Emmanuel Baptist Church Podcast

November 25, 2018 The Searchers Psalm 132:1-5 Synopsis: Let me begin by saying I am not trying to rush into Christmas although I truly do love this time of the year. My sermons over the next few weeks will be drawn from Matthew’s telling of the Wise Men. I know we usually wait until after telling about the shepherds coming to the stable to see the baby Jesus, but this year I want to invite you to image with me the story of their search and ponder what wisdom we might discover for our own journey. What are you searching for? Where are you searching for truth and meaning or purpose in life? What comes next beyond life as we know it? Text (NLT): Psalm 132:1-5, Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-2 Children’s Lesson: Barbara Brown Taylor; illustrated by Melanie Cataldo, Home by Another Way, Louisville, KY, Flyaway Books, 2018.

October 21, 2018 Ignorant and Wayward People Hebrews 5:2 Synopsis: “Ignorant and Wayward People,” (Hebrews 5:2) surely that’s not us, right? OK, so at times we do fit the bill, maybe even a lot of the time. How do we fit the bill? We live uninformed lives demonstrated in our daily activities or in the lack of activities. Our “ignorant and wayward” lives demonstrate our need of a priest to intercede for us. At times, the priest we need is as close as our brother or sister in Christ Jesus. Believers are empowered to serve one another as a priest of the Most High God. The priesthood of all believers basically calls on us to do what we can for one another. There are times when there is not one among us who can do what we need. These are the times in our lives when only Jesus can deliver us and be our interceding High Priest in the presence of God the Father. Text (NLT): Hebrews 5:1-10; Genesis 14:17-24; Psalm 110:4 Scripture Reading: Psalm 104:1

September 9, 2018 Raising the Dead James 2:17 Synopsis: I love the resurrection hope of the Gospel and I love affirming the faith of those who believe, but I also know that too many people are way too dependent on affirmation. Disciples of Jesus Christ are believers who have moved beyond their need for “affirmation” of their faith to seek the “confirmation” of their faith in what they do. That is what James is saying. If believers want to live in the hope of the resurrection then they need raised from dead faith to living faith (James 2:17). Raising the Dead has always been the work of God. It has been demonstrated a few times in Scripture, but it is not an everyday experience. What can believers do to move from affirmation to confirmation to live in the hope of the resurrection? Ask! That is what the woman did when she moved beyond affirmation to confirmation and discover healing for her daughter in the experience the hope of the resurrection in Christ Jesus (Mark 7:24-30). Where is your faith? Are you living in the assurance of the resurrection? When your faith is tested, and it will be tested, will it produce the evidence of your transformation? If not, then your faith needs to be resurrected. [ Listen for the use of these words: Affirmation; Confirmation; Demonstration; Resurrection; Transformation] Text (NLT): James 2:14-17, 1-9

September 2, 2018 Labor Day Weekend Do What It Says! James 1:22 Synopsis: “Do what it says” sounds so much like Jesus that I sometimes think James was quoting Jesus. It is a problem that we all have especially as we hear the word of the Lord on a very personal level. We put on a good show, but only wind up fooling ourselves. The salvation of God begins in the heart of men and women, boys and girls and works its way out in every aspect of life or it is not the salvation of God at all. We may be putting on a good show but the reality is we are just fooling ourselves. God knows. Text (NLT): James 1:19-27: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Mark 7:1-8; Isaiah 29:11-14; Mark 7:14-15, 21-23.

August 19, 2018 What’s Ya Need? 1 Kings 3:5 Synopsis: Have you ever been in one of those situations where you were caught not knowing what to ask for? Maybe it happened when you were getting ready to order something at a new restaurant or searching for something online. There are times when you really do have to be careful about what you ask for because you might get it. That is not always a good thing. Solomon had what might be classified as a very enchanting “dream” one night (1 Kings 3:3-14). He dreamed that the Lord told him to ask for anything he wanted. WOW! You would like to have had that dream? What would you have asked for? More wishes? What Solomon asked for was not so much a wish for what he wanted as much as it was a prayer for what he needed in order to do what God had positioned him to do. Believers today need to learn the lesson of Solomon and ask God for wisdom (James 1:2-8) to make the right decisions in their lives (Ephesians 5:15-20). Did you say you had more experience in doing the “don’t” than in doing the “dos?” God has a cure for that if you will trust Him (Psalm 111:10). Text: 1 Kings 3:3-14, NIV; James 1:2-8; Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT; Psalm 111:10, NLT Scripture Reading: Psalm 111:1-4

July 29, 2018 For This Reason Ephesians 3:14-21 Synopsis: The first half of the letter to the church in Ephesus tells the story of God’s work in Christ Jesus and the Apostle’s prayer for the growth and development of the church. “For this reason” is the phrase that Paul used to emphasize that work. It is found in the beginning of the letter and later on in chapter 3, my text for today. It is because of what God has done in Christ and will do in the church that he prays for their “strength”, “love”, “knowledge” and “fullness”. With these the church may know God’s love and share God’s love with others. Text (NIV): Ephesians 3:14-21, 1:3, 15-23 Scripture Reading: Psalm 14:1-2

July 8, 2018 Passportkids Reporting All Caught Up 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Synopsis: It is easy to get “All Caught Up” in many different things in life. Many of those things are just down right fun and remain that way for varying lengths of time. Short term things often are called FADS. We fill closets and storage buildings with the stuff that once captured our attention. The stuff that is just waiting for a second go-round. Other things happen to us in life that holds our attention for longer periods of time. I am referring to things that are not defined by “stuff” as much as relationships. And finally, there are experiences that we have in life that catch us and capture our attention so that we are never the same afterwards. There is little question in my mind that the Apostle Paul was “All Caught Up” in Jesus Christ. Paul had many experiences of the resurrected Lord but he was never the same after the first one. In this passage (2 Corinthians 12:1) Paul refers to being “caught up into the third heaven.” Not everybody gets to go there. Not everybody gets to have that experience, but everybody can experience the life changing presence of Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. A line from a Kirk Talley’s song simply says “He is here, you can touch Him. You will never be the same.” (He Is Here, © 2011 Kirk Talley Music) Text (NIV): 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Scripture Reading: Psalm 48:1, NIV

July 1, 2018 The Remembrance Freedom Isn’t Free It’s Transformative 2 Corinthians 8:9 Synopsis: I’m sure you have heard many times that “Freedom Isn’t Free” and that is true in many different ways. The price for freedom from the wages of sin and death is far beyond our human ability to pay. The good news, as Paul points out, is that freedom is possible in Christ Jesus simply because Jesus paid the price. But that is not all of the story. True “Freedom” in Christ Jesus “Isn’t Free It’s Transformative.” Freedom that isn’t transformative may best be described as anarchy. I would argue that the framers of The Declaration of Independence insisted that free people are not to be anarchist but patriots. Think with me for just a moment. Do you remember the stories of the struggles the Children of Israel had as they broke away from Egypt? They were free from Egyptian bondage, but they were not yet transformed. Anarchy seemed to rule the day. Moses was often frustrated trying to deal with the People of anarch. It took a long time but step by step they were transformed into the People of God. Eventually they were able to enter the Promised Land. Today, as we come to the Lord’s Table we are celebrating our freedom in Christ Jesus while taking transformative steps in our daily life that will truly let freedom ring. Jesus transformed the meaning of the bread and wine of Passover to living signs of His brokenness for our wholeness and the establishment of a new covenant relationship that is for our transformation. Text (NIV): 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Scripture Reading: Psalm 130:1-4, NIV

June 24, 2018 Commissioning High School Youth Mission Team Calming the Troubled Waters Mark 4:35-41 Synopsis: Many people have no problem affirming that Jesus Calmed the Troubled Waters. They know the Gospel stories (Mark 4:35-41), but that doesn’t mean they know how to get Jesus to calm the troubled waters of their lives. Listen to the story carefully and you will see that the Disciples didn’t have faith to calm the troubled waters for themselves. They needed Jesus. You and I are no different. We need Jesus too not just to save our soul but to guide and protect us on our journey of life. God help us to learn the lesson of trust and prayer. Text: Mark 4:35-41, CEV; Philippians 4:6, NLT Scripture Reading: Psalm 9:9-11

June 10, 2018 Misunderstood vs. Misrepresented Mark 3:20-22 Synopsis: With all that was going on in those days (Mark 3:20-35) it is easy to see how Jesus’ family and friends could have “misunderstood” what was happening. Maybe they were acting out of love when they tried to step in and “rescue Him” from himself. That is not what was happening with the Pharisees. Text (NLT): Mark 3:20-22, 23-27, 28-30, 31-35; 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Scripture Reading: Psalm 138:6-8

June 6, 2018 Appalachian Outreach Week Stretch Out Your Hand! Mark 3:5 Synopsis: Jesus was frustrated. Jesus was angry with the opposition, but He never let that stop him from doing what someone needed. Neither should we. Jesus told a man whose hand was shriveled to “Stretch Out Your Hand!” It was on the Sabbath and they were standing in a synagogue surrounded by witnesses. And when the man responded he found he was healed. Those who opposed Jesus rushed out to meet with other in another effort to get Jesus killed. Don’t be like them. Instead, “Stretch Out You Hand” and be healed and go offer healing to others in Jesus’ Name. Text (NIV): Psalm 139:1-6; Mark 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12

May 13, 2018 Mother’s Day Living In The Assurance 1 John 5:13 Synopsis: We have reached our destination. It has taken us five weeks to get here. Today we take a long look at the assurance of “eternal life.” Each week of our journey I have focused in on points found in the five chapters of the Epistle of 1 John. All along the way I wanted to get to 1 John 5:13 “so that you may know that you have eternal life.” But first we had to examine the things John has written to believers as the basis for that assurance. Fellowship Matters to share with God & Believers What’d Ya Know – Good? Knowing is relational not mental Love From Both Sides God is Good, and if you don’t know Jesus you don’t love. Test Your Spirituality The Spirit of God is just like God. Turn your radio on and tune in to God. Living in The Assurance Today I we test our GPS setting. Let’s listen to the voice of the “love” of God to guide us all the way to our destination. Text (NIV): 1 John 5 Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:13-15

April 22, 2018 Whad’Ya Know – Good? Sin and Fellowship 1 John 2:3 Synopsis: Remember that my goal in preaching this series of sermons from 1 John is “so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13, NIV).” I want very one to have the assurance of eternal life. I want to start today’s message by reading 1 John 2:12-14 from the NIV and then from The Message. The point is, we need to look at the meaning instead of just the wording. What was John telling us instead of what we want to hear. My primary text for today comes from 1 John 2:3. We begin our work of “knowing” as “little children” sitting at the feet of our teacher. What better way is there to learn. There is room at our teacher’s feet for anyone who desires to “know.” There are a lot of things believers need to know to get along in life. First of all, maybe even most of all, believers need to know “good” because God is Good. “Knowing” Him and living in His fellowship is to be reflected in the life of every believer because for John “knowing” is always “relational.” John cuts through the chase when he writes, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” Whad’Ya Know – Good? Point to remember: “Knowing”, as John is using the term, is always “relational” not mental. Text (NIV): 1 John 2:12-14 (NIV & The Message); Psalm 73:1; Luke 18:19; 1 John 2:1-27

