Concord United Sermons

Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.”  This applies to our faith as well.  Our faith, our trust, and dependence on God can be relegated to our beliefs, doctrines, and principles, yet never applied to our everyday life.  The author of James challenges that faith is not merely knowing but in acting through faith.  At times, the book of James can be accused of countering Paul’s words about faith not being about works.  This is true that our faith is not about earning, or acting enough to earn God’s grace and love.  The other piece is that as Christians, we are called to live out our faith through actions.  Faith is not solely intellectual; it is practical.  We can know all about God’s word, yet we are called to practice our faith within the world, within our relationships at home, work, school, and the “marketplace”.  Scripture - James 1:19-25; 2:14

Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.”  This applies to our faith as well.  Our faith, our trust, and dependence on God can be relegated to our beliefs, doctrines, and principles, yet never applied to our everyday life.  The author of James challenges that faith is not merely knowing but in acting through faith.  At times, the book of James can be accused of countering Paul’s words about faith not being about works.  This is true that our faith is not about earning, or acting enough to earn God’s grace and love.  The other piece is that as Christians, we are called to live out our faith through actions.  Faith is not solely intellectual; it is practical.  We can know all about God’s word, yet we are called to practice our faith within the world, within our relationships at home, work, school, and the “marketplace”.  Scripture - James 1:19-25; 2:14

: Jesus tells his disciples that he came to offer eternal life to those who believe in and follow him. Eternal life is described in the Bible in several ways. It is described as knowing Jesus, the heavenly city, and the eternal kingdom. These images point to an eternity within a community of restored relationships where every wound has been healed and where we are able love as God has loved us. Jesus’ teachings lead us to questions: 1) Can we know we are saved?  2) Can we know others aren’t saved?   In regards to question 1, Jesus’ teachings indicate that if we have sought his forgiveness and placed our trust for this life and eternity in him, we can trust we are saved even if we did not feel anything immediately when we prayed.  Jesus also promises to send his Spirit to give us an assurance of salvation and calls us to trust His word that he will be true to his promise for those who seek him. While sometimes we have to wait longer than we would wish for a spiritual experience of assurance, often God’s silence is an invitation for us to more deeply pursue him. As relates to question 2, Christian disagree. While some Christian traditions, hold that those who never publicly profess faith are condemned, most Christian traditions hold out the possibility that Christ is still able to work in the lives of those on their deathbeds and those who sought God with their lives, but lived in cultures where they never learned the Gospel. As Methodists, we believe in free will and, therefore, we believe God will not force salvation on anyone. If a soul chooses darkness over light, God will respect the choice.   Scripture - John 10:27-30, Romans 10:9–10, Revelation 22:1–5

Jesus tells his disciples that he came to offer eternal life to those who believe in and follow him. Eternal life is described in the Bible in several ways. It is described as knowing Jesus, the heavenly city, and the eternal kingdom. These images point to an eternity within a community of restored relationships where every wound has been healed and where we are able love as God has loved us. Jesus’ teachings lead us to questions: 1) Can we know we are saved?  2) Can we know others aren’t saved?   In regards to question 1, Jesus’ teachings indicate that if we have sought his forgiveness and placed our trust for this life and eternity in him, we can trust we are saved even if we did not feel anything immediately when we prayed.  Jesus also promises to send his Spirit to give us an assurance of salvation and calls us to trust His word that he will be true to his promise for those who seek him. While sometimes we have to wait longer than we would wish for a spiritual experience of assurance, often God’s silence is an invitation for us to more deeply pursue him. As relates to question 2, Christian disagree. While some Christian traditions, hold that those who never publicly profess faith are condemned, most Christian traditions hold out the possibility that Christ is still able to work in the lives of those on their deathbeds and those who sought God with their lives, but lived in cultures where they never learned the Gospel. As Methodists, we believe in free will and, therefore, we believe God will not force salvation on anyone. If a soul chooses darkness over light, God will respect the choice.   Scripture - John 10:27-30, Romans 10:9–10, Revelation 22:1–5

Though we are saved by grace, we are saved through faith. It is faith that allows us request and receive God’s grace and provision through our trust in God. Hebrews 11  describes faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. It is faith through which the Holy Spirit gives us the internal witness to our souls which allows us to trust God to save us for eternity and to guide us in this life. Living by faith means following God’s guidance and calling this life, and trusting that God will prepare a place for us in God’s eternal kingdom.  Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Hebrews 11:1,6

