Friendship CRC: Sermons Castos https://.castos.com A digital collection of sermons given at Friendship Christian Reformed Church. Here the curious may find answers; the faithful may find reassurance; the hopeless may find hope. Sun, 10 Sep 2023 14:53:00 +0000 en © 2022 US CA https://episodes.castos.com/61f01524104198-81913680/images/LogoSquarePNG.png Friendship CRC: Sermons https://.castos.com A digital collection of sermons given at Friendship Christian Reformed Church. Here the curious may find answers; the faithful may find reassurance; the hopeless may find hope. Friendship CRC episodic A digital collection of sermons given at Friendship Christian Reformed Church. Here the curious may find answers; the faithful may find reassurance; the hopeless may find hope. Austin Slater tech@friendshipcrc.org false https://feeds.castos.com/xw11v yes "Support our Church" <![CDATA[Redemption's Storyline: Creation]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2023 14:53:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1553959 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/redemptions-storyline-creation This week we begin a new series titled, "Redemption's Storyline." Over the next several weeks we will be considering a range of passages from the O.T. As we reflect on what God was doing and communicating to his people in those moments, we will also think about how these stories fit into the larger picture of God's plan as revealed now in Christ. This week we start with the story of creation in Genesis 1. Here we see God's intention for human beings and all his creation. We also are reminded that just as the Lord alone could create us and everything else, so too only the Lord can save us and bring heaven and earth back together.

]]> full false This week we begin a new series titled, "Redemption's Storyline." Over the next several weeks we will be considering a range of passages from the O.T. As we reflect on what God was doing and communicating to his people in those moments, we will also think about how these stories fit into the larger picture of God's plan as revealed now in Christ. This week we start with the story of creation in Genesis 1. Here we see God's intention for human beings and all his creation. We also are reminded that just as the Lord alone could create us and everything else, so too only the Lord can save us and bring heaven and earth back together.

]]> 00:25:33 <![CDATA[The Great Chasm]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2023 14:40:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1553956 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-great-chasm This Sunday morning we conclude our series reflecting on some of the sayings or teachings of Jesus which are more difficult for us to understand or apply. This week we dive into Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus, a story which might leave us with several questions as to what Jesus is trying to communicate. How literally should we take the things Jesus is saying here? What does he mean by the great chasm which separates the parties in the story? While some of the details are interesting to explore, the overall message of the story is one calling us to see the importance and urgency of how we are responding to God's word in our lives now. There are varying responses to the message of Christ, and these responses will have eternal ramifications.

]]> full false This Sunday morning we conclude our series reflecting on some of the sayings or teachings of Jesus which are more difficult for us to understand or apply. This week we dive into Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus, a story which might leave us with several questions as to what Jesus is trying to communicate. How literally should we take the things Jesus is saying here? What does he mean by the great chasm which separates the parties in the story? While some of the details are interesting to explore, the overall message of the story is one calling us to see the importance and urgency of how we are responding to God's word in our lives now. There are varying responses to the message of Christ, and these responses will have eternal ramifications.

]]> 00:29:12 <![CDATA[Fair Payment]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 16:19:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1545508 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/fair-payment This Sunday morning we continue our series on some of the sayings or teachings of Jesus that we typically have a hard time understanding or applying. In this passage in Matthew, Jesus tells a parable of a landowner who is hiring workers throughout the day to work in his vineyard. At the end of the day, he pays everyone the same, regardless of how many hours they've worked. The longer-term workers in the story take exception with this, and as we read the story we might as well. Is this fair? What is Jesus communicating here? This teaching of Jesus reminds us that the value systems of our world don't often translate to the way things work in God's kingdom. When it comes to the gifts of God, we can be assured that not only is he completely fair with us, but also generous in his giving.

]]> full false This Sunday morning we continue our series on some of the sayings or teachings of Jesus that we typically have a hard time understanding or applying. In this passage in Matthew, Jesus tells a parable of a landowner who is hiring workers throughout the day to work in his vineyard. At the end of the day, he pays everyone the same, regardless of how many hours they've worked. The longer-term workers in the story take exception with this, and as we read the story we might as well. Is this fair? What is Jesus communicating here? This teaching of Jesus reminds us that the value systems of our world don't often translate to the way things work in God's kingdom. When it comes to the gifts of God, we can be assured that not only is he completely fair with us, but also generous in his giving.

]]> 00:27:56 <![CDATA[Teachers and Fathers]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1540270 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/teachers-and-fathers This Sunday morning we continue our series on some of the teaching or sayings of Jesus which are harder for us to understand. In Matthew 23, Jesus is in Jerusalem and begins speaking out against the practices of the religious leaders there. In contrast to the way they are living, Jesus tells his disciples that none of them are to be called, 'teacher,' and that they shouldn't call anyone on earth, 'father.' What does Jesus mean by this? Are we in error by referring to our earthly fathers with that title? It seems that Jesus doesn't have this in mind as much as he wants us to be clear in our relationship to him that he is our one Lord, and in our relationship to each other that we are not to Lord it over one another.

