Concord Church: Recent Episodes
Concord Church
With tend to think of forgiveness as being about the other person, but the truth is forgiveness is an act which is more about us and our ability to let go of the power others hold over our lives.
A mediation on Luke 2:22-40 and how we can respond to what life throws at us in a way that remains faithful.
Everyone seems so angry. Yet Mary and Elizabeth - who had more reason to be angry than most - show us the possibility of joy. God calls us to start a joy revolution.
Jeremiah 33:14–16 calls the people to look at themselves honestly and take responsibility for how they ended up in such a dangerous place.
Loving our neighbor is a challenge to love all of them, even the ones we don't like. How do we live faithfully with people who are our "enemy"?
The purpose of the church is unity of service to God. What does that look like in a divided world?
Isaiah's vision of a world where creation lives at peace seems so unrealistic. What if, instead of dismissing it because it's out of reach, we embrace how impossible it seems?
Our world, and sometimes the church, asks us to project a mask of "everything is fine." But what if everything isn't fine? What do you then?
This week, we listen to the story of the Prodigal Son, but this time, we focus on the actions of the Father. How does that help us return home?
Life can be incredibly frustrated, especially when it feels like so much is out of our control. What can we do to help bring our own stress level down? What would it look like to trust ourselves and to trust God's path for us for more often?
The temptations for Jesus is a familiar story. But what if this isn't a story about physical needs and carnal tests? What if the temptation is more about taking the easiest path?Scripture; Luke 4:1-13
We often believe the lie we are alone. But, not only are we surrounded by folks who are wrestling with the same issues we are, we are also part of a long historical family which provides strength.
God calls into community with one another but, let's face it, other people can be the worst. How do we become a more authentic group of believers who can find a healthier better way of being together?
The writer of Hebrews remind us faith isn't belief, but our ability to see and live into hope.
A Sermon on Hebrews 10 - a discussion about how Jesus's once and for all act of salvation gives us the freedom and confidence to go out into the world and to risk faith..
Hebrews 1 and 2 are an extended explanation about why Jesus is higher and more important than the angels. Hebrews 3 is about to move into what exactly that means for the Christianity community, and what our responsibilities and "holy people" of God means for how we live our lives.
The Questions we ask - and how we respond to them - are as important and the answers we receive
The apostle Paul begins his letter to Thessolonika by being thankful for them. While churches and families can be problematic, how does Paul's example help us restore those roots and maybe make them healthier and stronger?
Want a quick refresher or a first time overview of the book of Hebrews? We've got you covered!Music I Use: Bensound.com/royalty-free-musicLicense code: JAVWQYIZKZF79RCP
The Church on Pentecost found itself in-between the faith as they knew it and what was to come. They turned back to discovering their gifts as a way to stay rooted.
The practices and identity of the church are our starting point for meaningful action in the world. Our corporate and personal practices should be forming us into the kind of people who can engage with the world in faithful and God-glorifying ways.
Our spiritual and political lives are not separate but are different aspects of our whole life offered as worship to God. Our communal worship and personal practices should lead us to seek justice and live righteous lives.
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 wet sponge. He asks a question and might expect 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. In your own faith, do you find comfort in theological formulas? Do you wish for straightforward answers? Can you let go of black-and-white thinking and instead embrace the infinite colors of grace?
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. For everyone, there comes a time when your faith is tested and you will have to face difficult and inconvenient truths. We may want to take the easier path, the path with less pain. We may want to cling to easy or simplistic answers. Instead, what does it look like to welcome complexity? Can you stay fixed upon your convictions while also expanding your perspective?
It takes bold courage to take a leap of faith—or to willingly step into a storm. Many of us know what it feels like to be thrown off balance, to feel as if we’re sinking. Doubt is a normal response to feeling like we are sinking.
