SERMON RECAP: GOD SEES AND SAVES based on Luke 19:1-10

Do we believe that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost?

Sometimes, those of us who follow Jesus fall into the same trap the Pharisees fell into in Jesus’ day. Because of their strict desire for a pure nation that is holy before God, they were quick to judge anyone who did not meet their standards of holiness and showed very little room for grace. When we fall into the same trap as the Pharisees, our actions and attitudes reveal who we believe are worthy of coming to Jesus and those whom we determine are destined for eternal judgment.

Do we believe that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost?

1. Obstacles stand in the way of seeing Christ (Luke 19:1-4). When Jesus was in Jericho, Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. However, he was unable to see Jesus clearly because a few obstacles were against him. He was short of stature, and, because of the size of the crowds, his height prevented him from seeing Jesus clearly. However, if one is determined to see someone, even if they have a physical limitation, that desire would inspire the individual to take some action to overcome it. Zacchaeus did not press through the crowd to get as close to the edge of the road as possible. He could have slipped through the crowd. Instead, he chose to climb a sycamore-fig tree, where the branches could “hide” his presence. Zacchaeus likely chose this alternative because he was a hated tax collector. In his society, tax collectors were hated by Jews and Romans alike. The Pharisees believed that tax collectors were the worst of sinners and unworthy of the kingdom of God, for they achieved great wealth through dishonest means. Social status or standing influences our perception of who is deserving, and wealth can blind us to the need for Christ. So even though Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, his height, wealth, and profession were barriers that kept him from seeing.

What barriers exist in others around us? Do we look at someone else and immediately assume, because of their choices, they are a sinner and do not deserve God’s mercy and grace? Sometimes one’s circumstances are not of one’s own making. We are products of adverse experiences: trauma, poverty, loneliness, and shame. Instead of being quick to judge, we, as people of faith, should take the time to recognize the obstacles and bring them to the healer.

2. No one escapes Jesus’ gaze (Luke 19:5). Even though Zacchaeus was hiding in the tree, Jesus looked up and saw him. Then, he called him by name and invited himself to his house! That is what Jesus does: Jesus sees each person precisely where they are, in the condition they are. Then, he calls each person by name. Shame causes people to hide; but Jesus sees even through the midst of shame and calls us by name, inviting us to come out of the darkness into the light. Jesus wants to fellowship with each person. We may see someone’s life choices or act out of frustration, but Jesus sees people needing to be set free. Can we see others the same way that Jesus sees us?
3. Humanity has a choice in how it will respond to Jesus (Luke 19:6-8). Once Jesus called out to Zacchaeus and invited himself to his house, Zacchaeus had a choice. He could have stayed in the tree. He could have refused the invitation. But he chose to come out of the tree and fellowship with Jesus. Do we give others the choice to come to know Jesus? Or do we determine, through our silence, that someone is unworthy of that offer? It is our choice also to control our attitude.

God’s mercy and grace lead to repentance. Once Zacchaeus spent time with Jesus, he committed to a lifestyle change and repented. He addressed Jesus as Lord and then pledged to make right those who had been injured by him. He pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay fourfold whoever he had swindled (which was likely everyone!). The Pharisees and the Jews, when they heard Jesus’ invitation, immediately proclaimed judgment on Zacchaeus, believing he was a scoundrel and undeserving of Jesus’ time. Instead, after some time with Jesus, he completely turned his life around!

4. Jesus can save even the unlikeliest sinner (Luke 19:9-10). Jesus brings salvation. Even the worst offender can become part of the family of God and serve as a testimony of how God can transform lives. Jesus can also restore one’s dignity and honor, bring freedom from shame, and provide healing. Do we believe that Jesus can save the lost? Our actions, attitudes, and efforts reveal whether we believe that or not. Will we reach out and share Jesus with those who we feel do not deserve the gospel?

