AVBC - Sunday - 10/18/26 - Sermon Title: “Joy in the Trials” - How to navigate tough times with faith” - James 1:1-18 – Sermon Series – (Part 1 of 6)

 Sunday 10/18/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Joy in the Trials” - How to navigate tough times with faith” - James 1:1-18 - “The Book of James” – Sermon Series – (Part 1 of 6)

(Cover Picture – “Joy in the Trials: How to Navigate Tough Times with Faith” – “The Book of James” – James 1:1-18- Picture)  

          This morning, we are beginning a six-week learning and preaching series on the Book of James, in the Bible. James is not only a book in the Bible, but James was also the brother of Jesus. Sometimes James has been referred to as, “Jesus, brother of the Lord.” James and the Apostle Paul also knew each other, and James was the first leader of the church in Jerusalem. According to the Roman Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, James was stoned to death for his faith in Christ in 62 AD. Another account claims that James was killed or martyred in 69 AD by being thrown off the great Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and then being clubbed to death. And you thought you had a hard week! Some claim that James was not a biological brother of Jesus, that he was one of Jesus’ cousins, a stepbrother of Jesus, or the son of Joseph and Jesus’s mother Mary. I personally believe that James was Jesus’s biological brother, but we may never know the truth on this side of heaven.

          Within the five chapters within the Book of James in the New Testament, we find a treasure trove of faith teachings, moral teachings, and us being challenged to be more and more like Jesus. The Book of James is not a passive book of scripture, because if we read it very carefully then we should be convicted in our hearts around areas of our own lives that we can improve for Jesus. Through out this six-week sermon series, we will be challenged, uplifted, and called to deeper love and relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe, just maybe this is the perfect sermon series to preach through a critical election cycle in our country.

          Today’s sermon, in this first of six on the Book of James is called “Joy in the Trials: How to Navigate Tough Times with Faith.” In our reading this morning from the Book of James chapter 1:1-18 we hear how we can grow and rely on God during challenging and tough times. In going through our reading from the Book of James 1:1-18 for this morning, let us look again at what we just read together a few minutes ago. Starting in James 1:1, we hear once again:

Salutation

 

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greeting. Faith and Wisdom                       (Jas. 1:1, RSV).

          James, is writing this letter to the Christians outside of Jerusalem or Palestine. These are the Christians that are dispersed, the way the twelve tribes of Jews are still dispersed around the world. Since Jesus had twelve disciples, and since Jesus is the New Covenant or new agreement between us and God, in a way we can consider the twelve disciples the patriarch of a new twelve tribes. James however, as this very early stage of the Christian faith is writing to Jews that have become Christians. So, these Jew of the twelve tribes of Israel that now believe in Jesus are believing in Christ whom he is addressing in this book or letter of James. James greets the dispersed Jews who are following “The Way” of Jesus and offers them faith and wisdom.

(#1 – James 1:2-3 – Picture) 

          Knowing that these Jewish converts to Christianity were largely being persecuted, James speaks into this reality. There are millions of Christians today in 2026 that are still being persecuted for their faith in Christ. Yet in James 1:2-3, James tells the various Jews who have converted to Christianity, and other Christian converts, this, once again:

² Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

          As I said, the Book of James touches on various things, including suffering, sacrifice, and enduring in faith. The Book of James was written about 40-50 AD, which was about ten or more years after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Most believes within the first 10-20 of Christian were converted Jews. In going this new religion of Christianity and leaving Judaism, they were often a big price to pay for this. Yet. James is telling these mostly Jewish converts to Christian, I know you are struggling and often being mistreated. Within this though, James is saying have joy through these struggles and various trials, as this testing of your faith produces steadfastness. For many of us, we have grown as people and in faith through time of great trials, struggles, and hardships.

          For example, Melissa and I have always loved watching as much of the Olympics that we can. Whether it is the summer or the winter Olympics, these are best athletes in world competing in various sports and events. What some people might not know though, is that these athletes are constantly training. Some of these athletes start as small children, and every day they are committed to getting better and their sport or events. There are certainly other large competitions, other than the Olympics, but image days, weeks, months, and years, to prepare for such little window of competition time? To be an Olympic athlete, or an athlete in general requires great sacrifice, and sometimes so does our faith in Christ. Some of us might go to a South Jeff football game or lacrosse, or to see the cheerleaders leading the charge, and etc. Yet, what we do not see is the countless hours of preparation and training. The player that hit the turf or the grass in pain, yet finally get up to clapping as they hope off the field. The special diets, the weightlifting, the practices, muscle pains. Etc. If you really love your sport or event though, like James is saying to the Jews that converted to Christianity all over the Roman Empire, have joy. For when you succeed in your sport, your event, in your faith in Christ, you have steadfastness, hope, and joy.