Though we are saved by grace, we are saved through faith. It is faith that allows us request and receive God’s grace and provision through our trust in God. Hebrews 11  describes faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. It is faith through which the Holy Spirit gives us the internal witness to our souls which allows us to trust God to save us for eternity and to guide us in this life. Living by faith means following God’s guidance and calling this life, and trusting that God will prepare a place for us in God’s eternal kingdom.  Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Hebrews 11:1,6

We can be saved only by grace, God’s unmerited forgiveness and blessing given to us in the midst of our sinfulness. This grace cannot be earned, but must be requested and received. To illustrate grace, Jesus used the example of the prodigal son, who wronged his Father, wasted his resources, and yet knew enough of his Father’s love to return and beg for forgiveness and provision – which the Father joyfully provides.   Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Luke 15:11-32  

We can be saved only by grace, God’s unmerited forgiveness and blessing given to us in the midst of our sinfulness. This grace cannot be earned, but must be requested and received. To illustrate grace, Jesus used the example of the prodigal son, who wronged his Father, wasted his resources, and yet knew enough of his Father’s love to return and beg for forgiveness and provision – which the Father joyfully provides.     Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Luke 15:11-32  

Before his birth, Jesus is prophesied to be the one who will save the people from their sins. Ephesians 2 & Romans 6 describe sin as causing death. All sin ultimately causes us to make ourselves god rather following the One True God. Under the power of sin, we follow our own desires and relegate God to a deity we seek only when doing so can help us achieve our goals and objectives. In this way, sin causes estrangement from God by our deviation from the life God designed us for. To be saved is to have our estrangement with God overcome and our relationship with God rightly restored by the gracious work of Christ, so that we can once again see God for who God is and experience ourselves as God’s children and servants. Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Matthew 1:21, Romans 6:23  

Before his birth, Jesus is prophesied to be the one who will save the people from their sins. Ephesians 2 & Romans 6 describe sin as causing death. All sin ultimately causes us to make ourselves god rather following the One True God. Under the power of sin, we follow our own desires and relegate God to a deity we seek only when doing so can help us achieve our goals and objectives. In this way, sin causes estrangement from God by our deviation from the life God designed us for. To be saved is to have our estrangement with God overcome and our relationship with God rightly restored by the gracious work of Christ, so that we can once again see God for who God is and experience ourselves as God’s children and servants. Scripture -Ephesians 2:4-9, Matthew 1:21, Romans 6:23 

Thomas was a skeptical follower of Christ. He heard the stories of Jesus’ resurrection, but had trouble believing until he could see for himself. At the time Thomas expressed his doubt, he was the only disciple who had not yet seen the Risen Christ. In this manner, Thomas is an example for all of us. There will be times when we have not yet experienced what we are told and believe about God to be true. In those moments, we might consider ourselves Skeptical Christians. Jesus challenges Thomas and us in those moments to believe. Thomas experiences Christ by placing himself around those who have already experienced him. When someone a fellow Christian is experiencing skepticism, our job is to encourage them to cling close to those who have experienced Christ, to share our experience (strength and hope), and wait for Christ to appear in His time in His way.    Scripture - John 20:19-29

Thomas was a skeptical follower of Christ. He heard the stories of Jesus’ resurrection, but had trouble believing until he could see for himself. At the time Thomas expressed his doubt, he was the only disciple who had not yet seen the Risen Christ. In this manner, Thomas is an example for all of us. There will be times when we have not yet experienced what we are told and believe about God to be true. In those moments, we might consider ourselves Skeptical Christians. Jesus challenges Thomas and us in those moments to believe. Thomas experiences Christ by placing himself around those who have already experienced him. When someone a fellow Christian is experiencing skepticism, our job is to encourage them to cling close to those who have experienced Christ, to share our experience (strength and hope), and wait for Christ to appear in His time in His way.    Scripture - John 20:19-29

