The Father's Love

The Pharisees were quick to criticize Jesus because he was friendly toward people the Pharisees called "sinners." Jesus explained the situation by telling the story about the prodigal son.

We all recognize the story from our own lives. Teens are often rebellious against their parents and it is not unusual to know someone whose son or daughter has cut all ties and communication. We know that these situations are fraught with emotion.

But Jesus tells the story because he wants to make a point about the Father in the story. The Father's attitude toward the prodigal was different than the dutiful son's attitude. In fact, they would see that while the prodigal came back through repentance, the dutiful son excluded himself by his bitterness.

God of Our Fathers

Happy Father's Day!

I sincerely hope that you have a long family heritage of devotion to Christ Jesus. I also hope that you are leaving the same kind of heritage for your own descendants.

This message looks at Joshua's challenge to the Israelites and what it means for us.

May we all say with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!"

Called To Worship

Psalm 33 presents us with a call to worship that reminds us what worship is all about and what all it should include!

Homecoming!

After months of a shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are finally able to have face to face meetings!  What could be more appropriate than Psalm 122? Here is a psalm that celebrates the blessings of worship and fellowship for those who have experienced the salvation God provides.

Elijah: Human Like Us

Elijah seems bigger than life in 1 Kings 17 and 18. He confronts kings, pray effectively for a three and one half year drought, faces off against 450 prophets of Baal and successfully calls on God to bring fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice at Mt. Carmel.

But within a day of his biggest victory he is running for his life - depressed and terrified!

The scriptures are telling us this so that we will be sure to realize Elijah is not a superman. We can learn from his collapse as well as from his victories.

Elijah: Servant of God

In 1 Kings 18 we read about Elijah's return to have a final showdown with the prophets of Baal. This chapter is divided into four sections that demonstrate Elijah's relationship with different people. Some were faithful followers of Jehovah. Some were wicked and ungodly. Others were vacillating. Some were false prophets living by deception.

Elijah was a servant of the Lord who wanted everyone to honor the Lord, as they should. We can learn good things from Elijah's experiences here.

Elijah: Man of Prayer

Elijah was faced with terrible apostasy during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah prayed, and the answer was a three and a half year drought. This was the answer to his prayers, but it sure was inconvenient. Elijah's 401k lost value. He lost his residence. He didn't have a way to make a living...

Is it possible that the whole pandemic is an answer to our prayers? What can we learn from Elijah?