This is the podcast for Emmanuel Baptist Church in Jefferson City Tennessee. These sermons are given by Dr. Sonny Strange and various guest speakers.
Emmanuel Baptist Church Sermon 4 18 20 Brother Benny Keck
November 25, 2018 The Searchers Psalm 132:1-5 Synopsis: Let me begin by saying I am not trying to rush into Christmas although I truly do love this time of the year. My sermons over the next few weeks will be drawn from Matthew’s telling of the Wise Men. I know we usually wait until after telling about the shepherds coming to the stable to see the baby Jesus, but this year I want to invite you to image with me the story of their search and ponder what wisdom we might discover for our own journey. What are you searching for? Where are you searching for truth and meaning or purpose in life? What comes next beyond life as we know it? Text (NLT): Psalm 132:1-5, Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-2 Children’s Lesson: Barbara Brown Taylor; illustrated by Melanie Cataldo, Home by Another Way, Louisville, KY, Flyaway Books, 2018.
October 21, 2018 Ignorant and Wayward People Hebrews 5:2 Synopsis: “Ignorant and Wayward People,” (Hebrews 5:2) surely that’s not us, right? OK, so at times we do fit the bill, maybe even a lot of the time. How do we fit the bill? We live uninformed lives demonstrated in our daily activities or in the lack of activities. Our “ignorant and wayward” lives demonstrate our need of a priest to intercede for us. At times, the priest we need is as close as our brother or sister in Christ Jesus. Believers are empowered to serve one another as a priest of the Most High God. The priesthood of all believers basically calls on us to do what we can for one another. There are times when there is not one among us who can do what we need. These are the times in our lives when only Jesus can deliver us and be our interceding High Priest in the presence of God the Father. Text (NLT): Hebrews 5:1-10; Genesis 14:17-24; Psalm 110:4 Scripture Reading: Psalm 104:1
Guest speaker Rev. Rick Bennett from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
September 9, 2018 Raising the Dead James 2:17 Synopsis: I love the resurrection hope of the Gospel and I love affirming the faith of those who believe, but I also know that too many people are way too dependent on affirmation. Disciples of Jesus Christ are believers who have moved beyond their need for “affirmation” of their faith to seek the “confirmation” of their faith in what they do. That is what James is saying. If believers want to live in the hope of the resurrection then they need raised from dead faith to living faith (James 2:17). Raising the Dead has always been the work of God. It has been demonstrated a few times in Scripture, but it is not an everyday experience. What can believers do to move from affirmation to confirmation to live in the hope of the resurrection? Ask! That is what the woman did when she moved beyond affirmation to confirmation and discover healing for her daughter in the experience the hope of the resurrection in Christ Jesus (Mark 7:24-30). Where is your faith? Are you living in the assurance of the resurrection? When your faith is tested, and it will be tested, will it produce the evidence of your transformation? If not, then your faith needs to be resurrected. [ Listen for the use of these words: Affirmation; Confirmation; Demonstration; Resurrection; Transformation] Text (NLT): James 2:14-17, 1-9
September 2, 2018 Labor Day Weekend Do What It Says! James 1:22 Synopsis: “Do what it says” sounds so much like Jesus that I sometimes think James was quoting Jesus. It is a problem that we all have especially as we hear the word of the Lord on a very personal level. We put on a good show, but only wind up fooling ourselves. The salvation of God begins in the heart of men and women, boys and girls and works its way out in every aspect of life or it is not the salvation of God at all. We may be putting on a good show but the reality is we are just fooling ourselves. God knows. Text (NLT): James 1:19-27: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Mark 7:1-8; Isaiah 29:11-14; Mark 7:14-15, 21-23.
August 19, 2018 What’s Ya Need? 1 Kings 3:5 Synopsis: Have you ever been in one of those situations where you were caught not knowing what to ask for? Maybe it happened when you were getting ready to order something at a new restaurant or searching for something online. There are times when you really do have to be careful about what you ask for because you might get it. That is not always a good thing. Solomon had what might be classified as a very enchanting “dream” one night (1 Kings 3:3-14). He dreamed that the Lord told him to ask for anything he wanted. WOW! You would like to have had that dream? What would you have asked for? More wishes? What Solomon asked for was not so much a wish for what he wanted as much as it was a prayer for what he needed in order to do what God had positioned him to do. Believers today need to learn the lesson of Solomon and ask God for wisdom (James 1:2-8) to make the right decisions in their lives (Ephesians 5:15-20). Did you say you had more experience in doing the “don’t” than in doing the “dos?” God has a cure for that if you will trust Him (Psalm 111:10). Text: 1 Kings 3:3-14, NIV; James 1:2-8; Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT; Psalm 111:10, NLT Scripture Reading: Psalm 111:1-4
July 29, 2018 For This Reason Ephesians 3:14-21 Synopsis: The first half of the letter to the church in Ephesus tells the story of God’s work in Christ Jesus and the Apostle’s prayer for the growth and development of the church. “For this reason” is the phrase that Paul used to emphasize that work. It is found in the beginning of the letter and later on in chapter 3, my text for today. It is because of what God has done in Christ and will do in the church that he prays for their “strength”, “love”, “knowledge” and “fullness”. With these the church may know God’s love and share God’s love with others. Text (NIV): Ephesians 3:14-21, 1:3, 15-23 Scripture Reading: Psalm 14:1-2