The good thief can be described as spiritually fallen. He believes in God. He knows he has messed up in the worst sort of way, and he hopes against hope that God might give him another chance. Jesus encounters him with grace beyond our wildest imagining. Just like in the life of the good thief, sometimes the consequences of our misguided actions cannot be undone, however, God may still be full of far more grace than we could ever ask for or imagine. Our job in conversations with the spiritual fallen is to listen to the depth of their story with compassion rather than condemnation, and then to invite them to consider the amazing grace of God – a grace that does not overlook our sin but rather redeems the willing in spite of our sin through Jesus’ sacrifice. Scripture - Luke 23:39-43

The good thief can be described as spiritually fallen. He believes in God. He knows he has messed up in the worst sort of way, and he hopes against hope that God might give him another chance. Jesus encounters him with grace beyond our wildest imagining. Just like in the life of the good thief, sometimes the consequences of our misguided actions cannot be undone, however, God may still be full of far more grace than we could ever ask for or imagine. Our job in conversations with the spiritual fallen is to listen to the depth of their story with compassion rather than condemnation, and then to invite them to consider the amazing grace of God – a grace that does not overlook our sin but rather redeems the willing in spite of our sin through Jesus’ sacrifice. Scripture - Luke 23:39-43

Zacchaeus was spiritually curious, so much so, he was willing to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus and to open up his home for a banquet when Jesus requested dinner. He wanted to know what Jesus was teaching about God, even though his neighbors despised him and felt he wasn’t the kind of person God would be interested in helping. When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, he sought to spend time with him, and through Jesus’ presence Zacchaeus found a new and better way to live. Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus on his own. He needed to climb a tree. When we encounter spiritually curious people, many of whom are what we might call non-practicing Christians, our job is to be their tree. To relate to them, listen to them, and to offer the ways to see and experience Jesus.   Scripture - Luke 19:1-9

Zacchaeus was spiritually curious, so much so, he was willing to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus and to open up his home for a banquet when Jesus requested dinner. He wanted to know what Jesus was teaching about God, even though his neighbors despised him and felt he wasn’t the kind of person God would be interested in helping. When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, he sought to spend time with him, and through Jesus’ presence Zacchaeus found a new and better way to live. Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus on his own. He needed to climb a tree. When we encounter spiritually curious people, many of whom are what we might call non-practicing Christians, our job is to be their tree. To relate to them, listen to them, and to offer the ways to see and experience Jesus.   Scripture - Luke 19:1-9

The Rich Young Ruler is someone we might think of as culturally religious. He has done everything his religious culture has asked of him, and he thinks that should be enough to win God’s approval. Jesus challenges him to place God first above everything else. Rather than making God one priority (perhaps even his first priority) among many, Jesus invites him to let God be God and order all his priorities. Sometimes we encounter Cultural Christians (Elon Musk recently described himself as one) who believe Christianity has a positive influence, but who have not ever fully surrendered their lives to Christ or experienced the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit. Our job is listen and appreciate where, they are coming from and invite them to surrender fully to Christ and seek guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Scripture - Luke 18:18-30

The Rich Young Ruler is someone we might think of as culturally religious. He has done everything his religious culture has asked of him, and he thinks that should be enough to win God’s approval. Jesus challenges him to place God first above everything else. Rather than making God one priority (perhaps even his first priority) among many, Jesus invites him to let God be God and order all his priorities. Sometimes we encounter Cultural Christians (Elon Musk recently described himself as one) who believe Christianity has a positive influence, but who have not ever fully surrendered their lives to Christ or experienced the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit. Our job is listen and appreciate where, they are coming from and invite them to surrender fully to Christ and seek guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Scripture - Luke 18:18-30

The woman at the well is a Samaritan who believes differently about God than the Jewish people. Jesus engages in a deep conversation about theological truth and her personal journey. He begins by engaging her in a conversation about her beliefs and practices, and then shifts to sharing how God is present in her life and in the world. As a result she helps lead many Samaritans to faith in Christ. Following Jesus’ example, our conversations with those our other religions should start with genuine curiosity about their beliefs and practices. As they share we should listen for a way in which they already believe something true about God. (For example, “I see you believe in concrete right and wrong. Me too.”) And then be ready to share how Christ affects the way you approach that issue. (Ex. How do you discern what is universal right and wrong and what is cultural preference? For me, Jesus’ example and teachings are the measuring stick for universal right and wrong.) Remember, your job in these conversations is to invite others to take the next step on a spiritual journey guided by the Holy Spirit towards Christ, not to close the deal for Christ. Scripture - John 4:4-42