          Our faith in Christ, our commitment to each other, allows us to go through whatever we go through in this life with joy, hope, support, love, and the ability to grow through it all. This is why James tells us in 1:4:

⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

          Pursing our faith, staying grounded in the scripture, loving each other serving our neighbor, helping those who cannot help themselves, and growing stronger, know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. We stay the course whether in sports or in our faith, because we believe in God and what He can do through us. That moment that you catch the pass and score the touchdown. The moment you kick the game winning field goal. Also though, the moment you fumble the football, or mess up a throw, miss that goal, drop your Lacrosse stick, trip, etc. In order to grown strong in Christ and in whatever we pursue, with gain, excitement, and joy, we will also always have struggle. We will always have naysayers, who tell us we cannot, we should not, etc. James says, brother and sisters, this, endure, and have steadfastness. This moment will not last, but the love of Christ will outlive everything! Our future is not just right now, for many things are always changing. Stay the course, and do not allow anyone to tear you down or to discourage you. Continue to be like Jesus, continue to pursue hope, mercy, and justice for a world that needs it now more than ever.

          You might be saying to this, “well Pastor Paul, that is easy to say from the pulpit!” This is true, but as a reminded James says this, once again in 1:5:

(#2 – James 1:5 – Picture) 

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.

          Friends, we are following Christ, we are the side of holiness, mercy, and the side of angels. Never stop being what God has called you to be and never let anyone tear you down. You are fearfully and wonderfully made according to the scripture, and God is faithful. I am grateful for this church, because I get to live out my faith a whole bunch of people that want to see me grow closer to Christ. We are here for each other, and I am here for you. We are strong together, and even when we suffer, even when we struggle, God is with us.

(#3 – James 1:4-8 – Picture)

⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ^{7, 8} For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.

Ask God with a sincere heart, lean into your brothers and sisters, and together God will use us, and God will do amazing things.

          We are reminded in James 1:9-11, this, once again:

(#4 – James 1:9-11 – Picture)

Poverty and Riches

 

⁹ Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, ¹⁰ and the rich in his humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. ¹¹ For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

 

          This reading from James 1:12-18 for this morning ends once again, saying this:

(#5 – James 1:12-18 – Picture)

Trial and Temptation

 

¹² Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵ Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death.

¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ¹⁸ Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

What if a trial that some are enduring is the trial of training and working hard for a sport, cheerleading, or something else like this? Whatever our current situation is, or our current stress, worry, etc., in the end is God. God was before us, and God will be God when we are no longer on this earth. Whatever we have for wealth and possessions, we cannot take it with us, and we will one day no longer be on this earth. We all do need to have food, clothing, shelter, etc., but the things of this world will not save us. Due to this, we should strive live like Jesus and work to make our communities and the world more like Jesus. Even though this life is temporary, we should still strive to be like Jesus and to create a world that not only looks like Jesus, but that Jesus would be proud of.

(#6 – James 1:12 – Graphic Picture)

          Wherever you are this morning then, know that you are welcome here. Know that you are loved. Know that in this place you can be who God has called you to be, and that we will love you. If the world around sometimes feels like a war, then come here to train, equip, strap on the spiritual army, and grow, so that in the world you can do battle against evil and stay grounded in Christ. As a pastor, sometimes I council and listen to people that feel so alone and so lonely, and because of that, I want this church to be a place where are excited to come to. That this place is your spiritual home. That this place is as a book title written by one of my seminary teachers a “Church Worth Getting Up For.” In a world that sometimes can seem like sinking ship, may this place be a lifeboat. In a world of spiritual suffering and suffering in general, may this place be a hospital for those who are spiritually sick and or suffering in general. A church where you are always welcome, where we are family, where we love each other with reckless abandon, and where stand together, laugh together, cry together, and seek Christ together.

          In closing then, here is a question for us all to consider as we will renter Adams in the world when this service and coffee hour is over:

(#7 – How do you Navigate Tough Times with Faith? James 1:1-18 – Picture)

Is your life just you, yourself, and no one else? Or do you have God, family, friends, and church that will love you, support you, and be in your corner, no matter what? I am grateful to lead and have a church that is all of those things, and more.

          To make this a message that walks out of the door with us, encourages us, and sticks with us all week, here are some application points to consider for this morning:

James 1:1–18 written by James (Jesus's half-brother) to dispersed Jewish-Christian believers explains how to view and handle trials, seek godly wisdom, resist internal temptation, and trust God's unchanging goodness.

 

Overview of James 1:1–18

 

·         Salutation & Identity (v. 1): James introduces himself humbly as a "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" writing to the "twelve tribes scattered abroad" (Jewish Christians living outside Palestine).