April 15, 2018 Fellowship Matters 1 John 1:3 Synopsis: Today I am launching into a sermon series in the Epistle of 1 John. I want to tell you up front where I am going, but you and I will have to work through the rest of the letter before we get there. 1 John 5:13, NIV “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I want each and every one of you to know that you have eternal live. The rest of the letter forms the critical context for that assurance. Too often I hear people jumping to the assurance without doing the work on which the assurance is built. Let’s start where we must start in the journey of assurance and that is with the fellowship (1 John). The first lesson is simple. The assurance of “eternal life” is not made in absentia of the fellowship. We use that word in a lot of different ways. In fact some congregations have chosen to use the word “fellowship” instead of “church” in their name. I have even seen some congregations that use both. Baptist have always been good at using the term “fellowship” when it comes to food. That is why we have a “Fellowship Hall.” Now, let’s talk about “fellowship” in matters of eternal consequence, because “Fellowship Matters.” In verse three John launches us into the types of fellowship that matters. There is the fellowship of believers and the fellowship with God. In both cases fellowship is more than what you say. Text (NIV): 1 John 1:1-10; Acts 2:42-43; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 4:7-11 Scripture Reading: Psalms 4:6-8,

April 1, 2018 Easter The Release 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Synopsis: This is Easter morning and since women believers were the first to discover the empty tomb and first to proclaim the resurrection story it is only fitting that we have women leading us in reading the story this morning. This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24) Why are we so happy? We are happy because Jesus was and is victorious over death and the grave. As Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) “Christ died for our sins, … buried, and three days later he was raised to life.” Praise God the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Chains of death and hell have been forever broken. It’s time for all those who believe to act like it. Time’s Up for living a complacent life. Time’s Up for waiting for another tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation, do not harden your heart, it could burst. Text: (CEV): 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Pew Bible page 987; Psalm 118:18-24, Pew Bible page 512-513; Acts 10:42-46, Pew Bible page 942. Scripture Reading: John 20:1-18, CEV

Let me invite you to join us as we go back in time and place to hear again the good news as we tell portions of the story of Jesus’ ministry. The first scene on the main stage will feature a setting like the Sermon on the Mount. In this scene you will hear Jesus’ invitation that will be carried throughout the program, “Come follow me.” First the Emmanuel Kid’s Choir will respond to his invitation with song then find acceptance as they join him at the top of the stage. Next you will hear Jesus share portions of the Beatitudes and His teaching concerning prayer. Following the morning offering scene two will focus on a meeting room up in the baptistery area. There you will see and hear from Peter, John, Andrew and Nicodemus as each one shares special insights about life with Jesus. This is also when they will be introducing a brand-new song written by our very own minister of music Dr. Mark Hussung, Come and See. The final scene will feature the Upper Room where Peter shares more of his story and sings Peter’s Song (also written by Mark Hussung). Other Disciples will join him in singing and then Jesus will lead us in the celebration of The Last Supper. We hope all of you will join us as we eat the bread and drink from the cup of The Remembrance.

March 11, 2018

Look Up and Live

John 3:14-15

Synopsis: The title of my sermon today is “Look Up and Live.” I admit it sounds more like a warning to all those who text while driving. We know better, but…we’ve been bitten by the technology bug and feel the need to be constantly in touch.

In case you’re wondering, no this is not part of a sermon series on smart phones. Though maybe it should be. “Look Up and Live” comes right out of the text of the Lord’s message to Moses. You see, the Lord knows looking up to Him is the place to begin whenever His people are surrounded by troubles. The way out of our troubles isn’t found in them. The way out of our troubles is found in HIM (Exodus 21:4-9). You see, I believe this story is not just about Moses, the people of Israel in their wilderness wandering and a nest of snakes. I believe it’s about you and me and the way to the promised land (John 3:14-21).

How far does one have to go before he or she starts looking in a different direction for help (Psalm 107:17-22)? What are you waiting on (Ephesians 2:1-10)?

Text: Numbers 21:4-9, NLT; John 3:14-21, ESV; Psalm 107:17-22, NLT; Ephesians 2:1-10, MSG.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 107:1-3

February 11, 2018 Why Him? 2 Kings 5:13-14 Synopsis: Have you ever asked the question “Why Him?” Sure you have. That question had to be floating around among the people of Judah in reference to this story of the healing of Naaman (23 Kings 5:1-14). On the one hand we all want to know “Why do bad things happen to good people.” And on the other hand, “Why do good things happen to bad people?” Those questions only get intensified when the questions center around our enemies. Jesus seems to deal with the questions by simply saying good and bad happens to all of us (Matthew 5:44-46). It seems that there is no shortage of people who know better than God how God ought to act. The story illustrates the need for a witness even to our enemies so that the Glory of the Lord will be revealed. The prophet didn’t act the way Naaman thought he should. The prophet made no impressive gyrations nor uttered any enchantments and asked for no tributes to be paid. It just didn’t happen the way Naaman thought it would, but it did happen when he did what he was instructed to do. Now that is a witness we need to pay attention to. Jesus healed lepers too. It didn’t happen the way the ones being healed thought it should. But it too happened for a witness (Mark 1:40-45). The question I am left with is this, “What have we done as a result of our healing?” Have we been faithful to do what our Savior asked us to do? Text (NIV): 2 Kings 5:1-14; Matthew 5:44-46; Mark 1:40-45 Scripture Reading: Psalm 30:10-12

January 28, 2018 Bullfrog Religion 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Synopsis: Paul was continuing down a list of questions from the believers in Corinth when the subject of food sacrificed to idols came up. It was a thorny question for the believers there who, like all of us, were made up of believers at different levels of maturity. Paul’s answer went way beyond the question to strike at the need of the church in Corinth and everywhere else. Throughout the letter to the Corinthians Paul emphasized the need for unity in the church, true knowledge and true love. Some in the church were “puffed up” about what they thought they knew and were not concerned about the affect it was having on other believers. We have a common phrase (idiom) that I have found in a lot of different uses in a lot of different sections of our society. I am sure you have heard it and suspect you have even used it. The phrase is “puffed-up like a bull frog” and it came to my mind when I was reading verse 1, thus my title Bullfrog Religion. Simply put a religious bullfrog is someone who is all puffed up with making their own noises and therefore lean toward the put down of those around them instead of building others up in love. Which do you think is more like Christ? Surely, the work of the church is not about making noises. In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul wrote more extensively about love and closed with naming the things that remain “faith, hope and love.” Of course, “love” is the one that remains but I hope you noticed “knowledge” didn’t even make the list. Text (NIV): 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

January 21, 2018 In God Alone Psalm 62:5 Synopsis: Our world is continually “passing away.” New things are becoming old. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:31 “For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” Consistency, norm, standards, etc. always seem to be conditional and therefore unstable at best. Faith, on the other hand, invites us to place our hope on the God Who is faithful. With that in mind, let us listen afresh to the call of the psalmist (Psalm 62:5-12): 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. 10b And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. There are a lot of things I could talk to you about today. Important things like: Your finances, Church finances, Your physical, mental, spiritual health. Serious things like: Your relationships with others at home, at work, with your neighbors. There is one thing that is critical in bringing order to all your questions about finances, health concerns, and relationships in your life and that one thing is God. The place we need to begin is worship. Today, I just want to help you worship. Text (NLT): 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Psalm 62:5-12 Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

January 14, 2018 We Have Work To Do Psalm 139:16 Synopsis: The title of my sermon today is not framed as a question, but rather as a statement. We (that is all of us) have (present tense) work (toil) to do (because of whose we are) and we have only a few days (limited time) to get it done. First of all, let’s consider the fact that God knows all there is to know about us even to the point of the number of our days. As believers, we should consider that a good thing. The numbering of days has already begun for 2018. Thirteen days are already in the books and we will be at the half way mark for day fourteen by the end of this service. I guess the big looming question is what do you have to show for it? Are you still in the running on your New Year’s Resolution? Did you learn anything from the numbering of your days in 2017 that is being translated into these days? Text (NIV): Psalm 139:13-18; Revelation 4:8; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, MSG

January 7, 2018 An Epiphany Realized Matthew 3:13-17 Synopsis: People don’t always experience an epiphany on January 6th even though it is identified as such on the calendar. The date represents when the gentiles of the world, represented in the Magi, experienced the manifestation of God in the baby Jesus. There have been and continue to be many manifestations but we often fail to experience and “epiphany” because we have not been reconciled to God and man. John the Baptist is a prime example of someone who was not concerned with what other people thought of him. However, John had to reconcile his understanding of baptism when Jesus presented Himself on the banks of Jordan. To be honest, we all have a lot of work to do in order to realize an epiphany. To be honest, God has already done the hard word of reconciliation (Colossians 1:19-22, NLT) now it is up to us. First, we need to “Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength” mercy and grace, for salvation is of God not of us. The next thing is we need to be reconciled to God and man (Matthew 5:23-24, NLT). Then, we may have an opportunity to experience the epiphany. Text (NIV): Psalm 29:1-2; Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 1:19-22, NLT; Matthew 5:23-24, NLT Scripture Reading: Psalm 29:1-2

October 1, 2017 Let Everybody Sing Philippians 2:5 Synopsis: My opening prayer today is found in Psalm 25:1-9, NLT. I invite you to join me in prayer. The title for this sermon is inspired by the fact that verses 6-11 contain the words to a hymn of the early church, and I mean really early. “Let Everybody Sing” is an invitation for our assembly to demonstrate harmony of the early church. There three things I want to emphasize from this passage. 1. Paul’s emphasis on Congregational Harmony Everybody in the church needs to be on the same page: 1-4 2. Paul’s emphasis on Learning the Lyrics Everybody in the church needs to know the words: 5-11 3. Paul’s emphasis on Keep on Singing Everybody in the church needs to this a the song of their lives: 12-13. Just listening to the words of the early church as they sang their praises to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit ought to bring us to our feet in praise. Text (NLT): Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Scripture Reading: Responsive Reading # 404 “The People of God” Philippians 2:1-11, NIV

September 24, 2017 Even Better! Philippians 1:21-24 Synopsis: This Sunday I am start a four-sermon series from Philippians. The title for this sermon comes directly from the text (Philippians 1:21, NLT), “Even Better!” This was Paul’s attitude and the attitude he encouraged believers to demonstrate in their struggles of faith (27-29). How do you defeat somebody with this kind of an attitude? This attitude and demeanor sends a clear message to those who persecute you, “Your end is coming (my paraphrase of verse 28).” Paul assures believers, “We are in this struggle together (30).” Knowing that you are not alone in your journey is a great comfort and inspiration. Believers are there for each other and when the end comes it will be “Even Better.” Text (NLT): Philippians 1:21-30 Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:1-8

August 27, 2017 Commissioning: Romans 12:1-8 HELP! Isaiah 51:1 Synopsis: Do you ever need a little “HELP!” as you go through your day? Sure you do, unless of course you have a misguided ego. Where does your help come from? Believers know their help come from the Lord and other believers. “If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side …” Psalm 124:1-5, ESV, “they would have swallowed us up alive…” In verse 8, Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Isaiah (51:1-6) wrote to the people of Israel to “look to the rock from which you were hewn …” So believers have the strength of the Lord with them and the fellowship of other believers to also encourage and help in prayer and other ways as needed. God has blessed the body of Christ with all the parts necessary to support and help one another. It would have been enough for God to save us, but God did not stop there. In fact, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has never stopped providing help to those who believe. Too all of those who have helped the body of Christ in this place we say “thank you.” To all of those who have made commitments to help in the year ahead we commission you for service in Jesus’ name. Remember, “We are one in Christ Jesus or we are nothing.” Text (ESV): Isaiah 51:1-6; Romans 12:1-8 Scripture Reading: Psalm 124:1-5

Mercy Bound

Isaiah 56:6-8

Synopsis: I open my message today with a short reading from Psalm 133. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” That is a beautiful though in any age, but I think, in today’s unless and uncertainty, it presents a contrasting vision for us as we gather for worship. Let us take a deep breath of the Spirit and be refreshed in God’s love and in the embrace of our Savior and fellow pilgrims.

