-13 (NIV)
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying…
Luke 2:14 (NIV)
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests.”
Profession
Transgression
Micah 5:2 (MSG)
But you, Bethlehem, David’s country,
the runt of the litter-
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.
His family tree is ancient and distinguished.
Grace: The unconditional acceptance given to an undeserving person by an unobligated giver. It’s one-way love.
Everybody is Welcome
Nobody is Perfect
Anything is Possible
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
For it is by grace. You have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.
John 1:12 (NIV)
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…
Receive grace for what you’ve done.
Receive grace for who you’ve become.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sins!
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Hymn by Julia H. Johnston (1910)
Christmas is a reminder to us that in even the darkest of times, the reality of Jesus is GOOD News that Brings GREAT JOY. After the year(s) we’ve had, be it personally or globally it seems we have been receiving a slew of bad news. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the Good News that Jesus brings.
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- 500 in 4 • https://www.willamette.cc/anlm • As a church family, we've adopted Nyamirama, a community in Rwanda. We've committed to sponsoring 500 children in 4 years. Join our efforts to ensure this community is thriving by the year 2025.
Sermon Notes - December 5, 2021Grant Hickman, Teaching Pastor
Willamette Christian Church
New Series:
Good News
A Cause for Great Joy
Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)…but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Four Titles of Jesus:
Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace
Luke 2:16-17 (NLT)
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
Everything changed in a moment. When Jesus was born, He gave us the chance to be known, accepted, and forgiven. When we experience His love, we can't help but Come to Worship. This three-week series teaches different ways to worship God by looking deeper at what it truly means to lift your hands, pour out your heart, and bow before Him.
- Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you.
- Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music’s YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays.
Sermon Notes - November 28, 2021
Brian Becker, Lead PastorCome to Worship: Lift Our Hands
Matthew 2:2 (NLT)
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
3 Postures of Worship:
• Bow Our Knees
• Pour Out Our Hearts
• Lift Our Hands
Psalm 28:2 (ESV)
Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.
Psalm 119:48 (ESV)
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statues.
Psalm 63:4 (ESV)
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 63:1 (NIV)
You, God are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:2-3 (NIV)
I have seen you in the sanctuary and behold your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
Psalm 63:4 (NIV)
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Wrong Question: “Do you raise your hands at church?”
Right Question: “Are you reaching out to God?”
Exodus 17:8-13 (NIV)
The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”
Exodus 17:8-13 (NIV)
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.
Moses reached out to God.
Exodus 17:8-13 (NIV)
When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands-one on one side, one on the other-so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army…
Moses reached out to God.
Moses relied on the reach of others.
Bowing Our Knees
Pouring Out Our Hearts
Lifting Our Hands
Everything changed in a moment. When Jesus was born, He gave us the chance to be known, accepted, and forgiven. When we experience His love, we can't help but Come to Worship. This three-week series teaches different ways to worship God by looking deeper at what it truly means to lift your hands, pour out your heart, and bow before Him.
- Find Care • https://willamette.cc/care • Willamette strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support.
Matthew 2:2 (NLT)"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."
Bow Our KneesPour Out Our HeartLift Our Hands
Theology Of Pain
- Power and Pain
- Crucifixion and Resurrection
Psalm 142:1-2 (NIV)I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord's mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles.
Grief becomes worship when we cry out to GodGrief becomes worship when we choose to wait on God
Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God...
Romans 5:3 (NIV)Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings...because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:5 (NIV)And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Isaiah 40:31a (NIV)Those whowait on the Lord will renew their strength...
Psalm 142:3-4 (NIV)When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.
Psalm 142:5-6 (NIV)I cry to you, Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
Psalm 142:7 (NLT)Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will cord around me, for you are good to me.
Grief becomes worship when we grieve with the people of God.
Lamentations 2:19 (NIV)Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.
Come to Worship is a 3 part series allowing us to take the time to focus on who Jesus is, on what He did for us, and on the power of the Virgin Birth. The title of this series is taken directly from Matthew’s gospel, Matthew 2:2, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
The story of the wisemen happened a couple of years after Christmas time.
Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2
The wise men didn’t come to GET something from God, but they came to offer worship to Him. God does not exist for us, but we exist for Him, and we flourish in life when we live for Him. We are created to glorify Him, to worship Him, to make Him known, and to bring Him honor.
Worship is not just songs and singing, it’s a posture of living. When we worship, we flourish - even in the hard times.
In this series we’re going to look at three different postures of worship:
- Bow our Knees
- Pour out our Hearts
- Lift up our Hands
These are three postures of our body, but also postures of our heart.
Bow Our Knees When [the wise men] saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshipped him. Matthew 2:10-11
Scholars tell us that the wisemen likely traveled 900 or so miles to get to him, and according to their judgment Jesus was probably around 2 years of age.
The prestigious, high-society group of wisemen did not allow unique or unlikely circumstances to keep them from taking a posture of kneeling and bowing down and worshipping God.
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
Psalm 95:6-7
A Hebrew word translated as worship: shâchâh
Shachah is used 170 times in the Bible. It means to bow down low, to stoop, to crouch, or kneel in worship. It doesn't mean just worship, but inside this word is the posture of kneeling in worship.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30
To worship God is to say - God I want you to become greater in my life.
There are two unique ways that we can bow down in worship:
-
We kneel in service
-
We kneel in submission
Kneel in Service God longs for us to not merely sing in worship, but to live our lives as worship. And the way to worship God with our lives is to shâchâh; to bend low, to stoop down, and serve others with our lives.
I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
Amos 5:21-24
Jesus modeled this kneeling in service to his disciples when he washed their feet.
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist…After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:3-5
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, so what did he do with his power? He kneeled down to serve. We worship God when we kneel to serve others in his name.
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40
Jesus reconciles us to God AND our neighbors, gives us the grace to be transformed in his image, and calls us to follow him in faith, loving God AND our neighbor. We worship God because of this Good News. And it should compel us to worship God as we serve others.
Kneel in Submission Jesus is our example.
[Jesus] withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond [his disciples], knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 22:41-42
Jesus knelt in submission - not my will but your will be done
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
Luke 22:44-45
Kneeling to pray is often what gives you the strength to stand.
We come to worship, like the wisemen, when we kneel. It wasn’t a picture perfect nativity. The circumstances could have been better, but they recognized the awe and wonder of a God whose name was Immanuel - God with us.
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
Psalm 95:6-7
In our new three-week series, Found, we’ll explore the depth and breath of God’s love. You’ll discover that you’re never too far or too lost to experience his grace and forgiveness.
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Sermon Notes - September 12th, 2021
Found Son - Dayne ScanlonGod has reconciled himself to us through Jesus. But receiving that gift means living a life of reconciliation.
Luke 15:1-2Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Luke 15:11-12Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
Luke 15:13-16“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country, and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
Luke 15:13-16So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
Luke 15:17-19“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
Luke 15:17-19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
Luke 15:20-24So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20-24“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:25-30“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
Luke 15:25-30“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
Luke 15:25-30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
When our identity is rooted in our works, its impossible to celebrate God’s grace for others.
We’re all in need of the father.
Do you have the heart of the father?2 Corinthians 5:17-18Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
- Reconcile yourself to God.
- Become an active reconciler.
Luke 15:31-32“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Join us as we hear from Pastor Charles Mugisha, Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries, as he continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
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Join us as Brian continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
Join us as Megan continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to values that reflect the character of Jesus: Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility.
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Sermon Notes - June 13, 2021
The Greatest Stories Rarely Told - Megan Lemmons
Acts 2:44-45
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
Acts 4:32-37
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
Acts 4:32
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
We rethink our beliefs & practices of ownership.
We become known in the context of community.
Acts 4:32-37
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
We rethink our beliefs & practices of ownership.
We become known in the context of community.
What do you have?
Do people know you?
Do you know who is in need?
