Make a Heavenly Deposit (from our 7/5/26 worship)

Make a Heavenly Deposit (from our 7/5/26 worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/UZWmnfDj3Ro [https://youtu.be/UZWmnfDj3Ro] In this sermon, “Make a Heavenly Deposit,” we examine what Jesus meant when He told us to lay up treasures in heaven. The lesson begins with the surprising story behind the Post-it Note. In 1968, 3M chemist Spencer Silver tried to create an extremely strong adhesive but instead produced a glue that barely stuck. Although others saw it as a failure, Silver believed it had value and continued searching for a use. Years later, that “failed” adhesive became the foundation for one of the most successful office products ever created. Silver treasured something before anyone else recognized its worth. In a similar way, this lesson asks an important question: What do you treasure? 1. Treasure Has a Location Jesus said: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” —Matthew 6:19–20 Anything we truly value is placed somewhere safe. We protect it because we want it to last. Earthly possessions, however, will eventually decay, become outdated, be destroyed, or be taken away. Heaven is the only location where our treasure can remain eternally secure. 2. Treasure Is Connected to the Heart Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our treasure reveals our priorities, desires, motivations, and devotion. What we treasure influences how we spend our time, use our resources, and treat other people. Everyone treasures something. The question is whether our hearts are devoted primarily to temporary earthly things or to the eternal work of God. 3. We Make Heavenly Deposits by Serving Others In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus describes people feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, clothing those in need, visiting the sick, and caring for prisoners. Jesus told them: “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” When we serve someone because we love Christ, we are making a deposit in heaven. The treasure is not merely the physical thing we give. It is the love, kindness, compassion, and godly motivation behind the action. A meal, a visit, an encouraging word, a borrowed vehicle, an act of forgiveness, or an opportunity to teach someone the gospel may appear small—but God sees the heart behind it. 4. Our Focus Determines Our Master Jesus continued by teaching about the healthy eye, the unhealthy eye, and the impossibility of serving two masters. “You cannot serve God and money.” —Matthew 6:24 What captures our attention will eventually capture our hearts. The things of this world will ultimately fail, but what we do for God will have eternal significance. This Week’s Challenge Make one heavenly deposit. Do one intentional act of love, service, generosity, encouragement, or evangelism—not to receive recognition, check a box, or impress someone, but because you love Jesus and want another person to experience His love. You may never know how far that small seed will grow, but no sincere work done for God is ever wasted. Primary Scriptures: Matthew 6:19–24 Matthew 25:31–46 Jeremiah 1:5 1 Corinthians 13:1–3

The Importance of a Name (from our 6-28-26 Worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/675lzVMx3UQ [https://youtu.be/675lzVMx3UQ] In this lesson, “The Importance of a Name,” we are reminded that names carry meaning, value, and authority. Proverbs 22:1 says that a good name is better than great riches, but no name matters more than the name of Jesus Christ. The lesson begins with the simple truth that a person’s name can open doors, build trust, and represent a life of character. But from there, we are pointed to the name above every name: Jesus. Through 1 Timothy 2:5, we see Jesus as the one mediator between God and man. A mediator brings peace, settles the dispute, reconciles separated parties, and delivers the message that needs to be heard. Jesus does all of this for us. He gives peace to troubled hearts, reconciles us to God through His sacrifice, and declares that He alone is “the way, the truth, and the life.” This lesson also looks back into the Old Testament to see God’s name and plan revealed through Abraham and Moses. Abraham knew the Lord as Jehovah-Jireh, “The Lord Will Provide,” pointing forward to the sacrifice God would provide through Christ. Moses heard God identify Himself as “I AM,” and Jesus later used that same name to declare His eternal nature and deity. The message closes with the powerful reminder that there is salvation in no other name. Jesus built His church, purchased it with His own blood, and invites us to wear His name—not as a man-made label, but as Christians who believe, repent, confess Him, are baptized into Him, and live faithfully for Him. Scriptures referenced include: Proverbs 22:1 1 Timothy 2:5 John 14:6, 27 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 Matthew 16:16–18 Mark 16:16 Acts 2:47 Acts 4:10–12 Genesis 22:18 Galatians 3:16 Exodus 3:13–14 John 8:58 Hebrews 13:8 Philippians 2:9–11 Acts 20:28 Revelation 2:10

