Church of the Advent - Denver, CO: Recent Episodes
Church of the Advent Denver
Church of the Advent is a vibrant Anglican church in Denver, Colorado. Our mission is to be a people who receive and reorient everything around life in Christ. Pay us a quick visit us at https://www.adventdenver.com, and know that you are welcome to join us on a Sunday morning at 9 or 10:45.
Fourth century theologian Gregory of Nazianzus states “What has not been assumed has not been healed.” In other words, Jesus had to become human in order to wholly heal humanity. This truth clues us into the significance of the feast of The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. The feast reminds us of our reason to celebrate. We are comforted by Christ, our brother, taking on our humanity, embracing our frailty, and entering into our suffering and death. Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from Hebrews 2:14-18.
Spiritual renewal is a consistent need for God’s people. This renewal comes through the Word of God. Using Nehemiah 8:1-12 as the backdrop, Pastor Jordan Kologe challenges those who feel a need for renewal to return to God’s Word. This return can be pursued in three movements: hearing the Word, understanding it, and receiving it.
Of all the questions the miracle at Cana makes us ask, one of the most pressing is: “why is Jesus so rude to his mother?” While their tense interchange can feel like a distraction from the narrative, it’s not. Rather, their conflict is central to John’s understanding of the painful but necessary relational transformation initiated by Jesus stepping more fully into his calling and being revealed more fully as the Son of God. Deacon Lisa Elmers teaches from John 2:1-5.
The season of Epiphany is primarily about the question, “Who has Jesus been revealed to be?” Luke’s account of the baptism of Jesus, in Luke 3:15-22, provides us an excellent answer to that question. In this sermon, Chandler McCosh walks us through what John the Baptist says about Jesus, what God the Father says about Jesus, and ultimately, urges us to consider our own identify as those baptized into Christ.
Ephesians 1 moves us toward a life that focuses rightly on our Savior Jesus instead of ourselves. As we look on Jesus’ blessedness, glorious grace, and story, we are freed and healed from our strivings and anxieties. We rest not in our efforts and accomplishments, but in his loving care for us. Hear Pastor Jordan Kologe’s message for the second Sunday of Christmas.
The Magnificat, Mary’s song recorded in Luke 1, is sometimes referred to as the first Christmas carol. But unlike many of the substance-less, sentimental songs of the season, Mary’s song illuminates the true hope of the gospel. It’s a song of humility, reversal, and faithfulness. Following Pastor Jordan Kologe’s sermon, Dr. Megan DeVore leads a reflection on a nativity icon.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice,” Paul writes in Philippians 4. In the midst of sadness and sorrow, can we really have joy always? And if so, how? While being honest about the darkness around and inside, Pastor Jordan Kologe explores what authentic Christian joy is and is not and how we can grow in it.
The progression of Advent can be likened to a trek toward a mountain summit. With Malachi 3 and Luke 3 as the guidebook, Pastor Jordan Kologe explores three phases of this journey: the wake-up, preparing the way, and the joy that awaits.
Advent begins in the dark. We can’t ignore the injustice, sorrow, and loss—the darkness—all around us. To have a deep abiding hope we must first honestly acknowledge this reality. Using Luke 21 and Zechariah 14 as the background, Pastor Jordan Kologe orients us to Advent being a season to recognize the darkness and to trust God in it, anticipating the coming light of Christ.
Looking at the vision in Daniel 7, James Steinbach describes the prophetic expectation that the son of man will accept an eternal kingdom on behalf of God's people, delivering us from all earthly kingdoms. When we live in the hope of that kingdom, we find strength to suffer like Jesus, oppose injustice, and rest patiently in God.
Contemplating Jesus’ Olivet Discourse (and especially his remarks on ‘The Abomination of Desolation’) can stir up a lot of emotions, both confusion (‘what is Jesus even talking about’?) and pain (‘how can Jesus let something like this happen’?). While we grapple with many unanswered questions about why God allows suffering, we find the psalmists’ answer for how we might endure it: with Jesus, who himself suffered and is with us when we do.
Mark 13:14-23, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:31-39
The story of the widow’s coins (Mark 12:38-44) and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) both give us a picture of what it looks like to sacrifice everything in an act of total dependence on God. What would it look like to live our lives this way? How can we fathom giving more of ourselves when we already feel stretched thin? Luke Elmers teaches on themes of weakness, dependence, abundance, and sacrifice.
Using Colossians 1 as the basis, Pastor Jordan Kologe invites Church of the Advent to look “further up” in the coming year, to prioritize worship. To do this requires the work of the Spirit. Looking up will produce fruit. As we do so we are reminded of what we have been given, our identity, and rescue, stirring us to worship.
Have you ever cried out to God in urgency? In Mark 10 we read Bartimaeus cry “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” desperate for Jesus to heal his blindness. Pastor Jordan Kologe exhorts us to keep persisting in prayer because God hears our cries, he honors them, and he heals.
God as our refuge is a pervasive theme in the Psalter. A quick word study of the Hebrew meaning refuge eventually finds its way to the root word Onah, which is not just a dwelling as in a shelter from bad weather but something more intimate as in a marriage.
The question is are you, are we, dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High? Have we pressed into an intimate relationship with him? Or do we think of him as an umbrella, a temporary shelter from the storm? Deacon Cindy Hamilton teaches on Psalm 91.
A pre-election primer on The Gospel According to Politics with Pastor Ken Robertson, Rector of International Anglican Church in Colorado Springs, CO (https://www.springsiac.org), and former Associate Pastor at Advent! Ken’s teaching explores six principles for a renewed paradigm of political discipleship. Learn more at https://www.kingdomovercountryoverparty.com.
“Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given…Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” Jesus’ words on marriage and singleness recorded in Matthew 19:1-15 continue to challenge listeners. Pastor Jordan Kologe derives four principles from this passage that can help us receive it: the essence of marriage is a covenant, the enemy of marriage is a hard heart, the ending of marriage is an amputation, and the alternative to marriage is a gift.
When Jesus talks about hell, we can bring all kinds of assumptions about the place he’s describing and how we can avoid ending up there. This week we look at Jesus’ teaching on dealing with sin (“if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off”) and explore the dimensions of death and life it presents. Ultimately Jesus offers not a program of sin management but a paradigm of the moral universe, one in which physical actions have spiritual consequences and open paths to move steadily toward death or toward life. Deacon Lisa Elmers teaches from Mark 9:38-50.
The “humble brag” seems ubiquitous in our society’s hunger for platform and renown. But what does true humility look like? Teaching from Mark 9:30-37, Pastor Jordan Kologe posits genuine humility starts with Jesus, is patterned on the cross of Christ, and loves the lowly.
The prophet Isaiah speaks of a suffering servant who brings justice and redemption to the nations. Who is this servant? The New Testament writers and Jesus himself see Jesus as the fulfillment of these promises. Looking at Isaiah 50:4-11, Pastor Jordan Kologe observes three movements that teach us about Jesus’ life as the Servant and our lives as we follow the Servant: the servant’s words, the servant’s suffering, and the servant’s trust.
Isaiah 35:4-7 records the prophet painting a glorious picture of restoration of the exiled Israel. This prophecy extends beyond the original audience to us. Like Israel, we remember better times. We too are exiles, exiled from our Edenic identity. We live our lives trying to regain what was lost through the fall. But through Jesus Christ, all is not lost. Bishop Ken Ross ministers a message of hope in the expectation of the restoration coming through Christ.
What’s wrong with the world? Effecting positive change in oneself or the world requires a right answering of this question. Is the problem external or internal? “Those people” or me? In Mark 7:1-23, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and their understanding of that question and in turn shows us the way.
Jesus' "Bread of Life" sermon was not a crowd-pleaser. It offended most people, including many of Jesus' own disciples who turned away and stopped following him because of it. In this passage from John 6, Jesus turns to his last remaining disciples and gives them a chance to leave, too. But Peter's remarkable and moving response to Jesus' invitation reveals the profundity of his love for him: a love that listens, that desires the other, and that embraces its own vulnerability. Deacon Lisa Elmers teaches from John 6:60-69.
The mystery of Holy Communion brings us deeper into union with Christ by faith. We abide in him as he abides in us. At his table we consume Christ, we are nourished by Christ, and we are familied by him. Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from Jesus’ words recorded in John 6:53-59.
Very early in Genesis we learn that humans hunger and God satisfies, both physically and spiritually. Yet sinful nature reaches for the food that does not satisfy, that has not been given. Through this lens, Pastor Jordan Kologe continues teaching on Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse recorded in John 6 contrasting the bread the crowds crave with the Bread Christ gives.
John 6:24-35 records Jesus telling his followers to “work…for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” Like them, we may wonder how to do this work. Jesus’ response illustrates the heart of the Gospel: “Believe in him whom [God] has sent.” Salvation is God’s doing, not ours. Listen to Pastor Jordan Kologe as he illumines from this passage three core doctrines of the Reformation that make us spiritually rich, namely that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Jesus' miracles aren't magic tricks. They are not products to be consumed or performances to be analyzed, but rather revelations of God's being and invitations into relationship with him. Through the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus invites his disciples and the crowd into the compassionate rest and kingdom work of the God who provides everything we need: himself. Deacon Lisa Elmers teaches from Mark 6:30-41.
The book of Ephesians is the place to be strengthened and to be encouraged as followers of Jesus. It is the place to be equipped for the purposes God has created each of us for, worship of him being at the top of the list of his purposes for us. The Westminster Catechism says that humans' "chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." Paul calls us to this in Ephesians 1:3-14. Listen to Deacon Cindy Hamilton's teaching based on this passage.
In this sermon on Mark 6, Church of the Advent member James Steinbach shows how the people of Jesus' hometown misjudged and rejected him. He also walks through ways this passage may challenge our preconceptions about Jesus, inviting listeners to experience the incarnational love of Jesus, a love which protects us from imitating the mistake Jesus' neighbors made.
Jesus, through his encounters recorded in Mark 5:21-43 with Jairus and his daughter and the unnamed woman with the issue of blood, is calling out to us, “Trust me.” Whether a person of privilege or on the fringe of society, we are all invited to fall at Jesus’ feet and trust him with our lives. Jesus comes near to us and offers himself; don’t let him pass without reaching out in faith. Listen to Pastor Jordan Kologe’s sermon on faith.
Psalm 124 invites us to consider the hypothetical: what if the Lord had not been on our side. Pondering this scenario can help us recognize and remember the places where the Lord has shown up in our lives and the life of his people, leading us deeper into the conviction that God is for us and that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from Psalm 124 and Romans 8.
Money comes up frequently for Jesus’ teaching. The last word on money in Luke, though, goes to a widow with almost none. Why? In Luke 20:24-21:4, Jesus paints contrasting pictures of giving and greed that illuminates three aspects of generosity. First, generosity is an act of trust, forcing the giver to be dependent on God. Second, generosity is an act of communal healing, a consummation of God’s jubilee proclamation. Third, generosity is an act of worship, taking that which we value most and dedicating it to God. Ben Gibson continues our Stewardship series.
Guest preacher Dr. Kathleen Mulhern shares on the mystery of the Trinity, a pivotal doctrine to the Christian faith. In this sermon, Dr. Mulhern briefly examines church history to dispel popular myths related to the Trinity. She invites us to consider why the Trinity is the key to the gospel and what it means to believe in the Trinity. She concludes with tips on how to live trinitarian spirituality.
After Jesus’ ascension, his disciples devoted themselves to prayer as they awaited the gift of the Spirit. In this spirit of prayer and unity the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. As we consider our place in the work of the ministry, Pastor Jordan Kologe reminds us that stewardship of God’s gifts is revealed through prayer. Together we pray, “Lord, what do you want to do through me?”
Deacon Lisa Elmers preaches from Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer” (John 17:11b-20), reflecting on God’s faithfulness to build up our church. Pastor Lisa shares stories from the Seventh Avenue Church’s founding and flourishing and testifies to the strength and love she’s encountered in the church in recent years.
