Sermon Archive

On this first Sunday of a brand-new decade, our pastor shared with us an exciting theme for 2020. The theme is, “Being and Becoming: Living Our Identity in Christ”. The sermon text was taken from Colossians 2: 6-7, which focuses on living in union with Christ.

The pastor delves into the issue of those who are faithful to the church looking upon people who do not attend with a level of disdain. Pastor Victor asked the assembled church regulars to be self-reflective. Have we simply chosen church, or are we truly living our lives in him? He provides instruction to help us arrive at the answer.

In order to radically adhere and commit to the way of Jesus Christ, we must first receive him and be open. Are we vessels ready to be filled with his spirit, his power, his peace, his love supreme, and his purpose for our lives? When we receive him, Jesus in turn receives us. What a comfort to know that when we are immersed in Christ, we have permanent access to his divine protection.

Secondly, choosing the Christian option means we do not leave our Christianity in the vestibule on Sunday. Christianity is our way of life. We live as Christians no matter where we are, and even when no one is watching. It matters not if we are in church worshiping, in the eye of the public-at-large or relaxing at home. We always choose him. Finally, choosing the Christian option means there is continuity. After we have made Jesus our choice, there are no starts and stops. There is no turning away from this easy choice. Jesus Christ is the only way. Now that you know of his goodness, wouldn’t you choose him all over again?

Nothing is more appropriate on this last communion Sunday of the year than focusing on worship.

Our pastor’s sacred text is taken from Matthew 2:1-2. In these verses the wise men are seeking the newborn King. The Magi from the East’s declaration of devotion to the Christ child during King Herod’s murderous rule remind us why we must remain steadfast and devoted to God in our own turbulent times. The wise men first worshiped the Lord by asking the right question.

They followed the star and asked where they could find Jesus. This apropos question led to an opportunity to have an encounter with the Holy One. In order to receive what you need or discover what you are hoping to find, you must not be afraid to inquire. An intimate relationship with God means you can ask Him anything. Secondly, their desire to worship the Lord led them to keep looking.

Never stop seeking God because if you do, you will not find Him. When you are faced with life’s challenges and evil forces surround you, look for Him. In the midst of your troubles, when He feels so far away, be still and see God at work. Do we not seek Him most fervently during periods of devastation? No matter what you are going through, just keep looking for Him. He is with you.

Lastly, showing up is worship. When you truly show up and give of yourself, God will draw closer as well. Remember, in this special season of giving, presents without presence are empty; they are hollow. Just show up with an open heart. Declare your devotion to Christ with real presence. By being present, all will be well with your soul.

The story of Jonah may be one of the most familiar of all the stories in the bible. However, our pastor invites us to revisit this story to remind us of God’s power and renew our faith. The text is taken from the 17th verse of the first chapter of Jonah, and the 2nd chapter verses, 1- 10. The passage reminds us that God always see us and protects us, even in our downward spirals. In the underbelly of the whale, in overwhelming distress, Jonah prayed to the Lord.

In our own desperation, we too can pray to God. Desperate times call for desperate prayers. Although not eloquent and poetic, these prayers have depth because they express our immediate needs. He hears our desperate, distress prayers because they are earnest and originate from our belief in Him.

Prayers from down under signify our indebtedness. Praying while we are at our lowest and drowning in hopelessness acknowledges Him. These prayers are full of thanksgiving. We know we can count on Him because He has been there for us before. We have no doubt that help is on the way and we will not perish. Through weary years and silent tears, our ancestors prayed these prayers, giving thanks for a brighter future they would not see.

Jonah’s tale reminds us that Lord is our deliverer. From the darkness of down under, God delivered Jonah. He will deliver us, too. He will hear our prayer; He will speak to whatever circumstance in which we find ourselves. Turning from Him will not cause Him to turn from us. Prayer will deliver us out of distress. So, keep on praying from down under. He will lift you up.

In this 6th chapter of Judges, verses 25-32, judge and prophet Gideon was called to free his people and condemn their idolatry. The military leader doubted his own ability but he knew God would be with him. Although fearful of how obeying God would impact his relationships, he was courageous and faithful. In a world where people are quick to publicly denounce others and worship false idols, are you willing to take the risk and do whatever God calls you to do?

Worshiping God can risk our associations. Some place too much value on relationships with friends, family and even society at-large to boldly represent for God. This nation has an unhealthy obsession with attention-seeking celebrities and reality stars who can be characterized by arrogance and extreme narcissism. People idolize and emulate them and do their utmost to live as they do. These false idols are part of the reason this country is faced with agonizing crises and growing immorality.

If more time were spent living by God’s principles and not living by cowardly and damaging principles, we would all be better off. We should risk our claim and focus on gaining His favor instead of focusing on building a reputation for others here on earth to admire. A large faction of our leadership aims to please influential lobbies and either stand on the wrong side of justice and humanity, or simply remain dangerously silent. Consequently, we are witnessing increasingly frequent and horrifying carnage and tattering of our moral fabric. People are living in fear, growing hatred and not in obedience to God. It is He who keeps us safe, not live-shattering weapons.

God needs us to be His hands and His feet. He needs us to be willing to risk our advantage and go out and be the church in our communities. We must reach out to those who need the love and care we are able to give because we know for ourselves the love and power of God. Risk it all to be his ambassador. God is counting on us to worship Him and be His faith-filled risk takers. .