The woman at the well is a Samaritan who believes differently about God than the Jewish people. Jesus engages in a deep conversation about theological truth and her personal journey. He begins by engaging her in a conversation about her beliefs and practices, and then shifts to sharing how God is present in her life and in the world. As a result she helps lead many Samaritans to faith in Christ. Following Jesus’ example, our conversations with those our other religions should start with genuine curiosity about their beliefs and practices. As they share we should listen for a way in which they already believe something true about God. (For example, “I see you believe in concrete right and wrong. Me too.”) And then be ready to share how Christ affects the way you approach that issue. (Ex. How do you discern what is universal right and wrong and what is cultural preference? For me, Jesus’ example and teachings are the measuring stick for universal right and wrong.) Remember, your job in these conversations is to invite others to take the next step on a spiritual journey guided by the Holy Spirit towards Christ, not to close the deal for Christ. Scripture - John 4:4-42

Nicodemus is someone we might consider a curious skeptic. As a Pharisee, he is interested in the spiritual realm and explicitly believes in God. He is intrigued by Jesus, but he just can’t quite accept some of Jesus’ difficult teachings about the degree to which a person must surrender and be transformed to follow God. Jesus engages Nicodemus in a deep, respectful conversation about how Jesus’ teachings are line with much of what Nicodemus already believes and challenges Nicodemus to move to a deeper understanding and expression of faith. Sometime later, Nicodemus becomes a follower of Christ because of the spiritual journey begun in this conversation. When we talk to Curious Skeptics, we often encounter people who believe in the possibility of spiritual truth, but what they have heard about the Christian God does not yet entirely fit with their lived experience. Our job is to engage them in deep, respectful conversations in which we seek to understand how they see the world and challenge them to look for Christ’s presence within it.  Scripture - John 3:1-21

Nicodemus is someone we might consider a curious skeptic. As a Pharisee, he is interested in the spiritual realm and explicitly believes in God. He is intrigued by Jesus, but he just can’t quite accept some of Jesus’ difficult teachings about the degree to which a person must surrender and be transformed to follow God. Jesus engages Nicodemus in a deep, respectful conversation about how Jesus’ teachings are line with much of what Nicodemus already believes and challenges Nicodemus to move to a deeper understanding and expression of faith. Sometime later, Nicodemus becomes a follower of Christ because of the spiritual journey begun in this conversation. When we talk to Curious Skeptics, we often encounter people who believe in the possibility of spiritual truth, but what they have heard about the Christian God does not yet entirely fit with their lived experience. Our job is to engage them in deep, respectful conversations in which we seek to understand how they see the world and challenge them to look for Christ’s presence within it.  Scripture -John 3:1-21

Jesus sends out his disciples to share the good news about God. He informs them that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Still, today Jesus sends out his followers. And the good news about God still changes lives and transforms communities. The biggest challenge facing the spread of the Gospel is not the Gospel’s lack of power – if has more than enough, it is the lack of people ready and willing to spread. In our culture, we have been discouraged from sharing our faith by the lie that religion is private. The Christianity we inherit from Jesus’ own teachings to the earliest disciples is personal, not private. Every Christian is called to learn the art of spiritual conversation – learning to listen and relate to the spiritual journey of others and to share the Gospel in a gracious, kind, and loving manner. Scripture - Luke 10:1-11,17-20

Jesus sends out his disciples to share the good news about God. He informs them that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Still, today Jesus sends out his followers. And the good news about God still changes lives and transforms communities. The biggest challenge facing the spread of the Gospel is not the Gospel’s lack of power – if has more than enough, it is the lack of people ready and willing to spread. In our culture, we have been discouraged from sharing our faith by the lie that religion is private. The Christianity we inherit from Jesus’ own teachings to the earliest disciples is personal, not private. Every Christian is called to learn the art of spiritual conversation – learning to listen and relate to the spiritual journey of others and to share the Gospel in a gracious, kind, and loving manner. Scripture - Luke 10:1-11,17-20

