PCFC Sermons Parma Christian Fellowship Church

Weekend Service for June 9
Scripture Reading: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel

The Bible can often seem overwhelming with its vast amount of information and numerous names, much like American history. However, the central theme throughout the Bible is simple: believe in God. This belief involves turning your heart towards God, placing all your faith and hope in Him, and trusting that He will bring about what is right and redemptive in your life. The challenge often lies in unmet expectations, but the call remains to trust and obey God. This combination of trust and obedience is crucial, as it reflects a partnership where God has His part, and we have ours.

The sermon delves into the major prophets of the Old Testament—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel—highlighting their messages and the historical context of Israel's exile. These prophets conveyed God's clear declarations about the outcomes of obedience and disobedience. Prophecy, in this sense, is not about predicting the future but about declaring God's will and giving people the choice to respond.

Isaiah's message is particularly emphasized, showing a transition from warnings and challenges to promises and hope. Isaiah's prophecies include the coming of a person, Emmanuel, who will bring redemption. This shift from mechanical interventions to a personal savior is significant. The sermon also touches on the structure of Isaiah, comparing it to the entire Bible, with its sections of warning and promise.

The historical context of Israel's exile is paralleled with personal experiences of feeling lost or oppressed, showing the relevance of these ancient texts to modern life. The prophets' messages are not just historical accounts but are applicable to our lives today, urging us to believe in God and obey His word.

Weekend Service for June 2
Scripture Reading: 1&2 Chronicles, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

Weekend Service for May 26
Scripture Reading: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

Today, we are taking a broad look at the Old Testament, examining it from a high-level perspective to understand the overarching themes and messages. It's easy to get lost in the details of specific stories, controversies, or beautiful verses, but our goal is to see the big picture. The central theme that runs through the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is the importance of believing in God and obeying His word. This is not about the mechanics of creation or the specifics of judgment; it's about faith and trust in God.

In Genesis, the fundamental issue was simple: believe in God and obey His command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This theme continues with Abraham, whose faith was counted as righteousness. God’s accounting system is different from ours; it’s not about climbing a ladder of righteousness through our actions but about believing in God and obeying His word.

When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they encountered a culture with a very different worldview. The Ten Commandments given to them were not just imperatives but future indicatives, describing the kind of people they would become by following God. The history of Israel, as we saw last week, is filled with ups and downs, but the message remains the same: believe in God and obey His word.

Today, we are starting with the wisdom literature, which includes Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. These books offer a different feel and focus on practical wisdom for living a life that honors God. The Psalms, for example, cover all aspects of life: praise, complaint, lament, and repentance. They teach us how to relate to God in various circumstances, whether we are joyful, in despair, or in need of repentance.

Proverbs, written by Solomon, offers pithy statements of wisdom that guide us in daily living. Ecclesiastes, also attributed to Solomon, reflects on the futility of life when wisdom is not applied. Despite having great wisdom, Solomon did not always live by it, leading to a sense of hopelessness and misery. The conclusion of Ecclesiastes is a return to the fundamental truth: believe in God and obey His word.

The wisdom literature was written by some of the most powerful men in Israel's history, like David and Solomon, and it emphasizes that power and privilege are not God's ways to accomplish life. Instead, humility and purity of heart are what God values. Psalm 24, for example, highlights that those who may stand in God's holy place are not the powerful or wealthy but those with clean hands and a pure heart.

Job, a central figure in wisdom literature, deals with the ultimate human issue: why do good people suffer? Job was a righteous man who experienced immense suffering, and his story challenges us to maintain our faith in God even when life is destructive. The book of Job teaches us that we cannot save ourselves; only God can. It also emphasizes that wisdom requires a change in our personal culture, moving from a self-centered perspective to one that aligns with God's wisdom.

In conclusion, the wisdom literature helps us navigate the complexities of life by providing divine wisdom and guidance. It teaches us to believe in God and obey His word, even when life is challenging. This is the essence of living a life that honors God.

Weekend Service for May 19
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah

We continue our journey through the history books, focusing on the transition from prophetic leadership to kingship in Israel. The people of Israel, desiring to be like the nations around them, demand a king. Despite Samuel's warnings, they insist, and God instructs Samuel to appoint Saul as the first king. Saul initially finds favor with God but soon reveals deep character flaws, such as dishonesty and pride. Samuel confronts Saul, marking the beginning of Saul's downfall. David, a young shepherd, emerges as a man after God's own heart, defeating Goliath and gaining favor among the people.

David's journey is marked by trials and triumphs. Despite opportunities to kill Saul, David allows God to be in control. Saul's pursuit of David leads to his own demise in a battle with the Philistines. David's character shines through as he grieves Saul's death and seeks God's guidance in his leadership. David's reign is a mix of military conquests and personal failures, including his sin with Bathsheba. Despite his flaws, David's faith in God remains steadfast, and God promises that the Messiah will come from David's lineage.