Unity is not easily established or maintained. In fact, it takes a very powerful force to bring people together and keep them from falling apart. It is a common human trait. One only needs to read a little of the story of Exodus or 1 Corinthians to realize that the trait is well established in the community of believers. It is glorious when it happens like it did with Aaron, the first high priest of the people of Israel. That unity produces blessings, “even life forevermore. I’m talking about being “Mercy Bound.”

In Mercy Bound I am talking about being tied up in mercy (Mercy Bound) as well as heading toward mercy (Mercy Bound). Isaiah said it was not just for those of the blood line of Israel, foreigners were included too (Isaiah 56:6-8). The conditions of being mercy bound are the same for all. The /Apostle Paul affirmed the same (Romans 11:1-2, 29-32). There were those in Jesus’ day who thought the offer of mercy was limited (Matthew 15:21-28), but the Gentile woman whose daughter was sick found mercy too.

Aaron was the high priest mentioned in Psalm 133 who served as a figure who brought the people of the exodus into unity in worship. We have found an even greater on that Aaron. His name is Jesus. He is ready to bind all who believe in mercy now and forever. Come! Join the group of believers who are “Mercy Bound.”

Text: Psalm 133:1-3, NIV; Isaiah 56:6-8, NLT; Romans 11:1-2, 29-32, NLT; Matthew 15:21-28, NIV;

July 30, 2017 Tricking the Trickster Genesis 29:15-28 Synopsis: Jacob was a “trickster” from the beginning. He rode out of his mother’s womb holding on to the heal of his larger, stronger twin brother Esau (Genesis 25:23-26). That is how he got his name (heel grabber). Then Jacob got Esau to sell him His birthright for a bowl of lentil or red stew (Genesis 25:27-34). Next (Genesis 27) Jacob, with the aid of his mother, tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing that Isaac intended to give to Esau. Shortly after that trick, with his brother making plans to kill him, Rebekah sent Jacob out of the country to her brother’s family to find a bride. I have very little doubt that Rebekah sent Jacob off with a warning, “Watch out for Laban.” Jacob, the “Trickster,” met his match in his uncle Laban and it costs him. Jacob worked seven years and then seven more to earn Rachel as his wife. Tricking the trickster revealed the truth about him. The one thing Jacob had that he never lost was his love for Rachel. The Lord Blessed Laban during all those years that Jacob served him for the have Rachel. He didn’t want those blessings to end, but this time Jacob turned the table on the trickster. Jacob made a deal with Laban to take only the weak and speckled animals for his wages in caring for Laban’s herds. As a result, he left a very rich man. You and I all know people who found out that Satan is an evil trickster. They thought they could make a deal and get what they wanted only to find out that the “Trickster” had tricked them. Don’t be fooled. The secret to taking down “The Trickster” is to keep your eyes on the eternal treasure God has already prepared for all those who believe (Matthew 13:44; 6:19-21). Text (NLT): Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:44; 6:19-21 Scripture Reading: Romans 8:26-28, NLT

July 9, 2017

Rebekah’s Charm

Genesis 24:67

Synopsis: Stories, we all love them and whether we realize it or not we find our identity in them. There are all kinds of stories and some like one type more than other types. The kind of stories a person enjoys says more about the person than the they realize.

There are some folks who like long stories like novels and biographies. While others prefer the Reader’s Digest approach of using short stories.

Some stories are true stories and may even follow a historical narrative approach while other stories are pure fiction. There are stories that make us laugh and stories that make us cry. Some have a way of getting under our skin and thus make us aware of things about ourselves that we may or may not like.

My text for today comes from the last verse Genesis 24, but I want to call your attention to the whole chapter. It’s a sad funny charming story really. Simply put, it is the story of Abraham send his servant off to find a bride for his son Isaac and Rebekah was waiting at the end of his journey. She said yes! It’s a love story unlike most, but this lady was not like most. It is, without a doubt, a faith story. It’s a story of comfort and hope and a very simple statement of what marriage can and should mean. It is a story of fulfilment.

Text (NLT): Genesis 24

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:28-30

July 2, 2017 Lord’s Supper

Let Freedom Ring!

Romans 6:14

Synopsis: Labeling the National Holiday of July 4th as Independence Day is somewhat misleading. Yes, it marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain but that didn’t make it so. The fledgling “would be nation” had to struggle through years of battles against better trained, better supplied and better equipped forces. The colonies did not succeed independently but united. In 1768, eight years before signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Dickinson wrote The Liberty Song in which he called for raising funds for the struggle. His song included the phrase, “By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.” Indeed, independence from Great Britain was achieved on the basis of interdependence. The phrase “United we stand, Divided we fall” should continue to be heard above the booming of fireworks on the 4th of July.

We have gathered to day as a declaration of unity. We are one in Christ Jesus or we are nothing. There are many forces in our world that try to enslave us, but none are more powerful than God’s grace.

We come as one this morning to The Table of Remembrance to acknowledge once more the source of our unity, Jesus Christ. We are one in Christ Jesus or we are nothing.

Text (NLT): Romans 6:12-14, 15-19, 20-23; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

June 4, 2017 Pentecost Sunday

Appalachian Outreach Week, June 5-9

A Universal Language

John 7:37-39

Synopsis: There are many things in this world that divide us. Language is one of them. People and nationalities are identified by the language they speak. Even within the same language there exists a wide variety of dialogues and accents. People even change the meaning or use of words according to various regional understanding. Today is Pentecost Sunday. On this day, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the church as it was gathered in the Upper Room. That event birthed the church and drew a large crowd of people from those who were in Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost. They were from various parts of the world and spoke different languages, but on that day the preachers spoke and the people heard the message in their own language. Yes, that was a miraculous sign! The presentation of the Gospel brought people together. The love of God as illustrated in Christ Jesus is and will always be a “Universal Language.”

Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said,

rivers of living water will flow from within them. ” (John 7:37b-38, NIV). Today, we celebrate that initial outpouring and the river of living water that continues to flood the world through the lives of believers. Paul identified that “Universal Language” as “agape .” We translate it as “love,” or “charity” but it is demonstrated than translated. The Holy Spirit poured out into the lives of believers become a mighty rushing river of living water made available to “anyone who is thirsty.” All the thirsty recognize the love of God’s when it is spoken.

Text: John 7:37-39, NIV; Acts 2:1-12, CEV; 1 Corinthians 13:3-13, NIV

Scripture Reading: Psalm 104:31-35

May 21, 2017

In Defense of Grace

1 Peter 3:13-17

Synopsis: A couple of weeks ago my sermon was titled “It’s a Gracious Thing.” Today I want to continue talking about grace drawing from what Peter might have called “In Defense of Grace.” My opening question is “How can you defend what you cannot define?” Certainly, our definition of grace has a direct impact on what we are willing to do in offering our “ apologia ” for our faith.

The way believers live their lives presents the loudest defense of grace possible. Simply put, Jesus said “If you love me, obey my commandments.” He also promised His disciples that He would send an “Advocate” to stand with them. The power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is the difference maker.

Text (NLT): Psalm 66:16-20; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21; Acts 17:22-31

Scripture Reading: Psalm 66:16-20

June 18, 2017 VBS Commissioning: Submerged

Father’s Day

A Faithful Response

Matthew 9:35-38

Synopsis: Today is Father’s Day and that is reason enough to preach about the need for “A Faithful Response.” Today we gave all the men in the church a multiple purpose pen. The functions of the pen serve as a reminder they need to be on the “level” with those around them and “measure” up to the standard of faith. They need to tighten up where they are to lacks in their demeaner and loosen up their control as they give their life and concerns over to God. Then they will be ready to make their mark on others.

It’s not just a man thing. All of us need to LOOK around and see the needs of others; LISTEN to the cries of others hurting as well as the voice of the Spirit of Christ calling us into action; and we need to INVESTIGATE the ways and means we can respond. We start that process by the simple PRAYER: “What can I do?” Then we PREPARE to do what you can and PARTICIPATE: Do what you can.

Something to think about: If you look around and see something that needs to be done, then maybe you are the one to get it done.

Text (ESV): Psalm103:13-18, NLT; Matthew 9:35-38; Exodus 19:2-8

Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35-38

May 7, 2017 Senior Day

It’s a Gracious Thing

1 Peter 2:19-25

Synopsis: “Grace” is a simple word, but it’s meaning is not easily explained. It is a word that is better illustrated than analyzed. It takes a lot of stories to bring grace to life.

In secular Greek, grace is simply “what delights,” but Peter uses it in the context of suffering, even suffering wrongfully, without cause. “Because Christ suffered for you.” I have a little plaque in my office that reads “Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve.”

Peter’s primary audience in the first century were servants and slaves. There were as many as 60,000,000 slaves throughout the Roman Empire at that time. They fulfilled many roles in day to day life, but they were always considered property. Peter was calling them to look beyond their life circumstances to realize their heavenly position in Christ Jesus.

Remember: very few people ever look up the meaning of grace. The only grace some people will ever know is what they see illustrated in you. Believers of every age and station of life are charged with finding their own way of expressing grace in every situation.

Text: 1 Peter 2:19-25, ESV

April 30, 2017

Echoes of Praise

1 Peter 1:17-23

Synopsis: I open my message today with Psalm116:1-4. The bottom line for the reading is “Please, Lord, save me!” and then begins the Echoes of Praise . Praise is what we offer back to God in response to all that the Lord has done for us.

What kind of praise is acceptable to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? It must be genuine, sincere, heartfelt expressions of gratitude expressed through “word, gift, and deed” individually and collectively. That is why true praise of God is offered through worship, service, gifts and fellowship. That is the only way the church will ever be identified as the body of Christ.

So let the praise begin and let it continue to echo through expressions of your life. That is the criteria by which God will judge the genuineness of your faith.

Text (NLT): Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23

Scripture Reading: Psalm 116:12-14

April 16, 2017 Easter

This Is The Day

Jesus Called My Name

Psalm 118:24

Synopsis: I opened my time with you today with the prayer from Psalm 118:21-24, NRSV. “ This is the day that the Lord has made ; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Yes! Praise the Lord! And what a day it is. We have been anticipating its arrival for weeks. Our excitement has been building throughout Holy Week and now it is here. This is the day we call Easter. This is the day the Lord has made. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not our doing. This is what God has done and has promised to do for all who believe.

This is the day, Mary would later recall, Jesus called my name (John 20:1-18). What a wonderful way to remember that first Easter morning. She went early to the tomb not expecting to hear anything, but what she heard changed her mourning into rejoicing.

Jesus came out of the grave as the first fruit of the resurrection. Believers of every generation continue to live in the hope of everlasting life in Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:1-4)

This is the day Jesus is calling your name. Can you hear Him? Are you listening? It is personal. Not brash nor angry but rather soft and filled with compassion. He calls to you so that you will know that he is alive. He calls to you so that you will know the way of salvation is prepared for you.

Text: Psalm 118:21-24, NRSV; John 20:1-18 CEV; Colossians 3:1-4, CEV

April 2, 2017

All Dried Out and Ready for Life

Ezekiel 37:3

Synopsis: It’s a contradiction. Things that are all dried out are not ready for life…right? Life on this planet is based on water and yet all good gardeners know the seed they buy to plant are all dried out and ready for life. All they need is to be planted, watered and get some good sun and a new plant will emerge from the old.

