Preacher Paul's Blogs

This Sunday, we'll be exploring Luke 4:14-21, where Jesus returns to his hometown synagogue and makes a bold declaration about his identity and purpose. Through this powerful passage, we'll examine what it means to discover and live out our God-given calling.  We'll look at how Jesus, filled with the Spirit, confidently stepped into his mission and demonstrated perfect alignment between his identity and actions. This wasn't just true for Jesus but it's also relevant for each of us as we seek to live out our callings. Whether in our workplaces, our communities, or our church, we're all called to participate in Christ's ongoing work of transformation. As you prepare for Sunday's message, I invite you to reflect on these questions: Where in your life do you feel the greatest sense of joy and purpose when serving others? Could this be a sign of God's calling? What would it look like for you to declare, like Jesus, "Today this scripture has been fulf...

As we gather this Sunday, we will reflect on Psalm 36:5-10 , a beautiful passage that invites us to reconnect with the source of all life and joy: God’s steadfast love and abundant grace. This psalm reminds us that God’s love reaches to the heavens, God’s faithfulness is as vast as the skies, and in God’s light, we find clarity and hope. Together, we will explore how this divine abundance calls us to trust in God’s provision, walk confidently in God’s light, and share the joy of God’s love with those around us. The sermon, titled "The Fountain of Life and Light," will encourage us to reflect on where we seek fulfillment and how we can allow God’s presence to guide and sustain us. As we start a new year, this is an opportunity to renew our trust in God’s care, set aside our fears, and embrace the joy that comes from God’s overflowing grace. As you prepare for worship this week, consider these questions:  Where do you see evidence of God’s steadfast love in your life?  How can...

This Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday , a special day when we will reflect on the significance of Jesus' baptism and reaffirm our own baptismal vows during worship. It is a moment to remember that through water and Spirit, we are claimed as God’s beloved and called to live out our faith in the world. We will explore Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 , where the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and God proclaims, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." This moment reveals Jesus’ identity and mission and invites us to consider our own baptismal calling. In a world that often ties worth to achievements or status, baptism reminds us that our identity is rooted in God’s grace. As we prepare for worship, I encourage you to reflect on these questions:  What does it mean for you to live as God’s beloved in your daily life?  How might reaffirming your baptismal vows inspire you to live with greater purpose and faith?  I look forward to sharing this meaningfu...

This Sunday, we’ll dive into the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) and the gifts they brought to Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts are rich with meaning, and we will explore what they tell us about who Jesus is and what they mean for our lives as His followers. As we reflect on the journey of the wise men, we’ll consider how their story invites us to bring our own gifts and devotion to Christ. As you prepare for worship, take some time to reflect.  What gifts, whether of time, talent, or love, are you offering to Jesus?  How might you honor Christ more fully in this new year? I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

This Sunday, we come to the close of our five-part sermon series, Emmanuel – God With Us. Throughout this series, we’ve explored the incredible truth that God’s presence is not confined to a single moment in time but is with us in the past, present, and forever. In this final message, God With Us Forever, we’ll reflect on Matthew 1:18-25, where Joseph learns in a dream that the child Mary will bear is Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." This powerful name assures us that God’s love and grace reach into every part of our lives, offering guidance, hope, and salvation. As we conclude this journey, we’ll explore how Emmanuel is not just a promise but a living reality that transforms our lives and calls us to be a light for others. Just as Joseph responded to God’s call with trust and obedience, we are invited to live with confidence in the eternal presence of God. Together, we’ll celebrate the gift of Emmanuel and consider how we can embody this truth in our daily lives. This week, ...

You are warmly invited to join us at Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church for a special Service of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve, December 24, at 6:00 p.m. This cherished service will take us on a beautiful journey through scripture and song, celebrating the story of salvation and the birth of Jesus Christ. With readings, carols, and a time of communion, this evening is a meaningful way to honor the gift of Emmanuel—God with us. Following the service, we invite you to stay for a light meal of finger foods, a time for fellowship and sharing the joy of Christmas with one another. Come and experience the hope, peace, and love of the season. We look forward to celebrating with you!

As we approach the fourth Sunday of Advent, we will reflect on a profound moment in Scripture: the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary in Luke 1:26-38. Have you ever wondered what Mary’s life might have been like if Gabriel had not appeared to her? Perhaps she would have lived in quiet obscurity, raising a family with Joseph, working as a seamstress, or serving as a midwife in her community. Yet, when God interrupted her life with an extraordinary call, Mary responded with faithful trust and obedience, knowing that her “yes” would change everything.  This week, I invite you to spend time with this passage and consider Mary’s courage and faith.  Where might God be interrupting your life and inviting you to respond with trust and obedience? What might it mean for you to say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord,” even when the path ahead feels uncertain?  Let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Emmanuel, who is with us in every act of faithful surrender.