Peter is so human and is a model of faith which reflects all the different ways we experience it over our lives. It's ok that it takes us time to say yes or sometimes we aren't able to - and we see in Peter a model for both. Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11; led by Rev. Liz Troyerconcordpreschurch.com
Moses is dying and that's a problem for Israel because the only thing holding the together was their leader.Why are next steps so hard and what do we do about them?
Jonah did not want to listen to God - maybe because he was afraid the Ninevites would actually listen to him and then he'd have to change his opinion of them.
People of Faith are afraid of the word "doubt", but questions and seeking are part of a healthy faith journey. People throughout the Bible wrestled with the tension between their understanding of the world and their faith tradition. To ask questions: concordpreschurch.comSome reading:Faith after Doubt: https://www.amazon.com/Faith-After-Doubt-Beliefs-Stopped/dp/1250262771Richard Rohr on Doubt: https://cac.org/daily-meditations/doubt-a-necessary-tool-for-growth-2021-02-01/Rachel Held Evans: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sunday-Loving-Leaving-Finding/dp/0718022122Frank Schaeffer: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Atheist-Believes-GodNew-Title-ebook/dp/B00KDOMMUO/
Turns out the idea Jesus was human is the most important message of the gospel, because it means God knows us, deep in the heart. A sermon on Luke 3. concordpreschurch.com
Advent is not always a time of joy. Today, we take a moment to recognize grief and our need for comfort.
A sermon on why affirming #Godlovesyou doesn't mean life will be problem free. God loves us, but also allows us to experience the consequences of our choices. Bible reference is Hosea 11:1-9.concordpreschurch.com
Relationships with people and with God take effort. In the wrestling, we find holiness.
Abraham and Sarah don't trust God enough to risk. How do we learn to live more like Isaac?
Shared by Guest Preacher Rev. Alfredo Miranda, we talk this morning about the scripture of Ruth 2 and the story we share.
We live in a unstable world, where it feels like everything is out of our control. We are overwhelmed by the news - by wars and rumors of wars as Jesus says - and struggling to find God in the midst of it. Today, we talk about how we find grace in the midst of all the scary.
As we continue to look at things God provides, one of the most previous is a family and a community with deep roots. How do you find a place to belong?
God spoke creation into being went into was a dark, formless void. What can God do with your life, no matter how chaotic is seems?
We Christians have a way of not honoring God because we exclude people God would choose to include. As we explore the Lord's Prayer, we see how praying "Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name." invites us to expand our table.
What is your relationship with your stuff? And does it get in the way of you living the life God has made for you?
A Sermon based on Matthew 5:33-42. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, is trying to restore broken humanity and dignity. What is our role in this process today?
A reflection on Matthew 5:13-32. How does Jesus' interpretation of the 10 Commandments require more of us?
What's all this talk about Grace vs Free Will? Can you save yourself and where does the impulse of faith come from?
Paul encourages us to change our hearts, to accept the grace which allows us to choose the good. Based on Romans 6:1-14
Paul didn't just pop out into the world as an apostle. His theology and this letters came out of his context and spoke into a world caught between philosophy and religion. How did that shape his content?
This week's passage in Romans 1 reminds us of the importance of expectations. Do we live into our relationships intentionally or just act on impulse? What are our boundaries and how do we set-up effective boundaries for others?
In Acts 13 and 14, Paul and Barnabas encounter a people who are already certain about Paul and Barnabas' purpose and why they were in town, except that certainty was completely wrong! How do we miss God because of our certainty.
There's a lot of discussion about Purity laws, and there was a movement around Purity rings in the 90's/00's evangelical movement. But what is all the fuss about these laws? And what were they designed to do?
a Sermon on Palm Sunday 2023. Matthew 21:1-17; Jesus and the Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem.
Why America's obsession with self-determination is a problem when it comes to faith, and how the image of Jesus as Lord is a good thing.
Hear a word from God which asks us to wonder are we more in need of comfort or affliction?
A Sermon on Matthew 18 and Jesus' advice for the early church on community health, engaging conflict, and talking it out.