Love is a word with many implications, from the trivial to the significant. The same is true for hate.  We use the words loosely to describe our feelings towards things and people.  We love and we hate.  There is healing and damage within both, yet there is a love bigger than our human attempts.  It is the love that undergirds our hope, faith, community, purpose, grace, and forgiveness.  The love that poured out on the cross for each of us.  The love that challenges our words and actions, and leads us to something bigger than the world can give us.  The love of our God, of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit.  Love is something bigger than. Scripture - John 15:12-13

Love is a word with many implications, from the trivial to the significant. The same is true for hate.  We use the words loosely to describe our feelings towards things and people.  We love and we hate.  There is healing and damage within both, yet there is a love bigger than our human attempts.  It is the love that undergirds our hope, faith, community, purpose, grace, and forgiveness.  The love that poured out on the cross for each of us.  The love that challenges our words and actions, and leads us to something bigger than the world can give us.  The love of our God, of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit.  Love is something bigger than. Scripture - John 15:12-13

Harms are committed every day, both unknowingly and intentionally.  These harms cut deep into our souls, and we carry them.  The question of forgiveness looms below the surface and stares directly into our souls. Peter asks the question that we might wonder as well, a question about forgiveness that Jesus’ answer leaves us uncomfortable.  Forgiveness is not a question, but an action rooted in something bigger than us, God’s love and grace.  Forgiveness begins with an understanding of our need for forgiveness, thus leading us to forgive others.  Forgiveness is something bigger than.  Scripture - Matthew 18:21-22

Harms are committed every day, both unknowingly and intentionally.  These harms cut deep into our souls, and we carry them.  The question of forgiveness looms below the surface and stares directly into our souls. Peter asks the question that we might wonder as well, a question about forgiveness that Jesus’ answer leaves us uncomfortable.  Forgiveness is not a question, but an action rooted in something bigger than us, God’s love and grace.  Forgiveness begins with an understanding of our need for forgiveness, thus leading us to forgive others.  Forgiveness is something bigger than.  Scripture - Matthew 18:21-22

In a world that seems to thrive on division, judgment, and even hate, we become overwhelmed.  Demonization, weaponization, and tribalism seem to rule the day.  We are all in need of the gift bigger than all this - grace.  Grace is the thing we all so desperately need and want, yet it is so difficult to give it.  Grace is the gift we do not deserve and comes from God.  Seeing ourselves and each other through the lens of God’s grace counters our culture and removes the walls that divide.  We are each sinners in desperate need of God’s grace.  Grace is something bigger than. Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-9 Other Scriptures:  2 Corinthians 12:8-10; John 1:16  

In a world that seems to thrive on division, judgment, and even hate, we become overwhelmed.  Demonization, weaponization, and tribalism seem to rule the day.  We are all in need of the gift bigger than all this - grace.  Grace is the thing we all so desperately need and want, yet it is so difficult to give it.  Grace is the gift we do not deserve and comes from God.  Seeing ourselves and each other through the lens of God’s grace counters our culture and removes the walls that divide.  We are each sinners in desperate need of God’s grace.  Grace is something bigger than. Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-9 Other Scriptures:  2 Corinthians 12:8-10; John 1:16  

There are times within our lives when our purpose is undeniable and success is attainable.  There are other times when our purpose seems fleeting at best.  Jesus shows us that our purpose is in something bigger than ourselves, serving others.  No matter our age or stage in life, serving others gives our lives purpose and meaning.  We are to do as Jesus has done.  God calls all to serve. There is a place for all to serve. There is a need for all to serve. Serving is bigger than.  Scripture - John 13:12-17

A persistent experience for many, across the generations, is loneliness, even being lonely in the midst of crowds.  We long to belong, to have connection.  We are created for connection to God and others.  The church is Jesus’ idea, formed in the early days of Christianity as a means to glorify God and share the good news of Jesus Christ.  Within this mission and structure, connection to God and others occurs.  Through being part of something bigger than ourselves, the church, the assembly of those seeking and following, not simply an institution, we find the connection to God and others.  Community is something bigger than. Scripture - Acts 2:42-47

A persistent experience for many, across the generations, is loneliness, even being lonely in the midst of crowds.  We long to belong, to have connection.  We are created for connection to God and others.  The church is Jesus’ idea, formed in the early days of Christianity as a means to glorify God and share the good news of Jesus Christ.  Within this mission and structure, connection to God and others occurs.  Through being part of something bigger than ourselves, the church, the assembly of those seeking and following, not simply an institution, we find the connection to God and others.  Community is something bigger than. Scripture - Acts 2:42-47

