Sermons

Proverbs: Life In The Details Clues To Staying Connected Opening Illustration Hansel and Gretel How many of you remember the story of Hansel and Gretel?  Hansel and Gretel is a well known fair tale of German decent.  It was recorded by the Brothers Grimm and recorded for the first time in 1812.  Remember, we have the story of a brother (Hansel) and his sister (Gretel).  The two are left deep in an enchanted forest against their father’s will by their evil step mother. Not long after their abandonment they happen upon a fantastic house made of all types of candy and cake.  Naturally, the children are drawn into the house where they meet a horrible cannibalistic witch. After outsmarting the witch, Hansel and Gretel are guided back home by bread crumbs that Hansel left as a navigational tool.  His clues eventually led them back home to their loving father who had done away with his evil wife.   It is funny when you tell this story you have h...

Illuminate Your New Year By Staying…Handy! Opening Illustration: Depending on your age, you may remember Batman the comic book, or Batman and Robin the TV show, or Batman & Robin, the 1997 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Gough, or The Dark Knight Rises, the 2012 film starring Christian Bale and Michael Cain. But no matter where you encounter this superhero, you'll also find Alfred Pennyworth—Bruce Wayne's loyal and tireless butler, valet, friend, and father figure. While Batman is fighting dastardly enemies, he knows that back at Wayne Manor resides someone who's taking care of everything else, someone he can trust to keep all his secrets, who cares about him as much as any father, and who—through his quiet service—makes it possible for Batman to do what he does. Resourceful and calm, Alfred may not be the one having the exciting adventures, but he is a vital part of Wayne's life, with skills as varied as maintaining the bat-mobile, bu...

Illuminate Your New Year By Staying…Hopeful Opening Illustration: Last week we read from 2 Corinthians 7:1-8.  Remember, the Church in Corinth had run off the rails.  There was rampant immorality and false teachers and prophets had garnered influence while smearing the witness and authority of Paul.  Paul, with a firm and loving hand, was able to plant a seed of conviction that germinated into repentance and forgiveness.  The church went from unhealthy to revived and rejuvenated through the power of the Holy Spirit working through Paul’s words.  The church resolved to be healthy spiritually, made the conscience choice to follow God’s leading and it changed their actions.   Today, we will talk about another resolution.  We will talk about the resolution to be more hopeful.  For some, exiting 2014 was a welcome site because there is hope in a new year.  For others, the problems and trials of 2014 seem glued to our spirits and we have...