Pastor Jordan Kologe kicks off a sermon series on stewardship. Framed by Philippians 4:4-13, Pastor Jordan focuses on gratitude as the primary motivation and foundation for giving. For more information on the His Table, Our Home campaign, please visit www.adventdenver.com/htoh.
The call to obey Jesus and the call of grace can seem like opposing songs drowning each other out. Which song is “right?” In his sermon on John 14:15-21, Pastor Jordan Kologe argues that these songs are rightly understood when robustly played together forming perfect counterpoint, harmonious rather than cacophonous, that leads us onward toward true union with Christ.
What names or images come to mind when you think of God? One way Jesus reveals himself is as the Good Shepherd. As you look to Jesus, see that God’s care for you is genuine, intimate, and complete. Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from John 10:11-16.
Why should we care about the bodily resurrection of Jesus? What does it teach us about life after death? And how should it inform the way we live in the world today? Luke Elmers teaches on the story of Jesus’ appearance to his disciples (Luke 24:36-49).
What does it mean that Jesus lives as our King? The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. All life takes on new meaning and possibility. Pastor Jordan Kologe invites us into the wonder of Easter.
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is an occasion marked by great and noisy celebration. The crowd exalts Jesus as the military Messiah who will free them from Roman oppression and reestablish the Davidic monarchy. But is Jesus the Messiah they think he is? As we read Mark's account of the triumphal entry against the prophecies of Isaiah Chapters 52 and 53 we find a very different portrait of the Messiah -- one the crowds cannot see, and we find Jesus pursuing not the exaltation of the crowd, but the exaltation of the cross. What does it mean for the cross of Christ to be exalted? And are we ready to peer into the dark brilliance of the atonement? Deacon Lisa Elmers teaches from Mark 11:1-11 and Isaiah 52-53.
Pastor Jordan Kologe explains Church of the Advent’s emphasis in the coming seasons. He begins by using Luke’s account of the walk to Emmaus following Jesus’s resurrection as a model for our spiritual journey. After giving an overview of the plans for renewal of both our sacred space and pathways for spiritual formation, Pastor Jordan is joined by members of a prayer Table Group who share their experience.
Pastor Jordan Kologe concludes our Lenten series on fasting based on Practicing the Way. While the first three reasons for fasting were internal, this final call turns our focus outward to fasting’s power for social transformation and justice. We cannot separate our relationship with God from that with our neighbor. Through fasting, we stand in solidarity with the hungry, sharing what we’ve been given and standing against evil and injustice.
Scripture teaches us that fasting and prayer are spiritual disciplines that go together. Fasting is a powerful aid to hearing God and being heard by God. Pastor Jordan Kologe sermon continues our Lenten series on fasting from Practicing the Way.
Pastor Jordan Kologe continues our Lenten series on fasting from Practicing the Way. Through fasting, we fight against the flesh, that is, our sinful nature, not our bodies. In this second teaching, we explore why fasting is a vital spiritual discipline in becoming more like Christ.
Pastor Jordan Kologe introduces our Lenten series on fasting from Practicing the Way. In this first teaching, we explore the history of fasting, the basics of fasting, and the most important question about fasting: Why do we do it? The first and primary reason we fast is to offer ourselves to Jesus.
Lent is a time-gift the church gives us to reflect and repent. We start the season at Ash Wednesday and remember we are but dust. Yet through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are more than mere dust—we are God’s beloved dust. Listen to Deacon Cindy Hamilton’s Ash Wednesday homily.
The Anglican Church in North America designates the penultimate Sunday in Epiphany as World Missions Sunday. Most people have a notion of what a missionary is, potentially with positive and negative associations. But the Great Commission is not for a select few; nor can it be ignored because of failures committed in the name of Christ. Pastor Jordan Kologe explores the nature of the church’s call to mission recorded in Matthew 28:16-20 and echoed throughout the whole of God’s redemptive story. Additionally, parishioners Jon Hodges and Matt Lange share of missional efforts in our community.
Few of us know what to make of accounts of exorcisms in the gospels - we might be tempted to disbelieve in the demonic and not understand why Jesus having authority over demons is even "good news" for us. But when we read the first account of exorcism in Mark's gospel and encounter Jesus the exorcist, he is not doing anything bizarre or inconsistent with his character - rather we see him doing what he always does: reclaiming and restoring humanity, one person at a time. Deacon Lisa Elmers teaches through Mark 1:21-28.
When Jesus announces the kingdom of God has come near, what does it mean? Into what kingdom is it breaking and how is it different? How do we live as citizens of God’s kingdom? Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches on Mark 1:14-20.
The season of Epiphany invites us to consider Jesus’s claims and ponder who he really is. We read of Philip and Nathaniel’s journey from calling to belief recorded in John 1:43-51. Philip’s invitation to Nathaniel to “come and see” Jesus extends to us. Listen to Pastor Jordan Kologe’s exploration of this movement toward belief and how we can enter into that journey.
The gospels witness Jesus’ baptism to begin to reveal his identity and mission to the world. Pastor Jordan Kologe unfolds Mark 1:7-11 to show us who Jesus is, what he does, and what it means for us.
To view the “Anointing” video referenced in this sermon, go to bibleproject.com.
The mystery of the incarnation promises that God is with us. But how do we find him? Luke Elmers teaches on the literary structure of John 1:1-18, exploring what it looks like to receive the gift of the Word who “became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Advent is a season of hope, but how do we hold on to the hope of a new creation foretold in Isaiah 65 when the world around us is falling apart? Through Psalm 126, Deacon Lisa Elmers teaches what it means to hope honestly in God's promises as his people, by dreaming, by weeping, and by sowing.
The longing and anticipation of Advent reminds us that things are not how they should be or how we would like them to be. How do we hold onto hope as we wait for redemption? Pastor Jordan Kologe offers four words of comfort from Isaiah 40.
