Mount of Olives Church

The news was not what I wanted to hear. My recent PET scan showed the cancer had returned. Several lymph nodes in my pelvis responded positively to the radioactive substance injected into my veins. My doctor gave me two options: first of all, we could wait three months and do another scan to determine if the cancer was growing; secondly, we could begin chemotherapy right away and take no chances. I didn’t have to think twice. “Begin the chemo,” was my response. “I don’t want to let the cancer gain a foothold.” The same is true with sin. We cannot let sin set a foot into the doors of our lives. Once it has gained a foothold, it takes more and more of our thoughts and actions. Whether our secret sin is pride, jealousy, or anger, the opening it needs is just a foothold before it begins to control us. I once asked a friend in ministry how it was possible to carry on a sinful relationship while he continued to do ministry. He said he was able to keep his sin in a separate part of his mind, ...

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Why am I so different? Why do I view things in such a different way than those around me? Why do I seek the good in those around me?”Those are some very good questions. You see, you are unique in the way God made you. Though He has millions more children, each one wonderfully made, none are the same as you. This is the uniqueness in those of us who are followers of Christ. Each one of us have been made with certain gifts, talents and traits different from anyone else’s. No one in all the ages of the world has ever been you, and no one ever will. So when you find yourself in a situation where you view things differently than those around you, remind yourself, God wants to use you in a unique way to be a blessing to those around you. People are blessed when you are sincere and honest. Don’t let anyone manipulate you into forsaking your own uniqueness. You have been created by God for a purpose and only you can fulfill it. He has given you the gifts ...

A well-known English deist of the 17th century, Anthony Collins, was walking one day when he crossed paths with a “commoner”. “Where are you going?” asked Collins. “To church, sir.” “What are you going to do there?” “To worship God, sir.” “Is your God a great or little God?” asked Collins. “He is both, sir.” “How can He be both?” “He is so great, sir, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him; and so little that He can dwell in my heart.” Collins later declared that this simple answer had more effect on his mind than all the volumes he had ever read about God and all the lectures he had ever heard. We especially know this is true because of the incarnation – God took on human flesh and came into our world in Jesus Christ. This is our evidence. This same Christ is able to come now and live in our hearts. As a Christ follower, know that you are not alone but that Jesus lives in you. Ephesians 3:17 RSV And that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted ...

The story is told about a first-grade teacher who was having a difficult day. It had rained the entire day and the children couldn’t go out for recess, so they got more and more restless and hyperactive as the day wore on. The teacher couldn’t wait for the bell to ring at 3 o’clock. At about 2:45, she saw it was still raining, and so she decided to start getting the kids ready for dismissal. She sorted out their boots and raincoats and started helping get them dressed. Finally, they were ready to go, all except for one little boy whose boots were just too small for his feet. There were no zippers or straps, and it took every last ounce of strength she had to get them on. When at last she did get them on, she straightened up with a sigh of relief. That’s when the little boy looked down at his feet and said, "Teacher, you know what? These boots aren’t mine!" She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but being the good teacher she was, she smiled bravely and started taking them o...

Today is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which is a time of reflection and repentance as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Over the last several years at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo, CA, we have used the song by Kansas called Dust in the Wind a couple of times in our Ash Wednesday service. We have even had someone play the violin as was done in the original recording which adds to the lugubrious and mournful message of the song. The song represents our broken condition which we must examine on Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent. I close my eyes Only for a moment, and the moment's gone All my dreams Pass before my eyes, a curiosity Dust in the wind All they are is dust in the wind Same old song Just a drop of water in an endless sea All we do Crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see Dust in the wind All we are is dust in the wind Oh Now, don't hang on Nothin' lasts forever but the earth and sky It slips away And all your money w...

“God's love is like an ocean. You can see its beginning, but not its end.” - Pastor Rick Warren So  many people think the love of God has a limit. This is probably because we have so many limits. Too often, we love others based on conditions. We are impatient with people and find it extremely difficult to love unconditionally. Therefore, we think the same must be true for God, but it is not. His love is entirely unconditional. He just loves you. And because of His great love, He is always trying to move us closer to Himself and His will for our lives. I often say that He loves us too much to leave us as we are. But still, at the end of the day, the love of God for you is endless, and He proves it in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Pray with me: Heavenly Father, in a world where love is so often b...

At the beginning of each year at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo, California, we talk about something called “The Big Promise”. We learned this principle from our good friend Dr. Hal Seed. The Big Promise says this: “If you will allow Jesus Christ to be the one in charge of your life – worship regularly (3-4 times a month), join a small group at the church and find a place at Mount of Olives where you can serve, your life will be better one year from now.” This is a rather bold promise; however, we can make this promise because we know it works. Many have tried this and found it does work. They have seen remarkable changes in their lives. Things have really gotten better. And the reason for this is they are growing in Christ. They are developing spiritual disciplines which help them to grow in their walk with Christ Jesus (when done regularly). As Christ followers, we are meant to grow. All living things grow, and since Christ is living within us, we need to grow in Him. This k...

