Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, for the Last Sunday of the Church Year (1 Yr lectionary), about the suddenness of Jesus' 2nd coming, and how to be ready for His return. What is Paul's illustration about drunkenness or sobriety, and how does that inform our readiness for Christ's coming?
Sermon on Psalm 8 & 19, for Thanksgiving Eve, about how the heavens declare the glory of God, and pour forth knowledge. What does the creation witness about God's handiwork? How is the universe finely tuned for life to exist? Reasons to be thankful to God for, that we might take completely for granted, or not even know. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, for the 25th Sunday after Trinity (1 yr lectionary), about death, resurrection, and the second coming of Jesus. How does this passage inform and encourage Christians even in their losses (death of loved ones)? What does it teach, along with other passages, about the return of Christ? How many times does Christ return, according to Scripture? What confusion has been caused by the idea of a secret rapture?
**This funeral message was given after one of our church family took her own life. This is shared in hope that it might help others struggling with suicide or the suicide of a family member. The names have been removed for family privacy, (so there are a few gaps in the audio). We, along with many others urge those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts to reach out to someone and ask for help--a pastor, teacher, mentor, friend, counselor. There IS HOPE, though depression can often cloud us from seeing it. Do not be ashamed to ask for help. The Lord be with you!**
Key passages used in our pastoral counseling were Isaiah 42:3 and Romans 6:11.
Sermon on Isaiah 51:9-16, for the 24th Sunday after Trinity (1 Yr Lectionary), about waiting on God's action, crying out for His deliverance. How has God come through in the past? How does that inform our faith (trust) facing the future? What is the reward of those who wait on Him? When does it feel as though God is asleep? Is the Lord's arm ever shortened?