Ezekiel’s prophecy starts with out with a valley full of dried out bones. They looked hopeless! And then there is the question, “can these bones come back to life?” Ezekiel knew that the only one to answer that quest was the Lord God (Ezekiel 37:1-14). This is a resurrection promise and story. New life was not to be found in the dried bones but in the life of the Spirit. I believe that this story has much more to tell us if we will speak to the “wind” the Spirit of the Life-giving God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Let’s follow this analogy and apply it to the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17-44). Jesus spoke to the “wind” and called forth Lazarus. What a story! What an image! Surely, those who saw Jesus put to death on the cross felt the pain of the question, “can he live again?” But that was Friday . Sunday brought a totally different image.

Maybe you feel like you are “all dried out,” but that doesn’t mean you are hopeless. It just means you need the life of the Spirit to bring new life in you so that you will be “ready for life.”

Text (CEV): Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:17-44

March 5, 2017 First Sunday of Lent

Who Says?

Romans 5:12-19

Synopsis: Today is the First Sunday of Lent. Now the celebration of Lent is not big in our faith tradition so let me put this another way. Six weeks from today we will be celebrating Easter. It is the time for our annual celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal hope that is brought to life in Him. On the Hebrew calendar, it was the time when People of Israel celebrated the Passover and remembered how God delivered them from bondage in Egypt. We always celebrate Easter on a Sunday even though the Hebrew calendar shifts the day of their celebration of Passover. Why Sunday ? It is not arbitrary choice. Jesus rose to life on the first day of the week and that is why we continue to worship every week on Sunday . Every week we gather in celebration of the resurrection, but Easter is our annual remembrance and time of worship.

Psalm 32:5 gives us a directive that will work for everyday and especially for these weeks leading up to Easter. Our adversary doesn’t want us to hear them or put them into practice, but we don’t have to listen to the devil. Hear the word of the Lord for God’s word is the word of life.

Text: Psalm 32:5-6, ESV; Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, NLT; Romans 5:12-19, NLT; Matthew 4:1-11, NLT

Scripture Reading: Psalm 32:1-7

February 5, 2017

A Soup-er Sunday

Isaiah 58:6-7

Synopsis: We like for worship to be the way we like it. We want certain hymns and a particular style of music. We want the temperature to be comfortable as well as the seating and of course everything has to work smoothly. The sermon needs to be uplifting, inspiring, encouraging, comforting, Scriptural, up to date … did I leave out anything? So, speaking personally, “What does it take to make a “Super Sunday?” I guess it all depends on who you are talking to. Maybe, we should talk to God.

Do you know the difference between having a “Super Sunday” and having a “Soup-er Sunday?” Besides the difference in spelling, I think the big difference is that one is dearer to the heart of God than the other. We may all tune into the Super Bowl for ball game this evening, but I am convinced that the Soup-er Bowl of Caring is tuned into the hearty of God.

Text (NLT): Isaiah 58:6-7; 1 Corinthians 2:14 ; Isaiah 58:1-12; John 4:23 ; Matthew 5:13-20; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

January 29, 2017

What’s He Talking About?

Matthew 5:1-12

Synopsis: Have you ever been in a meeting where you were not connecting with the presentation? Yes, I know you say that every Sunday morning, especially during the sermon time. Maybe you dozed off and missed a key point or you missed the transition that would have tied it all together. Instead, you turned to the person next to you and asked, “What’s he talking about?”

There is a list of Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) presented at the first of the Sermon on the Mount. I think Jesus must have used a lot of different beatitudes in various different sermons, each making a particular point. However, we often miss their point or fail to understand their meaning because we approach them from our carnal mind set or logic and as a result we miss the blessing.

Part of our problem is that we are not accustomed to hearing Jesus’ kingdom language. We need to get use to it. We need it. Jesus knew that if we would change the way we look at the world we could change the way we experience it. We have a lot of work to do.

Text (NLT): Matthew 5:1-12; Psalm 37:10-11; Revelations 1:3, 14:13 , 16:15 , 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 22:14 (ESV); 1 Corinthians 2:14 ;

Scripture Reading: Psalm 15

January 22, 2017

Foolish

1 Corinthians 1:18

Synopsis: The title of my sermon comes directly from 1 Corinthians 1:18 . I believe Paul’s statement is a transitional statement, but more importantly, I believe it to be a theme for his call to unity among believers in Christ Jesus.

One thing I have learned in life is that you don’t have to be a “fool” to do “foolish” things. Sometimes very “smart” people get caught up in the “foolishness” trap. It can happen to anybody and I will go as far as to say it happens to everybody. So, how would you fill in the blank in this statement: “Foolish” is what we are when we ____.

If you take a look at the cover of your bulletin you will notice the theme title of “A Call to Unity.” And then if you turn to the order of worship and scroll down to my message title you will read “Foolish.” One might think that it is “foolish” to call the church to “unity.” Paul didn’t believe that and neither do I. In fact, Paul’s message to the Corinthians is clear. He believes that divisions in the church if “foolish.” “ God has united you with Christ Jesus. ” That’s the “wisdom” of God.

Text (NLT): 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:19-31; 1 John 4:20-21; Galatians 3:26-28; Matthew 7:26 .

Scripture Reading: Psalm 27:7-9

January 8, 2017

Taking Care of Business

Matthew 3:13-17

Synopsis: What does the phrase “Taking Care of Business” mean to you as you embark on your 2017 journey? At the start of Jesus’ ministry he came to the Jordan to be baptized by John. John protested but Jesus insisted on “taking care of business.” When he came out of the water His Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit affirmed Him. He had a mission to take care of and was careful to take care of the details related to that mission.

Believers are not any different, at least that is what Peter said, “ And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead.” (Acts 10:42 ) Believers need to take care of business. Believers need to follow up on their profession of faith and do what Jesus did and commanded us to do, be baptized. It is not a matter of membership. It is a matter of obedience and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to be disciples but rarely pause long enough to find out what that means.

As we journey through the days of 2017 let us be sure we take care of business “Honor the Lord” in all we do.

Text (NLT): Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; Ephesians 5:1-2

Scripture Reading: Psalm 29:1-2

January 1, 2017 New Year’s Day

YES

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Synopsis: Happy New Year! YES! 2016 is in the books…well, almost. Today we start a new week and a new calendar year. We can look back and see what has happened, but we are not able to do that for what lies ahead. The Preacher of Ecclesiastes (3:1-13) gives us a pretty good summary or brief overview of the potential headlines that will appear. Does that thought frighten you?

Yes, there will be some very frightening things happen during the days of 2017. One of those days might mark the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord, that is if you are ready for His appearing. That will be a very frightening day if you are not ready. Eternally so!

We just celebrated the birth of the prince of peace so let me leave you with a word of peace form Him (John 16:31-33). His word is backed up but many witnesses throughout Scripture and you and I can add our own words of witness too. Come what may the Lord is our shepherd (Psalm 23). So I am encouraged to look for God in everything (Psalm 8, NIV) and I encourage you to do the same.

Text (NLT): Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Matthew 25:31-33; John 16:31-33; Psalm 23:1-6; Psalm 8, NIV

Scripture Reading: Psalm 8

October 30, 2016

How Can You Tell?

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Synopsis: People in his day might have had a problem identifying Zacchaeus in a crowd (Luke 19:1-10). In fact, they might have problems even seeing him. He was an influential man though short in statue. His influence changed when he came face to face with Jesus. Everyone around him could tell the difference. “How can you tell?” He started giving back that which he had wrongfully taken. That was a first for Zacchaeus but he was not the first to be transformed by his encounter with Jesus. When faith flourishes love does too (2 Thessalonians1:3). “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.” (Habakkuk 2:4)

Text (NLT): Luke 19:1-10; Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 6:10-12; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Habakkuk 2:1-4.

October 16, 2016

Game Changer

Genesis 32:28

Synopsis: Jacob’s experience with God (Genesis 32:22-31) was a game changer in his life. No more was he to be identified as Jacob (the heel grabber).” His new identity was an expression of the transformation that came out of his night wrestling with God. That event was what I call a Game Changer in his life. “Jacob” became “Israel” the one who “wrestles with God.”

Jacob is not the only one who has experienced a “game changing” event in his life (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5). Certainly Saul’s transformation into Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles is a prime example, but there are many others. All of us who have experienced the grace of God in Christ Jesus have had a Game Changer moment too. Game Changer moments change the direction of our life setting our course toward heaven. It is the power of the Spirit of the Father and the Son in our life that brings about that change (John 6:43-45). The Power of God continues to draw us ever closer to God’s presence.

Text (NLT): Genesis 32:22-31; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; John 6:43-45

September 18, 2016

National Back to Church Sunday, September 18, 2016

Now’s the Time

Now’s The Time

1 Timothy 2:3-6

Synopsis: Today we are celebrating Michael Burleson and Marley’s safe return from four-week long mission trip to Benin. They have some amazing stories to tell about the good things God is doing. Of course, there is much more to be done.

My sermon text today is from s1 Timothy 2:1-7, but before I get to that text I will be reading from Jeremiah 8:20-9:1. It is just one of Jeremiah’s laments. In this portion of Scripture, you will hear the echoes of the cries of the people which set the framework for his weeping. I hope that Jeremiah’s lament will set the context for the reading of the text.

Paul’s opening word to Timothy and for the church today is “pray for all people.” It is a sincere pray believers are to offer to God. It is a humble prayer that is “good and pleases God our Savior.” We don’t have to convince God of people’s need to be saved. We just need to catch up with the heart of God in the matter knowing that Jesus Christ has already paid the price of reconciliation.

Paul knew the role God had laid out for him to play in the ongoing work of reconciliation. He felt no need to exaggerate that role. What he had to do was act on it. “Now’s the Time!” for believers to act on it too. Now’s the time to weep and mourn for those in life who may be coming to the end of their summer and yet are not saved. Now’s the time for all those who are not saved to respond to what God in Christ Jesus is telling them they need to do. Now’s the Time!

Text (NLT): Jeremiah 8:20-9:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Philippians 2:3-4 NLT

Scripture Reading: Psalm 113:1-3

September 4, 2016 Labor Day Weekend

Travel Mercy Ministry

Benin, West Africa

National Back to Church Sunday, September 18, 2016

Now’s the Time

Labor: Costs & Benefits

Luke 14:25-27

Synopsis: This is Labor Day weekend in the United States. It is a national holiday established to celebrate the labor force in the country. Labor Day has influenced the way I phrased the title of my sermon today. You already have that mind set and that will fit well with the text for today (Luke 14:25-33). Have you ever considered the cost and benefits ratio of your job if you still have a job? I assure you that someone has and you should.

Now let’s transition to the spiritual side of like. Have you ever considered the cost and benefits ratio of being a disciple of Jesus Christ? I assure you, on the basis of the teaching of Scripture, God has and you should too. I believe the benefits of discipleship will inspire believers to “labor on” as a disciple of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are called to be much more than simply members of a church. They are called to be disciples and commissioned to make disciples of other believers.

Though believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have many choices as how to act out their faith in relationship with others they should consider themselves to be merely volunteers. They are called to be disciples, commanded to act like one and commissioned to make disciples of other believers.