Questions for Reflection

1. Who do we struggle to believe can ever turn to Jesus?

2. Think about some people that you know do not know Jesus. What life circumstances have become obstacles for faith?

3. What are some ways you can build a bridge with others?

4. Why can shame cause devastation in a person’s life?

5. Do we believe that Jesus can seek and save the lost?

Upcoming Service

This Sunday, we will have a guest speaker, Stacy Meyerhoeffer, share the word. His sermon is titled, “In, Out, In” based on Matthew 14:22-33. What lessons can we learn about faith in Jesus? Come by or tune in on Sunday to find out!

Daily Bible Readings for August 11 – 17

August 11: Psalm 69 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 12: Psalm 70 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 13: Psalm 71 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 14: Psalm 72 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 15: Psalm 73 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 16: Psalm 74 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 17: Psalm 75 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

This Week’s  Events:

August  – school supplies & toothpaste collection

August 16 – Restructuring Proposal Q&A after church

Upcoming Events:

August 20 – Leadership Team Meeting @ 7 pm

August 22 – Beaver Creek Bash from 4 – 8:30 pm

August 30 – Called Congregational Business Meeting after church

September 6 – Homecoming and carry-in lunch

September 19 – Church Picnic

VERSE OF THE MONTH!

Every month, we will feature a verse. The goal is for the entire church to learn this verse for the month, so we grow in our memorized Bible knowledge. The verse for August is Luke 19:10:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Announcements:

CHILDREN’S STORY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Worship Team is in need of a volunteer to lead children’s story over the next several months. If you are able to help with August or September, please reach out to either the church office, Alice Over, Phyllis Simmons, or Pastor Ryan.

COLLECTIONS

During the month of August, we will have two collections. One will be for tubes of toothpaste (between 3-6 oz) for Kingsway Prison Outreach. The other will be to collect school supplies to be used toward Operation Christmas Child and/or to donate to local kids who might be in need of school supplies. Note: Glue, glue sticks, and any other liquid school supplies are NOT allowed for Operation Christmas Child.

BEAVER CREEK BASH!

You are invited to our neighborhood block party, Beaver Creek Bash. This is for members of Beaver Creek and to invite your neighbors, friends, and people within our community. Gather together at the pavilion from 4 – 8:30 for a time of fellowship, music, and lawn games. Outreach Team will provide hot dogs, drinks, and s’mores. Please consider bringing a side dish or dessert to share.

DOCTORAL PROJECT INVITATION

Dear Church Membership,

As a doctoral candidate in the Liberty Theological Seminary at Liberty University, I am conducting research on the role of evangelism coaching in revitalization as part of the requirements for a Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Leadership. The purpose of my research is to coach church members in interactive evangelism and community engagement techniques utilizing an eight-week curriculum, and I am writing to invite you to join my study.

Participants must preferably be members or regular attenders of Beaver Creek Church who were either born in the Church of the Brethren or grew up in the Church of the Brethren. NOTE: Any member or regular attender can participate; however, for my research data, I must have some participants who fall into the born or grew up in the COB category. Participants will be asked to complete a personal interview, a questionnaire, and a survey before the study begins. The participants will attend eight sessions, starting with lunch after church and concluding around 4 pm over eight weeks from September 13 through November 1. Each participant will complete weekly data-collection assignments. Each participant will also conduct a post-research interview and take a questionnaire and survey at the conclusion of the program. Participants will also be asked to review their interview transcript to confirm accuracy. It should take approximately one hour to complete each interview and questionnaire, ten minutes for the survey, thirty minutes for each homework assignment, thirty minutes to review the interview transcript, and about two hours per session. Names and other identifying information will be requested as part of this study, but participant identities will not be disclosed in any published material.

To participate, please complete the enclosed interest form and contact me at rcooper.cob@gmail.com by August 31, 2026. If you meet my participant criteria, I will contact you to schedule an interview.

A consent document will be given to you if you meet the study criteria. The consent document contains additional information about my research. If you choose to participate, you will need to sign the consent document and return it to me before I conduct the interview. Thank you for considering this research project.

