A Reflection on "Blessed" and a Mirror on Ourselves

Sermon notes for February 1, 2026

Matthew 5:1-12

The teaching of Christ: Beatitudes

5:1When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.

5:2And he began to speak and taught them, saying:

5:3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5:4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5:5"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

5:6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

5:7"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

5:8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

5:9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

5:10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5:11"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

5:12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Call to Worship

(Inspired by Matthew 5:1-12)

Leader: Come, all who are weary and heavy-laden; come to the mountainside of the Lord.

People: We come with open hearts, seeking the wisdom of Christ.

Leader: Blessed are those who know their need for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

People: We bring our spiritual poverty; we ask to be filled by His grace.

Leader: Blessed are the peacemakers and the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

People: We come to be transformed by the "Upside-Down" way of Jesus.

Leader: Let us rejoice and be glad! For our reward is not found in the things of this earth, but in the presence of our King.

All: Let us worship God together!

Opening Prayer

Gracious and Holy God,

We gather today just as the disciples gathered on that mountainside long ago—hungry for a word that is true, a hope that is real, and a life that matters.

Lord, we admit that we often live by the rules of a different kingdom. We strive to be first, we hide our weaknesses, and we chase after comforts that do not satisfy. We ask that You would quiet the noise of the world around us so that we might hear the "blessed" whisper of Your Spirit.

As we look into the Beatitudes today, open our eyes to see the beauty of Your way. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours, soften our spirits where we have grown proud, and ignite in us a fierce hunger for Your righteousness.

May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight. We don’t just want to study Your teaching; we want to be shaped by it. Transform us today, from the inside out, that we might leave this place as bearers of Your light and agents of Your peace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Teacher and Savior,

Amen

Sermon:  A Reflection on Matthew "Blessed" and a Mirror on Ourselves

. Introduction: The Setting of the Sermon.

I've never been to the Holy Land and seen the supposed mount from which Jesus delivered his sermon on the Beatitudes. But even if I had been there, the event took place nearly two thousand years ago. I'm sure it has changed considerably over time. So we are free to use our imagination. In my mind's eye I picture a gentle rise up from the sea. The sun sparkling on the ever shifting waters and the tall grasses imitating the waves on the sea. 

Jesus arrives and immediately a crowd gathers around him. His fame as a healer and a dynamic speaker have brought the people out to see what he will do next. 

He ascended the hill not like Moses who left the people behind when he went up the mountain to talk to God. No, Jesus brings the people with him to meet God.

He took a seat on a bit of higher ground so that he could be more easily seen. He invited his disciples to come near and began to speak. 

 In his sermon you'll hear the word “blessed” a lot so it's important to understand what it means. It comes from the Greek, "ma-CAR-ee-os," makarios, meaning more than just "happy." It describes a state of spiritual well-being and divine favor that exists regardless of outward circumstances.

My friends, if we are to understand the mind of Christ, we must sit with Him on that mountainside. What He said was not a new law to crush us, but a divine revelation of the soul.

But let us be honest: we often prefer our own "versions" of these virtues—versions that at times look more like a comedy of errors than a life of holiness.

I. The Poverty of Spirit vs. The "Humble-Brag"

"Blessed are the poor in spirit..."

To be poor in spirit is to admit you are spiritually bankrupt. To be lower than a whale's bellybutton. That means being down so far that you have to look up to see the bottom. 

Yet, how often do we treat humility like a badge of honor? I'm humble and proud of it! 

We are like the man who wrote a book titled Humility and How I Attained It, and then complained when people didn't flock to him at a book signing.!

True poverty of spirit isn't saying, "I’m the worst sinner in the room," while secretly peeking to see if everyone is impressed by your modesty. 

It is the end of self-importance. It is realizing that standing before a Holy God and boasting of your "good deeds" is like a man standing in a hurricane and boasting that he brought a fan to help the wind along.

II. The Holy Sorrow vs. The Grumpy Saint

"Blessed are those who mourn..."

There is a holy grief for sin, and then there is what I call "sour-milk Christianity." Some think they are "mourning" for the world when they are really just annoyed at the way things are going.

I once heard of a man who thought he was being "spiritual" by wearing a perpetual scowl at every event he attended. My friends, that is not the mourning Christ speaks of! 

Holy mourning isn't being miserable because you can't have your way; it is weeping because we have strayed from the Heart of Love. 

If your "sorrow" just makes you difficult to live with, it isn't from the Holy Spirit—it’s likely just your indigestion.

III. The Strength of Meekness vs. The Doormat

"Blessed are the meek..."

Meekness is power under control. It is not being a "moral doormat" that everyone wipes their muddy boots on.

I have seen people who act "meek" only because they are too afraid to speak up, yet they harbor a secret list of grievances long enough to paper the walls of this worship center.

That isn't meekness; that’s just a slow-boiling pot with the lid tied down! 

The truly meek person is like a Great Dane being barked at by a Chihuahua: he has the power to snap, but the grace to simply yawn and go back to sleep. He does not need to defend his "honor" because God is his shield.

IV. The Great Hunger (and the Spiritual Junk Food)

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness..."

We all hunger for something. The tragedy is that we often try to satisfy a God-sized hunger with "spiritual junk food."