Text (NLT): Luke 14:25-33; Jeremiah 18:1-11; 29:11 Deuteronomy 30:15-20;

Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:13-18

September 4, 2016 Labor Day Weekend

Travel Mercy Ministry

Benin, West Africa

National Back to Church Sunday, September 18, 2016

Now’s the Time

Labor: Costs & Benefits

Luke 14:25-27

Synopsis: This is Labor Day weekend in the United States. It is a national holiday established to celebrate the labor force in the country. Labor Day has influenced the way I phrased the title of my sermon today. You already have that mind set and that will fit well with the text for today (Luke 14:25-33). Have you ever considered the cost and benefits ratio of your job if you still have a job? I assure you that someone has and you should.

Now let’s transition to the spiritual side of like. Have you ever considered the cost and benefits ratio of being a disciple of Jesus Christ? I assure you, on the basis of the teaching of Scripture, God has and you should too. I believe the benefits of discipleship will inspire believers to “labor on” as a disciple of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are called to be much more than simply members of a church. They are called to be disciples and commissioned to make disciples of other believers.

Though believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have many choices as how to act out their faith in relationship with others they should consider themselves to be merely volunteers. They are called to be disciples, commanded to act like one and commissioned to make disciples of other believers.

Text (NLT): Luke 14:25-33; Jeremiah 18:1-11; 29:11 Deuteronomy 30:15-20;

Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:13-18

September 11, 2016

Travel Mercy Ministries

Michael & Marley are scheduled to

Return to Atlanta at Noon today

National Back to Church Sunday, September 18, 2016

Now’s the Time

In Search of Lost Things

Luke 15:1-10

Synopsis: Today is the 15 th Anniversary of the terrorist attack on US soil. On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction, triggering major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defining the presidency of George W. Bush. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and 343 NYC firefighters and paramedics, 23 police officers, and 37 Port Authority officers. Only six people in the World Trade Center towers at the time of their collapse survived. Almost 10,000 people were treated for injuries, many severe.

Some say the country lost its sense of security on that day and have been searching for ways to get it back. Politicians campaign promoting their platforms that are supposed to regain what was lost. And yet we all know that we cannot go back in time. We have to go forward. There were over 3,000 children or young adults who lost a parent in that attack. More than a hundred were born after the attack. (Online resources & Knoxville News Sentinel 9/9/2016)

My opening prayer comes from the prayer of David found in Psalm 51. He was suffering from his personal lost and searching for the one he believed was still searching for him. Jesus’ parable (Luke 15:1-10) is one of three stories He told illustrating God’s willingness to search for the lost. Paul (1 Timothy 1:12-17) knew firsthand what it was like to be found by the searching Savior. The people are no different (Exodus 32:7-14). They could have been destroyed at different points in time because of Moses parting with God, the people were saved. Let’s continue that partnership and join Christ in the search for the lost.

Text (NLT): Luke 15:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Exodus 32:7-14

Scripture Reading: Psalm 14:1-3

No Backing Down

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Synopsis: “No Backing Down” is how I would describe what God said to the prophet in the opening verses of Jeremiah 1:4-10. One thing is for sure, the LORD was not backing down (Jeremiah 20:7-9). The same characteristic if found abundantly in Jesus Christ (Luke 13:10-17). Surely Jesus did not back down and God the Father didn’t either. It is the same characteristic that is called for in the lives of those who believe in Jesus (Hebrews 12:18-29).

No Backing Down, and yet we do back down. Our inaction may be the first way we back down. Our failure to take action is sin (James 4:17) that creates a vacuum in the life of the church. That vacuum sucks others into inaction as well. Do you know what happens in a vacuum? That’s Right, “NOTHING!” And if your good with “NOTHING” then you’re not good with God. Hear the word of the LORD spoken to Jeremiah as the word of the Lord spoken to you, “Today I appoint you to stand up…” You do not have to live your spiritual life in a vacuum. Actions obedient to the will of our Heavenly Father will break your spiritual vacuum every time. But don’t get ahead of yourself, get right with God first and then your Heavenly Father will show you the way of obedience (Romans 12:1-2)

Text (NLT): Jeremiah 1:4-10, 20:7-9; Luke 13:10-17; James 4:17; Hebrews 12:18-29; Romans 12:1-2

Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:1-5

August 7, 2016

Traveling Mercy Ministries Report

Visa Issues in Benin; forced to return to US;

Hoping to fix problem and return.

Dressed and Ready for Service

Luke 12:32-40

Synopsis: I have two object lessons to open my sermon with today. The first was planned and the second just popped up. First, tomorrow morning school kids in this area will be getting dressed and ready. Some are excited by the thought, others, well … not so much. Ready or not; excited or not the regular school term starts in earnest tomorrow. Second, last week, Michael and Marley packed their bags and headed off to Benin. They were “dressed and ready for service,” but were turned back at the airport in Benin. We all felt that. Next week, they will attempt to go again.

My sermon title is “Dressed and Ready for Service,” but I am not just talking about going back to school or even Benin. I begin reading from Luke 12:32-40, NLT. In it Jesus uses a very familiar experience as an object lesson for “Kingdom” living. The ones who will be rewarded are the ones who are dressed and ready for service at his return. They are the ones who are daily engaged in doing the work of the kingdom (Hebrews 11:13-16). Sometimes I think we forget how to do good. The word of the Lord came to Isaiah admonishing the people of Judah and Jerusalem to “learn to do good” (Isaiah 16:17 ). When believers take their eyes off heaven it is easy for them to forget who they are and to whom they belong.

Text (NLT): Luke 12:32-40; Hebrews 11:13-16; Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 1:18-20

July 31, 2016 Commissioning of Traveling Mercy Ministries

August 3 – September 6

Driven by the Wind

Colossians 3:1-4

Synopsis: Today we are commissioning Rev. Michael Burleson and his daughter Marley for their Traveling Mercy Ministries mission trip to Benin, Africa. Michael is a registered nurse and will be working in rural clinics with a local ministry. He and Marley will also be leading in worship services as they have opportunity and conducting church leadership classes.

In my opening text the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to “set your heart on what is in heaven” (Colossians 3:1, CEV). Believers are to set a course for their life that leads toward home. It is how believers are to make since of this life. It is very easy to get side tracked in this world in which we live. The Preacher or Teacher in Ecclesiastes calls them “vanities.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) He describes them as “chasing after the wind.” (v. 14). Jesus told a parable of a man who built bigger barns to hold his increase, but died in the night leaving everything he worked for to someone else.

Wind is one of those interesting words in both Hebrew and Greek. According to the context the word could be translated wind, breath or spirit. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes defines vanity as “chasing after the wind.” There is a big difference between chasing after the wind and being driven by the wind. One will leave a person’s hands empty at the end of life. The other will fill one’s existence with the life of God. That is why believers are to be driven by the Spirit of God with a course set toward their eternal home.

Text: Colossians 3:1-4, CEV; Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, NRSV; Luke 12:13-21, CEV; Ecclesiastes 2:18-23, NIV

Scripture Reading: Psalm 107:1-9

July 3, 2016 The Remembrance

Reverence at the Table

Galatians 6:7-10

Synopsis: Some may be wandering why we have the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of July every year. This is the weekend when our nation celebrates the remembrance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. The believer’s declaration of independence was established in Jesus Christ. As a nation we celebrate the national July 4th holiday with parades and fireworks. As believers one of the ways we celebrate our Savior is through the receiving of the bread and cup in The Remembrance of His sacrifice of Himself for our freedom from sin and death.

I begin today by reading from Galatians 6. In this passage Paul lays out the principle of sowing and reaping (7-10). It is important for us to note that Paul points it out in his letter that deals with the freedom of believers in Christ Jesus. The freedom of the believer does not set aside the principle but enables the believer to look at it as it extends into eternity.

Now we come to the table as equals; we are all sinners standing in the need of grace (14). That is the context of Paul’s blessing and our benediction (16). “As for those who will follow this rule-peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” So let it be.

Text (NRSV): Galatians 6:1-16; 1 Corinthians 11:25-26

Scripture Reading: Psalm 66:1-4

June 19, 2016 Father’s Day

VBS Week: Journey Off the Map

All God’s Children

Galatians 3:26

Synopsis: Today we celebrate Father’s Day and mark the beginning of Vacation Bible School. Starting Monday night our children will be learning lessons for their “Journey Off The Map”. All week we will be paying a lot of attention to the children. We know who our children are, most of the time, but in VBS we are expecting to have more children during the week. It will be a lot of fun and we hope to sow the seeds of life in them through the lessons and relationships we will form. My text is from Galatians 3:26 where Paul was writing to the church that was experiencing a lot of identity problems. “All of you are God’s children” he writes, “through faith in Christ Jesus.”

There are some identifying marks of faith, but they are not based on skin color, or sex, or socio-economic conditions. All God’s children, as the Psalm 42 states it, have a thirst for God. That thirst brings God’s Children together for worship.

Text (CEV): Galatians 3:23-29; Psalm 42; Matthew 18:20 , ESV; Hebrews 10:23-25, NLT; Luke 8:37b-39, NLT

Scripture Reading: Psalm 42:1-2

June 12, 2016

The Debt

Galatians 2:20

Synopsis: How much debt do you have? Do you even know? How often do you check your credit score or run a credit report?

Answers to these questions will provide you with important information about your financial health. These questions can be applied to your spiritual health as well. While there may not be a spirituality debt report available online there are many ways to determine your spiritual health. You don’t have to live your life in the dark. When you open up the Bible and pray for understanding on what you read the Holy Spirit will lead you on an in depth personal analysis. Paul did that and determined he needed to just start all over again (Galatians 2:15-21). Simon had to experience the question put to him by Jesus in another way (Luke 7:36-8:3). He and others needed to reevaluate Jesus’ debt forgiveness program. I suppose a constant reevaluation of our spiritual need will be a very important element leading to our spiritual health in Christ Jesus.

Text (CEV): Psalm 5:8 (paraphrased for the prayer); Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3

Scripture Reading: Psalm 5:1-2

May 29, 2016 Memorial Day Weekend

Called Back to the Lord’s Table of Remembrance

1 Kings 18:37

Synopsis: Memorial Day weekend is a time the nation has set aside to remember those who have died in the defense of the nation. We have all been blessed by the sacrifice they have made.

Today in our worship service we remember the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. He brings to us the hope of everlasting life. While there are many things in life that draw our attention in other directions today we are “Called Back to the Lord’s Table” in remembrance of His gift to whoever will come. It is my prayer to God that He will always use this celebration of the Lord’s Supper to call us all believers to Himself (1 Kings 18:20-39).

Text (NLT): Galatians 1:3-5, ESV; 1 Kings 18:16-18; 16:33 ; 18:19 , 36-37, 20-39; 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, 23-26, NIV

May 15, 2016 Pentecost Sunday

What’s Your Number?

Romans 8:14-17

Synopsis: So “what’s in a number?” Sometimes, as far as you and I are concerned, there may not be much at all. For example: In the largest Powerball Lottery ever the winning number broke open a jackpot of over $1,586,000,000. I don’t know that it meant much to me. I guess it all depends on the number and how it defines us. Obviously, some numbers tell how wealthy we are while others

tell how healthy we are or not.

We use numbers to identify significant times in our lives: date of our birth, marriage, rebirth, work anniversaries, etc. We use them to define our years of life and thus figure into our qualifications for things like: driver’s license, adulthood, draft card registration, eligibility to purchase cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, end of being insured under our parent’s health insurance policy, our eligibility for Medicare, Social Security and retirement. Numbers are used as an indicator of how much we have as well as how much we need.

Some have suggested that the smallest number may not actually be a number at all unless it is found in connection to a number in that case it multiplies all other numbers. NO I am not referring to the number one. I am referring to zero. Add a zero to a zero and you still have zero, but add a zero to any other number and all of a sudden that number is multiplied by ten, two zeroes increases the number by a hundred and so on.