 

·         Joy in Trials (vv. 2–4): Believers are instructed to count facing various trials as "pure joy" because testing produces steadfastness (perseverance), which leads to spiritual maturity and completion.

 

·         Asking for Wisdom (vv. 5–8): Anyone lacking wisdom can ask God—who gives generously without finding fault—provided they ask in faith without doubting. Doubt creates an unstable, double-minded person.

 

·         Perspective on Wealth (vv. 9–11): The lowly/poor believer rejoices in spiritual exaltation, while the rich believer rejoices in being humbled (realizing worldly wealth is transient like grass).

 

·         Endurance and the Crown of Life (v. 12): Blessed is the person who remains steadfast under trial; they will receive the crown of life promised to those who love God.

 

·         Temptation vs. God’s Character (vv. 13–15): God never tempts anyone with evil. Temptation comes from a person's own internal evil desires, which give birth to sin, and sin—when fully grown—gives birth to death.

·         God’s Unchanging Goodness (vv. 16–18): Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He brought believers to birth by the word of truth to be a kind of "first fruits" of His creation.

---

Practical Application Points

 

·         Shift Your Perspective in Hardships: Do not expect a pain-free life; instead, view inevitable trials as a training ground. Anchor your joy not in the difficulty itself, but in the character and maturity God builds through it.

 

·         Trade Panic for Prayer (and Wisdom): When facing complex or confusing struggles, stop leaning solely on your own problem-solving or coping mechanisms. Immediately ask God for discernment and wisdom to navigate the situation honorably.

 

·         Reject Double-Mindedness: Examine where you split your loyalty between trusting God and hedging your bets with worldly comforts, control, or anxiety. Commit to a single-minded trust in God’s character.

 

·         Own Your Temptations: Stop blaming God, your circumstances, or other people when you are tempted to sin. Recognize that temptation starts internally; nip destructive desires in the bud before they give birth to sin.

 

·         Count on God’s Consistency: Remind yourself during dark or changing seasons that God never changes. Because He is a good Father who gives good gifts, you can trust His heart even when you cannot trace His hand.

May we all have joy in our trials, and we seek Christ and seek Him together. Amen.

AVBC - Sunday - 10/11/26 - Sermon Title: “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector” - Luke 18:9-14 - “The Parables of Jesus” – Sermon Series – (Part 6 of 6)

 Sunday 10/11/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector” - Luke 18:9-14 - “The Parables of Jesus” – Sermon Series – (Part 6 of 6)

(Cover Picture – “Pharisee and the Tax Collector” – “The Parables of Jesus” – Luke 18:9-14 - Picture)  

          I have a question for us all to consider this morning. How many of us, if we are honest, have looked down on someone before, or have thought that we were better than someone before? I am sure that we all have done it. Maybe we believed it, but the longer I walk with Christ, I more I realize that I am no better than anyone else. For those that are in school currently, or remember high school, there were and are likely social clicks. There are different tables for people in the school cafeteria. There is the Prom King and the Prom Queen. Who is better? Who is more popular? Who is the smartest? Who is the best looking? Who has the most friends? Etc.? For some of us, high school is or was a place where some are seen as better or worse than others. Some might even still believe this.

          Jesus Christ our Lord though, looks upon us all as the same. We are all fallen and are all in need of the grace of God through Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is true that we might all achieve and do different things here on this earth, but to Jesus we are all his children. Given this, who here in the church this morning, or watching online is the best? Who is God pleased with the most, and who is God pleased with the least? The reality, brothers and sisters, is that we are all in the same boat. We can decide who is better or worse here on this earth, but in the end we all need God’s grace. In the end we all need Jesus. Amen.

(AVBC – Sunday Scripture - Luke 18:9-14 – Picture) 

          When looking at our scripture from Luke 18:9-14 for this morning, once again, which is the story or parable of “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector,” this is what it says, once again:

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

 

⁹ He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: ¹⁰ “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ ¹³ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”        (Lk. 18:9-14, NRSV).

Also, this story or parable is only found in the gospel of Luke, and none of the other three gospels.

So, Jesus tells this parable of “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector,” as Luke 18:9 says, once again, to “some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others”. Jesus, therefore, is giving or telling this parable to some people that believe that they were holier and more righteous than others. Or as the term goes, these people were “holier than thou.” When I think of this, I often think of the Saturday Night Live skit that used to be on called “The Church Lady.” In this skit, actor Dana Carvey dressed as an older and extremely strict church woman. When “The Church Lady” disapproved of something, she would often say sarcastically, “Well isn’t that special” to mock the other person or persons. Jesus was telling this parable to people that thought that they were holier and more righteous than many people.