]]> full false This Sunday morning we continue our series on some of the teaching or sayings of Jesus which are harder for us to understand. In Matthew 23, Jesus is in Jerusalem and begins speaking out against the practices of the religious leaders there. In contrast to the way they are living, Jesus tells his disciples that none of them are to be called, 'teacher,' and that they shouldn't call anyone on earth, 'father.' What does Jesus mean by this? Are we in error by referring to our earthly fathers with that title? It seems that Jesus doesn't have this in mind as much as he wants us to be clear in our relationship to him that he is our one Lord, and in our relationship to each other that we are not to Lord it over one another.

]]> 00:28:59 <![CDATA[Dogs and Bread]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:20:59 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1538312 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/dogs-and-bread This Sunday morning we continue our series on some of the sayings or teachings of Jesus which we typically have trouble understanding or coming to grips with. In this text, Jesus has an encounter with a Canaanite woman who is asking that Jesus heal her daughter. To this request, Jesus replies that it isn't right to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs. What does Jesus mean here and why would he say it? As we dig a little deeper into the story, we realize that this encounter has to do with Jesus' mission and the mission of his church. It is a mission that will confront us, as it did Jesus' first disciples, with some prejudices or conclusions about other people that we've long held.

]]> false This Sunday morning we continue our series on some of the sayings or teachings of Jesus which we typically have trouble understanding or coming to grips with. In this text, Jesus has an encounter with a Canaanite woman who is asking that Jesus heal her daughter. To this request, Jesus replies that it isn't right to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs. What does Jesus mean here and why would he say it? As we dig a little deeper into the story, we realize that this encounter has to do with Jesus' mission and the mission of his church. It is a mission that will confront us, as it did Jesus' first disciples, with some prejudices or conclusions about other people that we've long held.

]]> 00:29:08 <![CDATA[Get Going and Don't Be Afraid]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2023 13:42:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1538292 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/get-going-and-dont-be-afraid “We can always count on Jesus to tell us the truth. And when Jesus instructs us about our purpose here while waiting for his return, he doesn’t spare us a full preview of the pain of our mission. This sets us up for one of the “hard teachings” of Jesus. This month we will examine several of these “hard sayings,” that seem difficult to understand. Jesus delivers some hard news, but His words are intended to make us courageous.”

]]> false “We can always count on Jesus to tell us the truth. And when Jesus instructs us about our purpose here while waiting for his return, he doesn’t spare us a full preview of the pain of our mission. This sets us up for one of the “hard teachings” of Jesus. This month we will examine several of these “hard sayings,” that seem difficult to understand. Jesus delivers some hard news, but His words are intended to make us courageous.”

]]> 00:23:42 <![CDATA[Bread of Plenty]]> Sun, 30 Jul 2023 13:30:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1537744 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/bread-of-plenty This Sunday morning we conclude our series on food by reflecting on Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew. This event happens because of Jesus' care and compassion for the crowd, and his power to provide all that they need and more. While we sometimes see a scarcity of resources, Jesus reminds us that the Lord is never short on resources, and is ready and willing to provide for us. As we celebrate God's ample provision for us, we are also called to imitate his compassionate and giving heart with our neighbors in this world.

]]> full false This Sunday morning we conclude our series on food by reflecting on Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew. This event happens because of Jesus' care and compassion for the crowd, and his power to provide all that they need and more. While we sometimes see a scarcity of resources, Jesus reminds us that the Lord is never short on resources, and is ready and willing to provide for us. As we celebrate God's ample provision for us, we are also called to imitate his compassionate and giving heart with our neighbors in this world.

]]> 00:24:54 <![CDATA[The Bread of Peace]]> Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:55:22 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1523007 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-bread-of-peace This Sunday morning we continue our series on food by reflecting on an interesting story from the life of King David. In this story, David is about to take vengeance on a man named Nabal because he has dealt with David in evil fashion. However, before David can shed blood, Nabal's wife Abigail meets David and his army with a large meal and other gifts. Through this, and Abigail's wise words, David calms down and avoids bloodshed. We are aware of how hunger can often make us act in rash or poor ways in our lives, and of how eating and sharing a table in good company can give some peace to us. As God provides peace to us through eating, it is a reminder of the larger ways he provides peace to us in our relationship with him and with each other.

]]> full false This Sunday morning we continue our series on food by reflecting on an interesting story from the life of King David. In this story, David is about to take vengeance on a man named Nabal because he has dealt with David in evil fashion. However, before David can shed blood, Nabal's wife Abigail meets David and his army with a large meal and other gifts. Through this, and Abigail's wise words, David calms down and avoids bloodshed. We are aware of how hunger can often make us act in rash or poor ways in our lives, and of how eating and sharing a table in good company can give some peace to us. As God provides peace to us through eating, it is a reminder of the larger ways he provides peace to us in our relationship with him and with each other.

