First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL

A sermon preached July 10, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL, (c) Christina Berry Genesis 25:19-34 19 These are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham was the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean. 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is to be this way, why do I live?" So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger." 24 When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb...

Meditation on the Lord’s Prayer James 1: 2-4, 12-15; Matthew 6: 7-13 February 27, 2011 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, IL Christina Berry James 1: 2-4, 12-15 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Matthew 6: 7-13 "When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrase...

Forgiveness Christina Berry February 20, 2011 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, IL Hosea 11:1-11 1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. 5 They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. 6 The sword rages in their cities, it consumes their oracle-priests, and devours because of their schemes. 7 My people are bent on turning away from me. To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all. 8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? ...

Bread for Today Matthew 6: 9-13 Feb 6, 2011 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, IL Christina Berry Matthew 6: 9-13 "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.” Give us this day our daily bread. As we continue our series on the Lord’s Prayer, we come to this seemingly simple phrase: give us this day our daily bread. So many of us have said those words so many times! It is difficult to imagine what might be said about our daily bread that has not already been said. Every culture has bread of some kind: tortillas, chapati, rice cakes, pita, baguettes, and bolillos. Almost everyone loves the smell of bread baking, and the taste of fresh-baked bread. Bread is a staple, the staff of life. A various...

Kingdom Come 1 Chronicles 16:29-36; Matthew 6:9-13 January 30, 2011 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry 1 Chronicles 16 : 29-36 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come before him. Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth. The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The Lord is king!" Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Say also: "Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and rescue us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting....