Podcasts about summer worship series

Spirit And Truth Worship | Summer Worship Series Part 1 by Rock City Church

Summer Worship Series, Week 14: September 5, 2021, Peaceful Animals Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #14First Lesson and Sermon Text: Isaiah 11:6-10Second Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17. This is St. John's vision of the white robed people coming to worship the Lord.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel: John 14:1-6. Jesus instructs us to find peace in Him.Sermon: Isaiah 11:6-10. Peaceful Animals.There is going to come a time when there will be no more hurt and no destruction. There will be no sin and pain and frustration and anger and tears. It all goes away. It will happen on the LORD's holy mountain, heaven, the high and holy place where he dwells. On the day of our Lord's return, all of God's people will be released from a restless world full of danger and upheaval and they will be given full and lasting peace.We will see Jesus and we will find peace and rest and it will be glorious. Amen.Pastor Ron Koehler

Summer Worship Series, Week 13: August 22, 2021, Dragon Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #13First Lesson: Isaiah 26:20-27:9. The LORD will protect his people!Psalm 18: The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.Second Lesson and Sermon Text: Revelation 12:1-18. The dragon of John's vision was the Devil trying to defeat God's plans and purposes. Jesus has won the victory over him and share that victory with his people.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel: Luke 4:1-13. The Devil temps Jesus 3 times to no avail.Sermon: Revelation 12:1-18. Victorious Over the Deadly Dragon.The visions in Revelation can be summarized like this—-God has won, Satan has lost, and we, God's children through fait, share in that victory now and forever.So when you feel the heat of the Devil's anger burning against you or your conscience is burdened from his truthful accusations, remember the big picture—God has won, Satan has lost, and that's a fact.Pastor Tim Patoka

Summer Worship Series, August 22, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #12First Lesson: Ezekiel 18:19-23, 30-32: God holds everyone accountable and wants us to repent.Psalm 34: Blessed are they who take refuge in God.Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 7:8-13: Repentance seems painful but God uses it for our good.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel and Sermon Text: Matthew 26:69-75: Rooster.God wants us to be filled with sorrow for the sins we have committed, not because he wants us to suffer, but because he wants us to turn to him.God wants us to learn the lesson Peter did: that we cannot depend on ourselves; we have to depend on Jesus.God wants us to repent and believe that he is our Savior and to enjoy the eternal comfort of salvation.Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, August 15, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #11First Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-8. God compares anyone who trust in the LORD to a healthy tree planted by water.Second Lesson: Philippians 4:4-9. Let your requests be made known to God who will guard and give you peace.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel and Sermon Text: Matthew 6:25-34. Free Like the Bird. God tells us not to worry as He will take care of our needs, and to seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness.Pastor Tim Patoka

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 8/8/2021 was Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Cannon. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Cannon: August 8, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, August 8, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #10First Lesson and Sermon Text: Proverbs 6:6-11Psalm: 119B. Preserve my life in God's righteousnessSecond Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12. Paul served at God's example of working and not being idle.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel: Matthew 25:24-30. A parable of Jesus: The servant did nothing with what was given to him stresses that we use the gifts God gives to us to show glory to God.Sermon: Proverbs 6:6-11. Lean a Laziness Lesson from this Ant.Heavenly riches await the Christian who is faithful in using the talents and opportunities the Lord has given! They make the effort, but are not forgiven and saved by their effort. Instead, they look to Jesus and repent when they have not followed the commands of God and the lesson of the industrious ant. They find forgiveness in Christ who worked for them, and in Christ, they will one day find eternal rest from their work in the presence of the Lord.AmenPastor Ron Koehler