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Sermon Notes - April 25th, 2021Luke: Live the Kingdom - Brian Becker
Luke 11:2 (NKJV)So He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
The Kingdom of God is about the rule and reign of God in our lives and world.
The Kingdom of God is already here, and also not yet.
The Kingdom of God requires a response, not merely a belief.
Luke 11:1 (NKJV)Now it came to pass, as Jesus was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:2 (NKJV)So He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
- We start with prayer.
Luke 11:2 (NKJV)Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
The church cannot live when the heartbeat of God is not beating within her.
Luke 11:2 (NKJV)Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name…
- We start with prayer.
- We remind ourselves that God is both personal and holy.
Luke 11:2 (NKJV)Our Father…(Abba: Dearest Father…)
Proximity is always a prerequisite in living out the Kingdom of God.Luke 11:2 (NKJV)Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name...
Luke 11:2 (NKJV)Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14Repent,for thekingdomof God is at hand…
- We start with prayer.
- We remind ourselves that God is both personal and holy.
- We invite his kingdom to come, his will to be done.
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Sermon Notes - April 18th, 2021Luke: Seek the Kingdom - Dayne Scanlon -Pursue it
-Live in it
-Expand it
When Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God, He’s talking about:
- Making God King
- What God wants for this world
- And all that God promises us in the next
Luke 12:29 (NIV)And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
ζητέω (zēteo)- “to Search out, desire, require, demand.”
Luke 12:30 (NIV)For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
Luke 12:31 (NIV)But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
How do we seek the Kingdom of God?1.) Call out competing Kingdoms2.) Practice Sacrificial Generosity
Luke 12:32-34 (NIV)“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
How do we seek the Kingdom of God?
1.) Call out competing kingdoms2.) Practice Sacrificial Generosity3.) Ground yourself daily in where you want to go
Prayer of St. FrancisLord, make me an instrument of your peace:where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;where there is sadness, joy.O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console,to be understood as to understand,to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.Amen.
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Sermon Notes - April 11th, 2021 Luke: Help Foretold - Brian Becker * Jesus predicted his death. * Jesus predicted his death. * Jesus foretold his resurrection. * Jesus predicted his death. * Jesus foretold his resurrection. * Jesus promised the Holy Spirit.
Luke 24:49 (NIV)
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
Romans 8:11
“The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead now lives in you.”
Romans 8:2
“It’s the Spirit who gives life...”
O Breath of Life,
come sweeping through us,
Revive your church with life and power; O Breath of Life,
come, cleanse, renew us
And fit your church to meet this hour.
John 16:5-6 (NIV)
“But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you.
John 16:7 (NIV)
But in fact, it is* best for you that I go away**, because if I don’t, the Comforter/Helper/Advocate/Divine Encourager* won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.
Luke 24:49 (NIV)
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
- Pray in the Spirit (Jude 20)
- Live in the Spirit (Phil 3:3; 16)
- Worship in the Spirit (John 4:24)
- Preach in the Spirit, (1 Thess 1:5)
- Walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:16)
- Keep in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:25)
“The messages that say ‘just be good, damn people...to their pride or to despair.”
Loud and proud is not synonymous with Spirit-Filled.
“When we see an image of the cross, we would do well to always include the other two crosses next to Jesus. Jesus spent his dying moments associated with the lowest of the low, keeping company with those the world condemns.”- Karl Barth
- Don’t resist the Spirit.
Acts 7:51 (NIV)
“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”
- Don’t resist the Spirit.
- Be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.
INSTEAD, BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT:“To go on being filled.”
“To be in the state of being filled
-Don’t resist the Spirit.
- Be filled with the Spirit.
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Sermon Notes - April 4th, 2021Luke: Life Foretold - Brian Becker
Luke 24:1 (NIV)
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.
Luke 24:2-3 (NIV)
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus
Luke 24:4 (NIV)
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.
Luke 24:5-6a (NIV)
In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
Luke 24:6b-7 (NIV)
Remember how he told you, while he was still with you Galilee: ”The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.“
Luke 24:8 (NIV)
Then they remembered his words.