Matthew 25 is a hard but clarifying word from Jesus. Through it we explore what the Gospel is, what the Gospel produces, and what judgment means. Listen to Pastor Jordan Kologe’s sermon on the lectionary Gospel text from Christ the King Sunday.
In The Parable of the Talents, Jesus describes the Kingdom of God in terms of a faithful Master and servants. What can we, as members of the kingdom, learn from the servants’ actions and from the Faithful One? How can we be found faithful? Pastor Jordan Kologe expounds Matthew 25:14-30.
The story of the walk to Emmaus in Luke 24 is a story of redemption. Counter to the Fall, where humankind walks away from God in shame and exile, Emmaus invites man to walk with him in salvation and communion. Hear the call to God’s table in this sermon by Pastor Jordan Kologe.
We were created to be delighted in. But through the Fall, we lost the glory and honor with which God crowned humankind. How do we recapture that sense of favor and delight? Bishop Ken Ross explores Matthew 23:1-12 and right and wrong ways to approach God’s delight.
In Life of the Beloved, Henri Nouwen writes, "my only desire is to make these words reverberate in every corner of your being -- 'you are the beloved.'" Knowing we beloved of God is fundamental to our life in Christ, and yet so many of us struggle to receive and live into this title. Pastor Jordan Kologe looks at our concept of identity -- how we begin with a framework of insecure identity, witness Christ's secure identity, and finally walk in our secure identity as beloved of God in Christ.
This is the final sermon in our Backyard Pilgrimseries.
Continuing the backyard pilgrimage, Pastor Jordan Kologe explores the significance of Jesus being found in the womb, as a teenager, and in Nazareth.
This parable appears to be a critique of the Pharisees who rejected the Lord’s summons to new life, refusing to let go of personal priorities and ambitions. But actually, it is a warning to all of us who pursue our own wills while taking the Father’s grace for granted. What could possibly be more important in your life than answering when the King of Kings calls? Especially with an invitation to become part of a joyful celebration? Put everything else on hold and answer that call! The Lord’s invitation is for us to turn to him, repent and be forgiven, then enjoy a renewed life and adjusted priorities. Let’s say “yes” to Jesus, and eagerly keep our eyes (and our trajectory) on the heavenly wedding banquet to come. Fr. Patrick Dorn preaches on Matthew 22:1-14.
Like Adam and Eve in their sin and shame, we too need to be found by God. However, our willingness is sometimes hindered by harmful stories that auto-play in our brains.
In this sermon, James Steinbach identifies some of those harmful stories and highlights some aspects of God‘s true story to help us reshape our thinking and draw closer to God.
Of the many devastating effects of the fall, shame is one we face regularly that can be particularly painful and confusing to understand and deal with. By examining the biblical fall narrative and contemplating our own experience, we come to see why Adam and Eve first lived and loved without shame, how they (and we) fall into shame, and what Jesus does about our shame. Deacon Lisa Elmers preaches from Backyard Pilgrim Week 3 & Genesis 2-3.
What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Why does it matter? As we continue walking through Matt Canlis’s Backyard Pilgrim, Pastor Jordan Kologe expounds on humankind’s significance through the doctrine of the imago Dei.
People tend to move toward their conceptions of God. If God is our Father, what kind of parent is he? Rightly understanding God’s nature as parent is crucial to a healthy spiritual life. As we begin a sermon series journey inspired by Matt Canlis’s book Backyard Pilgrim, Pastor Jordan Kologe answers that God our Father is present, he’s love, and he delights in his children.
For many people, conflict is uncomfortable and to be avoided. In Matthew 18, Jesus instructs his followers not to avoid conflict, but to healthily handle conflict within the community. To whom does this instruction apply? What is the goal of conflict resolution in the church? What process should we follow to attempt conflict resolution? What empowers forgiveness? Pastor Jordan Kologe addresses each of these questions in this sermon.
Our world is obsessed with power, but our definition of power is that of direct, forceful power. Jesus models a completely different approach to power, one that’s a paradox: power that doesn’t look like power. Strength that looks like weakness. How should we respond to a Messiah who humbles himself rather than glorifying himself? What does it look like to take up our cross and follow Jesus down the path of left-handed power? Luke Elmers teaches from Matthew 16:21-27.
Deacons are called to share in the humility and service of Christ by entering the way of the cross with him. Hear Pastor Jordan Kologe’s charge to the newly-ordained deacons.
In Matthew 16, Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Our response to this central question anchors how we make sense of life’s difficult questions. Pastor Jordan Kologe challenges us to reflect on this grounding question and to strive to know Jesus as he really is.
When Jesus and his disciples encounter a Canaanite woman seeking deliverance for her daughter, the confrontation between them leaves many of us feeling deeply confused and uncomfortable: why did Jesus treat this foreign woman with such contempt? Does this mean Jesus is racist or misogynistic? By reading the passage carefully, contextually, and, most importantly, with the eyes the faithful Canaanite woman gives us, we begin to see the encounter quite differently. It is a story about how uncomfortable faith breaks down walls of hostility and prepares the way for the coming of the Kingdom of God. Lisa Elmers teaches on Matthew 15:21-28.
Christians can feel distanced from God as they encounter internal and external forces and hardship. Yet these feelings must submit to the truth. What can separate us from the love of Christ? Nothing. No one. Nothing. Period. Pastor Jordan Kologe reminds us of this powerful truth found in Romans 8.
Keller says that we cannot grow unless we are in the soil of encouragement. And he offers some warnings about
encouragement. We cannot surround ourselves with people that are so cowardly that they just affirm us, nor with people who are so impatient that they hand out advice too quickly. While some among us have been given the gift of encouragement, most of us have to work at it. We need to learn to take our tenderness and mold it into useful directness. Or we need to offer our impatient desire to just get things done to the Lord so that he can mold it into something peaceful and useful in the Kingdom. Deacon Cindy Hamilton concludes this Acts series with a message from Acts 11.
An ism is a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory or an oppressive and discriminatory attitude or belief. The story of Cornelius’ conversion as found in Acts 10 shows us three isms the church rejects and one ism the church requires. Pastor Jordan Kologe preaches the penultimate message in this Acts sermon series.
