Rev. Kevin Murphy
DECEMBER 25, 2011
Scripture Preparation: Isaiah 52: 7-10 and John 1: 1-14
Listen to this interesting sermon with a simple but profound Christmas Message.
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Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
"Shout the Good News"
by Lloyd Larson
Narrators - Susan Stoepel and Kevin Carlson
Sign Language Interpretation - Brian Provenzano
Shout the Good News ~ Praise in Motion
Unto Us a Child Shall Come ~ Celebration Singers
My Soul glorifies the Lord ~ Celebration Singers
Prepare the Way ~ Celebration Singers
My Soul Glorifies the Lord ~ Celebration Singers
Sing Gloria! ~ Celebration Singers
The Infant King ~ Celebration Singers
O Come, Little Children ~ The King's Ringers
Child of Promise/Shout the Good News ~ Spirit of Grace & Praise in Motion
Sunday, December 11, 2011
“Pointing to Jesus”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
Preparation Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126
John 1:6-8, 19-28
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said,
“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’”
as the prophet Isaiah said.
24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27 the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” 28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
This Sunday’s sermon continues our journey to Bethlehem by listening closely to John the Baptizer and his message about the coming Messiah. Entitled “Pointing to Jesus” will help you ponder how to do just that.
Click the following:
https://soundimages.box.com/s/usvce7nejsg18b1b1fr7
Monday, December 5, 2011
“The Beginning of the Good News”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
DECEMBER 4, 2011
Preparation Scripture:
Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Mark 1:1-8
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Beginnings are exciting. Whenever we start down a new path, we are never sure where it will take us. This is especially true for our youth whom are just beginning to determine their path as we anticipate the exciting possibilities.
And so it was with Jesus as he evolved from a small child working with his father, a carpenter, to a great master and source of knowledge as our Lord and Savior. Kevin helps us rekindle the excitement of the Good News in this dramatic sermon.
Click the following:
https://soundimages.box.com/s/se11emnyo8byo37vv2uk
Sunday, November 27, 2011
"Faithful People Keep Awake"
Rev. Kevin Murphy
Preparation Scripture: Isaiah 64: 1 - 9, Psalm 80: 1-7, 14-19
Mark 13: 24
24 “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
As we begin Advent Season leading up to Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ, we anticipate the excitement of this special occasion. Kevin helps us recall this same excitement we have all experienced at the arrival of Christmas morning. At such times, we have no problem keeping awake. In fact the excitement sometimes keeps us from sleeping at all.
As we become excited about preparing for and enjoying the Celebration of the birth of Christ, shouldn’t we also become even more excited about anticipating and preparing for the return of Christ?
We know when Christmas will arrive, but we know not when Christ will return. Listen as Kevin brings this message to become a part of your life.
“And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
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Monday, November 21, 2011
“Doing it to the Least”
Rev: Kevin Murphy
NOVEMBER 20,2011
Preparation Scripture:
Psalm 95 1-7a
1 O come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the LORD is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
6 O come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Matthew 25:31-46
31“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ 41Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ 45Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Kevin tells us that, although this is a very powerful statement, it is not a summary of God’s instructions for our salvation. We are taught that our salvation is not earned by our actions, but simply by God’s grace. Throughout Biblical history we see examples of individuals and societies that have turned against God’s love, but then returned to an ever accepting and forgiving God. Listen as this sermon reveals a deeper understanding of these words of Jesus near his final days with his disciples.
Click the following:
https://soundimages.box.com/s/bjycqzod6bv5atpiy8cj
Monday, November 14, 2011
Digging a Hole
Rev. Kevin Murphy
NOVEMBER 13, 2011
Preparation Scripture:
Psalm 123
1 To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 As the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
until he has mercy upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than its fill
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
Matthew 25:14-30
14“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
This sermon, based upon this parable, reminds us that our wealth as well as our talents are gifts from God. We can choose to hoard and express pride in our possessions... or we can multiply and use them for the good of mankind and the glory of God.
It is natural for children to cling to possessions as being MINE! After a time and encouragement, they learn the value of sharing. As we grow and mature, we continue to secure and maintain our hard earned achievements, but we also continue to learn that sharing God’s blessings benefit all including ourselves.
