Posts from August 2024

Sermon Note: The Time of Singing Has Come

Introduction Welcome to the first Sunday of September, where we begin a new series on Uncommon Wisdom. This week, we dive into the poetic beauty of the Song of Solomon. This week’s text invites us into a celebration of love and the joy of God’s creation. As we consider this passage, we are reminded that there is a time for singing and rejoicing, even in the midst of all that life can bring. Let us embrace this time of renewal…

Get Ready for  Book Talk!

Hello, Book Talkers! We are announcing the tentative dates of our 2024-25 meetings and actively searching for presenters from both inside and outside our church family. Please put these dates on your calendars: October 2 (featuring author Scott Mocha), November 6, December 11 (Warwick’s), January 8, February 5, March 12, April 2, and May 7. We kick off the year with a debut book from author Scott Mocha, a friend of Pastor Bob. Scott’s book, A Row with Two Chairs, is currently…

Sermon Note: Sent Out

Introduction We are at the end of our Worship with Rejoicing series. As we conclude we explore 1 Kings 8, where we see the grandeur of the temple dedication and Solomon leading the people in worship and prayer. The Ark of the Covenant is placed in the temple, and the glory of God fills the space. This moment is a powerful reminder of God’s presence among the people. However, Solomon’s prayer reveals that this encounter with the divine is not…

Sermon Note: Benediction

Introduction We are nearing the conclusion of our Worship with Rejoicing series. As we come to the end of a worship service, we often hear the words of benediction—a sending forth, a blessing. But what does it mean to be blessed as we go back into the world? The passage from 1 Kings today recounts the transition of leadership from King David to Solomon, a pivotal moment where wisdom, guidance, and blessing were deeply sought. Solomon’s request for wisdom is…

Sermon Note: Prayers of the People

Introduction As we near the end of our Worship with Rejoicing series, we turn our focus to the “Prayers of the People.” In our scripture passage, we encounter David in a moment of deep sorrow as he learns of the death of his son Absalom. This passage reveals the profound emotions that prayer can express—anguish, grief, and the weight of intercession. It reminds us that prayer is not just about the words we speak but also about the deep cries…

Sermon Note: The Weight of the Word

Introduction In week 4 of our Worship with Rejoicing series, we step into a powerful narrative from the story of King David that reveals the weight and impact of God’s word in our lives. Following last week’s difficult text about David and Bathsheba, the King is confronted by the prophet Nathan. In the narrative, we witness a moment of deep conviction and repentance that underscores the transformative power of acknowledging our failures and seeking forgiveness. The prophet’s confrontation with David…