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Six Months Back, Six Months Forward | Pastor John Blue | Pacific Point Church
Join us for an inspiring sermon by Pastor John Blue, where he reflects on the incredible work God has done at Pacific Point Church over the past six months and shares his vision for the next six months. This powerful message will encourage you to trust in God's plan and look forward to the future with hope and faith.
Midway through the service, our worship leader shares her moving testimony, recounting her personal journey and the impact of God's grace in her life. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of community.
The service concludes with a joyous celebration as we witness three individuals take the profound step of baptism, publicly declaring their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
Come and be part of this amazing journey with us at Pacific Point Church in Costa Mesa, California.
Sermon Notes
Matthew 25 "Oil in your flask"
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Sermon Notes:
A Study of Matthew 25: Readiness for Christ's Return
In the heart of the New Testament, nestled within the teachings of Jesus, lies a profound chapter that beckons Christians to vigilance and preparedness. Matthew 25, with its trio of parables, casts a light on the essential virtues of readiness, faithfulness, stewardship, and compassion. As we delve into the text, it's clear that this isn't merely a call to passive waiting but an active engagement with the world and our faith.
The Parables and Their Significance
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
This parable paints a vivid scene of ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom's arrival. Half are wise, taking extra oil for their lamps; the others, foolish, bring none. The message? Be prepared. The wise virgins, with their oil, symbolize those filled with the Holy Spirit, ready for Christ's coming at any moment. In contrast, the foolish find themselves unprepared and ultimately excluded from the wedding feast.
The Parable of the Talents
Here, servants are entrusted with their master's wealth, each according to their ability. Upon his return, the master rewards those who have diligently invested the talents, while the one who buried his talent is rebuked. The parable emphasizes stewardship and the importance of using God-given resources and abilities for the Kingdom's growth.
The Final Judgment
The chapter culminates in a depiction of the Final Judgment, separating the righteous from the unrighteous. The criteria? Acts of compassion and service rendered to those in need, as if to Christ Himself. This parable underscores a faith that actively expresses itself through love and mercy.
Why This Matters Today
The relevance of Matthew 25 extends far beyond its historical and cultural context, speaking directly to the contemporary church. With the world witnessing wars, natural disasters, and moral shifts, it's tempting to speculate about the end times. Yet, the core message of Matthew 25 isn't about decoding signs but about living in a state of readiness through faithfulness, stewardship, and compassion.
In an age of rapid technological advancements and societal shifts, the call to "watch therefore" resonates more than ever. The parables challenge us to examine our spiritual preparedness, our engagement with the gifts entrusted to us, and our response to those in need.
Making It Personal
Spiritual Readiness: Like the virgins with their lamps, are we keeping our faith vibrant and our relationship with God fueled by the Holy Spirit?
Faithful Stewardship: Are we utilizing our talents and resources for God's glory, investing in the eternal rather than the temporal?
Active Compassion: Does our faith manifest in acts of love and service, recognizing Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters?
The Way Forward
In a world fraught with uncertainty, Matthew 25 stands as a beacon of hope and a guide for living. It calls us not to fear or idle speculation but to active discipleship. By deepening our relationship with Christ, engaging with the gifts He has given us, and serving others with love, we live out the mandate of readiness for His return.
So, let us wake up, fill our lamps, and step out in faith. In doing so, we not only prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ but also light the way for others to follow.
Easter Sunday
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Summary:
The Hope of the Empty Tomb: Easter 2024 Explained
Introduction: Easter Sunday is a special day because it celebrates Jesus coming back to life. This amazing event, told in the Bible (Luke 24:1-7), shows us why an empty grave is so important. It tells us about Jesus winning over death and how much God loves us.
Main Points:
Why the Empty Tomb Matters
Jesus Came Back to Life: Finding the tomb empty shows that Jesus really did rise from the dead, just as he said he would.
It's the Heart of Our Belief: The empty tomb is very important for Christians. It proves that Jesus won against death.
The Different Hopes the Empty Tomb Gives Us
Winning Against Death: Jesus coming back to life means we can look forward to living forever (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
We're Forgiven: The empty tomb shows that God forgives us because of what Jesus did for us (Ephesians 1:7).
A Fresh Start: Because of Jesus, we can start over, leaving behind our old mistakes (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Comfort When Things Are Hard: When life is tough, remembering Jesus' resurrection helps us see that these hard times won't last forever (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
God's Big Love for Us: The empty tomb shows just how much God loves us, enough to send Jesus for us (John 3:16).
Living with Easter Hope
Changed Lives: Knowing about Jesus' resurrection encourages us to live happily, freely, and kindly.
Saying Yes to Jesus: Believing in Jesus' resurrection invites us to trust Him fully and to live better lives because of His love (Romans 10:9).
Conclusion: The empty tomb on Easter isn't just a past event; it's a powerful message of hope, love, and new beginnings for everyone who believes. This Easter, let's hold onto this hope and let it change how we live and see the world.
