Sermon Meditation
Week of 5/21/2017
May 21, 2017 • Pastor Luke Dailey
Church Family, "Give us today our daily bread." - Matthew 6:11 (H.C.S.B.) I'm fairly new at this wild journey of a ride that we call "parenting." I have an adorable 20 month old daughter, and an 8 week old Gerber Baby model daughter (she's not really a model, calm down). So as far as time and seasons of life in parenting, my experience is lacking. However, I can tell you that I'm looking forward to ALL of the seasons with my kids. Every stage of their development is my favorite. Parents are "strongly encouraged" (or pushed) to parent well. And everyone has an opinion on how to parent well! So there's a lot of information and suggestions being thrown my way as a fairly new dad. One of the strongest suggestions that I hear, and that you have probably been told as well, is that we, as parents, must teach our children to be independent. In our culture, we truly believe that individualism is the key to success. The more independent you are, the better off you are! But when we open God's Word and seek His truth, I find the opposite to be true - we are meant to be DEPENDENT. We are, first of all, supposed to be dependent upon God as the source of all things, and we are meant to be dependent upon the Church, and we are meant to be dependent upon family. When we open the Bible we are forced to see that our culture's view of independence is a shipwrecked idea. This Sunday we will examine the Bible, be convicted, be encouraged, and be built up as we understand the reasons behind our dependence upon our God! See you there, Luke Dailey
Week of 5/14/2017
May 14, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation Learning to Pray with Power, Part 4 “Heaven on Earth!” Matthew 6:10 & I Peter 3:10-12 Many of us grew up attending religious communities that practiced rote and ritual recitation of the Lord’s prayer, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” We spoke the words out loud in unison without ever considering the Spirit-inspired power of each and every phrase. Even more concerning, we were never encouraged to consider the application of these words to daily living. Jesus’ model prayer was never intended for rote or ritual recitation, but is to serve as our guideline for daily times of intimate prayer with Jesus. This Sunday, we will drink in the beautiful and powerful next seven words; “on earth as it is in Heaven.” This phrase is as much a prerequisite to prayer as it is a request. What would life be like if our lives were in harmony with the perfect will of God? If the will of God was perfectly established “on earth as it is in Heaven?” We know His will is “good, pleasing, and perfect,” but have we often prayed that our lives and the lives of our loved ones would be brought into full submission to the beautiful will of God? When we answer this prayer with lives of obedience to God, we receive this powerful promise from the book of I Peter, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.” I Peter 3:10-12 Join us this Sunday as the Scriptures instruct us on the promise of having the Lord’s eyes watch over us, and having assurance that our prayers are being heard by Almighty God. Hope to see you this Sunday! Pastor Steve
Week of 5/07/2017
May 7, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, May 7th “All the Best!” Matthew 6:10; II Corinthians 10:3-5 I think we’ve all experienced the pain and sadness of watching a son or daughter, husband, wife or close friend stray from the Lord. Often, we’ve tried everything in hopes of bringing them home again - begging, pleading, and rebuking in tears. All our words and efforts only seem to drive these prodigals farther from God. And we watch helplessly as they march down the broad path leading to sure destruction. (Matthew 7:13, 14) The truth of our loved one’s situation is not easily observed with the eyes of the flesh. In Scripture, however, we learn the actual condition of our prodigals. They are in bondage, trapped in a high-walled fortress built of lies. No light can penetrate their chaotic and self-destructive minds. Before our prodigals are set free to experience the love of God, these fortress walls must be demolished. This Sunday morning, we will learn God’s instructions for seeing our prodigals set free. The apostle Paul gives us a clear understanding of the nature of the battle and the powerful weapons at our disposal. In this season of life in America, more and more people are walking away from God and from His church. Rather than grieving and wringing our hands with worry, it’s time to take action. Not with the weapons of this fleshly world, but with the powerful weapons at our disposal in Christ. This day we fight! Come and learn how to fight for your marriage, family and church. Blessings, Pastor Steve
Week of 4/30/2017
April 30, 2017 • Pastor Luke Dailey
