"Mary's Dilemma" - a Message for Advent

Hello friends,

Advent in the season when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus by remembering God's grace to those involved at the time.  It is a great time to reflect on the wonder of God's love, joy, peace, and hope.

In this message I try to show how the news of Jesus' coming would have been traumatic to Mary, a young (likely 12-14 years old) virgin girl who was engaged to be married. Imagine the dilemma of being told you were going to be a mother when you weren't even married at the time.  What would people think?  How would it impact your reputation?

As you listen to this message, I pray that God will bless you not only as you remember Jesus' birth, but how our faith grows as we trust Him through our times of dilemma.

God bless you, Kirk McCormick

"A Contrast of Powers" - a Message from Acts 16:25-37

Hello Friends,

Have you ever felt like a situation was hopeless? ...like you were stuck and there was no avenue of release or relief?

Paul and Silas are in jail, and most would have thought that they were finished.  But God, in his infinite sovereignty, unleashes his power to do mighty things, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his family.

This is a story of two contrasting powers:  God's and the World's.  God's power is rooted in his eternal being, his otherness.  The World's is rooted in its ability to control. It's based on Law, not Love.

I believe this is a crucial message to every believer who wants to live in the freedom of God's grace regardless of our circumstance.  Listen to the message and respond as the Lord leads.  And may God bless you as you invoke his power in your life to glorify Him.  Let me know what you hear.

- Kirk McCormick

 “A Contrast of Powers”

Contrast 1 - Prayer and Praise are more powerful than prison.

Acts 16:25a - “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God...”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon - “Songs in the night come only from God; they are not in the

"Table Talk" - A Communion Meditation

Hello Friends!

For most families, dinner time is a special time. It is a time to catch up, see how the day went, look forward to the next day TOGETHER.  "Table Talk" is part of our tradition...but as is true with every tradition, it can become moot, routine, stagnant.

In the Gospels we see Jesus engaging his disciples at Passover. As they sat around the Passover table, which becomes the model for the Lord's Table at Communion, they were talking, and the Bible says, "Jesus said to them, 'I tell you the truth.'"

What truth would Jesus say to us today?  In this communion meditation, I offer three possible questions Jesus might ask as we gather around His Table.  These questions are meant to keep the Lord's Supper special. They are meant to make our participation in the Lord's Supper a testimony of our faith, no just part of our Christian routine.

May God bless you as you respond to his Word, led by the Holy Spirit.  Let me know what you think. - Kirk McCormick

“Table Talk”

A Communion Message

Around this Table…Jesus might ask…

…Are you content?

The truth is…contentment is rooted in trust.

Hebrews 13:5 - “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Philippians 4:12-13 - “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  ¹³ I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

At the Table, Jesus might ask…Are you confident?

The truth is…confidence is rooted in faith.

Ephesians 3:12 - “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

  

At the Table, Jesus might ask…Are you ready?

Quote - It’s important, as we go along in life, to create thirsts that death will satisfy.

Luke 12:35-36 - Jesus said, “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”

The truth is…readiness is rooted in preparation.

The Gift of Repentance

Hello Friends,

Have you ever asked yourself, "If I am truly sorry for my sins, why do I keep repeating them?"  The answer is, at least in part, because salvation is a process.  But even in the exercise and honesty of repentance we are assured that God is working in our hearts.

I like what C. H. Spurgeon said, "Genuine, spiritual mourning for sin is the work of the Spirit of God. Repentance is too choice a flower to grow in nature’s garden. Pearls grow naturally in oysters, but penitence never shows itself in sinners except divine grace works it in them."

It is good to have a repentant heart.  It is better to remember the purpose of repentance - to draw us back to the Father who grows in us the heart of Christ.

Be well...and may God bless you, Kirk McCormick

"Is it Worth It?" - A Message from Acts 14:1-22

Here we are again, friends, ready to learn from God's Word.

In this message I ask you to wrestle with the question, "Is it worth it?"  Is is worth whatever it takes to fulfill your God-appointed purpose in life?  God often asks much from us, sometimes he asks a little. Either way, is it worth whatever it takes to say "Yes" to God?  Only you can answer that question.

