Faith Lift: Recent Episodes
Rev. Craig Gommer
Weekly Sermons from Rev Craig Gommer. Just a guy trying to help people find God in their lives and be Christ in their community and the world
Isn't it amazing how great your voice sounds in the shower? There are three different realities involved in hearing the sound of our own voice. 1. There's what we THINK we sound like. 2. There's what we ACTUALLY sound like. 3. There's what OTHERS think we sound like. Pentecost is the day on which the disciples finally found their voice. And yet it wasn't their own voice they found. It was God speaking to them through the Holy Spirit.
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Jesus’ last words were a promise of power from on high. But he spoke again through the apostles on the day of Pentecost, and he continues to speak today in those inspired moments when the church reaches beyond its human nature and reflects the Divine.
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The pitch clock was a game changer for Major League Baseball. Does God have a pitch clock to speed up our understanding of love? People lived by complex religious regulations for centuries. But then, people of faith discovered that love is the heart of God’s will, and the focus of our faith should be to love one another as God has loved us.
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Like breathing in and out, inhaling and exhaling, this extension of divine love to others is not something we need to advertise. Reaching out with compassion and concern to our brothers and sisters is to be part of our daily “sacrifice of praise,” our daily life. It is not a meritorious moment. It is a minute-by-minute lifestyle. Giving hands and feet to God’s love is what God’s children are to do. It is what we do when no one is looking.
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Just as children develop a healthy imagination, children of God are called to imagine themselves being formed in the image of Christ, having power over sin and love for God and neighbor.
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This week’s text could be read alongside our first text for the series (Luke 5:1-11). The parallels and connections between the two are palpable and powerful. Once again, Jesus offers Peter abundance. His journey—like ours—is not linear, but God’s grace continues to circle back to him again and again like a familiar chorus played on repeat. In this text, we primarily want to focus on Peter’s threefold redemption granted to him by Jesus’ question: “Do you love me?” We might imagine Jesus asking us the same question. As we move forward in our faith journeys, how can we let love lead the way?
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We might expect that, after denying Christ, Peter would cower in shame—or perhaps even run away in an attempt to leave his past behind him. Instead, when he hears the news from the women, he doesn’t dismiss them like the other disciples. He gets up and runs to the tomb. When he peers into the empty tomb and sees the linen cloth, he is filled with awe. Even after the biggest failures, even after the worst case scenario has happened, can we run toward hope? Like Peter, will we keep going? Will we keep looking for God in our midst?
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Easter Sunday: We might expect that, after denying Christ, Peter would cower in shame—or perhaps even run away in an attempt to leave his past behind him. Instead, when he hears the news from the women, he doesn’t dismiss them like the other disciples. He gets up and runs to the tomb. When he peers into the empty tomb and sees the linen cloth, he is filled with awe. Even after the biggest failures, even after the worst case scenario has happened, can we run toward hope? Like Peter, will we keep going? Will we keep looking for God in our midst?
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On this Fifth Sunday in Lent, Peter is often all or nothing—either resisting Jesus or drawing closer to him in earnest. In this scripture, we see a version of Peter who is hungry to learn. His posture is humble and open—he wants to absorb Jesus’ teachings like a sponge. He asks a question and expects a straightforward answer: “How many times should I forgive?” Instead, Jesus’ math is not predictable—it’s infinite. Forgiveness is abundant; grace is not earned.
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Fourth Sunday in Lent: When your world unravels and your beliefs are tested, you may cling to what you know. As Jesus foretells his death and resurrection, Peter protests. Peter is fixed upon the way he thinks things should go; he resists the pain of what will come. But Jesus is fixed upon his calling and calls Peter out. We may want to cling to easy or simplistic answers. Can you stay fixed upon your convictions while also expanding your perspective?
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Third Sunday in Lent Matthew 16:13-20 “Praise the mount of God’s unchanging love. . . ” This lyric represents Peter’s mountaintop faith moment. It speaks to spiritual euphoria and feeling the closeness of God. In this story, Peter proclaims who Jesus is. He speaks with conviction. Peter claims his faith. If you had to speak your faith in one sentence or phrase, what would you say?
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Matthew 14:22-33 As a new disciple, perhaps Peter wants to prove himself. Boldly, in the middle of a storm, Peter steps out of the boat to join Jesus who is walking on top of the waves. He, too, walks on water until the wind shakes his trust and he begins to sink.Many of us know what it feels like to be thrown off balance,to feel as if we’re sinking. In this story, we empathize with the desperation Peter feels as he cries out, and we pray for God to save us when we sink.
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Jesus doesn’t seek out trained rabbis and priests to be his disciples; instead, he calls a few Galilean fishermen to follow him and join his ministry. And yet, Peter and his partners drop their nets and follow Jesus. What is the beginning of your faith story? When has God sought you out? Have you ever felt like your calling was pursuing—or chasing—you? Did you resist? Did you follow?
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Since the pandemic the constant reporting bad news has left many of us with “news fatigue” or anxiety regarding circumstances and events about which we can do nothing. We, the people of God, are “good news” people, however, and through the prophet Isaiah, God reminds us that no matter how bad the news seems to be, God is still at work.
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Mark 1:14-20 Simon, Andrew, James and John show us how to change direction and follow Jesus as disciples. The values of God’s kingdom are important guideposts along the way. When we share our love and knowledge of the kingdom of God with others, we move a little closer to the destination.
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We remember the baptism of Jesus by John each year. Jesus baptism identified him as God's son. So who are we? What does our baptism teach us in light of who Jesus is? We come to know who we are and whose we are.