          Jesus told these self-righteous people this parable, and then tells us, once again:

¹⁰ “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’

The Pharisee or religious leader in this parable, prays to God about how great he is. He is telling God, “I am so great, and I am glad that I am not like all those people that are lesser than me.” The Pharisee prays to God, as if he is perfect. He thanks God that he not like other lesser men. He is better than the extortioners, the unjust, the adulterers, and even the tax collector praying right near him in this story. For the Pharisee praying in this story, he thinks that he is completely Godly, and that all who are not like him are inferior, and or not good enough. Yet brothers and sisters, on his cross stained with blood so divine, Jesus prayed in Luke 23:34: 

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34A, RSV).

          Jesus forgives the thief on the cross and tells him that on that very day that he would be with Him in paradise. My guess is that the thief on the cross next to Jesus was one of the lesser people that the Pharisee in this parable was thanking God that he is not like this morning. For this same Pharisee in this parable also said that he fasts “twice a week” and that he “gives tithes of all that I get.’ We should strive to have no sin, to be fully like Christ, but do you know what? If we are truly, and I mean truly, becoming more like Jesus we should become more and more humble, and not more and more arrogant and or self-righteous. To be more like Jesus, is no to think less of yourself, but think about yourself less. Let me say this again, to be more like Jesus, is not to think less of yourself, but think about yourself less. To be more like Jesus, is to give love, grace, hope, and mercy away, freely, and with an open heart. Anything we are or anything that we have is because God has allowed us these things through the gifts, graces, abilities, and drive that He has given us. Our humility and grace are the very evidence of having the blessings that God has given us.

          As I think of this, I think of a great American President, who died an American Baptist. This president, Jimmy Carter, who in the earthly sense achieved great worldly success, continued to help with habitat for humanity and other things well into his 90’s. President Carter, I do not think, prayed to God and thanked God for how great he was. Instead, I think that President Carter thanked God for sending His Son Jesus, and said, “Here I Am Lord, Send me.”  You see some of the most impressive Christians that I have ever met, are the ones who achieved great earthly success, the ones who became colonels, generals, CEO’s, social changers, etc., and yet they will still get in the pit and dirty their hands with everyone else. For if we want to be great and like Christ here on this earth, then we must become the least of these. For in our weakness, Christ is our strength!

          The parable continues at this point, not with the self-righteous Pharisee, but with the tax collector. Picking up in the parable of the “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector,” we conclude once again in Luke 18:13-14 saying, once again.

¹³ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ ¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”                            (Lk. 18:9-14, NRSV).

How many of us here can honestly say that God has blessed us in so many ways? Are we grateful that God has blessed us? Have any of our blessings convinced us that we are now better or superior to others though? Jesus reminds us that if we exalt or praise ourselves, we will be humbled. Yet, if we humble ourselves, we will be exalted or praised. To be like Christ, means to be just like everyone else, no matter how God has used you here on this earth to achieve earthly success.

(#1 – Two Men, Two Prayers, Two Attitudes…, Luke 18:9-14 – Picture) 

          One way of looking of this parable then is that in it we have “two men, two prayers, two attitudes, two verdicts.” As I said in the beginning of this message, we probably have all at some point been guilty of being big headed or believing that we are better or superior to others.

(#2 – Luke 18:14 – With Jesus – Picture)

          What it all boils to this morning then, is this picture of Luke 18:14, when Jesus said:

¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This morning then, the Pharisee might have been seen as superior to the tax collector in this story, but to God, the tax collector was the most like Jesus.

(#3 Are You the Tax Collector or the Pharisee – Luke 18:14 – Picture)

          The question to ask ourselves this morning is this, when we pray, or in our lives, and in general, are we the pharisee or the tax collector is this parable of “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector”? Are we humble or are we proud? I have never been a huge fan of the IRS, but I hope in this parable I will always be like the tax collector.

          To make this a message on that that walks out of the door with us this morning, here are some application points for Jesus’ parable of “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector”:

Luke 18:14 concludes the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, stating: "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).

Meaning of Luke 18:14

 

·         The Verdict: Jesus issues a formal declaration ("I tell you") that the repentant tax collector (publican) returns home justified—cleared and counted as right before God—while the self-righteous Pharisee does not.

 

·         The Contrast in Hearts:

 

o    The Pharisee relies on his own moral resume, religious routines (fasting, tithing), and social superiority to justify himself.

o    The tax collector stands far off, beats his breast, and utters a simple plea for mercy ("God, have mercy on me, a sinner"), recognizing he has no personal merit to offer.

 

·         The Core Principle: God opposes pride and self-righteousness, choosing instead to extend grace, forgiveness, and salvation to those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty and helplessness.

