Sometimes Christians can come across as self-righteous. They can develop a holier-than-thou attitude. This attitude turns people off to the Christian faith. Jesus saw this and compared the self-righteous Pharisees to the washing of a dirty cup. So how can we avoid the trap the Pharisees fell into when they thought they were living out their faith effectively?
On this first Sunday in Advent, we focus on Mary’s Magnificat. It is a beautiful song that is confrontational. There is nothing meek or mild about Mary’s song. At times governments have prohibited the out-loud reading of this song by Mary. How might it direct our living today?
Did you know there’s a difference between being great at something and being great? You may have known a musician or singer who was great at making music so you idolized them. But then they did something that made it obvious they were far from great. Athletes, politicians, pastors, bosses and even spouses can be great at something but fail the test of being great. The Apostle Paul and Jesus give us the missing ingredient they needed.
Three times the Disciples of Jesus argue about who is the greatest. Can you imagine that? These disciples watch Jesus minister to the least, the last and the lost but they still are concerned with their pecking order in the followers of Jesus. Jesus overhears their arguments and gives them some advice.
Sermon preached at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on March 18, 2018 by Rev. Fred A. Steinberg Gold Canyon United Methodist Church 6640 S Kings Ranch Rd. Gold Canyon, Arizona 85118 480-982-3776 GoldCanyonUMC.org
Musical performed and written by Jeremiah and Vanessa Gamble at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on January 10, 2016
Sermon preached at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on May 31, 2015 by Rev. Fred Steinberg
Sermon preached at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on March 29, 2015 by Rev. Fred Steinberg