Luke 11:29 (NLT)
As the crowd pressed in on Jesus, he said, “This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah.
Luke 11:33 (NLT)
What happened to him was a sign to the people of Nineveh that God had sent him. What happens to the Son of Man will be a sign to these people that he was sent by God.
Luke 11:31 (NLT)
“The queen of Sheba will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen.
The story of Jonah shows us how far God will go to rescue even the worst of people.
The story of the Queen of Sheba documents how far even good people have to go to come to God.
Luke 11:29 (NLT)
As the crowd pressed in on Jesus, he said, “This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah.
Matthew 12:40 (NLT)
For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
Luke 11:33 (NLT)
What happened to him was a sign to the people of Nineveh that God had sent him. What happens to the Son of Man will be a sign to these people that he was sent by God.
Luke 11:31 (NLT)
“The queen of Sheba will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen.
Luke 11:32 (NLT)
The people of Nineveh will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent.
Good Friday is an opportunity each year for us to join with Christians around the world as we remember Christ's crucifixion.
This will be an excellent time for us to reflect on the cross, worship together, and partake in communion. So gather together with your family or home community and join us for Good Friday.
For Communion: Have your elements ready (bread/cracker and wine/juice) and be guided through this time of worship in your home.
We’re in our Luke sermon series that will lead us up to Easter. In this series, we are focusing on the life of Jesus as revealed in the book of Luke.
Sermon Notes - March 28, 2021Luke: Death Foretold (Luke 9:22-27 NLT)-Jon Furman Luke 9:22 (NLT)“The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”
Luke 9:23 (NLT)Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:24 (NLT)If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Psuche – Soul/Living Self/Way of Thinking
Luke 9:25 (NLT)And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?
John 15:20 (NIV)Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
1 Peter 4:1–2 (NIV)“…since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”
Application Points:
- Assume Suffering
- Anticipate Difficulty
- Await the Rewards
James 1:12 (NLT)
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Brian Becker continues our series on the Gospel of Luke.
Sermon Notes - March 21, 2021Luke: Dead Are Raised - Brian Becker Luke 7:11 (NLT)Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him.
Luke 7:12 (NLT)A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.
Luke 7:13-14 (NLT)When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.”
Luke 7:15-16 (NLT)Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people today.”
Luke 7:17 (NLT)And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.
Amazed by faith
Moved by grief
Luke 7:11 (NLT)Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him.
Luke 7:12 (NLT)A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.
Luke 7:13a (NLT)When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion…
To reveal the compassion of his humanity.
Philippians 2:7-8 (NLT)Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
“Only the Suffering God can help.”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Luke 7:13 (NLT)When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry,” he said.
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
“Shalom was God’s dream for the world as it should be: whole, vibrant, flourishing, unified, and yes, at peace. Shalom is still God’s dream for his love to bring wholeness and goodness to the world and everything within it, including you and me." — Osheta Moore
Luke 7:14 (NLT)Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped…
Luke 7:14 (NLT)Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.
To reveal the compassion of his humanity.
To reveal the power of his divinity.
Psalm 24:8 (NIV)Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
Psalm 24:9 (NIV)Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Psalm 24:10 (NIV)Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.
Luke 7:16 (NLT)Great fearswept the crowd…
Luke 7:16 (NLT)Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people today.”
Luke 7:17 (NLT)And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.
Jesus has a greater compassion.
Jesus has a greater power.
Jesus has a greater perspective.
Continuing through the series in Luke, Brian teaches through Luke 5:17-26
Sermon Notes - March 14, 2021 Luke: The Lame Walk - Brian Becker Luke 5:17 (ESV)On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.
Mark 2:2 (ESV)
And many were gathered together, so there was no more room, not even at the door.
Luke 5:18-19a (NLT)
Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd.
Luke 5:19b (NLT)
So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
Mark 2:4 (NLT)
They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.
Luke 5:20 (NLT)
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:21 (NLT)
But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!
Luke 5:22-23 (NLT)
Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?
Luke 5:24 (NLT)
So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
Luke 5:25 (NLT)
And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God.
