29 min
When It Doesn't Go Your Way / Jesus at the Center PCFC Sermons
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- Religion & Spirituality
Weekend Service for April 14
Scripture Reading: Job 42, John 3:26-36
In my sermon today, I began by reflecting on the anticipation and preparation for the recent solar eclipse, which was expected to be a significant event for our community. We had planned for it, with the center line passing through Hilton, and there were various events and preparations made, including porter potties and a $60 event at the Blue Barn. However, the weather did not cooperate, and instead of the clear skies we hoped for, we were met with clouds. Despite this, there was still beauty to be found in the moment, as the dimmed light created a sunset-like view in all directions.
I then transitioned into discussing how life often does not go as planned, drawing parallels between the eclipse and unexpected life events. I shared personal stories, including my own experience with my house and the potential for disaster, as well as Paula's battle with cancer before our marriage. These stories illustrated how life can throw challenges at us, but also how these challenges can strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Jesus as our center.
I delved into the story of Job, a man who was walking with God and yet faced immense suffering. Job lost everything—his wealth, his family, his health—and yet, he never lost his faith in God. I highlighted Job's response to God, acknowledging his own ignorance and repenting in dust and ashes, which ultimately led to his restoration and blessing.I also touched on the story of Ruth and Naomi, who experienced loss and hardship but found blessing upon returning to Bethlehem. This story served as a reminder that we must turn towards God to find our way and receive His blessings.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the importance of keeping Jesus at our center, especially during difficult times. I used the metaphor of walking north when we should be walking south to illustrate how we can stray from God, but also how we can always turn back to Him. I encouraged the congregation to center their lives on Jesus, to become less so that He can become more, and to trust in His faithfulness, justice, and love, no matter the circumstances.
I concluded with a prayer, asking God to show us how to make Him greater in our lives and to help us reflect His love and goodness to others, even in the midst of pain and loss.
Key Takeaways:
1. Life's unpredictability, much like the obscured eclipse, can lead to disappointment, but it also offers opportunities to witness the beauty of God's creation in unexpected ways. It's a reminder that God's plans are often beyond our understanding, and we must trust in His greater design for our lives.
2. The story of Job teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming loss, maintaining God as our center allows us to endure and emerge with a deeper understanding of His sovereignty and our own humility. Job's restoration is a testament to the blessings that follow authentic repentance and unwavering faith.
3. The journey of Ruth and Naomi back to Bethlehem illustrates the importance of returning to God's path to receive His provision and blessings. Their story is a powerful example of how redirection towards God can transform our circumstances and lead to redemption.
4. Personal trials, such as Paula's cancer diagnosis, can be transformative in strengthening our faith. These experiences, while challenging, can serve to deepen our reliance on Christ and solidify Him as the foundation of our lives.
5. Keeping Jesus at the center means recognizing that our identity, worth, and purpose are found in Him. When we prioritize Christ above all else, the highs and lows of life are put into perspective, and we can navigate them with grace and peace.
Weekend Service for April 14
Scripture Reading: Job 42, John 3:26-36
In my sermon today, I began by reflecting on the anticipation and preparation for the recent solar eclipse, which was expected to be a significant event for our community. We had planned for it, with the center line passing through Hilton, and there were various events and preparations made, including porter potties and a $60 event at the Blue Barn. However, the weather did not cooperate, and instead of the clear skies we hoped for, we were met with clouds. Despite this, there was still beauty to be found in the moment, as the dimmed light created a sunset-like view in all directions.
I then transitioned into discussing how life often does not go as planned, drawing parallels between the eclipse and unexpected life events. I shared personal stories, including my own experience with my house and the potential for disaster, as well as Paula's battle with cancer before our marriage. These stories illustrated how life can throw challenges at us, but also how these challenges can strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Jesus as our center.
I delved into the story of Job, a man who was walking with God and yet faced immense suffering. Job lost everything—his wealth, his family, his health—and yet, he never lost his faith in God. I highlighted Job's response to God, acknowledging his own ignorance and repenting in dust and ashes, which ultimately led to his restoration and blessing.I also touched on the story of Ruth and Naomi, who experienced loss and hardship but found blessing upon returning to Bethlehem. This story served as a reminder that we must turn towards God to find our way and receive His blessings.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the importance of keeping Jesus at our center, especially during difficult times. I used the metaphor of walking north when we should be walking south to illustrate how we can stray from God, but also how we can always turn back to Him. I encouraged the congregation to center their lives on Jesus, to become less so that He can become more, and to trust in His faithfulness, justice, and love, no matter the circumstances.
I concluded with a prayer, asking God to show us how to make Him greater in our lives and to help us reflect His love and goodness to others, even in the midst of pain and loss.
Key Takeaways:
1. Life's unpredictability, much like the obscured eclipse, can lead to disappointment, but it also offers opportunities to witness the beauty of God's creation in unexpected ways. It's a reminder that God's plans are often beyond our understanding, and we must trust in His greater design for our lives.
2. The story of Job teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming loss, maintaining God as our center allows us to endure and emerge with a deeper understanding of His sovereignty and our own humility. Job's restoration is a testament to the blessings that follow authentic repentance and unwavering faith.
3. The journey of Ruth and Naomi back to Bethlehem illustrates the importance of returning to God's path to receive His provision and blessings. Their story is a powerful example of how redirection towards God can transform our circumstances and lead to redemption.
4. Personal trials, such as Paula's cancer diagnosis, can be transformative in strengthening our faith. These experiences, while challenging, can serve to deepen our reliance on Christ and solidify Him as the foundation of our lives.
5. Keeping Jesus at the center means recognizing that our identity, worth, and purpose are found in Him. When we prioritize Christ above all else, the highs and lows of life are put into perspective, and we can navigate them with grace and peace.
29 min