Let me explain. “Spiritual junk food" refers to easy, instant-gratification spiritual inputs (like shallow lip-service praise, self-aware positivity) that feel good temporarily but don't provide real nourishment, leading to spiritual emptiness, anxiety, or a focus on self rather than God, 

unlike true spiritual food (like deep scripture study, genuine service, and real Christian fellowship) which fosters deep growth and connection. Junk food clogs the soul, leaving one hungry and dissatisfied, preventing deeper spiritual understanding and connection to Christ. 

We spend six days a week gorging ourselves on the gossip of the town, the pursuit of a few extra dollars, and the latest fashions — and then we wonder why, on Sunday morning, we have no appetite for the Word of God! 

You cannot feast on junk food all week and expect to have a gourmet soul. 

If you don't hunger for holiness, ask God to give you a holy appetite. Stop snacking on the world’s trifles, and you will find yourself famished for the Bread of Life.

V. Mercy And Vengeance 

In a world that often demands "an eye for an eye" or prizes getting even, Jesus offers a radical alternative: mercy. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Mercy is more than just feeling sorry for someone; it is a deliberate choice to withhold punishment and extend kindness to those who may not deserve it. It is the bridge between our brokenness and God's restoration.

The beauty of this Beatitude lies in its give-and-take. It suggests that our hearts act like a valve:

When we open our hearts to forgive others and show compassion, we create space within ourselves.

In that open space, we become capable of receiving the vast, unending mercy of God.

To be "blessed" here means to experience a deep, spiritual joy that comes from being in alignment with God’s character. We are never more like our Creator than when we are being merciful.

When you choose to let go of a grudge, to help someone who can’t pay you back, or to offer a second chance, you aren't just being "nice." You are participating in the very rhythm of heaven.

VI. The Final Proof: Persecution

"Blessed are you when people insult you..."

Now, a word of caution: if people dislike you because you are rude, impatient, or just plain difficult, that is not persecution! That is simply the natural harvest of being a nuisance.

I have met some who claim they are "suffering for the Gospel" when they are actually just suffering the consequences of having a sharp tongue. 

To be persecuted "for righteousness' sake" means you were so much like Jesus that people found it uncomfortable. 

If the world is throwing stones at you, make sure it’s because you look like the Savior, not because you were throwing stones at them first!

Here is a call to action. Do not settle for a "Sunday-Christianity" that is all talk and no heart. Do not be an "almost Christian" who has the vocabulary of a saint but the temper of a wet hen. Seek his inward holiness.

Lord, we come to You as a people who often care more about looking healthy than actually being cured. 

We confess that we’ve frequently mistaken our own stubbornness for "standing firm" and our own complaining for "holy sorrow."

Lord, give us a clear and honest look at ourselves.

Strip away our pretenses and our "humble-brags," so we can be truly poor in spirit and ready to receive Your grace.

Melt the coldness in our hearts, so that we stop chasing things that don’t satisfy and start hungering for You alone.

Quiet our need to be right, so we can trade our defensive tempers for the quiet strength of the meek.

Lord, Write Your Way of Life— deep within our very character. Let Your love be the only source of our moods, our words, and our choices.

Lord, we aren’t asking for an easy life, but for a holy one. Whether we are enjoying the sunshine of Your peace or facing the heat of a world that doesn't understand us, keep us anchored in You. 

May we never settle for "good enough" until our entire lives are filled with Your love and our every thought reflects Your goodness.

In the name of the Father, the Sd the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank You that Your Kingdom is not reserved for the elite, the powerful, or the perfect, but is opened wide for the broken, the mourning, and the humble.

Lord, we confess that our hearts often hunger for the wrong things. We chase after the world’s version of "blessing"—status, security, and the praise of others—only to find ourselves thirsty again. Today, we return to the mountain. We sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His voice.

Give us the courage to be poor in spirit, depending entirely on You.

Give us the strength to be meek, using our influence to lift others up.

Give us the vision of a pure heart, so we may see You moving in our lives.

For those here today who are being persecuted or reviled for doing what is right, remind them of their great reward. Let them feel the "great gladness" that comes from being counted among Your children.

As we leave this place, transform us into a "City on a Hill." May our lives reflect the beauty of Your upside-down Kingdom, bringing light to the dark places and peace to the broken spaces.

In the name of Jesus, our Teacher and King,

Amen

Hear, Come, and Tell

First Reading: Psalm 40:5-11

5 You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted.

6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.

7 Then I said, "Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.

8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; see, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.

10 I have not hidden your saving help within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

11 Do not, O LORD, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever

Second Reading: John 1:35-42 

35. The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples,

36. and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!"

37. The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

38. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

39. He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon.

40. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed).

42. He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

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Title: The Echo of Grace: Hear, Come, and Tell

Scripture Focus: John 1:35-42 & Psalm 40:5-11

Introduction: 

The Beautiful Burden of a Secret

Have you ever received news so good that it felt like you would burst if you didn't share it right away? Perhaps a job offer, a pregnancy, or a clean bill of health? 

The one that immediately came to my mind was when my oldest daughter was baptized. When we returned home she immediately ran to the neighbor to tell her.

In those moments, silence is impossible. Joy, by its very nature, demands to be shared.