Saul (aka; Paul) and Barnabas are our models of willingness as they venture from Jerusalem into the Gentile world to share the Gospel. I'd love to hear from you as to how the Lord spoke to you in this message.

Use the outline, below, to follow along, then let me know...and God bless you as you are obedient and willing to his call, Kirk McCormick

“Is it Worth It?

Acts 14:1-22

The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.  - Frederick Buechner,

Vignette 1 - Is it Worth rejection from many to save a few?

Acts 14:1-3 - “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish

"David and How to Manage Crisis" - a Message from Psalm 57

Hello friends,

Each of us face crisis from time to time.  When we do, we manage it differently. Some panic...some pray.  Some deny it...others obsess about it.  Some work to correct it...others seek God for answers.

Whatever way you manage the crises of you life, I know this message will be helpful to you.  David faced many crises in his life, but King Saul's desire to kill David and rid himself of competitors for the throne of Israel may be David's greatest crisis.

Psalm 57 is David's response to the threat. After listening, let me know what you think.

May God bless you as you listen to and respond to his Word! - Kirk McCormick

"David and Bathsheba": A Message for the Vulnerable

Hello Friends,

Can you say you are not tempted? ...pretty much every day?!...

In our most honest moments, we can admit we are tempted.  The good news is that God knows our weaknesses and helps us with them. The bad news is that Satan knows our weaknesses, too.

In this message I try to help the vulnerable...the honest...the real person who asks God daily to help him/her with a temptation or weakness.  David, even though God calls him a "man after my own heart", failed when it came to the temptation of Bathsheba.  She failed when it came to being faithful in marriage.  Yet, even though they suffered the consequence of their respective and collective failures, God blessed David and Bathsheba.

I hope that as you listen and Holy Spirit speaks, that this message will be a blessing to you. And since this recording is of our entire service from The Well, I trust that you will be blessed with the music and prayers.

Praise God for his faithfulness!  Let me know what you think.  God bless you, Kirk McCormick

"The Power of Encouragement" - a Message from Acts 13:13-42

Hello friends,

Most of the Christians I know feel ineffective and ill-prepared to evangelize, to share the Gospel with others.  Even though Jesus commanded his church to "Go and make disciples of all nations", we give ourselves an exception because we feel so inept.

Well...if that describes you...if I could show you through the Bible that there is a way by which every one of us can share the Gospel, would you be willing to go try it?

There is Power in Encouragement 

In this message from Acts 13 we glean insight into how to share the Gospel through encouragement.  If you think about it, "Encouragement" means instilling courage (i.e.: to en-courage) in another so they would trust God for his promises.  Thus, the Power of Encouragement is the holy work of the Holy Spirit that frees people to trust in the promises of God in the Gospel.

I hope this message will be helpful to you. Let me know what you think.

God bless you as you are en-couraged by His Word to share Jesus! - Kirk McCormick

“The Power of Encouragement”

“A saint is someone whose life makes it easier to believe in God.”  - William Barclay

** To take the Pressure Off -

1.    We don’t have to be pushy.

Acts 13:14b - “On the Sabbath they [Paul and the others] entered the synagogue and sat down.”

2.    We may need to be patient.

Acts 13:20 - “All this took about 450 years.”

Remember this One, Simple Secret to Sharing Jesus…

"Am I a Success in God's Eyes?" - a message from Acts 13:1-12

Hello Friends!

Another week, another helpful insight from God's Word!

Every Christian wants to please God.  (At least I hope we do!) We want to know how we're doing according to God's desire for our lives.  We want to be successful in the things that last for eternity, not just in the temporal things of earth.

In this message I draw from Acts 13 to give insight into the Marks of a Successful Life from God's perspective.  You know, the world ascribes success by a very different criteria than God uses.  So I hope that you will be blessed by this message.

As you listen, allow the Holy Spirit to touch your heart. Then respond to Him and His Word in the way He prompts.  That, alone, is success!

Let me know what you think. And I pray that God will bless you as only He can as you give your heart to His ways.  Peace, Kirk McCormick

Five Marks of Success in the Christian Life

Mark 1 - Obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Acts 13:4 - “The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.”

Point: If think about, Obedience is the logical response of a person who

"God's Word is Active" - a Message from Acts 11:1-18

Dear Friends!