July 8, 2018 Passportkids Reporting All Caught Up 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Synopsis: It is easy to get “All Caught Up” in many different things in life. Many of those things are just down right fun and remain that way for varying lengths of time. Short term things often are called FADS. We fill closets and storage buildings with the stuff that once captured our attention. The stuff that is just waiting for a second go-round. Other things happen to us in life that holds our attention for longer periods of time. I am referring to things that are not defined by “stuff” as much as relationships. And finally, there are experiences that we have in life that catch us and capture our attention so that we are never the same afterwards. There is little question in my mind that the Apostle Paul was “All Caught Up” in Jesus Christ. Paul had many experiences of the resurrected Lord but he was never the same after the first one. In this passage (2 Corinthians 12:1) Paul refers to being “caught up into the third heaven.” Not everybody gets to go there. Not everybody gets to have that experience, but everybody can experience the life changing presence of Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. A line from a Kirk Talley’s song simply says “He is here, you can touch Him. You will never be the same.” (He Is Here, © 2011 Kirk Talley Music) Text (NIV): 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Scripture Reading: Psalm 48:1, NIV
July 1, 2018 The Remembrance Freedom Isn’t Free It’s Transformative 2 Corinthians 8:9 Synopsis: I’m sure you have heard many times that “Freedom Isn’t Free” and that is true in many different ways. The price for freedom from the wages of sin and death is far beyond our human ability to pay. The good news, as Paul points out, is that freedom is possible in Christ Jesus simply because Jesus paid the price. But that is not all of the story. True “Freedom” in Christ Jesus “Isn’t Free It’s Transformative.” Freedom that isn’t transformative may best be described as anarchy. I would argue that the framers of The Declaration of Independence insisted that free people are not to be anarchist but patriots. Think with me for just a moment. Do you remember the stories of the struggles the Children of Israel had as they broke away from Egypt? They were free from Egyptian bondage, but they were not yet transformed. Anarchy seemed to rule the day. Moses was often frustrated trying to deal with the People of anarch. It took a long time but step by step they were transformed into the People of God. Eventually they were able to enter the Promised Land. Today, as we come to the Lord’s Table we are celebrating our freedom in Christ Jesus while taking transformative steps in our daily life that will truly let freedom ring. Jesus transformed the meaning of the bread and wine of Passover to living signs of His brokenness for our wholeness and the establishment of a new covenant relationship that is for our transformation. Text (NIV): 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Scripture Reading: Psalm 130:1-4, NIV
June 24, 2018 Commissioning High School Youth Mission Team Calming the Troubled Waters Mark 4:35-41 Synopsis: Many people have no problem affirming that Jesus Calmed the Troubled Waters. They know the Gospel stories (Mark 4:35-41), but that doesn’t mean they know how to get Jesus to calm the troubled waters of their lives. Listen to the story carefully and you will see that the Disciples didn’t have faith to calm the troubled waters for themselves. They needed Jesus. You and I are no different. We need Jesus too not just to save our soul but to guide and protect us on our journey of life. God help us to learn the lesson of trust and prayer. Text: Mark 4:35-41, CEV; Philippians 4:6, NLT Scripture Reading: Psalm 9:9-11
June 10, 2018 Misunderstood vs. Misrepresented Mark 3:20-22 Synopsis: With all that was going on in those days (Mark 3:20-35) it is easy to see how Jesus’ family and friends could have “misunderstood” what was happening. Maybe they were acting out of love when they tried to step in and “rescue Him” from himself. That is not what was happening with the Pharisees. Text (NLT): Mark 3:20-22, 23-27, 28-30, 31-35; 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Scripture Reading: Psalm 138:6-8
June 6, 2018 Appalachian Outreach Week Stretch Out Your Hand! Mark 3:5 Synopsis: Jesus was frustrated. Jesus was angry with the opposition, but He never let that stop him from doing what someone needed. Neither should we. Jesus told a man whose hand was shriveled to “Stretch Out Your Hand!” It was on the Sabbath and they were standing in a synagogue surrounded by witnesses. And when the man responded he found he was healed. Those who opposed Jesus rushed out to meet with other in another effort to get Jesus killed. Don’t be like them. Instead, “Stretch Out You Hand” and be healed and go offer healing to others in Jesus’ Name. Text (NIV): Psalm 139:1-6; Mark 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
