The Gospel sermon text for the 5th Sunday of Easter is John 15:1-8 (NIV).
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, May 4, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Home Coming Sunday, May 3, 2009
This Sunday, May 3rd Hebron is celebrating our annual "Home Coming." Plan on joining us for this special day of worship and fellowship.
Sunday's Sermon Text: Psalm 23 (NIV)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sunday's Sermon Text: Psalm 23 (NIV)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
1 John 3:1-7, Sermon Text for Sunday, April 19, 2009
March and April have been quite hectic. My preaching schedule should be a little more normal now that our Capital Fund Campaign is completed. The dramatic monologues that I preached during the Easter season were challenging but also a blessing. This week I am picking up the lectionary epistle selection for the week, 1 John 3:1-7. Here is a tremendous passage that communicates the love of the Father and the reality that we are now God's children. Believers are works in progress; nevertheless, when Christ appears we will be like Him. This hope motivates us to live pure lives that are evidencing victory over sin.
I hope that you plan on joining us Sunday for Bible study and worship. Invite someone to worship or better yet, bring them with you. Let's be sure to let people know about the love of the Father and the good things that God is doing through His people at Hebron.
1 John 3:1-7 (NIV)
1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
For His Glory!
I hope that you plan on joining us Sunday for Bible study and worship. Invite someone to worship or better yet, bring them with you. Let's be sure to let people know about the love of the Father and the good things that God is doing through His people at Hebron.
1 John 3:1-7 (NIV)
1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
For His Glory!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Welcoming Jesus, Palm Sunday First-Person Sermon
Scripture Background: Matthew 20:20-28; 21:1-11
Today’s first-person sermon (dramatic monologue) seeks to vividly retell the biblical story from the vantage point of John, the Apostle. John and his brother James earned the anger of their fellow disciples by asking if they could sit on Jesus’ right and left hands in glory. Jesus used this occasion to teach on the meaning and importance of serving others (Matt. 20:20-28). Greatness in the kingdom comes through serving, not being served. Jesus Himself modeled the life of a servant in life and in death by offering His life as a sacrifice for sins.
Afterward, Jesus sent two of His disciples (John included) to prepare the way for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11). Jesus’ public and triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a colt occurred on what is called Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of the Passion week, the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
John, the Apostle
Along with his brother James, John was called by Jesus to be one of the twelve (Matt. 4:21-22) while they were fishing. John, the son of Zebedee (his mother was probably Salome) along with his brother James received from Jesus the nickname “Boanerges,” meaning “Sons of Thunder (Mk. 3:17). Their nickname was fitting. On one occasion, James and John requested that the unresponsive Samaritan village be destroyed by fire called down from heaven (Lk. 9:51-54)!
Everything in Scripture suggests that John, “the beloved disciple” (Jn. 13:23) was very close to Jesus. His prominence among the Twelve is indicated by his presence, along with James and Peter, at the raising of Jairus’s daughter by Jesus (Mk. 5:37), at the transfiguration of Jesus (Matt. 17:1), and with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37). Along with Peter, John was entrusted by Jesus with preparations for the Passover supper (Lk, 22:8).
Five New Testament writings are attributed to John, the Apostle (Gospel of John; 1, 2, 3 John; and Revelation). Tradition states that John moved to Asia Minor, and that from there he was banished to the Island of Patmos (during Domitian’s reign, A. D. 81-96). Later, he returned to Ephesus, where he died some time after Trajan became emperor in A. D. 98.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Today’s first-person sermon (dramatic monologue) seeks to vividly retell the biblical story from the vantage point of John, the Apostle. John and his brother James earned the anger of their fellow disciples by asking if they could sit on Jesus’ right and left hands in glory. Jesus used this occasion to teach on the meaning and importance of serving others (Matt. 20:20-28). Greatness in the kingdom comes through serving, not being served. Jesus Himself modeled the life of a servant in life and in death by offering His life as a sacrifice for sins.
Afterward, Jesus sent two of His disciples (John included) to prepare the way for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11). Jesus’ public and triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a colt occurred on what is called Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of the Passion week, the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
John, the Apostle
Along with his brother James, John was called by Jesus to be one of the twelve (Matt. 4:21-22) while they were fishing. John, the son of Zebedee (his mother was probably Salome) along with his brother James received from Jesus the nickname “Boanerges,” meaning “Sons of Thunder (Mk. 3:17). Their nickname was fitting. On one occasion, James and John requested that the unresponsive Samaritan village be destroyed by fire called down from heaven (Lk. 9:51-54)!
Everything in Scripture suggests that John, “the beloved disciple” (Jn. 13:23) was very close to Jesus. His prominence among the Twelve is indicated by his presence, along with James and Peter, at the raising of Jairus’s daughter by Jesus (Mk. 5:37), at the transfiguration of Jesus (Matt. 17:1), and with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37). Along with Peter, John was entrusted by Jesus with preparations for the Passover supper (Lk, 22:8).
Five New Testament writings are attributed to John, the Apostle (Gospel of John; 1, 2, 3 John; and Revelation). Tradition states that John moved to Asia Minor, and that from there he was banished to the Island of Patmos (during Domitian’s reign, A. D. 81-96). Later, he returned to Ephesus, where he died some time after Trajan became emperor in A. D. 98.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sermon Text for Sunday, March 29, 2009
Join us this Sunday for the culmination of our "Praise for the Past, Faith for the Future" campaign. The day begins with a Breakfast Buffet in the CAC from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., followed by a Combined Celebration Service in the Sanctuary at 10:30.
Following is the main sermon text for Sunday: Matthew 26:6-13 (NIV)
[6] While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, [7] a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. [8] When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. [9] "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." [10] Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [11] The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. [12] When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. [13] I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Following is the main sermon text for Sunday: Matthew 26:6-13 (NIV)
[6] While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, [7] a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. [8] When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. [9] "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." [10] Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [11] The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. [12] When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. [13] I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Following God's Financial Plan Sunday, March 22, 2009
To coincide with our capital fund campaign, "Praise for the Past, Faith for the Future," we have been emphasizing the theme of stewardship in our worship services.
In this Sunday's sermon, "Following God's Financial Plan," we will explore five biblical principles for experiencing financial freedom from the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. God has a word for us that if practiced will not only bring great stress relief in tough economic times, but will give us an incredible sense of joy as we serve Him and build up His kingdom.
Join us Sunday and bring a friend.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
In this Sunday's sermon, "Following God's Financial Plan," we will explore five biblical principles for experiencing financial freedom from the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. God has a word for us that if practiced will not only bring great stress relief in tough economic times, but will give us an incredible sense of joy as we serve Him and build up His kingdom.
Join us Sunday and bring a friend.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sermon Text for Sunday, March 8, 2009
"Praise for the Past, Faith for the Future," our church stewardship emphasis continues. This Sunday's message text is shown below:
2 Samuel 24:18-25 (NKJV)
18 And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, erect an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 So David, according to the word of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded. 20 Now Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming toward him. So Araunah went out and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. 21 Then Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” And David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, to build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.” 22 Now Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen for wood. 23 All these, O king, Araunah has given to the king.”
And Araunah said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” 24 Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
2 Samuel 24:18-25 (NKJV)
18 And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, erect an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 So David, according to the word of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded. 20 Now Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming toward him. So Araunah went out and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. 21 Then Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” And David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, to build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.” 22 Now Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen for wood. 23 All these, O king, Araunah has given to the king.”
And Araunah said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” 24 Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
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