Sermons from Good News: Jesus offers us freedom

Church 7/8/2023

Offertory scripture:

1 Kings 17

Backstory: There was a famine. Elijah was instructed by God to go to a certain brook and the ravens would feed him meat directly. Elijah obeyed and went. The ravens still would have provided the meat if Elijah hadn’t gone. But Elijah would have been asking where God was. Bottom line: Elijah needed to obey.

And we must obey when God instructs us, in our current lives. We must do our part, to receive the provision and blessing that He wants us to receive. Don’t delay in obedience.

Sermon message:

Thesis: Jesus offers us freedom

Romans 10:17

Faith is a spiritual, supernatural force only available as we hear the word of God.

Not natural, human faith.

Backstory: from the Bible: deals with guilt re addiction, judgmental attitudes, spiritual weakness, inferiority complex and bondage, faith, needing strengthening of faith, spiritual weakness into strength.

John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:36. If the Son therefore shall make you free, you will be free indeed.

Goal: Jesus wants you to have an abundant life. John 10:10

John 8:3-6

The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus so they could accuse Him.

John 8:7-11

Point #1: Jesus knows.

He knew the woman and her sins.

He also knew the Pharisees and their sins.

He knows you and He knows your mistakes. He know me we all fall short of the glory of God.

John 8:7

It’s a lie that you are the only one with sin in your life. That’s from Satan. But don’t ignore the fact that you have sin.

1 Timothy 5:24. Some people’s sins are obvious. But others have sins that won’t be revealed until later.

Don’t curse yourself for your sins, and don’t curse others for their sins either.

He also knows the call and the purpose of your life. And He knows that things trap you.

Point #2: Jesus forgives.

Don’t let Satan beat you up or condemn you. There is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ. Jesus forgives.

John 8:11

1 John 1:9

Proverbs 28:13

Confess your sins. God is quick to forgive if you confess and repent.

Psalm 32:3-4 the agony of unconfessed sins

Psalm 32:5 the turning point of confession and repentance

Confessing and repentance turns things around for you.

Confess to God and turn back toward Him.

Matthew 11:28

Leave the sin, walk free, and tell the devil to be quiet.

Point #3: Jesus breaks bondages and gives power.

John 8:11

Confess. Believe that Jesus forgives and sets you free. Speak it.

Weakness will be replaced by strength.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Philippians 4:13

Jesus strengthens you.

Don’t limit God. Let your faith arise.

Point #4: Jesus turns our mistakes into ministry.

John 8:11

The woman forgiven of her sins went and told people about Jesus, her experiences with Him, and what He did for her.

Jesus could have condemned her. But He didn’t. He forgave her, freed her, and gave her power.

John 3:17

2 Corinthians 1:3 God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. We can give them the same comfort that God has given us.

Devotionals from my Bible app: The Power of Thinking

Periodically, I will also share devotionals or reflections from my Bible app YouVersion, which is my primary tool for staying in the Word every day, both in reading/study and in prayer. I began sharing devotionals from the week of Monday, June 26th, as each one spoke to me, both individually and as an addition to the previous day's devotional. Today's is the 4th devotional from this week that spoke to me, and I wish to share it with you as well. Read on:

The Power of Thinking

Did you know that thoughts can actually make you more anxious, happy, fearful, or content? And what you spend time thinking about has the power to affect your emotions, your actions, and ultimately, your character? Your thoughts are some of the most powerful things about you.

Scripture has a lot to say about our thoughts because God knows the power of our minds. Isaiah 26:3 says that God will keep our hearts in perfect peace if we keep our minds fixed on Him.

Can you imagine that? Perfect peace.

The more time we spend focusing our thoughts on God and His Word, the more our hearts will be kept in peace. That is a powerful thought, especially in a world that is constantly looking for peace and unity.

The starting point for this peace is trusting God. We must come to Him trusting in who He is, and having faith in what He has done for us. We know that God is good and just. So if we have faith in Him, we know that we are accepted and loved by Him. And those who trust in God are given access to Him and His presence.

Perfect peace is available to those who consistently trust in God, and fix their thoughts on Him.

How many of your thoughts are spent on things relating to God? Do you keep your mind focused on Him when you’re feeling anxious or stressed? What are some simple ways you can continue to remind yourself to think about God throughout your day?