Today, we look at two passages separated by centuries but united by a single heartbeat: the necessity of sharing the wonderful works of God. 

From the poetic testimony of David in Psalm 40 to the practical invitation of Andrew in John 1, we see that the Gospel of Christ is not a treasure to be buried, but a light to be held high.

I. The Foundation: Recognizing the Wonder (Psalm 40:5-8)

Before we can share the Gospel, we must be overwhelmed by it. David begins by marvelling at God’s intentionality:

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you..." (Psalm 40:5).

Sharing the Gospel isn’t about reciting a dry manual; it’s about reporting a miracle. David notes that God doesn't just want ritual or "sacrifice and offering"—God wants a heart where the Word is written.

The Internalization: To share Christ, we must first let Christ "dig out" our ears (v. 6) so we can truly hear Him.

The Motivation: We share because we have discovered that God’s thoughts toward us are too many to count.

II. The Proclamation: Breaking the Silence (Psalm 40:9-11)

David makes a bold claim that challenges every "quiet" believer:

"I proclaim your saving help in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know." (Psalm 40:9)

He uses four powerful words to describe God's character: Righteousness, Faithfulness, Salvation, and Love. We often fear "witnessing" because we think we need to be theologians. But look at David’s strategy: he simply refuses to hide what God has done. He speaks of God's "saving help" in the assembly.

The Challenge: Are our lips "sealed" by fear, or "opened" by gratitude? The Gospel is public news, not a private hobby.

III. The Invitation: "Come and See" (John 1:35-39)

Moving to the New Testament, we see David’s poetry put into action. John the Baptist sees Jesus and points: "Look, the Lamb of God!"

Two disciples hear this and follow Jesus. When Jesus asks what they want, they ask where He is staying. His response is the greatest evangelistic tool ever given to the church: "Come and see."

Low Pressure, High Impact: Andrew didn't start with a sermon; he started with an invitation to come see.

The Experience: They stayed with Him that day. We cannot lead people to a Christ we haven't spent time with ourselves. Our "sharing" is most effective when it flows from a recent encounter with the Master.

IV. The Multiplication: The "First" Thing (John 1:40-42)

The text tells us something vital about Andrew:

"The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus."

The Priority: For Andrew, sharing Christ was not just another task on his list of things to do; it was the top priority. 

Unlike many people who may have put off evangelism or sharing their faith as something that could be done later, Andrew understood the urgency and importance of spreading the message.  

For all those who seek to follow in his footsteps must make sharing Christ their top priority as well.

The Impact: Andrew is often overshadowed by his brother, Simon Peter. But without Andrew’s simple act of sharing, would there have been a Peter to preach at Pentecost?

Your "Simon": 

In every person's life, there is always that one person in their circle who is just one invitation away from meeting the Messiah. 

This person may have gone through difficult times and may have strayed from their faith. However, there is still a glimmer of hope within them and they are just waiting for someone to extend a hand and guide them towards the light. 

They may be searching for something greater in their life and are open to the idea of finding spiritual fulfillment. 

It is up to us, as members of their circle, to recognize this potential and take the initiative to invite them to meet the Messiah. With a simple invitation, we can potentially change this person's life forever and bring them closer to God. 

Conclusion: Will You Seal Your Lips?

The Gospel is a chain reaction of grace. David sang it, John the Baptist shouted it, and Andrew whispered it to his brother.

God has done "many wonders" in your life. He has drawn you up out of the slimy pit and set your feet on a rock. Now, He asks you to unseal your lips. You don't need a degree; you just need a story and an invitation.

The call today is simple:

Look at the Lamb (John 1:36).

Come and see where He dwells (John 1:39).

Go and find your "Simon" (John 1:41).

 As believers, we are called to be witnesses of God's faithfulness and help in our lives. We must not hide the blessings and miracles that He has bestowed upon us, but rather share them with those around us. 

By doing so, we can inspire and encourage others to also put their trust and faith in God. Let us not keep His goodness to ourselves, but let it echo through our words and actions for all to see. 

I pray the grace that we have received from God may continue to flow through us, spreading hope and love to those around us. As we lift up His name and proclaim His faithfulness, may others be drawn to experience His goodness and mercy as well. Let us be vessels of His grace, shining His light in a dark world and bringing glory to His name. May the echo of grace continue through us, touching hearts and transforming lives for the glory of God. Amen

A Call to the Outcasts: The Ransom of the Lord

The Opening Prayer: A Petition for Gathering

Most high and holy God, you are the Shepherd of Israel and the One who seeks the lost. We come before you now as a people who have long been scattered by our own wrongdoings. You promised in your Holy Word to gather us from the north and from the farthest corners of the earth.

Please look down on us, Lord. Give sight to the blind so they may see your wonderful light, and give strength to the weary so they may walk in the way of your commands. Let your Spirit move through this gathering, so that we don’t just hear about your redemption, but actually feel its power deep within us.

Draw us close with your loving-kindness, and turn our sadness into a sacred hope for your grace. May we come together today to experience your goodness. Please open our hearts, align our wills with yours, and prepare our souls to receive the living water you have so freely promised.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:1-14 NRSVUE

[7] For thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” 

[8] See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor together; a great company, they shall return here. 

