Sermons by “Rev. John R. Larson”

The Right Place

It is easier to be in the wrong place. The wrong place doesn’t take any courage. You can let others lead you. You can go along with what the latest change of culture and values are. The wrong place usually means that we got our way, we stepped in and made sure our needs were met.

But the right place, that is the best place. The right place is the place of faith and trust. The right place puts all needs now, and in the future, into God’s hands.

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Welcome Home!

At this meal we are home. Redemption is given. Forgiveness of sin is guaranteed. This is pure joy. And in this meal we find our place. When the one that was lost was found and the one who was dead was alive everyone joined in the joy – except the grumpy older brother. Being home means we are not alone. Look at all the others who are here celebrating with you. Maybe we should have some type of group hug after Holy Communion!! Here is what is found in Paul’s words, “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (I Corinthians 10:16-17)

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A Sermon Dialog with John

R You face the crossroad of obedience every time you confront a choice that asks will you follow your own way, the way of the world, the way that others push you to, the way you think will be easiest or most pleasant for you. Or will you follow the way Jesus would lead you – the way of obedience.

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Are You Sure You Want This Cup?

Are you sure you want to drink this cup? Jesus said yes. For us He drank the cup. For the full forgiveness of sins He drank the cup. James and John wanted to sit in that place of honor, on His right and His left. Jesus told them, “To sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” (Mark 10:40)

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A Sermon Dialog with Peter

I guess the best part of my story is that I did not finish my discipleship in tears of failure. Jesus came and found me that day on the beach, after he had risen. He loved me enough to call me back after I had turned my back on him. “Do you love me?” he asked me three times. And he sent me to feed his lambs and sheep. And here is the best part, he calls you back, too. He does not leave us in our failure. He does not turn away. He is there each day with the forgiveness we need to go on one more day, to face one more test, to stand at one more crossroad. And by his power, the power of his Holy Spirit, to be what he wants us to be, what we want to be.

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3:16

3:16. Needed. Without Jesus there is not the fullness of life for life right now. And there is not the fullness of life for all eternity. Instead of anticipating the light of eternal life – heaven – there is no such hope.

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All Encompassing Religion

We have an exceptional God. Do you marvel at how great He is? Are you speechless at how wise and good He is? Have you seen that His timing for the things in life that happen, or don’t happen, are just amazing? Our own Pastor Don Ginkel has written a book, over 100 pages in length, now being studied on Wednesday mornings titled, “Our Awesome God.” In every aspect concerning our God, God is awesome and exceptional. He saved Israel and brought them to a promised land. He told them, “I’m your God and you’re My people.”

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A Sermon Dialog with Pontius Pilate

P You have said it better than any of us could. We are forgiven and free. We are made new by God’s grace each day. We know that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). And we can rejoice.

R And I envy you that.

P Thank you for being with us today and for reminding us of the gift of hope.

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Back To Basics

If you want to build on something you first must build on a broken heart. Nothing good comes from an arrogant, self-sufficient heart. God can’t live there. God is not needed. But if you seek Him, you will find Him. One of the Church Fathers said, “Our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.”

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The Daily Battle, The Forever Victory

We want to complain when life is hard. We want to let the world know how unfair this is. We want to throw a pity party and demand an answer for the question, “Why ME??” And God talks about the benefit of the daily battle. Romans 5 says this, “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5:2b-5)

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