Spend some time thinking about the power of your own thoughts and the access you’ve been given to God through Scripture. Commit to building the habit of centering your thoughts on God so that you can experience His perfect peace.

https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.26.3.ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.26.3.ESV

Devotionals from my Bible app: What should we do?

Periodically, I will also share devotionals or reflections from my Bible app YouVersion, which is my primary tool for staying in the Word every day, both in reading/study and in prayer. I began sharing devotionals from the week of Monday, June 26th, as each one spoke to me, both individually and as an addition to the previous day's devotional. Today's is the 3rd devotional from this week that spoke to me, and I wish to share it with you as well. Read on:

What should we do?

Our default setting isn’t selflessness. We often judge ourselves by our intentions, but we judge others by their actions. We can be quick to accuse without first looking at ourselves.

But Jesus calls us to live differently:

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 NLT

Often referred to as the “golden rule,” it’s a brilliant litmus test for discerning how to respond to people in the face of hardship, uncertainty, and pain.

Here are some ways we can apply this verse to our daily lives:

When someone hurts you
Have you ever hurt somebody else, either accidentally or intentionally? And when the mistake was made or realized, did you want to be screamed at and given a harsh consequence, or did you want grace and a second chance?

To the extent we forgive, we are forgiven. So what if today we gave to others the same grace, compassion, and mercy that we would like to receive?

When someone is struggling
When you personally experience hardships, you might seek counsel from a pastor or a mentor, but you probably also want a friend who will listen to you. You want someone to come alongside you who can handle your honest thoughts, and help you navigate the hurt in this world.

Just as we need people to encourage us, we are also called to be that source of support to others. So today, consider what you can do to point people to God’s love and truth.

When someone has annoyed you
People can be irritating. But if you were considered an annoyance by somebody else, would you rather that person talk badly about you, or have patience with you? We are all works in progress, and we are all called to show each other mercy and grace.

So this week, when you’re tempted to lash out at someone requiring a little “extra” of you, or dismiss someone who’s getting on your last nerve, consider thinking: If I were them, what would I want?

If we want to live like Jesus, then we need to do what He asks of us. And Jesus explained that, in order to do that, one profound mindset was required: treat others like you’d want to be treated.

Devotionals from my Bible app: Waiting Well

Periodically, I will also share devotionals or reflections from my Bible app YouVersion, which is my primary tool for staying in the Word every day, both in reading/study and in prayer. I began sharing devotionals from the week of Monday, June 26th, as each one spoke to me, both individually and as an addition to the previous day's devotional. Today's is the 2nd devotional from this week that spoke to me, and I wish to share it with you as well. Read on:

Waiting Well

Waiting can be hard.

Most of us would prefer quick, efficient, and, when possible, instant results and answers.

But waiting is a part of life.

We must wait for seeds to grow into food, for one season to fade into the next, for babies to mature into adults, and for trees to stand tall enough to finally offer shade.

Like it or not, waiting takes patience.

We can wait days, months, years, or even decades for a prayer to be answered, for an overdue apology, for the timing to be right, or for a dream to finally come to pass.

Waiting requires courage.

King David lived nearly 3,000 years ago, but he knew what it meant to wait for God’s timing, to wait to be king, to wait to be rescued from his enemies. He wrote:

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Psalms 27:14 NLT

If David thought waiting on God was important enough to write it twice in one verse, we should probably pay attention.

But waiting patiently for the Lord isn’t an excuse to do nothing.

We can proactively wait on God by staying in communication with Him, by looking for His fingerprints in ordinary moments, by reading about His story and His plans in His Word, by worshiping Him no matter what’s happening across the globe, by serving the people both inside and outside of our circles, and by thanking Him for the gifts He’s already given us.

Just because a specific door isn’t opening, or a particular opportunity isn’t available at this moment doesn’t mean that God isn’t moving.

Even when we are waiting—God is working.

Noah spent decades building an ark as he waited for God to do what He’d said. Ruth journeyed with her mother-in-law and worked in the grain fields while trusting in God’s provision after her husband’s death. Joseph stayed faithful in prison for several years before his promotion to second-in-command of Egypt. John trusted God’s ultimate will for his life, and wrote several books of the New Testament while sentenced to exile on the island of Patmos.

So, no matter what you’re facing, you can ask God for patience and trust that He is in control of your future. No matter what uncertainty lies before you, when you rely on the Lord, you can be someone who waits well.