[9] With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back; I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path where they shall not stumble, for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. 

[10] Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him as a shepherd does a flock.” 

[11] For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. 

[12] They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. 

[13] Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow. 

[14] I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord.

A Call to the Outcasts: The Ransom of the Lord

A Sermon outline on Jeremiah 31:7–14

I. The Joyful Proclamation

In these verses you will hear, “North country, Israel, and Ephraim”, all refer to the 10 tribes who broke away from the land of Judah. His message is delivered to Judah. 

“For thus saith the Lord; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations.”

Do you see, my friends, the divine order of grace? God does not wait for the sinner to find his own way home; He first sounds the trumpet of deliverance. In our natural state, we are like scattered sheep, lost in the wilderness of sin, wandering in the "north country*" of our own pride and rebellion.

*Yes, the Almighty utters a cry of invitation! This is not a sullen call to duty, but a shout of gladness. 

Is it not the very essence of the Gospel that while we were yet sinners, Christ sought us? 

God commands His people to "proclaim" and "praise." We are not to hide the light of His redeeming love under a bushel, but to proclaim it until the ends of the earth hear that "The Lord has saved his people."

II. The Inclusiveness of the Remnant

“Behold, I will bring them from the north country... and with them the blind and the lame.”

Look at just who God gathers. He does not seek the strong, the self-sufficient, or those who boast of their own righteousness. No, He gathers the blind—those who cannot see the path; and the lame—those who have no strength to walk it.

This is the very hallmark of Methodism and, indeed, of early Christianity. The grace of God is "free for all, and free in all." 

Do you feel your own weakness? Do you stumble? Do you grope in the dark? Fear not! The Great Shepherd has a special care for the "woman with child" and the "woman in labor*." His grace is sufficient for the most vulnerable. They will come "with weeping"—not the weeping of despair, but the holy mourning of repentance—and with "supplications" will He lead them.

*”Woman in labor” and With weeping they shall come” is a powerful metaphor used to describe the intense anguish, distress, and impending judgment facing Israel and Jerusalem, particularly as the "Daughter of Zion," They will face destruction and exile; it's also a call to summon professional female mourners to lead public lamentation for the nation's sins. 

III. The Watering of the Soul

“And their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.”

Here is the promise of Christian Perfection—that state of heart where the love of God is shed abroad so abundantly that the soul becomes like a garden, well-tended and blooming.

The Drought of Sin is a desolate and barren landscape, where the heart is left parched and cracked by the scorching heat of lust and the destructive winds of pride. 

It is a place where the absence of grace has left nothing but dryness and emptiness. However, through the power and influence of the Holy Spirit, the "rivers of waters" flow, bringing life and nourishment to this once barren land. The Living Water of grace quenches the thirst of the soul and fills it with peace, joy, and long-suffering. 

These are the fruits of the Spirit, which take root and flourish in a heart that was once overrun by thorns of malice. Through grace, the drought of sin is replaced with an abundance of spiritual growth and transformation. The heart becomes a fertile ground for love, kindness, patience, and all other virtues to bloom. 

The Living Water is a gift from God, and it is through this miraculous source that we can find true fulfillment and satisfaction in life. With grace, even the most desolate landscapes of our hearts can become beautiful gardens filled with the fruits of the Spirit.

Does your soul feel like a desert today? The promise is to you! God does not merely offer a drop of comfort; He promises to " (sāSHēˌāt) satiate the soul of the priests with fatness" and satisfy His people with His goodness.

IV. The Exchange of Sorrow for Joy

“Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance... for I will turn their mourning into joy.”

Can any power on earth transform a broken heart? No. But the power of God can. He takes the heavy garment of heaviness and replaces it with the "oil of joy."

Notice, it is a communal joy. Young and old rejoice together. This is the "fellowship of the saints." We are not saved to be solitary, but to be built up into a spiritual house, where the "wheat, and the wine, and the oil" of spiritual blessing are shared by all.

The Application

My dear friends, are you still in the "north country"? Are you wandering in the cold indifference of a world that does not know God?

The message of "Repent: Turn your face toward Zion. Believe: Trust in the 'Ransom' mentioned in verse 11.

Look for the watering of your soul this very hour" is a call to turn away from our sinful ways and towards God. It reminds us that only through repentance and belief in Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice and ransom for our sins, can we be redeemed from the power of Sin and Death. The imagery of facing towards Zion, the holy city of God, symbolizes a turning towards God and His ways. 

By trusting in Jesus and expecting the watering of our souls, we can find true peace and salvation. This message serves as a reminder that no matter how strong the grip of Sin and Death may seem, the Lord has already redeemed us from it through His love and grace. It encourages us to put our faith in Him and eagerly await the refreshing and renewing of our souls through His power. 

This message speaks to the heart of every believer, reminding us to continuously turn towards God, trust in His plan, and expect His blessings in our lives.

Let us not rest until our mourning is turned into dancing and our souls are satisfied with the goodness of the Lord. Amen.

The Closing Prayer: A Benediction of Satisfaction

Lord God Almighty, you have rescued us from powers much stronger than ourselves. We give you our humble and sincere thanks for the Word we have heard today. We acknowledge that without you, our souls are like a parched and exhausted desert.

