http://rochcov.podbean.com Archive of sermons given at Rochester Covenant Church in Rochester, MN Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:35:56 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/11/15/community/ Luke 13:6-9 Key Point: God uses the difficulties of life (digging/dunging) to give us grace to grow into productive partners in mission Planted on purpose for a purpose Caretaker becomes caregiver – interceding with a promise Process of care involved "digging and dunging" = promise?? Where are we being prepared for growth by the Caregiver? Preparation ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/11/08/lessons-from-the-orchard/ 12:13 Then someone from the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 12:14 But Jesus said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator between you two?" 12:15 Then he said to them, "Watch out and guard yourself from all types ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/11/01/lessons-from-the-barn/ 16:19 "There was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 16:20 But at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus whose body was covered with sores, 16:21 who longed to eat what fell from the rich man's table. In addition, ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/10/25/the-invisible-man/ 14:12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, don’t invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors so you can be invited by them in return and get repaid. 14:13 But when you host an ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/10/20/the-double-edged-invitation/ 16:1 Jesus also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who was informed of accusations that his manager was wasting his assets. 16:2 So he called the manager in and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in the account of your administration, because ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/10/11/the-rascal-manager/ Key Point: A lifestyle of persistent prayer leads to a deeper perception of what God is doing in us, and in the world Ever had to deal with an uncontrollable situation? Never give up – the rest of the story! Persistence is a weapon! The nature of God \= unjust judge; Watch & pray = ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/10/06/a-widows-imagination/ 18:9 Jesus also told this parable to some who were confident that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else. 18:10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself like this: ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/09/27/sinners-in-the-church/ Fixed - 09/22/2009 http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/09/21/land-of-the-lost/ Overall Purpose: Get to know Jesus better/deeper; see ourselves in the Gospel story & learn how to be more devoted; equip RCC Christians to understand and apply Jesus’ particular teachings about the nature and impact of the “New Order” as we seek to be transformative followers of “The Way;” i.e. ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/09/13/the-8-of-10-reluctant-servants/ Key Point: In Christ, human barriers are broken and a new, and “useful “community of “the forgiven” emerges Onesimus = useless, runaway slave; Ever felt like you’d like to runaway from your job? Ever felt useless in your role? Ever had to “face the music” to be accountable ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/09/06/philemon-from-slave-to-brother/ Verses: Nehemiah 3 Key Point: As we cooperate in building the "Kingdom" we'll experience fulfillment and joy despite difficulties Context: finishing the job against overwhelming odds Easy to criticize – harder to take on difficulties Key = Common vision = see a need; design a solution; join together Cooperation requires connections; self interest + collective ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/08/30/a-story-of-beating-the-odds/ Key Point: Selfishness and sinfulness bring great suffering; but God is gracious and gives us hope despite loss and loneliness Lament for Jerusalem Imagine the total destruction of the symbols of our way of life 9th of Av = anniversary of destruction of Temples Loss – history, presence ("Shekinah"), future ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/08/23/a-christian-approach-to-grief-part-2/ Introduction: What causes people to celebrate? Key Point: As God's people, we are to be thankful and resourceful, consistently putting our faith and beliefs into action. The Lord is an _____________________ God. (vs. 1-13) He is ____________________ (3) He is ____________________ (4-5) He is ____________________ (7,9) He is ____________________ (8) He is ____________________ (11-12) Take Away: Give ____________________ ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/08/19/celebrating-gods-goodness/ Psalm 96 Introduction:    “Seeing God at Work” Then (1862) . . .  Today (2009) . . . 1. Make Known the Truth of God’s Revelation (vs. 1-6) The Mission:   “Share the message . . .” Praise His Name (2) Proclaim His Salvation (2) Declare His Glory (3) The Reason:   “For the Lord . . ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/08/10/declaring-god%e2%80%99s-glory/ Isaiah 6:1-7 Main Point: We need to look to Scripture in order to have a more full and clear view of who Jesus really is. What do our experiences and what does culture say about Jesus? 1.   Jesus is often viewed simply as a Failure. 2.   Jesus is often viewed simply as a Foe. 3.   ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/08/03/a-cracked-view-of-jesus/ Key Point: We must be prepared to defend and contend for God's truth against wrong behavior (apostasy) Passing on a vision "Warning Words" v. 3 "Contend for the faith" Apostasy = wrong behavior (based on heresy = wrong beliefs) immoral actions justified by extravagant claims of greedy gain "cheap grace" covers sinful lifestyles "Whatever Became Of Sin?" v.23 ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/07/28/jude-%e2%80%93-benedictions-for-a-mission/ Key Point: We can live with the assurance of Divine protection because no one is exempt from God's justice – or mercy – no matter how proud, strong or cruel Obadiah = "God's servant" Fulfillment of prophecy re: Esau Jacob's twin bro (Gen 25:21) Edom = "red land" with people descended from Esau Proud ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/07/21/obadiah-%e2%80%93-pride-goes-before-the-fall/ 1:3 I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. 1:4 Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/07/13/warning-signs-of-heresy/ "Don't imagine that because you are part of the king's household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father's household perish. It may very well be ... http://rochcov.podbean.com/2009/07/06/esther-christians-role-in-government/