God, Him, and Them (from our 6-21-26 worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/qkCIJOXbAOM [https://youtu.be/qkCIJOXbAOM] In this sermon, we look at Noah not just as the man who built the ark, but as a father who followed God and led his family. The message begins with the incredible true story of the Frasollieri family, who escaped communist Albania on July 4, 1975. Sixteen family members fled to freedom in a handmade boat covered with a waterproof tablecloth. Their story reminds us that this was not the first time a father helped float his family to safety. From there, we turn to Noah. Hebrews 11:7 tells us that Noah was warned by God about things not yet seen, and by faith he built the ark for the saving of his household. Noah received a warning, listened to God, and then warned his family. He was not perfect, but he did not ignore what God said. Genesis 6 shows us that God taught Noah exactly what to do. Noah was taught by God so he could teach others. 2 Peter 2 calls Noah a preacher of righteousness. Though the world refused to listen, his family did. Genesis 7 shows us that Noah did more than talk. He worked. For years, he faithfully built what God commanded. His family saw his faith in action. They saw that God’s work mattered to him. Fathers, and all Christians, teach with words, but also through daily example. Finally, Genesis 7 says that the Lord shut Noah in. God was leading Noah, and Noah was leading his family. Noah did not make their decisions for them, but his faith, obedience, teaching, and example helped influence them toward God. The main thought of this lesson is simple: They were better because of him. Noah’s family was blessed because Noah listened to God, obeyed God, worked for God, and led his household toward God. In the same way, godly fathers have a powerful role in helping their families become what God wants them to be. Scriptures discussed include: Hebrews 11:7 Genesis 6:13-17 2 Peter 2:4-5 Genesis 7:1-16 Genesis 9:1 Thank you for watching. If this lesson encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe for more Bible-based sermons and studies.

Do Not Grow Weary In Doing Good (From our 6-14-26 Worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/OD7xofrBVCE [https://youtu.be/OD7xofrBVCE] Introduction: Chester Carlson and the Long Road to Xerox Chester Carlson worked in patent departments where paperwork consumed everything. Copies were slow, expensive, and miserable to make. Because of poor eyesight, arthritis, and frustration with constant copying, he began searching for a better way in 1934. For four years, he experimented with almost nothing to show for it. He even had failures, smoke, and fire along the way. In 1938, he finally made the first image using light and static electricity. But even after that breakthrough, companies rejected him for years. It took about 17 years from the idea to a practical copy machine. Carlson’s story illustrates grit, resolve, and endurance. The Christian life requires the same kind of determination. Paul’s message in Galatians 6 is simple: do not quit doing good. Main Thought Christians will grow weary if they are not careful, but God calls us to keep sowing good seed because the harvest belongs to Him. 1. Sin Can Make Us Weary Galatians 6:1 Helping people often means stepping into messy situations. Sin is not clean and simple; it is muddy, complicated, and draining. When we try to restore someone, we must do it with gentleness, but also with caution. Paul warns us to “keep watch” on ourselves. Their sin may tempt us directly, or the stress of helping may tempt us toward gossip, bitterness, sinful coping, or frustration. We cannot help someone else if we are spiritually sinking too. Restoration requires love, but it also requires spiritual stability. Application: Help others, but do not let their mess pull you into sin. 2. Ego Can Make Us Weary Galatians 6:2–3 When we help someone carry a burden, we may be tempted to think we are better than they are. Pride says, “I am up here, and you are down there.” But we must remember that we also were sinners who needed help. Pride causes us to forget grace. It can make us harsh, impatient, and unwilling to keep helping. Application: Bear burdens without getting “the big head.” Helping others should humble us, not inflate us. 3. Forgetting Your Value Can Make You Weary Galatians 6:4 Thinking too much of yourself is dangerous, but thinking too little of yourself is also dangerous. Some Christians constantly tear themselves down. They keep serving, giving, smiling, and showing up, but inwardly they are empty. No one else can out-encourage the discouragement you constantly give yourself. If you refuse to see any good in what you do, you become like a bucket with a hole in the bottom. God values you. He sent His Son for you. You are not perfect, but you are valuable to Him and useful in His work. Application: It is not prideful to recognize that you did something good for God. 4. Bad Boundaries Can Make Us Weary Galatians 6:5 We are called to bear one another’s burdens, but each person still has to bear his own load. God never asked us to drop our own responsibilities, family, health, and soul in order to carry someone else completely. We can help people, but we cannot make them choose what is right. Jesus fed people, taught people, loved people, and still let them walk away when they refused Him. If we tie our success to someone else’s outcome, we will burn out. Our job is to be faithful. Their response belongs to them. Application: Do not jump into someone else’s sinking boat. Help them, but do not let them sink you. 5. Wrong Measures of Success Can Make Us Weary Galatians 6:6–8 Paul reminds us that we reap what we sow. The issue is not just money, but what we value and where we invest. Stewardship is not merely collecting and preserving; it is executing the Master’s will. If we judge faithfulness only by visible results, numbers, or immediate responses, we will get discouraged. The parable of the sower shows that some seed falls on hard, shallow, or thorny soil. But the sower still sows. God is more concerned with faithful sowing than our ability to control the soil. Application: Do not define success only by visible results. Every seed sown for God matters. 6. The Promise: Do Not Give Up Galatians 6:9–10 Paul gives the encouragement: do not grow weary, because in due season we will reap if we do not give up. The harvest may not come when we expect it, or in the way we expect it, but God sees every act of service. We must keep doing good to everyone, especially the household of faith. Conclusion: God Values Every Seed Isaiah 49:1–10 Isaiah describes a servant who feels like he has labored in vain, yet God says his work is not wasted. God sees, strengthens, honors, and uses His servant. You may feel like asking, “What’s the use?” But every seed you cast for God is seen by Him. It is not wasted, worthless, or unnoticed. Closing Thought: You are not an Old Testament Jew, but you are still His. You are not the first weary servant, and you will not be the last. You may feel like, “What’s the use?” but God values every seed you sow for Him. Invitation: God loves you, and the church loves you. Whether you need to become a Christian, repent, ask for prayers, or simply receive help, do not carry the burden alone. Come, and let us help you.

