Growing Deeper Into the Soil of God's Word to Bear Fruit For His Kingdom
"Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord." (Luke 1:13-15a) I... Continue Reading →
[This sermon was delivered on Sunday, October 25, 2015] This morning, as we continue our journey through the Ten Commandments, I’d like to once again invite you to open your bibles to Exodus 20. Exodus 20, beginning in verse 14. Exodus is the second book of the bible. Exodus 20, verse 14. Before we hear God’s... Continue Reading →
[This sermon was delivered on Sunday, September 20, 2015] Two weeks ago we kicked off our fall series through the Ten commandments. Today, we look at the second commandment. You can find it in Exodus 20:4-6. I invite you to turn there now as we study God’s word together. Exodus is in the Old Testament,... Continue Reading →
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God..." (Exodus 20:4-5a) We are created to worship. Many years... Continue Reading →
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away... Continue Reading →
Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. (Mark 12:13) I think it's fair to say that when I first looked at this week's passage my response was, "This is hard. I don't really understand what's going on." Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and Scribes all come to Jesus with... Continue Reading →
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14) When I first noticed them I was mortified. What in the world was happening to my skin? It used to be so nice and smooth. Why were these crevices appearing? Did I do something wrong?... Continue Reading →
Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer. (Ruth 3:9b) Under cover of darkness, Ruth makes her way to the threshing floor where she's been told, by her mother-in-law Naomi, that Boaz will be spending the night. After waiting for the man to fall asleep, she approached quietly, uncovered his feet... Continue Reading →
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) Gifts. Gifts are always a huge part of our celebration of Christmas. We give gifts to friends and family,... Continue Reading →
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and... Continue Reading →
Etz Pri 