Sincerely,

Ryan Cooper
Pastor – Beaver Creek Church

As of this morning, eight have inquired, and only six have filled out an interest form. I must have a minimum of ten for the project to be considered valid and to finish the doctorate.

Calling Rising Third Graders!

The Christian Education Team will recognize rising third graders in the coming weeks and present them with a Bible. If you have a rising third grader or your child has not yet received a Bible, please contact the church office.

Social Media

Beaver Creek has updated its social media page. Please follow and share so many people can see what is happening at Beaver Creek! You can find the pages as follows:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beavercreekchurchva/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeaverCreekChurchVA/

Four Ways to Give! 

1) Mail your tithe to the church office

2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm

3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving

4) Place in the offering plate on Sunday!

Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church

SERMON RECAP: TESTIFY based on John 9:13-34

When we share the gospel, those who are spiritually hungry will receive the good word and embrace Jesus. However, not everyone is spiritually hungry. Sometimes, people are very hostile toward matters of faith. Even if something extraordinary happens, such as Jesus healing a blind man, some will not come to faith. What is our responsibility? And what truths should we keep in mind?

1. There will always be naysayers (John 9:16-17). The Pharisees refused to acknowledge that Jesus healed this blind man, for they already held a bias against him. Jesus offends human constructs. You may encounter people who, for whatever reason, just refuse to believe.
2. We will face pressure to remain silent about Jesus (John 9:22-23). This blind man’s parents refused to share the truth about Jesus because they were terrified of the consequences. Those who declared Jesus as the Messiah were being excommunicated from the synagogue. In that day, it was essentially a sentence condemning someone to eternal damnation. The world will use intimidation and fear to shut down our witness, for they do not want the truth about Jesus shared.
3. We may face consequences for our testimony (John 9:28, 34). Instead of celebrating with the blind man, the Pharisees questioned him repeatedly, then insulted him, then threw him out. Be prepared for insults and defamation!

However, despite these truths and realities, our task as people of faith is to be like the blind man and testify to the goodness of God!

1. Share exactly how Christ has changed your life (John 9:15, 25). Three times the blind man repeated the same testimony: that he was blind, and now he sees. Even though people may try to argue, they cannot refute how God has transformed your life. Therefore, testify, contrasting who you were before Jesus and who you are now after Jesus changed you.
2. Exalt the name of Jesus (John 9:17, 25-27). Forces of darkness cannot stand the name of Jesus. Despite pushback, continue to exalt his name. Be bold, even in the face of hostility.
3. Anchor your life in truth (John 9:30-33). Even as the Pharisees argued with the blind man, the man responded by declaring what the Scripture teaches. Testify to the truth and the written word, for truth drives out lies and exposes human hearts. Testifying to God’s faithfulness will receive pushback, but you don’t know who will be inspired by your courage to live for Jesus. Therefore, even if you find pressure, continue to testify!

Questions for Reflection

1. Why do we sometimes fold under pressure?

2. Why can fear become crippling to faith?

3. Why do people resist truth?

4. Can you articulate your story on how you came to faith or how Jesus changed your life?

5. How can knowledge of the truth aid your testimony?

Upcoming Service

This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will continue the Evangelism series with the sermon titled “God Sees and Saves” based on Luke 19:1-10. How can Jesus’ ability to transform any life inform evangelism? Come by or tune in on Sunday to find out!

Daily Bible Readings for August 5 – 10

August 5: Psalm 63 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 6: Psalm 64 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 7: Psalm 65 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 8: Psalm 66 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 9: Psalm 67 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

August 10: Psalm 68 What is one thing you learned you did not know before?

This Week’s  Events:

August  – school supplies & toothpaste collection

August 9 – Restructuring Proposal Q&A after church

Upcoming Events:

August 16 – Restructuring Proposal Q&A after church

August 22 – Beaver Creek Bash from 4 – 8:30 pm

August 30 – Called Congregational Business Meeting after church

September 6 – Homecoming and carry-in lunch

September 19 – Church Picnic

VERSE OF THE MONTH!

