Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. We watch and wonder what is next in a time of change in our society. We watch with open eyes for what God has in store for us in the days ahead. There have been multiple ebbs and flows in the celebration of Christmas including a time…
Christ is our King! We must always be reminded, even with the confusion and chaos in our world, Christ is King! One day Christ will come into His glory to judge mankind. He will separate those who follow Him as King from those who do not. Those who follow Him will live with Him for…
Rev. Lois Hedden points out that parables are stories. Who doesn’t like a good story? Parables are like onions, they have layers. She first of all read a quote from Eugene Peterson: “Parables are narrative time bombs. These are stealthy stories that steal into people’s hearts, confusing them initially, throwing them off balance for a…
In this worshipful presentation, Rev. Gary Kennedy shares the importance of the Church worldwide and attending church. Jesus attended church on a regular basis even when he had difficulty with the leadership. Jesus often read scripture during a worship service. When we read Luke 4:18-19a we see Jesus quoting Isaiah 61:1-2. Here we are reminded…
When the disciples told Jesus they were not good enough to do the job he gave them to do, Jesus replied, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” He told the disciples they needed to trust God to help them do the job they were called to do. When the…
There are no stupid questions when trying to understand God’s Words to us. Peter’s question about how often we are to forgive others for wrong they have done, gave opportunity for Jesus to teach about the importance of forgiveness and grace. Using a conversation between Former President Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela following his release…
Referring to Himself as The Son of Man which is the term used in Daniel chapter seven to describe the Messiah, Jesus asked, “Who Do You Say I Am?” Many writers and Philosophers have attempted to answer this question. A French writer said He was a sentimental idealist. An American businessman said He was the…
And when Jesus heard . . . (of the death of John the Baptist) He withdrew to a solitary (quiet) place. When our hearts are broken, do we seek solace alone? People probably followed Jesus for a number of reasons: seeking comfort, seeking a miracle, just to be with Him, just to be with the…
This sermon is built upon the previous two Sunday sermons. Drawing from the life of missionary E. Stanley Jones, who once appeared on the cover of Time magazine and adding the parables told by Jesus, the sermon addresses spiritual growth and life decisions. The reflections lead to self analysis and powerful life lessons.
Using passages from John 14 and 15, Rev. Gary Kennedy reminds us all that God will help us grow in our spirit and in our ministry to others as long as we stay in contact with Him. In order to grow and produce fruit, trees and vines must be pruned. Otherwise abundant leaves will block…