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Christmas Eve: Luke’s Gospel tells us that when Mary gives birth to Jesus, she lays him in a manger, for there was no place for them
in the guest room. Scholars argue about where, exactly, the birth occurs—and why. Was it in a stable or the living
room of a simple peasant home? Was Bethlehem teeming with visitors who were also there to be counted in the
census? Was Joseph’s family inhospitable because they disapproved of his marital situation? Regardless of where
the birth occurs, we know that Christ is born in a crowded, unlikely place. And yet, God makes a place here anyway.
God draws the circle wider as shepherds and unexpected guests arrive. This Christmas, let us also make room—for
strangers and neighbors alike. For this is good news of great joy for all people.
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Advent 4 As soon as Zechariah’s voice returns, his first words are gratitude and blessing. He sings a story of praise for
God’s protection and promise, and then he showers a blessing on his newborn son. He sings a story of hope. After
Elizabeth proclaims blessings upon Mary, Mary sings: “My soul magnifies God; my spirit rejoices in God.” Mary sings
about a God of liberation who pulls the powerful from their thrones and lifts up the lowly. Mary sings a story of
hope, one in which justice and joy are interwoven. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, may we also sing stories
of hope, justice, and joy.
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After Elizabeth gives birth, her neighbors and family celebrate with her. When it comes time to name the child,
Zechariah affirms the name given by the angel and by Elizabeth. In that moment of affirming the promise,
Zechariah’s speech is restored. Everyone is filled with awe. How often do you allow yourself to be amazed? Wonder
is all around us—can we recognize it? As we learn how to rejoice in a weary world, can we live in a way that allows
amazement and wonder to surprise us often? In Psalm 126, those who expect to reap tears are granted a surprise:
shouts of joy. Amazement is a balm for the weary.
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Advent 2: In community, our joy expands. When we can’t rejoice, we can carry each other’s joy. That is what Elizabeth and
Mary do for each other. The good news begins to take shape in Elizabeth’s womb, but scripture tells us that she
stays secluded, hiding her pregnancy from others—that is, until Mary arrives at her door, also pregnant. Perhaps
Mary’s arrival is the inbreaking that changes everything for Elizabeth, for in that moment, her child leaps in her
womb and she is filled with the Spirit. She can’t help but to rejoice. Her joy is contagious and wraps around Mary
like a hug.
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As Advent begins, we start by acknowledging the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—and we also
affirm that we are made for joy. Joy is designed to live in a full house of other emotions. We start the season with
Zechariah and Elizabeth; they have battled infertility and have lived many years steadfast in their faith. Perhaps
they feel the weight of hopes and dreams unattained. The angel comes to Zechariah with a promise of good news,
but Zechariah can’t fully receive it, and he is cast into silence for the duration of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Sometimes
weariness can harden us and prevent us from living fully. We’ve had hard journeys. Grief has left a scar on us. This
is how we show up to Advent. Let us acknowledge the ways we, too, are hardened by disbelief. Like the psalmist, let
us ask, “how long?” and plead for restoration.
A Sanctified Art LLC/sanctifiedart.org.
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The poor were not invisible in the villages of Jesus’ day — as they too often are for too many of us because of where we live. Our idea of mission often involves financial contributions from afar. But in the communities of ancient Judea and Galilee, the rich and the poor knew each other. Jesus seems more interested in a personalresponse to the needs around us.
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Matthew 25:1-13
We’re happy to see wrongdoers punished. It’s why we watch “instant karma” videos where, for example, a car speeds recklessly down the road and gets pulled over just as we’re thinking, “Where’s a cop when you need one?” In the text, five bridesmaids took precautions to avoid humiliation; five others did not and suffered their own version of instant karma.
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Matthew 5:1-12
Some college course numbering systems began in the early 1900s. Basic courses were identified and followed by the number 101. More advanced classes were tagged with a different number, like 201 or 301. Today’s text, The Beatitudes, offers a basic course in the principles of Christianity.
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Director/actor Woody Allen is known for a lot of quotes. But maybe his most famous quote is this one. Anyone want to guess what it is? “Ninety percent of life is just showing up.” Jesus tells a parable about a wedding banquet. But one guy just shows up and then gets tossed out? Why?
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They lure you in with low rent only to insist you live in dangerously low standards. They're not landlords, they're slumlords, and New York City has a website to crack down on the worst of the worst. Like New York City, the Kingdom of God has a similar problem. Only in this case, the problem isn't a bad, neglectful owner. God is no slum Lord. We're simply terrible tenants.
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Matthew 21:23-32
"Winners never quit and quitters never win." Vince Lombardi of football immortality may have been referring to the importance of perseverance. On the face of it, however, he had it wrong. Sometimes, the right thing to do is quit.
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Matthew 18:21-35
What can a short-lived insect teach us about practicing forgiveness? Jesus knew the answer. Forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity. Like the endangered mayfly and its important role in nature, forgiveness supports an ecosystem of faith. But it’s in increasingly short supply as we let self-righteousness and revenge replace our capacity for grace.
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Matthew 16:21-28 Want to get rich quick? Want to play a wicked guitar? You might need to make a deal with the devil. If you don't know how, just look up articles on the subject. It's a notion that has a rich literary tradition and has given us the expression "Faustian bargain." We then move to Matthew to discuss Jesus' ominous retort to Peter following his apparently innocent comment about Jesus' personal safety and well-being.
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Matthew 16:13-20
Hundreds of languages are invented every year. So what kind of language was used when Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ?
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Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
In a throwaway, disposable culture, is there anything that is “irrevocable”? The question is raised because the apostle Paul uses this word in his letter to the Romans. There are two irrevocables if we are to be the people of God: People of Mission and People of Mercy
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Matthew 14: 22-33
Peter showed both faith and skepticism in Matthew’s account of Jesus walking on water. We want an easy route to shore when we’re navigating troubled water, but the miracle we need might be learning how to sail. Whether we get out of the boat or stay in it is a matter of trust and faith either way.
