Pastor Nate’s sermon from May 9th looks at Jesus’ words in John 15:9-17 and the ways that Jesus is like a loving parent.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Pastor Nate’s children sermon for this week looks at the story of Daniel and the Lions den and the ways that Jesus saves us today.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Pastor Gary’s Full sermon from 5/2/21. This sermon looks at Jesus’ statement about the vine and the branches found in John 15:1-8
“Sticking Together” by Justin March
“Sticking Together” by Justin March
My friends, these have
been some trying times. The last several months have been filled with
social unrest, political upheaval, and virus fears. Our opinions around
such heavy subjects have made many take sides, and the “us versus
them” mentality has become prominent. The lines between good and
evil have become blurry, and the media has filled our minds with scare tactics
and news that is not always true. And many of us have been left searching
for a leader that will stand up, take charge, and lead us out of the
depression, hatred, and misery these last several months have prescribed.
Yes, these have been
some trying times. But as I look back, and think about all the moments
that tried to tear us apart, I find myself proud of the resiliency God’s people
showed through these dire times. I remember the Zoom calls that kept
people connected. I remember the outdoor meetings where we could keep
social distanced and safe. I remember the book studies that raised awareness,
fed our need to learn, and kept us grounded. I remember the virtual
church services where I could still hear the messages I needed to get me
through the week. And I remember all the phone calls, text messages, and
emails I received that reminded me to keep my head up and push forward.
We stuck
together.
The evils of the world
did their best to separate us, but we persevered. Our families became
stronger, our friendships became important, and our time with God became
essential. We slowed down and spent more time loving those close to
us. We were hungry for connection, and the extra down time allowed us to
delve into the scriptures together and enrich our understandings of God’s
messages. And as the world did everything it could to knock us down, we
brought our community to others, so that ALL could know how much they were
loved and appreciated.
As we slowly escape
some of the hardships we have endured, these are the lessons I want us to
remember. Love over hate. Community over division. Peace over
violence. Acceptance over judgement. The pandemic, the social
unrest, and the political upheavals have done everything they can to drive us
apart. But, when we stick together, when we show forgiveness and grace,
and when we live our lives with the ideals God has put before us, nothing can
keep us apart. The world is going to need us to show God’s love, now more
than ever, and as we rise from the ashes of this broken world, let’s remember
to stick together so all that are lost may find their paths that lead them to
Him!
Pastor Nate’s full sermon for Sunday 5/2/21 discusses the value of empty spaces and how the power of the resurrection often shows up in the places that feel empty or lacking.
This sermon is based on a reading from Mark 16:1-8
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Pastor Nate’s children message this week looks at the story of David and Goliath.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
“Was it Really Worth it?” by Justin March
“Was it Really Worth it?” by Justin March
“Was this really worth
it?” As my wife and I were having date night on Friday, I could not believe
this question popped into my head. The restaurant we had planned on visiting
had a long wait time, so we decided to head across the street to a place that I
am not too fond of. The food is always sub-par, and I never feel we get a good
value for the price we pay. And as the bill came to the table, and I saw the
final request, I could not help but ask myself, “Was this really worth
it?”
Why do we find faults in situations when they do not go as planned? Why is it
so easy for a negative perspective to take over as roads are altered and
obstacles appear? And have we not been equipped or empowered enough to deal
with the changes this life so often throws at us?
You see, not much had changed for the planned night my wife and I were about to
enjoy. I was still blessed to spend some valuable time with the beautiful woman
I love. I was enriched by our conversation and enlightened by the topics we
decided to discuss. The service was great, the atmosphere was wonderful, and I
can never put a price on time spent with loved ones. It just takes a change of
perspective and a focus on the positive, so that I am not left wondering, “Was
this really worth it?”
As a Christian, I am often left wondering “Was this really worth it?”
Sometimes, I feel the time we spend evangelizing falls on deaf ears. Sometimes,
I feel the herd is so lost we have no chance of bringing them back. And
sometimes, I feel all the time invested in following God’s lead does not
produce the results we had hoped for. So, it is in these moments, when we are
knocked down and struggling to find value in the provided course, we find
ourselves asking “Was this really worth it?”
What if God asked this question as he sent His only Son to walk among us? Would
it not have been easy for Him to allow Jesus to be born in Heaven and enjoy all
the benefits His glorious kingdom had to offer? Of course, but God loved His
people so much he never wavered. He knew His Son would need to endure the
trials this world would put upon Him. He knew Jesus would be betrayed, hated,
and nailed to a cross with no more glorification than the common thieves that
hung beside Him. But God also knew that Jesus’ miracles, Jesus’ messages, and
Jesus’ forgiveness would save the nations. He knew that His love would give us
the hope and faith needed to get through life’s tumultuous moments. And He
prayed that the grace flowing through Him would give us the time to ponder the
question, “Was this really worth it?”
“Was this really worth it?” We are human so this question will roll through our
minds again and again. But when we look at each situation, through God’s eyes
and God’s perspective, we begin to understand how worthy everything becomes.
Every moment is important, every breath is precious, and every action is
noticeable. When we live our lives through faith, when we love without
conditions, and when we forgive as Jesus has forgiven us, the answers become
clear. And when this life is over, when we walk through the pearly gates, and
when we see how glorious His kingdom will be, we will no longer need to ask
ourselves, “Was this really worth it?”