Saints Peter And Paul Sermons

Jesus was accused by Pharisees of allowing his disciples to break the Sabbath? How did Jesus handle it? He told the Pharisees that they had a wrong interpretation of the law. He also reminded them that the Sabbath is not meant to be burdensome, but it's intended as a gift.

During this season of Advent we will focus on the theme "Sabbath: There is Rest for Those Who Wait." Are you restless? Anxious? Stressed? We are people infatuated with being busy. We try to take matters into our own hands. We want to get all the credit for our work. When in reality, God provides all that we need just when we need it. Therefore he commands us to rest because it's good for us.

On this Last Sunday of the Church Year, we look at Jesus' words in Matthew 25. When Jesus returns, he will come to deliver the inheritance of eternal life to the sheep (righteous people). But, what is it that makes someone righteous? And, what about the people who don't believe in Jesus? What's in store for them?

People love the Bible. It's the best selling book year after year after year. But, what is the Bible? Is it history, philosophy, a moral compass, a self-help book, or something much greater? How do we know that the Bible is trustworthy? Can it hold up to academic and historical scrutiny? These are some of the questions that are sought after today as we look at the final sola of the Reformation - "Sola Scriptura." This means that we don't need to look anywhere else for matters of faith. God has revealed to us just what we need to know about who he is and who we are in the words of the Scriptures.

Martin Luther cried out, "Sola Fide" - that is we are saved THROUGH faith alone. Luther's understanding of the Gospel as a gift of God on account of Christ, influenced the role of faith in the life of the Christian. In some ways, faith is a passive gift of God that is received and allows us to believe that Jesus is who he says He is. And, in another sense, faith is also a lively and active thing which causes us to respond in thanksgiving and obedience. In this sermon, these various dynamics of faith are explored.

The cry of Luther, "Sola Gratia" (Grace Alone) was a shocking assertion in the 1500s. The church had long stood on merit-based salvation. As a matter of fact, every day of our lives, living on this earth, is merit based. If I eat healthy food, I'll be healthier. If I exercise, I'll be in better shape. If I follow the speed limit I won't get a ticket. Do any of the opposite, and there are consequences. But, God's grace isn't merit-based. Except, solely on the merits of Jesus Christ and him alone. Grace is an all or nothing proposition with God doing ALL, and us doing NOTHING.

When it all comes down to it, all of our generous actions come back to this: Time and Money. Some people say that time is money. Some people say that money is time. Either way, it hardly seems like we ever have enough of either. Yet, it's exactly these things that God gives to us not only for ourselves, but also to live generously for others.

What motivates you to be generous? Today we look at the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector.

Attitudes differ when it comes to Generosity. What does Generosity mean? Is there one action that's more generous than another? What does the Bible say about it all? In this first sermon in a 3 week series, we will open this conversation about a core Christian practice: Generosity.

Habits are developed through repetition. Through the repetition of Hope in the Head, Hope in the Heart and Hands of Hope we can be and become People of Habitual Hope. This is good for you. And this is good for the world!

Your future is set. Jesus rose from the dead and he will raise all of you to new life. This is your hope. But there are many in this world who are running short on hope. How has God uniquely gifted you to be hands of hope in this world which often has no hope? When you don't have to worry about your future you are free to care about the future of others.

Having defined Christian hope last week, in today's sermon we ask the question, "So what? Does our future hope affect our present reality?" It should, but often it doesn't. In this sermon, we are encouraged to let our Christian hope be more than just something we know, but a truth that sees us through all of life's situations.

In this week's sermon, Christian hope is defined as a firm and secure anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6). This is contrasted with worldly hope, which is nothing more than just wishful thinking.

God hears all of our prayers and he answers them according to his good and gracious will. Sometimes his answer satisfies us, and sometimes we may wonder if he even heard us. This much is guaranteed to us - God Will will always be done. His will is good for us. Included in this sermon is a conversation with Pastor Aaron's brother Seth and his wife Emily who live in Houston, TX regarding the effects of Hurricane Harvey.

This sermon focuses on Luke 18:1-8 where Jesus tells a parable to encourage his disciples to not lose heart, but to pray always.

Do you know how to pray? Maybe you do silently, but what about with other people? This sermon gives some practical examples of how to pray.

Have you ever thought, "If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and completely in charge, why should I pray to Him? Why does He want to hear from me if He's just going to do what He wants to do?" Watch or listen to this sermon to hear why we should pray.

This sermon begins a six week sermon series on prayer. Each week we will ask a simple question about prayer. Today's question, "What is prayer?"

On this day, we had one combined worship service to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our congregation. We gathered under the theme, "In Christ We Are: Alive to Thrive."

All the objectives of the ministry of Christ's Church must be founded in the preaching of God's Word, the administration of His sacraments, and the teaching of the faith. Have you ever read the Bible and said, "What did I just read?" You're not alone. The Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8 said to Philip, "How can I understand what I'm reading unless someone explains it to me?" God's Word is ready to be delivered to you that you may have life and have it to the full.