Giving to Others

1 John 3:16 makes it pretty clear. Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to do the same for others. Sharing our “worldly goods” (1 John 3:17) with those in need is proof that we are on the side of God’s truth and not just faking our faith (1 John 3:19). But how much? When? With whom? I read one commentary on this passage that said we ought to “give till it hurts.” I think John knows how this kind of thinking can pitch us down a path of “debilitating self-criticism” (1 John 3:21, The Message). 1 John wants his congregation to live in freedom and love, not in guilt and self-criticism. 1 John reminds them that God (not us!) is a God of unlimited resources. He boasts, “Whatever we ask we receive from [God]” (1 John 3:22). Giving that flows from my own resources tends to treat others as projects and problems, while giving that flows God’s generosity reflects Jesus’ love for people. 

If you missed yesterday’s message you can listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ, 

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Practice What?

Love is supposed to define us as children of God, yet there are times when loving ourselves and others can be difficult. When we stumble, wrestle with old habits, or feel disappointed by others, we can wonder if Jesus really makes a difference. However, 1 John 3:1-7 reminds us that we are a work in progress. The writer assures us that we are God’s children now, and that more is to come. "What we will become has not yet been revealed," as it says in 1 John 3:2. Years ago, I heard someone put it this way: "God loves me just as I am but too much to leave me that way.” 

No matter the trials you face today, remember that God's love doesn’t depend on having it all together. It's grounded in the simple truth that you are a child of God.

If you missed yesterday’s message you can listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ, 

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Why Are You Doing This?

Palm Sunday begins the culminating week of Jesus’ story of salvation. In Mark 11:1-11 Jesus enters Jerusalem as a very different kind of king. Instead of a seasoned warhorse, Jesus rides on a colt “on which no one has ever sat.” (v.2) Instead of armed soldiers flanking Jesus, we see a rag-tag collection of followers who have taken up life with Jesus. Instead of the spoils of war trailing this king, the people put down the very clothes from their backs. Jesus is coming as king, but his kingdom is one where the first are last, where the least are greatest, where those who lead are those who serve, and you lose your life to find it. This is God’s story of salvation that begins this week. 

If you missed yesterday’s message you can listen to it here or watch the entire worship service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ, 

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Fiery Snakes

Numbers 21:4-9 is a troubling story of grumbling Israelites and lethal snake bites. After nearly forty years in the wilderness, Israel wants to go back to Egypt. They’re tired of the food, displeased with the beverage choices, and done with God. In response, God sends fiery snakes and the people quickly repent. But rather than take away the serpents, the story ends with God telling Moses to put a snake on a stick as an object for healing. This story is weird, strange, and difficult to understand. But asking three key questions can begin to unlock its meaning. What does this passage say about God? What does it say about me? What does it say about God’s relationship with me? If you’re curious to know how we answered these questions, listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ, 

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Promise of Rules

What good are rules? We live in a culture that values freedom and autonomy. I like rules that preserve my power and possessions, but dislike rules that cramp my style and spoil my fun! The Ten Commandments are rules designed for my true freedom. They are a gift from a personal God who delivered Israel “out of the house of slavery.” In Christ, I too have been delivered from slavery to every death-dealing power that exploits me. The Ten Commandments are God’s vision for flourishing life by way of loving relationship with God (Commandments 1-4) and with one another (Commandments 5-10).

If you missed yesterday’s messages, listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ, 

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Like A Flood

1 Peter 3:21 reminds us that our baptism “corresponds” to the Noah story in Genesis 9. A flood of God’s mercy, through Christ’s death and resurrection, confronts our sin and frees our conscience for new life. Like we sang Sunday afternoon at 4:30 worship, “My chains are gone I've been set free; My God my Savior has ransomed me; And like a flood His mercy reigns; Unending love amazing grace.” Where do you need the flood of God’s grace today? Where do you long to see the wildness of God’s love splashed about in your life?

If you missed yesterday’s messages, listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ, 

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

A Teacher Worth Listening To

As Jesus’ ministry goes public (Mark 1:21-28), it’s clear that his teaching and healing go hand in hand. Unlike the religious scribes, Jesus teaches for transformation, not just information. He proves this as he casts out the unclean spirit (Mark 1:25-26). Jesus has come to set you and me free from all powers that have control over us that are not of God. Is there an arena of life where Jesus’ teaching is just information? What would it look like to invite Jesus’ transformation into that habit, relationship, attitude, or problem? If you missed yesterday’s messages, listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Yours for Christ, 

Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Just Do It

We learned yesterday that saying ‘yes’ to Jesus involves being still and listening, but it also involves responsive action and obedience. Just like the boy Samuel was told by Eli to “Go, lie down … and say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’” (1 Samuel 3:8), sometimes the best way to say “yes” is to stop what we’re doing and listen. However, saying ‘yes’ to Jesus also means taking action, without hesitation, just like Simon, Andrew, James, and John do in Mark 1:16-20. They respond to Jesus immediately. God is not served with thoughtless, impulsive reaction. But neither is God honored with stall tactics and excuses. Is the Holy Spirit nudging you today? Is it time to take action and say “yes” to Jesus today? 

If you missed yesterday’s messages, listen to it here or watch the entire service on our YouTube channel. 

Pastor Steve

Yours for Christ, 

steve@clpc.org