Category Archives: Video Sermons
Mercy and Amazing Grace
It was God’s Mercy that did not abandon the unfaithful Israelites…but instead promised to go with them. So also, even as Moses could not see God’s Face and live, so we cannot stand in the presence of God except in Christ. It was God’s Mercy that made those to whom John wrote…God’s Children and kept them in faith and made them strong with His Word. It was God’s Mercy that enabled 70 disciples to proclaim the Kingdom and cast out demons. It is His mercy that has written our names in the Book of Life.
Trials in life…we all have them.
Unfortunately, in the process of enduring difficult times we sometimes think that WE are the only ones suffering. Such thinking is truly foolish. Abraham’s Trial of Faith…he was called upon to offer up his only Son, Isaac. It was unthinkable, and yet Abraham passed the test and was willing, believing that God would raise up his son. Jesus’ Trials and Temptation…He was tempted as we are, yet without sin. For this reason He is a real help when we are under trials and temptations. Jesus’ Focus in Trial…while Peter thought Jesus should avoid it and stop talking suffering and dying. Without Jesus’ death we cannot be delivered from sin.
Wisdom?
What face do we see in our mind’s eye when we think: Human Wisdom? Is it Albert Einstein (E=MC2) or Carl Sagan or Stephen Hawking? The people of Jeremiah’s day counted themselves wise yet proved themselves fools by rejecting the Word and Wisdom of God. They would be judged. God didn’t reveal the way of Salvation by Human Wisdom, but through a message often rejected, that Jesus the Son of God died for sinners. God still uses the message to save, and to lead people to boast in Jesus. The Religious leaders of Jesus day were smart enough to see Jesus’ miracles and understand they were real, but they were still foolish enough to dismiss them and kill him…seems foolish to me.
Satan wants Silence…Let’s Speak Up!
Be assured that Satan wants to keep the Gospel of Jesus from being proclaimed in this world.
It was Satan that led the nations of Judah and Israel to reject God’s Word and silence God’s Prophets…but God sent Amos.
It was Satan that led the Jews to have Paul arrested for proclaiming Christ. Paul refused to be silent. He told his captors about Jesus and this made others bold to speak. People’s motives for sharing Christ may be wrong…but God can still bless the message.
It was Satan that first distracted Martha. When she heard the word of Christ, she found real lasting comfort.
Worldly Attitudes vs. Godly Attitudes
The Godly Attitudes that are exalted in the Scriptures must seem insane to the ungodly world in which we live. AVOID Humility – Our society encourages pride in ourselves, our wisdom, strength and wealth. God discourages this type of pride, calling upon us to boast that we know and trust in Him. AVOID Suffering – Our society encourages us to go with the flow to avoid trouble. God tells us not to fear those who persecute, but rejoice when we suffer for Him. Society says look out for number one; God says – Look out for one another. AVOID Religion – Our society tells us not to talk about what we believe. Jesus tells us not to be distracted from it, but to relish every opportunity to listen to Him
Transfiguration Focus — Moses?
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory to speak with Jesus. God revealed Himself to Moses at the Burning Bush, but Moses was afraid to look on God.
On Mount Sinai, Moses came into God’s presence and his face glowed with God’s Glory. He hid it from the Israelites. The glory of the Savior Jesus is also hidden from them by unbelief to this day.
It was near the Temple Mount that Jesus called on the religious leaders to search the OT Scriptures, especially the writings of Moses. He wrote about Jesus, and his words still judge those who reject the Savior Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15ff).
Following Directions
Last Saturday afternoon I followed the instructions of the GPS and found my way to Okabena, MN. This afternoon, we follow the direction of the word of God and are introduced to the Promised Savior by Isaiah. He tells us his purpose in coming and what He will do. In our second lesson we are reminded that this message was once hidden in the mind of God but has now been declassified for us in the Scriptures by the Spirit. Finally, this message will culminate in our seeing Jesus as the ladder, the one way to heaven.
Forgiven Sinners living in a Fallen World
We are sinners who live in a sinful world. We are also forgiven sinners cleansed in the blood of Jesus. We are aware that God knows all things and has separated us from sin and dedicated us to God. We seek above all to follow Jesus.
What does the future hold?
For all that we think we know…we don’t know much. But we do know that as God delivered the infant Moses for a future purpose…He has delivered us for a reason. We don’t know the future…but we know Him who holds the future. We know that death has no power over us because Christ has power over death.