Pastor Bill Davis Sermon Series

Eyes to See

Today's sermon is taken from John 9, the story of the blind man who Jesus gave the gift of sight.  As the story unfolds, we learn that the man's "spiritual sight" begins to improve and he learns who Jesus really is.  Do you remember the first time you found God?  Did your own spiritual blindness improve?  As Christians, we are called to meet people where they are, just as God meets us in our time of need.  Those who are blind "see", those who see are "blind".  As we go through Lent, our eyes are more and more opened.

Living Water for a Thirsty Soul

The story in John 4 illustrates the Samaritan women at the well who Jesus talks with about her life and offers her the gift of living water.  The wells of the world are deep but will only quench our thirst for a moment versus the Living Water that Christ offers which will satisfy our thirst for eternity.  What does being satisfied in life look like?  According to author Daniel Kahneman from his book " Thinking Fast & Slow", there are five aspects in finding satisfaction in life; 
Having friends and sense of community
Having goals for yourself
Being part of a "story"
Having a sense of meaning
Feeling as if we are "growing"
But true satisfaction comes from our love for and trust in our Savior, who died that we may live.  During this season of Lent, it is important that we not hide our pain, but ask God for forgiveness through repentance of our sins.  The Living Water offers comfort and the forgiveness we so desperately need.

Regeneration

This Lenten sermon is based upon John 3:1-17, the scripture and events that changed everything. Highlights of this sermon include the poem "The Road Less Traveled" by Robert Frost which was written as a gift to his friend Edward Thomas.  Making a choice about what path to take or having someone come into your life that changed it forever can have significant impact.  If you have had this experience, you know how profound these moments in time can be.  When we seek God, the encounters are life changing.
When Nicodemus met with Jesus at night, he asked him what do you mean, I must be born again?  Nicodemus was thinking of the worldly path for rebirth, when Jesus was talking about the spiritual path.  Taking the spiritual path in life to follow Jesus is the one decision we can make that takes care of every other possibility for us.  

Lessons and Love in the Wilderness

This sermon is based on Matthew 4:1-11.  Jesus spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness fasting.  He was tempted by Satan three times and each time Jesus resisted even though he was weakened and struggling.  During this time that Jesus experienced life as a human, our lesson is to trust in God, that he will never forsake us, even when it seems as though evil is winning.  

Transfiguration

The sermon today was taken from Matthew 17: 1-9.  We have a God of second chances. Thankfully, God gives us the ability to change.  Our value comes from our place in the story of God.  We should always be striving to keep moving and growing and work against getting stuck.  As we enter the season of Lent we are given the opportunity to repent and renew our faith in God.  Interesting points along the way in the sermon;
Pastor Bill shared a story of two baseball cards that were obtained for him by his aunt.  She had the great fortune to sit next to Brooks Robinson and Jim Palmer on a flight, but had no idea who they were.  They each gave her an autographed baseball card for her nephew Bill, who was an Oriole fan.  The cardboard they were printed on has little value, however like us in our story of God, they have great value in the story of Major League Baseball.

The Wise Foundation

Today's sermon comes from Psalm 119: 33-40.  The foundation of our faith is found in God. Pastor Bill talked about how putting down roots, or a firm foundation began with Abraham and his family in the Bible.  From there forward, having a firm foundation upon which to build a home and a life became important and a strong faith just as important.  Pastor Bill discussed many laws (foundation of our society) that exist to keep people in check - no preaching in church if you have eaten garlic or onions first, no marrying someone on a dare and no eating peanuts in church!  As usual, we also visited other influencers such as Mike & The Mechanics and Carl Meninger.

Turn Up the Light!

The Bible provides two lessons for us 700 years apart.  Isaiah 58: 1-12 asks us if our light is being hidden by self-righteousness?  If you want to shine your light, cast off your burdens (oppression, injustice).  In the New Testament, Jesus tells us to get rid of our spiritual clutter (ego, holding grudges) so your light can shine.

Wisdom and Power

The Wisdom and Power of God.  This sermon is based on the scripture 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.