May 13, 2018 Mother’s Day Living In The Assurance 1 John 5:13 Synopsis: We have reached our destination. It has taken us five weeks to get here. Today we take a long look at the assurance of “eternal life.” Each week of our journey I have focused in on points found in the five chapters of the Epistle of 1 John. All along the way I wanted to get to 1 John 5:13 “so that you may know that you have eternal life.” But first we had to examine the things John has written to believers as the basis for that assurance. Fellowship Matters to share with God & Believers What’d Ya Know – Good? Knowing is relational not mental Love From Both Sides God is Good, and if you don’t know Jesus you don’t love. Test Your Spirituality The Spirit of God is just like God. Turn your radio on and tune in to God. Living in The Assurance Today I we test our GPS setting. Let’s listen to the voice of the “love” of God to guide us all the way to our destination. Text (NIV): 1 John 5 Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:13-15
April 22, 2018 Whad’Ya Know – Good? Sin and Fellowship 1 John 2:3 Synopsis: Remember that my goal in preaching this series of sermons from 1 John is “so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13, NIV).” I want very one to have the assurance of eternal life. I want to start today’s message by reading 1 John 2:12-14 from the NIV and then from The Message. The point is, we need to look at the meaning instead of just the wording. What was John telling us instead of what we want to hear. My primary text for today comes from 1 John 2:3. We begin our work of “knowing” as “little children” sitting at the feet of our teacher. What better way is there to learn. There is room at our teacher’s feet for anyone who desires to “know.” There are a lot of things believers need to know to get along in life. First of all, maybe even most of all, believers need to know “good” because God is Good. “Knowing” Him and living in His fellowship is to be reflected in the life of every believer because for John “knowing” is always “relational.” John cuts through the chase when he writes, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” Whad’Ya Know – Good? Point to remember: “Knowing”, as John is using the term, is always “relational” not mental. Text (NIV): 1 John 2:12-14 (NIV & The Message); Psalm 73:1; Luke 18:19; 1 John 2:1-27
April 15, 2018 Fellowship Matters 1 John 1:3 Synopsis: Today I am launching into a sermon series in the Epistle of 1 John. I want to tell you up front where I am going, but you and I will have to work through the rest of the letter before we get there. 1 John 5:13, NIV “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I want each and every one of you to know that you have eternal live. The rest of the letter forms the critical context for that assurance. Too often I hear people jumping to the assurance without doing the work on which the assurance is built. Let’s start where we must start in the journey of assurance and that is with the fellowship (1 John). The first lesson is simple. The assurance of “eternal life” is not made in absentia of the fellowship. We use that word in a lot of different ways. In fact some congregations have chosen to use the word “fellowship” instead of “church” in their name. I have even seen some congregations that use both. Baptist have always been good at using the term “fellowship” when it comes to food. That is why we have a “Fellowship Hall.” Now, let’s talk about “fellowship” in matters of eternal consequence, because “Fellowship Matters.” In verse three John launches us into the types of fellowship that matters. There is the fellowship of believers and the fellowship with God. In both cases fellowship is more than what you say. Text (NIV): 1 John 1:1-10; Acts 2:42-43; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 4:7-11 Scripture Reading: Psalms 4:6-8,
April 1, 2018 Easter The Release 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Synopsis: This is Easter morning and since women believers were the first to discover the empty tomb and first to proclaim the resurrection story it is only fitting that we have women leading us in reading the story this morning. This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24) Why are we so happy? We are happy because Jesus was and is victorious over death and the grave. As Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) “Christ died for our sins, … buried, and three days later he was raised to life.” Praise God the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Chains of death and hell have been forever broken. It’s time for all those who believe to act like it. Time’s Up for living a complacent life. Time’s Up for waiting for another tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation, do not harden your heart, it could burst. Text: (CEV): 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Pew Bible page 987; Psalm 118:18-24, Pew Bible page 512-513; Acts 10:42-46, Pew Bible page 942. Scripture Reading: John 20:1-18, CEV
Let me invite you to join us as we go back in time and place to hear again the good news as we tell portions of the story of Jesus’ ministry. The first scene on the main stage will feature a setting like the Sermon on the Mount. In this scene you will hear Jesus’ invitation that will be carried throughout the program, “Come follow me.” First the Emmanuel Kid’s Choir will respond to his invitation with song then find acceptance as they join him at the top of the stage. Next you will hear Jesus share portions of the Beatitudes and His teaching concerning prayer. Following the morning offering scene two will focus on a meeting room up in the baptistery area. There you will see and hear from Peter, John, Andrew and Nicodemus as each one shares special insights about life with Jesus. This is also when they will be introducing a brand-new song written by our very own minister of music Dr. Mark Hussung, Come and See. The final scene will feature the Upper Room where Peter shares more of his story and sings Peter’s Song (also written by Mark Hussung). Other Disciples will join him in singing and then Jesus will lead us in the celebration of The Last Supper. We hope all of you will join us as we eat the bread and drink from the cup of The Remembrance.