What's the deal with the devil? Today, we explore the development of the devil in Christian thought, the reality of evil, and if Jesus was ever in danger in the wilderness.
In Sunday's Gospel lesson, the featured player is John the Baptist. So who is this guy yelling in the wilderness?
Love doesn't appear overnight. The spark must be fanned into a flame in order to start glowing.
Waiting on God's Refreshment - Advent, Day 15.There are times when the desert is so dry, but God promises a burst of rain to fill us up again. How do we wait for God's nurturing grace?
Advent, Day 9Where in your life to you see things which are dead or dying? How do you need God to begin creating?
When do you ask the deep questions of your heart? What keeps you awake at night?Spend time with Isaiah 11 to find the answer.
Sometimes it takes practice to see God or hear God. How are you practicing your watching and waiting skills? Advent, Day 7
Advent, Day 5 Habbukuk recieves a vision which reminds him of God's promise to be with him in the midst of all the things.
Advent Devotion day 2, a time for prayer and reflection, exactly five minutes each day throughout the month of December. If you find this meaningful, please like and share with your friends.Songs used with Permission from:CCLI license # CSPL086812One License # A-735433
Advent Devotion day 2, a time for prayer and reflection, exactly five minutes each day throughout the month of December. If you find this meaningful, please like and share with your friends.Songs used with Permission from:CCLI license # CSPL086812One License # A-735433
Advent Devotion day 1, a time for prayer and reflection, exactly five minutes each day throughout the month of December. If you find this meaningful, please like and share with your friends.Songs used with Permission from:CCLI license # CSPL086812One License # A-735433
What's with all the garlands and candles and stuff? And why can't Christmas begin before Thanksgiving?
We have this image in our head of the Old Testament God who is angry and always looking to punish people and the New Testament God is happy and loving and joyful. How does our understanding of God change if we remember God is the same from beginning to end?
Is there any disease with more baggage than Leprosy? Let's look at the myths, untruths, and reality of this disease so we can better understand what Namaan was dealing with in 2 Kings.
Like the stories of his ancestors, the story of David's life found in the Bible are pieces of a giant puzzle of a human life, full of contradictions.
Why does it matter if we find archaeological evidence to "prove" the Bible? Joshua reminds the people God's actions in the past are more proof than the sticks and stones.
Moses and the Hebrew people found themselves facing an unmovable wall of water. How do we face the inevitable?
The God who made creation is capable of unmaking it again. How do the parallels we hear in Genesis and Revelation help us understand the crossing of the Red Sea?
We all come from somewhere and have stories we tell ourselves about our beginnings. How do those stories shape us and why do they matter?
Joseph is assaulted by a person in a position and authority and chose integrity of the easier route. How do we experience this story in our life?
We throw around all of these labels, but what does it actually mean to be chosen by God?
Three major religions all point to this story of Abraham and Sarah as the foundation of their faith. What does that mean for how we engage with this story?
Abram is the last of dying family. God calls to him in chapter 12 to come out from the disillusionment of this reality into a new hope.
Sunday's Sermon on Genesis 6-9. Did the flood change God? What do we do with this angry God?
There's lots of promises thrown around in the Bible - but what do they mean? And how do we know when it is a permanent covenant. Today, we talk about signs, seals, and rainbows.
Sunday Worship: concordpreschurch.com/video
We are told Noah is the only righteous person left on all of the earth. But what does that mean? And do you become righteous?
Beginning a new series of the background of our Bibles stories - who wrote the story? Who were the people who experienced it first hand? And why does all that matter?
September 4, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Scripture Reading is Ruth 4
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
August 28 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Scripture Reading is Ruth 3:1-18
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
What we are called to do is be. Our whole being should be saturated with the presence of God. People who choose to be around us become familiar with this. They will not have unrealistic expectations of us, since we do not pretend to be anything we are not. We are simply ourselves, distinct individuals who have an awareness of the reality of God. This doesn’t need to be self-conscious or distancing in any way. We only need to be sensitive to how we relate to the other person.
