This Sunday's Worship Materials can be found in the "Featured Sermon" below. We meet in person at Harper Park Middle School, and the service is also livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Heart Prep for Palm Sunday, April 14th

Well, this week we’re going to celebrate Advent in April.  Advent is traditionally centered on the Old Testament prophecies concerning a coming Messiah and His establishment of an earthly kingdom.  And this Sunday, we have the first of four chapters in the book of Jeremiah (chapter 30) where the Lord gives His people a bunch of promises to look forward to, except He gives them with what sounds like harsh language.

And, of course, since it’s Palm Sunday, we’re going to spend some time talking about Christmas, since that’s what this chapter is really all about.  Except Christmas is never mentioned. 

And, of course, one of my favorite Christmas Carols is somewhat based on this chapter, except its really based on similar verses in Isaiah and Ezekiel, but Jeremiah will have to do.  I do love Christmas Carols, especially those based on the prophets, so maybe we’ll get to sing a Christmas Carol … in April … on Palm Sunday.

So, this chapter is about God’s great promises to His people, given to them in prophecies that don’t sound much like promises, filled with hope that sounds a lot like distress, concerning healing that sounds pretty painful, and restoration to a home that’s filled with storms, wrath, and anger.

And all of that means we’re really going to have to look very carefully to see the good amongst so much bad.  And that’s pretty much what Advent’s about, even when it comes on Palm Sunday!  It will be a most interesting sermon.  I hope to see you there!  Dr. Dave