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.27.14.ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.27.14.ESV

Devotionals from my Bible app: True Repentance

Periodically, I will also share devotionals or reflections from my Bible app YouVersion, which is my primary tool for staying in the Word every day, both in reading/study and in prayer. I began sharing devotionals from the week of Monday, June 26th, as each one spoke to me, both individually and as an addition to the previous day's devotional. Today's is the 1st devotional from this week that spoke to me, and I wish to share it with you as well. Read on:

True Repentance

Sometimes life can feel like one big performance. We can get caught up in pleasing people, becoming successful, and attaining our greatest dreams. While those things are all good, what happens when we fail?

Most people go hard on themselves when they don't live up to their own expectations, or the expectations others have set for them. Can you remember a time you messed up? Did you feel guilt, shame, or even condemnation?

God’s Word talks about this very thing. That’s because God knows that we are not perfect, and that we will mess up in life. But when Paul talks about sorrow that comes from God, he talks about it very differently.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul says that godly sorrow doesn’t lead to condemnation, shame, or guilt, but rather it leads to repentance and restoration. When we look to Jesus, we are reminded that He took on all of our shame and guilt on the cross. This means we don’t have to carry the shame that Jesus already carried.

When we mess up, our first response should be to go to God and remind ourselves of the truth of the cross. While earthly sorrow pushes us down, godly sorrow brings us to Jesus where we can know we are forgiven and made new.

So while we may still mess up and fail, we can be confident that we are continually being made new by Jesus. God’s love and forgiveness never change.

Take some time to think about the love of God and His forgiveness in your life. Remind yourself that you are a new creation empowered by the Spirit of God to walk in new life. Write down one or two ways that you can remind yourself of these truths throughout your week.

https://bible.com/bible/59/2co.7.10.ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/2co.7.10.ESV

Celebrating Timothy Keller

 I'm a bit late to the party. I wanted to post on Timothy Keller's passing, which occurred in May. I'm grateful for how God used him (unbeknownst to him) to minister to my life at a time when I was at a choice point regarding what I was going to believe. Right around the time I began attending the Evanston Vineyard, I purchased his book The Reason for God. It changed my thinking about God, about Jesus, and about the Christian faith. It helped grease the skids in my heart toward embracing the Vineyard not only as my church but also as my home, especially right at the beginning. I felt completely devoid of hope at that time in my life. In spite of the many low seasons I've had, it was quite rare that I found myself feeling this, and this was one of those times. What I don't think many know is how perilously close I came to choosing the other option. I was at Barnes and Noble (where I purchased Mr. Keller's book), and I was really considering buying a book that, although it wasn't titled The Reason Against God, it may as well have been. But I then saw his book and, even after having left the church and after a prolonged season of doubting God's realness, a part of me still wanted to believe that some of the most important things I learned as a child was true. This book -- and more importantly, God Himself -- did that for me. I will forever be grateful for Mr. Keller's faithfulness to his (and my) Lord in everything that he did.

A bit of a side note - I've been aware, especially in the last five or so years, about how many longstanding mainline churches have fallen away from the true faith, and about how this is something that has been common ever since the church first began. In my opinion, we are sadly now seeing how so many of the churches and ministries that were founded in the last major wave of revivals from the 1970s are falling away. However, the good news is that God is still at work, and He will use different churches, no matter how mainstream (or not), no matter how long (or short) they've been around. I work as a worship team associate for a Presbyterian church now, and I'm seeing God move in this church, which has been around for over 150 years. Prior to accepting this job, I previously had worked at Presbyterian Homes, either as a direct employee of or in connection with them as a contractor. I say all this because Mr. Keller was a Presbyterian minister. And yet, from what I've read and watched on YouTube about him, I'm convinced he was saved. As I was reflecting and praying, at one moment my thought was not of sadness or grief, but rather, "I'll see you soon" (directed at Mr. Keller). This is not to say that his Presbyterian association gave me reasons to doubt, but rather that, in spite of the aforementioned trends I've noticed of churches throughout history drifting away from the Lord, he could have been any denomination, and God could have still used him for the Kingdom of heaven. And use him He did.

I'm glad Mr. Keller is with Jesus, still kind of shocked that he passed away, but primarily grateful at how we briefly intersected in such a way that led me back to church, this time to stay. And to grow.