]]> 00:29:24 <![CDATA[Angel Food Cake]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:45:11 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1518733 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/angel-food-cake This Sunday morning we continue our series about God's provision of food. In this story we see the prophet Elijah at the end of his rope. All of the opposition to his faith and ministry have left him completely worn out and depressed. However, the Lord still has plans for him, and sends his angel to strengthen him with food for the journey ahead. We know that we need food for strength each day, and hopefully we regularly acknowledge God's provision of food for us in our lives. But perhaps we don't think as much about what God is strengthening us for. What might God be calling us to with the strength he provides us?

]]> false This Sunday morning we continue our series about God's provision of food. In this story we see the prophet Elijah at the end of his rope. All of the opposition to his faith and ministry have left him completely worn out and depressed. However, the Lord still has plans for him, and sends his angel to strengthen him with food for the journey ahead. We know that we need food for strength each day, and hopefully we regularly acknowledge God's provision of food for us in our lives. But perhaps we don't think as much about what God is strengthening us for. What might God be calling us to with the strength he provides us?

]]> 00:28:30 <![CDATA[God's Provision for Mission]]> Mon, 22 May 2023 15:07:10 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1483452 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/gods-provision-for-mission This Sunday morning we turn to the call of Jeremiah the prophet found in Jeremiah chapter 1. Jeremiah's call is specific, but also reminds all of us that God knows us and has a purpose for us. We all deal with doubts from time to time about what we can actually do, or how we could ever do it, but God's reassurance to Jeremiah should reassure us as well. God not only know us and calls us, but also empowers us to do what he has called us to do.

]]> full false This Sunday morning we turn to the call of Jeremiah the prophet found in Jeremiah chapter 1. Jeremiah's call is specific, but also reminds all of us that God knows us and has a purpose for us. We all deal with doubts from time to time about what we can actually do, or how we could ever do it, but God's reassurance to Jeremiah should reassure us as well. God not only know us and calls us, but also empowers us to do what he has called us to do.

]]> 00:26:40 <![CDATA[The Lord's Workers]]> Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:42:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1464664 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-lords-workers This Sunday morning we again think about the mission God calls us to as his people. During Jesus' ministry he sent out his followers to bring the message of God's kingdom to the towns around them. What can we learn from this passage as we think about God's mission for us? Where might Jesus be calling us to bring the message of God's kingdom today?

]]> full false This Sunday morning we again think about the mission God calls us to as his people. During Jesus' ministry he sent out his followers to bring the message of God's kingdom to the towns around them. What can we learn from this passage as we think about God's mission for us? Where might Jesus be calling us to bring the message of God's kingdom today?

]]> 00:25:33 <![CDATA[Who is my Neighbor? ]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2023 19:15:21 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1459206 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/who-is-my-neighbor-8 This Sunday and next we are emphasizing the mission we have as God's people to share the Gospel, and celebrating some of the ways we see God empowering us for this. As we reflect on the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, we hear Jesus' call for us to, "go and do likewise," in being good neighbors like the Samaritan was in the story. However, this story first and foremost reminds us that Jesus is our real neighbor who comes to us and binds our wounds and saves us. When we receive the love the Good Samaritan, aka Jesus, then we are able to, "go and do likewise."

]]> full false This Sunday and next we are emphasizing the mission we have as God's people to share the Gospel, and celebrating some of the ways we see God empowering us for this. As we reflect on the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, we hear Jesus' call for us to, "go and do likewise," in being good neighbors like the Samaritan was in the story. However, this story first and foremost reminds us that Jesus is our real neighbor who comes to us and binds our wounds and saves us. When we receive the love the Good Samaritan, aka Jesus, then we are able to, "go and do likewise."

]]> 00:24:29 <![CDATA[The End is the Beginnning]]> Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:05:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1455553 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-end-is-the-beginnning This Sunday morning, as we celebrate Jesus' resurrection, we turn once more to the gospel of Mark. Jesus' death on the cross seems to be a clear ending of his life and the hope his ministry had brought. But as the women come to his tomb and find it empty and hear the testimony that Jesus is alive, the message is that Jesus' death didn't signal the end, but the beginning of something new. Likewise, as we come to the end of Mark's gospel and hear the call for the women and the other disciples to share this good news about Jesus, we also see that the story doesn't end there, but has just begun. This is the story we are living still today, and through the resurrection power of Jesus, are continuing to tell.