PLEASE NOTE: A video clip was played during part of the sermon. I apologize for any inconvenience in the audio quality. After the clip I conclude the sermon.
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based on Matthew 14:13-21 "The feeding of the 5,000"
Jesus has fed us both physically and spiritually, and he wants us to do the same for others. When we help him serve the wonderful abundance of God’s generous gifts, there will always be enough for everyone.
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Suspension bridges are built only when conventional bridges are impossible — like building a bridge from Europe to Africa over the Strait of Gibraltar.So what can bridge the chasm between fear and hope? Between despair and joy? God through Jesus Christ can!
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Based on Romans 8:1-11
It is not unusual for a business or major corporation to suffer an image problem and decide to rebrand. When rebranding occurs it often succeeds in polishing the corporate image. But sometimes it doesn't. In all of this, we find a metaphor for the work of the Spirit of God in our lives. "Rebranding" might be too weak of a term, however. In some ways, it's almost like a complete makeover.
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Based on Romans 7: 15-25a Admit it. You've taken a selfie. It's not just for teenagers -- even President Obama has been caught snapping a few. So perhaps you wouldn't be surprised to know that the apostle Paul has taken a self-portrait and shared it with the world. But, like so many selfies, what he shares isn't all that pretty.
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Romans 6:1b-11
Perseveration (perSEVeration) is a brain condition that causes us to persist in fatally destructive behaviors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we too are distracted and our minds occupied in things that turn us away from God. But all hope is not lost. We can turn around and get back on the path of faith.
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Romans 5:1-8
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we’re called to have an open-door policy — open to God’s grace, holding the door open for others, and holding ourselves open so they may discover the faith within us.
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Romans 4:13-25
Being righteous does not come from moral perfection. Abraham’s faith is the biggest game-changer in Christian history. It shows us how to get right with God through faith in Jesus Christ — both now and eternally.
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Matthew 28:16-20
Many of us would say that we have a favorite chair. It might have taken us some time to find, but once we did, it was ours. We're not always comfortable in chairs. And so we search for the perfect one that suits us best. A new analysis, however, asserts that human beings are not made for sitting down. Standing and lying down, yes. But not sitting. Does Jesus say the same thing?
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The apostles received a spiritual recharge on Pentecost and declared the wonders of God to a group of strangers. We can do the same through worship, ministry and mission, and share God’s power with the world. They became Windcatchers, how do we catch the Holy Breathe of God to continue the mission Jesus gave us?
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Through the pandemic there came a phenomenon called quiet quitting. While it refers to how folks do or don't do their jobs, Jesus never quits on us. Jesus never takes his foot off the gas of discipleship and keeps us moving forward. He remains engaged with us through his truth, his life and his love, and he calls us to stay connected with him.
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Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the US. There are steps we can take to keep our hearts healthy. But what about our spiritual heart health? Jesus says "Don't let your hearts be troubled." How does Jesus help us keep our spiritual hearts healthy?
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Do you know that in the Bible, the phrase "Do Not Be Afraid" is found in many forms 365 times? On that Easter morning, the woman ran from the tomb of Jesus in fear but yet with great joy at the tomb being empty. Going out to live and offer the good news can strike fear in us but knowing Jesus goes before all the time, we can truly head the words Do Not Be Afraid.
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Paul in his letter to the Church at Ephesus writes "You were darkness, but now you are light." We are called to reflect and shine the light of Christ in the world. Through what we say and what we do we call the world to Awake O Sleeper! Rise for the Dead and let the light of Christ shine in you. How are you shining the light of Christ in the world today?
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The woman that met Jesus at Jacob's well received the living water Jesus spoke of. She left her water bucket behind to tell people about Jesus, to come and see. She like the apostles left it all behind to follow Jesus and tell others about him.
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Abraham's faith led to righteousness. That is made him right with God. Why? Because Abraham believed God. Not believed In but believed. We believe in a lot of things but believing God, through faith makes us right with God. Do you believeGod through Jesus Christ?
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First Sunday of Lent
Matthew 4:1-11
The Devil tempted Jesus not to do something, but rather tempted Jesus to be someone other than he was called to be. The world does the same thing to us. The many temptations of the world dont call us to do something but rather to be who we are not. Ultimately we are to take on something to Be God's.
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1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Paul in speaking to the Corinthians is frustrated and worried for the community. The quarreling and fighting within are causing divisions. Paul calls upon them to learn to be spiritually mature. To know Christ, eating the meat of faith and not the milk of an immature faith.
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1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Technology has a way of pulling us in a and not letting go. As people of faith we can use technology to live and grow in faith or we can let it use us. Paul makes it clear regardless of technology we need to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.
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Why do our Catholic/Lutheran/Episcopal brothers and sisters make the sign of the cross at certain times. Making the sign of the cross often happens at odd moments. For example, many baseball players make the sign of the cross as they step into the batter’s box. Some soccer players do likewise before attempting a penalty shot. Is this merely a superstitious practice? A good-luck ritual? The cross symbol is also a wildly popular item of jewelry. Why would one wear a cross — the symbol of unspeakable and horrible cruelty — as jewelry? To identify oneself as a Christian? Because, with all its diamonds, it’s pretty? How does the cross appear in our culture. How was the cross was perceived by cultures in Jesus’ time. What is the “sign of the cross” to us today? What does the cross signify to us?