Sermons from Good News: we can make a difference

Church 7/1/2023

Offertory scripture:

Give because you love God and because you love other people.

Sermon message:

The Fourth of July

Thesis: We can make a difference.

2 Corinthians 4:18

—Things which are seen are temporal (ie. Subject to change)

—Things which are unseen are eternal (they do not change)

Any situation that you can perceive with your senses, you can change because you believe the Word of God can change situations.

Our founding fathers did this.

Of all nations in human history, the United States has changed things for the better more so than any other nation, ever. Including spreading the gospel, sharing bibles, tv and radio programs… the USA has done this more than any other country in human history.

Point #1: our founding fathers dreamed.

They dreamed big. Having a dream is important; it is a hope.

Hebrews 11:1

1 Corinthians 13:13 hope remains forever

If you have no dreams or hopes, you can experience spiritual sickness.

Abraham had a dream. Moses had a dream. David had a dream. Go ahead and dream.

Don’t let anyone steal your dreams.

Proverbs 28:19A

In 2012 63% of people stated they believed that their best days were yet to come.

In 2023 43% of people stated the same.

Dream a of better life, a better world, etc. don’t give up.

Point #2: our founding fathers believed.

“With men things are impossible; with God all things are possible.”

Don’t let the discouragers win.

Mark 9:23

From our founding fathers: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and they were endowed with certain inalienable rights, that of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Point #3: Our founding fathers spoke.

Similarly, our spiritual fathers spoke also.
Abraham, Moses, Davis, Jesus, and so on.

We need to speak for our dreams, and not against them.

Change can come when we dream, believe, and speak.

Point #4: our founding fathers prayed.

This is very important. They prayed as they were writing all our documents: the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, etc.

Each step of the way, pray.

Jesus prayed and the fish and bread multiplied. Jesus taught us how to pray. Battles are won long before you face them physically, when you were on your knees. Ask for God’s help first.

Point #5: our founding fathers stood united.

United we stand; divided we fall.

Matthew 18:19

Matthew 12:25

The enemy has tried to divide the early church, and he has tried to divide the USA. But they stood together. Do the same.

We can still win.

Sermons from Good News: An invitation to believe big

Church 6/24/2023

Offertory scripture:

Sowing a seed is important.

2 Corinthians 2:14

Sermon message:

Let’s build our faith.

Thesis: An invitation to believe big.

The above is from God.

Numbers 23:19 God doesn’t lie.

Hebrews 6:18 it is impossible for God to lie.

It’s not just the past was a time for miracles; but that He’s still a God of miracles, now.

Mark 10:17 with God all things are possible.

Malachi 3:6 God doesn’t change. So if He didn’t lie before, He never will lie.

Hebrews 8:6

We have a better covenant via Jesus Christ than the Old Testament covenant.

Jeremiah 33:3

God invited Jeremiah to believe big and in big miracles, especially in a time that was challenging.

Major point: Prayer is powerful and it is important.

Point #1: Prayer is a privilege.

Prayer is talking to the God of the miraculous. It is a privilege to pray. Not a chore. God wants to connect with you.

Matthew 7:7

It’s a privilege to talk with God.

James 4:2 you have not because you ask not.

Hebrews 4:16 let us come boldly to the throne of grace.

Invitation to believe big.

Point #2: Prayer is a promise / prayer comes with a promise.

Jeremiah 33:3 “call upon Me and I will answer.” —God

Cases of answered prayer in the Bible:

Abraham re a promised son: Genesis 21:1-2

God answered an impossible request.

Checkpoint: this is a faith-building time.

Consider Elijah. He prayed for rain and it rained.

Consider David. He dealt with fear but yet he called out to God.

Psalm 34:4 God delivered David from all his fears.

Matthew 7:7 Ask and you will find.

Matthew 21:22 Ask, and believe; therefore you will receive.

Point #3: Prayer is power.

When you pray, power rises, the atmosphere is changed. Pray, and you will receive power. Don’t listen to Satan who will try to discourage you.

Jeremiah 33:3 call to God. He will show you great and mighty things. Prayer is power.

Ephesians 3:20

Matthew 17:20

We are working to build faith to get rid of unbelief.

Mark 9:23 all things are possible to him who believes.

You are invited to believe and believe for miracles in your life. Replay this sermon on YouTube to refresh.