]]> full false This Sunday morning, as we celebrate Jesus' resurrection, we turn once more to the gospel of Mark. Jesus' death on the cross seems to be a clear ending of his life and the hope his ministry had brought. But as the women come to his tomb and find it empty and hear the testimony that Jesus is alive, the message is that Jesus' death didn't signal the end, but the beginning of something new. Likewise, as we come to the end of Mark's gospel and hear the call for the women and the other disciples to share this good news about Jesus, we also see that the story doesn't end there, but has just begun. This is the story we are living still today, and through the resurrection power of Jesus, are continuing to tell.

]]> 00:27:23 <![CDATA[Trials and Convictions]]> Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:52:35 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1450838 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/trials-and-convictions This Sunday morning, as we continue our series in the Way of the Cross, we find Jesus being arrested and put on trial. But while Jesus' innocence and dignity continue to shine through in all of this, we see the brokenness and guilt of humanity at every stop. Whether it is the disciples, or the Jewish leadership, or the Roman leadership, or even Peter, we see the failure of humanity on full display. Yet despite our clear guilt, Jesus continues his journey to the cross. There the innocent one will die for us guilty ones. There his righteousness will become our righteousness.

]]> full false This Sunday morning, as we continue our series in the Way of the Cross, we find Jesus being arrested and put on trial. But while Jesus' innocence and dignity continue to shine through in all of this, we see the brokenness and guilt of humanity at every stop. Whether it is the disciples, or the Jewish leadership, or the Roman leadership, or even Peter, we see the failure of humanity on full display. Yet despite our clear guilt, Jesus continues his journey to the cross. There the innocent one will die for us guilty ones. There his righteousness will become our righteousness.

]]> 00:28:30 <![CDATA[The Suffering Savior]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 18:20:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1445113 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-suffering-savior As we continue our series through the passion week texts in Mark, we find Jesus in prayer in Gethsemane. While Jesus' suffering on the cross is quite evident, we can already see his suffering here as he prays before God the Father. In this moment, we also see how Jesus will face all that is to come - because he knows it is his Father's will. As Jesus is in prayer in the garden, we are in awe of his enduring all of this for our sake. We also are led to follow Jesus in our lives in the way we pray and face our own sufferings.

]]> full false As we continue our series through the passion week texts in Mark, we find Jesus in prayer in Gethsemane. While Jesus' suffering on the cross is quite evident, we can already see his suffering here as he prays before God the Father. In this moment, we also see how Jesus will face all that is to come - because he knows it is his Father's will. As Jesus is in prayer in the garden, we are in awe of his enduring all of this for our sake. We also are led to follow Jesus in our lives in the way we pray and face our own sufferings.

]]> 00:25:26 <![CDATA[The Cross in the Upper Room]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 18:13:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1445110 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-cross-in-the-upper-room Table conversations tell us a lot about the people sitting around it. Jesus' conversations at the last supper tell us that his death on the cross was no accidental death. The cross was on front of Jesus' mind and it confronts us too when we come to the Lord's Table. What will you do with Jesus' cross?

]]> full false Table conversations tell us a lot about the people sitting around it. Jesus' conversations at the last supper tell us that his death on the cross was no accidental death. The cross was on front of Jesus' mind and it confronts us too when we come to the Lord's Table. What will you do with Jesus' cross?

]]> 00:24:58 <![CDATA[Faith and Fight]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 18:10:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1445098 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/faith-and-fight This Sunday morning we continue our Lenten series following Jesus' journey to the cross in the closing chapters of Mark. It is now Tuesday evening in Bethany and the reactions to Jesus are growing stronger as Jesus draws closer to the cross. On the one hand are the religious leaders and Judas Iscariot, who are fighting against Jesus. On the other hand are people like Simon the leper, and the unnamed woman who anoints Jesus' feet. They are responding to Jesus with faith. These reactions call us to think about how we will respond to Jesus: will we fight against him, or put our faith in him?

]]> false This Sunday morning we continue our Lenten series following Jesus' journey to the cross in the closing chapters of Mark. It is now Tuesday evening in Bethany and the reactions to Jesus are growing stronger as Jesus draws closer to the cross. On the one hand are the religious leaders and Judas Iscariot, who are fighting against Jesus. On the other hand are people like Simon the leper, and the unnamed woman who anoints Jesus' feet. They are responding to Jesus with faith. These reactions call us to think about how we will respond to Jesus: will we fight against him, or put our faith in him?

]]> 00:32:36 <![CDATA[Someone Greater is Here]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 18:05:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1445094 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/someone-greater-is-here This Sunday morning we continue our Lenten series zooming in on the week of Jesus' life leading up to the cross. In this text we see Jesus cursing a fig tree, cleansing the temple, and teaching his disciples about prayer. All of these actions point to who Jesus is. The temple was the place where heaven and earth met, but now this is found in Jesus. Not responding to him in faith puts us, like the people of Israel then, in danger of judgment. Mark's witness continues to speak today that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. How are we responding to this message?