Acts 9 tells the story of Saul’s conversion in three movements: Saul with Saul, Saul with Jesus, and Saul with the church. Listen to Pastor Jordan Kologe preaching this sermon in Citizens’ Park.
When we talk about the early church, we are telling the story of the disciples' radical change of identity and purpose. What power was responsible for this transformation? And if "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church" what motivated women and men like the Church's first martyr, Stephen, to give their lives in the proclamation of the gospel? Pastor Lisa Elmers teaches on Acts chapters 6 & 7, showing how the Holy Spirit, as this agent of transformation, is a Spirit of humility, of boldness, and of truth.
Acts 4 shows us that real and deep faith is steady, relational, and generous. How do we develop non-fictional faith? Pastor Jordan Kologe tackles the question in this week’s sermon.
What does being devoted to Christ’s church look like? The answer is found in the four essential rhythms to which early Christians devoted themselves: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from Acts 2:38-47.
To understand what the church is, we need to go back to the beginning of the story. Just as God made Adam to be an angled mirror, and called and blessed Abraham to be a blessing, Jesus commissions his disciples to be a community who reflect him to the world. Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from Acts 2:40-47.
Pentecost marks the birth of Christ’s church. What does this mean? Pastor Jordan Kologe explains it as A New Wine, A New People, and A New Moses as he teaches from Acts 2.
Jesus’s ascension became the fuel for the spread of the Gospel. It emboldened the Apostles to trust in the work He had accomplished on the cross, and can embolden us to witness to that work, too. Christians are invited to tell God’s story of salvation, both declaratively and performatively; we’re called to both tell God’s story and to live out God’s story, prioritizing our love for our neighbors. Pastor Jesse Carlucci teaches from Acts 1:1-14.
John 21:1-19 records the risen Jesus meeting his hopeless disciples early one morning after a long night of fruitless labor. As the sun rises to break the dark of night, Jesus breaks the darkness of their souls. He invites them to a breakfast feast that also nourishes their spirits. We, too, are invited into this feast of grace. This sermon referenced “A Liturgy for Feasting with Friends” from Every Moment Holyby Douglas McKelvey.
Why and how do we listen to the Good Shepherd’s Voice? Pastor Jordan Kologe preaches from John 10:1-10.
The Resurrected Jesus catches up to two disciples as they flee Jerusalem. He turns them around by interpreting the Scriptures and his role in salvation history, then appearing to them in the breaking of the bread. We perpetuate this practice through biblical preaching and Holy Communion at nearly all our worship services. Fr Patrick Dorn preaches from Luke 24:13-35.
Jesus sends his disciples with peace, with power, and with good news. Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from John 20:19–31.
Did the resurrection of Jesus happen? What does the resurrection of Jesus mean for today? What does it mean for tomorrow? Pastor Jordan Kologe answers these questions through exploring John 20:1-18.
How can there be peace when there is sin? What Jesus finishes on the cross is what makes peace possible. In his Good Friday homily, Pastor Jordan Kologe explores the meaning of atonement and its implications for us.
We often treat Jesus as if he is a magic genie in a bottle, granting our every request. And yet if Jesus never did another thing beyond the cross and his resurrection and ascension on our behalf it would be enough. In her Maundy Thursday homily on John 13:1-15, Deacon Cindy Hamilton asks, “Do you know what Jesus has done for you?”
This Palm Sunday we begin companioning Jesus from Gethsemane to Golgotha, into his descent into desertion, into mockery, into abandonment, and ultimately, into death. Pastor Jordan Kologe challenges us to companion Jesus as his disciples desert him, the soldiers mock him, and the Father forsakes him. Why? Because we see in his descent the depths of his love.
In our darkest moments of suffering, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that things would be better if we just had a little more faith. If we just prayed the right words. But this way of thinking neglects the important role of the Holy Spirit. Luke Elmers explores themes of Spirit, breath, and rebirth in the vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37), and the raising of Lazarus (John 11).
John 9 records Jesus’ healing of a man who was born blind. In this account, the disciples, the Pharisees, and the man healed of blindness teach us about suffering, spiritual sight, and worship. Pastor Jordan Kologe’s sermon reveals truths we can learn from the people in this scene.
When the Samaritan woman meets Jesus at the well, she encounters the truth that transforms everything she thinks about what (or who) can save and satisfy her. Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from John 4 and invites us all to find ourselves in the woman at the well and, in turn, to seek and find the only one who truly saves and satisfies.
Jesus’s conversation with Nicodemus recorded in John 3:1-16 leads us to explore the Who, what, where, and how of becoming “born again.” Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches on spiritual new birth. To view the BibleProject video referenced in this sermon, please visit bibleproject.com.
While we are prone to think of Jesus' temptation as an exercise of his divinity, it is really a revelation of his humanity. Watching how Jesus resists the devil teaches us how to respond to our own temptations as fully human and empowered by the spirit: embracing resistance that is not strong but weak, not clever but foolish, and not striving but restful. Pastor Lisa Elmers shares from Matthew 4:1-11.
Lent is a season gifted to us for self-examination. Deacon Cindy Hamilton invites us into a holy Lent in her Ash Wednesday homily.
A. W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” We move toward our own mental image of God, which forms our worship both individually and collectively. Pastor Jordan Kologe uses the transfiguration of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 17:1–9, to stir our minds toward pure worship, that our souls may be enflamed with an image of God who is heavy, holy, and beautiful.
In Isaiah 49, the prophet takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings, through a season of discouragement in his ministry, and finally to an almost-unbelievable vision of God's global mission. James Steinbach leads us from Isaiah's journey to Jesus' life to practical mission steps for today.
Many view Jesus’ teaching on salt and light as a distinction between his followers and the world. But the Sermon on the Mount, from which this passage is taken, also distinguishes true gospel from empty religion. Religious righteousness is foolish, dim, and fickle, but Gospel goodness is salty, vibrant and final. Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from Matthew 5:13-20.