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The story of the Magi finding Jesus and offering gifts is a cherished story. So much to talk about. But we focus on Matthew 2:12 about having a dream and going home a different way. When we encounter the Christ of Christmas we ought to be going home another way. Another way that leads to a new way of being and a new way of seeing.
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On Christmas Eve we hear the story of the birth of Jesus. It was anything but a silent night.
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When the Angel Gabriel greets Mary, the words are Greetings you who is highly favored. Favor here means grace. We throw that word grace around a lot. But what does it mean for Mary and for us at Christmas?
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Continuing in the series we move toward the birth of Jesus, from Mary's perspective. This week we look at the time when Mary was in her twenties, more specifically when Jesus was 12 years old in the Temple. Mary and Joseph found him there. His response to them astonished them. Are we amazed, astounded and astonished by Jesus and his words today?
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As we continue to move backwards in time through Mary's perspective, we find Mary at the foot of the cross. Remembering all that was told to her about her son Jesus, all of the tings she pondered in her heart and that this child would pierce her soul.
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Advent Sermon Series: On Adam Hamilton's book "Not a Silent Night" In this series we will look at the birth of Jesus from the perspective of Mary. In this first sermon we look back at the end of Jesus Life, Death and Resurrection and Mary's life after the Ascension.
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YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and HBO want us to be stuck to them so that they can gain our data, our information, and our money. Jesus desires the same type of engagement, but for much better reasons.
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Ever climb a tree when you were a kid? Tree Climbers International would like to help you regain the joy of inner child by helping you to reclaim your childhood tree-climbing adventures. This leads us naturally to our text where we encounter the patron saint of tree-climbers and tree-huggers, St. Zacchaeus.
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Even in the midst of the pandemic, Americans moved about. Much of this movement is job-related. When companies ask an employee to relocate, they often make the relocation package very attractive. So, when God leads us to new challenges and opportunities, what benefits does God throw into the offer? Anything? Nothing? A lot?
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We prefer answers that are quick and easy. The crisis facing many of the ancient Jews demanded a solution. The prophet Jeremiah had a fast, but not necessarily easy answer to their questions: Should we stay, or should we go? Should we accept our new life, or resist it? Should we live in an RV, or build a house?
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The disciples called upon Jesus to increase their faith. It was a moment in which they were slowly beginning to understand their need for Jesus. Once they realized they had to receive the Spirit and his teaching and then take that message and birth Christ in others, Is Christ born enough in us that we can take that message to birth Christ in others and the world?
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A recent report of deathbed regrets reveals some surprising data. No one reported missing an important business meeting, or failing to take a bungee plunge off the Royal Gorge bridge in Colorado. The top five regrets of dying people might shock you. But then, consider the case in the Bible of the rich man who ignored Lazarus, the beggar at his door.
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Jesus wants all of you and all of everyone who wishes to follow him. Doesn’t that seem like a high price to pay? When we decide to follow Jesus, he expects us to dedicate our whole selves to him. But he’s offering us plenty in return.
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Isaiah 2:2-4
John Wesley was on his way to the new world to carry the gospel to any and all when he wrote in his journal the words that we have remembered as the “world is my parish.” He had a heart for the church and worked to shore up the faith of the believers with his system of classes and bands in the Methodist movement. But he knew from the outset that this faith was not one of being cloistered from the world but engaged in it. From the beginnings of our denomination, we have been engaged in world-changing. This isn’t a new thing or a progressive versus a traditional thing. It is the very essence of who we are as United Methodists.
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1 John 5:1-4
John Wesley wanted the people called Methodist to stay in love with God, but he was concerned about the means for doing so. The ordinances of God were those things that Wesley identified as being required of God’s people. He categorized them into works of piety and works of mercy. We have come to call them the inward and outward spiritual disciplines. The inward disciplines were those things that we would do within the body of Christ, sometimes alone, but more often in small groups. These disciplines would include things like worship and Bible study, prayer, and fasting. The outward disciples were things that were done in the wider community, visiting the sick or imprisoned, giving to charity, and caring for others in a variety of ways. These together were called the means of grace.
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In the second sermon of the series on BeUMC we look at Wesley's second rule: Do Good
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This begins a four part series on the UMC based on John Wesley's Three Simple Rules. In the gifts installment we look at the first rule: Do No Harm.
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In the United Methodist Church, our founder John Wesley, considering the words of Jesus, came up with 3 simple rules as a way to live in chaotic and good times. As Pastor Craig begins this sermon series, we look at the three simple rules. The first installment covers First, Do No Harm.
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God's obsession with humanity has led God to mix with the rabble of the earth and the rubble of human disobedience. Perhaps it is time to make God our "magnificent obsession. In Hosea 11:1-11 we hear the prophet share that God is obsessed with as as a parent takes care of a child. If God feels that way about us, should we not make our goal to "obsessively seek" after God through Christ?
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A picture is worth a thousand words. Even mug shots. In Hosea 1:2-10 we hear the story of Hosea and his dysfunctional family. God is fed up with His chosen people. As angry nd out of patience as God is, God uses Hosea to and his family to let the people know God may be out of patience but they are still "children of the living God."
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Have you ever been in a circumstance when you have tried everything and then realized there is nothing left to be done? If so you can sense how the prophet Amos felt as God showed him a vision of a basket of summer fruit. God's patience was running out with the people of Israel. He told Amos to tell the people that soon will come a time when the people will hunger and thirst, not for food or water but for the word of the Lord..and they wouldn't find it. Amos 8:1-12
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The question is: What year was the worst year ever to be alive? Historians have an answer to this question. The prophet Amos also has some ideas. This leads to a discussion of what we can do to ensure that our lives are full of goodness and meaning. How can we live our best and most faithful lives even in the midst of personal or other difficulties that are ongoing?