Are you a priest? (From our 6-7-26 worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/5_3tWku4EkM [https://youtu.be/5_3tWku4EkM] Are You a Priest? On March 6, 1987, the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry left port with its bow doors open. Within minutes, water flooded the vehicle deck, the ship capsized, and 193 people died. The tragedy did not happen because no one knew what to do. It happened because someone failed to do what they were supposed to do. That same kind of careless attitude appears in Malachi’s day. The priests knew what God required, but they treated worship like a burden. Malachi 1:13 shows their attitude: “What a weariness this is.” Their problem was not ignorance. It was a lack of reverence and care. But this lesson is not just about Old Testament priests. 1 Peter 2:9 says Christians are “a royal priesthood,” and 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. If Christians are priests under the New Covenant, then we need to learn from the priests of the Old Covenant. 1. Priests Got Clean and Stayed Clean Old Testament priests washed before serving God. Exodus 30:18–21 shows Aaron and his sons washing before entering the tent of meeting or approaching the altar. New Testament priests must also be washed, but spiritually. Acts 22:16 connects baptism with sins being washed away. 1 Peter 3:21 explains that baptism is not about removing dirt from the body, but about an appeal to God through a good conscience. 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds Christians that they were washed, sanctified, and justified. Priests also wore holy garments. Exodus 28:2 describes garments made for glory and beauty. Christians are also clothed, not with priestly robes, but with Christ. Galatians 3:27 says those baptized into Christ have “put on Christ.” Colossians 3:12 calls Christians to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Priests also had to distinguish between clean and unclean. Leviticus 10:10 teaches that discernment mattered. Romans 12:2 and Hebrews 5:14 show that Christians must also learn to discern good from evil. 2. Priests Participated Leviticus 24:8–9 describes the priests partaking of the bread connected to tabernacle service. Christians also participate in a sacred memorial. 1 Corinthians 10:16–17 teaches that the cup is a participation in the blood of Christ and the bread is a participation in the body of Christ. Priests also kept the fire burning. Leviticus 6:12–13 commanded that the altar fire must not go out. Christians are not keeping a physical altar fire burning, but Romans 12:11 tells us not to be slothful in zeal, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. 3. Priests Brought Others Before God Priests burned incense before the Lord. Exodus 30:7–8 describes Aaron burning fragrant incense regularly. In the New Testament, incense is connected with the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8. Christians should be people of prayer. Acts 10 shows Cornelius’s prayers and alms ascending before God as a memorial. When we tell someone we will pray for them, we should take that seriously. The high priest also carried the names of Israel on his breastplate. Exodus 28:29 says Aaron bore their names over his heart before the Lord. Christians also carry others through prayer, concern, and service. Galatians 6:2 says to bear one another’s burdens, and James 5:16 tells Christians to confess sins and pray for one another. Priests also blessed the people. Numbers 6:23–26 gives the priestly blessing over Israel. Christians should be a blessing through words and actions. Ephesians 4:29 teaches us to speak words that build up and give grace. James 3:9–10 warns that blessing God and cursing people made in God’s image should not come from the same mouth. 4. Priests Were Precise With Holy Things Priests handled holy things and were expected to follow God’s pattern. Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1–3 offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, and God judged them. Their example reminds us that worship and service to God must not be treated carelessly. Christians also handle holy things. Our bodies belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 teaches that we are not our own. We must follow the pattern God has given. Colossians 3:17 says everything we do in word or deed should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Hebrews 12:28 calls us to offer acceptable worship with reverence and awe. Luke 9:23 reminds us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. Conclusion Christians are priests. We may not serve in the temple at Jerusalem, wear Levitical garments, or offer animal sacrifices, but we still belong to God and serve Him. Romans 12:1–2 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. We are not perfect, and we depend on God’s grace and mercy, but there is a difference between looking for loopholes and sincerely wanting to do what is right. The question is not merely, “Do I know what God wants?” The question is, “Do I care enough to do it?”