Signs are for the unbeliever Jesus meets us in our unbelief Jesus gives space for faith to grow Mission and Vision Signs are for the unbeliever This is week 2 of Lent How many of you are participating sacrificially in Lent? Remember Lent is a season in the Christian faith where we identify with the sacrifice…

“Our Road to Damascus” Prepared by Carl Schaefer For Church of the Cross Ash Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 Each time we revisit this text, we have all been awed by this story that I call the ultimate confrontation that is both profound and mysterious. It is not only a name changer in, in the tradition…

Sermon: Seven Last Words: “My God, My God…” Matthew 27: 45-49 First Presbyterian Church By Carl Schaefer Sunday, March 14, 2010 During Lent, I understand that you have been studying the “Seven Last Words” of Jesus Christ at the time of the Crucifixion. Today we will be looking at that moment recorded…

“ We have as much of God as we actually want. ”–A. W. Tozer Dietrick Bonhoffer said “Jesus takes it for granted that His disciples will observe the pious custom of fasting. Strict exercise of self-control is an essential feature of the Christian life. Such customs have only one purpose — to make the…

It’s no great surprise that John the Baptist might end up confused. Remember how the gospels tell us that from prison he sent some disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah or not? Well, the road to that question started at the their first ex utero meeting. In the Gospel of John we learn that the…

You all have heard that the coronavirus is still beyond the control of the healthcare professionals and authorities. The vaccine availability is still at least a year and a half away. Is there something we can do in the meantime? The good news is yes. It is a timely subject to talk about on this first Sunday of Lent. Jesus has an answer for us. I’ll show you from today’s scripture lesson how to brace yourself against all treats.

Introduction Fasting is a short season that releases long-term rewards. It is like taking the time to sharpen your ax before cutting down a tree. [Illustration] lumberjack competition “Son, what you don’t understand is that every time I sat down for what you call a break, I was sharpening my ax. A well-sharpened…

Jesus did what I never could so that now I can do all things through His strength.

Prelude Welcome Call to Worship 1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,…

This morning we delve into a piece of Jesus’ Passion Narrative that does not normally get much attention. We typically read the Passion story all as one story on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, or most often on Good Friday. I think part of the reason that we gloss over this story is that we do not want…

Sermon Goal: That hearers recognize the weakness of their own sinful will and flesh and recognize their salvation in Jesus aligning Himself with the Father’s will that He suffer and die for all.

Proverbs 17:22

Fasting 101 my experience so far. My experience with fasting has been life changing. I wasn’t able to do a complete fast because my job is very physical and i am out in the heat right now a lot delivering the mail. I as doing a sun up sun down fast with just water and vegetable juice at first which means…

Pastor Johnold J. Strey Sermon on Matthew 27: (50), 51 Midweek Lent Services, 2011 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church; Belmont, CA; March 9, 2011 Apostles Lutheran Church; San Jose, CA; March 16, 2011 THE MIRACULOUS TEARING OF THE TEMPLE CURTAIN Sermon Series: THE MIRACLES OF LENT Introduction In the summer…

I was at a hair salon this week—notice my short hair? The lady that cut my hair was a little chatty. After realizing that she is a Christian, I asked her how she planned to observe the Lent. She said, “I don’t know what to give up this time. I haven’t decided yet.” Her answer made me wonder where this tradition of giving up something came from because nowhere in the Bible indicates that we must give up something for Lent. ...

“God is doing a new thing…..” Prepared by Carl Schaefer For Rural Chapel UMC Sunday, March 21, 2010 Peter act recklessly when in Matthew 26: 34, in response to Christ’s prophesy that Peter would deny him 3 times, Peter had said, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And so it was,…

The consumption of food, necessary for survival. Scripture cites enjoyment of eating as a gift of God but emphasises that it is not the main priority in life, for God will provide abundantly for his children.

Introduction All throughout Scripture you can see God's servants fasting and praying. Prayer and fasting are mentioned literally hundreds of times. Sometimes it was done for show as was the case many times for the Pharisees. But, generally it was a demonstration of a serious heart cry to the Lord. Jesus…

Last week, as we finished chapter 7 of Ezra we looked at how Ezra set an example for us in continually giving praise and glory to God in moving the heart of King Artexerxes and the leaders who sat under him. How Ezra acknowledged that God is in control, even of the hearts of kings and rulers, and we…

A man walked up to a vending machine, put in a coin, pressed the buttons labeled, "coffee, double cream, sugar." No cup appeared, but the nozzles went into action sending forth coffee, cream and sugar. After the proper amounts had gone down the drain, the machine turned off. "Now that's real automation,"…

Working with the text Text 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NIV 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In…

Let us pray…Gracious and loving God, we come before you today with Joy in our hearts. Joy for being in this space together. Joy for being able to be together. And joy for the day itself which represents the day in which our new lives can begin. We thank you and praise you this day for all these things…

Prayer and Fasting is a tool to align ourselves with God and His purpose.

Intro I don’t know how many of you have gone out and downloaded a copy of the Church Season’s booklet. But please make sure that you download a copy of the booklet onto your device and follow along. Especially in these coming weeks of Lent which spans Wednesday, March 6- Saturday, April 20. You are going…