There are a lot of numbers in the Bible. NO I am not referring to chapters and verses, though helpful in finding and referencing the location of text, they are not part of any of the original manuscript. I am referring to numbers like 1, 3, 7, 12 and multiples of them like 144 even 144,000 and of course 40. We are celebrating an odd number today. It is 7 x 7 + 1 = 50. Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. The day the Holy Spirit came in power upon all those who believe. Do you have the power of the presence of God in you?

The number two does not appear on most people’s list of favorite Bible numbers, but it should. It is the number of commandments that Jesus said should top our list (Mark 12:29-31, NLT). Nothing in this world should be more important than these two things and yet most of us have a problem with them because they point out the importance of the number one. It means that none of can elevate ourselves to the place of number one and still have any hope of making it into the number of those who no man can number. That may be the important indicator of our lives.

What’s Your Number? Are you one of those that no one can number?

Text (ESV): Romans 8:14-17; Psalm 104:34-36; Mark 12:29-31, NLT; Ephesians 4:4-6, NLT; John 14:15-17; Revelation 7:

Responsive Reading: # 691

April 17, 2016

Come on Up!

Acts 9:39

Synopsis: “Come on Up!” is an invitation. Today I start with Peter’s invitation (Acts 9:36-43). Peter was in Lydda and received the invitation to go to Joppa because of the death of Tabitha. Death brings an urgency to the invitation. Then Peter is invited to go upstairs where the body lay ready for burial. Peter’s word brought life back to her body and the fellowship of believers grew as a result.

Earlier in our service we read together the 23rd Psalm. It is a very powerful Psalm filled with metaphors from the shepherd’s life. Bedouin’s have a rich tradition concerning how they treat and respect each other. Part of them have to do with survival, but not all of them. Some of them provide rich illustrations of kingdom life.

If you read between the lines in verses 5 & 6 you can sense the urgency of the invitation, and then feel the fellowship of those who have accepted the invitation, and feel, smell and see at least some of the rewards.

Follow up on those last two passages of Scripture takes us to Revelation 7:9-17. “Salvation belongs to our God…” God is the one who issues the invitation, because God is the one who makes all things ready. Those who respond receive the blessings prepared for them and them alone. They know the song. It comes from their hearts and they are not alone.

Please hear the urgency of the invitation so you will not miss the fellowship of those responding, because the rewards for those responding are out of this world.

Text (NIV): Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23:5-6; Revelation 7:9-17

April 10, 2016

It Took Jesus

Revelation 5:1-5

Synopsis: It Took Jesus to open up our Heavenly Father’s plan for our redemption. No one in any previous generation; No one in this current generation and No one in any future generation was or is or ever will be worthy to open up God’s plan for our salvation. No not a single one of us. It Took Jesus!

Text (NRSV): Revelation 5:1-5; Revelation 4:8b-11; 1 John 1:7-10; Revelation 5:6-14; John 21:1-19

Scripture Reading: Psalm 30:10-12

March 6, 2016

A New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Synopsis: This is a wonderful time of the year to think about renewal. Things all around us are starting to come to life. It will not be long before all the dark drab signs of winter will be a distant memory. Because of all the changes in our environment we will have a very different point of view. I think that is a good illustration of what Paul was talking about in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. He calls believers to give up their worldly point of view.

Jesus illustrated this new perspective in many of His parables. One illustration is found in Luke 15. The young prodigal’s life took on a huge turn. You might say he did a 180 degree turn. The result was that he became a new creation. His Father treated him that way. The older brother struggled with the idea but the Father remained insistent. If you want to live in the Father’s house, then you better get used to welcoming in all your new creation brothers and sisters.

Text (NLT): 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:11-32; Joshua 5:9.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 32:1-5

March 27, 2016 Easter Sunday

The Cloth

Luke 24:12

Synopsis: There are many elements in the story of the resurrection. For some reason this year I have been captivated by “The Cloth” (Luke 24:12). In the story of Jesus’ death burial and resurrection there are three things that I find closely related: the cross, the grave, and the cloth. Throughout the Holy Week we been especially mindful of the cross on which Jesus died. With the dawning of the day our attention has been drawn to thoughts of the empty tomb. But what about the cloth was used as His burial shroud? Maybe it just the right time of the day on this Easter morning to join Peter and gaze upon the empty cloth left in the tomb and contemplate what it means (Luke 24:1-12)

Text (CEV): Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Scripture Reading: Acts 10:39b-43

February 21, 2016

Waiting In God’s Sanctuary

Psalm 27:14

Synopsis: What comes to mind when you think of “God’s Sanctuary”? From Scripture you might think of the Tabernacle that Moses had the people to build at Mt. Sinai. Or maybe your mind might recall the Temple in Jerusalem starting with the days of King Solomon. Though it was destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries remnants remained until Jesus’ life and ministry. Speaking of Jesus, you might remember his words to the Samaritan woman at the well, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. … --indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21-24, NLT). That’s not a new theme, in fact, it found throughout Scripture starting with Genesis. The Psalms are filled with admonitions for believers to look around and see the glory of the Father wherever they may be and whatever the circumstances maybe. Turn with me now to Psalm 27 and let’s join the Psalmist “Waiting in God’s Sanctuary.”

Throughout my message today I will follow the flow of Psalm 27. I will be exploring the thought of Waiting In God’s Sanctuary . Wherever we find ourselves in life we need to know that, as believers, we are still in God’s sanctuary. The final words of this Psalm calls believers to “wait patiently for the Lord.” I will be using these last words as a reoccurring word throughout my message. May God help us, no matter what our circumstances maybe, to never lose sight of where we are with God.

Psalm 27:14, NLT

Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

If we admit it, most of the time we do not find the idea of “waiting patiently” very comforting. Our attitude is better described as “We want it now!” and “Already would be even better!!” Let’s confess: We have a lot to learn.

Text (NLT): John 4:21-24; Psalm 27:1-14; Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17-4:1.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 27:1-3, 14 (Congregational Responsive Reading)

February 7, 2016

A Burning Coal

Isaiah 6:6-7

Synopsis: There are people who walk on burning coals, but most of us are happy to bypass that experience. Imagine what it would have been like to be Isaiah when he was approached by a flaming creature with a burning coal from the altar beneath the throne of God (Isaiah 6:1-13). And yet that is what Isaiah needed to be forgiven. What are you willing to do to be forgiven? Isaiah confessed “Everything I say is sinful.” Forgiveness starts with confession, the realization that we are not in a right relationship with God or God’s will for our lives. Then comes cleansing from the burning coal. Could you stand still for that type of cleansing? Would you? Why is that so important, because we all have an appointment with God (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Jesus is our burning coal. John the Baptist said Jesus was the one who came to “baptize with fire.” He calls on us to trust Him so that we might find the fullness of life, but He is also the one who calls us to take up our cross and follow Him.

Text (CEV): Isaiah 6:1-8; Hebrews 9:27-28; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 138:6-8

January 31, 2016

Living On Purpose

Jeremiah 1:5

Synopsis: Would you describe your life as “Living on Purpose” or just by accident? It is sometimes described as living proactively verses living reactively. And no, I am not drawing by message from Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life although there are a lot of similarities. I am really looking at two different passages with striking similarities. The first is Jeremiah who was destined to be the prophet of God even before he was born (Jeremiah 1:4-10). The other is Jesus (Luke 4:14-30) who was also destined to be prophet, among other things, before he was born. The message they proclaimed was not well received by those who were in charge. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit and Jesus, after he read from Isaiah in the Synagogue in Nazareth was taken out to be thrown off a cleft. I think it is safe to say that both of these characters were living on purpose.

First of all, let me make it clear that neither of these two characters were accidents. They were part of God’s plan and so are you. They were voices of God speaking the will of God to the people of God.

Before their birth and until their death both Jeremiah and Jesus lived their purpose before anyone around them realized it. I think the main reason other never realized it was because they didn’t want to hear it. Although Jeremiah and Jesus tried to tell others their purpose their message was not limited to words. Their actions revealed their purpose.

I am using the word “living” as an action verb thus present tense. In the past tense it becomes an adjective that others use to define the purpose of our lives. In other words, people use their observation of our “living” to define our purpose just as much as, maybe even more, than they use our words. The purpose of our living is never defined by our words alone. If our “living” does not project our purpose, then our words will not either. So I ask you, “Are you “living on purpose” or just by accident?” How does your living define your purpose?

Text (NLT): Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:21-30

Scripture Reading: Psalm 71:1-6

January 24, 2016

Listening to God Through the Bible

Nehemiah 8:8

Synopsis: I often hear people say they are “listening for God to tell them something.” What I want to ask is are you listening to what God already said. Listening to God Through the Bible should be a first step toward listening to God. The Bible is where we not only learn what others have heard but we also learn to recognize the voice of God. When believers recognize the voice of God they will be less likely to be deceived by imitations. God has spoken directly to believers in times past and God continues to speak, sometimes giving specific instructions. Believers need to learn to recognize the voice of God and respond.

God has spoken to His people in times past and some of that word is still available to us today in the pages of our Bibles. God continues to speak to His people today. The Bible serves all believers helping them to recognize the voice of God and to be able to compare the message they hear with what others have heard in the past. I hope you will listen to the reading of the Bible so that you may hear what the Lord is saying to you and become better able to distinguish God’s voice and God’s will as you journey through life.

Text (NRSV): Psalm 19:7-14, NIV; Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Luke 4:14-21

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:1-4a

January 17, 2016

Let’s Have a Party

John 2:1-11

Synopsis: Who says believers cannot be the life of the party? I guess that depends on what kind of party you are thinking about. Jesus and some of His disciples were invited to a wedding celebration and the host ran out of wine (joy). In the Fourth Gospel John tells the story of Jesus turning the water of purification into wine. Lots of wine! Best stuff ever! Why? I can think of several reason. The most important to me is that Jesus was illustrating what the Great Banquet in heaven would be like. Jesus is and will forever be the life of that party. Jesus turns the water of our cleansing into the joy of everlasting life.

Believers should never forget that God, our Heavenly Father, has a party planned for us (Isaiah 62:1-5). This is the one party you really don’t want to miss. There should be no question in your mind that there will be a great party and that you are invited Revelation 21:1-8, 22:1-2). The only possible question is Are you going? (Luke 15:1-7)

Text (NLT): John 2:1-11; Isaiah 62:1-5; Revelation 21:1-8, 22:1-2, NRSV; Luke 15:1-7, NIV

Scripture Reading: Psalm 36:5-10

January 10, 2016

Turning Pages

Acts 8:14-17

Synopsis: We are all familiar with turning pages of a book or newspaper even if it happens to be a digital version. I want you to look with me at a couple of Scripture passages where the Holy Spirit turned the pages for believers. First let’s look at Acts 8:14-17. The ones who were considered to be “not my people” were transformed into “my people” (Hosea 1). When it happened the “insiders” of the faith were shocked at how the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit. That made them one in faith.

The Holy Spirit turned the pages of faith forward at the baptism of Jesus. John said it was going to happen. He saw the beginning of it but knew there was much more to come (Luke 3:15-22).

This is the time of the year when we turn the pages on our calendar and march forward into a new year. Calendars are not the only thing that needs turning. Is it time for you to allow the Holy Spirit to turn the page in your life? You probably already know what needs to happen, but that doesn’t mean you know how to make it happen. The Holy Spirit knows. Maybe it involves turning the page on a relationship, or finding new meaning for your life, or ... well … you know. God knows too.