 

Practical Application

 

·         Drop Self-Righteousness: Stop comparing your moral or spiritual standing against other people to make yourself feel approved by God.

 

·         Approach God with Honesty: Bring your flaws, mistakes, and brokenness openly into prayer instead of presenting a polished, performance-driven image.

 

·         Rely on Mercy, Not Merit: Accept that right standing with God is a gift of His grace received through humble faith, not a reward for your personal achievements or good deeds.

 

·         Cultivate Daily Humility: Treat others with compassion and respect rather than looking down on them with contempt or spiritual arrogance.

So, my friends are we the Pharisee or the Tax Collector? Amen.

AVBC - Sunday - 10/04/26 - Sermon Title: “The Mustard Seed” - Matthew 13:31-32 - “The Parables of Jesus” – Sermon Series – (Part 5 of 6)

 Sunday 10/04/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “The Mustard Seed” - Matthew 13:31-32- “The Parables of Jesus” – Sermon Series – (Part 5 of 6)

(Pre-Sermon – World Mission Offering Picture (Mission Moment) – Picture) 

(Cover Picture – “The Mustard Seed” – “The Parables of Jesus” – Matthew 13:31-32 - Picture)  

          For the past four weeks, we have been discussing some of the “parables” or short and simple stories that Jesus told in the gospels. So far, we have discussed the parables of “The Good Samaritan,” “The Prodigal Son,” “The Sower,” last week, “The Lost Sheep,” and this morning, “The Mustard Seed.” Once again, Jesus grew up in a largely farming and fishing world, and as a result, he told parables that often connected with agriculture, farming, etc.

          With all this said, I have a question for us to consider this morning. The question is this, who likes mustard here? When I say mustard, I mean mustard on a sandwich, or anything else that you might want mustard with? Further, who here, loves, I mean loves mustard? So much so, maybe you have given yourself a little squirt in the mouth before from a mustard bottle? At one of the churches that I used to serve, I knew a man that loved hot sauce so much that he always had a bottle of it with him, and we even kept an extra bottle of it in the church fridge for him. Mustard of course is a plant, and from this plant we get mustard. Mustard is the condiment that many know and live, which is made from mustard seeds. In fact, one statistic that I read is about seven hundred million pounds of mustard is consumed worldwide annually. It is something that we find in so many places. In general, there is white or yellow mustard, brown mustard, and black mustard. Maybe this is just me, but I find that the yellow mustard that we buy in the squeeze containers to be disgusting. I do love honey mustard and more of the brown mustard though.

(#1 - The Mustard Seed (With Seeds) – Picture) 

          This morning, however, is not a teaching lesson just on mustard plants, the making of the condiment mustard, and other products that are made from mustard seeds. This morning is the parable or short story that Jesus tells us comparing a mustard seed to our Christian faith. When I say short story, I am really not joking this morning, as the parable of “The Mustard Seed” is two verses of scripture! This is what I just read from the gospel of Matthew 13:31-32, once again:

³¹ Another parable he put before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; ³² it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches” (Matt. 13:31-32, RSV).

          This same parable is also found in Mark 4:30–32, and Luke 13:18–19. Since this parable is so short, I will read the versions of the parable of “The Mustard Seed” in Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19. Here is this parable in Mark 4:30-32:

 

³⁰ And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? ³¹ It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; ³² yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade”                           (Mk. 4:30-32, RSV).

 

          Finally, here is the parable of “The Mustard Seed” in Luke 13:18-19

 

¹⁸ He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? ¹⁹ It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches” (Lk. 13:18:19, RSV).

 

          In looking at primarily at this parable in the gospel of Matthew this morning though, there are a few things to mention. One, the kingdom of heaven, or the fullness of God’s kingdom that we are ushering in on earth, is similar to man or person throwing, sowing, and or planting mustard seeds. Now some of us might know that a mustard seed is not the smallest seed in the world, as an orchid seed, poppy seeds, and others are smaller. Yet the smallest seed that would have been commonly sown, grown, and harvested for food in Jerusalem by farmers when Jesus was alive, would be a mustard seed. Also, Jesus is teaching us theology this morning, not botany. So, it is not important that that mustard seed is technically not the smallest seed, but Jesus is telling the people that it is the smallest seed that farmers sow or plant where they lived at the time. This, therefore, made sense to the world that Jesus was preaching and living in. Even further, the type of mustard that was most often planted when and where Jesus lived two-thousand years ago, was black mustard. So, Jesus knew a little farming, as this was the world that He lived in.

          In that last verse of this very short parable, Jesus says in Matthew 13:32, once again of sowing the mustard seeds:

³² yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade”     (Matt. 13:32, RSV).