Let’s pray for everything. And let’s expect for God to move.

Sermons from Good News: Thank God for good fathers

Note: In this season, God is continuing to till my heart. Of the points in the message below, Point #5 hit me the most because it is absolutely apropos. [When we face delays, God may be building your faith] I still struggle with waiting, whether it's on God or on anyone (or anything) else. Over the last month, however (and probably longer), I've had both some deep longings unearthed, as well as some long-held idols exposed to my awareness that I've been working to surrender. Another thing I still struggle with is trusting that the rewards granted for enduring various trials are worth those trials, for a milieu of reasons. It's one of the many reasons why sticking close to Jesus is that crucial, and why the remedy in this case and in many cases is simply to get my focus off the situation and onto Him. Two recent passages that God has highlighted have really been giving me food for deep thought (bold emphases are mine, which I will expound upon further below):

Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die):

Remove falsehood and lies far from me;

Give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to me;

Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the Lord?”

Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.

Proverbs 30:7-9, NKJV

Even though the below passage immediately precedes the above passage, I felt God highlight this to me after He had brought to mind the above passage. Therefore, I'm sharing these in this order:

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Proverbs 30:5-6, NKJV

So much to unpack, but so as not to steal from the notes of the below sermon, I'll just state this much: I've been guilty of adding to His words (consciously or subconsciously), and I remember one of the words I received at my previous church 10 years ago (among many words of encouragement) was a stern warning: do not self-edit God's voice. I agreed with that warning then, and still do now. But as I look back, I find that I've been doing that.

The other conviction has to do with my continued idolization of riches. While it's not wrong to dream about a successful and abundant life, the other thing I've been recently convicted of is idolizing the various forms of riches, that the riches are for me (emphasis on self). The difference between dreaming vs idolizing is whether or not I feel at peace with my present circumstances, particularly the waiting. And the prescription is still the same: get your eyes off your circumstances (and the frustration of waiting) and back onto Jesus. Even when I still struggle to understand or believe in the reward (God will continue to help me with that), having my eyes back on Jesus is still the critical step.

Church 6/17/2023

Offertory scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11

Don’t give up. Keep running after God.

Sermon notes:

Thesis: Thank God for good fathers.

A father’s job is to protect their children, to love our children, and to train their children.

Proverbs 22:6

If you had a good father, thank God for him.

Exodus 20:12

God’s plan is that your father was there to protect, love, and train you. But sometimes our earthly fathers don’t or didn’t do that. Remember this: God is your Heavenly Father and He will protect, love, and train you.

Important truths:

Point #1: When you have a need, take it to God.

If you’re a dad, tell your child the above.

Point #2: When we humble ourselves, God can move.

Pride will block God from moving in your life. But humility will invite God to move in your life.

Proverbs 6:16-17 (the six/seven things God hates)

James 4:6

Mark 5:22-23

Matthew 9:18-19

Point #3: When we worship God, we welcome His presence.

Psalm 22:3

Point #4: What you say is important.

Proverbs 18:21

If you have a need, take it to God. If you humble yourself, God can move. When you worship God, you welcome His presence.

Matthew 9:18 A certain ruler came to Jesus, humbled himself, and worshiped God. Even so, he believed Jesus could revive his daughter.

Mark 5:23 same passage reference as above.

Point #5: When we face delays, God may be building your faith.

God didn’t necessarily cause the delay, but He can use it to grow you if you let Him.

Consider David. He was anointed king 15 years before he actually sat on the throne. Consider Joseph, Jacob’s son. He waited 14 years before he was second in command in Egypt. Consider Abraham. He waited 25 years for his promised son to be born.

Mark 5:25-27

Mark 5:28 what you say is important.

Mark 5:29-34

Don’t get jealous of someone else receiving the blessing you desire. Instead use that to build up your faith. If God can bless them, He can bless you also.

Point #6: Don’t let others destroy your faith.

Don’t let others discourage you. Don’t listen to those who won’t build up your faith. No matter how powerful they are or seem.

Psalm 1:1

Mark 5:35:36 Jesus said: do not be afraid, only believe.

Mark 5:37-40

Point #7: The father was rewarded.

Mark 5:41-42

God can change a situation, no matter how tough. And He can comfort you when no one else can.

2 Corinthians 1:3

Psalm 34:18