Concord United Sermons

They Are Better Off | Rev. Wil Cantrell

We often find ourselves trying to find the words to support a loved one who is experiencing grief.  We try to find the words, such as, “At least they are in a better place,” or “You should be happy they lived a long life.”  We want to fill the void and explain the unexplainable.  Grief is woven throughout the story of the Bible.  There is loss throughout and grieving is part of living.  We find a pattern of how to respond to grief in the Psalms of Lament.  As the psalmists acknowledge God, lament what is lost, petition for help, commit to trust God, and give praise to God.

Scripture - Psalm 42

Everything Happens for a Reason | Rev. Wil Cantrell

We often hear the saying, “Everything happens for a reason”.  These words we hear often when someone is suffering.  We try to explain or give reason to the suffering.  The all-encompassing “everything happens for a reason” is the answer. There are issues with this statement:  it takes personal responsibility out of the equation and makes God responsible for everyone’s actions.  At the heart of this statement is our belief about God’s sovereignty and the role we play in our decisions. 

 Scripture - Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

Everything Happens for a Reason | Rev. Brooke Hartman

We often hear the saying, “Everything happens for a reason”.  These words we hear often when someone is suffering.  We try to explain or give reason to the suffering.  The all-encompassing “everything happens for a reason” is the answer. There are issues with this statement:  it takes personal responsibility out of the equation and makes God responsible for everyone’s actions.  At the heart of this statement is our belief about God’s sovereignty and the role we play in our decisions. 

 Scripture - Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

God Doesn’t Give Us More Than We Can Handle | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Life is hard.  There are challenges.  We seek to comfort and help each other.  An often-spoken saying in such times is that “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.”  No, scripture does not say that God will not give us more than we can handle, yet Jesus speaks to trouble in the world and how we can overcome it.  

Scripture - John 16:29-33

God Doesn’t Give Us More Than We Can Handle | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Life is hard.  There are challenges.  We seek to comfort and help each other.  An often-spoken saying in such times is that “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.”  No, scripture does not say that God will not give us more than we can handle, yet Jesus speaks to trouble in the world and how we can overcome it.  

Scripture - John 16:29-33

That I May Serve - LeighAnna Colgrove

Missions Sunday

Scripture - Mark 10: 35-45 NIV

That I May Serve - Jane Currin

Missions Sunday

Scripture - Mark 10:35-45 NIV

Discovering Your Purpose | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Joshua sums up his purpose by saying “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua has been a spy, a patient assistant officer in the wilderness, a conquering commander, and now he will oversee the creation of a nation. In each era of his life, however, his purpose is the same:  to serve the Lord with all he can control. Even after all the ways Joshua has led the Hebrew people, he recognizes he does not have the power to force them to serve the Lord. The only thing Joshua can control is that he and his household serve the Lord.

 

What can you control and what do you need to release to God so that you can live our your life’s purpose?

 

The name “Jesus” is a Greek translation of the Hebrew name Joshua. Just as Joshua led the Hebrew people into the promised land, Jesus leads us into the promised land of abundant and eternal life.

 

How can you follow where Jesus is leading?

Discovering Your Purpose | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Joshua sums up his purpose by saying “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua has been a spy, a patient assistant officer in the wilderness, a conquering commander, and now he will oversee the creation of a nation. In each era of his life, however, his purpose is the same:  to serve the Lord with all he can control. Even after all the ways Joshua has led the Hebrew people, he recognizes he does not have the power to force them to serve the Lord. The only thing Joshua can control is that he and his household serve the Lord.

 

What can you control and what do you need to release to God so that you can live our your life’s purpose?

 

The name “Jesus” is a Greek translation of the Hebrew name Joshua. Just as Joshua led the Hebrew people into the promised land, Jesus leads us into the promised land of abundant and eternal life.

 

How can you follow where Jesus is leading?

Scripture - Joshua 24:14-15

Producing Your Life Plan | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Joshua defeated the city of Jericho by following a plan for the battle given to him by God. God has given us a plan to help us live victoriously in our lives. God’s plan includes weekly worship (Sabbath), daily scripture reading & prayer, tithing & generous giving, serving others, and sharing Christ by telling our story and inviting others into relationship with God & the church. Moreover, sometimes in our individual lives it is through following God’s plan for us that we ultimately discover God’s purpose.

As you being the new year, what are the priorities (or prior commitments) you want to put in place to help you faithfully follow God’s plan and discover your purpose? What do you need to do for your physical health (treating your body as a temple), relational health, spiritual health, emotional health? Do you have a plan for making your priorities a reality?

Scripture - Joshua 6 – selected verses