The CCUPC Cutting Room Floor
Temporada 3
por Pastors James Benson and Dena Roy
A "part two" of last week's discussion on discipleship and everyday living, Pastor James and Pastor Dena talk about the difference between judgment and discernment, living transformed lives, and ways to live into the permanent change an encounter with Jesus brings.
Pastor James discusses the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, emphasizing how accepting Jesus' love can transform lives permanently. Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, seeks to see Jesus but hides up a tree, illustrating his desire to avoid the judgment of the crowd. When Jesus acknowledges him, it changes Zacchaeus, leading him to generously give away his wealth and repay those he wronged. This encounter highlights the grace of Jesus, inviting us all to reflect on what we might be hiding from Him and how His love seeks to embrace and change us. Sermon dated 11-24-24
When we think "ministry", do we think about the ways that our spending reflects our transformation in Christ? It's a thorny issue, but our generosity is directly tied to the ways that we use the resources that we have available to us. Pastor James and Pastor Dena talk finances, wisdom, and salvation in this episode.
In his sermon, Pastor James discusses the profound impact of ministry on individual lives and the importance of testimonies reflecting the church’s work. He emphasizes that while we are not saved by our works, our lives should exhibit the changes brought about by the gospel, leading to compassionate action towards others, symbolized by the separation of sheep and goats in Matthew 25. Pastor James challenges the congregation to consider whether they are "and so Christians," who live out their faith through action, or "but Christians," who let excuses prevent them from serving. Ultimately, he calls for reflection on what legacy we wish to leave behind, urging believers to understand that their daily actions contribute to their spiritual obituary.
In today's wide-ranging conversation, Pastor James and Pastor Dena discuss how Paul's thanks and encouragement for the Ephesians' faith stands in contrast to the modern church's culture. They talk about practical applications of Paul's theology and their hopes for the church.
In today’s sermon, Pastor James shares the importance of celebrating God’s work in our lives and the encouragement that comes from it, drawing parallels to his own experiences with friends. He emphasizes Paul’s gratitude for the Ephesians' faith and love, highlighting how our understanding of God fuels our attitudes and actions. Pastor James encourages the congregation to continue seeking deeper knowledge of God, stressing that our faith should lead to a concrete, actionable love for one another, regardless of our differences. In closing, he reminds everyone that we are ongoing projects in God's hands, called to embrace transformation and keep moving forward in faith. Sermon 11-3-24
What does it mean to be a Christian and be imperfect? While that seems like it should be an easy answer (Christians admit that we're imperfect--that's why we need Jesus!), too often we look at our imperfections as proof of God's absence in our lives. Pastor James and Pastor Dena explore this and more in today's episode.
In his sermon, Pastor James emphasizes that growth is a clear indication of God's ongoing work in our lives, as highlighted in Ephesians. He uses the metaphor of making a pie to illustrate how we often seek signs of God's action, similar to identifying a pie's presence by its ingredients or smell. Pastor James explains that the Holy Spirit acts as a seal in our lives, reassuring us of God's promises and helping us grow, understand scripture, and cultivate compassion. Ultimately, he assures us that God's projects in our lives won't be left unfinished, as the Holy Spirit guarantees our redemption and inheritance, inviting everyone to experience this transformative journey. Sermon Date 10.27.24
Elder Cindy Miller joins Pastor James as they discuss Acts 20. Listen to find out why Cindy was so excited by this week's sermon as they talk together about what it means to responsible for our own faith.
What responsibility do you have for the growth of your own faith? Pastor James talks about why it is so important that we take charge of our spiritual lives. (Original Sermon 9/22/2024)