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 8/1/2021 was Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli: August 1, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, August 1, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #9First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:19-25Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 5:17-20. In his letter to Timothy, Paul describes how congregations should honor those who bring the Gospel to themVerse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel: John 3:22-30. As Jesus was beginning his ministry, John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Christ.Sermon: 2 Kings 2:19-25. Two Bears.The account of a group of young men making fun of the Lord's prophet Elisha being punished by the mauling two bears inflicted brings home the point that God is serious about his Word and so he does not tolerate idolatry. How many people would have been harmed in incredible and eternal ways if God had allowed his prophet to be despised and mocked?The main message of the Bible is the unbelievable story of an innocent man being whipped, beaten, and finally put to death on a cross which he did because he loves you and me and a world of sinful people. Jesus died to give us life and he lives again so that we will never die.In addition, God is serious about those he calls to share his Word and he wants his messengers respected. That is the lesson we learn from two bears.Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, July 25, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #8First Lesson: Daniel 6:1-24. Second Lesson: Ephesians 6:10-17.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel: Matthew 10:16-31Sermon: Daniel 6:1-24. Faithful, Even Before Hungry LionsWe look to Daniel who remained faithful to God, even before hungry lions.Count on God to do for you as he has promised regardless of the dangers that are threatening you and likely lack of miracles.Though we do not expect life or death persecutions, we still have plenty of opportunities to live for God in our customary ways.Don't be afraid to continue being faithful to God. Rather, draw your strength from God's faithfulness to you so that you may always remain faithful to him, even if it is before hungry lions.AmenPastor Tim Patoka

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 7/25/2021 was Dr. William G. Jones. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Dr. William G. Jones: July 25, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 7/18/2021 was Dr. Howard Edington. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Dr. Howard Edington: July 18, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, July 18, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #7First Lesson: Isaiah 61:1-11. This lesson is filled with promises fulfilled by God; some through Jesus and some yet to come.Second Lesson: Romans 4:13-17a. These verses focus on God's promise to Abraham and to those with the faith of Abraham.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel and Sermon Text. Matthew 15:21-28. Great Faith Trusts God's Promises. (Jesus and the Canaanite woman and a little dog.)We have sinned by not always showing a great faith that is based on a dep knowledge of God. We have sinned by not always having the right motivation for our prayers. We have sinned by giving up on our requests to Jesus and not persisting in seeing his blessing.These kinds of sins may not be obvious on the outside, but God knows them. That means that these are sins Jesus came to pay for. May this lesson lead us to have a great faith that is confident in Jesus, and move us to go to him with our persistent prayers. Amen.Pastor Ron Koehler

Summer Worship Series, July 11, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #6First Lesson: Numbers 22:22-35.Psalm of the Day: Psalm 91. God is our refuge and fortress.Second Lesson: Acts 13:26-39. God has Paul write that everyone who believes in Jesus is justified.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia.Gospel: Luke 4:14-30. God promised us a savior and Jesus was that Savior.Sermon: Numbers 22:22-35. A Talking Donkey.God wasn't going to let Balak curse His people, in fact, he protected them against any and every enemy. He kept all of his promises. In protecting his people, God was preserving a promise for the whole world: Jesus died for the sins of ALL. It means that He will keep us safe in Him until we reach our heavenly home.Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 7/11/2021 was Rev. Christopher A. Henry. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Rev. Christopher A. Henry: July 11, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 7/4/2021 was Rev. CeCe Armstrong. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Rev. CeCe Armstrong: July 4, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, July 4, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #5First Lesson and Sermon Text: Exodus 16:6-30Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.Second Lesson: Philippians 4:10-20. God supplies all our needs.Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15. During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to pray what we refer to as “The Lord's Prayer” in which we trust in God to, among other things, “give us today our daily bread.”Sermon: Exodus 16:6-30 QuailIn this account, God is teaching us that we can trust him, to pray for all that we need for our bodies and lives, and to acknowledge that all our good gifts come from god and give him thanks for them.But he would also have us remember that the physical needs he takes care of for us are far less important than the spiritual needs he has already taken care of through his Son Jesus. In fact, it's the forgiveness of sins and eternal life that make this life worth living and allow us to truly appreciate our daily bread.Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, June 27, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #4First Lesson and Sermon Text: Exodus 29:38-46Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.Second Lesson: Revelation 5:6-25. As the slain Lamb of God, Jesus is worthy of our praise.Gospel: John 1:29-34. John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the one who came into the world to take away the sin of the world.Sermon: Exodus 29:38-46. Year-Old LambsGod blesses us with the assurance that the Lamb of God has truly taken our sins away along with his additional blessings.Pastor Tim Patoka