Luke 5:20 (NLT)
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” You’ll never reach the person on the mat in your story, until you see yourself as the person on the mat in this story.
John 1:29 (ESV)
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world...”
Jesus is the hero. Jesus is the hero.
All we need to be is a friend.
Passed by... Picked up...
Luke 5:26 (NLT)
And everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”
Sermon Notes - March 7, 2021Luke: The Blind Receive Sight - Brian Becker "There is practically nothing that messes with people’s relational harmony or dynamics more than broken expectations." - Jeremy Kubicek**
Luke 18:35-36 (ESV)As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.
Luke 18:37-38 (ESV)They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Luke 18:35-36 (ESV)As he (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.
Luke 18:37-38 (ESV)They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent…
Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Luke 16:16 (ESV)The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”Breakthrough belongs to those who go for it.
Luke 18:17 (ESV)Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And then Jesus stopped…
One of the only things worse than blindness, is not knowing that you are blind.
“ Better to be blind and see with your heart, than to have two good eyes and see nothing.” - Helen Keller
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And then Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Mark 10:49,50 (ESV)“Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.’ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.”
Luke 18:40b-41 (ESV)And when he came near, (Jesus) asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”
Luke 18:42-43 (ESV)And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Psalm 121:1 (NIV)I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Sermon Notes - February 28, 2021Luke: New Purposes - Brian Becker
Luke the Doctor
Luke the Evangelist
Luke 5:1-2On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
Luke 5:3Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land and he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Luke 5:4And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Luke 5:5And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!…But at your word I will let down the nets.”
What will we do, when we think we know better than God?
“But at your word, I will…”
Luke 5:6-7And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
A New Awareness of Jesus
Luke 5:8But when Simon saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
A new awareness of sin.
A true awareness of Jesus will always lead to a true awareness of sin.“Man never attains to a true knowledge of himself until he has contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself.” John Calvin
A New Awareness of Mission
Luke 5:10And Jesus said: “Don’t be afraid, Simon. From now on, I’ll ask you to bring Me people instead of fish.”
Mark 1:17And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Luke 5:11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
The account of Jesus' life as recorded by Luke is the most comprehensive and well-sourced account we have. This means it is not only credible but also carries an air of certainty. These two things combined make for a book that gives excellent Assurance to Jesus being the one who can save us. And we are sure you would agree with us that we could all use a bit more assurance in our crazy world. So join us as we journey through Luke.
For the final message in our series on mental health, guest speaker Dr. Paul Alexander teaches on Depression.
Sermon Notes - February 7, 2021“I’m Not Okay”: Depression - Dr. Paul Alexander
Psalm 121 (paraphrase)I will lift up my eyes to the mountains from where my help comes. My help comes from the Lord. He made heaven, he made the earth. He will not allow your foot to slip. Behold, he will help you. He will keep you. He will protect you from all evil.
Recovery for Depression has two parts - God’s part and Our part
God’s Part:
- He has given us Emmanuel (the knowledge that God is with us)
- He has given us the Holy Spirit
- He has given us His Word
- He has given us worship
- He has given us an invitation
Matthew 11:28Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Our Part:Step out of the cave and re-enter life. Take a risk, to take a step forward, to raise our hand and say “I need help”.
For the second message in our series on mental health, Kevin teaches on Anxiety.
Sermon Notes - January 31
I’m Not Okay: Anxiety - Kevin Wehr
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Our job is to cast, God’s job is to care.
CALM
C - Celebrate
A - Ask
L - Leave
M - Meditate
Max Lucado Statistics-Bullying - 55%
-Drug Addiction - 45%
-Drinking Alcohol - 45%
-Poverty - 40%
- ANXIETY - 70%
Anxiety is a meteor shower of ‘what-ifs’**
It’s a low-grade fear, it’s an edginess, it’s a cold wind that just won’t stop howling. It’s not so much a storm as it is just a hunch. Maybe even the certainty that a storm is coming. Always another storm. Sunny days are just an interlude. Sunny days are just an interlude. A person can’t relax in life. You can’t enjoy the sun too much. You can’t really let your guard down because peace is temporary. It’s just short term so you don’t sleep well. You don’t laugh much. You don’t whistle when you walk. It’s a meteor shower of what-ifs. Well, what if I don’t get the job? What if I don’t get the bonus? What if I can’t afford braces for the kids? What if our kids grow up with crooked teeth? What if they don’t get a boyfriend or girlfriend? What if someday they’re standing on a street corner holding up a cardboard sign that says, “My parents never bought me braces?”
