Sermons on Peace
Out of the Whirlwind – Week 2
We do not serve a pocket sized God. If we get anything from the book of Job it is that our God is BIG – and we can trust Him. Though Job’s friends comfort him at first (Job 2:11-13), they slowly turn from good, to the bad and the ugly. Too often (like Job’s friends) we have a karma attitude about bad things happening; that there is a deserved. Let’s not be miserable comforters (Job 16). We need to listen,…
Out of the Whirlwind – Week 1
Job is a challenging book. He experienced suffering for no apparent reason (Job 1:8-22), though his friends are certain that he must have done something to deserve it (Job 2:1-12). In the end, God’s response is to remind him of the power, knowledge and sovereignty of God himself. But we are left without a satisfying reason for suffering and questions of justice. This is exactly how we experience much of suffering. Many questions are left. Job understands we are to…
Waiting Room – Love
The prophet Jeremiah was the messenger that told Judah they were going to be in exile for generations Jeremiah 29:4-14. Though this seems like defeat, it is under God’s design and under His direction. In Ezekiel 10 is a description of God abandoning the temple and he goes into exile with His people. That is sacrifice, that is love. In Jeremiah’s letter of Lament he states that God’s Love never ceases (Lamentations 3:22-23). The Hebrew word used there is “hesed;”…
Waiting Room – Peace
If you have never been able to make it through the book of Numbers, you’re not alone. Reading it can feel like sitting in the DMV, “take a number.” Yes, the book is full of numbers and can get very repetitive, but there are also some very interesting stories in there. One of those stories (Numbers 22-24) has to do with a selfish prophet named Balaam. Though he clearly hears God (even through his donkey) and he desires the peace…
Down to Earth – Week 4
Prayer is an act of humility, a declaration of our dependence on God, that invites Him into our fears and worries. As we bring our requests with thanksgiving for all God has already provided, He meets us with His promised peace (Philippians 4:4-9).