February 16 , 2025 Welcome to Trinity !
Sermon Title : Blessed Rev . Chris Neikirk
Basic Theme :
" Blessed " contrasts two ways of life : trusting in human strength or trusting in God . Jeremiah 17:5-10 warns of the consequences of misplaced trust , while Luke 6:17-26 highlights blessings for those who rely on God and warnings for those who depend on worldly comforts . Together , these passages challenge us to root our lives in God ’ s grace , seeking true blessing that endures , even amidst struggles , by trusting God above all else .
Sermon Snapshot ( Key Points ):
" Blessed " invites us to examine where , or in whom , we place our trust . Jeremiah 17:5-10 shows that trusting in human strength leads to barrenness , but trusting in God produces deep , life-giving roots . Luke 6:17-26 reveals that true blessing comes through dependence on God , not worldly success . This sermon encourages us to shift our priorities , embrace God ' s blessings , and live lives deeply rooted in God ’ s provision and grace , even when it challenges societal values .
So What ?
Where do you place your trust — on human strength or God ’ s provision ? Are you pursuing blessings that fade or those rooted in God ’ s eternal promises ? How can you shift your focus this week to align with God ’ s priorities ? What practical steps will you take to deepen your trust in God and live a truly " blessed " life ?
Scripture Reading : Jeremiah 17:5-10 ; Luke 6:17-26 ( NIV )
5
This is what the Lord says : “ Cursed is the one who trusts in man , who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord . 6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands ; they will not see prosperity when it comes . They will dwell in the parched places of the desert , in a salt land where no one lives . 7 “ But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord , whose confidence is in him . 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream . It does not fear when heat comes ; its leaves are always green . It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit .” 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure . Who can understand it ? 10 “ I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind , to reward each person according to their conduct , according to what their deeds deserve .”
17
He went down with them and stood on a level place . A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea , from Jerusalem , and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon , 18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases . Those troubled by impure spirits were cured , 19 and the people all tried to touch him , because power was coming from him and healing them all .
20
Looking at his disciples , he said : “ Blessed are you who are poor , for yours is the kingdom of God . 21 Blessed are you who hunger now , for you will be satisfied . Blessed are you who weep now , for you will laugh . 22 Blessed are you when people hate you , when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil , because of the Son of Man . 23 “ Rejoice in
11:11am Service Information :
Opening Music : The Praise is Yours Cornerstone Great Is Thy Faithfulness Communion Song : Here I Am to Worship Closing Song : Trust In God
Matt Redman Hillsong Worship
One Sonic / Michael Weaver
Tim Hughes
Elevation Worship
Bill Maetschke , Praise Team Leader
that day and leap for joy , because great is your reward in heaven . For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets . 24 “ But woe to you who are rich , for you have already received your comfort . 25 Woe to you who are well fed now , for you will go hungry . Woe to you who laugh now , for you will mourn and weep . 26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you , for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets .