Boulder Creek Community Church

The Roman CenturionLuke 23:44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. 47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." This crusty old soldier never heard Jesus teach, never saw any of his miracles…. But he did see how Jesus died. It wasn’t a sermon that captured this guy’s heart… it was observing the courage and faith Jesus suffered with. And all at once this Roman Soldier who knew not a lick of Scripture…. Praised God! For some, who are touched, the cross inspires deep devotion and what looks like frivolous and wasteful giving. For some, who are touched, the cross is an intense reminder that even as you stood against Him, you received His healing touch. For some, who are touched, the cross is a

Malchus, the servant of the High PriestJohn 18:1 - When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" 5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled

Luke 22:39-4639 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”Jesus is in control his whole ministry, but suddenly He’s falling apart! Many have faced their deaths with much more dignity and honor than this! No culture back then would read this scene and consider Jesus honorable, worthy to be followed and given your loyalty!Was something more going o

We often allow presidential politics and what’s happening 3000 miles away distract us from what is right outside our own front door. Founding fathers intended us to be more attentive to local politics. We may have way more in common with those in our own community than we realize! As a follower of Christ we are commanded to love our neighbor. How can we love them if we don’t know them? Can we love them if they have a different political beliefs than us?

The Hope That Christ Brings

January 24, 2021

3. Rule # 3 - PauseBe quick to listen... slow to speak.... We are in our current political divisiveness because of what’s being said! Have you said something in haste? In anger? James says... “Indeed, we all make many mistakes...For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it pr

January 17, 2021

Rule # 2 - Listen better. Everyone wants to be heard! But no one is listening! James 1:9 - “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry...V. 26-27 - If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”Interesting that not listening and anger are connected... Listening requires humility and self- reflection. Looking in the mirror. It’s easy to point out others flaws.... but our faith requires that we work hard on our own. The gospel reminds us that we are deeply flawed.... we don’t have all the answers...we don’t see every angle.... we don’t have all the information... Listening might mean getting your information from several sources. 1. How did you come to your political position? Have you always had those beliefs?