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, April 30th Hello Church Family, Matthew 6:10 - "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." I remember specific situations in which I was taught new ideas and perspectives growing up. I have memories of learning from my parents lessons that have formed and shaped me as a person. Again, in college, I remember the wrestling in my head and heart from all of the new information that I was being taught. We all have those learning moments in our lives where we are stretched and changed from the lessons we have been taught. I know as believers in Jesus we are always being stretched and changed by His Word. When we come to the Bible we are not coming to just a book. The words that are found on the pages in our Bibles aren't just words on pages. What we find when we open the Bible is the Word actively and powerfully speaking to us. The Bible is alive. Because of this, we are continually pushed and stretched in our understanding of who our God is and our role as His kids. When we pray that God's kingdom would come to earth, what are we praying? What does it mean to have a heavenly kingdom come to earth? What is God's will in heaven? These are essential questions that are imperative for us to answer. I can say this - when God's kingdom comes, we get to see Jesus! That's a beautiful prayer: "Father, I pray that Your kingdom would come because I want You to be here. Oh God, please visit us. Let Your rule in reign permeate this place because it is You who we want. Jesus, come quickly!" When we pray for the kingdom, we are really praying that the King would come. See you on Sunday! Luke
Week of 4/23/2017
April 23, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, April 23rd Learning to Pray with Power! Part 1: May Your Name be Kept Holy! Matthew 6:9 & Joshua 7 Our secrets make us sick. Those things we hide due to guilt or shame fester in our souls and cause heart-rot. They can also cause us to lose sleep, have skin break-outs, or lead to stomach ulcers, among other self-inflicted maladies. But, at times, we’ve all convinced ourselves that if we keep our sin secret, no one else will be affected. The narrative in Joshua 7 tells a different story. The secret sin of a man named Achan caused the defeat in battle for the armies of Israel and led to his own death and the destruction of his family. We never sin in isolation. All sin is against God (Psalm 51:4), but natural consequences are unavoidable. A price will always be paid for unrepentant sin, in our family and in our tribe (church). Lesson learned? If you have to hide it, destroy it! Join us this Sunday as we begin our seven week prayer journey toward Pentecost Sunday. This Sunday we will commit to honor a Holy God with honest confession and repentance. “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy!” Hope to see you on Sunday! Pastor Steve
Week of 4/16/2017
April 16, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation for Easter Sunday, 2017 Good News or Fake News? Matthew 28:11-15 A news story is “newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent or important events.” At its best, news is historically accurate, presenting a clear picture of events that have occurred. Essentially, it is the factual retelling of a true story. According to Webopedia, “fake news” is “false information or propaganda published under the guise of being authentic news.” It is “an attempt to mislead consumers of the content and spread misinformation via social networks and word-of-mouth.” The motive is to confuse or hide the truth, or to promote a personal agenda in spite of the truth. It is usually malicious in nature. The chief priests in Jerusalem had no information they could use to slander Jesus’ character, ministry, or mission. So, instead, they published a false news report that the disciples had stolen the body of Jesus. The truth of the resurrection could not be changed, so they attempted to undermine the Good News with a false news story. The true message of Easter is unchanging and powerful. No matter what men may say, Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and rose again to win our salvation and create peace with God. Now we are set free from sin and death and promised eternal life with God. And that’s the best news of all! Hope to see you Easter Sunday! Pastor Steve
Week of 3/26/2017