March 11, 2018 Look Up and Live John 3:14-15 Synopsis: The title of my sermon today is “Look Up and Live.” I admit it sounds more like a warning to all those who text while driving. We know better, but…we’ve been bitten by the technology bug and feel the need to be constantly in touch. In case you’re wondering, no this is not part of a sermon series on smart phones. Though maybe it should be. “Look Up and Live” comes right out of the text of the Lord’s message to Moses. You see, the Lord knows looking up to Him is the place to begin whenever His people are surrounded by troubles. The way out of our troubles isn’t found in them. The way out of our troubles is found in HIM (Exodus 21:4-9). You see, I believe this story is not just about Moses, the people of Israel in their wilderness wandering and a nest of snakes. I believe it’s about you and me and the way to the promised land (John 3:14-21). How far does one have to go before he or she starts looking in a different direction for help (Psalm 107:17-22)? What are you waiting on (Ephesians 2:1-10)? Text: Numbers 21:4-9, NLT; John 3:14-21, ESV; Psalm 107:17-22, NLT; Ephesians 2:1-10, MSG. Scripture Reading: Psalm 107:1-3
February 11, 2018 Why Him? 2 Kings 5:13-14 Synopsis: Have you ever asked the question “Why Him?” Sure you have. That question had to be floating around among the people of Judah in reference to this story of the healing of Naaman (23 Kings 5:1-14). On the one hand we all want to know “Why do bad things happen to good people.” And on the other hand, “Why do good things happen to bad people?” Those questions only get intensified when the questions center around our enemies. Jesus seems to deal with the questions by simply saying good and bad happens to all of us (Matthew 5:44-46). It seems that there is no shortage of people who know better than God how God ought to act. The story illustrates the need for a witness even to our enemies so that the Glory of the Lord will be revealed. The prophet didn’t act the way Naaman thought he should. The prophet made no impressive gyrations nor uttered any enchantments and asked for no tributes to be paid. It just didn’t happen the way Naaman thought it would, but it did happen when he did what he was instructed to do. Now that is a witness we need to pay attention to. Jesus healed lepers too. It didn’t happen the way the ones being healed thought it should. But it too happened for a witness (Mark 1:40-45). The question I am left with is this, “What have we done as a result of our healing?” Have we been faithful to do what our Savior asked us to do? Text (NIV): 2 Kings 5:1-14; Matthew 5:44-46; Mark 1:40-45 Scripture Reading: Psalm 30:10-12
January 28, 2018 Bullfrog Religion 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Synopsis: Paul was continuing down a list of questions from the believers in Corinth when the subject of food sacrificed to idols came up. It was a thorny question for the believers there who, like all of us, were made up of believers at different levels of maturity. Paul’s answer went way beyond the question to strike at the need of the church in Corinth and everywhere else. Throughout the letter to the Corinthians Paul emphasized the need for unity in the church, true knowledge and true love. Some in the church were “puffed up” about what they thought they knew and were not concerned about the affect it was having on other believers. We have a common phrase (idiom) that I have found in a lot of different uses in a lot of different sections of our society. I am sure you have heard it and suspect you have even used it. The phrase is “puffed-up like a bull frog” and it came to my mind when I was reading verse 1, thus my title Bullfrog Religion. Simply put a religious bullfrog is someone who is all puffed up with making their own noises and therefore lean toward the put down of those around them instead of building others up in love. Which do you think is more like Christ? Surely, the work of the church is not about making noises. In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul wrote more extensively about love and closed with naming the things that remain “faith, hope and love.” Of course, “love” is the one that remains but I hope you noticed “knowledge” didn’t even make the list. Text (NIV): 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
January 21, 2018 In God Alone Psalm 62:5 Synopsis: Our world is continually “passing away.” New things are becoming old. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:31 “For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” Consistency, norm, standards, etc. always seem to be conditional and therefore unstable at best. Faith, on the other hand, invites us to place our hope on the God Who is faithful. With that in mind, let us listen afresh to the call of the psalmist (Psalm 62:5-12): 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. 10b And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. There are a lot of things I could talk to you about today. Important things like: Your finances, Church finances, Your physical, mental, spiritual health. Serious things like: Your relationships with others at home, at work, with your neighbors. There is one thing that is critical in bringing order to all your questions about finances, health concerns, and relationships in your life and that one thing is God. The place we need to begin is worship. Today, I just want to help you worship. Text (NLT): 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Psalm 62:5-12 Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
January 14, 2018 We Have Work To Do Psalm 139:16 Synopsis: The title of my sermon today is not framed as a question, but rather as a statement. We (that is all of us) have (present tense) work (toil) to do (because of whose we are) and we have only a few days (limited time) to get it done. First of all, let’s consider the fact that God knows all there is to know about us even to the point of the number of our days. As believers, we should consider that a good thing. The numbering of days has already begun for 2018. Thirteen days are already in the books and we will be at the half way mark for day fourteen by the end of this service. I guess the big looming question is what do you have to show for it? Are you still in the running on your New Year’s Resolution? Did you learn anything from the numbering of your days in 2017 that is being translated into these days? Text (NIV): Psalm 139:13-18; Revelation 4:8; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, MSG
