Sermon Archive

As we are now experiencing the postlude to the glorious resurrection, it is time for us to consider what we as Christians are to do with our recent liberation from our own confinement. Taking his text from the eleventh chapter of John, verses 38-44, today Pastor Victor hones in on Jesus’ command directed at Lazarus to come out of his tomb. The sermon reveals to us the liberation strategy Jesus provides in this passage of scripture. This is a proven strategy to which we can adhere to live freely, as well.

Jesus not only tells Lazarus to come out of his burial place, He also tells those engaged in entombing Lazarus to unbind him, to loose him. Even after a life-altering encounter with Jesus, acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior, the Christian community may continue to confine us and limit someone’s ability to live as God intends. Jesus further directs us to let go of the past that can no longer define who we are. God intends for us to live for a unique purpose and give Him the glory.

The real work of the church is to employ the liberation strategy that Jesus designed, allowing all to be loosed from that which keeps us imprisoned in the decaying, dead places in our lives. When we unravel ourselves from the past by letting go and encouraging others to do the same, we are all liberated. God’s goodness shines through us, and truly we become beacons of hope; we become the light of the world.

Even the most devout Christians have been faced with doubt and found themselves perplexed by God’s sometimes obscure instruction. In today’s passage, John 11:7-16, we are reminded that the twelve disciples were baffled by Jesus’ instruction to return to Judea. Because we consider the disciples Christ’s most ardent followers, we can learn from this time when even they questioned His direction.

The first thing we learn from the disciples’ journey with Jesus is willingness leads to walking. When one is willing, they will walk with Christ even if filled with uncertainty and fear. Secondly, exploration leads to explanation. Though confused we must seize any opportunity to move when He says move. As we learn and explore, we grow in our understanding of who God is. The journey teaches us through our own unique experiences the divine mission of God. Finally, following brings favor. Journeying with the Lord is always the right thing to do. That is how we grow stronger in our comprehension and our belief in God’s miracle-working power.

Truly, it is human nature to fall down and harbor a level of doubt from time to time. However, there must be a willingness to walk with Him and explore in order to discover the explanation. Most assuredly when we follow Him we reap His favor. Though we may on occasion fall short on the journey, there is an opportunity to get up again and be prepared to go wherever He leads. Then, we will understand that Jesus is the resurrection, He is the life, and there is no other way.

Today Pastor Victor concludes his sermon series “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as this year’s Black History Month celebration also comes to an end. In this week’s text, Matthew 28:1-8, the risen Christ signifies a new day has begun even though there is darkness and fear. This is the scenario we as a nation are facing as well. Though we are partially shrouded in darkness and witnessing hate-filled disturbances, this does not hinder our forward progression nor dim our vision of a better future.

The forces that move us forward in the dark are threefold. First, we move because we know God is always moving, and we want to keep up. This also strengthens our faith. Secondly, hearing His message from on High assures us that He has not left us, and He will remain with us come what may. Lastly, because each one of us has a purpose and an earthly mission to complete we are energized and cannot keep still.

We will continue our march as the new day has begun though our vision remains cloudy. The empty tomb gives us glimpses of hope knowing that our Savior lives. Thank God for divine obstacles that steer us onto the right path. Because of Him we face the rising sun, and we will not stop marching until sweet victory is won.

As we welcome the new year, we may find ourselves reeling from this relentless pandemic and horrific atrocities continuing to wreak havoc across the nation. Many are feeling off kilter because our reality is overwhelmingly disorienting, even dizzying. So, today Pastor Victor introduces to us a new and timely sermon series, “Finding the Center of Yourself”. Just as the prodigal son found his center with the principles of the text, Luke 15: 11-13, we can reorient ourselves by abiding by these same principles. The first centering principle is remembering that you have a Father. A Father means that we have someone who loves us. When we are grounded in the heavenly Father, we have a sense of identity and purpose in life. Recognizing and embracing the privilege of being His child always keeps us centered.

Secondly, as the son of a prominent father the prodigal one, though he strayed, never lost his elevated status and stature. Because we are the children of God, we are somebody. The troubles and indignities of this world, and even the accolades and accomplishments we attain, do not change our standing with the Lord. We have an inheritance that belongs to us and it can never be taken away.

Another centering principle is family. Looking beyond our own nuclear family to the broader community centers us. We develop a greater sense of belonging in the warmth and care of the Christian village. Family lessens the sense of being alone in this world, having to always fend for one’s self. We have a deeper understanding of self in the context of the extended family.

Lastly, the younger son in the familiar parable was youthful. Youth can be a time of tremendous opportunity and discovery. It is a time to take advantage of their vim and vigor. A youth who ventures out on their own will not fail as long as they are centered in God. The rich experiences of youth will surely grow into wisdom over time. In this tumultuous world, especially in these unsteady times, orient yourself to the true center. Embracing the Father, recognizing your status as His child, being nurtured by your community, and not squandering the gifts of energy and vitality are the centering principles that will satisfy your soul in a way that nothing else can. Nothing, not anything is sweeter.