]]> full false This Sunday morning we continue our Lenten series zooming in on the week of Jesus' life leading up to the cross. In this text we see Jesus cursing a fig tree, cleansing the temple, and teaching his disciples about prayer. All of these actions point to who Jesus is. The temple was the place where heaven and earth met, but now this is found in Jesus. Not responding to him in faith puts us, like the people of Israel then, in danger of judgment. Mark's witness continues to speak today that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. How are we responding to this message?

]]> 00:28:11 <![CDATA[Jesus' Mission Statement]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 17:42:27 +0000 Friendship CRC https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/37248/episode/1445066 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-upper-room-1 This Sunday morning marks the first Sunday in the season of Lent, a season in which Christians have focused on preparation and repentance, in anticipation of the celebrations of Good Friday and Easter. This year we will be reflecting on the stories in Mark during the week leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection. This begins with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. By riding into town as he does, Jesus is making a statement about who he is - the promised Messiah - and calling on everyone to respond. As Jesus proclaimed his identity and mission to Jerusalem that day, so he proclaims it to us today. Will the mission and identity of our lives be tied to Jesus or resist him?

]]> full false This Sunday morning marks the first Sunday in the season of Lent, a season in which Christians have focused on preparation and repentance, in anticipation of the celebrations of Good Friday and Easter. This year we will be reflecting on the stories in Mark during the week leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection. This begins with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. By riding into town as he does, Jesus is making a statement about who he is - the promised Messiah - and calling on everyone to respond. As Jesus proclaimed his identity and mission to Jerusalem that day, so he proclaims it to us today. Will the mission and identity of our lives be tied to Jesus or resist him?

]]> 00:26:36 <![CDATA[Mountaintop Moments]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2022 01:42:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/mountaintop-moments https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/mountaintop-moments As we continue our series on discipleship, we find Peter, along with James and John, on the mountaintop with Jesus. What they experience there is almost hard to imagine. It is an incredible moment where they gain a glimpse of the glory of God, and heaven opened. Understandably, Peter wants this moment to last, but Jesus and his disciples need to head back down from the mountain, and to the work that is before them. As we follow Jesus, there are sometimes incredible and overwhelming moments where we see God's power and presence clearly at work. We might want to stay in these moments forever, but they are meant to fill us for our continued journey of serving and following the Lord.

]]> full 3 5 false As we continue our series on discipleship, we find Peter, along with James and John, on the mountaintop with Jesus. What they experience there is almost hard to imagine. It is an incredible moment where they gain a glimpse of the glory of God, and heaven opened. Understandably, Peter wants this moment to last, but Jesus and his disciples need to head back down from the mountain, and to the work that is before them. As we follow Jesus, there are sometimes incredible and overwhelming moments where we see God's power and presence clearly at work. We might want to stay in these moments forever, but they are meant to fill us for our continued journey of serving and following the Lord.

]]> 00:24:48 <![CDATA[Who Won the Battle]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2022 01:39:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/who-won-the-battle https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/who-won-the-battle We continue our Lent series in Judges by considering the story of Gideon. God gives deliverance to his people from the Midianites through Gideon and his small band of soldiers. The story makes it clear that this victory and deliverance have come from the Lord, and yet we see how easily Gideon and the people can begin to credit themselves for this. In our own lives, it is tempting to think that we can do just about anything for ourselves. We can and will win the fight! But this is dangerous when it comes to our relationship with God, because our strength is not sufficient to bring about our deliverance from sin.

]]> full 3 4 false We continue our Lent series in Judges by considering the story of Gideon. God gives deliverance to his people from the Midianites through Gideon and his small band of soldiers. The story makes it clear that this victory and deliverance have come from the Lord, and yet we see how easily Gideon and the people can begin to credit themselves for this. In our own lives, it is tempting to think that we can do just about anything for ourselves. We can and will win the fight! But this is dangerous when it comes to our relationship with God, because our strength is not sufficient to bring about our deliverance from sin.

]]> 00:30:00 <![CDATA[Will the Real Judge Please Stand Up]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2022 19:33:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/will-the-real-judge-please-stand-up https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/will-the-real-judge-please-stand-up The story of Deborah invites us to ask several questions, like “What current situation of mine calls for my courage?” And “Who is the real Deliverer of God’s people? It is God Himself, of course, who uses an unlikely trio of ordinary people to accomplish his purposes. If so, then “What important, but shared role, might God be calling me to join with others in for His purposes today?”

]]> full 3 4 false The story of Deborah invites us to ask several questions, like “What current situation of mine calls for my courage?” And “Who is the real Deliverer of God’s people? It is God Himself, of course, who uses an unlikely trio of ordinary people to accomplish his purposes. If so, then “What important, but shared role, might God be calling me to join with others in for His purposes today?”