The Church is a community for achieving an ideal state where we learn to understands and please God. Should we isolate and protect this community from all “outside the wall” who do not enjoy our blessings?
To do this might become comfortable, but would fail to spread the word and grow God’s Kingdom.
We should instead, make every attempt to share our time and talents to help others discover God’s blessings also available to them. We can do this by our generosity with what we can afford to share. We can also do this by contributing our cheerful attitude and honorable treatment of others.
If we achieve God’s plan, perhaps one day we will need no walls as we enjoy a peaceful coexistence.
CLICK THE FOLLOWING:
https://soundimages.box.net/s/k05bvvui82uzzaky9olp
Monday, November 7, 2011
“Essential Oil”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
NOVEMBER 6, 2011
Preparation Scripture:
Psalm 70
1 Be pleased, O God, to deliver me.
2 Let those be put to shame and confusion
who seek my life.
Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who desire to hurt me.
3 Let those who say, “Aha, Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.
4 Let all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you.
Let those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!”
5 But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay!
Matthew 25:1-13
1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
In this sermon, Kevin explains the symbolism of this parable. We are the bridesmaids, Jesus is the bridegroom whom we are awaiting to return and claim the righteous. We know not the day or hour, but should continue to be prepared by doing God’s will. (Essential Oil). Otherwise, it may be too late to make preparation and we will be denied.
He then explores the meaning of this parable, explaining that this waiting time, waiting for Christ to return is preparation time. Preparation by the way we live our lives serving God. Not out of fear that we will fail to qualify for a blessed eternity, but out of love for God and the blessings we experience by becoming a part of his positive influence on all mankind. These preparation oils of faith will help us as we live our lives experiencing occasional difficult times of despair, grief, or fear. Kevin then reminds us that our lives can become a light to the world... a beacon of hope.
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
“Reform”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
It was Monday morning of Holy Week when Jesus had just confronted those in the Temple... declaring many of them hypocrites.
We are all hypocrites and as such... Jesus was also pointing out our shortcomings. Hypocrisy exists in our hearts whenever we lack confidence in God’s approval of who we are or what we are doing. We need only be reformed by God’s grace. We often choose instead to seek human praise or approval, but the mask we put on and piety that we present to the world does not fool God.
Kevin then discusses special talents and inequalities within the human condition. He points out that the use of these talents in the work of the Lord is no more a source of pride and arrogance than the piety of those who feel they need not contribute.
Augustine says that pride is the perverted imitation of God. Listen as Kevin prays that God will forgive us our arrogance.
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Monday, October 24, 2011
“It Takes Two”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
OCTOBER 23, 2012
Preparation Scripture: Psalm 90: 1-6: 13-17, Matthew 22: 34-46
The greatest commandment is
to love God and then your neighbor.
to love God and then your neighbor.
This seems simple enough although sometimes complex when applied in real life. But to express our love of God is to love our neighbor as ourself.
Kevin, who just spent the past week on a mission to restore damaged homes in Nashville, expresses the joy he feels from this outpouring of love and assistance from him and other members of the crew. He then reminds us that we all have opportunities to express our love of neighbor in so many ways, each day of our lives.
And so, the meaning of “It Takes Two”. You can’t really love God without also loving your neighbor. Reaching out and loving your neighbor will energize your love for God.
Click the following:
http://cms.screamingbob.com/PWDA/files/150/Kevin%20Murphy_It%20Takes%20Two.mp3?wosid=bXZbOLGJqbVb6D9M27xg7w
Sunday, October 9, 2011
"Rejoice in the Lord Always"
Rev. Kevin Murphy
Preparation Scripture: Isaiah 25: 1-9, Philippians 4: 1-9
This is the LORD for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25: 9
... the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 9
Many of us whom have served in the military, in a choir, or participated on a sports team, know the bonding experienced with any group effort to develop excellence for success. This synergistic energy can only be expressed as a kind of joy which is often shared for a lifetime. This is the same kind of energy we learn to love within a Church as we bond and work together to understand and serve the Lord.
Listen to this sermon as Kevin explores this meaning of “rejoice” and explains why it must be shared always.
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Sunday, October 2, 2011
“Producing Fruits”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
Preparation Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:7-15, Matthew 21:33-46
This sermon deals with how Israel is compared to a vineyard that God has done everything for... and yet has rejected God. How are we like that vineyard?
‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone...’ from Matthew 21:42
‘Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.’ Matthew 21:43
Listen as Kevin opens this sermon with his own experience in the hardships of building a successful vineyard.
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Sunday, September 25, 2011
Arguing with Jesus
Rev. Kevin Murphy
Kevin observes in this sermon that the central theme for any message that Jesus gave was:
What is God’s Will?
Where is God’s Kingdom here?
What is wrong with this picture?
What will make it right?
As we seek to be imitators of Christ we need to adopt this same singular view. Kevin then points out that those who argue with Jesus, probably have different objectives. Listen as Kevin explains how this central theme applies to our own service to the Church and our Community as we seek to become imitators of Christ in building and perpetuating his Kingdom.
Click the following:
http://cms.screamingbob.com/PWDA/files/150/Kevin%20Murphy_Arguing%20with%20Jesus.mp3?wosid=whOPGZzTqDQm30ErPdTzbM
Monday, September 19, 2011
“God’s Justice”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
Preparation Scripture: Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Matthew 20:1-16
When God commanded Jonah to go preach to Nineveh (500 miles NE of Israel), he headed to Tarshish, which was as far in the other direction as he could go.
There are many examples, in the scripture, of God appointing leaders who either did not feel adequate for the challenge, or did not understand the purpose of God’s command.
Jonah could not understand why Nineveh deserved God’s warnings rather than his wrath. But Jonah delivered God’s message which successfully encouraged Nineveh to repent. Jonah then became angry that Nineveh was so easily forgiven.
Have we ever asked why God seems to distribute his blessings unfairly? Listen as Kevin helps us to understand God’s Justice.
Click the following:
http://cms.screamingbob.com/PWDA/files/150/Kevin%20Murphy_God%27s%20Justice.mp3?wosid=HtKnPCU6tIT8c7yg1tZC6g
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
“Remember”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
SEPTEMBER 11, 2011
Preparation Scripture:
Exodus 13: 3-10, 1st Corinthians 11: 23-26, Luke 22: 14-20
Today is the 10th Anniversary of the terrible tragedy of an attack on our Nation by terrorists at the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. At times like these we seem to remember in vivid detail the moment we heard the news.
This sermon compares such moments, that many of us have experienced, to similar events throughout Biblical history. Those moment were also vividly remembered and continue to be recalled and celebrated even to this day. Kevin explains the Seder Passover as well as the Communion tradition. Remembering and understanding these events continues to play an important role in our Religious culture.
Click the following:
https://soundimages.box.net/shared/azd56ies34e4ppkdrtti
Monday, September 5, 2011
“Teach Me the Way of Truth”
Rev. Kevin Murphy
SEPTEMBER 4, 2011
Preparation Scripture:
Psalter 119: 33-40, Romans 13: 8-14, & Matthew 18: 15-20
Psalter 119: 33-40, Romans 13: 8-14, & Matthew 18: 15-20
Learning the ways of truth is not a simple matter of memorizing the ten commandments. It is a lifelong journey of learning to understand and make these truths part of our mind and heart.
In this sermon, Kevin reminds us that the greatest truth is “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”. A person is not inclined to offend themselves with bad treatment or behavior. When you have been offended by someone straying from this truth, you need to address this person privately, one on one, trying to resolve the issue. If this person does not respond, then try again bringing to the meeting two witnesses to help mediate the offensive issue. If this also fails to resolve the issue, then bring the matter before the Church.
As our Church grows in understanding of these truths, we not only learn to become properly REACTIVE to offensive issues, but PROACTIVE as well. We become more aware of offensive issues in our community and get involved in making improvements. Our Church can and is making a difference, with Mission works, Friday Suppers, Kings Closet, and many other activities. Plans are being formed to direct further goals while applying our preferences for personal involvement.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Kevin is setting an example by leading an adult mission trip to Nashville, TN on October 16th. There are 6 available slots available for volunteers, but there will be many ways that you can become part of our lifelong journey. Listen to Kevin’s encouraging words.
CLICK THE FOLLOWING:
http://cms.screamingbob.com/PWDA/files/150/Kevin%20Murphy_Teach%20Me%20the%20Way%20of%20Truth.mp3?wosid=yYL041vuIvnRsQfptZt0EM
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