Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church

Here’s an opportunity to think about giving thanks and living thanks! We know we should be grateful but often do little about expressing our gratitude. Keep a pen and paper handy as you listen to this reflection on Psalm 136 - be ready to apply the truth as you listen.

Communal memories, signs, and a wedding supper are all part of our tradition as Presbyterians celebrating the sacrament Jesus gave us: Holy Communion.

As Paul writes to the Christ-followers in Corinth, he issues what seems like an impossible challenge: “Give like Christ did on the cross!” How can we ever duplicate that kind of sacrifice? We’re reluctant to even think in those terms - that’s impossible. Listen carefully to Pastor Peter’s Stewardship Sunday message. Ask God to open your eyes to see!

Why do we put such a high value on children? Is it because they bring us joy? … because they fulfill us? Because they give us meaning? Because they give us hope for the future? But what happens when they don’t? Find a better reason - hear why Jesus said, “Let them come to me!”

It’s very possible that you are the only serious Christian your friend knows, or the only Christian your co-worker respects. What a tragedy it would be if you failed to share your faith with him/her. People need the Lord and they need us! Ask God to speak as you listen.

If anyone has lived on purpose, surely it was Jesus of Nazareth! Life was often hard for him, but he was not deterred. As one who died without regrets, Jesus points the way for us. He came to serve and said that those who follow him must do likewise. Listen closely to this fifth message in the series, “Living on Purpose.” In Rick Warren’s book, "The Purpose Driven Life; What on Earth am I Here For," you’ll find a full explanation of SHAPE and the importance of serving.

“What am I here for?” That’s the question we all need to answer, and until we do, we’ll be slaves to the many competing demands of life. Living on Purpose gives us focus, energy and endurance. It helps us know when to say, “Yes” or “No.” It removes the question, “Will I make a difference?” We’ve looked at “Live Worship” and “Live Generous.” This message is, “Live Community.”

It’s nearly impossible to skip the subject of financial generosity as we look at, “Living on Purpose.” From Paul’s quote of Jesus’ teaching, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) to his commendation of the Corinthians whose, “overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2) we have a consistent picture of the critical nature of this subject. Listen carefully and see if you don’t hear the Savior’s call to live for others as He lived for us.

Pastor Peter shares from his own life about facing challenges that are far beyond our ability to overcome. We all face those times when the giants opposing us seem so large and strong that we can’t imagine getting beyond them. This particular message relates to the challenges our church faces but the principles go far beyond that.

We’ll not all go to a “sanctuary,” but we will all worship … someone or something! It’s simply the way we’re built. Christians are those people who have answered God’s call to follow Jesus as Lord, so we recognize that we must worship Him! But is that just in a sanctuary or is that in every area of life? Take time to consider the depth and breadth and length of our calling!

We live in a day of unprecedented despair. So many are giving up - from addictions to resignation to suicide. Could it be that many have adopted too small a purpose for living? We’ve thought that professional success would do it or a good marriage or a full retirement fund or healthy children or … This message is the first in a series this fall. What does “Living on Purpose” look like? Listen and consider a purpose that’s large enough to last.

We often classify ourselves and others as optimist or pessimist and conclude that one is better than the other. Is it that easy? Is one really better than the other or does each one have its own share of weaknesses? In fact, is there a better way? There is and it’s on display through our Everyday Heroes: Joshua and Caleb!

When it comes to New Testament Joseph, there’s really not a whole lot in scripture about him, which is pretty interesting because he plays a very key role in the salvation plan of God. This makes him one of the most unsung heroes of scripture. Joseph seems to be a “quiet character” because, other than being Mary’s husband and the earthly father of Jesus, we don’t have a lot of additional detail about him. But what we do know from the Bible gives us a glimpse into his faithfulness, obedience and character . . . “quiet character” . . . that put God and others ahead of himself.

David and Goliath - Why was little David and his little sling the best choice for this battle? What did David know about Goliath that made a difference? The story is so familiar that we might miss some of the essential back-story. Listen to this message and find out. You might want to read Malcolm Gladwell’s "David and Goliath" for more insight on this fascinating battle.

“Dorcas” - Few of us know her name. That’s no surprise - she’s mentioned just once in the Bible, and by the time we see her she dies! As far as we know, she never wrote a book or preached a sermon or established a church, but her heart reflected God’s heart, and her hands were moved by His. Meet Dorcas today and allow her reputation to become yours.

Miriam, the sister of Moses shared in the leadership of God’s people, but there came a day when she decided that she was justified in disobeying God’s leadership. She faced consequences, but God forgave her. If we are Jesus’ followers we must be obedient to God’s authority as he was.

Running is a challenge . . . some people love it . . . for others, it isn’t the most “enjoyable” thing to do. It makes a BIG difference if it’s for a PURPOSE! God has a race for each of us to run . . . with a definite purpose. This race of life involves the unique role God has given you to make a difference . . . to love and influence others in Jesus’ name. Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us the blueprint for Breaking Free . . . and faithfully running the marathon race of life.

As you look over your life, do you find that you’re building on the rock or on the sand? Last Sunday’s message closed with that question because we had been looking at a man named, Jacob, a man who was building his life on the sand. Like most people who choose that path, Jacob had come to a day of reckoning that was really a day of terror for him. Today we look with Jacob for “Fullness.” Most of us know that big houses, wonderful vacations, and even large families, can’t give us “Fullness.” Through Jacob we find that the key to fullness resides in brokenness - for him and for us. Listen carefully for your path to fullness in life.

Broken! That’s hard to bear. Brokenness! That’s to be avoided at all costs … or is it? God works through brokenness in ways we can’t foresee. Our “Everyday Hero” for this week and next becomes a new man as he learns the lessons of what he’s tried so hard to avoid: Brokenness. Journey with Jacob as he faces up to Esau, the brother he’s repeatedly deceived. See what God can do!