How has power shaped your past? How does power influence your relationships, both with the Lord and with your neighbors? In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches the citizens of the Kingdom of God how power works in the Kingdom, inviting us to rest in His power while acting in His mercy. Pastor Jesse Carlucci teaches from Matthew 5:1-12.
Pray in wonder to the LORD who knows your thoughts, your circumstances, your worth, and your need for justice. Pastor Jordan Kologe shares from Psalm 139.
Transformation into a follower of Jesus involves hearing his call, experiencing his hospitality, and entering into his community. Pastor Jordan Kologe shares thoughts on discipleship from John 1:29–42.
Jesus's baptism means we have solidarity with God, are saved and sanctified by God, and that we are children of God. Listen to Pastor Jordan Kologe’s sermon on Matthew 3:13-17.
Some are too scandalized by the claim of the incarnation to take it seriously. Others may have faith but are not scandalized enough. As Pastor Jordan Kologe looks at the Word becoming flesh as told in John 1:1-18, let us wonder at Jesus’ birth.
Advent is a time to be honest about our need for restoration and hope. In the final week of Advent, Pastor Jordan Kologe explores Isaiah 7:10-17 to find what we really need—Immanuel, God with us.
There is no escaping the reality that we live in a world riddled by suffering. And while the Scriptures are slow to explain why we suffer, the Word of God is replete with comfort for the sufferer. For the third Sunday of Advent, we focus first on Isaiah 35 and the prophetic poem to the Jewish people who seek to end their suffering through political pacts. Isaiah promises hope in God’s presence instead of geopolitics. Next, we see how Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy of God’s presence in the incarnation. Finally, we see how the Church is called to be present to a suffering world. Pastor Jesse Carlucci posits what is promised in Isaiah is perfected in Jesus and extended through the Church to those who suffer.
Each Christmas, we celebrate Christ’s coming as a baby into our world. With hope, we await his return in glory. But how do we manage the tension of a broken world here and now? Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches from Isaiah 11:1-10 and invites us into the hope of Advent: hope in him, hope in his goodness, hope in his kingdom.
As we enter the season of Advent, we practice habits that embody our longing for Christ’s return. In this sermon on Isaiah 2, James Steinbach examines the kingdom Isaiah longed for, comparing it to the kingdom that Jesus inaugurated at his first coming and the kingdom he’ll rule at his second coming.
On the last Sunday of the church’s calendar, Christ the King Sunday, we get to ask ourselves a question of vital importance: if Jesus isn’t like other kings, what kind of king is he? In his dying and rising, he shows us how we have fundamentally misunderstood his kingly power, privilege and place. Lisa Elmers teaches from Luke 23:35-43.
Life in Christ is anchored in worship, formation, community, and mission. In this final message of a four-part series, Pastor Jordan Kologe frames the church’s mission in the bigger picture of God’s mission of uniting heaven and earth. As Jesus prayed “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-13), so does the church.
Visit https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/heaven-and-earth/ to view the video referred to in the sermon.
Life in Christ is anchored in worship, formation, community, and mission. In this third message of a four-part series, Pastor Jordan Kologe explores what healthy community looks like through the lens of Luke 6:20-36 and answers the questions “Who do I love? How do I love? Why am I able to love?”
Life in Christ is anchored in worship, formation, community, and mission. We may wonder what our role is in our formation into Christlikeness. What is God’s role? In this second message of a four-part series, Pastor Jordan Kologe looks at spiritual formation through the lens of Luke 19:1-10 and the story of Zacchaeus.
Life in Christ is anchored in worship, formation, community, and mission. In this first message of a four-part series, Pastor Jordan Kologe examines the place of worship in our spiritual lives and what Luke 18:9-14 teaches us about true worship.
Have you ever felt discouraged in prayer, that no one is listening? What can we learn from the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8? How we pray is formed by what we believe about God and ourselves. Bishop Ken Ross reminds us of key truths so that we can pray and not lose heart.
What does it mean to be a servant of God? How can we find the will to serve him? How do we serve him well? What do we expect in return for our service? Pastor Jordan Kologe takes a hard look at the challenges of servanthood found in Luke 17:5-10.
While an analytical approach to Scripture works best for the Epistles, sometimes a more creative approach toward the narratives and parables can activate our religious imaginations and bring new insights. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus challenges our upside down thinking about what constitutes a person’s value and awakens our compassion not just for the “have nots,” but also for the “haves.” Listen to Fr. Patrick Dorn bring new light to Luke 16:19-31.
What does it mean for believers to be living stones built upon the foundation of Christ? In what way are all Christians a royal priesthood? In his message on 1 Peter 2:4-10, the Most Reverend Tito Zavala, Primate of the Anglican Church of Chile and Diocesan Bishop of Santiago, illuminates our part in God’s work both in the local parish and throughout the world.
God delights in you as an artist their creation, a father his child, a shepherd his sheep. Listen to Pastor Jordan Kologe teach on Luke 15:1-10.
We live in a culture where an individual’s identity is sacred. So what do we do with a Messiah who tells us to forget our identity altogether in order to follow him? And more importantly, how can this challenge enable us to discover who we truly are? Hear Luke Elmers dive into these questions as he teaches from Luke 14:25-33.
Jesus’ claim to be “the way and the truth and the life” can sound scandalous to many hearers. How should we respond to such an assertion? In this sermon based on Luke 13:22-30, Pastor Jordan Kologe frames “the narrow door” as an invitation to all who would trust in Jesus’ atoning work. He explores some of the flaws found in religious pluralism as well as salvation through merit, proximity, or pedigree.
In the second of two sermons answering the question “What is faith?”, Pastor Jordan Kologe examines the outcomes of those whose faith is recorded in Hebrews 11-12. Noting the trials faced by the original audience of the letter to the Hebrews and the persecution many global Christians face today, we can expect that life will not be free from hardship, even for those who have faith. Despite various earthly outcomes, Christians must fix their eyes on Jesus through a faith that sees the ultimate outcome of God’s commendation and reward.