We ask you to fulfill your promise: make our souls like a well-watered garden. Let the grain of your Word, the wine of your joy, and the oil of your Spirit overflow within us, so that we may never grieve like those who have no hope. Send us out into the world now—not as people still in over our heads, but as those who have been set free by the Lord.

Help us be witnesses to the leading nations that you are a Father to your people. Keep us from wandering away; hold us close in your perfect love. Satisfy us so deeply with your goodness that we desire nothing but you, and nothing else in comparison to you. Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling, be honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen.

The Servant of All: A Sermon on True Righteousness

The Servant of All: A Sermon on True Righteousness

First reading: Isaiah 42:1-9 

The Servant, a Light to the Nations

1Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
    he will bring forth justice to the nations.

2 He will not cry out or lift up his voice
    or make it heard in the street;

3 a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
    he will faithfully bring forth justice.

4 He will not grow faint or be crushed
    until he has established justice in the earth,
    and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

5 Thus says God, the Lord,
    who created the heavens and stretched them out,
    who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it:

6 I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;
    I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,[a]
    a light to the nations,

7 to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
    from the prison those who sit in darkness.

8 I am the Lord; that is my name;
    my glory I give to no other,
    nor my praise to idols.

9 See, the former things have come to pass,
    and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
    I tell you of them

Second reading: Matthew 3:13-17 NRSVUE

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.”

Call to Worship

Leader:  Come! Let us follow Jesus to the edge of the Jordan River to be baptized. 

People:  We come to be cleansed and made whole.

Leader:  Come! Let us witness John’s confusion and Jesus’ insistence that John baptize God Incarnate.

People:  We come to join Jesus in choosing life in the kingdom of God.

Leader:  Come! Let us hear God declare the truth of Jesus’ identity and the truth of our identity as baptized people. 

People:  We come to remember and embody who we are as beloved children of God.

Leader:  Come! Let us worship God who leads us into the baptismal waters and salvation life.

People:  We come to worship God who empowers us through divine presence to live together as the family of God.

Opening Prayer

Everlasting God, during Jesus' baptism, you revealed him as your own Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. We pray that you will guide and keep all of us who have been reborn through water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling as your people. 

We humbly acknowledge our own stubbornness, Lord. As we enter this season of your light shining upon the world and your blessings pouring out upon us, we find ourselves consumed with our own problems, needs, and desires. Help us to instead desire you, Lord. May our hearts yearn for your presence. Wash over us once again with the waters of baptism, cleansing us from self-pity and pride. Nourish and heal us so that we may joyfully serve you. Remove any jealousy, greed or negative thoughts that prevent us from truly living out our calling as your people. May we embrace the blessings of creation, Jesus' birth and baptism, and the ministry of your holy saints.

We ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Now hear these Words of Assurance

The love of God is always offered to us, freely, joyfully, for all eternity. Rejoice, dear friends, this is the good news of our Lord. Amen.

Sermon

We use as our text the readings from Isaiah 42 and Matthew chapter 3

​I. The Lowly Manner of the King

Friends, observe the method of our God. When the Almighty introduces His Chosen One, He does not speak of a conqueror with a sword of steel, but of a Servant. Isaiah tells us he shall not "cry out" or "lift up his voice" in the streets. There is no pride here, no worldly pomp.

​How does this match the scene at the Jordan? See the Lord of Glory standing in the muddy waters with sinners! John the Baptist rightly trembles, saying, "I need to be baptized by you." But our Lord answers "To fulfill all righteousness." True righteousness is not found in escaping the needs of humanity, but in stooping to meet them.

In the light of these scriptures, there are questions we must ask of ourselves.

​Am I willing to "fulfill all righteousness" by attending to the small, humble day by day actions of my life as though to the Lord, even when they bring me no worldly honor? Or do we ask, “What's in it for me?”

Do I, like John the Baptist, allow my own ego to decrease so that Christ may increase in my life? Can I step out of being the center of my own universe? I remember a bumper sticker that said, if God is your copilot --- you are in the wrong seat.

​II. The Gentleness of Divine Grace

​Mark well the character of this Servant: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench." Is this not the very essence of the Prevenient Grace of God?

​The Bruised Reed: 

Have you ever felt like a reed by the water that’s been stepped on? Snapped, hanging by a thread, feeling useless? 

The world would snap that reed the rest of the way and throw it aside. But Jesus says, "I will not break you." Perhaps you have felt your soul is snapped by the weight of sin or the sorrows of this life. 

The words of Amazing Grace come to mind. “‘Twas Grace that caused my heart to fear.” There is great fear when we realize how unworthy we are of God's love and forgiveness. We can feel crushed under the weight of our failures when the Spirit shines a holy light upon us.

However, the hymn writer also penned these words of hope, “and grace my fears relieved" because he understood that Jesus came to save, to lift up, and to heal. He sought us before we even knew him.

​Let's now turn those inward thoughts outward and ask, “How do I treat the "bruised reeds" in my life—the weak, the struggling, or those who have offended me? Do I crush them with my opinions, my words, or my deeds?

Or do I lift them up with my words, works, and prayers?