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 6/27/2021 was Rev. Dr. Jessica R. Patchett. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Rev. Dr. Jessica R. Patchett: June 27, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, June 20, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #3First Lesson and Sermon Text: Genesis 7:6-24Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.Second Lesson: 2 Peter 3:1-9. There's always those who will reject the WORD, the flood, and the Lord's promise of a savior.Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44. Jesus will return on the last day at an hour when we do not expect it.Sermon: Genesis 7:6-24. The Flood: God's Judgment and Rescue.As we remember the Great Flood and Noah's Ark, remember that God had every right to scrap the whole world and everything in it, but he didn't. He sent The Flood both in judgment and for rescue.Let it remind us that God judges sin and punishes it.Let it remind us that Jesus took the punishment for our sin, and in so doing, we have been rescued from eternal destruction and have eternal life ahead of us.Let it remind us to have the kind of trust Noah had as he listened to God, knowing that the LORD would save him.Pastor Ron Koehler

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 6/20/2021 was Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III: June 20, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, June 13, 2021 Let evertyhing that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 Readings for Summer Worship Series #2First Lesson and Sermon Text: Genesis 3:1-19Psalm of the day: Psalm 51a: The psalmist asks God for mercy and forgiveness.Second Lesson: 1 John: 3:7-10. In John's chapter, God warns believers against the words of the devil and the temptations he brings..Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.Gospel: John 8:42-47. Jesus warns us against the works of the devil and those who listen to his lies.Sermon: Genesis 3:1-19. The Clever Serpent. When God created the world he described all of it as very good. But Satan the clever devil presented himself to Adam and Eve, bringing temptation into their perfect world. They could listen to God and obey him or they could give in to his enemy, Satan. Satan was successful, and for that, he was cursed.The good news is that salvation is yours because God has rescued you. He sent his dear Son Jesus to do battle with Satan's temptations. He won that battle for us.Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 6/13/2021 was Rev. Joseph J. Clifford. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Rev. Joseph J. Clifford: June 13, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center's Summer Worship Series on 6/6/2021 was Rev. Dr. Leah Hrachovec. You can view a portion of the video recorded worship service! Click here to view the archive of sermons. The post Rev. Dr. Leah Hrachovec: June 6, 2021 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, Animals According to Their Kind, June 6, 2021 Readings for Summer Worship Series #1First Lesson and Sermon Text: Genesis 1:20-31.Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:1-6. Being a child of God means we believe what we cannot prove because we trust God.Verse of the Day: John 20:31. These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.Gospel: John 1:1-14. Sermon: Welcome to the Grand Opening of God's Zoo! Genesis 1:20-31. On day six, our God created all living things but the crown of his creation was man. We were to rule over and manage all else that God had created, although this is not what always happens. God cares for our souls and, though we are sinful, he wants us to be with him in heaven. For this reason, Jesus entered our world We can show our thanks and our love to him with a proper view of the Genesis account of creation, by caring for his creation and appreciating the amazing God who gave us this incredible zoo we find ourselves in.Pastor Ron Koehler