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Artists from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) have developed some urban art ideas that include sidewalk murals visible only when it rains. The beauty of the art only appears in stormy weather. Naaman suffers a skin disease for all his life and ordered to wash in the Jordan River. It wasn't the water but the work of God in and through his life coming through in the midst of a monsoon rain of his life. 2 Kings 5:1-14
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Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-21
The Holy Spirit is an energy source that gives us courage to connect with neighbors in life-giving ways. This Pentecost power isn’t found primarily in programs or policies, but in the Holy Spirit of God. And it helps us bring warmth and light to the world.
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On Ascension Sunday Jesus physical presence left but he is always with us so we might be the best disciples and learners as well as the best apostles preaching the message of Christ that we can be
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Based on Acts 16:9-15
For many years, livestock have been separated based on ideas about purity. Unfortunately, so have people. In the life of the church, there should be no distinctions based on race, culture or nationality. We should welcome strangers, expand our outreach, and practice true Christian hospitality.
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Acts 11:1-18
Some people are hard to say “No” to, especially if you have a relationship with them. Maybe it’s the boss, or a family member with a strong personality. Perhaps the apostle Peter, after some initial resistance to the changes God was proposing, decided that he was not in a position to say “No” to the Almighty.
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The sheep and the shepherd. It’s a romantic notion. But today’s sheep ranchers have a Bluetooth headset in the ear, a smart phone attached to a belt, a Venti Mocha perched desktop alongside a GPS receiver. The shepherd sits remote from the flock in a warm ranch house, a crook exchanged for a mouse, perhaps playing a game of solitaire while still on the clock. As Jesus calls to his sheep, we may hear the voice but do we listen?
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Before the “Great Resignation” of the Covid era, there was the holy resignation of apostles like Peter, who walked away from the life they knew to follow Jesus. A call to discipleship usually means walking away from something.
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Mary Magdalene crosses the finish line as the very first apostle, carrying the message that she has seen the risen Jesus. Men and women are equally recognized by Jesus, and equally sent off to be his people in the world. Easter is an invitation to men and women to run together, to be modern day apostles meaning to be sent to share the Good News: Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia and Amen!
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We conclude the sermon series on the Lord's Prayer as we say, "For Thine is Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever. Amen.
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1 Peter 5:8-9 As we continue the sermon series on the Lord's Prayer we come to this petition. Here we invite God to lead us, committing ourselves to following God's way. It's helpful to add a comma after "LeadUs," so that we focus our attention on God's leadership and not on the idea that God might lead us into temptation.
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Forgiveness is a spiritual need of ours--both our need for forgiveness of sins we have committed and our need to forgive others for wrongs they have done against us. Forgiveness relieves us of a burden we no longer need to carry, freeing us to serve God more fully and live a richer life.
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Praying for our daily bread calls our attention to the many people in our world who dont have enough to eat, for whom the need is literal bread or food. It asks us to offer ourselves as an answer to others' prayers by providing for their needs. But it also includes spiritual needs, the need for meaning and purpose and connection to God. When we strive to help meet the needs of others, our own deep spiritual needs are met.
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In this part of the sermon series the focus is on the idea of God's kingdom and whether we will live by our own will and our own way or follow the way of Jesus and commit ourselves to God's will and God's kingdom. The key question is My Will or Thine?
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We pray the Lord's Prayer all the time but do we really know it? Do we really pray it?
Through this Lenten sermon series Pastor Craig will be using the book The Lord's Prayer by Adam Hamilton to dive deep into the prayer we use all the time to help us know it and pray it better.
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On Ash Wednesday we remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Often friends and family have disappointed us that we will say to them "Seriously?" God does that with us when we dont act as one of his children or as Christ has called us to. According to scritoutre we deserve death but that is not how God works. Through this time of Lent we are called to repent, turn back, sacrifice and learn to live in the light of Christ again.
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On Transfiguration Sunday we hear the story of Jesus speaking with Moses & Elijah and being transfigured as three of the disciples look on amazed. We may see the light of Christ and experienced it but we must shine that light to others in the darkness that they too may know the hope we have in Jesus.
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There’s only one requirement for discipleship: a willingness to answer God’s call. You don’t have to be smart, strong, healthy, or even particularly religious. All you need to do is listen when God calls and say: “Here am I, send me.”
Based on First Corinthians 15:1-11
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Part three of the sermon series On A Heart That Grew Three Sizes we consider that fact that we all have blind spots. Through the Grinch and the story of Christmas it is revealed just how vulnerable God's love for us is.
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Through this second in a sermon series on the book The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, we consider the authenticity of our Christmas celebrations. What does it mean to celebrate Christmas? What looks like Christmas but really isn't? On the other hand what doesn't look like Christmas but does tell the story of the Nativity?
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Using the book "A Heart That Grew Three Sizes" we will examine the Grinch through Advent sermon series. The first based on Romans 12. You are invited to wrestle with what happens when life does not meet your expectations, especially around something as important as Christmas.
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In Hebrews Paul is telling people to remain steadfast in the confession of hope we have. We also need to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Are you holding fast to your hope in Christ/
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We hear from the Book of Ruth her love and faithfulness to Namoi and to God. She is one of the saints. Are you? We often say its just those who have gone on before us. But All Saints Sunday means ALL saints. Those who have gone before us and those in the faith who are doing the work of God here and now. That includes you.
