Tag: You

I love you enough to tell you

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Love is not just a feeling—it’s a commitment to truth, even when that truth is hard to hear. In today’s world, where comfort and convenience often take priority over honesty, speaking truth in love can be a challenge. But real love isn’t about avoiding discomfort; it’s about caring enough to say what needs to be said.

Love Speaks Truth

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV) reminds us, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” If we truly love someone, we won’t sit back and watch them walk into danger—whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically—without warning them. Love requires courage. It means stepping up to share God’s truth, even when it’s unpopular.

What Jesus Did for Us

Romans 5:8 (ESV) says, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus took the punishment for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God. He bore our sins on the cross, as stated in 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV): “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

Through His sacrifice, Jesus provided the way for us to receive eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV) declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” His resurrection conquered sin and death, offering us victory in Him (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Love Confronts Sin with Grace

Jesus never shied away from speaking truth. When He encountered the woman at the well (John 4:1-26), He lovingly pointed out her sin, but He also offered her grace. He didn’t condemn her—He called her to something better. That’s what real love does. It doesn’t ignore sin; it confronts it with the hope of redemption.

Love Warns of Eternal Consequences

Perhaps the hardest truth to share is the reality of sin and its consequences. Romans 6:23 (ESV) says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If we truly love people, we cannot be silent about eternity. We must tell them about the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Love Does Not Enable Destruction

Love doesn’t mean tolerating everything for the sake of peace. It doesn’t mean supporting harmful behaviors or remaining silent when someone is making destructive choices. Proverbs 27:6 (ESV) says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” True friends don’t flatter; they sharpen each other (Proverbs 27:17).

Love Stands Firm in Truth

In a world that promotes subjective truth, we must stand on the unchanging truth of God’s Word. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV) instructs us, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” Our goal isn’t to win arguments, but to win souls. Love must be the foundation of our words and actions.

I Love You Enough to Tell You

So today, let me say this: I love you enough to tell you that Jesus is the only way, truth, and life (John 14:6). I love you enough to tell you that sin separates us from God, but His grace is greater. I love you enough to tell you that real peace and purpose are found in Christ alone. And I love you enough to encourage you to walk in obedience to Him, even when it’s hard.

Speaking truth in love isn’t always easy, but it is necessary. Love isn’t silent. Love speaks, because love saves.

Here I Go Again By Casting Crowns

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YOU CAN REST

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Lyrics

Resting in God’s Promises

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In the journey of life, there are moments when our hearts grow weary and burdened, when the weight of the world feels too heavy to bear. We find ourselves in seasons of loneliness, confusion, and doubt, where everything around us seems to be changing, and we struggle to find our footing. It is during these times that we are called to remember the promise of our loving Father, who invites us to come to Him and find rest.

The lyrics of the song we’ve just heard beautifully echo the sentiments expressed by Jesus himself in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV). Jesus extends a tender invitation to all who are weary and burdened, assuring them that in Him, they will find rest for their souls. This rest isn’t merely physical relaxation, but a deep, soulful peace that transcends our circumstances.

The song speaks of laying our burdens at the Father’s feet, of finding solace and comfort in His presence. It reminds us that when we feel overwhelmed by the storms of life, we can turn to Jesus, our ever-present help in times of trouble. We don’t have to carry our burdens alone; we have a loving Savior who willingly carries them for us.

Furthermore, the song acknowledges the struggles we face in believing our identity in Christ. It reflects on the battles with anxiety and self-doubt, where we question whether we truly are who God says we are. Yet, in the midst of our doubts, Jesus whispers His truth to our hearts, assuring us of His unwavering love and faithfulness.

As followers of Christ, we are called to rest in His promises. We are called to close our eyes and talk to Him, to breathe in and out His name – Jesus. For it is in Him that we find our peace, our strength, and our hope. No matter what challenges we may face, we can trust in the unchanging character of our Savior.

So, my friends, as you go forth, remember that you are never alone. In the midst of life’s trials and tribulations, may you find rest in the loving embrace of Jesus Christ. May you cling to His promises and allow His peace to fill your hearts. And may you live each day with the assurance that you are deeply loved, deeply cherished, and deeply valued by the One who gave His life for you.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who offers us rest for our weary souls. Help us to lay our burdens at your feet and find peace in your presence. Give us the strength to trust in your promises, even in the midst of life’s storms. And may your love sustain us always. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Lyrics

Mm-mm

When your weary heart is hurting or you’re feeling so alone
When you think that you’re a burden or nowhere feels like home
When everything feels like it’s changing and you don’t understand why
Trying so hard to be strong and brave but so tired you wanna cry
Don’t forget as you fall asleep to lay it all at the Father’s feet

You can rest, you can rest
In the one who never breaks His promises
Close your eyes, talk to Him
When you’re scared and feel the darkness rolling in
In your worry and your pain, just breathe in and out His name
Jesus, oh, Jesus
And you can rest
Mm-mm

When you’re looking in the mirror and you’re struggling to believe
Am I really who He says I am, or will God give up on me?
When anxiety is yelling and it’s drowning out today
When it’s hard to see tomorrow and you don’t know how to pray

You can rest, you can rest
In the one who never breaks His promises
Close your eyes, talk to Him
When you’re scared and feel the darkness rolling in
In your worry and your pain, just breathe in and out His name
Jesus, oh, Jesus
And you can rest

You can rest

Don’t forget as you fall asleep
You are safe at the Father’s feet

You can rest, you can rest
In the one who never breaks His promises
Just close your eyes and talk to Him
When you’re scared and feel the darkness rolling in
In your worry and your pain, just breathe in and out His name
Jesus, Jesus
Oh, Jesus
And you can rest
You can rest

Return to Message

Song By: Hillary Scott

Songwriters: David Wesley Haywood / Hillary Scott / Katy Boatman

Who do you say I am?