Summer Worship Series, Sunday August 30, 2020Under the Sun Series, Week 12, We Won’t Need the Sun Readings for this Week:First Lesson: Isaiah 25:1-9: The Mountain of the Lord in Isaiah’s prophecy describes the joy of living with God in this life and living with him forever in heaven.Psalm 46: Psalm 46 provides comfort for God’s people during difficult times, inspiring Luther’s famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”Second Lesson and Sermon Text: Revelation 21:9-14, 21-26. The Apostle John saw heaven portrayed in various ways in his vision. Here, it is described as a place that needs no sun because God is its light.Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. Jesus’ parable of the Wheat and the Weeds is both a warning concerning the coming judgment and comfort for those God will welcome into heaven through faith in his Son.Sermon: We Won’t Need the Sun: Revelation 21:9-14, 21-26.The first lesson from Scripture in our “Under the Sun” worship series started in Genesis with the world in darkness, before the sun was even created.Today, we end our summer worship series with the last verses of the Bible that speak about the sun that tell us about a world without the sun. This one is not dark like the world was before light was created. This world is full of the light of God’s glory and his grace. This is heaven where we won’t need the sun.Heaven is a perfect place of God’s promise, and it is also a perfect place of God’s presence and we will live there with God. All who dwell there live in the light of the glory of God, the brilliant, radiant, bright shining glory.This is the reason that heaven does not need a sun. The glory of God has given it light. Sin is gone. Shame is gone. All that is left is the perfect holiness that God has given to us in Jesus, and so we will bask in the full and unveiled glory of God. Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Summer Worship Series, Sunday August 23, 2020Under the Sun Series, Week 11, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down While You Are Angry Readings for this Week:First Lesson: Deuteronomy 6:1-12: When the People of Israel entered into the Promised Land, they were to hold fast to the commands God had given them and to put them into action.Second Lesson and Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:25-32. The Apostle Paul shares with the Christians in Ephesus a number of practical ways to put their faith into action through sanctified living.Gospel: Matthew 5:21-26. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus urges his followers to control their anger and to seek reconciliation.Sermon: Don’t Let the Sun Go Down While You are Angry: Ephesians 4:25-32.Today’s sun reference in the Bible is also used in marriage advice, “do not let the sun go down while you are angry." (Ephesians 4:26) While not a hard and fast rule, it is a blanket statement based on common sense. It is generally not good for anger to last for a prolonged time.Don’t give the Devil any extra opportunities to shipwreck our faith. The Devil wants nothing more than to trip us up so that we revert back to our sinful self. Jesus gives us, though faith, a new self that is free from sin and its dreadful curse. We have his promise of forgiveness. This is not the only thing God has done for his sanctified children. As God’s love is continually given to us in Christ, so we mirror that frequency by continually treating our neighbor with that same love.If we minimize the opportunities to sin and remain standing in Christ, we will also be encouraged to treat our brothers and sisters in the faith in the same way that God has treated us in Christ with his love.Pastor Tim Patoka

Summer Worship Series, Sunday August 16, 2020Under the Sun Series, Week 10, The Sun is Darkened Readings for this Week:First Lesson: Isaiah 53:1-9: Centuries before Jesus lived and died, God’s prophet Isaiah foretold how he would be pierced for our sins and crushed for our iniquities, punished that we might have peace.Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. A great exchange was made on the cross. Jesus became sin for us so that we might have the righteousness of God through him..Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 23:44-49. From noon (the sixth hour) until 3:00PM (the ninth hour), the world was dark as Jesus hung on the cross.Sermon: The Sun is Darkened: Luke 23:44-49.At exactly the time when we would expect the sun to be at its brightest and highest and hottest, there was darkness from noon until three in the afternoon on the day when Jesus died on the cross. On the day we call Good Friday, the sun was darkened.Normally, darkness hides the truth. You can’t see in the darkness. On that Good Friday, the darkness of the sun shows us the truth. It shows us the battle of sin and the judgment that sin deserves. It shows us the sacrifice and shows us our Savior. This is Jesus who once said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46).We can marvel once again that God gave miraculous signs to mark that amazing occasion, and we commit ourselves to living in the light of his love until he calls us to his side in heaven. Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 8/9/2020 was Rev. Amy Starr Redwine. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Rev. Amy Starr Redwine: August 9, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, Sunday August 9, 2020Under the Sun Series, Week 9, The Sun Scorches the Plants Readings for Week 8:First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:1-9. The Israelites who would enter the Promised Lan had gone through much testing and many difficult times, but through it all, God had positive lessons for them to learn.Second Lesson: Hebrews 12:1-13. On the heels of the great “Hall of Faith: chapter of the Bible (Hebrews 11), this reading reminds us that all of God’s people face difficulties that God uses for our discipline and ultimate benefit.Gospel and Sermon Text: Mark 4:1-20. The parable of the Sower and the Seed describes a variety of reactions people have to hearing the Gospel. May God grant that we continue to hear his Word with joy and gratitude and bear much fruit!Sermon: The Sun Scorches the Plants. Mark 4:1-20Sometimes the message from God has the purpose of confronting people with his law…and sometimes this meets with rejection. That message then condemns those who oppose God. At other times, that Word fulfills the desire of God that people be saved, and it works or strengthens faith in him.This message of Jesus’ was meant to build up those given the gift of faith and allows us to think about our need to be deeply rooted in God’s Word so that we do not allow trouble and persecution to scorch our faith. And we all experience our share of trouble in this world that we Christians must go thru in order to receive eternal life.It is a blessing to know that just as Jesus loved us enough to live and die for us, he also loves us enough to warn us. He forgives us for our past failures in these things and he urges us to listen to his Word, because that will produce a faith strongly rooted in the words and promises of our Lord.Pastor Ron Koehler