People often ask the hypothetical, "If you could meet and converse with anyone in history, who would it be?"  To that, Christians often reply, "Jesus."  How grand and glorious it would be to meet Jesus face to face, ask him questions, hear his responses, get his advice, listen to his counsel.  Would you take advantage of the opportunity if given to you?

The evangelical church professes, "The Bible is God's inspired Word."  What does that mean?  It means many things, not the least of which is that when we hear God's Word we are actually listening to the voice of God.  Yet how many of us approach the Bible with this anticipation?  You see...in a way, we can meet and hear the voice of Jesus just by reading aloud the Word of God.

God's Word is Active!  

It continues to inspire those who have a curious and receiving heart. Unfortunately, in the liberal church, today, people approach the Word to impose their will on it rather than letting God impose his Will on them.  But we love God's Word, so we come to it to hear God's voice.

Listen to this message and let me know what you think.  And may God bless you as you hear his voice and respond to his lead according to His Active Word! - Kirk McCormick

PS - I've provided an outline, below, to make it easy for you to follow.

“God’s Word is Active”

** In the Bible…3 ideas about the “Word” of God

·      Jesus is the Word of God Incarnate…aka: Living Word

c.f.:  John 1:1-4, 14

** Here, “Word” = Logos = embodiment of the Divine Nature/Essence… “God with Us” (Immanuel)

But “Logos” is also used to describe the Scriptures = The Written Word of God

·      The Scriptures are the Written Word of God

c.f.:  Hebrews 4:12 - “For the word of God is living

"Knowing God's Will" - (A message at The Well)

Hello friends,

I've been on vacation, so this is the first new message that I've posted for a while.  Below you will enjoy, I trust, a recording of the whole service at The Well.

At this service I focused our attention on the age-old question, "Can I really KNOW the will of God?  And if so, How?"  It is an adaptation of a message I heard many years ago. So though it is not completely original, (someone once said that "Creativity" is the art of forgetting from where you stole something), I have put my spin on it, and I'm sure that God will speak to you as you listen carefully for his voice and reason in this message.

John said in 1 John 5:13, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

It IS possible to know God's will and to follow it!

We discover the will of God in Jesus...in the Scriptures...in godly counsel that is based in Scripture.  My hope for you is that you will hear God's reassuring voice in this message.

Be blessed by the Worship and His Word! Let me know what you think...Peace, Kirk McCormick

A Message in Response to the US Supreme Court's Decision on "Marriage"

Hello Friends,

Many believe it's been a tough week for Christians and God's people.  Yet, throughout the course of human history, secular and religious leaders have declared "this" or "that" as moral, even when those declarations are contrary to God's on the same topic.

There are two kinds of morality working today:  God's Morality from Above... and Mankind's Morality from Below.  The good news is that God is and always will be on the Throne of Heaven, even when some on earth try to assume His authority.  So we as disciples can rest assured that God's purposes are still secure.

Yet, how are we to respond to what is happening as America experiences a Sliding Scale of Morality that is leading us further from God's Ways?  I hope this message will be an encouragement to you.  Let me know what you think.

God bless you as you respond to His Word, Kirk McCormick

Thoughts on the Sliding Scale of American Morality

…and how Jesus’ Church can Respond

A Message from John 8

Isaiah 28:14 - “Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers   who rule this people in Jerusalem.”

2 Peter 3:3 - “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will

"Transitions" - A Message from Acts 9:17-31

Hello friends!

From the moment we are born until the day we die, life is full of transitions.  In fact, birth and death are transitions, themselves.   Some transitions are joyful - weddings, graduations, etc.  Others are not - divorce, for example.  In every transition, though, we know that God is present if not orchestrating it.

How do we manage our transitions as people who love Jesus?  Perhaps, by studying the major transition in Paul's life, when he went from Christian Killer to Apostle Evangelist to the Greeks, we will glean insights to the transitions of life so they will neither paralyze or perturb us.

With Jesus leading our way, we have no need to fear any transition...even those we do not understand.  I hope you'll enjoy this message. I've provided an outline, below, for you to follow.  Let me know how the Lord speaks to you through it.