]]> 00:26:29 <![CDATA[Walking on Water]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:40:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/walking-on-water-3 https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/walking-on-water-3 This week we continue our series on discipleship, considering this text where Peter briefly walks on the water of the sea with Jesus. This powerful story reminds us that following Jesus doesn't always lead us through still waters. The journey calls for our continued trust in Christ, and keeping our eyes fixed on him, because in our own strength we will sink. We are also reminded and encouraged again of the power and grace of the one we are called to follow.

]]> full 2 5 false This week we continue our series on discipleship, considering this text where Peter briefly walks on the water of the sea with Jesus. This powerful story reminds us that following Jesus doesn't always lead us through still waters. The journey calls for our continued trust in Christ, and keeping our eyes fixed on him, because in our own strength we will sink. We are also reminded and encouraged again of the power and grace of the one we are called to follow.

]]> 00:29:01 <![CDATA[The Call to Follow]]> Wed, 09 Mar 2022 20:58:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/the-call-to-follow https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-call-to-follow This Sunday evening we begin a new series on discipleship, focusing on the Apostle Peter and some of the texts describing his journeying of following Jesus. We begin with this passage in Luke, which describes Jesus' calling of Peter to follow him. In this we are reminded of how Jesus calls us and also of the service following him entails. Above this, we are also reminded of who we are being called to follow - Jesus, the Lord of all.

]]> 1 5 false This Sunday evening we begin a new series on discipleship, focusing on the Apostle Peter and some of the texts describing his journeying of following Jesus. We begin with this passage in Luke, which describes Jesus' calling of Peter to follow him. In this we are reminded of how Jesus calls us and also of the service following him entails. Above this, we are also reminded of who we are being called to follow - Jesus, the Lord of all.

]]> 00:21:08 <![CDATA[A Messy People]]> Wed, 09 Mar 2022 20:03:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/a-messy-people https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/a-messy-people Judges begins with a pair of introductions, which orient the reader as to what will follow in the rest of the book. This particular passage describes the spiritual situation amongst God's people. It is messy. The people are getting caught up in the influence of the world around them, and forget the God who has saved them. Nevertheless, God continues to be gracious to his people in delivering them, and calling them to a life of faith. Our lives in this world are always a bit messy, and this passage calls us in the midst of this mess to keep turning to the Lord and trusting in him.

]]> full 1 4 false Judges begins with a pair of introductions, which orient the reader as to what will follow in the rest of the book. This particular passage describes the spiritual situation amongst God's people. It is messy. The people are getting caught up in the influence of the world around them, and forget the God who has saved them. Nevertheless, God continues to be gracious to his people in delivering them, and calling them to a life of faith. Our lives in this world are always a bit messy, and this passage calls us in the midst of this mess to keep turning to the Lord and trusting in him.

]]> 00:31:29 <![CDATA[Chapters of Life: A Time to Die]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2022 17:25:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/chapters-of-life-a-time-to-die https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/chapters-of-life-a-time-to-die It’s the final chapter of our series, and naturally the final chapter of our lives, but one we don’t often like to talk about – dying. But the Bible has several examples of God’s people who did talk about it and model for us at least four ingredients of what it takes to “die well.” And doesn’t ending well have something to say about living well today?

]]> full 5 2 false It’s the final chapter of our series, and naturally the final chapter of our lives, but one we don’t often like to talk about – dying. But the Bible has several examples of God’s people who did talk about it and model for us at least four ingredients of what it takes to “die well.” And doesn’t ending well have something to say about living well today?

]]> 00:26:28 <![CDATA[I Will Rejoice in the Lord]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2022 17:10:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/i-will-rejoice-in-the-lord https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/i-will-rejoice-in-the-lord As the conversation between God and the prophet draws to a close, God gives Habakkuk a vision of the fulfillment of his promise in 2:3. God will bring justice to the nations and set all things right. In the light of this conversation and revelation, Habakkuk responds with a profession of faith. As we wrestle with God about things happening in the world and in our lives, we are called to the same response of rejoicing and trusting in the Lord.

]]> full 4 3 false As the conversation between God and the prophet draws to a close, God gives Habakkuk a vision of the fulfillment of his promise in 2:3. God will bring justice to the nations and set all things right. In the light of this conversation and revelation, Habakkuk responds with a profession of faith. As we wrestle with God about things happening in the world and in our lives, we are called to the same response of rejoicing and trusting in the Lord.

]]> 00:26:02 <![CDATA[The Woes of the Other Way]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:35:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/the-woes-of-the-other-way https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/the-woes-of-the-other-way God continues to speak to his prophet by confirming the words he spoke just before this. These verses contain many woes for those who oppose God and choose to walk in their own ways. These paths will not end in satisfaction and happiness. God's reminder in these woes is also that this is not the case in following his path. With the Lord is life.

]]> full 3 3 false God continues to speak to his prophet by confirming the words he spoke just before this. These verses contain many woes for those who oppose God and choose to walk in their own ways. These paths will not end in satisfaction and happiness. God's reminder in these woes is also that this is not the case in following his path. With the Lord is life.

