Sermon_Sources

Where’s Johnny’s Cap?
Read: Psalm 42 A story is told about a family that went on a picnic by a lake. At one point, their 5-year-old son waded into the lake, stepped into deep water, and sank out of sight. None of the adults in the family knew how to swim, so they ran up and down the shore in panic while the child bobbed up and down and screamed for help. Just then, a man happened by who sized up the situation, leaped into the lake, and rescued the boy. He climbed out on the bank with the child, who was frightened but unharmed, only to hear the mother ask with irritation, “Where’s Johnny’s cap?” So often we focus on small disappointments that cause us to grumble and complain rather than focusing on the wonderful things God has brought into our lives, not the least of which is His everlasting love and eternal salvation. When we complain about the small dissatisfactions of life, we’re asking, in effect, “Where’s Johnny’s cap?” Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks” (1 Thess. 5:18). We may not be thankful for everything that comes our way, but we can give thanks in everything. It may be difficult to be grateful when we lose our job or our health fails, but we can be thankful for the good that God has brought to us in this life and grateful for the life to come.

As endless as God’s blessings are, So should my praises be For all His daily goodnesses That flow unceasingly! —Adams Instead of being preoccupied with our problems, let’s praise the Lord for His blessings.


 * December 14, 2010 — //by David H. Roper//**

Truly Amazing
Read: Romans 5:6-11 I read these words on a young woman’s personal Web site: “I just want to be loved—and he has to be amazing!” Isn’t that what we all want—to be loved, to feel cared for by someone? And so much the better if he or she is amazing! The one who fits that description most fully is Jesus Christ. In a display of unprecedented love, He left His Father in heaven and came to earth as the baby we celebrate at Christmas (Luke 2). Then, after living a perfect life, He gave His life as an offering to God on the cross in our behalf (John 19:17-30). He took our place because we needed to be rescued from our sin and its death penalty. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Then 3 days later, the Father raised Jesus to life again (Matt. 28:1-8). When we repent and receive Jesus’ gift of amazing love, He becomes our Savior (John 1:12; Rom. 5:9), Lord (John 13:14), Teacher (Matt. 23:8), and Friend (John 15:14). “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Looking for someone to love you? Jesus loves us so much more than anyone else possibly could. And He is truly amazing!

Amazing thought! that God in flesh Would take my place and bear my sin; That I, a guilty, death-doomed soul, Eternal life might win! —Anon. The wonder of it all—just to think that Jesus loves me.


 * January 7, 2011 — //by Anne Cetas//**