Sermons from August 2013

Philippians 4:2-9 Sermon: “Disunity, Divide, Destruction; Power, Peace, Practice”

Rev. Richard Bodini - August 6, 2013

Paul is running out of parchment on which to write his letter. But he isn’t done saying everything he needs to talk about. In this next the final section, he packs a bunch into a few verses. Paul shows his first sign of getting a bit angry? which turns to requests? which turns to instruction. God’s peace remains with the Philippians then? and us today, in the midst of disagreements and our attempts to strive for excellence.

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Scripture: Philippians 4:10-23 Sermon: “Saying Thank You”

Rev. Richard Bodini - August 13, 2013

Thanks! How often do we use the word? And for what? Have you ever received something that you didn’t think you needed, but someone thought you did and it turned out that it was exactly the right thing for you to get when you got it? Have you ever had one of those weeks when you are surrounded by encouragement because of a tough situation? How do you say thank you for all the little things that add up to make this huge expression of love? Do you give individual “thank you” cards for each and every gift? Is a general “thank you” sufficient? If I haven’t said it enough? “Thank you!” For the way you have surrounded Mary? and everyone else who has faced trials. For the way you are surrounding and encouraging Sam and Susanne. For the prayers offered for all. This is what makes a church a family that surrounds and upholds its family members. It’s what makes you strong.

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Psalm 66 Sermon: “Our Ever-Faithful, Loving God!”

Rev. Richard Bodini - August 18, 2013

Psalm 66 is a praise song after God’s answer prayer. The psalmist was probably under threat from an enemy. He was delivered. God rescued him. Response: Praise song. What is an answer to prayer? “O God, don’t let my loved one suffer anymore.” Healing? Deliverance? To return to struggles of this world? or to enter into glory in heaven? In the end, God watched over him and delivered him from trouble. The response is praise because God did not “withhold his love from me!” In the face of trouble and turmoil, are you able to experience God’s deliverance? How would you respond? And would you see God’s work in those difficult moments?

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