]]> 00:26:08 <![CDATA[Chapters of Life: A Time to Reassess ]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:35:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/chapters-of-life-a-time-to-reassess https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/chapters-of-life-a-time-to-reassess There are always transition points which come up in our lives, but as we age, they seem to come at us with greater speed. How do we handle these transitions, and find continued purpose in our lives when our children are out of the house and we've retired from our work? In these transitions, God reminds us that he is still our God, and he is still present in our lives. He also reminds us that he still has purpose for us, that we might be blessed, and bless others in return.

]]> full 4 2 false There are always transition points which come up in our lives, but as we age, they seem to come at us with greater speed. How do we handle these transitions, and find continued purpose in our lives when our children are out of the house and we've retired from our work? In these transitions, God reminds us that he is still our God, and he is still present in our lives. He also reminds us that he still has purpose for us, that we might be blessed, and bless others in return.

]]> 00:29:47 <![CDATA[Live By Faith]]> Thu, 17 Feb 2022 19:30:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/live-by-faith https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/live-by-faith After hearing God's initial reply, Habakkuk has more questions. How can God bring about justice upon his people through an even more unjust nation like Babylon? As God begins to reply, he points the prophet and his people to a vision of the bigger picture of what he is doing. Often in life, we can only see what is right in front of us, and sometimes, that picture can be quite grim. God reminds us that he has not abandoned us, and that he has a grand plan in mind which hasn't been diverted.

]]> 2 3 false After hearing God's initial reply, Habakkuk has more questions. How can God bring about justice upon his people through an even more unjust nation like Babylon? As God begins to reply, he points the prophet and his people to a vision of the bigger picture of what he is doing. Often in life, we can only see what is right in front of us, and sometimes, that picture can be quite grim. God reminds us that he has not abandoned us, and that he has a grand plan in mind which hasn't been diverted.

]]> 00:22:51 <![CDATA[Chapters of Life: Shaping a Generation]]> Thu, 17 Feb 2022 19:25:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/chapters-of-life-shaping-a-generation https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/chapters-of-life-shaping-a-generation We continue our chapters of life series by considering the stage of life which gives us the opportunity to shape those coming behind us, whether as parents, mentors, teachers, coaches, etc. God calls us to pass on the truths of who he is and what he has done to the next generation, and to consider also the way in which we do so. How are you being intentional about this, if this is the chapter of life God is writing with you right now?

]]> full 3 2 false We continue our chapters of life series by considering the stage of life which gives us the opportunity to shape those coming behind us, whether as parents, mentors, teachers, coaches, etc. God calls us to pass on the truths of who he is and what he has done to the next generation, and to consider also the way in which we do so. How are you being intentional about this, if this is the chapter of life God is writing with you right now?

]]> 00:30:16 <![CDATA[Chapters of Life: Gaining Wisdom]]> Wed, 09 Feb 2022 17:56:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/chapters-of-life-gaining-wisdom https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/chapters-of-life-gaining-wisdom This sermon from Proverbs 4 will be speaking specifically to teens and young adults as God’s Word speaks into the crucial issues of these formative years.

As we enter into greater freedom and responsibility, life can be daunting. We need guidance and insight into the world, what the Bible calls Wisdom.

This message will explore what it is, why it’s important and how we get it.

]]> full 2 2 false This sermon from Proverbs 4 will be speaking specifically to teens and young adults as God’s Word speaks into the crucial issues of these formative years.

As we enter into greater freedom and responsibility, life can be daunting. We need guidance and insight into the world, what the Bible calls Wisdom.

This message will explore what it is, why it’s important and how we get it.

]]> 00:27:07 <![CDATA[Be Utterly Amazed]]> Wed, 09 Feb 2022 17:15:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/be-utterly-amazed https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/be-utterly-amazed This Sunday evening we begin a short series on the book of Habakkuk. The book is a dialogue between the prophet and the Lord regarding what is happening with the Lord's people, and what the Lord is doing about it. The book opens with Habakkuk's cry for justice regarding the things happening among God's people. God then replies to the prophet, but not in the way he expects. This dialogue reminds us we have an audience with God as his redeemed people, but also reminds us that his ways are not our ways.

]]> full 1 3 false This Sunday evening we begin a short series on the book of Habakkuk. The book is a dialogue between the prophet and the Lord regarding what is happening with the Lord's people, and what the Lord is doing about it. The book opens with Habakkuk's cry for justice regarding the things happening among God's people. God then replies to the prophet, but not in the way he expects. This dialogue reminds us we have an audience with God as his redeemed people, but also reminds us that his ways are not our ways.