What is faith? What is faith not? In the first of a two-part message on faith, Pastor Jordan Kologe calls us to a faith rooted in the flawless faithfulness of the Faithful One. Pastor Jordan uses his own story and the examples of faith found in Hebrews 11 to explore the place of faith in our lives.
If our hearts are restless until they rest in God, why do they run to lesser things? What can we do to transform our heart’s desire? In his sermon based on Luke 12:13-21 and Colossians 3:1-10, Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches on how to identify and confront our heart’s idols in our pursuit of relationship with Christ.
Paul’s epistle to the Colossians is meant to boost a church that is struggling to maintain orthodoxy in a multicultural society with many competing belief systems and traditions. He exhorts us even today to remember we have received Christ, so we should walk in him. In a world of division, you and Jesus are inseparable. Don’t let the world define who you are. Guard yourself against worldly wisdom, lies, and demonic manipulation. Jesus is the only true and finaly authority. All the rest will pass away. Our covenant is with the one who has conquered the world of sin and suffering and death. So walk in him with your head held high. Walk in his light. In his confidence. In his peace.
Fr. Patrick Dorn preached this sermon on July 24, 2022.
Jesus’ visit with Mary and Martha sheds light on the relationship between our being and our doing as he receives their hospitality. The gospel invites us to a truer and deeper hospitality in response to God’s lavish welcome toward us through Christ. Ryan Ramsey teaches from Luke 10:38-42.
The love of God changes everything.
A lawyer confronts Jesus, hoping to expose errors in his theological interpretation of the law’s mandate to love. In a great reversal, Jesus confronts the lawyer’s narrow understanding of what the law requires. In the kingdom of God, compassion turns our love for ourselves into love for others and turns our enemies into our neighbors.
Lisa Elmers teaches on the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37.
Following Jesus is a process. It brings a fresh perspective that pulls us out of a selfish way of seeing the world. But most importantly, true discipleship means resting in the finished work of Christ on our behalf. Pastor Jordan Kologe looks at the nature of what it means to follow Jesus through the lens of the disciples’ failures found in Luke 9:51-62.
Luke 9:18-24 gives us a paradigm of discipleship. Discipleship begins by apprehending who Jesus is and what he has done. From this understanding, we live out his invitation to “Follow me.” In his sermon on this week’s Gospel lesson, Pastor Jordan Kologe explores the call to take up one’s cross daily to follow Jesus and why that call is compelling.
Trinity Sunday: We’ve all felt some grief from damaged communication over the last few years, both online and in-person. In contrast to the difficulties we often face, our loving God reaches out to communicate with us and satisfy our longing for ideal relationship. James Steinbach looks at Jesus’ teaching during the Last Supper, showing us that our Triune God communicates with us closely, compassionately, and consistently.
If suffering is inevitable, where and how do we find hope? Though there is no neat answer for suffering, Christ does offer us shelter. In the penultimate sermon of the Eastertide series based on Tim Keller’s Hope in Times of Fear, Pastor Jordan Kologe invites us into the walls of Christ’s shelter where we find a safe space for honesty, where we are not alone, and in which our suffering is not senseless and will eventually cease.
How do we live out the resurrection hope for justice? We wait. We wait for the return of Christ and all things being restored to the original design of the Holy Three. But we are not to be passive as we wait in the face of injustice. The liberating power of God is here now through Christ and his presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit. And so we ask the Lord to bless what we are doing and listen to see if there is more he has invited us into.
Deacon Cindy Hamilton continues the Eastertide sermon series based on Tim Keller’s Hope in Times of Fear.
Whether we look to the world or the church, we see fractured relationships. Is there hope? The death and resurrection of Jesus gives Christians the resources they need to transform and heal relationships, including in the realms of race and sex. Continuing his series based on Tim Keller’s Hope in Times of Fear, Pastor Jordan Kologe calls us to live a life that de-idolizes race and dignifies our bodies, reflecting and connecting to the self-giving divine love that eternally exists between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The gospel calls to us. It is more than background noise. Receiving the gospel as hope requires us to not merely hear it but to intimately listen. In his message based on Tim Keller’sHope in Times of Fear, Pastor Jordan Kologe shows how three personal encounters with the resurrected Jesus found in John 20 brought hope to Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, and Thomas. Using these case studies involving intimacy, intellect, and the senses, we too can make the hope found in the good news of the risen Jesus our own.
Humility is a core value of the Kingdom of God. Throughout the story of God found in the Bible, we see the lowly chosen over the mighty. Strength through weakness, life through death, resurrection through the cross all point toward the great reversal of God’s salvation through Christ. In his third sermon based on Tim Keller’s Hope in Times of Fear, Pastor Jordan Kologe teaches that God stooped to our lowness out of his love. How low are we willing to go to follow in his steps?
The resurrection of Jesus did more than just establish him as the Son of God. It launched the Kingdom of God. In his second message based on Tim Keller’s Hope in Times of Fear, Pastor Jordan Kologe addresses the tension of the already/not-yet Kingdom. Though we experience darkness and death in this current age, we can also know the freedom, glory, and ultimately, hope of God’s future Kingdom today.
The resurrection gives us both the power and the pattern for living today in view of God’s new creation tomorrow. Matthew 28:1-10 presents Jesus’ return from death and the grave as a historical fact. Pastor Jordan Kologe begins this series based on Tim Keller’s Hope in Times of Fear exploring how we can can have certainty in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In his Good Friday homily, Pastor Jordan Kologe asks us to consider the depth of the love of God for all of us and all his creation by looking to the cross of Christ, even in our darkest hours.
For the joy set before him our Savior went to the cross. What joy could that possibly have been? Why would our Savior be willing to be mocked, spat upon, whipped, hung naked to the cross? What hoped-for joy could have encouraged him to do this? You. You are the cause of that joy. We are the cause of that joy. The joy of presenting us before his Father without spot or blemish. Only the shed blood of Jesus can do this.
Deacon Cindy Hamilton preaches from the Maundy Thursday gospel text of John 13:1-15.
