Pastor Bill Davis Sermon Series

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29.  In today's world we are frequently faced with a "crisis of decision", where there is a perceived threat, there is uncertainty in the outcome and no time to waste.  In Jesus' triumphant entry he confronts with their own crisis of decision; his followers must make a decision; the powers of this world (Rome) or the kingdom of God?

Jeremiah 31: 31-34 We all like new things - studies have shown that our brains react to "newness" with pleasure, even though we often fear the unknown.  God is calling you to a deeper understanding of your faith through a new and improved covenant with us.  

Numbers 21: 4-9 As the snake was raised by Moses in the OT to save people, so must we lift our Savior, repent of our sins and welcome him into our hearts (John 3: 14-15).  The more that we are unable to look at the snake (our sin) the more the ugliness increases.  During Lent, we are encouraged to look to Christ our Savior and repent of our sins.

John 2: 13-22  The cleansing of the temple from the money changers is not really about riding the temple of merchants as it is about "us" as the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Lent is a time to repent of your sin and we need to know that God hates our sin because it can cause us pain and suffering - so use Lent as a time to repent of your sin.  In the temple, the moneychangers were blocking God's love.  Who and what are the moneychangers in our lives?

Mark 8: 31-38  What is my attitude when I enter the doors to worship?  Am I suspicious and checking to see if everything passes the sniff test or do I trust we will have a wonderful worship service together?  What cross are you bearing?

Mark 1: 9-15  For 400-500 years, the voice of the Lord had not been heard.  The Roman empire had swallowed up the Jews.  But a new day was coming.  The baptism of Jesus signified a new beginning, a turning to Christ.  Through repentence, God gives us a new way of living, to turn away from the ways of the world.  We can't sit passively back waiting for something to happen, procrastination and continuing down the path of old behaviors doesn't work.  In Lent we are called to not procrastinate but to step out and take action.  God has given us everything we need.

Mark 9: 2-9  In today's world we see businesses and churches who cannot embrace change become irrelevant.  Even people can get "stuck".
In Christ's transfiguration, the disciples do not know what to do and are unable to embrace the change Jesus wants them to see.  Instead, they fall back on what they know - to build a monument in memoriam, however, Jesus says, "I do not want a stone monument, instead remember this in your heart."  
 

Isaiah 40: 21-31 Sometimes we wonder, does God know what he is doing?  We are often quick to write-off toxic people - but how do we not know that we can be toxic too?  In the Old Testament, both Jeremiah and Elijah said they needed to get away.  Even Jesus said this at Capernaum.  But Isaiah said to remember despite all your trials, God is on your side.  When we open our heart to God, he provides us with safe passage, healing and comfort.  So, whose voice do you listen to?  Ask Him for help, and he will provide it abundantly.