Just for reference a mustard seed, especially a black mustard seed is 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch in diameter. That is small! In fact, I have container of them here that Marian Higgins gave me. I am going to pass container this around the church. You can take a seed out of it if you want, but I cannot imagine how you will not lose it. So, a little tiny seed of mustard, when and where Jesus lived, was very likely black mustard.

(#2 - Mustard seed planted, sprouting, and growing – Picture) 

These little seeds, if they fall on fertile ground, with good sunlight and water, and if nothing eats them or destroys them, they might just germinate and grow. How big though can a seed that is 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch in diameter grow as a plant from that seed?

(#3 – Man with Mustard Plants in Jerusalem, Israel – Picture)

Here is a picture of man standing in modern day Jerusalem, Israel next to black mustard plants. In this picture we can see how a seed that is 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch in diameter can grow into a very large plant.

(#4 Mustard Plants– Picture)

          Just to see what a mustard plant looks like to us up close here is more zoomed in picture of mustard plants. They are beautiful plants really, and they a come from a seed that is 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch in diameter. Something so small, a mustard seed can grow into something so big. In fact, the largest mustard plants or shrub are ones that grow from black mustard seeds. The most common kind of mustard seed in Jerusalem when Jesus was alive was, as I said, the black mustard seed. I mean, mustard seeds can grow into big plants, but Jesus said to this morning in Matthew 13:32, once again:

³² yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade”     (Matt. 13:32, RSV).

The pictures of plants that I have shown you are certainly big mustard plants, and from such a tiny seed. Yet, how could the birds of the air make nests in the shade of its branches, if a mustard plant or shrub is only about 6-7 feet tall? The answer is that the mustard plant or shrub would need to be pretty big. Jesus knew this.

(#5 Large Black Mustard Plant/Shrub – Picture)

This is a picture of a large black mustard plant or shrub. From a seed that is, once again, 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch in diameter, to this large mustard shrub. Can birds of the air safely make their nests here? Yes, they can. Jesus was talking about how a small mustard seed, or a small amount of faith in Him can grow and grow. This parable of “The Mustard Seed” is about what God can do in us and through us, with just a little tiny bit of faith in Christ. It is like that song, “This little light of mine. I am going to let it shine.”

          Just to explain more specifically from the research that I have done about how big mustard plants can grow, here is some of what I found:

Most standard garden mustard plants grow about 3 feet tall (90 cm) and 12 to 18 inches wide.

Size by Variety

·         White/Yellow Mustard (Brassica alba): Grows 1 to 2 feet tall (30 to 70 cm).

·         Brown Mustard (Brassica juncea): Grows up to 4 feet tall (120 cm).

·         Black Mustard (Brassica nigra): Can grow up to 6 to 7 feet tall (200 cm) in optimal conditions.

·         The "Mustard Tree" (Salvadora persica): While true agricultural mustard plants are herbaceous annuals that stay small, the tree referenced in biblical parables can reach 20 to 25 feet tall.

 

This “Mustard Tree” or mustard shrub is what Jesus is referring to when He says:

“so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade”.

Something so small as Mustard Seed can grow into something really big that can serve and help many. If we have but a mustard sized faith, then God can use that small little, tiny bit of faith to grow it into something massive. God can take your “little light,” or this “little light of mine,” and do things that we cannot even

imagine. Do we believe that God can take a little faith in us, a little seed of hope, and grow something large and transformative?

(#6 “Do You Have Mustard Seed Sized Faith?” – Picture)

Or to ask it another way, do you, do I, do we, have “Mustard Seed Sized Faith?” Jesus started his ministry with twelve men, the twelve disciples, and almost two-thousand years later, we are the largest faith in the entire world. A mustard seed, and a mustard seed sized faith can grow into something much larger than we can ever imagine.

          To make this a sermon one that walks out of the church with us this morning, and by out of the church I mean only through sanctuary doors today, how does this parable of “The Mustard Seed” speak to us today? How does this parable and this sermon connect with our lives, and how can we apply what we all heard and learned this morning in our lives and in the world? Here are some application points for us to consider this morning:

Matthew 13:31–32 contains the Parable of the Mustard Seed, where Jesus explains that the kingdom of heaven starts from tiny, unassuming beginnings and grows into a massive, transformative presence that impacts the whole world.

Significance

·         Humble Beginnings: Jesus' earthly ministry started quietly with a small group of Galilean fishermen and outcasts, contrasting sharply with the loud, coercive political power expected of a conquering messiah.

·         Inevitable Growth: Just as a tiny one-millimeter mustard seed naturally grows into a large tree-like shrub (up to 15 feet tall), God’s quiet work possesses an unstoppable, internal life force that multiplies over time.