The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.
Fear sees a threat and it reacts
Anxiety imagines a threat and it gets stuck
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Don’t live in a perpetual state of day after day, week after week, month after month anxiety
-Surface idols
-Source idols
Comfort
Control
Certainty is a cruel imposter
Perceived control creates calm.
Lack of control gives birth to fear
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
God is good AND God is in control
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything.
Isaiah 6:3b (NIV)
Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.
2 Corinthians 1:20a (NLT)
For all God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding, “Yes!”
Guest speaker Sarah Shin teaches about revisiting the way we think about race.
Sermon Notes - January 17, 2021RESET - Sarah Shin Romans 12:9-10Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Philemon 8-9aAlthough in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.
Philemon 10-21that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him — who is my very heart — back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever — no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Kevin teaches about reestablishing our connection and roles in the body of Christ.
Sermon Notes - January 10
Reset: Many, but One - Kevin Wehr
Many, but One
We are united WITH diversity
Romans 12:3a (NIV)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think more highly of yourselves than you ought…
Honor is one of the most beautiful and neglected virtues in our world today.
Unlike criticism, contempt is particularly toxic because it assumes a moral superiority in the speaker.
The toxic power of contempt lies in its evaluation of others.
Romans 12:3b-6a (NIV)
But rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function. So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
We love to apply these verses to ourselves, endlessly taking personality tests to understand who we are and what our calling is. Then with great intentionality, we try to honor the sacred journey God has for us. But I wonder how often we apply this same perspective to others. They, too, are here for a purpose. They, too, were made who they are for a reason. They, too, have good works to walk in.
Honor doesn’t just consider our own calling and doesn’t just view others as those here to help us fulfill it; honor respects and supports the plans and purposes of others and considers it a deep privilege to help others realize their destiny - Jon Tyson
Everyday, everyone needs something and has something to give.
I cannot be all I was meant to be without you, and cannot be all that you were meant to be without me.
Megan teaches about removing all the voices and listening to the one true voice of God.
Sermon Notes - January 3, 2021
RESET: Above the Noise - Megan Lemmons
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 (NLT)Let God transform you by renewing the way you think.
Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Reset by knowing God
Colossians 3:10 (NLT)Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
John 10:14-15 (NIV)I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.
Reset by changing our inputs
John 15:4Abide in me, and I will Abide in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you Abide in me.
To abide means: To belong to; to endure; to stop & wait; or to stay.
“Soaking in God’s presence is an act of trusting that God is at work in and through us even when we aren’t doing anything. It allows us to make space for God to restore us, give us rest, and maybe speak to us. As we practice soaking in God’s presence, we make ourselves more aware of how God is moving in our day-to-day moments” Brandi Miller
Adele Calhoun Contemplative prayer is a way of being with God that does not depend on giving the holy One information about what we would like done in the world. Just as friends can enjoy one another without conversing, contemplative prayer is a way of being with God without wordiness. In contemplative prayer we rest and wait. Keeping our hearts alert and awake to the presence of God and his Word, we listen.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Dayne Scanlon closes out our advent series "All Is Bright?"
Sermon Notes - December 27
All is Bright? Unplanned Journey- Dayne Scanlon
Matthew 2:13-15a
When they (the Shepherds) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.
When you trust in Jesus, you experience unshaken perseverance Christ-Like character, and a hope that doesn’t disappoint.
Romans 5:2b-4
And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
IF 2021 is worse than 2020… then that might be good news for us.