]]> 00:27:21 <![CDATA[Chapters of Life: The Joys of Childhood]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2022 17:00:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/chapters-of-life-the-joys-of-childhood https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/chapters-of-life-the-joys-of-childhood One of our values at Friendship is being a community which is multi-generational. So, for the next several weeks, we are planning to lean into this value, by reflecting on the blessing and calling God gives to us throughout the various stages of our lives. We begin this week with childhood, and the reminder of the joy and wonder of this stage of life, as well as how God would have us all learning from our children in our faith.

]]> full 1 2 false One of our values at Friendship is being a community which is multi-generational. So, for the next several weeks, we are planning to lean into this value, by reflecting on the blessing and calling God gives to us throughout the various stages of our lives. We begin this week with childhood, and the reminder of the joy and wonder of this stage of life, as well as how God would have us all learning from our children in our faith.

]]> 00:25:07 <![CDATA[Discerning God's Will: Settling Disagreements in Church]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2022 18:01:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/discerning-god39s-will-settling-disagreements-in-church https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/discerning-god39s-will-settling-disagreements-in-church In Acts 15 we see that from almost the very beginning, the early church had to wrestle with issues over which they disagreed. Even the best Christians don’t always agree. The issues in Acts 15 were significant, and the apostles were right there, yet God didn’t resolve it by sending them a vision or speaking through a prophet. Instead, we see how the church would normally work through finding its way to God’s will. Though our issues may be different, in this chapter we can discern several principles for how to seek God’s will together as a body of believers. As you read through the chapter consider, “What did the church do when they needed a new policy about Gentiles coming to faith?” And “To what sources did they appeal in discerning God’s will?”

]]> full 4 1 false In Acts 15 we see that from almost the very beginning, the early church had to wrestle with issues over which they disagreed. Even the best Christians don’t always agree. The issues in Acts 15 were significant, and the apostles were right there, yet God didn’t resolve it by sending them a vision or speaking through a prophet. Instead, we see how the church would normally work through finding its way to God’s will. Though our issues may be different, in this chapter we can discern several principles for how to seek God’s will together as a body of believers. As you read through the chapter consider, “What did the church do when they needed a new policy about Gentiles coming to faith?” And “To what sources did they appeal in discerning God’s will?”

]]> 00:30:50 <![CDATA[Discerning God's Will: Transformation]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2022 17:56:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/discerning-god39s-will-transformation https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/discerning-god39s-will-transformation We continue our series on discerning God's will by considering this passage in Romans, which urges us toward a new way of thinking and living in Christ. It is a breaking away from the old patterns of decision-making and actions we had in the past, and a growing in the pattern of listening to the Lord and his leading more and more. This transformation is a life-long process, but we go about all of it in view of God's mercy toward us in Christ.

]]> full 3 1 false We continue our series on discerning God's will by considering this passage in Romans, which urges us toward a new way of thinking and living in Christ. It is a breaking away from the old patterns of decision-making and actions we had in the past, and a growing in the pattern of listening to the Lord and his leading more and more. This transformation is a life-long process, but we go about all of it in view of God's mercy toward us in Christ.

]]> 00:26:02 <![CDATA[Discerning God's Will: Attitude Toward Others]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2022 17:51:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/discerning-god39s-will-attitude-toward-others https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/discerning-god39s-will-attitude-toward-others As we continue our series in discerning God's will, we are faced this week with the truth that none of us makes decisions or takes actions in a vacuum. Our decisions and actions impact the people around us in ways great and small. Part of discerning God's will is to consider that impact, and to consider what God says he wants for people. This passage in Timothy tells us that God wants people to be saved and to know the truth about Christ. This revelation about God's desire for the people around us, should impact the way we go about our decisions and actions.

]]> full 2 1 false As we continue our series in discerning God's will, we are faced this week with the truth that none of us makes decisions or takes actions in a vacuum. Our decisions and actions impact the people around us in ways great and small. Part of discerning God's will is to consider that impact, and to consider what God says he wants for people. This passage in Timothy tells us that God wants people to be saved and to know the truth about Christ. This revelation about God's desire for the people around us, should impact the way we go about our decisions and actions.

]]> 00:29:03 <![CDATA[Discerning God's Will: Submission to the Lord]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2022 17:45:00 +0000 Friendship CRC https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/podcasts/37248/episodes/discerning-god39s-will-submission-to-the-lord https://friendship-crc-sermons.castos.com/episodes/discerning-god39s-will-submission-to-the-lord This week we begin a series thinking about how we can be discerning God's will in our lives both individually and corporately. The word of wisdom in Proverbs 3 reminds us that discerning God's will begins with a willingness to submit our wills to God's in our lives. We won't be able to discern God's will for us if we think our own wisdom is sufficient for our lives.

]]> full 1 1 false This week we begin a series thinking about how we can be discerning God's will in our lives both individually and corporately. The word of wisdom in Proverbs 3 reminds us that discerning God's will begins with a willingness to submit our wills to God's in our lives. We won't be able to discern God's will for us if we think our own wisdom is sufficient for our lives.

]]> 00:26:39