Summer Worship Series, Sunday August 2, 2020Under the Sun Series, Week 8, The Sun Rises Over Good and Evil Readings for Week 8:First Lesson, Exodus 23:1-9. When God made laws for the nation of Israel, he took special note of those who might otherwise be looked down on. He instructed his people to show them a special measure of love.Psalm of the Day, Psalm 72. The Rule of the Righteous King. Psalm 72 describes the glorious right of the messianic King, the Son of David.Second Lesson, Romans 12:9-21. The Apostle Paul reminds the Christians in Rome to love others and to repay the evil done to them with good done to others.Gospel and Sermon, Matthew 5:38-48. In this section from his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus corrects the mistaken notion of many that they are to love their friends and hate their enemies.Sermon, Matthew 5:38-48. The Sun Rises Over Good and Evil.Jesus reminds us that it is God who causes the sun to rise day after day and to shine on the earth. The sun rises for everyone; people all over the world benefit from its light and heat and energy. God does not divide up this world into those who are his enemies and should be left in darkness or drought and on the other than those who are his friends who enjoy the sunlight and the needed rain. We can make it our attitude that we weight our words and our actions not according to how we feel or what we think, but against God’s standards. We can look at our enemies and pray for them and love them.God makes the sun rise on the evil and the good and he invites his children to imitate that sort of love.May every sunrise remind us to live humbly out of love for others, and to love even our enemies in the name of him who loves and forgives us.AmenPastor Nathan Kassulke

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 8/2/2020 was Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis: August 2, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, July 26, 2020Under the Sun Series, Week 7, The Sun Beats Down on Jonah Readings for this week:First Lesson and Sermon: Jonah 4:5-11. When God first sent Jonah to preach to the city of Nineveh, Jonah fled. God redirected Jonah back to the city, where he preached and the people repented. This account records Jonah’s reaction to their repentance.Second Lesson: Romans 10:8-15. God wants people to be saved through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Because of this, he sends people out with his word to share it with others.Gospel: Luke 10:1-16. Jesus appointed and sent out 72 followers to share his message. We continue to pray that God would send workers into his “harvest field.”Sermon: The Sun Beats Down on Jonah (Jonah 4:5-11)The story of Jonah is not about Jonah or a fish or the Ninevites. Here, at the end of Jonah, Chapter 4, the last chapter, it becomes clear that this is all about God and his mercy for repentant sinners like the Ninevites, and like Jonah and you and me.What a truly wondrous and gracious God we have who spares sinners from the judgment they—we—so richly deserve. May we be reminded of that as we think about how God wanted to reach the Ninevites. And may the Holy Spirit work in us to see out people around us who need to know about the forgiving and gracious God!Amen.Pastor Ron Koehler