God bless you, Kirk McCormick

 “Transitions”

Acts 9:17-31

Saul’s Transition, from Christian Killer to Apostle Evangelist

1.   Confirmation (God-send:  Ananias)

“Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus…has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.”  (Acts 8:17-18)

2.   Change  (God-send:  Disciples)

“At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?’” 

(Acts 9:20-21)

Tullian Tchividjian (pastor at Coral Ridge Pres. Church), article - "Trusting in God's Declaration,"

“God does not move us beyond the gospel; he moves us more

"The Torture of Jesus" - a Message from John 19:1-15

Hello Friends!

I have the privilege of preaching at both of the worship services at Royal Palm Church.  Our morning service is traditional, but so alive!  Our evening service, The Well, is contemporary and casual, but focused on helping people meet the living Jesus.  We tend to preach, at both services, systematically through a book of the Bible.  As we continue our study of the Gospel of John at The Well, we come to the point in Jesus' life that does not excite us: His Torture and Death.

We, as Christians, do not like to talk that much about this part of Jesus' life because it is painful, and we know, if we are honest, that we caused that pain.  Yet, in the torture of Jesus God was doing so much to confirm his love to us.  In the torture of Jesus, God was confirming that Jesus is the Messiah as He fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Suffering Servant.  In other words, if God is willing to fulfill his promises even when they are painful, we can rest in his good promises and his ability to fulfill them in our lives, too.

Listen to this full-service recording at The Well.  In the middle of the recording is the message. Sorry...but I have no outline for you as we don't use one at The Well.  And may God bless you as you respond to his Word. - Kirk McCormick

John 18:24-40 - A Message on the "Whys" of Jesus Arrest and Crucifixion

Hello Friends,

Most Christians know that Jesus "had" to die so that our sins might be forgiven.  Have you ever wondered, though, why certain parts of the cruelty by which he died - on the cross - needed to be as they were.  If the leaders of the Sanhedrin wanted Jesus dead, why didn't they do it themselves?  Why death on a cross and not by stoning?

In this message we focus on the legality of Jesus' arrest, but also the way that his arrest and imminent crucifixion was a fulfillment of prophesy, revealing God's master plan of salvation.  There is no  outline to follow...just listen and respond as Holy Spirit leads.

By the way, this message is embedded in the audio from our entire night service, called The Well.  I trust that God will bless you as you participate in his Word. Praise the Lord! - Kirk McCormick

"God Works in Remarkable Ways" - a Message about Witnessing

Hello Friends!

Do you find it difficult to share your faith?  Are you intimidated at the thought of witnessing?  Do you avoid telling your "Jesus" story out of fear of what others may think?  If so, you are likely in the majority of Christians.

In this message we are encouraged by how God has his remarkable ways of helping us to share the Gospel. In this message, we see God using his remarkable ways to spread the Gospel through the example of Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch.  Though witnessing is something we learn to do, the Good News is that God is in the midst of the process.

Listen to this message and see how God can and will use you in greater ways than you may think because his Ways are Remarkable.  After all, if he chose blue-collar fishermen to get things started, he can certainly use you.

May God bless you as you respond in faith and trust to God's Word.  Let me know how it goes!  - Kirk McCormick

 “God Works in Remarkable Ways”

Acts 8:25-40

Paul Harvey - “Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium.”

The Remarkable Ways of God

1. He sows through the willing.

Carl F. H. Henry - “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”

Acts 8:26-27a – “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the

"A Life Well-Lived" - A Message from Acts 8:4-25

Hello Friends,

One of the greatest gifts in Scripture is the clear-cut examples God puts before us in the examples of how other people live.  It's as if God is saying, "Who would you rather be like?"

In Acts 8:4-25 we see two men leading very different lives. Philip is living the Life Well-Lived...Simon the Sorcerer is not.  In this message I give insights into how we can live a life the pleases God and avoid the one that does not.

Living a Life Well-Lived is not a mystery...it's as clear as Philip's example.  So I hope that this message will help you to deepen in your commitment to following the Lord.  I've placed a brief outline, below, to keep you on track.  Let me know how it goes!

