Concord United Sermons

The Problem With Idols | Rev. Mike Stallings

History teaches us that humans will always find a way to worship. In the absence of a community based around the reality of the One True God (and sadly, sometimes even within such a community), our worship will center around idols. In ancient times, these idols were carved out of stone or wood each of which promised blessings of particular types (fertility, harvest, military victory) to its devotees. Today, these idols are more likely to center around our commitment to a goal (wealth, health, status) or a community (country, corporation, college).

In every case, idol worship takes our focus off of how we can serve God and puts the focus on how god (or gods) can serve us. Jesus teaches us that when we seek first God and God’s Kingdom, we receive all of God’s blessings in return. But when we seek first the blessings, we come away empty handed.

Scripture - Exodus 20:4-5

 

The Problem With Idols | Rev. Wil Cantrell

History teaches us that humans will always find a way to worship. In the absence of a community based around the reality of the One True God (and sadly, sometimes even within such a community), our worship will center around idols. In ancient times, these idols were carved out of stone or wood each of which promised blessings of particular types (fertility, harvest, military victory) to its devotees. Today, these idols are more likely to center around our commitment to a goal (wealth, health, status) or a community (country, corporation, college).

 

In every case, idol worship takes our focus off of how we can serve God and puts the focus on how god (or gods) can serve us. Jesus teaches us that when we seek first God and God’s Kingdom, we receive all of God’s blessings in return. But when we seek first the blessings, we come away empty handed.

Scripture - Exodus 20:4-5

The Foundation of Everything | Rev. Wil Cantrell

In the Ten Commandments, we find God giving to humanity a foundation for the rule of law and for discerning God’s will for human flourishing. Without God’s revelation of right and wrong, good and evil, human society will inevitably be based around how those in power in can maintain and extend their power rather than how all can live together with love and respect. Many people point out that the first four commandments are about God (theology) and the second six commandments are about people (morality). This order is no coincidence. The moral teaching of the 10 Commandments derives their lasting relevance from the reality and nature of God.

Physicists have long searched (so far unsuccessfully) for a “theory of everything” which will show how the entire physical world on the micro and macro level works together. For Jews and Christians, the 10 Commandments bear witness to a theory (or better said, “the foundation”) of everything. Everything we are, everything we do, and the reality of right and wrong are all based on the reality, power, and presence of the One True God.

Scripture - Exodus 32:15-16, Exodus 20:1-3

The Foundation of Everything | Rev. Brooke Hartman

In the Ten Commandments, we find God giving to humanity a foundation for the rule of law and for discerning God’s will for human flourishing. Without God’s revelation of right and wrong, good and evil, human society will inevitably be based around how those in power in can maintain and extend their power rather than how all can live together with love and respect. Many people point out that the first four commandments are about God (theology) and the second six commandments are about people (morality). This order is no coincidence. The moral teaching of the 10 Commandments derives their lasting relevance from the reality and nature of God.

 

Physicists have long searched (so far unsuccessfully) for a “theory of everything” which will show how the entire physical world on the micro and macro level works together. For Jews and Christians, the 10 Commandments bear witness to a theory (or better said, “the foundation”) of everything. Everything we are, everything we do, and the reality of right and wrong are all based on the reality, power, and presence of the One True God.

Scripture - Exodus 32:15-16, Exodus 20:1-3

Rubber Meets the Road | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Paul concludes his letter to the church at Philippi with verses that are often familiar to us, yet how do these words gain meaning when viewed from the perspective of being like Jesus?  Paul guides us in putting into practice being like Jesus through prayer and how we live our lives. 

Being like Jesus means putting into practice the mindset of Jesus. 

Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9

Rubber Meets the Road | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Paul concludes his letter to the church at Philippi with verses that are often familiar to us, yet how do these words gain meaning when viewed from the perspective of being like Jesus?  Paul guides us in putting into practice being like Jesus through prayer and how we live our lives. 

Being like Jesus means putting into practice the mindset of Jesus. 

Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9

Worth the Cost | Rev. Wil Cantrell

What is it worth to know Christ Jesus?  Paul speaks about the cost and losses of following Jesus, of conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.  Above all else, Paul sees the value of following Jesus and sharing that with others.  Knowing Christ, according to Paul, is not about knowing facts about Jesus but rather about knowing the power of Jesus.  Paul notes the power of Jesus’ resurrection.  John Mark Comer, in his book Practicing the Way, writes about how we are becoming someone, the question is, are we becoming like Jesus?  We are being formed by something or someone, is it Jesus? 

 

Being like Jesus is more than knowing facts about Jesus.  It is becoming like Jesus, and there is a cost.  

Scripture - Philippians 3:7-14

Worth the Cost | Rev. Brooke Hartman

What is it worth to know Christ Jesus?  Paul speaks about the cost and losses of following Jesus, of conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.  Above all else, Paul sees the value of following Jesus and sharing that with others.  Knowing Christ, according to Paul, is not about knowing facts about Jesus but rather about knowing the power of Jesus.  Paul notes the power of Jesus’ resurrection.  John Mark Comer, in his book Practicing the Way, writes about how we are becoming someone, the question is, are we becoming like Jesus?  We are being formed by something or someone, is it Jesus? 

 

Being like Jesus is more than knowing facts about Jesus.  It is becoming like Jesus, and there is a cost.  

Scripture - Philippians 3:7-14

Mindset of Christ | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Having a mindset like Jesus is critical to being like Jesus.  As Paul encourages the church at Philippi, he specifically guides the readers to be like-minded, with the same love of Jesus, one in Spirit and one mind.  This way of thinking is often countercultural then and now. Connection with Christ and with one another is invaluable to being like Jesus.  Paul encourages imitating Christ through humility.  Paul specifically mentions not having selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather valuing others above ourselves, and looking to the interests of others.  Then Paul uses the example of Christ (2:5-11) to illustrate what being like Christ looks like. 

Being like Jesus is having a mindset of Jesus. 

Scripture -

: Philippians 2:1-11

Mindset of Christ | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Having a mindset like Jesus is critical to being like Jesus.  As Paul encourages the church at Philippi, he specifically guides the readers to be like-minded, with the same love of Jesus, one in Spirit and one mind.  This way of thinking is often countercultural then and now. Connection with Christ and with one another is invaluable to being like Jesus.  Paul encourages imitating Christ through humility.  Paul specifically mentions not having selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather valuing others above ourselves, and looking to the interests of others.  Then Paul uses the example of Christ (2:5-11) to illustrate what being like Christ looks like. 

Being like Jesus is having a mindset of Jesus. 

Scripture -

Philippians 2:1-11