·         Universal Refuge: The "birds of the air" nesting in its branches allude to Old Testament prophecies (such as Ezekiel 17:23 and 31:6) symbolizing people from all nations and backgrounds finding shelter and peace within God's domain.

 

Application

 

·         Patience in Ministry: Believers are encouraged not to despise small or unnoticed acts of faithfulness, trusting that God uses quiet obedience to yield massive long-term results.

·         Resilience in Faith: A microscopic amount of faith or witness contains the organic potential for exponential kingdom impact in families, communities, and cultures.

 

So, brothers and sisters, as we read and heard about Jesus’ parable of “The Mustard Seed,” imagine what God can do with a little seed and a little faith. Do you, do I, do we, “Have Mustard Seed size faith?” Amen.

(#7 AVBC– Communion for During Communion– Picture)

AVBC - Sunday - 09/27/26 - Sermon Title: “The Lost Sheep” - Luke 15:1-7 - “The Parables of Jesus” – Sermon Series – (Part 4 of 6)

 Sunday 09/27/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “The Lost Sheep” - Luke 15:1-7 - “The Parables of Jesus” – Sermon Series – (Part 4 of 6)

(Cover Picture – The Lost Sheep – Parables of Jesus – Luke 15:1-7 - Picture)  

          This morning, we are continuing our six-week sermon series on “The Parables of Jesus,” or stories of Jesus. I chose just six parables for this sermon series, but there are many others. If you have a chance to look at the various parables of Jesus, I encourage you to do so. Read them and be changed by them. For example, a parable of Jesus that we will not be discussing in this sermon series, portrayed in this chalk painting, is the parable of “The Rich Young Ruler.” Read them and be changed by them.

          As I also have been saying throughout this sermon series, Jesus grew up in farming, fishing, and in general, an agricultural world. I have told you a few stories now about my late Granpa Winkelman. Well at least some of the ones that are church appropriate, and in fact, I am the first generation in the Winkelman family to have not been raised on a farm. Jesus’ parables were given originally by Jesus to a world of farmers, fishers, and people who lived off the land. Even so they are timeless, and they have incredible and powerful meaning.

          This morning, we are talking about the parable of “The Lost Sheep.” Recently, in fact, a friend of mine lost their cat. It was awful, and my friend was worried, of course, about their cat. “Was the cat alive? Was the cat dead” the person thought. The cat then came back; thanks be to God. This person though shouted for the cat, looked for the cat. I mean who would not go after someone or an animal that was lost? Has anyone here ever lost a pet? Worse anyone here ever lost a pet and never found the pet? Brothers and sisters, God’s love for us is so strong, that He will tear after us when we are lost. Even if we do not know God, God pursues us like “The Hound of Heaven,” which is a poem that was written by English Roman Catholic named Francis Thompson in 1890. God pursues us and seeks to find us when we are lost.

(Luke 15:1-17 Scripture – Picture) 

          In looking again at our Gospel of Luke 15:1-7 reading for this morning, we hear this from Jesus, once again, starting in Luke 15:1:

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. ² And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Lk. 15:1-3, RSV).

 

          The religious leaders were giving Jesus a hard time for eating, talking with, and receiving people who society has rejected. I am so glad that I am pastoring a church, where there is a place for anyone. For those that have seen that pain chart at the doctor’s office that asks if your pain is a 1 to a 10, if you are screwed up from 1to a 10, you are still welcome here. Why? Jesus loves everyone, died for everyone, and he ate with, received, and interacted with tax collectors and sinners. Did Jesus ultimately invite all these people, all people to repent of our sins and follow Him? Of course, but “The Hound of Heaven” pursue us all. God wants us to be in relationship with. We have a choice, but either way He pursues us. We can help lead people to change, to repentance, while still loving them as someone made in God’s image.

          In response to the tax collectors and the Pharisees or religious leaders chiding Jesus for eating with, spending time with, and receiving tax collectors and sinners, he responds with a story, a parable. This is what Jesus said, that I just read a few minutes, once again:

³ So he told them this parable: ⁴ “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’ ⁷ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance               (Lk. 15:3-7, RSV).

          Friends, what is most important is not what are you like when you first walk into this church, what is more important, is how Jesus changes you for when you leave. I can imagine over the many years of this church that some people may have initially come into this place in a very broken state in their lives. It is not about being perfect, it is about turning to Christ who is perfect, repenting, and being changed by the Holy Spirit. Jesus went to everyone because everyone needs Jesus. It does not matter if our level of sins is at a one or a ten like the pain chart at the doctor’s office, Jesus pursues us still.