January 7, 2018 An Epiphany Realized Matthew 3:13-17 Synopsis: People don’t always experience an epiphany on January 6th even though it is identified as such on the calendar. The date represents when the gentiles of the world, represented in the Magi, experienced the manifestation of God in the baby Jesus. There have been and continue to be many manifestations but we often fail to experience and “epiphany” because we have not been reconciled to God and man. John the Baptist is a prime example of someone who was not concerned with what other people thought of him. However, John had to reconcile his understanding of baptism when Jesus presented Himself on the banks of Jordan. To be honest, we all have a lot of work to do in order to realize an epiphany. To be honest, God has already done the hard word of reconciliation (Colossians 1:19-22, NLT) now it is up to us. First, we need to “Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength” mercy and grace, for salvation is of God not of us. The next thing is we need to be reconciled to God and man (Matthew 5:23-24, NLT). Then, we may have an opportunity to experience the epiphany. Text (NIV): Psalm 29:1-2; Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 1:19-22, NLT; Matthew 5:23-24, NLT Scripture Reading: Psalm 29:1-2
October 1, 2017 Let Everybody Sing Philippians 2:5 Synopsis: My opening prayer today is found in Psalm 25:1-9, NLT. I invite you to join me in prayer. The title for this sermon is inspired by the fact that verses 6-11 contain the words to a hymn of the early church, and I mean really early. “Let Everybody Sing” is an invitation for our assembly to demonstrate harmony of the early church. There three things I want to emphasize from this passage. 1. Paul’s emphasis on Congregational Harmony Everybody in the church needs to be on the same page: 1-4 2. Paul’s emphasis on Learning the Lyrics Everybody in the church needs to know the words: 5-11 3. Paul’s emphasis on Keep on Singing Everybody in the church needs to this a the song of their lives: 12-13. Just listening to the words of the early church as they sang their praises to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit ought to bring us to our feet in praise. Text (NLT): Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Scripture Reading: Responsive Reading # 404 “The People of God” Philippians 2:1-11, NIV
September 24, 2017 Even Better! Philippians 1:21-24 Synopsis: This Sunday I am start a four-sermon series from Philippians. The title for this sermon comes directly from the text (Philippians 1:21, NLT), “Even Better!” This was Paul’s attitude and the attitude he encouraged believers to demonstrate in their struggles of faith (27-29). How do you defeat somebody with this kind of an attitude? This attitude and demeanor sends a clear message to those who persecute you, “Your end is coming (my paraphrase of verse 28).” Paul assures believers, “We are in this struggle together (30).” Knowing that you are not alone in your journey is a great comfort and inspiration. Believers are there for each other and when the end comes it will be “Even Better.” Text (NLT): Philippians 1:21-30 Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:1-8
Homecoming at Emmanuel! Guest Speaker: Reverend Tim Collins
August 27, 2017 Commissioning: Romans 12:1-8 HELP! Isaiah 51:1 Synopsis: Do you ever need a little “HELP!” as you go through your day? Sure you do, unless of course you have a misguided ego. Where does your help come from? Believers know their help come from the Lord and other believers. “If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side …” Psalm 124:1-5, ESV, “they would have swallowed us up alive…” In verse 8, Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Isaiah (51:1-6) wrote to the people of Israel to “look to the rock from which you were hewn …” So believers have the strength of the Lord with them and the fellowship of other believers to also encourage and help in prayer and other ways as needed. God has blessed the body of Christ with all the parts necessary to support and help one another. It would have been enough for God to save us, but God did not stop there. In fact, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has never stopped providing help to those who believe. Too all of those who have helped the body of Christ in this place we say “thank you.” To all of those who have made commitments to help in the year ahead we commission you for service in Jesus’ name. Remember, “We are one in Christ Jesus or we are nothing.” Text (ESV): Isaiah 51:1-6; Romans 12:1-8 Scripture Reading: Psalm 124:1-5
Mercy Bound Isaiah 56:6-8 Synopsis: I open my message today with a short reading from Psalm 133. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” That is a beautiful though in any age, but I think, in today’s unless and uncertainty, it presents a contrasting vision for us as we gather for worship. Let us take a deep breath of the Spirit and be refreshed in God’s love and in the embrace of our Savior and fellow pilgrims. Unity is not easily established or maintained. In fact, it takes a very powerful force to bring people together and keep them from falling apart. It is a common human trait. One only needs to read a little of the story of Exodus or 1 Corinthians to realize that the trait is well established in the community of believers. It is glorious when it happens like it did with Aaron, the first high priest of the people of Israel. That unity produces blessings, “even life forevermore. I’m talking about being “Mercy Bound.” In Mercy Bound I am talking about being tied up in mercy (Mercy Bound) as well as heading toward mercy (Mercy Bound). Isaiah said it was not just for those of the blood line of Israel, foreigners were included too (Isaiah 56:6-8). The conditions of being mercy bound are the same for all. The /Apostle Paul affirmed the same (Romans 11:1-2, 29-32). There were those in Jesus’ day who thought the offer of mercy was limited (Matthew 15:21-28), but the Gentile woman whose daughter was sick found mercy too. Aaron was the high priest mentioned in Psalm 133 who served as a figure who brought the people of the exodus into unity in worship. We have found an even greater on that Aaron. His name is Jesus. He is ready to bind all who believe in mercy now and forever. Come! Join the group of believers who are “Mercy Bound.” Text: Psalm 133:1-3, NIV; Isaiah 56:6-8, NLT; Romans 11:1-2, 29-32, NLT; Matthew 15:21-28, NIV;
