Date Posted: 2024-10-21 06:48:29 | Video Duration: 01:11:22
Highland Park Presbyterian Church is a beacon of faith and community, inviting both long-time members and newcomers to experience the profound message of God’s love and grace. This week’s sermon delved into the essence of faith and righteousness, drawing from the rich tapestry of scripture to explore our relationship with God, our Savior.
The Gift of Righteousness
The service began with a warm welcome, and a call to worship inspired by Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” This set the tone for an exploration of spiritual blessings and the profound forgiveness we receive through Christ.
The pastor centered the sermon on Romans 4, where the Apostle Paul reflects on the story of Abraham. In verses 18-25, Paul highlights how Abraham’s faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” This scripture served as the backbone for discussing how righteousness is not earned by works but credited through faith, offering assurance of salvation and God’s unwavering promise.
Faith and Trust
The pastor posed a poignant question: “How do we learn to trust a savior that we cannot always see and don’t seem to always be able to hear?” Through the story of Abraham, who trusted God against all odds, we are reminded that faith is often a journey of trust and patience, even when the path is unclear.
The sermon emphasized the concept of “The Great Exchange,” where our sins are placed on Christ, and His righteousness is given to us as a gift. This exchange, the pastor explained, is a demonstration of God’s grace, which we must accept with open hearts and a trusting spirit.
Living the Faith
In a powerful anecdote, the pastor shared the story of Jerry Sittser, a man who faced unimaginable tragedy yet found hope and healing through faith. His journey underscores the message that God is with us through every trial, weaving His presence into our lives even when we struggle to see it.
The service concluded with an invitation to reflect on the Heidelberg Catechism, reminding the congregation of their righteousness before God through faith in Jesus Christ. The pastor encouraged everyone to embrace this truth, saying, “Have you let God put down the big credit for you, paid in full? Have you received it?”
As a community, Highland Park Presbyterian Church continues to foster a deep connection with God, urging members to trust in His promises and live out their faith with confidence and joy. The call to action was clear: embrace the righteousness gifted through Christ and allow God to weave His love and purpose into every facet of life.
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