God bless you, Kirk McCormick

“A Life Well Lived”

Acts 8:1-25

** From Philip…we see a positive example, one we can follow, of a Life Well Lived…

…From Philip we learn that a Life Well- Lived…

1. Shares Jesus with others when the door is open.

Acts 8:5 - Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.

2. Brings healing to the hurting.

Acts 8:7 - With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.

3. Inspires joy in the lives of others.

Acts 8:8 - So there was great joy in that city.

** From Simon…we see a negative example that a Life Well Lived –

1. Is not motivated by greatness.

Acts 8:9, 10 – He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.”

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.  I want to (here is his motivation):

2. Goes beyond just belonging to the church.

Acts 8:13 - Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere.

3. Cannot be bought.

Acts 8:18 - When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.

A Message from John 17 - The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus

Hello Friends!

We are blessed to know that Jesus was thinking of us even while he was on earth.

In this message I lead our evening service - The Well - through John 17, Jesus' prayer for his disciples. This is often called the "High Priestly Prayer" because, first, it comes from our High Priest who intercedes for us before the Father, and, second, because of its content.

Jesus prays for unity in his body, the church.  If we were honest, the church has disregarded, at least, and/or not fulfilled Jesus' wishes, at worst.  There are countless denominations that claim the name of Christ.  Some are faithful to his Word, others are apostate.  Yet none of us are perfect in fulfilling Jesus' prayer, "That they may be one even as you and I are one."

I hope this message will encourage the worldwide church to consider our unity.  May Holy Spirit lead you in this message.

God bless, Pastor Kirk

"Stephen, the Scriptures, and Sacrifice" - A Message from Acts 6:8-8:3

Hello friends,

On Sunday mornings at Royal Palm Church we are systematically studying the Book of Acts. It was my privilege to offer a message on the witness of Stephen, the first martyr of the church.

Stephen, a Jew of Greek heritage, is called as one of seven to lead the distribution ministry of the early church. He is also an outstanding preacher and apologist for the Gospel.  Consequently, the Sanhedrin becomes angered by his preaching, and Stephen is unlawfully stoned, becoming the first martyr of the early church.

As always, let me know what you think or if you have questions. And may the Lord bless you as you are obedient to him through his Word. - Kirk McCormick

“Stephen, the Scriptures, Sacrifice”

Acts 6:8-8:3

The Truth

For Israel… the truth was that she, and specifically her so-called spiritual authorities, has consistently rejected their God-appointed leaders in the past.

Stephen gives Examples (chapter 7):

·      Joseph rejected by patriarchs…later to be saved by him later when

"The 7 Bowls = The Final Plagues" - Revelation 15:1-16:21

Hello friends!

Let the battle begin...

In the movie, Gladiator, the opening scene is of General Maximus, commander of the Roman Army (played by Russell Crowe), and his captain (Quintus) speaking as they prepare for battle. The captain says, "People should know when they're conquered."  Maximus replies, "Would you, Quintus?  Would I?"

Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet are as good as conquered, but evidently they just don't know.  They are beaten and God has won the victory, it's just that the Unholy Trinity will not stop.

In our continuing study of the Book of Revelation, God has been sending warning and opportunities for unbelievers on earth to repent.  Those warnings and opportunities come to an end and God now sends punishments on those who have rejected him.

These chapters (15 and 16) are interesting studies on God's sovereign and just right to judge.  I trust as you listen to the study, asking Holy Spirit for illumination and guidance, that you will embrace the love AND justice of God:  the love he has for his people and the justice imposed on those who have rejected Him.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments, as always.  And may God bless you as you take his Word seriously.  - Kirk McCormick

The Revelation

The 7 Bowls = The Final 7 Plagues

Revelation 15:1-16:21

Review:

·      We are just about ready to see the Final Judgment.

·      So far, God has –

o   Opened the 7 Seals to reveal the contents of the Scroll (i.e.: God’s last will and testament over the Creation)

o   The 7^th Seal contained 7 Trumpets – each revealing more in-depth content of the Revelation

o   The 7^th Trumpet, now being revealed, will have 7 Bowls (disclosed in Revelation 15 and 16), which contain the final and most gruesome content of God’s Final Judgment

·      As is usual in the pattern of Revelation, Chapters 15 and 16 give us a preview of the 7 Bowls with the subsequent chapters giving us the