- Do you avoid bring God to all of the areas of your life because your are worried about it being awkward?
Songs used with Permission from bensounds.com
You are not meant to do everything. There are times when you are given load which is too heavy for any person to carry. How do we learn to
- Where do you experience dividing walls in your life?
- Does our need to define and characterize everything prevent us from seeing God at work?
Songs used with Permission from bensounds.com
A hospital exists for the benefit of its patients. It is nonsense to complain having patients admitted interrupts the smooth running of the hospital. The Church exists for the benefit of its non-members, to be salt for the earth, not for the sake of creating more salt. Often times, Church is designed to by user-friendly only to the already initiated. Jesus said, “I didn’t come just to call those who are already here, but those who know they are in need.”
-
Which parts of “Church” might be off-putting to the casual, unchurched observer?
-
Is you life in church more about creating salt or welcoming new flavors?
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
We are ‘peculiar’. We have chosen not to go with the majority. We pray and reflect on the life of Christ: most people don’t do this. We worship and receive God’s gifts in the sacraments: most people don’t do this. We shall be in a minority: we shall be odd. There is no danger in that, as long as we don’t start to like being odd too much. This love of oddness is what drives us to create division in which each is sure of his own chosenness and pours scorn on others. – from Kate Tristram in Celtic Daily Readings by the Northumberland Community
- Have you ever thought of being a committed Christian as something odd? - How does our love of being unique a problem?
Songs used with Permission from bensounds.com
August 21 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Scripture Reading is Ruth 2
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
It can be tempting to have fun at someone else’s expense. Judging people feels really good, and it is a self-fulfilling prophecy, when you expect people to mess up you will only see them mess up. And, when we compare ourselves to those people, it makes us feel good about ourselves. In the end, though, when we judge people no one wins. It only creates animosity and dislike, furthering the divide between the two.
-
Have you ever had someone treat you really nicely but in doing so they actually made fun of you?
-
How do you do things in your life to push others away?
https://www.vermontpublic.org/podcast/but-why-a-podcast-for-curious-kids/2022-07-29/why-do-we-have-friends
There are times when people call us to account, asking for a honest justification of our actions. We need to be completely honest to ourselves and to the other person in the conversation, but we are good at deceiving ourselves and hiding the truth. We want to paint ourselves in the best possible light and we can’t always be questioning ourselves, either. Our lives and actions speak to the world.
- Have you ever had to explain your actions?
- What is our life speaking to the world?
August 14, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Scripture Reading is Ruth 1:1-21
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Ananias doesn’t want to help Saul for several very good reasons. Saul is killing Ananias and his friends. He’d heard bad things about “people like him”. These reports said Saul did many bad things in Jerusalem. This is the last person who deserved help. God sent Ananias anyway and God chose Saul anyway. Both men are called to account – Ananias to live up to the principles Jesus set for his followers, Saul to a future where he atones regularly for his mistreatment of Christians early on.
-
Imagine Jesus was the one saying these words from Acts to you. How would you receive it differently? What you like to ask Jesus about?
-
We are told faith requires works – you have to act on it. How have you acted on your faith this week?
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Sometimes people change before our eyes and we don’t or can’t see the cause. It can be for good, where they make positive steps for their lives, but often the change is middle of the road., neither good or bad, and the most important element of their change is our response to it. Saul’s friends don’t know why he changed, but they modeled the appropriate response, to help him get up, hold his hands, and walk with him along the journey.
- When have you helped a friend who is in the midst of change?
- When have your friends stepped up to help you navigate a transition in your life?
Paul is traveling down a road he had traveled many times before. This day was a routine day of commuting to and from work. The murderous threats Paul uttered on the side didn’t change his day to day responsibilities or activities. But our home life and work life, our online selves and our IRL selves are not so easily separated as we like to think. Humans don’t lock of parts of our lives to be immune from other parts of it.
