Pastor Dirk's Sermons

Life is more than physical existence. Science can try to explain how we got here, but it cannot tell us why we are here.  Christ does that.  In Christ, we do not merely exist. We live.  He is our life, in this world and the next.  The Point: Christ gives us options.  We can choose a better way to live. Next Steps: Every day this week, take time to focus on Christ and His desires for us, especially...

In the remodeling world, there are two general options.  We can just fix the obvious failings, or we can tear down and rebuild.  Christ comes so that we can be entirely remade.  In this life, He rebuilds us spiritually. In the next life, He rebuilds us physically.  His fullness will enable our complete restoration.  The Point: Following Christ provides our best opportunity for true fulfillment. Ne...

For centuries, God told His story mostly through one people in one part of the world.  Throughout this period, there were hints of His future plans, but most of His intentions were shrouded in mystery.  In Christ, however, God reveals the truth behind this mystery, His eternal plan to reclaim His creation.  The Point: When we work for Christ, no effort is wasted, because He is at work in us! Next...

Christ’s power to reunite us comes from His identity. He is both fully divine and fully human.  He alone has this identity, so only He can save us from our destructive ways.  Because of who He is, He can reconcile a world that seems to be ripping itself apart.  The Point: Welcome to the family! God wants you here! That’s why Christ came to earth! Next Steps: Take time each day this week to thank G...

Researchers have shown that we are biologically and psychologically wired to please someone. in the opening chapter of his letter, Paul prays that His readers would live worthy lives by pleasing God. He puts in the right order. When we try first to please ourselves or someone else, we mess with a fundamental part of our nature.  Christ comes to restore that desire within us.   The Point: When we f...

When God wins, His victory is neither partial nor marginal.  It is complete, entire and whole.  In this early stage of His people’s journey, God shows them where this story is going, revealing a victory that some day the entire world will acknowledge as they bow before the Sovereign Lord. The Point: Our God rescued us so we can help rescue one more.  Next Steps: What one thing can we do this week...

As the first step into their newly rediscovered homeland, God again leads in dramatic fashion.  This fight would be His fight.  The people were required to listen, obey and follow, but God alone provided the power to win. The Point: Our God’s holy power should both inspire and humble us.  Next Steps: What struggle can we turn over to God this week? Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirk...

Memory can be a blessing or a curse, depending upon what we are remembering. Our more powerful memories constantly push themselves into and influence our present.  Through Joshua, therefore, God commands His people to memorialize and  remember this event, so that it can guide them far into the future when they encounter new challenges.  The Point: The sovereign LORD of creation wants each of us to...

We take a break from our sermon series this Sunday, so the Children and Youth of Roser can offer their tribute to all types of mothers who serve our families here at Roser Church. Enjoy this interview with Charlie, one of our young people who shares his views on the importance of faith and church.  See the entire service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQV0Q9eH53A Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com...

At last the day comes when planning gives way to action.  However, this was no ordinary plan and no ordinary action.  God made it clear that He was the true Leader of His people, leaving no doubt about whose vision they were following. The Point: The same powerful LORD who brought us here will also lead us to victory. Next Steps: What hard thing is God asking us to do this week that will advance H...

God’s sovereignty uses the wisdom He invests in His leaders.  To overcome their enemies, the leaders befriend an ally who might be discounted by some.  However, the redemptive story of God is powerfully creative, incorporating all manner of people and persuasions.  The Point: Never underestimate the creative power of God’s grace. Next Steps: What can we do this week to judge less by trusting more...

Visions are realized when God’s people share them.  To experience the fullness of God’s blessing, they must all commit themselves to a process of obedience and faithful service.  And they must not quit until all God’s people receive what He intends for them. The Point: Are we each willing to own our role in a vision that God inspires? Next Steps: What will we each do this week to invite one more p...

Who would want to fill the sandals of Moses?  Few would be foolish enough to try.  Joshua was no fool, but God called him to do the impossible, to lead a people that frequently exasperated his powerful predecessor. What could possibly give him the courage to face this new and nearly impossible challenge? The Point: In changing and uncertain times, God calls us to continue His work of gathering His...

Some truths change us more than others. The fact Jesus rose from the dead has the potential to radically transform our lives, if we are willing to consider it.  The life that Jesus offers can empower us all the way, though our dark times, until we too are raised to join Him in His Father's home. The Point: Jesus rose from the dead for you, to give you the power need to live now and forever. Next S...

In an age that lives out the creed, "Don't Tread on Me", Jesus allowed Himself to suffer humiliation, offering Himself as a sacrifice, so that our relationship with the Father could be restored. The Point: Jesus endured all of this humiliation so that we might know that we are loved. Next Steps: Let's bring down the "Don't Tread on Me" flag, and focus on helping to see that God loves them. Visit u...

Jesus reinterprets the ancient tradition of Passover for a whole new generation of followers wandering through their own version of the wilderness The Point: In the Lord's Supper that we share together, we have Christ's sure and certain promise that He will sustain us through our wilderness journey. Next Steps: Return on Good Friday and Easter to hear the rest of the story. Visit us at app.dirksco...

Our world has become very proficient at placing people in categories.  From an early age, we are trained to count people in or out for all types of reasons.  Jesus reminds His disciples, however, that His categories have very little to do with ours.  As we seek to do our part in restoring order in a chaotic world, we will have to see people as He sees them. The Point: Follow His rule and trust His...

Sometimes the world’s problems seem so large that we give up on finding a solution.  We may feel like we are trying to move mountains with a teaspoon.  Jesus reminds us, however, that our efforts matter, no matter how insignificant they might appear to us now. The Point: God both expects and rewards effort, trusting Him to produce results. Next Steps: What efforts are we personally making to grow...

As we wait for God’s will to be done, we may be tempted to think that the future matters more than the present.   Our despair or cynicism can lead us to discount the time we have now.  In a parable about waiting, Jesus reminds us that we truly must use each day wisely, because He is still working among us. The Point: Prepare now for a celebration we don’t want to miss! Next Steps: What steps can w...

Sometimes ordinary times are more dangerous than chaotic ones.  When there are no obvious symptoms, we assume that there is no disease.  Jesus reminds His disciples, however, that we cannot be lulled into negligence. A world that continues to ignore God will not finish well. The Point: Knowing how the story ends should make a difference in how we live. Next Steps: How often this week do we choose...

Chaos is a sure sign that God’s plan has been ignored.  It does not mean, however, that God is ignoring us.  On the contrary, for those who follow Him, chaos builds trust rather than destroying it. Chaos confirms what God has been saying all along, that evil must be overcome for peace to flourish. The Point: When it seems like our world has ended, God is still building His kingdom. Next Steps: Thi...

Life requires constant negotiation with our desires.  What we want is not always good for us, or good for the ones we say we love.  Tests quickly become temptations when those desires kick in.  How can we keep our desires in check, so that we can become the people we are meant to be? The Point: Prayer reminds us that this is a winnable war. Next Steps: How can God help us this week to win whatever...

Money managers constantly tell us that debt is a bad thing.  It deprives us of our independence.  However, debt can also be an isolating thing.  It can drive deep wedges into our closest relationships.  How do we cope with these painful obstacles to the human connections that we all desire? The Point: Prayer reminds us that none of this works without grace. Next Steps: Where do we need a more grac...

Bread is a powerful symbol of both need and provision.  If there is not enough bread, we cannot survive.  But how much is “enough”?  When have we crossed the line from need to desire?  And when do our desires keep others from having what they need? The Point: Prayer reminds us that we need Our Father more than we need anything else. Next Steps: As we pray this week, let’s begin by reminding oursel...

God’s ways often remain a mystery to us.  We don’t always understand what He is doing. How do we work through this difference?  How can we come to trust His will, even when we don’t understand it? The Point: Prayer can inspire us to embrace the wisdom of God’s will. Next Steps: Where should we be consciously surrendering to God’s will this week? Sermon Notes & Discussion Guide: https://dirks-c...