Sermon
Let Go of the Negative - Pastor Ivan Castro
Philippians 4:8
January 1, 2023
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,
whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence
and if anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.”
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God invites us to let go and leave behind the junk we have gathered over the years. We must let go of the stuff that distracts, hurts, and even poisons us, in order to grasp the great gift of God that lifts up, feeds, and blesses us.
Who? Me?
Matthew 1:18-25
December 18, 2022
Just when he had resolved to do this,
an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.
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Why are we surprised when God's plans are different than ours? Mary's pregnancy abruptly changed Joseph's plans, and then an angel from God brought news changing his plans yet again.
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus,
for he will save his people from their sins.”
Thank God for his plans that are different than ours!
What Were You Expecting?
Matthew 11:2-11
December 11, 2022
“Are you the one who is to come,
or are we to wait for another?”
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All of us have expectations for Christmas.
Our problem isn't that we expect too much from the birth of Jesus, but that we expect too little.
The Gift of a Second Chance
Matthew 3:1-12
December 4, 2022
Bear Fruit Worthy of Repentance.
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What would you say if someone asked you, "Are you prepared to celebrate Christmas?"
Expect the Unexpected
Mark 10:42-56
November 27, 2022
Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming
at an hour you do not expect.
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"Be ready," Jesus says. Be ready because the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected time. Be ready.
It is tempting to think that Jesus is speaking to a gathering of notorious sinners, but he isn't. He is speaking to his inner circle of disciples, not the crowds. He is calling on those closest to him to be ready.
The church season of Advent is about the coming of Jesus, the advent of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, as well as his coming return.
We don't know the hour or the day of his coming again, but Jesus calls for us to live every day ready for his return.
Once Was Blind
Mark 10:42-56
November 20, 2022
Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.”
Immediately he regained his sight
and followed him on the way.
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People with eyesight problems know that there is much that they cannot see.
When we think we see all there is to know about Jesus, we often become stubbornly blind to what Jesus needs to show us.
Lightening the Load
Mark 10:17-31
November 13, 2022
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing;
go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven;
then come, follow me.”
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What distracts us from lasting hope and life?
Jesus calls us to put down these unnecessary burdens and follow him.
Follow Me
Mark 8:31-38
November 6, 2022
“If any wish to come after me,
let them deny themselves
and take up their cross and follow me."
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Jesus calls for us to follow him, but how many times do we detour when the going gets tough? How often do we reject the people he welcomed? How often do we work harder to tell Jesus what we want than listening to what he says?
Now I See
Mark 8:22-30
October 30, 2022
Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again,
and the man looked intently, and his sight was restored,
and he saw everything clearly."
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God's intentions for us are far more and far better than we dare to ask or imagine. Unfortunately, after gaining a glimpse of God's love, we often settle for far less than God offers, assuming we have seen it all.
Deep Pockets
Mark 8:1-21
October 23, 2022
Jesus sighed deeply in his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation ask for a sign?"
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Gratitude and thanksgiving are under-appreciated spiritual disciplines. As we become attentive to God's presence, protection, and providing in what we call "ordinary life," our eyes are opened and our faith and hope are strengthened for when we face adversity.
