Author: Pastor Doug

Our scripture this morning is Matthew 25:31-32 (NLT).

But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

In this prophecy of our future Jesus returns to fulfill the promise of God’s kingdom. Matthew 25:31-46 often carries the heading “The Final Judgement”, He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. This imagery reflects human nature – goats who are stubbornly independent and follow their own way and sheep who “know their Shepherd’s voice” (John 10:27).

We mustn’t think that good works alone are the standard for judgement. The New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition says “the criterion of judgment is not mere philanthropy (good as that is), but people’s response to the kingdom of heaven.” Are we doing good things “just because”? Unless we have a relationship with Jesus, they do us no good. We can’t earn our way into eternity.

Our good works are a response to the free gift of salvation we have been given, an expression of our love returned to God. They are not eternal life bargaining chips or an account where we store up credit for ourselves. Accepting Jesus as our Savior and following faithfully as one of His sheep is the only way.

Loving Lord, in Your mercy You sent Your Son to love and save and free us. Forgive us the times we have failed and send us to share Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans 8:38-39 (NLT).

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

After a long list of things that can’t affect our relationship with God, Paul says “nothing in all creation.” That’s everything! God created all that is and while humans have chosen poorly too often, He is in control and “nothing can separate us from God’s love.”

The Bible Knowledge Commentary puts it this way: “Absolutely nothing in His Creation can thwart His purpose for believers in Christ. What a climactic way to affirm the certainty of believers’ salvation!” This is what Paul is saying so eloquently, that God’s love is always there for us and nothing can interfere with it – except us!

When we choose our own way instead of what God has planned for us, we put up a roadblock to God’s love. He hasn’t changed or moved away, we have! However, even as the thief on the cross received forgiveness from Christ Himself, we can return to Him in repentance to be renewed by His love.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we put our faith in created things instead of the eternal love and life You offer. Forgive us and send us to share the joy of redemption with the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Mark 12:10-11 (NLT).

Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’

Jesus uses a direct quote from Psalms 118:22-23 to show the religious leaders (and us) that God had planned all that was to happen long before. They rejected Jesus as the savior God had promised and chose their own way. This is a reenactment of sorts, similar to our original sin of believing something other than God’s word for us.

“He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care” (Isaiah 53:3). The prophet said this long before Christ’s birth, a sad commentary on human choice and “wisdom” over what God has commanded and given us. 

As a cornerstone sets the line for building, Jesus sets the line for our lives. When we align our lives with His teaching, we can be restored to the image and purpose God has for each of us. God is the master builder and when we follow His plan the result is beautiful.

Loving Lord, thank You for the gift and example of Jesus, and His sacrifice to save us. Bless us to be bold and energetic workers for Your kingdom, that all may know Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 100:4-5 (NLT).

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Ever since the time of the Exodus God’s people have been gathering in faith to worship Him. During their time in the desert there was the Tabernacle. Later King Solomon built the First Temple, which was destroyed by Babylon, and in Jesus’ time the Second Temple, which was later destroyed by the Romans, was the main place of worship. However, none of these structures were the important part.

Giving God our thanks and praise is something we can do anywhere, anytime. Jesus attended local synagogues and the Temple in Jerusalem, but the Gospels show He did much of His teaching out among the people, meeting them in their everyday lives. This is the important part, meeting to share God’s love and His word, and encouraging each other in the ministry Christ has given us.

Paul writes “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:7). This is the basis of our relationship with God, His love given to us and our love, thanks and praise given to Him.

Heavenly Father, we are ashamed of the times we have failed You. Forgive us we pray, and strengthen us in faith to go in Your name, that all the world may offer You their thanks and praise. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans 10:14-15 (NLT).

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Paul has a dual purpose with this passage. He warns the people that we have been given the opportunity to accept Christ’s message and the gift of salvation. He was sent to us, He told us, we have heard God’s truth and now it is up to us to believe. We are also called to go in His name to share His love.

Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7). This is an Old Testament statement that applies to us all as the heralds of Christ. We are the messengers Jesus has chosen to spread the Gospel.

In Matthew 28:19 Jesus says “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” In Acts we read “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). This is what He asks of us, to be witnesses for Him to all people.

Gracious God, instead of the justice we deserve, You offer us Your mercy given through the sacrifice of Your Son. Help us to be bold voices of love in a world that desperately needs Your care. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is John 16:13-14 (NLT).

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.

Jesus gives final instructions and comfort to His remaining disciples in this section of John’s Gospel, known as The Farewell Discourse (John 14-17). They were bewildered by Him washing their feet, angered that one of His own would betray Him, and saddened at His talk of leaving them.

However, Jesus reassures them He will not leave them alone, that “when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” Jesus is telling them (and us) that this is the next step in God’s plan for our salvation. We can only be saved by Christ’s sacrifice and our faith in Him.

Through the coming of the Holy Spirit God fulfills His statement from Ezekiel 36:26: “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” God will never force us but He gives us the gifts and opportunity we need to believe and obey Him.

God the Father above us, Jesus the Son with us as one of us, the Holy Spirit within us. Lord, You are perfect and we are amazed that You make us part of Your plan. Bless us to be energetic disciples, sharing Your love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 19:1-2 (NLT).

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

God’s glory doesn’t have to be spoken in words. His work speaks for itself. Who but our Creator could have made all that is and integrated it seamlessly together? It is certainly beyond any capability we have.

In Psalms 66:1-2 we read “Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is.” All creation is intended to offer God praise for its very existence, and that includes us. Psalms 100:3  tells us “Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”

Paul writes “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20). We see God’s hand in all there is, given to us in trust. We are called to care for His creation, especially each other.

Heavenly Father, without You there is nothing. Help us to see our blessing, and share that wonderful love with all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 4:29-30 (NLT).

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

This lesson seems tailored especially for the world we live in, but it was also an issue in Paul’s time. It is a sad human trait that we can be verbally cruel to each other. God condemns this behavior just as He does physical violence.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells us “But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell” (Matthew 5:22). While we can’t control what others say to us, we can control ourselves and our responses.

Paul writes in Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” This doesn’t mean just telling people what they want to hear, but rather speaking the truth to encourage, not denigrate. Jesus gave us the example for all our interactions with each other and when we harm each other we harm our relationship with Him.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we grieve You by the way we treat each other. Forgive us and help us to be the disciples of today, sharing Your love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is James 1:12-13 (NLT).

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.

James gives us not only good counsel but an explanation to go with it. We hear often about enduring temptation and perhaps wonder why God allows it. He didn’t – we did. Temptation came into the world when we believed someone other than God and something other than what God had told us.

As a human Jesus faced temptation in the desert before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). His connection to the Father was stronger than any worldly power and we can face temptation in the same way. God’s gifts are eternal; nothing evil will last.

God isn’t expecting us to pass every test with flying colors – He knows us! He expects us to do our best, and knowing our best is not enough, to ask for His help. God wants us to rely on His strength and wisdom and not our own. 

Loving Lord, You made us in Your image with free will to choose our own way. You knew how we needed Your grace and mercy to save us from the mess we’ve made. Help us to share the love You have for all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT).

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Paul sends encouragement to the believers in Philippi, recommending they “don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” If we are connected to the Lord and counting on His provision for us, there is nothing to worry about. The CSB Study Notes for this passage tell us “Prayer is the antidote for worry.”

In the Old Testament we read “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3). The world is a scary place if we’re not in a relationship with God. Through prayer, fellowship and worship we offer Him our thanks for all we have been given and enjoy communion with Him and each other.

Jesus knew that we would be saddened because He would no longer be with us in the same way. He blesses us, saying “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). This is the peace which “exceeds anything we can understand.” 

Heavenly Father, we put our faith and trust in You. Forgive us when we stumble and help us to be glad bearers of the Gospel everywhere. Amen.