Skip to main content

April 16, 2023 - John 20:19-31

Dear Church Family:

As we gather together this coming Sunday, I want to take a moment to reflect on a topic that may resonate with many of us. Even the most devout Christian at times may experience doubts, just like Thomas. Doubts can be a challenging and confusing experience, but it is important to remember that it is a normal part of our spiritual journey.

During this week, I would like to encourage you to reflect on a few questions to prepare for Sunday's sermon. When was the last time you experienced doubts in your faith? How did you cope with them? What helped you overcome your doubts, or what is still causing you to struggle?

In our time together, we will explore the story of Thomas, the disciple who doubted and yet found his faith renewed. We will look at how his doubts were transformed into an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding. Ultimately, we will learn that doubts are not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of a healthy and growing faith.

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday, and I pray that this week will be a time of deep reflection and spiritual growth for each of us.

Blessings,

Paul

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Where Is God in the Texas Flooding? July 6, 2025

This afternoon, I received a phone call from a dear church member about the tragic flooding in Texas. We discussed the question that weighs heavy on many hearts: how could something like this happen in a Christian state, at a Christian camp, with precious children as victims? I must admit, I have wrestled with this myself over the last couple of days, spending the afternoon in prayer and tears, seeking comfort in God's word. As you may have heard, devastating flash floods struck central Texas on July 4th. At least 69 people have lost their lives, including many children, and 11 children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, remain missing. Rescue teams continue their urgent search as families wait in unimaginable anguish. You too may ask why God would allow this to happen. This question has echoed through the centuries from the faithful throughout Scripture. Job asked it. The psalmists cried it out. Even Jesus Himself, in His darkest moment on the cross, cried, "My Go...

A Tale of Two Confessors - October 27, 2024

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday.  In my sermon we’ll explore one of Jesus’ most powerful parables in Luke 18:9-14, often referred to as the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In this story, Jesus contrasts two men praying in the temple: one who boasts of his righteousness and another who humbly asks for mercy. Through this parable, Jesus challenges us to examine our own hearts, asking whether we trust in our own goodness or rely fully on God’s grace. We'll look at how this message, though spoken thousands of years ago, speaks directly to our modern tendency to divide ourselves into categories, just as the Pharisee did. As we prepare for worship, I invite you to reflect on the ways we sometimes fall into self-righteousness or, on the other hand, isolate ourselves through feelings of unworthiness.  How do we let these mindsets affect our relationship with God and others?  What might it look like to approach God with true humility, trusting not in ourselves but...

January 7, 2024 - Matthew 2:1-12

  The Journey of the Magi: A Symbol of Our Spiritual Quest This Sunday I'll be preaching on the familiar story of the Magi from Matthew 2:1-12. However, my message will explore some new dimensions around their long, arduous journey seeking Jesus. I'm going to look at how the Magi can become a metaphor for our own spiritual quests in life. We all hunger for deeper meaning and connection with God. This often requires effort and overcoming struggles along the way. Just as the star led the Magi through unknown lands to Jesus, God provides us guiding lights to keep pursuing him. My sermon will highlight three main ideas: the diligence required in seeking God, attending to God's guidance through "stars" of insight, and offering our gifts fully once we draw close to Jesus. The Magi never gave up through their difficult travels. They followed the star closely to reach their destination. And upon arriving, they laid down their most valuable possessions in worship of Ch...