Human nature tends to crown kings, if not literally, than at least figuratively and spiritually. It is not a matter of if we are ruled by something, but who or what rules us. The message of Palm Sunday in its simplest form is “Jesus is king.” In his sermon on Luke 19:29-40, Pastor Jordan Kologe makes a case for us to crown Jesus king instead of turning to lesser kings.
The parable of the wicked farmer tenants in Luke 20 concludes with God’s vineyard being given to others at the failure of Israel to love him as he desired to be loved. We are the others; will we be more faithful than Israel? Deacon Cindy Hamilton explores Luke 20:9-19.
LENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
LENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
LENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
LENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
EPIPHANY
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
LENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
EPIPHANY
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
EPIPHANY
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
EPIPHANY
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
EPHIPHANY
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
EPHIPHANY
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
EPHIPHANY
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
CHRISTMAS
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
ADVENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
ADVENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
ADVENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
ADVENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
ADVENT
Living the Lectionary: Joining the Church in the Rhythm of God’s Word
The regular, sustained, and robust use of Scripture was a cornerstone of the English Reformation and remains central to Anglican worship and spirituality. We use the church's prescribed lectionary readings as our default Sunday morning texts, with occasional exceptions, for several reasons. First, the exclusive use of topical teaching and thematic series places the onus of Scripture selection solely on the preacher. Over time, this tends to limit a congregation’s diet of Scripture to preferred texts and topics. The lectionary ensures the people of God will receive broad exposure to the full counsel of Scripture. When used properly, a church parish will read almost every word of Scripture in three years. Second, the lectionary keeps us oriented to the church calendar. This is a temple the church has built in time with architecture that orients and reorients the people of God to the story of God, leading us into Advent themes of preparation for Christ's coming again in glory, Christmas themes of His incarnation, Easter themes of resurrection, and so on. Over time, the lectionary shapes us like water shapes rock, ensuring we are fed a steady diet of God's word in such a way that the Bible is understood to be one consistent and contiguous whole, rather than a confederation of unrelated episodes. Third, the lectionary enhances our connection to one another and our congregation’s connection to the wider Church as billions of other Christians hear the same texts read in churches all across the globe. We invite you to pray through the readings before arriving on Sunday, to use them devotionally throughout the week, and to discuss them with your fellow Adventers and small group members. For more on the Sunday Lectionary, visit https://anglicancompass.com/what-is-the-sunday-lectionary/.
Luke 21:25-33
Part 8 of the series (Final): Union with Christ is the fountainhead from which flows every single blessing of the spiritual life. It is one of the most important, yet often under-appreciated, teachings of the Bible. Apprehending Union with Christ will revolutionize your spiritual life, bringing clarity to your heart and soul. From this series, hear the invitation to see the Christian life not fundamentally as a set of rules, ideas, or moral stances, but rather as an intimate relational encounter with the living God through his Spirit in Christ.
John 17:20-23, 26
Part 7 of the series: Union with Christ is the fountainhead from which flows every single blessing of the spiritual life. It is one of the most important, yet often under-appreciated, teachings of the Bible. Apprehending Union with Christ will revolutionize your spiritual life, bringing clarity to your heart and soul. From this series, hear the invitation to see the Christian life not fundamentally as a set of rules, ideas, or moral stances, but rather as an intimate relational encounter with the living God through his Spirit in Christ.
John 16:16-22
Part 6 of the series: Union with Christ is the fountainhead from which flows every single blessing of the spiritual life. It is one of the most important, yet often under-appreciated, teachings of the Bible. Apprehending Union with Christ will revolutionize your spiritual life, bringing clarity to your heart and soul. From this series, hear the invitation to see the Christian life not fundamentally as a set of rules, ideas, or moral stances, but rather as an intimate relational encounter with the living God through his Spirit in Christ.
John 15:1-11
Part 5 of the series: Union with Christ is the fountainhead from which flows every single blessing of the spiritual life. It is one of the most important, yet often under-appreciated, teachings of the Bible. Apprehending Union with Christ will revolutionize your spiritual life, bringing clarity to your heart and soul. From this series, hear the invitation to see the Christian life not fundamentally as a set of rules, ideas, or moral stances, but rather as an intimate relational encounter with the living God through his Spirit in Christ.
1 Peter 1:13-16
Part 4 of series: Union with Christ is the fountainhead from which flows every single blessing of the spiritual life. It is one of the most important, yet often under-appreciated, teachings of the Bible. Apprehending Union with Christ will revolutionize your spiritual life, bringing clarity to your heart and soul. From this series, hear the invitation to see the Christian life not fundamentally as a set of rules, ideas, or moral stances, but rather as an intimate relational encounter with the living God through his Spirit in Christ.
John 14:18-21
Part 3 of series: Union with Christ is the fountainhead from which flows every single blessing of the spiritual life. It is one of the most important, yet often under-appreciated, teachings of the Bible. Apprehending Union with Christ will revolutionize your spiritual life, bringing clarity to your heart and soul. From this series, hear the invitation to see the Christian life not fundamentally as a set of rules, ideas, or moral stances, but rather as an intimate relational encounter with the living God through his Spirit in Christ.
Luke 9:23-26
Part 2 of series: Union with Christ is the fountainhead from which flows every single blessing of the spiritual life. It is one of the most important, yet often under-appreciated, teachings of the Bible. Apprehending Union with Christ will revolutionize your spiritual life, bringing clarity to your heart and soul. From this series, hear the invitation to see the Christian life not fundamentally as a set of rules, ideas, or moral stances, but rather as an intimate relational encounter with the living God through his Spirit in Christ.
John 14:15-24
One of the most important and neglected themes of the New Testament is Union With Christ. Our first sermon in our new series explores how a deeply apprehended and lived theology of Union with Christ is necessary for the Church and our own souls to avoid some common spiritual snakebites of our time: the gap between our heads and hearts, moral therapeutic deism, and political idolatry.
Phillippians 3:7-14