(Lost Sheep in the Woods - Jesus – Picture) 

          I remember a couple of years ago, going to Gideon’s International Bible fundraising event. At this event, thousand of dollars were raised to buy Bibles to give to people that do not have a Bible. The keynote speaker who flew in from New Zealand told us a story. He told us how some hotels and other establishments will no longer allow the no cost to them Gideon’s International Bibles. These are generally Bibles that are in the nightstands in hotels. The Bibles that are given to many, at no cost to recipient. Yet the people at this fundraising event, were enthusiastic about getting Bibles, so the people might read the gospel, and maybe a parable or a story like the parable of “The Lost Sheep.”

          This man from New Zealand then told us a true testimony. A man had lost his job, his marriage was in tatters, and so he left his home and checked into a hotel. The man was in emotional anguish. Do you know that brick wall, the forks in the road that some of us face in life? What do you do now? The man purchased a large bottle of Vodka and started drinking it heavily. The now very intoxicated man, for some reason opened the drawer to his hotel room nightstand. Lone behold, there was a Gideon’s International Bible. He probably figured that since his life was in tatters and he was drunk as a skunk, why not try reading the Bible. He opened to one of the gospels, and that night God, “The Hound of Heaven” did spiritual heart surgery on that man. By picking up that Bible and reading, this man repented of his sins and brokenness and came to Jesus Christ.

My brothers and sisters, this is why we say in this church, come as you are. If you are at 1 or a 10 in how messed up your life is, Jesus goes leaves the 100 to go after lost one. Jesus is an expert at people who have lives that are so bad that they are at a 10. So, could Jesus have asked the tax collectors and Pharisees this morning, why are you not going after the people that are 10’s in their lives being messed us? Why not help those who are hurting and who need the grace of God in Jesus Christ? Also, while that man in the hotel room did come to Christ that night, I think he still had a bad headache the next morning! You can be forgiven, but you have still had to deal with the consequences of a night of drinking!

In this picture, we see a lost sheep, who could easily have the man in the hotel room that I just talked about. This lost sheep could be your neighbor, a person at the grocery store, a person who is not a Chicago Cubs fan, etc. Yet Jesus leaves everything and drops everything to come after you, just so you will be change, restored, and saved. After that he can use you as a piece of the puzzle that is this church to transform lives and serve others. 

(Man with Sheep on His Shoulders – Picture)

Jesus says that when the shepherd finds the lost sheep, that once again in Luke 15:5-7:

⁵ And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’ ⁷ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (Lk. 15:3-7, RSV).

Is Adams Village Baptist Church for everyone? Yes, it is. Do we all have story? Yes, we do. Even so “The Hound of Heaven” pursue us, and Jesus leaves the heard for us. Whether we are at 1 or a 10 the pain or sin chart, Jesus comes after us.

(Jesus holding a Sheep – Picture)

          Of everything that I have seen or heard this week, this picture of Jesus holding this lost sheep has been the highlight of my week. Maybe we were this sheep once, and just maybe, we know of other lost sheep that might think that they will never be found. We are part of the puzzle of God’s Kingdom, and we all have a place here at the Adams Village Baptist Church.

          With said how does the parable of “The Lost Sheep” apply to our lives to today. Let us look at some application points for the parable of “The Lost Sheep.”

The core application of Luke 15:1–7 is that believers must adopt God’s heart by actively seeking the lost and rejoicing extravagantly when a sinner repents, rather than grumbling like the Pharisees.

1. Model the Shepherd’s Pursuit

·         Intentionally seek the lost: God does not passively wait for straying people to figure things out on their own; the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to actively search. Apply this by identifying specific individuals in your life who are far from God and making intentional efforts to reach them.                                                    

·         Overcome helplessness with grace: Sheep are prone to wandering and cannot save themselves. Recognize that spiritually lost people need patient rescue, not harsh judgment or condemnation.

2. Reject Self-Righteous Grumbling

·         Examine your attitude toward outsiders: The Pharisees complained because Jesus welcomed and ate with social and moral outcasts. Guard against spiritual pride that looks down on non-believers or resents God showing mercy to "undeserving" people.

·         Refuse to stay outside the celebration: Being close to religious routines (the "ninety-nine") does not equal having God's heart; join heaven's perspective instead of standing back and judging.

3. Celebrate Redemption

·         Rejoice over every single return: Heaven explodes with joy over one repenting sinner. Cultivate a church culture and personal life marked by deep celebration and gratitude when someone comes to faith, viewing evangelism as an invitation to a party.

Brothers and sisters, this is why “The Parable” of “The Lost Sheep” matters, and this is how it applies to our lives and our faith. To drive this point home, I want to show a great video with lyrics. The song is called “Reckless Love,” by Cory Asbury, and you should have a bulletin insert with these lyrics. Let’s listen and sing together. Amen.

(Reckless Love – Lyric Video)