March 26, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, March 26th Looking to Jesus “The True Tent” Read: Hebrews 8:1-7 I was a first-year college student when I first read The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. The book has nothing to do with divorce from marriage, but divorce from the temporary into the eternal. I was especially captivated with the lead character’s description of Heaven’s grass as too hard to walk on - it’s more real than what we are used to. Heaven is God’s ultimate reality, and this earth and all it contains are temporal and soon to pass away. Everything you see around you will one day cease to exist. The pattern for the tabernacle was revealed to Moses by God on “the mountain.” (Exodus 25:40) The tabernacle was the tent of meeting between God and His people. The tabernacle furniture and the tabernacle itself represented the “real” and eternal elements of God’s Heavenly Throne room. The “true tent” (Gk. skēnē) refers to God's presence in Heaven. The earthly tabernacle serves as a picture of entering into God's presence on earth and in heaven. Moses’ tabernacle in the desert was, “temporary and inadequate,” but it was not false. “‘True’ is used here as opposed to the shadowy or unreal.” (Hebrews Commentary by John MacArthur) One day, the shadowy and temporary will yield to the solid and permeant reality of God’s Heaven. The apostle Paul shares this principle in II Corinthians 4:18, which says “we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” The eternal spiritual realities are the only things worth living for; God’s love, the gospel message, and the fact that you were made to live with God forever. That’s why the choice to serve and follow God is the most important decision you will ever make. C.S. Lewis put it this way; “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened.” The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis Hoping to see you Sunday as we discuss eternal realities and worship Jesus, Pastor Steve
Week of 2/26/2017
February 26, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, February 26th Looking to Jesus, Part 21 “An Anchor for my soul” READ: Hebrews 6:13-20 Closure: “a sense of resolution or conclusion at the end of an artistic work.” This week we reach the closing stanza of God’s masterpiece on eternal security in Hebrews 6. Closure is reached as He declares our salvation to be permanently secured by His great promise and oath. This truth could not be made more clear than it is in the words of the New Living Translation which reads; “God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind.” The promise is the gospel and the guarantor is God the Father. God’s verdict over the life of His children is based on the all-sufficient blood of Christ, not the works of our flesh. God also bound himself with an oath, so that we who have received the promise can be perfectly sure that He will “never change his mind” about us. And now, from this position of permanently secure love and grace, we press on to know Him more. We seek Him first, rejecting all earthly idols. We strive for holiness in the midst of a sin-sick world. We worship Him with our lives and love not the world. Not so He will love us more or to make our salvation more secure, but just because He loved us first. And now we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Hope to see you Sunday! Pastor Steve
Week of 2/12/2017
February 12, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, February 12th Looking to Jesus, Part 19 Make My Heart Good Dirt Read first: Hebrews 6:7, 8; Matthew 13:18-23 This Sunday, we finish our three part mini-series on the Eternal Security of the Believer . . . A brief recap ~ First Sunday: We focused on historical context and the audience receiving this word. Second Sunday:, We examined what the Holy Spirit was saying when He used words like “enlightened,” “tasted,” and “shared.” I pray that this was helpful to you in your consideration of the nature of God’s eternal grace. Both messages are still available on our app along with the accompanying Powerpoint presentations. Our third and final part of these messages will reveal the biblical proof of our eternal salvation. The Bible reveals that all who are truly in Christ will persevere with Him forever. It is God’s grace that holds us by the power of Jesus’ shed blood. We contribute nothing to our salvation other than sin. But, what is the biblical measure of our salvation; how can we know we are in Christ? The simple answer to this question is provided by Jesus and the author of hebrews. The lives of those who are born again will bear fruit and so “prove to be” His disciples (John 15:8). Fruit = Christ-like character. The Father “chose us” that we may become more like His Son (Romans 8:29). A true believer will stumble now and then, but the character of Christ will come forth more and more each day. In this way, we enjoy increasing measure of the abundant life He promised with every passing year (John 10:10)! We will seal this series with a celebration of the Lord’s Supper. There’s nothing left to say except “thank you Jesus!” Pastor Steve
Week of 2/05/2017