- Do your at-home selves and your at-work self match up? How is God calling you to live a more unified life?
August 7, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Scripture Reading is 1 Peter 5:1-14
Guest Speaker Rainey Ratchford
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
July 31, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Scripture Reading is 1 Peter 4:1-9
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
The human’s circumstances have not changed. They were naked before eating of the tree of good and evil and remain so after eating thereof. The only change thus far is their understanding of their circumstances. Their understanding prompts them to use fig leaves, ineffective as they may be, to cover their nakedness.
- Why do you believe the serpent wanted to trick the women?
- Is there a time, like Adam, where you have been tempted to not trust God?
Prayer: Lord, have mercy on us sinners. Forgive us for believing the lie you can’t be trusted
The imagery of woman being created from man’s rib has caused a lot of problems throughout history, as has the label, “helper”. But, in the scripture itself, there isn’t any hierarchy implied. Instead, the story emphasizes how the two of them become one unit.
- I wonder how Adam felt when we was the only human being in the garden?
- If Adam needed a helper to make it through life, than so do you. How do you seek help?
It’s a pretty simple concept – God made human beings in the image of God and asked them to make more human beings to spread around the image of God. And yet, we make it more and more complicated. Does that make God looks physically like a human person? If so, which one? Or is it a metaphor saying in personality we are like God? What about all this dominion of the creation language? One thing is true, humans are made in God’s image. All of them.
- I wonder why God handed creation over to humans to care for and rule it? What do you wonder?
- If humans, all humans, are made in God’s image, how should that shape how we relate to other people?
This is a slightly different version of the creation story than may be familiar to us. There are no days or separations of activities. It simply tell us God created the world, first springs, then plants, then humanity. Here, humanity isn’t given “dominion” but asked to tend the earth. The relationship here seems more nurturing and caring, both between God and people, and between people and earth.
- If Jesus were the one portrayed as speaking these words to you, how might it change your understanding of the passage?
- What would you like to ask God about this passage?
July 24, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Scripture Reading is 1 Peter 3:13-22
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
It’s unusual for the Bible to tell us right out what the symbols are supposed to mean – Jesus only does it one time with his parables – but John goes to lengths here to explain why the lamb is put together with all these extra bits. Except, in this case, the explanation doesn’t seem to help us understand it any better! The prayer helps us more. The Spirit goes out to the end of the world, helping us to live lives worthy of God.
-
I wonder what the song sounded like and the incense smelled like? What do you wonder?
-
Do you think it’s important to understand the mechanics of each part of the Bible? Or is is the experience or image enough?
July 10, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Scripture Reading is 1 Peter 1:3-23
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Rueben, Joseph's brother, compounded his troubles by trying to cover up his complicity in the selling of his brother and lying to his father. Today's (almost) daily devotion looks at the ways we try to avoid the truth and how it hurts us in the end.
music used with permission from bensounds.com
Rueben, Joseph's brother, did just enough to feel like he did something but not enough to actually change the situation. Today's (almost) daily devotion talks about the ways we avoid the hard change.
Songs used with Permission from bensounds.com
Joseph was kind of an arrogant jerk. But his brother's jealousy and anger wasn't the right response. In today's (almost) daily devotion, we hear the stories of brothers who couldn't get along.
Songs used with permission from bensounds.com
June 26, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Exodus 20: 12-16
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
(Almost) daily devotion on Genesis 12:10-20. Abram and Sarai are facing a famine and choose to flee their homes. They make some terrible decisions because they are afraid and angry, forgetting God has already lead them through the wilderness and will do it again. Where does our fear lead us?
(Almost) daily devotion on Genesis 12:4-9. Abram and Sarai left everything behind. This meant more than just not having all their stuff with them or the snacks they like, but an entire change in their lifestyle. Change is hard!
(Almost) daily devotion on Genesis 12:1-3. Calls don’t come with red carpets and parades. How do we view the desert differently if we see it as a necessary part of our call to God’s life?
