February 17, 2021 Matthew 6:16-21 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. The words you heard at the beginning of this evening’s service should echo within your head, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Instead, they likely will fade from your memory even before you arise tomorrow and make the sign of the cross, beginning a new day in Christ Jesus. The thing is, you don’t want to hear these words – they speak to your sinfulness, your lack of repentance, and ultimately your mortality. The pastors are no different, as you approach, we quietly, yet reverently speak the words into your ears as we trace the cross of ash upon your forehead, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” In seminary, a professor would not only request, but demand to serve during the Ash Wednesday service on campus. In deafening silence, you heard the feet of the Christians shuffle across the cement floor to the...
Text: Mark 16:14-20 & 2 Timothy 4:5-18 The symbol for the Gospel of Mark is the Lion – the Lion is a symbol of power, pride, magnificence, nobility, and courage. The Lion also represents Jesus' resurrection and Christ as the King of heaven and earth. One of the reasons given for the Lion serving as a symbol of Mark's Gospel is the manner in which the Gospel begins. The roar of a lion is not without notice, it is fierce, and it is decisive. There's no birth narrative or historical recounting of events of wise men and angels; instead, the Gospel quickly and immediately begins with the fulfillment of John the Baptist, who is the messenger, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’” This straightening of paths is the call and action of repentance within the heart of man, the need to be reconciled to the Father. If you want to know the theme of Mark's Gospel, hear the words of John the Baptist and the wo...
July 4, 2021 Luke 5:1-11 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. On the 4 th of July, the country pauses for fireworks and picnics. But why? Well, for many, because we work hard and need a break. But, what is the 4 th of July? It's our nation's day of independence. It is the day the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, a document few will read, but many will quote these words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” So, you are promised an existence. The right to life – being alive. And you have the right to liberty, meaning you are free. But, you are also given the pursuit of happiness. Well, what does this mean? Is the pursuit of happiness a state of being, or does the word "pursuit" mean chasing after or seeking happiness? If you ask most people to...
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