Luke’s account of the baptism of Jesus focuses on his calling and purpose. Although some thought John might be the Christ, John was not. It was Jesus, God’s beloved Son, who would redeem his people, pour out his Spirit upon them, and judge the nations.
Category Archives: Devotional
Putting on a New Life
Everyone likes new things for Christmas. How about a new and better life?
In the third chapter of his letter to the Colossians, Paul urges them to put on a new life. But what’s it like and where do we we get it? In this sermon, Pastor Hinkle warns that such a life isn’t a do-it-yourself project and points us to the true source for a better life.
Mary and You, Servants of God
The Gospel Lesson for the Fourth Sunday in Advent recounts the Blessed Virgin Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth, her relative and the mother of John the Baptist. The actions and words of the two women have much to teach everyone about faith, worship, and service to God. For those facing an unexpected pregnancy the same lesson provides the “hows and whys” of a godly way forward.
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Advent
Text: Luke 1:39-56
Five Names for the Christ Child and What They Mean
In the ninth chapter of Isaiah five names are given to the Messiah. This Christmas Eve sermon invites you to consider what each reveals about the Christ child. At our service the sermon was bracketed by two selections from Handel’s Messiah. The links before and after the sermon will take you to recordings on YouTube. The recordings are not essential for understanding the sermon, but may add to your enjoyment.
Handel’s Messiah “Unto Us a Son is Given”.
Handel’s Messiah “Hallelujah Chorus”
Christmas Eve 2018
Isaiah 9:6-7
Trust and Wait
Christians are often troubled when they see God help others, but not them. Why some are miraculously healed and others are not is difficult to understand.
Luke records a time when John the Baptist sent two disciples to ask, “Are you the one who is to come or shall we expect another.” They had heard what Jesus was doing, but what he wasn’t doing concerned them and they were struggling. Jesus answered gently and with great respect for John, referring to what the prophet Isaiah had foretold and saying in effect, “trust me.”
Celebrating Christ’s Coming
Is your worship like the day people were celebrating Jesus entry into Jerusalem? Or is it feel more like the birthday of someone who’s 82?
Waiting for Christ’s Return
Being ready for Christ’s return isn’t a matter of knowing when it will occur, it is rather a question of being faithful to the tasks we have been given. You don’t need chats and diagrams to understand what Jesus said in Mark 13, just simple faith in your savior.
