2015-09-27: Luke-The Investigative Gospel – Feeling the Weight of the World

Sermon Audio: Feeling the Weight of the World
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 13:10-17
Duration: 20:30
Size: 9.38 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
Feeling the Weight of the World
Luke 13:10-17

Our Scripture Passage for this morning is a story of restoration and health, in the face of a system that seems bound and determined to keep oppressed people where they are.

Have you ever felt so low about yourself that all you could muster-up the strength to do was to look at your feet on the ground?

It’s interesting. Jesus always notices those on the margins. Jesus always notices the castaways.

When she could finally straighten up her back, what she saw must have been clear: the religious institution was bent over and suffering under the weight of its own laws.

So Jesus says to the religious folk, who are angry at Jesus for breaking the Sabbath Law, that love and taking care of other people trumps the Law every time.

But the religious leaders’ insistence on rigid laws and following them to a tee—no matter who they hurt along the way—keeps them from being healed.

They look wise with this self-made religion and their self-denial by the harsh treatment of the body, but they are no help

As is so often the case, when we legalistically insist on the letter of the Law, the needs of others are overlooked. By holding to standard operating procedures, the “royal law of love” gets pinned to the mat.

2015-09-13: Luke-The Investigative Gospel – A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action

Sermon Audio: A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 13:1-5
Duration: 19:37
Size: 8.98 MB

Luke-The Investigative Gospel
A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action
Luke 13:1-5

Life is full of questions.

But what really annoys others is the simple pat answers.

I don’t believe that the Asian tsunami or the 9/11 attacks had easy answers.

Quite honestly, I think it insults God’s intelligence when we come up with definite one-line answers for hard things in our world.

Instead of cursing the darkness, light a lamp.

I’m wondering if God is more concerned that we live to please him in everything, than He is in letting us know who’s saved and who isn’t.

Next time you want to complain about the church, ask if you’re actually contributing, if you’re part of the solution.

2015-09-06: Can Dry Bones Live?

Sermon Audio: Can Dry Bones Live?
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Ezekiel 37:1-10
Duration: 21:28
Size: 9.83 MB

Can Dry Bones Live?
Ezekiel 37:1-10

The northern kingdom was called Israel and the southern kingdom was called Judah.

Those who were carried off to a foreign land thought their circumstance was hopeless.

A common cry emerged: “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.”

The nation of Israel was dead. But God had a vision for Ezekiel.

Regardless of your situation, there is much to be learned.

God asked Ezekiel a question, “Can these bones live?” How would you answer that question?

Ezekiel was telling God that God is in charge.

Spiritual death is a slow but consuming path.

We become spiritually dead when sin gets in the way.

Ephesians 2:1 tells us that when we wallow in our sins and transgressions. We are spiritually dead.

Ezekiel’s experience teaches three things about life and successful living through the challenges we face:

  1. Coping with the impossible: Face the situation squarely.
  2. Do something! You need to be actively involved.
  3. Through the power of the Word of God the impossible becomes possible.

The Spirit of God brings us life in Christ Jesus.

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” – Isaiah 54:17

Can Dry Bones Live?

It Is Up To You!