The Dimly Burning Wick: Perhaps your faith is but a flicker, nearly extinguished by the cold winds of the world. Maybe your faith feels like a candle that’s been blown out, where there’s no flame left, only a little bit of smoke. 

The world would pinch that wick and move on. But Jesus says, "I will not put out that spark." ​

Ask yourself, can I be patient with my own "dimly burning wick," trusting God’s work of Sanctification, or do I give way to that spiritual apathy which prevents understanding or faith. It can be described as a deep spiritual sleep or paralysis against divine callings. It can impact prayer and spiritual awareness. This requires spiritual awakening through prayer and study. 

​Hear the Good News! Our Christ does not come to crush you or blow out your fading hope. He comes to "faithfully bring forth justice." He comes to bind up what is broken. He does not grow faint until His work in your heart is finished.

​III. The Baptism of Spirit and Fire

​As Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens are rent asunder. The Spirit descends—not as an eagle, a bird of prey, but "like a dove." 

Here we see the "New Things" Isaiah spoke of.

​The Father’s voice declares, "This is my Son." Friends, this is the Witness of the Spirit. Just as the Spirit rested upon Jesus, so it is offered to you. 

It is not enough to have the "form of godliness" as described in 2 Timothy 3:5-7 “ holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power.” We must have the power thereof. It is this Spirit that opens the blind eyes and brings the prisoner out of the dungeon of habit and despair.

​IV. The Call to Holy Living

​Finally, consider that God has established a sacred, binding agreement with humanity in the firm of Jesus.  Christ was given as a light to the nations. If we are his followers, we cannot remain in the shadows.

​If the Father is "well pleased" with the Son for His humble obedience, shall He be pleased with us if we remain idle? We are called to be a Blessing.

1. ​Seek the Light: Allow the Spirit to show you your own heart.

2. ​Walk in Righteousness: Not by your own strength, but by the "Spirit put upon Him" which is now shared with us.

3. ​Tend the Reeds: Find those who are bruised and offer the same gentleness Christ offered you.

Here is the Life Application of this lesson. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit hear these words.

The Lord declares "new things" this very hour. Do not wait for the wick to go out. Come to the flame of grace. Let the Spirit descend upon your life, that the Father might say of you also, "In this child, I am well pleased."

Let us pray 

Divine Creator, through the baptism of Your beloved Son in the Jordan River, You consecrated water for the symbolic cleansing of sin. We, Your humble servants, ask for Your gaze upon us. We are grateful that You have not extinguished our flickering faith or crushed our fragile spirits, but instead have supported us through Your unmerited grace.

We pray that as the heavens opened for Him, the radiance of Your truth will illuminate our dark hearts. May Your Holy Spirit descend upon us, not for our own glory, but for the restoration of all nations. Take us by the hand and steer us away from worldly temptations, molding us into a people of covenant - pure, passionately doing good deeds and following in the footsteps of Your Son until we are perfected in love.

Hear our plea, in honor of Him who is the Light of the World, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Benediction: 

May you depart with peace; show affection and concern towards one another in the name of Christ; and may the same divine presence that filled Jesus, Isaiah, and John also fill your innermost being. May the strength of God, which sustained them, empower you for each day; and may the same love of God, which guided their every deed, be your guiding force and guiding light, both now and for eternity. Amen.

©2026 Thomas E Williams 

Created January 11, 2026

ACKNOWLEDGE PUBLICLY. Romans 10:9-10

ACKNOWLEDGE PUBLICLY

Romans 10:9-10  “if you acknowledge publicly with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord and trust in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be delivered. For with the heart one goes on trusting and thus continues toward righteousness, while with the mouth one keeps on making public acknowledgement and thus continues toward deliverance.”  - 

Complete Jewish Bible version

ACKNOWLEDGE PUBLICLY

As human beings, we all have a deep desire to be acknowledged and accepted by others. We thrive on recognition and validation from our peers and loved ones. This desire for acknowledgement also extends to our faith journey – we want to be seen and accepted by God for who we are and what we believe. But there is a specific type of acknowledgement that holds great power in our spiritual lives – public acknowledgement.

In Romans 10:9, it says, "If you acknowledge publicly with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord and trust in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be delivered." This powerful verse speaks to the importance of publicly acknowledging our faith in Jesus Christ. But what does it mean to publicly acknowledge our faith, and why is it so significant?

This excerpt from the United Methodist Book of Worship is part of the ritual of baptism. 

The pastor asks:

On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you: Do you reject all that is evil, repent of your sin, and accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?

The responsive is, “I do.”

The next question is, “Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?”

The response again is, “I do.”

Public acknowledgement is more than just saying the words "I believe in Jesus." It goes beyond a private confession of faith and involves making a public declaration of our beliefs. It is a bold and courageous act that requires us to step out of our comfort zone and share our faith with others. When we publicly acknowledge our faith, we are making a statement to the world that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.

But why is this public acknowledgement so crucial in our faith journey? 

First and foremost, it shows that we are not ashamed of our beliefs. In today's society, there is often pressure to keep our faith hidden or to water it down to avoid offending others. However, by publicly acknowledging our faith, we are boldly proclaiming that it is an essential part of who we are and that we will not be silenced or ashamed of it.