Unshaken Perseverance
Christ-Like Character
Galatians 5:22-23
but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Hope that doesn’t disappoint
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:10-11
This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Habitual Prayer
Healthy Spiritual Community
Praise God always
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Brian Becker teaches for the third week of our Advent series.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Brian Becker teaches for the third week of our Advent series.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Kevin Wehr teaches for the second week of our Advent series.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Kevin Wehr teaches for the second week of our Advent series.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Jon Furman teaches for the first week of our Advent series.
In celebration of the coming of the one who has the power to bring hope, healing, and joy, Jon Furman teaches for the first week of our Advent series.
Today, Grant Hickman will be closing out our series, At The Table, with a conversation on who's missing at the table.
Today, we're continuing our series, At The Table, a conversation about pointing our finger toward Jesus instead of judgement. Join us as Kevin Wehr teaches.
Today, we're continuing our series, At The Table, a conversation about pointing our finger toward Jesus instead of judgement. Join us as Kevin Wehr teaches.
Today, we're kicking off our new series, At The Table, a conversation about pointing our finger toward Jesus instead of judgement.
We’re in our series, Unmasking Monsters, and today Kevin Wehr leads us through Matthew 5:11, 43-48 in Vampire.
We’re in our series, Unmasking Monsters, and today Kevin Wehr leads us through Mark 5:1-20 in "Mummy."
We’re in our series, Unmasking Monsters, and today Megan Lemmons leads us through Psalm 4 in "Werewolf."
We’re in our series, Unmasking Monsters, and today Kevin Wehr leads us through Matthew 18:15-20 in "Zombie."
Join us this week as we kick off our new series, Unmasking Monsters. Today, Grant Hickman leads us through 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 in week one– "Frankenstein."
We’re in our series, Church Rx, and today Pastor Kevin Wehr leads us through Revelation 3:7-13 in Philadelphia: The Enduring Church
We’re in our series, Church Rx, and today Pastor Kevin Wehr leads us through Revelation 3:1-6 in Sardis: The Sleeping Church
We’re in our series, Church Rx, and today Pastor Kevin Wehr leads us through Revelation 2:12-29 in Pergamum/Thyatira: The Confused Church
We’re in our series, Church Rx, and today Pastor Kevin Wehr leads us through Revelation 2:8-11 in Smyrna: The Suffering Church
We’re in our series, Church Rx, and today Pastor Grant Hickman leads us through Revelation 3:14-22 in "Laodicea: The Self-Sufficient Church"
Join us this week as we kick off our new series, Church Rx. Today, Pastor Kevin Wehr leads us in week one– Ephesus: The “Forgetful” Church
Grant Hickman teaching from our series 'Off The Map'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Brian Becker teaching from our series 'Off The Map'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Kevin Wehr teaching from our series 'Off The Map'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Jon Furman teaching from our series 'Off The Map'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Our teaching team all together kicking off our series 'Off The Map'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin teaching from our series 'Cemented Friendships'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Brian teaching from our series 'Cemented Friendships'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin teaching from our series 'Cemented Friendships'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Jon Furman teaching from our series 'Cemented Friendships'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Grant teaching from our series 'Cemented Friendships'. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin speaking from our 'Battle Ready' series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin speaking from our 'Battle Ready' series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin speaking from our 'Battle Ready' series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin speaking from our 'Battle Ready' series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin teaches from our Locally Grown series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin teaches from our Locally Grown series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Grant teaches from our Locally Grown series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Kevin teaches from our Locally Grown series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Pastor Grant teaches from our Locally Grown series. We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
From our 'Letters From My Future Self' series.
We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
From our 'Letters From My Future Self' series.
We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
From our 'Letters From My Future Self' series.
We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
From our 'Letters From My Future Self' series.
We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
From our 'Letters From My Future Self' series.
We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
For next steps and more resources, visit willamette.cc
We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
For resources and next steps, check us out at willamette.cc.
From our current series 'Over It', pastor Kevin Wehr explores how God built us for community with others and the importance of creating space for community with God.
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We exist to inspire people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
For resources and next steps, check us out at willamette.cc.