We are clear that none of us have seen the face of God the Father in this earthly existence. While only a very few were blessed to have walked with Jesus Christ during His time on earth, He was clear in His messages to mankind that those who believe, without having seen, are truly blessed. The bible is rich with the information that we can rely on to grow in our faith and understanding. In addition, all that God has created—each one of us, and the world around us also has God’s signature design. In this Sermonette we will explore the scriptures that bring this to light, and help us to see just how God created mankind to reflect His and His Son’s image, and His never-ending promise to those who believe and obey His commands.
Frank Bruno
The Keystone of the Kingdom
Over the centuries societies have taken great pride in the structures that their ancestors built and that they themselves build today. In some places construction includes buildings and large developments that cannot sustain themselves without elaborate and costly water, sewer and other necessary infrastructure that will soon be obsolete. There are also groups that seemingly dedicate their construction—the stones, bricks and mortar with rituals and rites that can strike anyone as odd. This is true of even large public projects right here in my home state of Colorado. Rather than focusing on finding ways to serve and honor God the Father, mankind has discovered more ways to establish and honor their own legacies. The community that we as believers await and work towards is of course the coming Kingdom of God—The New Jerusalem, and the Keystone for the Kingdom is of course Jesus Christ. In this Sermonette we will explore scriptures that offer the clarity and the bedrock that our future will be built upon.
Meeting Isaiah
For a person who has been called by God, the pathway to deeper learning and understanding can still be daunting. As our commitment to God and obedience to His commandments grows stronger, we can pray for help and understanding. This can come to us in the form of the Holy Spirit following our baptism. However, in order to grow in faith to get to this point we must rely on the bible—the complete Word of God. With God’s blessing, the Book of Isaiah offers a bridge between the Old and the New Testaments, enabling us to read and understand scriptures that in the past may have seemed locked and confusing to us. Together we will consider several scriptures that help us make this connection and better understand that the Bible is truly our road map to salvation.
FOT: Cairns Along the Way
Anyone who has ever hiked a mountain, or coastal trail has likely come upon formal or informal markers or designations such as those carefully-arranged rock stacks (cairns–to use the Scottish word) that help to guide us. Some of these markers can actually help us avoid danger if not death! Over the history of God’s people, He has provided our ancestors with the cairns necessary to reach the promised land. He even provided the pathways that the Ark of the Covenant would travel to be protected from the enemy. In this Sermonette we will explore the biblical context of this very real–life tool or construct, and its meaning in our spiritual life.
FOT: City of God
The Bible is full of references to life in a city. Over the centuries people generally have sought the support and comfort of living together in a community of some kind. Whether they maintained a farm, or a large household, people of all ages, and economic status lived and worked in concert and towards some greater good. Clearly, the City of God—the New Jerusalem, will have a very different structure and importance than the cities that we’ve seen, read about and experienced. Together we will consider the scriptural basis of the importance of the city structure, and the role it will play in God’s Kingdom.
The Only Thing to Fear
Obviously the world has become a much more dangerous place in recent years, and the blessings that we’ve enjoyed from God here in the United States and elsewhere will not endure in the face of outright disobedience of God’s Commands. As we move forward we are admonished to be watchful of the signs, and be spiritually prepared for the return of our savior, Jesus Christ. We are also told clearly not to fear as prophecy unfolds, but to focus on our relationship with God for clarity and comfort. In this Sermonette we will cover some of the scriptural foundation of this guidance so as to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s plan.
Nothing New Under the Sun
While there are people in the world who might bristle at the thought that the Bible has influenced their thinking; either directly or more subtly, the fact is it does indeed. Many of our ideas and conversations and even some of the most passionate public speeches recorded in history have been greatly influenced by biblical verses. This Sermonette will cover several of the most poignant scriptures as well as the impact they had on the world stage.
Walk in the Light
The world that we inhabit today seems to glorify darkness and celebrates things that are inherently evil as being attractive. This may be so in the carnal sense, and it is fleeting and will ultimately lead to spiritual death. As such, these choices cannot stand the light that is found only in Jesus Christ. It has been said that darkness cannot drive away darkness—only the light can do this and for those who have been called to follow and obey God, we can walk in the light of Jesus Christ. Together we will consider several scriptures that can help us to do just that–to honor, obey and glorify God, and walk in His light.
Facing the Pain & Adversities of Life
In this Sermonette we will together consider the scriptures that prove to us that our suffering is a trial that can prepare us for what God requires from us, and what He has in store if we overcome, as Christ overcame.
Do You Have the Time – for God?
Effectively managing and valuing our time each day is a great challenge. Few recognize that the concept of time—either in the moment, or as we think of the future— is actually well beyond our comprehension and control. The acceptance of God’s absolute authority in this regard can help us in understanding His plan for the present and a future. Opening our eyes and ears to God and His words is the best time-management strategy we can have.