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Matthew 16:15 (NIV), Jesus asks, “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Certainly! Matthew 16:13-20 (NIV) recounts a significant conversation between Jesus and his disciples.

Matthew 16:13-20 (NIV):

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Explanation:

  1. Caesarea Philippi: This event takes place in the region of Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus engages his disciples in a crucial conversation.
  2. Question about Identity: Jesus first asks the disciples about popular opinions regarding his identity. The disciples share various views, and then Jesus directs the question specifically to them.
  3. Peter’s Confession: Simon Peter, one of the disciples, declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This confession is a profound acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine nature.
  4. Jesus’ Response: Jesus commends Peter for this revelation, stating that it came from God. He also makes a significant statement about building his church on the rock of Peter’s confession.
  5. Keys of the Kingdom: Jesus promises Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing authority. This authority extends to binding and loosing, indicating spiritual authority and responsibility.
  6. Secrecy Command: Jesus instructs the disciples not to reveal his Messiahship at this point, possibly to avoid misunderstanding and premature reactions.

Other Scripture References:

  • Messiah Prophecy: Peter’s confession aligns with messianic prophecies, such as Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) and Isaiah 53 (NIV) , describing the promised Messiah.
  • Church Foundation: The concept of building the church on the rock is echoed in Ephesians 2:20 (NIV) , referring to Christ as the cornerstone.
  • Keys of the Kingdom: The idea of keys representing authority is also mentioned in Revelation 1:18(NIV) , where Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.

These passages highlights the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and the foundational role of Peter in the establishment of the church.

Now, who do YOU say Jesus is?

For Christians, Jesus is considered the central figure of their faith and is often regarded as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection are foundational to Christian beliefs and the significance of Jesus and his role in salvation.

In other religious traditions, Jesus may be seen as a prophet, a moral teacher, or a historical figure with different degrees of importance. Non-religious perspectives may view Jesus as a historical figure whose impact has influenced cultures and societies.

What must we do to know Jesus as our savior and Lord?

The Christian understanding of knowing Jesus as one’s Savior is often based on the concept of faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ. According to Christian teachings, belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior, repentance, and acceptance of God’s grace through faith are key components.

Supporting scriptures:

  1. Faith in Jesus Christ:
    • Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
  2. Acknowledgment of Sin and Repentance:
    • Acts 3:19 (NIV) – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
  3. Confession of Jesus as Lord:
    • Romans 10:9 (NIV) – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
  4. Acceptance of God’s Grace:
    • Titus 2:11 (NIV) – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”
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The Importance of Reinstating Sunday School in Our Churches

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Today, I want to discuss a topic that has been close to my heart and one that I believe is crucial for the spiritual growth of our congregation: the reinstatement of Sunday School in our churches. Sunday School is not just a program; it is a powerful tool for discipleship and spiritual growth. In this message, I will share why we should consider bringing back Sunday School, supported by relevant Scripture references.

  1. Biblical Foundation for Teaching and Learning: The Bible places a strong emphasis on teaching and learning. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)), Jesus commands us to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Sunday School provides a structured environment for teaching God’s Word and fostering a deeper understanding of His teachings.
  • Proverbs 22:6 (NIV): “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
  1. Community and Fellowship: Sunday School promotes a sense of community within the church. It allows believers of all ages to come together to learn, discuss, and build relationships.
  • Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV): “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
  1. Spiritual Growth and Discipleship: Sunday School provides an opportunity for in-depth study, reflection, and discussion of Scripture. It equips believers to apply God’s Word in their daily lives, leading to spiritual growth and maturity.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV): “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
  1. Ministry and Leadership Development: Sunday School is a breeding ground for future leaders within the church. It offers a platform for individuals to develop their teaching, leadership, and ministry skills.
  • 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (NIV): These verses outline the qualifications of church leaders, showing the importance of nurturing leadership within the church.
  1. Reaching the Unchurched: Sunday School can serve as an entry point for people who are not yet part of our church community. It provides a non-threatening environment where newcomers can learn about the gospel and Christianity.
  • Romans 10:14 (NIV): “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

Listen to this song called “Thank You”

Click to play video

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Sunday School is a powerful tool for discipleship and spiritual growth, rooted in biblical principles. It provides a structured environment for teaching, fellowship, spiritual growth, leadership development, and outreach to the unchurched. As we consider reinstating Sunday School in our churches, let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) and our call to make disciples of all nations.

Let us pray and seek God’s guidance as we make this important decision, trusting that the reinstatement of Sunday School will not only benefit our congregation but also honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you, and may God bless our churches as we move forward in faith.

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