Solomon, David's son, ascends to the throne and asks God for wisdom. He builds the temple but soon falls into idolatry, leading Israel astray. The kingdom splits into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The northern kingdom, led by a series of kings who do not follow God, falls into idolatry and injustice. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha emerge, performing miracles and calling the people back to God, but their efforts are not enough to prevent Israel's downfall.

The southern kingdom of Judah fares slightly better but still struggles with idolatry and unfaithfulness. The prophets continue to call the people to repentance, but the cycle of sin and judgment persists. Eventually, both kingdoms are exiled due to their disobedience. Despite the bleakness, there are glimmers of hope, such as the story of Jehoiakim being released from prison, symbolizing God's enduring faithfulness.

The Old Testament ultimately teaches us to place our faith in God and obey His word. When Israel follows God, they prosper; when they turn away, they fall. This timeless lesson calls us to examine our own lives, to seek God's guidance, and to remain faithful to His word.

Weekend Service for May 12
Scripture Reading: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel

When I was in high school, our youth group often visited Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks. One of our favorite activities was hiking up Mount Ampersand. The trail is challenging but rewarding, offering a beautiful view from the summit. This experience is akin to studying the Old Testament from a high vantage point. Just as a drone can provide a comprehensive view of a mountain trail, our 10-week series aims to give you a broad understanding of the Old Testament. This overview will help you navigate the individual stories and understand the overarching narrative of God's relationship with humanity.

We began our journey with the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt but was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Joshua, trained by Moses, took over and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua 1:9-18 sets the stage for his leadership, emphasizing faith and courage. Joshua commanded the officers to prepare the people to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land God had promised them. The people responded with obedience and faith, ready to follow Joshua as they had followed Moses.

The story of Israel is a cycle of faith and disobedience. When the Israelites placed their faith in God, things went well. However, when they strayed and adopted the practices of surrounding nations, things spiraled out of control. This pattern is evident in the book of Judges, where Israel repeatedly falls into sin, faces oppression, cries out to God, and is delivered by judges. These judges, like Gideon and Samson, were flawed individuals, yet God used them to deliver Israel.

As we moved into the book of Samuel, we saw Israel's desire for a king to be like other nations. Despite God's warning through Samuel that a king would bring hardships, the people insisted. God allowed them to have a king, starting with Saul, followed by David. This period highlights the tension between human desires and God's will. Even though the people often made poor choices, God's love and faithfulness remained constant.

The overarching message of the Old Testament is to believe in God and obey His word. When the Israelites did this, they experienced success and blessings. Joshua's final words to the people encapsulate this message: "Choose today whom you will serve... But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). This call to faithfulness is timeless and relevant for us today.

In conclusion, the Old Testament is a rich tapestry of stories that reveal God's character and His relationship with humanity. It teaches us about faith, obedience, and the consequences of straying from God's path. As we continue our study, let us place our faith in God and strive to live according to His word.

Weekend Service for April 28
Scripture Reading: Exodus 19-20, Deuteronomy 26:16 - 27:10, Deuteronomy 30:11-20, Deuteronomy 34:1-12In today's sermon, I explored the grand narrative of the Old Testament, emphasizing the consistent theme of God's revelation through His word. This journey began with the creation narrative in Genesis, where God's spoken word brought the universe into existence. This theme of divine speech continues as God communicates directly with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, revealing His presence and establishing a relationship with humanity.As we moved through the Pentateuch, I highlighted how God's method of revelation evolved from direct speech to promises, as seen with Abraham, and later to the written Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This transition from spoken promises to written commandments illustrates God's desire to guide and sustain a deeper, communal relationship with His people, Israel.The giving of the Law was not about imposing restrictions but about freeing the Israelites from the bondage of ignorance and idolatry they had known in Egypt. The Law was given to teach them how to live in right relationship with God and each other, which was a radical departure from the oppressive environment from which they had been delivered.In discussing the narrative of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, I emphasized that the Law was given not as a burden but as a guide for living in freedom. God's commands were designed to foster a community that reflects His character—just, compassionate, and holy. This was further demonstrated in the way God dealt with the Israelites throughout their journey in the wilderness, continually guiding and providing for them despite their frequent failures to trust and obey Him.The culmination of the Pentateuch narrative with Moses viewing the Promised Land from Mount Nebo served as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience but also of God's persistent faithfulness. Moses' life and leadership underscored the central message of the Old Testament: trust and obey God, not out of fear of punishment, but out of faith in His steadfast love and goodness.