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“We’re not in Kansas anymore.” This is a famous line from a movie, as is “Here’s looking at you, kid.” We could go on, and, in fact, we do below. The Bible has a few memorable lines as well. One of the most famous comes from a curious little story in the Book fo Ruth in the Old Testament. It’s a comment about faithfulness and mercy that can be our story as well. Ruth 1:1-18
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When Blind Bartimaeus cried out "Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me!" the cry is from someone who sees more of who Jesus really is than those whose eyes were supposed to be functioning normally. His spiritual insight — faith in Jesus that enables one to see the world clearly and follow him confidently — is what really counted.Mark 10:46-52
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While some might think of the Bible as one of those thick and dusty old books, the writer of Hebrews sees the word of God contained within the Scriptures as a scalpel that cuts to the core of the human heart, exposing both its beauty and its brokenness, and removing whatever doesn't belong. Based on Hebrews 4:12-16
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Studies have debunked some previously held beliefs about the human brain. One such mistaken belief is that we only use 10 percent of our brains and that the rest of our noggin is like an uncharted cranial wasteland. Not true. As God comes close to us and we come close to God we may obtain divine wisdom. It then has a role in correcting the mistakes we make by relying too much on human wisdom. How do we live in the world and not be of the world? We need to stick with the wisdom from above.
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Based On James 3:1-12 we hear him share words about out tongue and our words. If we're going to be the kind of people who use words wisely, then we've got to first cultivate an inner life that sees everyone as a friend created in God's image. We need a vision of life that doesn't put us at the center of the universe, but rather centers on God and God's purposes. The God who spoke the word of creation and sent the Word to become flesh in his own Son, urges us to choose the kind of words that reflect his character, life and love.
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Based on Mark 7:24-37
We don’t have a word for the experience of traveling to a far location for peace and quiet, only to run into someone who insists on consuming large portions of our time. Yet, even in this circumstance, Jesus had a reputation as being someone who did “everything well.” This needs to be our reputation as well.
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Based on James 1:17-27. Got a problem you need to fix? YouTube it! Chances are, someone out there has recorded a video that will give you step-by-step instruction on solving the issue. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a home repair or an opossum that needs massaging (yes, that’s a thing). In this week’s text, James teaches In a culture where there is plenty of social upheaval, we must see the opportunity to be shining stars that reflect God’s glory rather than lash out in fear or join in the culture’s calamity. We shine most brightly when we are doing the Word of God in a way that causes others to see us and want to be instructed in how to do the same.
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Before 2020, few people outside the health care community knew anything about personal protective equipment (PPE). That changed quickly. Most medical professional think of PPE in terms of five categories: eyes and face, hands, body, respiratory system, and ears or hearing. This provides the rubric for a discussion of Ephesians 6:10-20, where the apostle Paul itemizes the types of PPE needed to prevail against spiritual forces in heavenly places.
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A TV commercial for foot fungus is likely to feature paid actors, not actual customers. But many companies — like Dove, Bumble, Chevrolet and eHarmony — find real people to champion their products or websites. Frankly, they are just more believable than actors. Psalm 111 is a promo for God, coming in at fewer than 200 words, and it’s written by a real person, not a paid actor. After you share Praise the Lord, what is your testimony about who God is?
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Ephesians 4:25-5:2 The way we talk reveals how committed we are as Christians. Positive, upbuilding talk is a counterweight to the kinds of “evil talk” outlined in Ephesians. It has nothing to do with accent or grammar, and everything to do with how we use the God-given gift of speech as a strong and grateful response to the forgiveness and grace we have received from Jesus Christ.
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John 6:24-35 True belief in Jesus requires acting as the body of Christ. This means we can provide the bread of life to others through faith and works, adaptability, and building durable and nutritious relationships in a hungry world. Jesus wants us to be good food for those in need.
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John 6:1-21 What’s your favorite food? What’s the food you could eat once a day for the rest of your life, if you had to? Curious crowds of people following Jesus are invited to sit for a surprise meal, and they all eat their fill. And there are still plenty of leftovers! This is a vision of the priorities and nature of a loving, generous God who desires to provide for the needs of His children.
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In Mark 6:1-13 Jesus gives the disciples a directive on how to pack as they are sent out to get the message out about Jesus and the Kingdom of God. How do you travel? What do you need to leave behind in order to share the Good news of Jesus Christ?
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Jesus has the power go out of him after a woman touch the hem of his garment. She risked so much a d was blessed and welcomed back into the community.
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From Mark 4:35-41 we hear the story of Jesus calming the storm after falling asleep in the back of the boat as they are headed to the other side. he has had a long day of preaching and teaching and knows he needs to disengage. He needed to recharge. Do we even take the time to do that? Taking a nap does not make you a wimp. We all need to disengage to then reengage in our ministry.
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Mark 4:26-34 shares the Kingdom is Lie...parables including the mustard seed parable. Each time we hear those parables, we often pick up on something we hadn't heard before. The same can be said for the parables of our lives and how they inform others of the Kingdom of God. How are you living out those parables in your lives so the Gospel message is heard?
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In First Samuel, the people of Israel demanded Samuel install a King like all the other countries around them. They wanted what other folks had and in so doing declared that being governed by God was not enough. Do we believe that too?
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Psalm 29 tells of God's glory in the world around the writer of the Psalm. Are we inspired or in awe of what is around us? If you are it is most certainly a way to recognize God around us and a way to to seek knowledge and wisdom in our faith.
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Jesus took the disciples as far as Bethany. He told them to wait for the power form on high and then he ascended. His mission is now ours. Will you accept that mission today?
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Based on John 15:9-17 we hear what God's love calls us to be and do as friends of Jesus and Children of God.
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In John 15:1-8 Jesus uses imagery of he being the True Vine and we are the branches. How do we stay connected to the True Vine that we might bear fruit as a brach on that vine?
