Concord United Sermons

Faith Like a Child | Rev. Larry Trotter

Jesus instructs us all to aspire to have faith like a child who exhibits humility and awe (Matt 18:1-5). This type of faith requires a deep dependence on God and a deep commitment to remove the obstacles that would prevent children from discovering faith (Matt 19:13-15). Removing the obstacles that prevent children from finding faith requires providing the physical space children need at church and providing space for children in our lives and our calendars. Intergenerational relationships are the most crucial element in the faith development of our children. In fact, intergenerational relationships are so important that Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me (Matt 18:5).” 

Scripture - Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 19:13-15 

Faith Like a Child | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Jesus instructs us all to aspire to have faith like a child who exhibits humility and awe (Matt 18:1-5). This type of faith requires a deep dependence on God and a deep commitment to remove the obstacles that would prevent children from discovering faith (Matt 19:13-15). Removing the obstacles that prevent children from finding faith requires providing the physical space children need at church and providing space for children in our lives and our calendars. Intergenerational relationships are the most crucial element in the faith development of our children. In fact, intergenerational relationships are so important that Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me (Matt 18:5).” 

Scripture - Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 19:13-15 

Nurturing New Generations | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Providing children with the nurture they need is a fundamental task for every Christian. Today children need more nurture and training than ever academically, socially, and spiritually. Our weekday preschool is a great example of a commitment to build up our youngest generation in all these areas

Scripture - Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 5:8

Nurturing New Generations | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Providing children with the nurture they need is a fundamental task for every Christian. Today children need more nurture and training than ever academically, socially, and spiritually. Our weekday preschool is a great example of a commitment to build up our youngest generation in all these areas.

Scripture - Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 5:8

Dignity For All Our Days | Rev. Wil Cantrell

God desires that people of all life stages be treated with dignity. The command in Ex 20 to honor father and mother is a lifelong command – not just one for kids. Dignity requires intentional displays of respect (Lev 19:32). Dignity also recognizes and appreciates the job God has given the elderly of reflection and wisdom. When we are young our job is to learn and dream. When we are old our job is to reflect and take stock of our lives (Ps 71:9 is an example of a prayer asking God still to reveal a purpose for us in our old age.) It is also the job of the elderly to leave a legacy with through their wisdom and it is the of the younger generations to seek out the wisdom of their elders.

Scripture - Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:32, Psalm 71:9, Proverbs 1:8-9

Dignity For All Our Days | Rev. Brooke Hartman

God desires that people of all life stages be treated with dignity. The command in Ex 20 to honor father and mother is a lifelong command – not just one for kids. Dignity requires intentional displays of respect (Lev 19:32). Dignity also recognizes and appreciates the job God has given the elderly of reflection and wisdom. When we are young our job is to learn and dream. When we are old our job is to reflect and take stock of our lives (Ps 71:9 is an example of a prayer asking God still to reveal a purpose for us in our old age.) It is also the job of the elderly to leave a legacy with through their wisdom and it is the of the younger generations to seek out the wisdom of their elder.

Scripture - Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:32, Psalm 71:9, Proverbs 1:8-9

This is Our Redemption | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Genesis ends with the story of Joseph.  As with the other stories in Genesis, there is goodness and conflict.  In the end, Joseph chooses to forgive the harm intended and done by his brothers.  Joseph symbolizes redemption as he forgives his brothers.  Our origin story includes the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, rooted in God’s amazing grace and unconditional love.  God’s intentions have been since the beginning.

Scripture - Genesis 50:15-21

 

This is Our Redemption | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Genesis ends with the story of Joseph.  As with the other stories in Genesis, there is goodness and conflict.  In the end, Joseph chooses to forgive the harm intended and done by his brothers.  Joseph symbolizes redemption as he forgives his brothers.  Our origin story includes the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, rooted in God’s amazing grace and unconditional love.  God’s intentions have been since the beginning.    

 Scripture - Genesis 50:15-21

 

This is Our Hope | Rev. Wil Cantrell

There are times in our lives when we seem to be wrestling with God.  Our conflict is not necessarily with others but with God. The wrestling is exhausting and often results in an eventual moment of realizing that we have come face to face with God.  Jacob illustrates this in Genesis 32, wrestling with and acknowledging the depths of coming face to face with God.  Our hope is our God. 

Scripture - Genesis 32:22-32

This is Our Hope | Rev. Brooke Hartman

There are times in our lives when we seem to be wrestling with God.  Our conflict is not necessarily with others but with God. The wrestling is exhausting and often results in an eventual moment of realizing that we have come face to face with God.  Jacob illustrates this in Genesis 32, wrestling with and acknowledging the depths of coming face to face with God.  Our hope is our God. 

Scripture - Genesis 32:22-32