Posts from January 2011

Temptation - Jesus’ and Ours

Sam Hamstra | Jan 18, 2011

This past Sunday Living Hope Church followed Jesus from his baptism in the Jordan River to the desert where he fasted for forty days before being tempted by Satan. After reviewing the historical data of that confrontation, we asked “How does Jesus’ experience speak to us today?” The obvious answer to that question is that as Satan tempted Jesus, so he tempts us. Moreover, we discovered that, more often than not, Satan builds his temptations about the good stuff … Read More …

Comparing and Contrasting Mega-Congregations

Sam Hamstra | Jan 11, 2011

Last month I attended the midnight Christmas service at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Palos Hills, Illinois. I had always wanted to attend such a service, but had never been able to until this past holiday season when my schedule allowed. Last week, at the invitation of my son, I attended the Saturday afternoon service of Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, Illinois; we were drawn there by the presence of Josh and Kate … Read More …

In Memory of the Holy Innocents

Sam Hamstra | Jan 4, 2011

This past Sunday I preached on Jesus' flight to Egypt and the slaughter of the two-year-old and younger boys of Bethlehem. For more three decades of preaching, I have stayed away—intentionally or unintentionally, I am not sure—from that tragic story, but this year there was no getting around it. I had chosen—I trust by the leading of the Spirit—to begin the new year with a series of sermons from the Gospel of Matthew. I labeled the … Read More …