Sermons from March 2015

When We Make the Rules

What does society look like when we make the rules? Everyone does what is right in their own eyes. This was the state in the time of the judges and it is more and more like our society today. When we do what is right in our own eyes religion is arbitrary and morality is self-serving. What we need, and what the world needs is a righteous King, a righteous ruler. What we need is Jesus Christ. The state of…

Samson and Delilah

People in Scripture, like us, are full of misconceptions. In this account we see that Samson has a misconception concerning his strength. Like us, he thinks himself strong enough to stay in temptation and not flee to hope and trust in God. We’re strong when we acknowledge our weakness and come to Christ humbly and in dependence on him.

Samson

Samson, privileged from birth, set apart by God, granted the power of the Spirit, strong in physical power, but weak in faith and a man of moral failing. Samson is a fitting image of Israel, God’s chosen people that continue to do what is right in their own eyes.This narrative shows us a God who does not share his glory with another. God’s people are called to be separate. Separate from the world and not to be unequally yoked to…

Gideon and Abimelech

After the success of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites by the grace and working of God, Gideon’s life ends in turmoil. Rather than humility, God’s grace in Gideon’s life leads him to pride, to assume the role of the king and exact revenge on those who defy him. Following Gideon’s death, Gideon’s son Abimelech then sends Israel into further turmoil until God judges him for his sinful and underhanded ways.