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 7/26/2020 was Rev. Dr. Ron Shive. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Rev. Dr. Ron Shive: July 26, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 7/19/2020 was Rev. Dr. Chris Currie. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Rev. Dr. Chris Currie: July 19, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, July 19, 2020 Under the Sun Series, Week 6, The Shadow of the Sun Moves Back Readings for Sunday, July 19, 2020First Lesson and Sermon: Isaiah 38:1-20. Hezekiah was a righteous King in Judah. When he prayed that God would heal him, God gave him what he requested and even gave him a special sign for reassurance.Psalm 27: A psalm of David. An exuberant declaration of faith and trust in God.Second Lesson: James 5:13-18. It ought to be the attitude of all Christian to pray to God in times of sickness and suffering. We have God’s promise to hear and answer our prayers. Gospel: Luke 18: 1-8. Because of God’s power and love for us, we can pray boldly and not give up.Sermon: The Shadow of the Sun Moves Back. Isaiah 38:1-20Each day, the sun rises moves across the sky and sets in the west. It was quite unusual when the shadow of the sun reversed course and moved back ten steps during the reign of Hezekiah, a faithful king in Judah, as a sign from God that he’d heard his prayers. Hezekiah had become sick and was dying. Hezekiah knew the Lord, so he turned to him in prayer, and God heard.This lesson is most definitely a lesson about prayer but it doesn’t mean that we should pray that God would allow us to live longer and then we will live longer. Instead, it reinforces what God teaches us throughout Scripture: that he hears us when we pray.Jesus himself instructs us to pray and not lose heart. We don’t always know whether our prayers will be answered the way that we want them to be answered, but we can be absolutely certain that God has the wisdom to do what is best for us.So let us pray. Let us go to God frequently, regularly, repeatedly with our cares and concerns. Let’s pray for ourselves and for others.Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 7/12/2020 was Rev. Mindy Douglas. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Rev. Dr. Mindy Douglas: July 12, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, July 12, 2020 Under the Sun Series, Week 5, Life Under The Sun Readings for Sunday, July 12, 2020First Lesson and Sermon: Ecclesiastes 1:1-14. In this book, King Solomon describes how many things “under the sun” are meaningless. He then explains that through fait in God our lives have meaning.Second Lesson: Philippians 3:7-11. Faith in Christ allows us to know and to believe that anything else in our lives would be meaningless without him.Gospel: Matthew 6:25-34. Since earthly things are far less important than spiritual matters (the kingdom of God), we do not need to worry. We can trust that God will provide what we need.Sermon: Life Under The Sun. 1) It is all chasing the windPeople of all times and all places have wondered what the meaning of life is: Who am I? Where do I come from? Why am I here?Believers have an advantage the unbelieving world does not and that is God’s Word, a source that will answer whatever questions we may have when it comes to figuring out what truly matters in life. There’s a sobering truth that no matter what we do or don’t, we cannot prevent ALL future pandemics, economic downturns, or the painful ways our sinful nature shows itself. Sin is and will always be a part of this world until the Last Day.2) God alone gives meaning.Once we lift our gaze to the one who is over the sun (God) everything changes for the better. As God had promised, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, lived, died, and rose so that righteousness and forgiveness could be given to all with faith. That is a historical fact with eternal results that can never be undone or called into question.We have a home waiting for us over the sun where sin hasn’t and will never leave its ugly mark. “This is the conclusion of the matter. Everything has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments. For mankind, this is everything. (verse 12)Prayer: May our Lord help us focus on him and always value the righteousness he gives so that we know what truly matters in this life under the sun. Amen.Pastor Tim Patoka

