Sermons & Worship from July 2022

Bargaining with God

Scripture: Psalm 85; Genesis 18:20-32; Luke 11:1-13 Everyone loves a bargain. The springing up of “outlet malls” all over the country in the 1980s and 90s gives testimony to that. Probably all of us can think of some great bargains we got over the years. There was a time some years ago that Jan would go to every household sale and auction she could find – she loved the give and take of it – it was her weekend entertainment.…

A Mind to Work

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2:1-6; 4:6; Psalm 137:1-6; Acts 13:1-3 The Classified Ad might have read: Position open for structural engineer to design and oversee construction of a protective wall, including sturdy gates that cannot be breached by intruders, around the city of Jerusalem. Local laborers are available but will need to be trained since none of them have any experience in wall construction. Materials for construction will include stone and timber. Stone is available locally, but timber will need to…

Ritual or Righteousness

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 146:8-10; Luke 10:30-37 Rituals: we all have them, don’t we? Some are the simple things that we do every day, like Getting up at the same time every morning, Having that first cup of coffee before we make any decisions, Having a favorite newscast to watch, Putting on shoes in the same order, Having a routine for who does what around the house. Some rituals are a little more complex. Perhaps in no other area of…

A Place of Peace

Scripture: Isaiah 26:1-4; Psalm 34:1-18; John 14:2-27 Isaiah describes a people who are invited to enter a strong and secure city; a place of safety and a place of peace.  The inhabitants of the city will be a righteous people, a people who remains faithful to God, a people that has placed its trust in the one true living God. Isaiah records for us a hymn of praise that the people will sing as they enter the city of the…