Sunday, September 5th, 2010
   
In February 2008, we began a series in our Communion Services looking at the passages in the Gospel of John where Jesus introduces a saying with the words “amen, amen.”  These words are translated something like: “I tell you the truth,” and we have found that Jesus always is setting up an important point with these words.  Sunday morning we complete our series with the final time this phrase is found in John’s Gospel.  It is the only occurrence after the resurrection, and the setting is Jesus speaking to Peter.  Although the words are sobering, they are spoken in the context of grace and restoration.  Our text is John 21:15-19, and it reminds us the complete and ultimate victory of Jesus.  
      

Sunday August 29th, 2010

We have seen quite a number of weddings at Highland Hills this year.  Every wedding, of course, reminds us of the relationship of Christ to His Bride, the Church.  Scripture teaches this.  This imagery also teaches us to understand our relationship with Christ as a covenantal relationship.  A covenant—whether in marriage or with Christ—requires a pledge of complete and unreserved commitment to the other.  I think we so often speak of our commitments to Christ we may overlook His commitment to us.  He is not indifferent in this relationship!  This Sunday I would like to conclude the series we have been studying in the Book of Hebrews by considering the benediction/prayer found in Chapter 13.  These two verses summarize the message of the entire book, and especially underscore the lessons on faith from chapter 11, and outlook on perseverance in chapter 12.  The realities of our covenant relationship will be found here as well.  Our text is Hebrews 13:20, 21.