Furthermore, public acknowledgement is an act of obedience to God. In Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus says, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." By publicly acknowledging our faith, we are fulfilling God's command and showing our love and devotion to Him.

Public acknowledgement also opens up opportunities for fellowship, discipleship, and accountability. By surrounding ourselves with other believers, we can grow in our faith and become stronger disciples of Christ.

Moreover, public acknowledgement is a powerful tool for evangelism. As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. By publicly acknowledging our faith, we are sharing our testimony and inviting others to know Jesus for themselves. Our public acknowledgement may be the very thing that leads someone else to salvation. I often say that the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are not as effective as the stories of Bob and Brenda or Jill and Jim. People respond to your living testimony far more readily than to those of people dead for thousands of years.

It is essential to note that public acknowledgement of our faith should not be a one-time event or a mere formality. It is an ongoing process that requires us to continue making public declarations of and living our faith. Romans 10:10 says, "For with the heart one goes on trusting and thus continues toward righteousness, while with the mouth one keeps on making public acknowledgement and thus continues toward deliverance." 

In addition to publicly acknowledging our faith, it is also vital to trust in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead. This trust goes beyond mere belief; it is a deep seated conviction that Jesus is who He says He is – the Son of God and the Savior of the world. 

When we trust in the very core of our being and publicly acknowledge our faith, we experience a sense of freedom and deliverance from the bondage of sin. It allows us to let go of any shame or fear associated with our old identity. And lets us fully embrace our identity as followers of Christ.

Here's the condensed version, public acknowledgement of our faith is a powerful and essential aspect of our spiritual journey. It shows our love and devotion to God, invites others to join us on our journey, and leads us towards righteousness and deliverance. As we continue to trust in our hearts and make public declarations of our faith, may we never be ashamed to boldly proclaim that Yeshua is Lord. Amen

LOVE OF CHRIST URGES US ON

LOVE OF CHRIST URGES US ON

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

(Second draft)

“For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised.”

As Christians, we are called to live a life that is centered around the love of Christ. This love is an active force that motivates and guides us in all aspects of our lives. 

The passage starts by stating that the love of Christ urges us on. This word “urges” carries a sense of urgency and intensity. It is not a gentle nudge, but a strong and compelling force that drives us forward. The sense of urgency and intensity is not a mild push, but a powerful and persuasive drive that propels us ahead. This love is not passive, but rather proactive and deliberate. It motivates us to take action, to step out of our comfort zones and strive for a life that aligns with God's will. In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, we are reminded of this love and its powerful impact on our lives.

Have you ever felt an urge to do something out of your normal routine? Or perhaps to say something or go somewhere?

I can think of several times that I've followed those promptings and several times I haven't. Here is one where I hesitated before following that urge. 

I was driving one day when I saw a man in a powered wheelchair stuck on a crumpled curb. There was no ramp down one side and up the other. I immediately felt the need to help. Unfortunately there were cars behind me and no way for them to pass on the curving street. I decided to go around the block and come back on the street which he was attempting to cross. I did that. However when I was back at the intersection another car had stopped in the street blocking traffic and was attempting to help. The man in the car behind the road blocking car got out of his car and came to help also. Both of these men were younger and more able to lift that man and his chair over the curbs than I was. Making this event possibly even more memorable is that between the three men there were three races.  I had been urgent to stop but didn't immediately. When I arrived back I wasn't needed. Evidently others had felt that same urging to assist. I've always regretted that I hadn't just stopped on that first impulse as these other men had. I think I missed the chance to be a blessing and possibly the chance to receive a blessing because I delayed the urge to help.

CHRIST DIED

The love of Christ is not just for a select few, but for all. The verse states that “one has died for all”. This speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. God’s love for us is a love that knows no boundaries or limits.

ALL HAVE DIED

The verse then goes on to say that “therefore all have died”. This may seem like a strange statement at first glance, but it is a reminder that through Christ’s death, we have also died to our old selves. Our old sinful nature has been crucified with Christ and we are now made new in Him as Galatians 2:19b-21 states, “For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, 20 and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This death allows us to be free from the bondage of sin and live a life that is pleasing to God. 

GODCENTRIC

Why did Christ die for us? The verse continues by saying “so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised”. Jesus’ death was not in vain. It was an act of selfless love that was done for our sake. And in response to this love, we are called to live a life that is no longer centered around ourselves, but for God.

LIFE OF SERVICE

Living for God means putting Him first in everything we do. It means surrendering our desires and ambitions to His will. It means living a life of obedience and serving others with love, just as Christ did for us. This may not always be easy, but the love of Christ urges us on and gives us the strength and motivation to keep going.

POINT OF VIEW CHANGE

When we truly understand the magnitude of God’s love for us, it changes everything. It changes how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. We are no longer just living for ourselves, but for the one who died for us. Our purpose and identity are now rooted in Christ and His love for us.

REBORN TO SHARE

This love also has a powerful impact on our relationships with others. When we are motivated by the love of Christ, we see others through His eyes – as beloved creations of God who also need to experience His love and grace. It compels us to reach out and share the good news of Jesus with those around us, regardless of their background or beliefs.