Every month, we will feature a verse. The goal is for the entire church to learn this verse for the month, so we grow in our memorized Bible knowledge. The verse for August is Luke 19:10:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Announcements:

CHILDREN’S STORY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Worship Team is in need of a volunteer to lead children’s story over the next several months. If you are able to help with August or September, please reach out to either the church office, Alice Over, Phyllis Simmons, or Pastor Ryan.

COLLECTIONS

During the month of August, we will have two collections. One will be for tubes of toothpaste (between 3-6 oz) for Kingsway Prison Outreach. The other will be to collect school supplies to be used toward Operation Christmas Child and/or to donate to local kids who might be in need of school supplies. Note: Glue, glue sticks, and any other liquid school supplies are NOT allowed for Operation Christmas Child. Tax-free weekend in Virginia is August 7-9, so you can acquire school supplies without tax! (See the flier from Operation Christmas Child about suitable items for the shoeboxes we’ll be packing for kids around the world!)

BEAVER CREEK BASH!

You are invited to our neighborhood block party, Beaver Creek Bash. This is for members of Beaver Creek and to invite your neighbors, friends, and people within our community. Gather together at the pavilion from 4 – 8:30 for a time of fellowship, music, and lawn games. Outreach Team will provide hot dogs, drinks, and s’mores. Please consider bringing a side dish or dessert to share.

DOCTORAL PROJECT INVITATION

Dear Church Membership,

As a doctoral candidate in the Liberty Theological Seminary at Liberty University, I am conducting research on the role of evangelism coaching in revitalization as part of the requirements for a Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Leadership. The purpose of my research is to coach church members in interactive evangelism and community engagement techniques utilizing an eight-week curriculum, and I am writing to invite you to join my study.

Participants must preferably be members or regular attenders of Beaver Creek Church who were either born in the Church of the Brethren or grew up in the Church of the Brethren. NOTE: Any member or regular attender can participate; however, for my research data, I must have some participants who fall into the born or grew up in the COB category. Participants will be asked to complete a personal interview, a questionnaire, and a survey before the study begins. The participants will attend eight sessions, starting with lunch after church and concluding around 4 pm over eight weeks from September 13 through November 1. Each participant will complete weekly data-collection assignments. Each participant will also conduct a post-research interview and take a questionnaire and survey at the conclusion of the program. Participants will also be asked to review their interview transcript to confirm accuracy. It should take approximately one hour to complete each interview and questionnaire, ten minutes for the survey, thirty minutes for each homework assignment, thirty minutes to review the interview transcript, and about two hours per session. Names and other identifying information will be requested as part of this study, but participant identities will not be disclosed in any published material.

To participate, please complete the enclosed interest form and contact me at rcooper.cob@gmail.com by August 31, 2026. If you meet my participant criteria, I will contact you to schedule an interview.

A consent document will be given to you if you meet the study criteria. The consent document contains additional information about my research. If you choose to participate, you will need to sign the consent document and return it to me before I conduct the interview. Thank you for considering this research project.

Sincerely,

Ryan Cooper
Pastor – Beaver Creek Church

As of this morning, seven have inquired, and only five have filled out an interest form. I must have a minimum of ten for the project to be considered valid and to finish the doctorate.

Calling Rising Third Graders!

The Christian Education Team will recognize rising third graders in the coming weeks and present them with a Bible. If you have a rising third grader or your child has not yet received a Bible, please contact the church office.

Social Media

Beaver Creek has updated its social media page. Please follow and share so many people can see what is happening at Beaver Creek! You can find the pages as follows:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beavercreekchurchva/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeaverCreekChurchVA/

Four Ways to Give! 

1) Mail your tithe to the church office

2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm

3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving

4) Place in the offering plate on Sunday!

Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church