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 7/5/2020 was Rev. Dr. Glen Bell. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Rev. Dr. Glen Bell: July 5, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, July 5, 2020 Under the Sun Series, Week 4, The Sun Stands Still Readings:First Lesson and Sermon Text: Joshua 10:8-15. The Israelites, led by Joshua, had made a treaty with the People of Gibeon. When Gibeon was attacked by the Amorite kings, they called to Israel for help. These verses share how the battle unfolded and how God fought for his people in a special way.Psalm 31: In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge Second Lesson: Ephesians 6:10-17.. Not only does God fight for his people, he also fights with them and equips them for their battles against evil.Gospel: John 16:22-33. We rejoice and take comfort not in our own ability to overcome the sinful world, but in the victory won for us by Jesus. He has overcome the world in which we still struggle.Sermon: The Sun Stands Still: Joshua 10:8-15.We pause to consider how God fights for his people today. “His people” no longer means a specific nation in the world, but they are called out of nations throughout the world: they are the full number of those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin.Our battle is a spiritual battle. Currently in the world it is a battle whether we will trust in people and expect that the only way we win this battle by trust in in God’s promises that he will use all things to accomplish his good purposes. This spiritual battles requires us to look past the limitations of this world and into an eternal life that God has promised to us.God fights for us because without him we don’t stand a chance. Jesus, on the cross, defeated Satan and death and hell. He said, “It is finished,” because the battle was won. But the skirmishes continue!We need to daily repent of our sins and weaknesses, our failures, and to humbly look to God for forgiveness and strength.Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 6/28/2020 was Rev. Dr. Brandi Casto-Waters. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Rev. Dr. Brandi Casto-Waters: June 28, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, June 28, 2020 Under the Sun Series, Week 3, The Sun Is Worshipped Readings:First Lesson and Sermon Text: Deuteronomy 17:1-7. The First Commandment enjoins God's people to worship and serve him only. For the Old Testament Israelites, bowing down to other gods, including the sun, was punishable by death.Second Lesson: Romans 1:18-25. Worshipping anyone or anything beside the true God amounts to worshipping what has been created over the one who created it all.Gospel: Matthew 6:16-24. We have been called to faith in God who is himself unseen and who sees what people do not. We cannot serve anything else, like mammon (an Aramaic word for wealth and property) and still serve God.Sermon: The Sun is Worshiped. Deuteronomy 17:1-7.God has given us a great blessing in having a sun that offers us light and warmth, but we should not focus on only what we can see. God is not only the Creator of all, He is also our Savior. Heaven is our home and our lives on earth have meaning and purpose because we know what He has done for us.He wants us to fear, love and trust in Him above all things because He loves us. He wants us to live with Him under His loving care, for eternity.God invites us to love, trust, and worship Him.So let us bow before Him, worship Him, and thank Him for all He has created for us. We will look forward to the day He will no longer be invisible to us and we will be with Him forever.Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 6/21/2020 was Dr. Eric Barreto. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Dr. Eric Barreto: June 21, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, June 21, 2020 Under the Sun Series, Week 2, The Sun Bows Down Readings:Psalm 16First Lesson and Sermon Text: Genesis 37:3-11, Joseph was one of twelve sons born to his father Jacob. This account details how his brothers envied Joseph and some unique dreams that God allowed Joseph to dream.Second Lesson: Romans 8:28-39, It is God’s promise that he will use all things to accomplish good in the lives of those he has called to follow him. Therefore nothing can separate us from his love. Nothing.Gospel: John 9:1-11, This Gospel account shows us another example of God using something evil (a result of sin in the world) to accomplish his good purpose, bringing glory to his name.God cannot be blamed for all the bad things that happen to us and others in this world. But he does work through them for our ultimate good, for his dear children. We remain assured that God will make good out of the evils of our day for us. Pastor Tim Patoka

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 6/14/2020 was Rev. Matt Gaventa. Click the episode title above to find the audio and the video recording of the service. The post Rev. Matt Gaventa: June 14, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

Summer Worship Series, June 14, 2020 Under the Sun Series, Week 1 We live under the sun and we study it, but we often miss the mark with our theories about it, especially if we deny that God, in his divine wisdom, created it.Besides God’s wisdom, Genesis also gives us a glimpse into the divine power of the Creator.Fortunately for us, Genesis gives us a glimpse into the divine love of the Creator.Whatever our sins are, including those we must consider regarding God’s creation and his Word which tells us about it, they are forgiven by Jesus.We are freed from them and freed to live in harmony with God as we live out or day under the sun. And we look forward to the blessed day that brings us to heaven and the glorious light of our Lord for all eternity. Pastor Ron Koehler

The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 6/7/2020 was Rev. Jonathan L. Walton. Click the episode title above to find the audio and video recording of the service. The post Rev. Jonathan L. Walton: June 7, 2020 first appeared on Montreat Conference Center.

As we close out our Summer Worship Series this week, we end on a controversial topic: judgment.  Many outside of the Church believe that Christians are judgmental.  The concept of judgment in Scripture is not the same as it is used in our modern vernacular.  Come and see how Jesus defines judgment and what our […]

Every Sunday during the summer months, Montreat Conference Center, along with Montreat Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) holds services for the Lord’s Day featuring guest preachers from around the country. The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 8/4/2019 was Rev. Dr. Steve P. Eason. More information about Rev. Eason can be found at our press release: https://montreat.org/the-rev-dr-steve-eason-to-preach-on-august-4.

Every Sunday during the summer months, Montreat Conference Center, along with Montreat Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) holds services for the Lord’s Day featuring guest preachers from around the country. The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 7/28/2019 was Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgill. For more information about Rev. Ridgill, visit our press release: https://montreat.org/the-rev-dr-alice-ridgill-to-preach-on-july-28.