“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.

Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.net/shared/qtukz86hknduiunni4rp

“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.

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

"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.

Click the following:

http://cms.screamingbob.com/PWDA/files/150/Kevin%20Murphy_Rejoice%20in%20the%20Lord%20Always.mp3?wosid=v8mFEhCrVKX0EJjb1F2r70

“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. 

Click the following: 

http://cms.screamingbob.com/PWDA/files/150/Kevin%20Murphy_Producing%20Fruit.mp3?wosid=qpyEOIQ7UkfdXgFh5loQfM