July 30, 2017 Tricking the Trickster Genesis 29:15-28 Synopsis: Jacob was a “trickster” from the beginning. He rode out of his mother’s womb holding on to the heal of his larger, stronger twin brother Esau (Genesis 25:23-26). That is how he got his name (heel grabber). Then Jacob got Esau to sell him His birthright for a bowl of lentil or red stew (Genesis 25:27-34). Next (Genesis 27) Jacob, with the aid of his mother, tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing that Isaac intended to give to Esau. Shortly after that trick, with his brother making plans to kill him, Rebekah sent Jacob out of the country to her brother’s family to find a bride. I have very little doubt that Rebekah sent Jacob off with a warning, “Watch out for Laban.” Jacob, the “Trickster,” met his match in his uncle Laban and it costs him. Jacob worked seven years and then seven more to earn Rachel as his wife. Tricking the trickster revealed the truth about him. The one thing Jacob had that he never lost was his love for Rachel. The Lord Blessed Laban during all those years that Jacob served him for the have Rachel. He didn’t want those blessings to end, but this time Jacob turned the table on the trickster. Jacob made a deal with Laban to take only the weak and speckled animals for his wages in caring for Laban’s herds. As a result, he left a very rich man. You and I all know people who found out that Satan is an evil trickster. They thought they could make a deal and get what they wanted only to find out that the “Trickster” had tricked them. Don’t be fooled. The secret to taking down “The Trickster” is to keep your eyes on the eternal treasure God has already prepared for all those who believe (Matthew 13:44; 6:19-21). Text (NLT): Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:44; 6:19-21 Scripture Reading: Romans 8:26-28, NLT
July 9, 2017 Rebekah’s Charm Genesis 24:67 Synopsis: Stories, we all love them and whether we realize it or not we find our identity in them. There are all kinds of stories and some like one type more than other types. The kind of stories a person enjoys says more about the person than the they realize. There are some folks who like long stories like novels and biographies. While others prefer the Reader’s Digestapproach of using short stories. Some stories are true stories and may even follow a historical narrative approach while other stories are pure fiction. There are stories that make us laugh and stories that make us cry. Some have a way of getting under our skin and thus make us aware of things about ourselves that we may or may not like. My text for today comes from the last verse Genesis 24, but I want to call your attention to the whole chapter. It’s a sad funny charming story really. Simply put, it is the story of Abraham send his servant off to find a bride for his son Isaac and Rebekah was waiting at the end of his journey. She said yes! It’s a love story unlike most, but this lady was not like most. It is, without a doubt, a faith story. It’s a story of comfort and hope and a very simple statement of what marriage can and should mean. It is a story of fulfilment. Text (NLT): Genesis 24 Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:28-30
July 2, 2017 Lord’s Supper Let Freedom Ring! Romans 6:14 Synopsis: Labeling the National Holiday of July 4th as Independence Day is somewhat misleading. Yes, it marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain but that didn’t make it so. The fledgling “would be nation” had to struggle through years of battles against better trained, better supplied and better equipped forces. The colonies did not succeed independently but united. In 1768, eight years before signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Dickinson wrote The Liberty Song in which he called for raising funds for the struggle. His song included the phrase, “By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.” Indeed, independence from Great Britain was achieved on the basis of interdependence. The phrase “United we stand, Divided we fall” should continue to be heard above the booming of fireworks on the 4th of July. We have gathered to day as a declaration of unity. We are one in Christ Jesus or we are nothing. There are many forces in our world that try to enslave us, but none are more powerful than God’s grace. We come as one this morning to The Table of Remembrance to acknowledge once more the source of our unity, Jesus Christ. We are one in Christ Jesus or we are nothing. Text (NLT): Romans 6:12-14, 15-19, 20-23; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
June 4, 2017 Pentecost Sunday Appalachian Outreach Week, June 5-9 A Universal Language John 7:37-39 Synopsis: There are many things in this world that divide us. Language is one of them. People and nationalities are identified by the language they speak. Even within the same language there exists a wide variety of dialogues and accents. People even change the meaning or use of words according to various regional understanding. Today is Pentecost Sunday. On this day, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the church as it was gathered in the Upper Room. That event birthed the church and drew a large crowd of people from those who were in Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost. They were from various parts of the world and spoke different languages, but on that day the preachers spoke and the people heard the message in their own language. Yes, that was a miraculous sign! The presentation of the Gospel brought people together. The love of God as illustrated in Christ Jesus is and will always be a “Universal Language.” Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37b-38, NIV). Today, we celebrate that initial outpouring and the river of living water that continues to flood the world through the lives of believers. Paul identified that “Universal Language” as “agape.” We translate it as “love,” or “charity” but it is demonstrated than translated. The Holy Spirit poured out into the lives of believers become a mighty rushing river of living water made available to “anyone who is thirsty.” All the thirsty recognize the love of God’s when it is spoken. Text: John 7:37-39, NIV; Acts 2:1-12, CEV; 1 Corinthians 13:3-13, NIV Scripture Reading: Psalm 104:31-35
May 21, 2017 In Defense of Grace 1 Peter 3:13-17 Synopsis: A couple of weeks ago my sermon was titled “It’s a Gracious Thing.” Today I want to continue talking about grace drawing from what Peter might have called “In Defense of Grace.” My opening question is “How can you defend what you cannot define?” Certainly, our definition of grace has a direct impact on what we are willing to do in offering our “apologia” for our faith. The way believers live their lives presents the loudest defense of grace possible. Simply put, Jesus said “If you love me, obey my commandments.” He also promised His disciples that He would send an “Advocate” to stand with them. The power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is the difference maker. Text (NLT): Psalm 66:16-20; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21; Acts 17:22-31 Scripture Reading: Psalm 66:16-20