June 19, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Exodus 20:3-11
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
June 12, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Exodus 19:1-6, 20:1-2
Guest Pastor Rev. Glaser
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
June 5, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Philippians 4:4-7
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Today's Almost Daily Devotion on Luke 17:1-10. What enables us to respond to God?
concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Today's Almost Daily Devotion on Zephaniah 3:1-13. How is seeing God at work our choice?
concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Today's Almost Daily Devotion on Deuteronomy 9:1-5. How are we overconfident about our ability to make good things happen?
concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Today's Almost Daily Devotion on Psalm 22:6-11. Where does it hurt?
concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
May 29 2022 at Concord Presbyterian.
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
May 22, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian.
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Job literally became a cliché, even though his experience was meant to be a singular example to all of history. Despite all of the physical things which happened to him, the worst part of his suffering - by far - was the scorn of his friends and family. They wanted him to abandon God, but he knew he had value in God’s eyes.
All of us have people who we don’t particularly like and broken relationships. Transformed relationships have to be intentionally nurtured. Christians are called to freely offer space in their lives and to see others in a different way through a new lens given by Christ. Who do you need to see in a different light?
- How do we support and grow our relationships?
- What circumstances exist in the world which we don’t fully understand? How could you bring God’s justice to those situations?
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Our way of handling conflict and people we don’t like is by avoiding them or pretending they don’t exist. We can’t just pretend people, hurt, and our baggage doesn’t exist. Joseph chooses a different path when given the opportunity to punish his brothers. We can confuse our hurt with righteousness or truth.
- How do we offer grace to those who have caused us hurt?
- What is one time you could have acted of out of grace instead of hurt? How would you do it differently today?
Luke makes Paul look like the world’s best speaker, which is likely an attempt to make Paul look better and more effective. However, Paul was a talented speaker who actively searched for clues about how to explain the gospel to people with no background in the Jewish tradition. In the same way, the church is challenged to not just stand in contrast to society, nor to be overwhelmed by it, but to speak in ways society and culture can understand.
Sociologists define religion as anything which binds people together because of shared belief. If true, anything can become a religion, even a shared belief McDonald’s is the best hamburger. This passage is the result of a confrontation between different groups of believers who defend their shared beliefs as the only true Christian religion.
- How are religion and faith different? Where are they the same?
- How can our “religion” complicate finding a deeper faith in the true God?
In response to an unknown event which caused a sense of impending doom, this Psalm was written as a reminder to sing praises. The Psalmist shows how God acts throughout the passage of time. The acts of the past shows God’s faithfulness in the future.
- When you look at your past, where do you see God at work? How is that a foretaste of God’s actions on your behalf in the future?
- Are we walking into the light of the future or do we remain stuck in the darkness of the tunnel which has become more familiar?
May 1, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian.
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
April 24, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian.
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
The Door is locked out of fear. Who are they afraid of? The Religious Authorities? Or is it Jesus? In truth, Easter absorbs both the joy and triumph as well as the fear and disbelief, and is irreducible to just one experience of it. It would be easier if Easter were only the trumpet blasts and Alleluias. Or, it might even be easier if Easter were only fear and disbelief. But Easter is all of this, it holds all of it, even the contradictory emotions, and makes them one.
- In Easter, Jesus is called “Teacher,” “Lord,” and “My God.” What do each of these titles mean? Is he teacher, Lord, and God? What does it mean to my life if he is all of these things?
- Doubt is the pathway to faith. When we doubt, we probe, question, and search. How do you experience doubt?
In the other gospels, Thomas appears only as a name on the list of disciples (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15). In John, however, Thomas appears not just in a list of disciples but is featured in three stories. Out looking to follow Jesus unto death, out where those who would harm him could find him, Thomas missed Jesus. Thomas’ belief that he could and would follow Jesus unto death is re-cast. His question of how to follow Jesus to where he is going is answered. Following Jesus leads not just to death, but beyond.
- