Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany At-Home Service for January 31
Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians has provided the basis for this series of sermons. Today’s sermon focuses on answering the question, “How should we use our liberty or freedom in Christ?”
Click here to view the at-home version of the service.
Pastor Rike’s Sermon
In the days before COVID when more of us were flying on airplanes, it was customary to hear the flight attendant give the obligatory safety speech before the plane took off. Part of that speech almost always included something about what to do in the unlikely event that the plane lost cabin pressure. The flight attendant would indicate that oxygen masks would dropdown. However, an individual should always put on his or her mask first before helping anyone else with their mask.
A parallel to that safety speech from the flight attendant is what Paul called “knowledge.” The kind of knowledge Paul had in mind had to do the Christian liberty. Our liberty comes from what Christ Jesus has done. He set us free from sin. We are free from having to establish or earn a relationship with God based on our actions. Jesus could have chosen to spare himself death on the cross by forsaking his humanity and exercising his divinity. Instead, by his enduring commitment to humanity, even in the face of death, Jesus has secured forever our bond with the God he called, “Father.” Unlike pagan religions, Christians don’t have to appease God. The one in whom God delights and is pleased has come to us in Jesus.
Click here to read Pastor Rike’s entire sermon
Video Options
Follow along with the service on video led by Pastor David Rike, with music performed by Randy Broker.
Click on the image below to view the video
The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany Service for January 31 includes:
Hymn: O God of Light, performed by Randy Broker
First Reading 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13
Gospel Mark 1:21-28
Sermon by Pastor David Rike
Hymn: Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good, performed by Randy Broker
Prayers & the Lord's Prayer
Blessing