First Pres Colorado Springs Sermons First Presbyterian Church Colorado Springs

John 10:10 says, ‘'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus is accused of using satanic power to manipulate satanic forces. Actually, he uses divine power to destroy Satan’s purposes. Are you aware that there is a spiritual battle for your soul and the souls of your family and friends? (C S Lewis, Screwtape Letters) There is no rest in the temptations of the evil one. Rest comes from turning to Jesus and joining his Kingdom, and becoming part of his family. Speaker: Michael Thornton

Family is not always the easiest to navigate. Friends can sometimes be a burden. Jesus drew the disciples near and made family of them. Jesus suffered difficult family dynamics among his own brothers. Jesus can get in the middle of your most trying relationships. Jesus cares about our relationships with others. We can bless one another or curse one another, but with the love of Jesus within us we can find great rest in relationships and peace in the brotherhood of believers. Speaker: Tim McConnell

The fact that Jesus is the source and cause of our salvation and healing is actually an affront to the religious leaders. We can live with a god who tells us what to do and helps us achieve the goal, even one who defines our goals contrary to our personal desires. What we cannot tolerate is the idea that we need Jesus as our Savior. Where does true healing start? We try everything. Diet. Exercise. Travel. Where do we find rest for our weary souls? In bowing down before Jesus, throwing ourselves down prostrate before him, and letting him save us. Speaker: Tim McConnell

Maybe this summer is the summer of sabbath for you. What is the sabbath? Why does God command it? The regular practice of the sabbath alters our lives demonstrably for the better. It honors God, serves neighbor, promotes justice, and betters the earth. But it can also be a temptation to earn God’s favor through legalism. It is neither Jesus’ intent to push us into legalistic and performative behavior, nor to leave us neglecting the healthy practices woven into the fabric of creation. Let Jesus be Lord of your sabbath. Speaker: Tim McConnell

The paralyzed man was lowered before Jesus from the roof. Obviously uncomfortable, obviously lame, obviously in need of physical relief, Jesus forgave his sins. He only healed his body to prove he has authority to remove and forgive his sins. Levi needed correction, prophetic justice raining down on his head. Jesus went to his house and became his friend. He only changed his career after filling his heart with healing love. Jesus knows the help we need. When we think we want Jesus on our side to serve our needs, Jesus knows how to bring us over to his side. Jesus is truly the help we need. Speaker: Abi Tovar

Not them, Lord. Not them. Was it racism? Was it nationalism? Something in Jonah’s heart could not accept the prospect of a Ninevite brother in the family. Families must be models of acceptance and grace. We celebrate the family today. With each new generation we accept new brothers and sisters in faith in Christ. I love stories of mothers who know how to bring new family members into the fold with open arms. The church should be like that. Speaker: Tim McConnell