June 18, 2017 VBS Commissioning: Submerged Father’s Day A Faithful Response Matthew 9:35-38 Synopsis: Today is Father’s Day and that is reason enough to preach about the need for “A Faithful Response.” Today we gave all the men in the church a multiple purpose pen. The functions of the pen serve as a reminder they need to be on the “level” with those around them and “measure” up to the standard of faith. They need to tighten up where they are to lacks in their demeaner and loosen up their control as they give their life and concerns over to God. Then they will be ready to make their mark on others. It’s not just a man thing. All of us need to LOOK around and see the needs of others; LISTEN to the cries of others hurting as well as the voice of the Spirit of Christ calling us into action; and we need to INVESTIGATE the ways and means we can respond. We start that process by the simple PRAYER: “What can I do?” Then we PREPARE to do what you can and PARTICIPATE: Do what you can. Something to think about: If you look around and see something that needs to be done, then maybe you are the one to get it done. Text (ESV): Psalm103:13-18, NLT; Matthew 9:35-38; Exodus 19:2-8 Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35-38
May 7, 2017 Senior Day It’s a Gracious Thing 1 Peter 2:19-25 Synopsis: “Grace” is a simple word, but it’s meaning is not easily explained. It is a word that is better illustrated than analyzed. It takes a lot of stories to bring grace to life. In secular Greek, grace is simply “what delights,” but Peter uses it in the context of suffering, even suffering wrongfully, without cause. “Because Christ suffered for you.” I have a little plaque in my office that reads “Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve.” Peter’s primary audience in the first century were servants and slaves. There were as many as 60,000,000 slaves throughout the Roman Empire at that time. They fulfilled many roles in day to day life, but they were always considered property. Peter was calling them to look beyond their life circumstances to realize their heavenly position in Christ Jesus. Remember: very few people ever look up the meaning of grace. The only grace some people will ever know is what they see illustrated in you. Believers of every age and station of life are charged with finding their own way of expressing grace in every situation. Text: 1 Peter 2:19-25, ESV
April 30, 2017 Echoes of Praise 1 Peter 1:17-23 Synopsis: I open my message today with Psalm116:1-4. The bottom line for the reading is “Please, Lord, save me!” and then begins the Echoes of Praise. Praise is what we offer back to God in response to all that the Lord has done for us. What kind of praise is acceptable to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? It must be genuine, sincere, heartfelt expressions of gratitude expressed through “word, gift, and deed” individually and collectively. That is why true praise of God is offered through worship, service, gifts and fellowship. That is the only way the church will ever be identified as the body of Christ. So let the praise begin and let it continue to echo through expressions of your life. That is the criteria by which God will judge the genuineness of your faith. Text (NLT): Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23 Scripture Reading: Psalm 116:12-14
April 16, 2017 Easter This Is The Day Jesus Called My Name Psalm 118:24 Synopsis: I opened my time with you today with the prayer from Psalm 118:21-24, NRSV. “This is the day that theLord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Yes! Praise the Lord! And what a day it is. We have been anticipating its arrival for weeks. Our excitement has been building throughout Holy Week and now it is here. This is the day we call Easter. This is the day the Lord has made. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not our doing. This is what God has done and has promised to do for all who believe. This is the day, Mary would later recall, Jesus called my name (John 20:1-18). What a wonderful way to remember that first Easter morning. She went early to the tomb not expecting to hear anything, but what she heard changed her mourning into rejoicing. Jesus came out of the grave as the first fruit of the resurrection. Believers of every generation continue to live in the hope of everlasting life in Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:1-4) This is the day Jesus is calling your name. Can you hear Him? Are you listening? It is personal. Not brash nor angry but rather soft and filled with compassion. He calls to you so that you will know that he is alive. He calls to you so that you will know the way of salvation is prepared for you. Text: Psalm 118:21-24, NRSV; John 20:1-18 CEV; Colossians 3:1-4, CEV
April 2, 2017 All Dried Out and Ready for Life Ezekiel 37:3 Synopsis: It’s a contradiction. Things that are all dried out are not ready for life…right? Life on this planet is based on water and yet all good gardeners know the seed they buy to plant are all dried out and ready for life. All they need is to be planted, watered and get some good sun and a new plant will emerge from the old. Ezekiel’s prophecy starts with out with a valley full of dried out bones. They looked hopeless! And then there is the question, “can these bones come back to life?” Ezekiel knew that the only one to answer that quest was the Lord God (Ezekiel 37:1-14). This is a resurrection promise and story. New life was not to be found in the dried bones but in the life of the Spirit. I believe that this story has much more to tell us if we will speak to the “wind” the Spirit of the Life-giving God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s follow this analogy and apply it to the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17-44). Jesus spoke to the “wind” and called forth Lazarus. What a story! What an image! Surely, those who saw Jesus put to death on the cross felt the pain of the question, “can he live again?” But that was Friday. Sunday brought a totally different image. Maybe you feel like you are “all dried out,” but that doesn’t mean you are hopeless. It just means you need the life of the Spirit to bring new life in you so that you will be “ready for life.” Text (CEV): Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:17-44
March 5, 2017 First Sunday of Lent Who Says? Romans 5:12-19 Synopsis: Today is the First Sunday of Lent. Now the celebration of Lent is not big in our faith tradition so let me put this another way. Six weeks from today we will be celebrating Easter. It is the time for our annual celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal hope that is brought to life in Him. On the Hebrew calendar, it was the time when People of Israel celebrated the Passover and remembered how God delivered them from bondage in Egypt. We always celebrate Easter on a Sunday even though the Hebrew calendar shifts the day of their celebration of Passover. Why Sunday? It is not arbitrary choice. Jesus rose to life on the first day of the week and that is why we continue to worship every week on Sunday. Every week we gather in celebration of the resurrection, but Easter is our annual remembrance and time of worship. Psalm 32:5 gives us a directive that will work for everyday and especially for these weeks leading up to Easter. Our adversary doesn’t want us to hear them or put them into practice, but we don’t have to listen to the devil. Hear the word of the Lord for God’s word is the word of life. Text: Psalm 32:5-6, ESV; Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, NLT; Romans 5:12-19, NLT; Matthew 4:1-11, NLT Scripture Reading: Psalm 32:1-7