Doubt is that looming feeling of uncertainty, where we question the realness of others, life, and God.  Hope is future-focused related to our expectations, while faith is our present beliefs and reliance and trust in.  We experience doubt about God, the church, the government, relationships, and even ourselves.  Our dependence and trust are in ourselves, because we wonder who or what can be trusted. Faith is the antidote, the unseen belief in something bigger than us and this world.  Belief in a God who came to be with us.  The exclamation of “help me overcome my unbelief” applies to us today.  Our focus becomes trusting the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding.  Faith is something bigger than. Scripture - Mark 9:21-24, Proverbs 3:5

Doubt is that looming feeling of uncertainty, where we question the realness of others, life, and God.  Hope is future-focused related to our expectations, while faith is our present beliefs and reliance and trust in.  We experience doubt about God, the church, the government, relationships, and even ourselves.  Our dependence and trust are in ourselves, because we wonder who or what can be trusted. Faith is the antidote, the unseen belief in something bigger than us and this world.  Belief in a God who came to be with us.  The exclamation of “help me overcome my unbelief” applies to us today.  Our focus becomes trusting the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding.  Faith is something bigger than. Scripture - Mark 9:21-24, Proverbs 3:5

Examples exist around us of hopelessness, broadly in the despair of our world and specifically within our own lives.  We begin to lose hope.  Hope is the expectation of what is possible in the future.  We reflect on the past year, or years, identifying the highs and lows, the joy and grief, and the moments of hope and hopelessness.  The Psalms provide examples of hopelessness, despair, disappointment, and of where we find our hope.  Our hope is in God.  Our hope is in the steadfast love of God.  God is the hope of something bigger.  Within the words of the book of Romans, we are reminded that nothing separates us from the love of God.  Hope is something bigger than.  Scripture - Psalms 33:20-22; Romans 8:24-27, 35-39

Examples exist around us of hopelessness, broadly in the despair of our world and specifically within our own lives.  We begin to lose hope.  Hope is the expectation of what is possible in the future.  We reflect on the past year, or years, identifying the highs and lows, the joy and grief, and the moments of hope and hopelessness.  The Psalms provide examples of hopelessness, despair, disappointment, and of where we find our hope.  Our hope is in God.  Our hope is in the steadfast love of God.  God is the hope of something bigger.  Within the words of the book of Romans, we are reminded that nothing separates us from the love of God.  Hope is something bigger than.  Scripture - Psalms 33:20-22; Romans 8:24-27, 35-39

Even in his early years, those who encountered Jesus sensed that they were in presence of a power unlike anything they had experienced before. When we encounter Jesus today, we too must choose how we will respond to His power and wisdom. Scripture - Luke 2:21-52

The birth of Christ was both a local and cosmic event. Jesus was born to specific family from a specific culture in a specific place to change the world through a singularly influential life. He was also the Almighty God who had come back to redeem His creation. Scripture - Luke 2:1-7, John 1:1-5,14-18

The birth of Christ was both a local and cosmic event. Jesus was born to specific family from a specific culture in a specific place to change the world through a singularly influential life. He was also the Almighty God who had come back to redeem His creation. Scripture - Luke 2:1-7, John 1:1-5,14-18

The shepherds proclaimed the good news told to them by the angels—that Jesus would be their Savior, even though He was only an infant. Mary treasured their words in her heart to guide her in the future. When Scrooge sees Christmas future, he witnesses grief for the Cratchit family and his own lonely death if he doesn’t change his ways. Thankfully, Scrooge changes his ways, and his future turns out far better than he could have ever imagined. When we choose to follow Christ, we open ourselves to the blessings of the future God has in store for us rather than the devastation of a selfish life spent living for our own momentary pleasure. Scripture - Luke 2:8–20

The shepherds proclaimed the good news told to them by the angels—that Jesus would be their Savior, even though He was only an infant. Mary treasured their words in her heart to guide her in the future. When Scrooge sees Christmas future, he witnesses grief for the Cratchit family and his own lonely death if he doesn’t change his ways. Thankfully, Scrooge changes his ways, and his future turns out far better than he could have ever imagined. When we choose to follow Christ, we open ourselves to the blessings of the future God has in store for us rather than the devastation of a selfish life spent living for our own momentary pleasure. Scripture - Luke 2:8–20

