Riverdale Sermons: Recent Episodes
Pastor Chris Dericks
Pastor Chris Dericks gives his weekly sermon from the pulpit of Riverdale United Presbyterian Church in Moon Township, PA
As Saul (later Paul) was directed by the influences of his upbringing and education
to be a Pharisee, so we are influenced to become what we are. Saul's conversion began as
Jesus asked "Why are you doing this?", but it would have come to naught had he not
listened. Will you listen to Jesus when He asks "Why do you do this?"
Like the Samaritan woman at the well, we all have shame that we try to mask in various ways.
Jesus uncovers these effortlessly, but then offers us His eternal spring of quenching water.
The woman was so unraveled that she left her pitcher at the well in her haste to share the
encounter. Can you share the quenching water of Christ that way?
Very often, when events generate fear in us, we become wary and fail to trust
in God's abundance. If you find yourself in need, remember that God will provide
for His people. Don't let your fear unravel you!
Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Jericho, was not considered worthy of respect in his community
because of his occupation. Jesus, however, felt him worthy enough to dine at his home.
Zacchaeus immediately repented of his sins. As always, Jesus does the unexpected. By reflection,
Jesus lit the sins of Zacchaeus and the hypocrisy of his neighbors. You, too, can be found worthy!
Though we may differ from our fellow beings, we may sometimes grieve together
through a shared hardship or pain. If we can feel empathy for another, our
situations may change our feelings in a different direction. This can often result in a
positive change in our behavior.
When Jesus walked on the stormy Sea of Galilee to meet His disciples,
only Peter had the courage to try to meet Him partway. The rest of the disciples
sat in the boat. Will you have the courage and faith to try to meet Him,
or will you sit in the boat & wish for peace?
In the uncertainty of life, you will find times of pain and disquiet.
You may be surprised to find that, when you feel totally unraveled,
God provides times of joy in the midst of chaos.
When Jesus called for Lazarus to rise from death, he had to get rid of the
grave clothes he was wrapped in. For us to be resurrected to new life in
our spirit, we must rid ourselves of our "grave clothes". What are the things
you are wrapped in which keep your spirit dead?
Just like Mary & Martha, we often ride the fence between belief and unbelief.
Fortunately, the miracles of Jesus do not depend on our faith. He does not need our help
for that. Rather, His deeds, combined with our faith in Him, are meant to
show the full glory of God and His creations.
A good leader keeps his followers together by addressing their concerns and keeping them safe.
As fully God and fully man, Jesus was able to experience the emotions and concerns of His followers.
Thus, He was able to give Mary & Martha the comfort they needed in a time of distress.
Isn't this the kind of leader you would want to follow?
With Jesus' help, Mary was able to walk through her disappointment & pain over the
death of her brother, Lazarus. Jesus will help us find our way when we are in pain.
Remember that as darkness gives way at sunrise, our darkness & pain
will give way to light at Son Rise!!
Most of us are like Martha, the "busy" sister of Lazarus; we are inpatient and
unable to wait for anything. Jesus, and all that He gives us, is worth waiting for.
During this time of forced inactivity, we should step back, take a break, and
wait for the wonders & gifts that Christ brings.
The lawnmower parent is one who goes ahead of his child to mow down
all obstacles. Many of us wish God was like that for us. But, if we never face adversity,
we never have the chance to develop our strength, or experience God's comfort.
Don't wish for the "lawnmower" God; instead, reach for Him in time of need!
Often our sins & troubles keep us in darkness and can feel like death.
But when we ask Jesus for His help, in faith and with expectation, He can change
that feeling. Then we feel like we have emerged into the light of life.
Grasp that feeling today!!
In Philippians, Paul advises us to think of the good, praiseworthy, and righteous
things Jesus teaches about. Being children of God, these thoughts will then lead
us to act upon those things in accordance with His teachings. The peace of
God will then be evident in us.
While in prison in Rome, Paul had every reason to be anxious.
Instead, he endured his hardship, with God's help, and found the peace of Christ.
In this way, we too can find joy no matter what our situation.
Pastor Chris explains in today's message.
Moving on can be difficult; past guilt or pain can affect our relationship
with others & with Christ. To grow & mature as Christians, we need to press on
toward better knowledge of Him. However, we needn't completely forget our past
because that which we experience can often help comfort & aid another.