Sermon Archive
The Two Sides of Mercy
By: Pastor Rob Hamilton
May 17, 2009
Grace and truth must always come together in mercy. Some people get into trouble through no fault of their own. Others are in a mess because of their own sinfulness or stupidity. Here’s the rub: do we only aid the “deserving” poor, or should our mercy be indiscriminate and un-conditional? Should mercy enable irresponsible behavior? Maybe the answer is in recalling that God’s mercy came to us without conditions, but does not proceed without our cooperation. In the same way, mercy must be given freely, regardless of the recipient’s merits. But our mercy must increasingly demand change or it isn’t love.
The Great Samaritan
By: Dr. Robert Petterson
May 03, 2009
Francis Schaeffer said, “Looking makes all the difference in the world.” Mercy does not come to eyes that look away from the pain of others. But unless what we see with eyes moves our hearts to pity, our feet will never move to take action with our hands. If we are not driven to acts of mercy, it is because our hearts have not been transformed. The Scottish preacher, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, wrote, “To give largely and liberally, not grudging at all, requires a new heart.”
The Three Faces of Mercy
By: Dr. Robert Petterson
Apr 26, 2009
Actions speak louder than words. An anonymous saint put it this way: “You may have a heart of gold, but then so does a hard-boiled egg.” The Good Samaritanteaches us that the ministry mercy meets “felt” needs. Tim Keller says, “It seeks to bring substantial healing of the effects of sin in all areas of life, including psychological, social, economic, and physical.” If we only feel pity, but do nothing, we are no better than the folks who look the other way and hurry on by.
The Call of the Jericho Road
By: Dr. Robert Petterson
Apr 19, 2009
The grace and truth of the Father’s House call us to bring mercy to those out in the far country. Mother Teresa said that Christianity must put on shoe leather and take to the road where crippled lay waiting for grace. Jesus said that we must travel the Jericho Road. No road is as treacherous as this. But here we find our truest neighbors in the most unexpected places. Until we get out of the house, and bring mercy to those on the Jericho Road, the heart of the Father will remain hidden from those who need him most.
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