Pastor Bill Davis Sermon Series

Mark 1: 21-28  Evil exists in this world.  It is a proven fact.  As humans, we carry guilt and shame in our hearts and have no hope of overcoming it.  BUT, through the help of Jesus Christ it is possible if we heed his call upon our heart.  Jesus Christ has the authority to overcome evil in this world.  We need to listen for his still, small voice and live our lives according to His word.  

Mark 1: 14-20 Does money make you mean?  A TED talk was given by a professor that conducted an experiment on college students who were paired up and asked to play a game of Monopoly.  The game was rigged so that one player was sitting in the "rich" chair, the other in the "poor" chair.  As the game played out, the rich chair player became more and more aggressive and credited their winnings to their own skillful play, not the fact the game was rigged.  No matter how rigged life seems to be, we should always remember God calls upon us to be joyful and loving.  This call from God does not change over time.  It provides a solid foundation for us in a topsy turvy world.  

John 1:43-51  We see things that don't make sense to us.  God promises to guide and show us in the darkness.  There are two examples in the Bible; Samuel, the miracle baby of Hannah and Nathaniel, one of Jesus' disciples who was told while sitting under a fig tree, the Messiah is here!
God speaks to each of us in our own unique way.  Jesus said to each of his disciples, "Follow Me."  Each of us hears and experiences God differently.  He knows our quirks but loves us anyway.  Put yourself in a place of receptivity.  Surround yourself with people who have spiritual discernment.  Remember, you shall pass this way only once, make it count!

Luke 2:22-40  We are called to reflect upon Simeon and Anna who both served God even before Rome conquered the Jews.  They remembered the Holy of Holies being consumed.  We remember the good old days too, but we need to look forward too.  Who do we listen to?  Today we must be careful of AI imposters and chatbots which are replacing us as humans.  Jesus says, "be careful who you listen to". We are called to be the light in the world, to inspire others with compassion, forgiveness and love.

Luke 1: 39-58  Joy is the focus in this fourth week of Advent.

Based on Scripture found in John 14:15-18,25-27.  "Peace" is a gift of the Holy Spirit.  We can celebrate how far we've come and how far we have to go...for example, the road sign on the Rt 50 bridge leaving OC states 3073 mi to Sacramento. 
How do we achieve peace? 
Christ is the only one who gives us peace.  We still grieve, but not as those with no hope. Our security comes not in our provisions, but in our provider.  Peace is something we receive, not achieve.  Shalom my friends.

Based on Romans 15: 4-13  What are we hoping for this Christmas?

Based on Scripture found in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11