REFLECTING JESUS

Furthermore, the love of Christ also guides us in how we treat others. In John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” Our love for others is a reflection of our love for Christ. It is a witness to the world that we are followers of Jesus. When we live in this way, our actions speak louder than words and draw others closer to God.

IN A RELATIONSHIP

So how do we practically live out this love of Christ in our daily lives? Firstly, we must constantly remind ourselves of God’s love for us by meditating on His Word. The more we understand His love for us, the more we will be motivated to live for Him. We can also seek to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him through prayer and fellowship with other believers.

DELIBERATELY CHRISTLIKE

Secondly, we must be intentional in our actions and attitudes towards others. This means showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, even when it may be difficult. We can also look for opportunities to serve and bless others, just as Christ did for us.

LIVE TO LOVE 

To recap, the limitless love of Christ should be the driving force in our lives. It urges us on to live a life that is pleasing to God and to love others as He loves us. It is a love that knows no boundaries and has the power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. May we always be reminded of this love and allow it to guide us in all that we do.

Having been loved, love!

Having been forgiven, forgive.

WHAT YEAST ARE YOU?

WHAT YEAST ARE YOU?

1 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NRSVUE)

6 Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all of the dough? 7 Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch of dough, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the church in Corinth, urging them to remove a specific yeast that is causing harm and division among them. This passage, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, speaks about the power of removing that yeast and the significance it holds for our lives as Christians.

Firstly, Paul reminds the Corinthians that boasting is not a good thing. Boasting is the child of pride and gives a sense of superiority, which are not traits that align with the teachings of Christ. Instead, Paul calls for humility and unity among believers.

He then goes on to use a metaphor of yeast to illustrate his point. Just as a small amount of yeast can leaven an entire batch of dough, so can a small amount of boasting and pride affect the entire church community. It only takes one person to sow seeds of division and malice within a community, and before we know it, the whole community can be affected.

You may be more familiar with a this updated version that says the same thing, “One bad apple spoils the whole barrel." 

We may think that our actions and words do not have a significant impact on others, but the reality is that they can spread like a cancer and affect those around us. Therefore, we must be mindful of our words and actions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Christ.

Paul then urges the Corinthians to clean out the old yeast so that they may be a new batch of dough. This statement carries a deeper meaning than just removing pride and boasting from their midst. It speaks about transformation and renewal.

As Christians, we are called to continuously strive for renewal and transformation in our lives. We are called to let go of our old ways and embrace the newness that comes with being in Christ. This process is ongoing and requires us to constantly examine ourselves and make changes when needed.

Paul then makes a powerful statement that Christ, our Paschal lamb, has been sacrificed. 

To better understand the significance of Paul's analogy of the Paschal lamb let me explain. 

In the twelfth chapter of Exodus God commanded the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and use its blood to mark their doorways, ensuring that the "destroying angel" would spare their homes during the last plague in Egypt which destroyed the first born male of humans and their livestock. 

The roasted Paschal lamb was then consumed alongside unleavened bread and bitter herbs as part of the Passover feast. This lamb represented liberation and rescue from captivity.

Paul's words explain that in the New Testament, 

Christians view Jesus as the "Lamb of God," who is offered as a sacrifice to redeem the sins of humanity, mirroring the significance of the Passover lamb in the Old Testament. 

In the gospel of John chapter one verses twenty-nine and thirty-six we read where John the Baptizer sees Jesus and exclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Christian doctrine holds that a divine Jesus chose to suffer crucifixion at Calvary to save the world from its sins. 

Well that's not quite right. Jesus didn't save the world. He saved the people from their sins. 

Hmm! Let's try that again. Jesus died to save me from my son and you from yours. Salvation is a very personal thing.

This is imagery by Paul is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. His death and resurrection have freed us from the power of sin and death, and have given us a new life in Him.

This truth should fill us with joy and gratitude, especially as we approach the season of Christ's Resurrection. It should also serve as a reminder that our actions and attitudes should reflect this new life in Christ. We are called to live differently, to be holy, that means set apart from the ways of the world.

Therefore, Paul urges the Corinthians (and us) to celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. This is a call to let go of our old ways of living and embrace a new way of life in Christ.

He reinforces this idea in his second letter to the church at Corinth where he writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

It is essential to note that Paul is not calling for perfection here. He knows that we are all flawed and will make mistakes, but he is urging us to continually strive for a life that is pleasing to God. 

Since strive is not a word commonly used today we could substitute 

“struggle for”, “earnestly seek”, or “give it our all to gain.” As a Christian our past is gone so we need to actively try to live a life filled with sincerity and truth, where we are honest with ourselves and with others. This is the positive yeast that lifts us and those around us.

Boasting in an unhealthy yeast that is selfish and self-centered. In pride we attempt to lift ourselves above others. To not care for anyone but ourselves. This is less like yeast and more like cancer where the cells grow in an unhealthy manner.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 highlights the significance of removing the yeast of pride, boasting, malice, and evil from our lives. It reminds us of the power that our words and actions hold and how they can impact those around us.

It also urges us to continuously strive for renewal and transformation in our lives, letting go of our old ways and embracing a new life in Christ. 

Ultimately, it calls us to celebrate the festival of the Resurrection with sincerity and truth, reflecting the purity and simplicity of our faith in Christ.

©2025 Thomas E Williams