With his engagement and plan for his life quickly collapsing due to Mary’s pregnancy—which he interpreted as infidelity—Joseph hears from God that Mary’s pregnancy is not the end of his family but the beginning of a new work of God to invite all of humanity into His family. When Scrooge views Christmas present, he sees the Cratchit family's struggles with poverty and the joy they experience in the midst of those struggles thanks to their faith. In our lives, we can choose to ruminate on our struggles (which often is a path straight to depression and despair) or we can find strength and joy in the midst of our struggles through faith. Scripture - Matthew 1:18–25

With his engagement and plan for his life quickly collapsing due to Mary’s pregnancy—which he interpreted as infidelity—Joseph hears from God that Mary’s pregnancy is not the end of his family but the beginning of a new work of God to invite all of humanity into His family. When Scrooge views Christmas present, he sees the Cratchit family's struggles with poverty and the joy they experience in the midst of those struggles thanks to their faith. In our lives, we can choose to ruminate on our struggles (which often is a path straight to depression and despair) or we can find strength and joy in the midst of our struggles through faith. Scripture - Matthew 1:18–25

After Mary's encounter with Gabriel and visit with Elizabeth, she sings a song remembering what God has done for her. In the story of the wise men, we see how God saved the Holy Family from Herod so Jesus could save the world from sin. In Scrooge's story, he remembers the joy and warmth of his early years, as well as how—rather than turning to God when life was hard—he allowed life’s struggles to turn him into a bitter and selfish person. It’s important for us to remember how God has already saved and protected us in our past, so that we can heal from the wounds life has dealt us (including our self-inflicted wounds) and live out God's plan for our present and future. Scripture - Luke 1:46–56; Matthew 2:1–14

After Mary's encounter with Gabriel and visit with Elizabeth, she sings a song remembering what God has done for her. In the story of the wise men, we see how God saved the Holy Family from Herod so Jesus could save the world from sin. In Scrooge's story, he remembers the joy and warmth of his early years, as well as how—rather than turning to God when life was hard—he allowed life’s struggles to turn him into a bitter and selfish person. It’s important for us to remember how God has already saved and protected us in our past, so that we can heal from the wounds life has dealt us (including our self-inflicted wounds) and live out God's plan for our present and future. Scripture - Luke 1:46–56; Matthew 2:1–14

Isaiah prophesied a Messiah hundreds of years before the coming of Christ. Yet the hope for a Messiah endured through the centuries, and when Jesus came, He transformed the world and human society to an almost unimaginable degree. To understand Christmas, it is important for us to remember how different our world was before Jesus came into it—and how different our lives were before Jesus transformed them. In the character of Scrooge, we remember both the stingy Scrooge and the redeemed, generous Scrooge. If we forget how God has redeemed us (and our world), we will be tempted to base our lives on our own abilities rather than on God's presence and power. Scripture - Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7

Isaiah prophesied a Messiah hundreds of years before the coming of Christ. Yet the hope for a Messiah endured through the centuries, and when Jesus came, He transformed the world and human society to an almost unimaginable degree. To understand Christmas, it is important for us to remember how different our world was before Jesus came into it—and how different our lives were before Jesus transformed them. In the character of Scrooge, we remember both the stingy Scrooge and the redeemed, generous Scrooge. If we forget how God has redeemed us (and our world), we will be tempted to base our lives on our own abilities rather than on God's presence and power. Scripture - Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7

Rev. Bill Kilday Scripture - John 1:1-5 RSV

Peter was instrumental in leading the early church.  His words preached at Pentecost gave meaning to what was transpiring.  His faithfulness in engaging with Cornelius, a Gentile, was a pivotal moment in church history, no longer a church of us, but of us and them.  Peter’s maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ is evident through scripture and is an example for us.  Peter is obedient and prayerful.  We are called beyond what seems possible to share Christ, serve others, and grow in faith.  We, too, have a role in the larger story of God’s grace and love to those we know and those we do not.  We are called to go beyond our boundaries to declare the truth of Jesus Christ.  Scripture - Acts 2:37-41; Acts 10