Lection: Matthew 9

December 22, 2024

Luke 2:21-35
Matthew 9:35-37

“Love Grows”

After I was born, my parents brought me to church for a special ceremony of infant dedication. Our family attended a Baptist Church at that time, so I wasn’t baptized until I was old enough to decide for myself, but I expect that my dedication felt quite similar for my parents who brought me there to be blessed and prayed for, and for the congregation as they welcomed the newest member of their community with joy and love.

I don’t know the date when that happened (likely some time in the Fall of 1974) and I don’t remember what it felt like either. I suppose that’s similar to Jesus’ experience of going up to the Temple when he was only eight days old. There’s a blessing in that, because Jesus was also circumcised on that day, which is probably not something you want to remember! But neither would he remember what it felt like when his parents put him into Simeon’s arms or the look of joy and love that spread across the old man’s face when he looked at the child.

But even if most people cannot recall specific memories from earlier than age 3 or 4, research … Read more »

June 11, 2023

Genesis 12:1-9
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

“Just as we are”

There’s an old hymn that I associate with Billy Graham Crusades and other evangelical church gatherings that culminate in an altar call. If you’ve always been a Presbyterian, you may not even know what an altar call is, as it’s not a part of our church tradition.

But after listening to some biblical preaching and usually some testimonies from people who have come to Jesus and experienced their lives transformed, an evangelical crusade or tent meeting or revival would often include an altar call – an opportunity for seekers to come forward, to pray quietly with a Christian volunteer, and to commit their lives to following the way of Jesus.

The 19th century hymn by Charlotte Elliott, “Just as I am” would often be chosen to sing as people made their way forward to invite Jesus into their hearts, perhaps for the first time. It had a nice steady pace, lots of verses, and words that would remind everyone that if they came to Jesus, just as they were, with all their failings and faults, God would forgive them and give them the gift of everlasting life.

Although my faith journey didn’t start with a single moment … Read more »

June 8, 2008

The following message was presented in three parts. The first two parts (God Chooses Abram & God Chooses Matthew) were presented interactively with the children of the church. The third part (God Chooses Us) was presented in traditional sermon format.

God Chooses Abram
The first bible story we will hear today is about a man named Abram who was chosen by God for a special purpose. You might remember the name Abraham. That was the name that God gave to him (it meant “father of many nations”, but his original name was Abram, so that’s what he’s called in our story today.

As Rachel reads our story from Genesis 12, listen and see if you can hear what God is choosing Abram to do.

Genesis 12:1-9

Did you notice what God was choosing Abram to do? (Go to a new land, have children and make a community of people who know God, be a blessing to others…)

Any ideas as to why God chose Abram for this job? Do you think it was because Abram was really smart or strong or he liked to travel? This is why I think God chose Abram for this purpose… Because Abram believed in … Read more »