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent an economist. But our greatest need was forgiveness and redemption, and, therefore, God sent a Savior! This is why we give gifts at Christmas; to remember and celebrate the greatest gift ever given – the gift is Jesus. We really don’t need anything more. Ephesians 1:7 NRSV In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, we thank You for knowing exactly what we need for Christmas. Because of our broken condition, we do need a Savior. Out of the “riches of Your grace”, You have given us redemption through Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen. Yours because of Him, Pastor John R. Steward Senior Pastor Mount of Olives Church

“Every time we open our mouths and speak, we are either saying let there be light or let there be darkness.” Author Glennon Doyle Melton Advent is a season of light. This is because the light of the world, Jesus, has come into the world bringing illumination. As His disciples, we are meant to share this light with everyone. Advent is a good time to turn up the light. During this season, let’s be on special watch of our words. Let’s think about what we say before we say it, asking ourselves, “Are these words of light or not?” It is a time when we need to tell others about the light Jesus can bring into their lives as well. Let us be people of Christ’s light. Ephesians 5:8 NRSV For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, You have brought Your light into the world. Without this light, we would be walking in the darkness of the soul. But because of this light, there is hope for all...

This story was published in a faith-based publication a few years ago: Mavis Jackson lived in Anaheim, California, and she often walked past the Crystal Cathedral. She kept saying to herself someday she was going to go to that church. Then one Sunday she decided today was the day. She got all dressed up in her best clothes as her Midwestern upbringing dictated. She sat on the main floor and watched as over 3,000 people came to worship. She was amazed to see the 90 foot glass window or door or whatever it is, slide open even inviting the birds to worship. She was in awe of the organ; one of the largest in America, and the choir. When it was all over, she sat waiting to leave. She told the young woman next to her that she was so glad to have come today. “Wasn’t’ it wonderful?” The young women nodded. “Are you from here?” asked Mavis. “No, I’m from the Midwest.” said the young woman, adding,” I’m actually here on a mission. To find my birth mother.” There was a pause. “I know how you must...

Sometimes in life, we come to a point where we think a certain situation is hopeless. We look at the circumstances around us and are highly discouraged. When this happens, we have forgotten to factor in the fact that God isn’t finished. He can take bad things and turn them into something good. Many years ago, I heard a pastor preach a sermon using a slogan I have never forgotten: “Anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple but only God knows how many apples in a seed.” This is highly impactful. God knows more about our situations than we do. And He can do more than we can even think or imagine. Here is how the Apostle Paul describes it: Ephesians 3:20-21NRSV Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, sometimes we can become so discouraged and we forget You can do more than we can ...

Many years ago, in my previous congregation, Bethel Lutheran Church in Encino, California, the impressionist Fred Travalena; his wife, Lois; and their sons, became members of our church. Fred was an amazing and gifted artist. He not only did impressions of the leading celebrities of our time, but could sing and impersonate the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Johnny Mathis and others. You could close your eyes and not be able to tell the difference. In addition, he had impersonated every president from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush; often in their presence on the same stage (just Google his name or go on YouTube, and you will see what I mean). Fred was an extremely generous man in so many ways. Helping to raise funds for our Lutheran elementary school, Fred did his Las Vegas show with full orchestra and other celebrities three times on a massive stage in the San Fernando Valley. He was always helping others and would regularly rescue stray cats and dogs. A couple of times, I ha...

"An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?" Many people often look at the negative side of life. President Reagan used to say that when people do this, it’s as if when you “give them a silver lining, they will find a cloud”. Of course, he was using the old saying “in every cloud, there is a silver lining” and reversing it to make a point. It is very important to be a “glass half full” kind of person. Looking for and expecting good things helps us to stay hope-filled. So, on this new day, be a positive person. Look for the good in everything. Look for hope in everything. Refuse to let yourselves dwell on the negative. Speak to others in inspirational ways, and you will find that your days will be better. Ephesians 4:29 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Pray with Me: Heavenly Father, so many peop...

Earlier, I told a personal story about how I came to understand that Jesus Christ is “God in human flesh”.  Now, I want to tell a story I have mentioned in sermons in the past; about how I came to understand God’s plan of Salvation. I never assume people fully understand the Gospel. I guess the reason I say this is because I was one who didn’t fully understand the Good News of the Gospel. When I was in high school, I was a Fuller Brush salesman. In those days, the Fuller Brush Company produced products for taking care of your home. They manufactured some of the best brooms and brushes ever made. They also made other products like cleaning solutions. Well, my job was to go door to door, with my sample kit and catalogue, and try to sell these products. I was given a route and instructions for when I went to the door. If a woman answered the door, I was to give her a free potato brush, and if it were a man, a comb. Giving the free gift was a way of getting someone to look at the othe...

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 Ephesians 6:10-18 RSV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times; in the Spirit, with a...