February 5, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, Feb. 5th Looking to Jesus, Part 18 Always Tasting, Never Changing READ FIRST: Hebrews 6:4-6 Definition of harmony: “agreement; accord; harmonious relations. a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity.” The most beautiful music finds it voice through intentional, orderly, and pleasant arrangement of its parts. From Mozart to John Wesley to Chris Tomlin, a harmonious melody speaks to the human heart like nothing else. The gift of music was given to mankind for the purpose of worship. As we sing to Him, we magnify His glory. Songs of worship are God’s language of love. The message of the gospel in the Scriptures is Perfectly harmonious. There are no “dissonant chords” that strike conflicting notes or create strife with other refrains. God has given us sixty-six books written over a period of 1,500 years with one redeeming melody; salvation in the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. No conflicts, no disagreements, no errors. One of the consistent themes in this song of salvation is the complete and thorough nature of grace and faith through which Jesus offers us eternal life. The perfect power of God’s grace will hold the child of God from conversion to glory. There should be no fear of losing what was given by the finished work of Jesus on the cross. When we encounter a confusing or difficult passage in the Bible, the mandate is to harmonize that passage with the overall message of God’s plan found in Scripture. One important principle of biblical interpretation is this; always interpret unclear passages in the light of clear passages. Our passage this Sunday requires some careful exposition and thorough harmonization. Jesus’ words are clear; “. . . those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. . . . And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:37,39-40 Come this Sunday and enjoy the music of God’s glorious redemption and grace. Pastor Steve
Week of 1/22/2017
January 22, 2017 • Pastor Luke Dailey
Church Family, Please read Hebrews 5:11-14 If someone were to ask you, “What’s wrong with the world?” What would you answer? Would you say something like, “world hunger,” “political corruption,” “caste systems,” “social injustices,” and so on? There is a real problem in the world, and though people can’t agree on what the problem is, we all agree that there is a problem. It is imperative for the Christian to know what the problem is. If you simply read (as opposed to rigorously study) the Bible, you will come to the conclusion that the world has a gospel problem. We find that the gospel message is the heartbeat of God. The Bible is a story that speaks of a wicked humanity under the pursuit of a perfect God. We find in Scripture that God is the one and only source of all that is good. In Him alone can humanity truly find peace and joy. The problem, at the deepest level, is a gospel problem. The Church then stands inside of it’s culture proclaiming to the people, “Turn to God!” In Jesus, by Jesus, through Jesus is salvation. Our message is quite simple: “You need Jesus.” However, many Christians find themselves in a lot of the same places as unbelievers. We find ourselves disappointed, frustrated, confused, lonely, isolated, rejected, depressed, etc. And again, the problem is a lack of the gospel really making it’s way from our heads to our hearts. Christians struggle the way that they do because they deny the power and truth of the gospel in many areas of life. The passage this week is a very bold, “in your face” passage. The author doesn’t hold any punches. However, at the center of the passage is the beckoning of the Church to return to the gospel. Why? Because in the gospel, the Church, and the world, can be refreshed and renewed. I pray that I’ll see you Sunday! Luke Dailey
Week of 1/15/2017
January 15, 2017 • Pastor Steve Pope
Morning Home Fellowship leadership team! Hope you are healing from the colds and flus that have plagued Centerpoint in December and January! As you prepare to lead this week, make sure to take time to read Hebrews 7 (whole chapter), and Gensis 14:17-20, as well as our passage in Hebrews 5:5-10. This will be the introduction to the High Preisthood of Melchizedek, and Old Testament “type” of Jesus Christ. See you on Sunday! Pastor Steve
Week of 12/11/2016
December 11, 2016 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation Sunday, December 11th Advent #3 - Mega Joy! READ: Luke 2:8-20 During the Christmas season, anxiety and depression can worsen. According to the National Institute of Health, “Christmas is the time of year that people experience a high incidence of depression. Hospitals and police forces report high incidences of suicide and attempted suicide. Psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals report a significant increase in patients complaining about depression.” A season that should be filled with great joy has become the source of deep sadness due to loss of hope and unmet expectations. But, the angel who spoke to the shepherds promised “good news that will bring great joy to all people.” But still, our relationships are broken and our circumstances are painful. Our daily grind can continue to be dull and meaningless. As the old spiritual song sums up so well, “Saint Peter don’t you call me, cause I can’t go - I owe my soul to the company store.” So then, what can we expect from this “good news?” It’s certainly not about sparing God’s children from all hurt and harm, or promises of unending pleasure. As Thomas Chisholm declared in his hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, it’s about something eternally better; “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” Toward the end of his life, the hymn writer explained, “My income has not been large . . . due to impaired health. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.” Our good news is that “the Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” God in flesh has come to rescue us from the decay of sin and death so He can live with us every day and fill our moments with the strong, steady joy of knowing our Creator. And, at the end of our days, He will come to take us home when it’s time to leave this earth. And this joy is offered to all who will believe. Merry Christmas, Pastor Steve
Week of 11/04/2016
December 4, 2016 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation, December 4th Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 9:2-7 Eph. 2:11-22 At first glance, life appears to be a process of accumulation. In the first stage of adult life, we accumulate education, friends, family, careers, and goods. In the later stages of life, if we’re not careful, we accumulate only hurts and disappointments related to loss. Pain and sadness are inevitable, even in the life of the most devoted follower of Christ. How we handle these setbacks will shape our days, our character, and our future. If we respond with unforgiveness and let bitterness take root, we can actually “defile” the hearts of all those around us. In this way, we actually die before we die, if you know what I mean (Hebrews 12:15). I’ve asked God to give me the grace and wisdom to avoid becoming a grumpy old man, full of criticism and complaints. Our attitudes and reactions to disappointments and loss are the pivotal factors in determining our level of protection from cold, hard hearts. According to Pastor Francis Frangipane, “Regardless of the hardships we have faced, and in spite of the mistakes we have made, the end of our lives can either be full of praise and thanksgiving or full of misery and complaint. In the final analysis, what we have experienced in life will be as rich as the desires we have had fulfilled or as painful as the things we regret.” When King Jesus reigns in our hearts, His peace controls our days and releases constant blessings. His peace is His Shalom, which produces orderly and honest thinking, and complete contentment and trust in Him. We can cultivate a heart of peace when we . . . Focus on contentment with what we’ve been given and what we have to offer (Phil. 4:12) As quickly as possible, fully release and forgive all offenses (Matt. 18:21, 22) Love our enemies and pray God’s blessings on them every day (Matt. 5:43, 44) And, the real proof that the Prince of Peace is reigning in your heart is giving Him thanks in all things, no matter how you feel (I Thess. 5:18). In this way you will guard your heart by deeply abiding in Christ (John 15:1-5). After all, Jesus doesn't give us His peace; “He is our peace.” His greatest gift to us is when He gives Himself to us. Wishing for you the Shalom of Christ this Christmas season, Pastor Steve
Week of 11/27/2016
November 27, 2016 • Pastor Steve Pope
Sermon Meditation for Sunday, Nov. 27th Looking to Jesus Part 12: With Confidence Draw Near! READ FIRST: Hebrews 4:14-16 Have you ever felt the honor of meeting someone you hold in high esteem? A singer or performer? A political leader? A well-known pastor or evangelist? A military hero? Or the President, maybe? If you had an “audience” with this person, the opportunity probably came through extraordinary circumstances. Kings and rulers in the first century were only approached by their closest family members and highest advisers. Any who gained an audience brought a costly gift to present to the King. Imagine the surprise of those who first heard the book of Hebrews read; we can approach the very King of Kings with confidence! The Greek word used here (parrhesia) indicates absolute freedom of speech without any need for concealment or fear. We can approach the Throne of God with the boldness of a beloved child. We are invited to honestly pour out our adoration, praise, needs and hurts before He who loved us first. How is this possible? This wonderful promise is made possible by our “Great High Priest,” who opened a way to access the Throne by the perfection of His shed blood. The costly gift required for an audience with this King was offered by His only Son. The extraordinary circumstance was our adoption as His beloved sons and daughters! Make sure to set aside special time each day to draw near “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Blessings, Pastor Steve