Thanks for joining us again this week. I usually say when we are in a sermon series that we are “on a journey.” Well this time it is overly intentional. The series is the Journey of Grace. We are discovering how discipleship isn’t a math problem to be solved, but rather a trail to be … Continue reading Sneaky Grace
The Journey of Grace – The Compelling Invitation
I'm going to start this new sermon series by addressing some criticism. It’s not personal to me or to our church, but rather criticism some folks have about the Christian Faith and Christian churches. The top criticism not believers and non-church goers have about church is that it’s filled with hypocrites. We hear this frequently, … Continue reading The Journey of Grace – The Compelling Invitation
Help Wanted. (Devil Need Not Apply)
Making the enemy feel unwelcomed. Two weeks ago, prior to sunday school I was here in the sanctuary praying. I didn’t know why, but an idea came into my mind. You see I was trying to think about rebuking the devil. You know how we sometimes will pray “Holy spirit you are welcome in this … Continue reading Help Wanted. (Devil Need Not Apply)
UnComfortable: Getting What We Don’t Deserve
It is the most bizarre thing I’ve heard in the bible. And that’s saying something since there was a talking donkey in the bible!
UnComfortable: The Sins of the Father
A Series on topics we'd rather not talk about. I’ve titled today’s message “The Sins of the Father.” Today we will look at several verses in the Bible that address this concept. Here’s something uncomfortable to start with: a cursory reading of them might lead you to believe they contradict one another. Where one insinuates … Continue reading UnComfortable: The Sins of the Father
UnComfortable: Armed or Armless
I want to paint an uncomfortable picture for you. Are you ready? You’re sitting in church service, music just ended and the minister is about to begin the message. You hear gunfire going off near the entrance of the building. You wonder if it was gun fire or a car backfiring. Soon you hear a … Continue reading UnComfortable: Armed or Armless
31 days of blogging
Blog post By Pastor Matt Have you ever tried blogging once a day for a month? I did it last year around this time and this summer I planned out to do it in the month of July. 31 days works really well with brief commentary/devotional based on Proverbs. With a busy life: full time … Continue reading 31 days of blogging
UnComfortable: “That is what some of you were”
A series discussing topics that we'd rather not. Uncomfortable topics. Out of all of them, today is one I am probably least comfortable with. Perhaps you are in the same boat. You know about this topic, you have beliefs about this topic, and perhaps you wouldn’t mind discussing it…but not in a church setting. That … Continue reading UnComfortable: “That is what some of you were”
UnComfortable: Port Authority
I’m going to decide that the length of my shoe = 1 Foot, because ya know it’s 1 foot. One of my feet at least. This is not a standard that everyone can measure by. Some people have smaller feet and others, longer feet. If we determined the length of our church sanctuary using that form of measurement, using our own feet as the measurement for “1 foot,” we’d all come up with something different. This is an illustration of our world today. For many people, Truth is not absolute. There is no standard. No consistent measurement. And this is the problem. It was Pilate’s problem.
Proverbs 28 – Cloudy with a chance…
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”Proverbs 28:19 NIV Have you ever seen the movie, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs?" It's about a young inventor who tries to use science to make it rain food. It sounds silly and of course … Continue reading Proverbs 28 – Cloudy with a chance…
Proverbs 29 – Justice For All?
“By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”Proverbs 29:4 NIV For me this seems like a verse that can easily translate into our life. A Leader (king) who actually enforces the laws, supporting justice: all of that gives the area over which they lead - … Continue reading Proverbs 29 – Justice For All?
UnComfortable: Discipleship
discussing the topics we'd rather not...