February 5, 2017 A Soup-er Sunday Isaiah 58:6-7 Synopsis: We like for worship to be the way we like it. We want certain hymns and a particular style of music. We want the temperature to be comfortable as well as the seating and of course everything has to work smoothly. The sermon needs to be uplifting, inspiring, encouraging, comforting, Scriptural, up to date … did I leave out anything? So, speaking personally, “What does it take to make a “Super Sunday?” I guess it all depends on who you are talking to. Maybe, we should talk to God. Do you know the difference between having a “Super Sunday” and having a “Soup-er Sunday?” Besides the difference in spelling, I think the big difference is that one is dearer to the heart of God than the other. We may all tune into the Super Bowl for ball game this evening, but I am convinced that the Soup-er Bowl of Caring is tuned into the hearty of God. Text (NLT): Isaiah 58:6-7; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Isaiah 58:1-12; John 4:23; Matthew 5:13-20; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
January 29, 2017 What’s He Talking About? Matthew 5:1-12 Synopsis: Have you ever been in a meeting where you were not connecting with the presentation? Yes, I know you say that every Sunday morning, especially during the sermon time. Maybe you dozed off and missed a key point or you missed the transition that would have tied it all together. Instead, you turned to the person next to you and asked, “What’s he talking about?” There is a list of Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) presented at the first of the Sermon on the Mount. I think Jesus must have used a lot of different beatitudes in various different sermons, each making a particular point. However, we often miss their point or fail to understand their meaning because we approach them from our carnal mind set or logic and as a result we miss the blessing. Part of our problem is that we are not accustomed to hearing Jesus’ kingdom language. We need to get use to it. We need it. Jesus knew that if we would change the way we look at the world we could change the way we experience it. We have a lot of work to do. Text (NLT): Matthew 5:1-12; Psalm 37:10-11; Revelations 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 22:14 (ESV); 1 Corinthians 2:14; Scripture Reading: Psalm 15
January 22, 2017 Foolish 1 Corinthians 1:18 Synopsis: The title of my sermon comes directly from 1 Corinthians 1:18. I believe Paul’s statement is a transitional statement, but more importantly, I believe it to be a theme for his call to unity among believers in Christ Jesus. One thing I have learned in life is that you don’t have to be a “fool” to do “foolish” things. Sometimes very “smart” people get caught up in the “foolishness” trap. It can happen to anybody and I will go as far as to say it happens to everybody. So, how would you fill in the blank in this statement: “Foolish” is what we are when we ____. If you take a look at the cover of your bulletin you will notice the theme title of “A Call to Unity.” And then if you turn to the order of worship and scroll down to my message title you will read “Foolish.” One might think that it is “foolish” to call the church to “unity.” Paul didn’t believe that and neither do I. In fact, Paul’s message to the Corinthians is clear. He believes that divisions in the church if “foolish.” “God has united you with Christ Jesus.” That’s the “wisdom” of God. Text (NLT): 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:19-31; 1 John 4:20-21; Galatians 3:26-28; Matthew 7:26. Scripture Reading: Psalm 27:7-9
January 8, 2017 Taking Care of Business Matthew 3:13-17 Synopsis: What does the phrase “Taking Care of Business” mean to you as you embark on your 2017 journey? At the start of Jesus’ ministry he came to the Jordan to be baptized by John. John protested but Jesus insisted on “taking care of business.” When he came out of the water His Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit affirmed Him. He had a mission to take care of and was careful to take care of the details related to that mission. Believers are not any different, at least that is what Peter said, “And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead.” (Acts 10:42) Believers need to take care of business. Believers need to follow up on their profession of faith and do what Jesus did and commanded us to do, be baptized. It is not a matter of membership. It is a matter of obedience and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to be disciples but rarely pause long enough to find out what that means. As we journey through the days of 2017 let us be sure we take care of business “Honor the Lord” in all we do. Text (NLT): Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; Ephesians 5:1-2 Scripture Reading: Psalm 29:1-2
January 1, 2017 New Year’s Day YES Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 Synopsis: Happy New Year! YES! 2016 is in the books…well, almost. Today we start a new week and a new calendar year. We can look back and see what has happened, but we are not able to do that for what lies ahead. The Preacher of Ecclesiastes (3:1-13) gives us a pretty good summary or brief overview of the potential headlines that will appear. Does that thought frighten you? Yes, there will be some very frightening things happen during the days of 2017. One of those days might mark the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord, that is if you are ready for His appearing. That will be a very frightening day if you are not ready. Eternally so! We just celebrated the birth of the prince of peace so let me leave you with a word of peace form Him (John 16:31-33). His word is backed up but many witnesses throughout Scripture and you and I can add our own words of witness too. Come what may the Lord is our shepherd (Psalm 23). So I am encouraged to look for God in everything (Psalm 8, NIV) and I encourage you to do the same. Text (NLT): Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Matthew 25:31-33; John 16:31-33; Psalm 23:1-6; Psalm 8, NIV Scripture Reading: Psalm 8
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