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

Disappointment

How do you handle hurt and disappointment? How do you respond when life comes up short of your expectations? Joseph must have been disappointed when Mary turns up pregnant and he was not the father (Luke 1:18). In the face of this disappointment, Joseph hatches a plan to divorce Mary “quietly.” One translation of verse 19 reads, he “planned to send her away secretly.” I recognize this strategy. When disappointment comes my way, I just wanna move on. Don’t make a fuss. Stuff it “quietly.” Fix the problem and move on. “Send it away secretly.” Instead, God comes near and invites Joseph to move toward what he wants to push away. Joseph says yes, and Salvation is born.

Coddling disappointment is never a path toward growth. But neither is ignoring, fixing, or numbing. As I move toward pain and invite God into my hurts, new birth and blessing are possible.

Pastor Steve

Yours for Jesus, 

steve@clpc.org

Every Heart Prepare Him Room

“Joy to the World” begins with transformation of the human heart. In verse one of his famous hymn, Isaac Watts implores “every heart” to make room for the coming Savior. Our wants, longings, and desires are found in the most intimate space of the human heart. When we make room for Jesus there, God becomes Immanuel (Matthew 1:23). 

Do you know what you want today? Not what you’d like to want, or what you think you should want. What do you really want? Give that ‘want’ to Jesus. Invite Immanuel God into the sacred space of your longing and let him love you there.

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

In the Savior’s Joy,

 
Pastor Steve

steve@clpc.org

Sheep and Goats

The key to understanding the judgement scene in Matthew 25:31-46 lies in the response of each group. As the Son of Man separates the sheep from the goats, he reveals what each unknowingly does or does not do. Both groups respond, “When did we do that!?” The sheep naturally and effortlessly respond to the needs of those around them while the goats naturally and effortlessly ignore them. Left to my own devices, I naturally and effortlessly ignore the needs of those around me. Gradually, however, I am becoming a different kind of person. Not by muscling up and trying harder, but by daily surrendering to the easy yoke of Jesus’ way of living (Matthew 11:28-30). 

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

When Jesus Comes Back

Jesus is coming back, and the Thessalonians are getting ready! Yet they’re concerned about their loved ones who have already fallen “asleep.” Will they miss out when Jesus returns? Using imagery of an emperor visiting a colony or province, Paul explains that the dead will rise. They, along with the living, will form a royal delegation to welcome King Jesus (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). Jesus isn’t coming to take us away from earth. Jesus is coming to rule on the earth - to establish God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Our life’s calling and greatest joy is getting ready for Jesus’ return. 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