Proverbs 26 – Smooth Lips Make Bad Pottery
“Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.”Proverbs 26:23 NIV There is an ancient Japanese art of repairing old pottery by infusing it with liquid gold. It’s called kintsugi. What is described here in proverbs 26:23 sounds like the opposite. Instead of the pure metal being added to … Continue reading Proverbs 26 – Smooth Lips Make Bad Pottery
Proverbs 24 – Tough Times Ahead
“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!”Proverbs 24:10 NIV Why do we learn to do the right thing consistently? Why is it important even when no one is watching? To train us for when everyone is watching. And it is in the mode moments when true character is shown. … Continue reading Proverbs 24 – Tough Times Ahead
Proverbs 23 – Needless Bruises
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the … Continue reading Proverbs 23 – Needless Bruises
Proverbs 22 – Out of Bounds
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.”Proverbs 22:28 NIV I don’t watch a lot of sports. I play even less sports than I watch. However I understand the basic premise of “out of bounds” areas. Most every game has them. They have a field of play where the game is … Continue reading Proverbs 22 – Out of Bounds
Proverbs 21 – God Wins
“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”Proverbs 21:30-31 NIV This passage speaks to the amount of planning and preparation we can do for any given task. I’m not sure what you make … Continue reading Proverbs 21 – God Wins
Proverbs 19 – Hearsay
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”Proverbs 19:9 NIV Did you know that perjury is illegal? Our system of laws in the US reflects this scripture but perhaps not the way that justice is carried out. I did a search on this topic, so I saved you some … Continue reading Proverbs 19 – Hearsay
Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”Proverbs 20:15 NIV Do you own any precious gems or metals? No this isn’t a commercial for some financial assurance program. I just want to reflect on the rarity of this items. Some folks have several shiny and rare items … Continue reading Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”Proverbs 20:15 NIV Do you own any precious gems or metals? No this isn’t a commercial for some financial assurance program. I just want to reflect on the rarity of this items. Some folks have several shiny and rare items … Continue reading Proverbs 20 – Rare Ores
Proverbs 18 – I Know Just How you feel…
“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”Proverbs 18:13 NIV Have you ever started sharing something personal to some one, they jump in with some sort of quip that appears to be empathetic in nature? “I know just how you feel!” And then they go one about their experiences and such. Did you find … Continue reading Proverbs 18 – I Know Just How you feel…
Breakfast
This message originally presented on July 17, 2022 at ViroquaNaz. To listen to the recording CLICK HERE or scroll to the bottom for the Spotify Player. It's usually the first meal of the day. In the 80’s there was a movie about high schoolers in an in-school suspension who kind of form a Club associated … Continue reading Breakfast
Proverbs 15 – He Sees You When You’re Sleeping…
The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.Proverbs 15:3 Did you ever wonder why people believe St. Nicolas could "see you when you're sleeping," and "knows when you're awake?" It is really the next line that takes the cake: "he knows if you've been bad or good." This is a god-like … Continue reading Proverbs 15 – He Sees You When You’re Sleeping…
Proverbs 14 – Different kind of work
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”Proverbs 14:23 NIV I work two jobs. One, I am a Pastor. I write sermons every week, plan Sunday worship service, connect with my church folks. The other, I work in a grocery store. I’ve had several roles in the store: barista, grocery … Continue reading Proverbs 14 – Different kind of work
Encourage-able or Incorrigible?
Colossians 1:1-14 Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com I was getting ready for this message, I looked at my planning document. It holds sermon series and message ideas, scriptures, themes. I presently have a few that I’m working on, but I’m not quite there yet with my next couple series. One big reason is that the … Continue reading Encourage-able or Incorrigible?
Proverbs 8 – Wisdom and wealth
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.Proverbs 8:10-11 NIV "I wish I had a million dollars!" Have you ever said this phrase before? Heard someone else say it? The pessimist in me thinks, "but after you get that money, taxes … Continue reading Proverbs 8 – Wisdom and wealth
Proverbs 6 – No-Sign On a Loan
“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point … Continue reading Proverbs 6 – No-Sign On a Loan
The Problem with Beacons
Genesis 11:1-11 (This message originally presented and recorded on Sunday, July 3rd 2022.) Independence day weekend! Traditionally, we’d hear a message on the topic of freedom, independence, or justice. We might recount the wars and the biblical tie-ins to their call to arms. We could talk about the Constitution and the bill of rights. Identifying … Continue reading The Problem with Beacons
Proverbs 1 – Peer Pressure
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of … Continue reading Proverbs 1 – Peer Pressure
Humble Pie
A biblical undressing of pride As we say hello this next week to the month of July (can you believe it? Half way through 2022 already!) We have to say “goodbye” to the month of June. Unless you live under a rock, don’t read the newspaper, don’t watch TV or go online, you’ll probably know … Continue reading Humble Pie
Names and Expectations
Father's Day message 2022 Intro Happy Father’s Day. A day on the calendar devoted to celebrating dad. Many dads find themselves receiving thoughtful gifts, finger painted master pieces, and neck ties that they might actually wear some day. People might go on a picnic, grilling out or just taking it easy. A day to reflect … Continue reading Names and Expectations
Revelation Prayers
[To listen to the audio recording of this message, CLICK HERE or scroll to the bottom of the post and us the Spotify Player.] Today we are going to wrap up a series we started a few weeks ago. We were focusing on 3 areas of prayer: The Lord’s Protection, Direction and Revelation for your … Continue reading Revelation Prayers
Direction Prayers
[To listen to the audio record of this message, CLICK HERE or use the Spotify player at the bottom of the post.] Last week we looked at Prayers for Protection. Safeguarding against health problems, daily complications, major disasters - natural and manmade. We can pray for protection from all kinds of things, but it’s just … Continue reading Direction Prayers
Protection Prayers
[To listen to the audio recording of this message, CLICK HERE or scroll to the bottom of the post and use the Spotify Player.] Right now, the Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada Region is unifying in prayer and turning our attention to hearing from God in three specific areas. Those areas are “What is God’s … Continue reading Protection Prayers
Clickbait
The message is about clickbait. It is not clickbait...or is it? 27 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 28 As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and … Continue reading Clickbait
Mother’s Day Take-Aways
A Mother's day message - May 8, 2022 [Listen online to recording HERE or Spotify player at end of post.] Today is the national holiday of Mother's day. Mothers are an amazing gift from God. The first mother, Eve set the stage for the natural activities of mothers. It is unfortunate that it typically takes … Continue reading Mother’s Day Take-Aways
Sowing Doubt for Fun and Profit
Sowing doubt is a classic thing to get a person to reconsider what they believe or trust in. We will look at two stories of temptation or “testing” in the bible and address the fake news used to sow doubt. We will also discuss how we might be able to respond when someone tries sowing doubt in our heart. And the trouble is that the enemy will unusually use just enough truth in the lie to make it believable.
Dis/Misinformation – Disciples Steal Body
"....And also, in the pages of the bible…you will find…deception, lies, and doubt. ... will we conclude that the bible is fake news just because there is “fake news” in it?"
Risen from the Dead
An Easter Sunday Message - To listen to the audio recording, CLICK HERE or scroll to the bottom. Today is the Sunday we Historically set aside to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The Son of God. The Messiah. If you were expecting colorful plastic eggs and fluffy bunnies, that’s just misinformation. Just as … Continue reading Risen from the Dead
“Who is Jesus? Well, I’m not a Theologian…”
A Palm Sunday Message Today is the day in Christianity where we celebrate when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, people laid down their coats and palm branches, and shouts of praise echoed in the streets of the city where the Temple of God resided. In Christian tradition, the observance of this celebration, a … Continue reading “Who is Jesus? Well, I’m not a Theologian…”
The Voice of God
Over the last several weeks we looked at the world through the lens of the Church of the Nazarene and how God has used believers all over the world to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and the reality of Holiness. He’s inhabited the prayers of his people. Prayer is a conversation. Whether written prayers: … Continue reading The Voice of God
Doing What We’re Not Used To
This is the final message from the "PRAY" series about the Church of the Nazarene's missional impact and the various prayers and praises from these world regions. This message is about USA/Canada Region and the Mesoamerica Region and how, much like the story of Naaman in 1 Kings, these two regions did things they were … Continue reading Doing What We’re Not Used To
PRAY – What God Can Do With a Boat
Water. It’s powerful. It’s dangerous. It’s lifegiving. As we talked a few weeks ago, many missionary works in the world begin by meeting the basic need for clean drinking water for the people group being reached. Water can refresh you if you drink it, shock you awake if you are slashed with it. Kill you … Continue reading PRAY – What God Can Do With a Boat
Lent – What God Can Do with Open Hands
This message was part of the Mid-week community Lenten series "Open My Life Lord" hosted by the Vernon Community Ministerial Association. I’m Pastor Matt Angell from the Church of the Nazarene. I’ve titled the following message, “What God Can Do with Open Hands.” Over the next few moments together, we are going to look at … Continue reading Lent – What God Can Do with Open Hands
PRAY – Growth
[If you'd like to listen to the audio recoding of this message, please CLICK HERE or scroll to the bottom of the post to the Spotify Player.] Without even knowing it, this world region has been on your mind, possibly in your conversations, hopefully in your prayers. It is the World Region called Eurasia. It … Continue reading PRAY – Growth
PRAY – Compassion
Part 3 of our PRAY series all about the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene around the world. Today we look at the world area of Asia-Pacific. Before we get into the details of the region, what life is like for people who live there and what their needs are, I think we need … Continue reading PRAY – Compassion
PRAY – Peace
This is part two of the "Pray" series inspired by the Global Week of Prayer, prayer guide published by the Church of the Nazarene. You can get a copy of it HERE in your own language and join us in praying this week for the world! Global Week of Prayer is February 27 - March … Continue reading PRAY – Peace
PRAY – Wisdom and Guidance
Today we are going to begin a journey. One that will lead us right up to Palm Sunday. Our emphasis for this journey is PRAYER. Since you are reading this, It's probably safe to assume that I would be “preaching to the choir” to make every one of these messages into a “You need to … Continue reading PRAY – Wisdom and Guidance
A Prophet’s Purpose
We’re going to be in a few different passages today, you can find their references in your bulletin, but our main passage and the starting point comes from Ezekiel 33:30-33. As I was preparing for this series, I did decide to conclude it here in chapter 33, though there are 48 chapters. I want to … Continue reading A Prophet’s Purpose
Good Grief
"God gives [Ezekiel] probably the hardest message he will ever have to speak to, wrapped in probably the most challenging of circumstances he will ever find himself in. The loss of a loved one."
Same thing
“It must meant something…” The same thing is has always meant since the first one appeared. Genesis 9:12-16
Proverbs 31 – Portfolio
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”Proverbs 31:20 NIV Noble character. What qualifications would you have for someone to have Noble Character? Among many action based verses in Proverbs 31, verse 20 sticks out. In the midst of her success as a business woman, a provider for her … Continue reading Proverbs 31 – Portfolio
Viroqua Naz 