Text (NLT): Acts 8:14-17; Hosea 1; Luke 3:15-22

Scripture Reading: Psalm 29:1-2

December 20, 2015 4th Sunday of Advent

The Light of Christmas

Sharing the Love of God With Others

Matthew 2:1-2

Synopsis: The Love Light of God got the attention of the Magi even though they live in a far and distant land. They were not of the linage of Abraham, but they were attracted to the light of God’s love (Matthew 2:1-12).

Their journey of discovery led the Magi to Herod but there was no “LOVE LIGHT” shining there. The religious leaders in Jerusalem pointed to Bethlehem but it was the “LOVE LIGHT” of God that guided them to Jesus. Even as just a child the love of God radiated from His presence. The same is true today. God’s “LOVE LIGHT” shines brightly from the resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Plus, the “LOVE LIGHT” of God is reflected through the lives of believers every day.

Believers need to let the “LOVE LIGHT” of God shine through their lives every day of the year and especially at Christmas. People all around them will be attracted to the LOVE LIGHT of God.

Every gift has the potential of blessing in two ways. There is the joy of the giver and the joy of the one receiving the gift. All who receive God’s gift of love are filled with joy. That is the joy that the gift brings to the ones who receive the gift, but that pales in comparison to the joy that the giver receives. There is great joy in heaven whenever someone else receives God’s gift of love in Christ Jesus. You will never know a greater joy than the joy of the gift of love God has given you in His Son Jesus Christ.

Text (NLT): Matthew 2:1-12, NRSV; John 15:9-17

Scripture Reading: John 15:9-17

December 6, 2015 2nd Sunday of Advent

The Light of Christmas

Sharing the Peace of God With Others

Luke 1:76-79

Synopsis: The Light of Christmas shines bright because the spark of HOPE has set the kindling of PEACE ablaze. Soon we will see what the logs of JOY can do when all are fanned into flames by LOVE. It is the season of Advent and we are celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

People who live in the shadows need the spark of HOPE that comes from the light of God in Christ Jesus. That spark would be short lived if not for the kindling of PEACE. Together they start a fire burning that will light the way for others. Today we celebrate the PEACE of God born in Christ Jesus. The PEACE of God is not a place but rather a journey. It is not defined by the absence of things by but rather the presence of Christ. Yes, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, but we know He still lives and journeys with us throughout our lives.

Text (NLT): Luke 1:76-79; NIV

Scripture Reading: Psalm 60:1-3

November 29, 2015 1st Sunday of Advent

The Light of Christmas

Advent Series

Sharing the Hope of God With Others

Matthew 4:12-17

Synopsis: “Hope” is the spark that starts the fire for the Light of Christmas ! What is it that you are hoping for this Christmas? I hope that our Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be the best ever. Yes I hope we will have more people but I am especially hoping for a movement of the Spirit of Christ in the service that will bless all of us throughout the coming year. Why? Because The Light of Christmas is the “hope” of the world. So I am not hoping for a certain present under the tree, but rather your presence to honor, remember, and celebrate the birth of savior Jesus Christ.

Today marks the first Sunday in our preparations for Christmas. Thanksgiving has prepared us well for our journey. Even so people can get a little selfish at times and Christmas season is no exception. And even though more gifts are given to charities at this time of the year than any other time some people still want to get all they can and sit on the can. I’m hoping you are some of those people who have hope because of the Light of Christmas and that you want to share that hope with others.

How do you share the Hope of God with others? There are many ways. One way I want to invite you to employ this Advent Season is to invite others to join you for worship, especially on Christmas Eve. Keep in mind that “HOPE” is the spark that starts the fire for the light of Christmas.

Text (NLT): Matthew 4:12-17

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:1-3

November 15, 2015 Base Budget Ballot Vote

A Helping Hand

Jude 1:20-23

Synopsis: Believers are on the march to heaven following in the path Jesus has marked out for them, therefore believers are to help others they encounter find the way and help other believers on the way. This is what Jesus did and commands us to do as we follow Him.

Jude gives us a brief outline for action in regards to how believers are to assist other believers. His first word is that we are to “build each other up”, and then he says we are to “show mercy”. Paul picks up on this theme in Galatians. He says we are to “restore that person gently”. In Colossians Paul writes “Once you were alienated from God”. That is a strong reason to help others find the way. An even stronger reason is found in Jesus. It is what Jesus did and what we must do if we are committed to following Him home.

Text (NLT): Hebrews 12:1-2, NRSV; Jude 1:17-25; Galatians 6:1-10, NIV; Colossians 1:21-23, NLT;

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3

November 1, 2015

On the March

Hebrews 11:13-16

Synopsis: Today, November 1st in many traditions of the Christian Church is All Saints Day. This year it fell on a Sunday (Orthodox churches always celebrate the Sunday of All Saints). It is a day set aside to remember heroes of the faith. “Halloween ” actually means “All Hallows’ Eve .” Thus, it is the evening before “All Saints Day.”

The Christian life is often described by the use of metaphors. Christians are identified as “pilgrims” on a “journey.” Where does that journey lead? Hebrews 11 has a list of “saints” found in the Old Testament. All of them failed to achieve all they hoped for in life. It also assures us that the end of their faith journey was not in this world. God has prepared something far better that what this world can contain. That is why the “saints” of Christianity are “on the march.

Text (NLT): Hebrews 11:1-2, NLT, NRSV, CEV; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, NRSV; 2 Corinthians 11:13-16, Hebrews 11:13-16, NRSV

November 11, 2015

Can You See Jesus?

John 14:6

Synopsis: Last week the focus of my sermon was “On the March.” This week I want to call our attention to the one leading the march (John 14:6). Early believers were identified as “people of the Way” (Acts 9:1-2). Of course that was a reference to the way of Jesus.

I have a few questions for you daily walk. 1. Can you see Jesus? 2. Are you looking for Jesus? 3. Are you looking in the right direction?

A line can be constructed between any two points of reference. Three points nail down the line. That is important to remember because if, for example, you are on a hike and have only one point of reference other that your current location then there is no telling where you will wind up. Believers can always count on Jesus moving to line you up from where every you are to bring you safely to His Heavenly Father. In other words, Jesus is the reference point that establishes the way home no matter what caused you to stray off course.

Text (NLT): John 14:1-7;

Scripture Reading: Psalm 16:7-11

October 18, 2015

You Are …

1 Peter 2:4-10

Synopsis: Sometimes believers get so beat up in life that they forget who they are because of whose they are. This world and all that is in it has no power to take away what it does not give; no power to give what is not of this world.

In a recent conference (Center for Congregational Health) I was introduced to the African Bible Study . Today I want to give a brief introduction of that study method and an invitation for people in the congregation to listen to the reading of Scripture with an open heart and a simple prayer.

September 27, 2015

In A Pinch

Matthew 7:13-14

Synopsis: We all know a pinch when we feel one. Pinches, for whatever reason, hurt and therefore, get our attention. What we do next reveals what lessons we learned from the experience.

There are a lot of situations in life that pinch us. Sometimes we use those situations as an adjective to describe the pinch. Have you ever been in a “financial” pinch? Did you learn anything from the experience?

“Life” pinches cause us to make decisions if for no other reason than we just simply cannot go on. Health issues, financial issues, spiritual issues are just a few is the situations in life that put the pinch on our lifestyle and call for a course correction.

Scripture Text (NLT): Matthew 7:12-14; John 14:6; Numbers 22, NIV; Hebrew 12:1-11

September 6, 2015

Hospitality in the Biblical Tradition

1 Peter 4:7-9

Synopsis: Today I start a short series on hospitality. I start with Hospitality in the Biblical Tradition with references pulled from Genesis to Revelation. Hospitality is a true characteristic of God’s people found in both Testaments. It requires believers to “make room” for the stranger as well as fellow believers. Indeed, hospitality is a matter of the heart before it is a matter of a place at the table.

Scripture Text (NLT): Hebrews 13:1-33 (References to Abraham in Genesis 18 & Lot in Genesis 19); Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Peter 4:7-9; Romans 12:13 ; 1 Kings 17:8-24; Acts 6:1 & 7; Matthew 7:12 ; Deuteronomy 10:14-22; Revelation 3:7-13.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:1-3

August 23, 2015 Kingdom Series

Kingdom Leadership

Mark 10:41-45

Synopsis: We struggle with the “kingdom language” of the Bible for many reasons. Our first challenge comes because we happen to live in a democratic republic and thus have a vote. Another big stumbling block for us is the business/leadership model that permeates our society. We talk freely of “presidents,” “CEOs,” “Board of Directors,” and the list goes on and on. “Kingdom Leadership,” as described in the New Testament, operates on “Kingdom” principles (Mark 10:41-45).

We pray to God, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Today I want to talk about a few of the issues Kingdom Leadership entails. God the Father rules the Kingdom, Jesus is the paradigm for Kingdom Leadership, and The Holy Spirit gifts and energies believers in their task. Therefore: 1. We are all in this together. 2. The Holy Spirit gifts individuals for service to the body and mission of the church. 3. Challenge stretches all of us to bring the Kingdom of God into our experience of life and church. Believers are not given the option of sitting on a bench.

Scripture Text (NLT): Matthew 6:10 ; Mark 10:41-45; John 13:3-5, 12-17; Matthew 26:39; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8; Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 12:1-13

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:41-45

August 16, 2015 Kingdom Series

Kingdom Living Matters

Mark 4:11-12

Synopsis: Let’s admit it, in this country we have more than just a little bit of trouble thinking and talking “kingdom” language. The Bible on the other hand is filled with “kingdom” language. In the New Testament believers make a shift from “kingdoms” of this world to the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. I hope my sermon series will help bring the distinctive of that language into the foreground and help us understand how to use it.

The title for my first sermon of the series was taken from the Lord’s Prayer (Mt.6:10 ) in which we pray “Thy Kingdom Come.” I closed with a simple question, “Are you in?” That is the starting point for today’s sermon. If you are not in then matters of the Kingdom of God don’t really matter to you (Mark 4:1-20).

Today I want you to think about what the world would that look like if the Kingdom of Heaven came to earth and what you are required to do to make that a reality in your life. Jesus, speaking in Kingdom language (Mt. 5:3-11), makes it clear that there is a smorgasbord of blessings spread out before all those in the Kingdom. There is absolutely no reason in this world for any believer to go hungry. If you are in the Kingdom and not being filled with Kingdom blessings it’s because you want come to the table.

Scripture Text (NLT): Matthew 6:10 ; Mark 4:1-20; John 18:36 ; Matthew 5:3-12 (NRSV, Message); Matthew 6:20

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:26-29

August 2 , 2015 Kingdom

Thy Kingdom Come

Matthew 6:10

Synopsis: The Lord’s Prayer is a dangerous prayer. It would change our world starting with the one praying. Were you paying attention to the words, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:10 )? Do you have any idea what the world would that look like if the Kingdom of Heaven came to earth? The issue becomes personal when we answer the question, “Are you in?”

Scripture Text (NLT): Matthew 6:10 (NLT, NIV, CEV), 3:1-2, 4:17 , John 3:1-9, Matthew 19:23-24.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:23-24

July 26, 2015

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Luke 22:31-32

Synopsis: This is the third in my summer series on “Games Children Play.” The sermons are not really about the games. I simply use them as illustrations for my messages.

In today’s message I use “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” I make it personal by remembering settings from my own experience where the donkey was drawn on the side of a barn.

