First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 January 20, 2019 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry This text we consider today from 1 Corinthians is not new to most of us. These verses are used often in services of ordination and installation, and we study them together as a church seeking to live together in unity. The Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Corinth, which he founded, and which had been torn apart by arguments and competing loyalties. He uses the metaphor of the body to illustrate to the church that we are interdependent, that we literally cannot live without each other. In this body – the body of Christ – there are different parts, and every single part of the body is indispensable, every part is needed for the body to function. Each of us has gifts to exercise on behalf of the church, and each one of us is a part of the body of Christ. Let’s listen for God’s word to us in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members o...

Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22 January 13, 2019, Baptism of the Lord First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry On this Sunday, the church traditionally celebrates the baptism of Jesus. In our text from the Hebrew Scriptures, the prophet calls to mind how God has been with God’s people throughout time. The imagery of water appears throughout the Bible, from the watery chaos of Genesis, to the deluge of the flood, to the parting of Red Sea and the River Jordan. Through it all, God’s salvation story remains the same: God created you and formed you. Do not be afraid, for God is with you. You belong to God. Let’s listen for God’s promise in Isaiah 43:1-7: But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be bu...

Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 January 6, 2019, Epiphany Sunday First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, IL Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas. Those of you who’ve been around this church a while know that I just love Epiphany, the celebration of the magi’s visit. Our first reading from the prophet Isaiah foresees a time when the promised glory of God will light up the world, and all people everywhere will come to that light, and will worship and praise God. Let’s listen for how God’s light shines in Isaiah 60:1-6: Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carrie...

Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2: 1-20 December 24, 2018, Christmas Eve First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry Our first reading today is from the prophet Isaiah, words of comfort and light that have illuminated the lives of people for more than two thousand years. The prophet sought to bring God’s message to a suffering people, people who were living amid the ravages of war. The prophet recalls the day of Midian, in which the Israelites triumphed, not because of their superior skill and strategy, but thanks only to the power and might of God. The God who shines light in the darkness is the God of Israel, who will bring us into the light. Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and th...

December 23, 2018 Isaiah 2:2–5; Philippians 2:5-11 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry Our first reading on this last Sunday in Advent is from the prophet Isaiah. It speaks of a time “in the days to come” when all nations will come to worship God and walk in God’s paths. This passage also contains the familiar language describing peace, when weapons of war are transformed into tools of agriculture, and people study war no more. Let’s listen for God’s word to us in Isaiah 2:2–5. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nation...

Ephesians 6:14-17; 1 Corinthians 12:4-10 December 16, 2018 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry In our first reading, the writer exhorts the individual members of the church to understand their gifts and their calling. When we hear the first scripture, we may imagine a Roman soldier, or a Marvel comics superhero. But the imagery, while it is military, is not violent. To the contrary, it is about wearing the gifts of truth, justice and peace. In Ephesians 5:9, we are reminded: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light. Light produces fruit that consists of every sort of goodness, justice, and truth. “ Let’s listen for God’s word to us in Ephesians 6:14-17 So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of...

Isaiah 55:1-2, John 6: 32-35 December 9, 2018 First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL Christina Berry Again this Sunday, our first reading comes from the prophet Isaiah, in the section of the book that is often called “Second Isaiah,” since scholars have divided the 66 chapters into two or three volumes. Prior chapters, from First Isaiah, describe the suffering servant, and the troubles of Israel in exile in Babylon. Things seem hopeless. In this text, now, we hear a word of hope— God is accomplishing the unexpected. The briers and thorns have been turned to myrtle and cypress (55:13) and there is plenty to eat and drink – at no cost! Unlike the food and drink that leave people feeling hungry and thirsty, this food and drink truly satisfy the people. Let’s listen for God’s word of hope to us in Isaiah 55:1-2, Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money ...