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In today's culture we are all be challenged to get out of the box. But for the the Church Box helps us focus and remind us of who we are. In coming back to the box we can get out and creatively, imaginatively and effectively share the Good News. If we are going to advertise God’s love, let’s actually practice God’s love. It’s time to return to the core competencies and values that we have as disciples of Jesus Christ: the abilities to believe in Jesus Christ and love one another. That’s a box we should stay in until we get it right.
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From 1 John 3:1-7
We are called children of God. As we age we often let knowledge overpower our imagination. As people of faith and children of Godwe are to dive deep into our imagination to live out our lives and pursue mission and ministry in the world around us.
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From Acts 4:32-35 we learn that the best action to meet the needs of those around us is collective. All of us working together to do together what we cannot do by ourselves.
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Easter Sunday, the women approached the tomb with a stone blocking their thinking. When they got here the stone was rolled away. What stones are blocking our rising with Christ? Truth is God is still Rolling Stones today.
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On Maundy Thursday Jesus had one more opportunity to teach the disciples who he was and what he was asking them do in love as he washed their feet.
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Welcome to Week Five in the Living Lent series, based on the word PAIN. We are reminded today that the pain of rejection and the pain of a father when a son leaves demonstrate the reckless love of God revealed in Jesus, who wipes every tear from our eyes. May this service’s readings from Scripture, children’s sermon, sermon and hymns all serve to help you to remember that we are people of the resurrection living in Lent.
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Welcome to Week Four in the Living Lent series, based on the word PRAISE. We are reminded today that even in the midst of sorrow, we are called to celebrate the love of God and the joy that can be found only in Christ crucified, who reigns in glory now. May this service’s readings from Scripture, children’s sermon, sermon and hymns all serve to help you to remember that we are people of the resurrection living in Lent.
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Welcome to Week Three in the Living Lent series, based on the word PROCLAIM. We are reminded today that our proclamation of the Savior brings faith to life. May this service’s readings from Scripture, children’s sermon, sermon and hymns all serve to help you to remember that we are people of the resurrection living in Lent.
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The word for this Second Week in Lent is “People.” People matter to God
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What was Jesus Purpose? Knowing his purpose what is our why? What is our Purpose?
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We begin a series of sermons for Lent based on one word. For Ash Wednesday the word is Ponder. To Ponder the love and extravagant grace offered to us without a price as we repent of our sin and turn back to God
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Based on Mark 9:2-9, the story of the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, we explore how and where we can be in God's presence regularly.
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Fourth and final sermon in series on Adam Hamilton's book "The Incarnation"
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Third in sermon Series on Adam Hamilton's Book "Incarnation"
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This is a first in the series on Adam Hamilton's book "Incarnation" This sermon is based on 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
The question being asked is while we just voted in the presidential race, who is truly our king to who we owe our lives and our devotion? Its the same one who was born in a stable, Jesus Christ.
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Matthew 25: are you recognizing Christ around you?
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In Matthew 16 Jesus tells his disciples, if you want to follow you must do two things: Deny Yourself and Pick Up Your Cross. The question for us is are we able? We have to do both.
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Jesus in seeking out what people are saying asks the disciples about who people are saying he is. He then asks, "But who do you say that I am?" How do you answer that question? Can you answer as Peter did?
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The Caananite woman seeks our Jesus to heal her daughter. In that encounter, he finds someone who gets what he has been teaching and admires her great faith. How can we raise our faith level to go from good to great?
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IN the midst of the storm Jesus comes to the disciples in the boat. Peter recognizes who it is and says, "If it is you command me to come to you on the water." Peter goes for a walk on the water, we can too. What do we need to do to get out of the boat and walk on water?
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Jesus feeds the 5000+ He tells the disciples "You give them something to eat." What do you have to offer that Jesus can take, bless and have you offer to others?
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A Mustard Seed? A Pearl? A Hidden Treasure? What is Jesus trying to say about the Kingdom of God?
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My first sermon in a new configuration of churches into a cooperative parish. Based on 1 Corinthians 2 Paul desires to know nothing except Christ and him crucified.
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Based on Romans 5:1-8, We start with the late author Rachel Held Evans and the reason she stays with the church: The reason to stay with the church is because Christianity addresses sin and directs us to the Lord, who cleanses and redeems us. She reminds us that there is a remedy for the sin-sick and stained soul.
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Through the passage from John 4:1-26, Pastor Craig examines Jesus' breaking racial barriers and what that means for us in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
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In the movie Field of Dreams, Ray Kinsella took a chance by plowing under part of his corn fields at great financial and personal lossfor a field of dreams. What in your life needs to be plowed under that God's Holy Spirit might work in and through you to create a new field of dreams for all to see Christ?
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Acts 1:1-14 details Jesus Ascension to heaven. The disciples are caught looking up at the awe inspiring sight and told to wait for the Holy Spirit. But the question is what do we do now?
Three things: Word, Waiting and Witness. In these in between times that is what we do as we live out our lives of faith and look to the Spirit for guidance.
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In 1 Peter 3:13-22, Peter is writing to a community of the faithful in Asisa Minor. They are struggling. But he reminds them of who they are in their baptism. And from that they need to be ready to answer why they have that hope.
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1 Peter 2:2-10 Peter talks about Christ being our cornerstone. When we build our faith on him, we bring with us our past, all that we are and all that we have. What is in thetime capsule of your life to remind you of who you are, where you have been and how far you have come in your faith?
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A service based on Psalm 23. Ppleasenote this audio of the full online service, including Call to Worship, Opening Prayer etc. Nature seems to love symmetry. It's a principle that has been described as "change without change." We see this principle at work in God's loving care and protection of us. Change without change.