Make no mistake about it, I take the Christian life very seriously (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) and so should all believers. We should, as Paul wrote, “Run to win.” In Philippians 3:14 Paul wrote, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

But what happens when believers face some very real challenges? Life has a way of blindsiding us with situations that spin us around on our heels and leave us so disoriented that we miss the mark. That is what happened to Peter (Luke 22:31-32). Jesus knew that our adversary likes to use that tactic to defeat us and destroy our ability to serve the Lord. Jesus told Peter believers were to use their experiences to help other believers find the mark (Hebrews 12:1-4, 12-13). Don’t miss the mark!

Scripture Text (NLT): 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:14 ; Luke 22:31-32; Hebrews 12:1-4, 12-13;

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4

une 7, 2015 Appalachian Outreach Week

Gospel Ministry

Romans 11:29

Synopsis: Today’s message deals with “The Gospel Ministry.” I will be talking about five words we use in ministry: Gifts, Calling, Response, Ordination, and Commissioning . Each word emphasizes a different aspect of The Gospel Ministry. The first two words are works of the Spirit. The third is not a technical word but rather reflects a believer’s commitment in response to what the work of the Spirit in his or her life. This point is very personal. The last two points represent the work of the congregation in recognition of the work of the Spirit, the commitment of the believer and the ministry needs of the church, missions and ministry.

Let us begin where we must with faith (Romans 11:28-32). My preface is that “The Gospel Ministry” is about the work of baptized believers (2 Timothy 1:3-11). It is not limited to any one aspect of that work. For example: The Gospel Ministry is limited to preachers or pastors. It starts with faith and moves into faithfulness (Romans 12:1-13).

So let us begin. So let us continue. So let us be ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in everything we do. In the spirit of the faithful monk Brother Lawrence, Let us wash our pots to the glory of God for our faithfulness will not be forgotten nor go unnoticed.

Scripture Text (NLT): Romans 11:28-32; 2 Timothy 1:3-11, NLT & CEV; Romans 12:1-13, CEV

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 1:5-7

May 24, 2015 Emmanuel Family Emphasis

Memorial Day Weekend

Body of Honor

1 Chronicles 11:10

Synopsis: Our RAs will be performing a Flag Ceremony in the worship service as part of our Memorial Day Weekend Celebration. They will also be handing out small American flags to all in attendance.

Today churches across the nation stretch Monday’s Memorial Day observance into the weekend as we pause to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have died in military service. Some of those honored died in action, others in service and many more that have died after their time of service. The freedom we have to gather and worship has been guaranteed in part by their willingness to serve.

Our Old Testament is full of stories of those who serve God and the People of Israel. They were not bystanders in God’s plans, but active participants (1 Chronicles 11:10 , NLT). Both 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11 & 12 list the military heroes of David. Surely we are no less indebted to the heroes who have served the nation in actions that preserve our freedom. We thank god for their service.

We also pause to remember the “Christian Soldiers” of this congregation who have blessed us with lives lived in faithful service to our Lord Jesus Christ. Surely their service and sacrifice to the kingdom of God has earned them a crown of righteousness that will never fade away (2 Timothy 4:8, NRSV)

Scripture Text: 1 Chronicles 11:10 , NLT; 2 Samuel 23:8-39, NRSV; 2 Timothy 4:8, NRSV

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 23:13-17

April 5, 2015 Easter Sunday

JOY Resurrected

John 20:11-18

Synopsis: Today we gather to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I think it is fitting that we celebrate the resurrection when there are so many things coming to life and a new growing season is in full bloom. But Spring is not why we are called to celebrate. We are called to celebrate because it marks the time that Jesus rose from the grave. The Christian calendar may start with the birth of Christ but it comes into full bloom with the celebration of the resurrection. The dark night is past and our JOY is Resurrected in Christ Jesus.

I love to turn to the stories of that first Easter morning. Today I will read again the story of Mary coming to the tomb to anoint the body of Christ (John 20:11-18). She came weeping, grieving searching for a way to express her love and devotion for Him only to find the body was gone. Now what could she do? The angels of the Lord speak, but she cannot hear them. Overwhelmed with grief she doesn’t even realize who Jesus was when she encountered Him until He calls her name. He’s alive! Mary experienced JOY Resurrected.

For some reason while Mary’s story this year reading I was drawn to the story of Miriam’s song (Exodus 15:1-21). I visualize Miriam and the women singing and dancing with the JOY of their deliverance from bondage in Egypt and I think surely Mary’s Joy is not less full. All of a sudden I visualize Mary leaving the encounter of the resurrected Lord singing and dancing in the streets on her way to tell the others that she has experience JOY Resurrected. The perfumes she brought to anoint the dead would have been giving a sweet aroma to those she passed along the way.

At the end of the sermon this Easter Sunday I want to invite believers to come forward and be anointed with the Oil of Gladness (olive oil with frankincense and Myrrh).

Scripture Text (NLT): John 20:11-18; Exodus 15:1-21

Scripture Reading: Exodus 15:19-21

March 15, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Lent

Living In Christ

Campaign

Witnessing For Christ

Synopsis: Today in worship Emily Hickman and Marie Morgan share their witness of Christ in their lives. This is our fourth Sunday to draw our worship theme from the lessons in the Living In Christ booklet published by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. This final lesson is titled “Witnessing For Christ.”

Witnessing for Christ is God’s plan for believers and serves as an invitation to those who would be born again. On the believers side their witness for Christ is not so much a matter of words as it is a way of life. A believer’s words will never be able to carry the weight of conversion the way the witness of their lives do. Christianity was never intended by Christ to be a way of thinking or a way of talking. People of the Way of Jesus Christ are called to live in such a way that their lives serve as a witness to the presence of Christ in them. It is God’s way.

Unbelievers are born into the kingdom of God when they come God’s way. They do not get to choose the way nor the time. They must respond to the Spirit of God drawing them to God’s self. The first step of faith is to believe in Jesus Christ. That is the first step onto the path that Jesus Christ has blazed for them. The path ends in heaven. Salvation is a work of God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit extended to whoever will trust in Christ Jesus.

Scripture Text (NIV): Memory Verses Acts 1:8; Matthew 4:19 ;

February 15, 2015 Challenge Sunday

Tearing Down the Wall

Ephesians 2:14-16

Synopsis: I begin my message today with a confession of our business and a challenge to release at least some of those concerns to give space and time for the Spirit to work the peace of God in us. “For Christ himself has brought peace to us.” (Ephesians 2:14-16) Paul illustrates how this was accomplished with images from the Temple. The setting is worship but the Temple had a wall erected to separate the people. Only Jewish males had access to the inner court. Christ brought peace and unity to all people by tearing down the “wall of hostility that separated us.”

There are three things I want you to take away from this text. 1. Jesus has already torn down the “wall of hostility” that others erected to keep you from God, 2. Not everybody knows that, 3. Now be sure you do not build it back with the cares of this world.

God has a plan and a purpose for the church. It is as we are united as one in Christ that God’s plan is revealed to us and to the those around us. Join us in the Challenge to affirm our faith and to grown in it! Be a part of the Distribution to get the word out to those who need to hear it! Grow in the Spirit and help others do the same.

Living In Christ

Congregational Challenge and Response

I challenge those of you who have faith in Jesus Christ to examine your experience as a means of enriching your spiritual life. Therefore you are to pray for the movement of the Spirit in your life and in the lives of others around you.

It is right for us to examine our faith and pray for the movement of the Spirit of Christ in our lives, therefore:

WE WILL PRAY EARNESTLY FOR A MOVEMENT OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST.

I challenge you to set aside a time each day to read a portion of the Gospel of John and to hold yourself accountable by checking off your progress as a means of spiritual growth and accountability.

It is right that we should spend time daily reading the Scriptures and to hold ourselves accountable for spiritual growth, therefore:

WE WILL HOLD OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE TO DAILY READINGS FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN.

I challenge you to study each week the assigned lesson from Living In Christ as preparation for worship.

It is right for us to prepare for worship, therefore:

WE WILL PREPARE FOR WORSHIP BY STUDYING THE LESSON FROM LIVING IN CHRIST.

I challenge you to take a copy of Living In Christ to someone who needs it; invite him or her to join you in the daily readings from John and in studying the lessons each week; and invite her or him to join you in worship.

It is right for us to reach out to others as a witness of Christ’s love and our concern for them, therefore:

WE WILL GIVE LIVING IN CHRIST TO OTHERS WE KNOW WHO NEED TO KNOW THE PEACE OF CHRIST IN THEIR LIVES.

Scripture Text (NLT): Ephesians 2:14-16, 3:10-11, 14-19

February 8, 2015

Count Me In

Ephesians 4:1-6

Synopsis: Every part of the body has its own function and therefore every part is important to the whole. Paul knew that (Ephesians 4:4-6). It’s not rocket science. The older I get the more I realize the whole body suffers when any part is absent or ceases to function. In other words, the whole body gets sick when any part is sick.

All who come to faith in Christ Jesus are appointed a place in the body of Christ whether you are referring to the local congregation or the universal Church. Every believer is gifted with particular functions, gifts, abilities for the benefit of the whole. Sometimes believers just don’t know how to get plugged into the body. Sometimes believers are not aware of their individual gifts. Sometimes believers are not aware of how God will use them in making the body more complete. I want to address some of these issues today and over the next few Sundays. First, let’s talk about worship and learn some of the lessons of Ephesians.

Worship is central to the body of Christ. Worship of God the Father flows naturally by faith in Jesus the Christ the Son and through the power and presence of the Spirit. We do not worship alone.

Would you like to become a part of the body of Christ in this place? The first step is to trust in the redemptive work of the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The second step begins our journey of obedience to His commands. Another step in our journey involves becoming a part of the body of Christ. Are you ready to step forward and be counted as part of the body?

Know this, when you say “Count Me In” others in the body will be counting on you.

Scripture Text (NLT): Ephesians 4:1-6; 1:3, 6, 23; 2:12-19

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:4-6

February 1, 2015 Super Bowl of Caring

Luncheon following worship

Upper Level Management

Matthew 23:23-24

Synopsis: You have no doubt heard the expression of “making a mountain out of a mole hill.” There are times that I think of that expression in discussions about the tithe. My question is “What about the other 90%?” Believers will be held accountable by God for how they manage the whole and not just a part of the resources under their control.

Jesus condemned certain Pharisees for caring more about the tithe than “justice, mercy, and faith.” He is quoted as telling some of them, “You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!” (Mt. 23:23-24, NLT) Do you think Jesus was using hyperbole? Sure He was, but he made His point. Speaking of camels do you remember what Jesus told a certain wealthy young man who came to Him wanting to justify himself (Luke 18:18-25)?

Tithing in the Old Testament is demonstrated in the lives of those who practiced: Abraham in returning from a great victory (Genesis 14:20 ), Jacob fleeing in fear of his brother who was planning to kill him, Moses in the provisions for the tribe of Levi, the voice of the prophets in the words of Nehemiah (10:37-38) and Malachi (3:8-10).

The only other New Testament (apart from the Gospels) reference to tithing is found in Hebrews 7:7 and there the preacher was using Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek as proof of the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over that of the Levitical priesthood.

Simply put, the New Testament treats believers as stewards or managers who will be judged by God on the basis of the whole rather than on just ten percent. But don’t be confused, every little bit counts (Mt 10:42 , James 1:22-27).

Scripture Text (NLT): Matthew 23:23-24; Luke 18:18-25; Genesis 14:20 , 28:22; Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:21 ; Nehemiah10:37-38; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 10:40-42 (NIV); Luke 18:12 & 42; James 1:22-27

Scripture Reading: James 1:22-27