Pastor Bill Davis Sermon Series

Christ the King

Based on the Scripture found in Ephesians 1:15-23.  Paul tells us how we are to live our lives;
See God's presence here by looking for the healers and helpers - there you will find God.
You will also see God in those that are hurting.  Don't look past them - SEE them and have an open heart.
Treat everyone as if they were Christ.  Don't pass judgement on others and remember all that God has given us.
See Christ in this singing of the National Anthem by 14 year old Natalie Gilbert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4880PJnO2E

Therefore Encourage One Another

Based on the scripture in 1Thessalonians 4: 13-18.  Loneliness is a serious problem in our world today.  So much so that the Mayor of NYC has just appointed an ambassador for loneliness, Dr. Ruth.  Academics say this epidemic is due to a lack of gratitude because people are less spiritual, which has been replaced with other much more negative feelings such as anger, resentment and greed.  In this scripture, Paul reminds us to remember all the good things God has done for each of us; delivering us from slavery, parting the Red Sea and the ultimate gift, dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.  Christ gives us peace beyond all measure.  We should always look to see the beauty in the midst of all the ugliness in this world and remember to encourage one another to do the same.

Salvation Belongs to Our God

All Saints Sunday - the scripture reading was Revelation 7: 9-17. How do we, as saints of God live our lives in a broken world? God has entrusted us with the Gospel?  John tells us in this scripture that we have a firm foundation in the midst of the trials and tribulation of this world.  
The bad guys are not winning - and death will not have the final say.  As the saints of our God, he has entrusted us to bring light into the world.  After all, we have his weapons; Faith, Hope and Love.

Entrusted with the Gospel

Based on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8.  Lord, I want to be a Christian. When God created the heavens and the earth, man and woman, Adam and Eve were entrusted with it.  They were not able to keep Gods laws.  In the time of Jesus, there were 613 laws, which seemed difficult at that time and were used against Him as he performed his miracles.  Today, we have over 80,000 laws regulating us.  The fruit of the spirit cannot grow in darkness.  Jesus warns us about the brokenness in the world.  As Christians, God has entrusted us with the Good News and encourages us to be steadfast in our hope and love for each other.  He tells us to life up our hearts, even in terrible and changing times.

Sharing the Faith

Based on 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.  Jesus was the common enemy of the Pharisees and the Herodians.  He was asked "Should we pay taxes to Rome?" Jesus replied, "Show me the money you are using to pay.  If Roman, give to Ceasar what is Ceasar's and give to God what is God's".  Whose image is on you? We should bear the image of God to the world. In Thessalonians, Paul tells us the three things God wants us to reflect back to the world; Faith, Love and Hope.

The Sin of Grumbling

Exodus 16: 2-15 What do we as American's hate the most?  Surveys say; diseases like cancer.   Makes sense.  In contrast, what God hates the most is sin.  Did you know that grumbling is a sin?  How many times do we grumble and look for the support of others thinking that "misery loves company".  Often our grumbles distort the good works God is doing in our world.  Grumblers can and will corrupt good character, so be careful not to join in.  Instead, do things like looking for the good in any situation (it is there) and try to "go marveling", looking for the good that is all around us.  A walk in the woods at this time of year will do wonders for your search.  The moral here is to be and to bring the good news among the grumbling in our world today.

Is God Among Us or Not?

Exodus 17 - God always gives us gifts for the building up of his community.  For example, the staff of Moses, who told God, "I have nothing to offer" became a symbol of his usefulness to God.  We each have a gift given to us by God to use in the building up of his community, although many times the gifts are not recognized or used.  Instead, we gauge our worthiness on worldly measurements such as our assets (bank account, possessions, education, job) or our happiness or something as simple as if we are having a good hair day.  There is nothing special about any of these things, only the presence of God with us.  

Free to Follow

Exodus 14:19-31 Just as God parted the Red Sea for Moses, God will provide the way for you.  It may not be what you expect, but you have been set free in order to follow Him.  Faith is not one step in a self-improvement program.  Faith is a journey.  Many people think that once they become faithful to the Lord, that life is easy and if their life is not improving, their faith isn't working.  It is better to think of faith as the firm foundation we stand upon when the outlook is dark, as well as when times are good.