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Luke 24:13-35
Willie Nelson sang "On the Road Again." The disciples were on the road to Emmaus and didint realize who was walking with them. Do we recognize Jesus in the stranger as we are on the road?
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The director of the British Museum tells the history of the world by using 100 objects found in the museum. But can the history of the world truly be told without mentioning a certain cross, tomb and stone? These cannot be found in the British Museum, but they tell a story that changed the course of history.
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IN the final installment of the sermon series on Adam Hamilton's book "The Walk" Pastor Craigshares the last spiritual practioce of sharing your faith. Is there someone who shared their faith with you that was integral inyour journey? Is there someone who would say the same about you? The challanege: Share your faith with five people within twekve months. Pray about who to speak to and invite to church.
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What are the Greastest Books? What books guided your life? The Gospel of John is a book that calls us to trust and bellieve. Through the story of Lazarus, Martha and Mary we come to find out we all have to answer that question: Do you believe this?
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When the mother of the sons of Zebedee asked Jesus to give them the right and left hand seats next to him, Jesus asked them if they cand rink from the cup he was about to drink from.
Author Henri Nouwen wrote a book by that title. He says in order to livelife ot the fullest in Christ we must be able to hold, lift and drink from the cup. This is a brief devotional.
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Jesus said where your treasure is your heart is also. Walking with God calls us to livein a way wehre we are thankful for what we have, live a life of purpose, and offering our money, time and talent genrously.
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Jesus Christ enables us to be anxious in nothing, prayerful in everything, thankful in anything.
ANXIOUS IN NOTHING; PRAYERFUL IN EVERYTHING; THANKFUL IN ANYTHING ... THEN ... THE PEACE.
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Joshua challenged the people of Israel to serve the Lord. We too are called to serve God by serving others. We are to see the Christ in all people as we do so and live out the Two Great Commandments. But to do so we have to be willling to have our scheduled interrupted. Often in the midst of our routine is when God needs us to serve the most.
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We hear God through two means, natural and special revelation. Natural is the way through the world aroundus God calls to us. Special revelation is when we come together in studying the BIble to hear God's message for our lives and for the world. To hear it we must pay attention.
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This Lent we are exploring spiritual practices to draw us closer in relationship to God thorugh Jesus Chrst. These are based on a book by Rev. Adam Hamilton called "The Walk." The first spiritual practice is Worship/Prayer. Join us each week in Lent as we dive deep into a new spirtitual practice.
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Sharenting is the overuse of social media by parents to share photos of their children. For these parents, nothing is too banal and uninteresting; the world must see. In Matthew 17:1-9, we find a positive example of sharenting.
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Most of us have heard mothers — dads too — cooing to their babies and speaking in a tone and pitch of voice they’d never use with anyone else. They talk for the baby’s ears only. Fine. We get it. But have you ever eavesdropped on adults speaking this way to their spouse, lover or special friend? Would it freak you out? Yet, some psychologists say that such conversations are signs of healthy relationships. This brings us to our epistle text where Paul is tired of babbling baby talk to adults.
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Many people have a nagging suspicion that technology consumes too much of their time. It’s a master, not a servant. We want to be smart about how we use our smartphones. Paul faces a similar, although not identical, dilemma. He wants to stay true to his core values, and remember what he is all about. He decides that true wisdom is centered in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. through what could esily be called the Smart Cross.
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Friends during the Lenten Season this year I will be preaching on the book "The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life" by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Lent is a time to turn away from thiose things that keep us from God and work to develop a closer relationship with Christ. Having spiritual practices helps us refocus our hearts and minds to do the work God calls us to do in the world today. Hope you will join in listening to this timely series.
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Those blue handicapped signs you see painted on the asphalt at the shopping mall or grocery store alert us to the fact that those parking spaces are reserved for those with mobility issues. But now, the handicapped sign is getting a makeover. This reminds us of the importance of logos, signs and symbols. Followers of Christ have an important sign. Does it, too, need a makeover? Or simply a reminder of its meaning and the power of it?
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In spite of the the biblical call for the church to live in harmony, the church since it began has quarreled and fussed. It seems like nothing has changed. Is the unity of the church a pipedream? Maybe. But an interesting movement in the church right now gives new hope. It’s a movement the core piece of which is — food! What a concept! It’s amazing what disciples of Jesus can agree to when they’re eating.
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If you need a place to crash, and you’re tired of paying high hotel prices, and honestly, you only need a place to rest, no problem. You can check into a hostel, or better, rent a room or house through a sharing website. The most well-known is Airbnb. Using our imagination, it almost seems as though Jesus has booked such a place. He tells Andrew, “Come and see.”
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Businesses know the value of having a mission statement. Lately people have begun to find the value in having their own personal mission statement. These brief statements help provide clarity and focus for one's life. In Isaiah 42:1-9, we are given a glimpse of the mission of the Suffering Servant, a mission picked up by Jesus, passed on to the disciples and then to each of us. So ask yourself, "What is my why?"
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When we have our Chirstmas pageants, we read the story, but often forget the part about Herod looking to not have Christ there anymore. We need to keep Christ in Christmas and not let the Herods of this world take him out.
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Are you ready to join the song of Christmas? Shouting Peace on earth and good will to all? We are called like the shepherds to share the joy of that night but not just for one night. We should share the joy of Christ every night and day of our lives.
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Last in Advent series sermons on the book Almost Christmas
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The third installment of the sermon series based on the book "Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience"
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Based on 1 Peter 1:3-9 Pastor Craig talks about the difference between an Almost Hope and an Altogether Hope in his message for the second Sunday of Advent.
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First sermon in the series on the book: Almost Christmas. This sermon focuses on Peace. Scripture focus: Ephesians 4:3-6, 25-32
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