“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…” If I could give one gift to so many people in Sumas and the community, it would be the gift of living with confidence regardless of life’s circumstances. Living with conviction, absolute certainty in Jesus Christ: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justifation” (Rom. 4:25). I love the phrase: “Against all Hope, Abraham in Hope believed.” A confidence based in reality, and unwavering confidence -- not blind confidence, not wishful thinking, but absolute assurance that God’s promises are certain… Against all Hope, Carl Crouse/ (your name) in Hope believed…” Try it… Paul doesn’t care about teaching a history lesson on Abraham, he is using Abraham as an example so that all people everywhere know that the outrageous hope Abraham lived is also for us… “Also for us” the scripture says in Rom. 4:24. “Also for us…”
 Everything hinges on faith.
There was a tightrope walker, who did incredible aerial feats. All over Paris, he would do tightrope acts at tremendously heights. Then he would do it blindfolded, then he would go across the tightrope, blindfolded, pushing a wheelbarrow. An American promoter read about this in the papers and wrote a letter to the tightrope walker, saying, "Tightrope walker, I don't believe you can do it, but I'm willing to make you an offer. For a very substantial sum of money, I would like to challenge you to do your act over Niagara Falls." Now, Tightrope Walker wrote back, "Sir, although I've never been to America and seen the Falls, I'd love to come." In Tribute to the 10th Anniversary of 911, this video was shown during the worship service: A few messages left for loved in the final moments of life from 9-11-01...
* Flight 93 flight attendant Ceecee Lyles, 33 years old, in an answering-machine message to her husband, "Please tell my children that I love them very much. I'm sorry, baby. I wish I could see your face again." * Fire Capt. Walter Hynes on his wife’s voicemail heading toward the Towers, "Honey, it's real bad," he said. "I don't know if we'll make it out. I want to tell you that I love you and I love the kids." * As American Airlines Flight 77 was winging toward the Pentagon political commentator Barbara Olson called her husband, US Solicitor General Ted Olson. She discretely tried to share information with him about how the situation was unfolding. "It’s going to come out OK," she said. "I love you." * On United Flight 93, passenger Mark Bingham called his mother and got her voicemail. "I want you to know I love you very much, and I'm calling you from the plane. We've been taken over. There are three men who say they've got a bomb." Many children in Sunday School grew up with the rhyme, This is the church, this is the steeple…. (see video above)
Today finishes the Summer series, Lord, Come to My Messy House, an invitation to invite Jesus into our less than perfect homes and our messy lives. Today we take a very simple look at inviting Jesus into our homes and calling it church. I know several families here in the community that want to receive the bulletin early because of health issues and other reasons, they seldom come on Sunday morning, so they like reading the scripture and praying and talking about what they read. Is that church? |
 
Carl Crouse, Pastor
At SACC we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Every Sunday the worship service includes a message from the Bible. My words are an attempt to understand and apply the Bible to our daily living. I post weekly sermons and other biblical messages on this page. May you find meaning and hope as you read through each message and seek to hear God's voice. Leave a comment to ask questions or inspire others with your insights. Categories
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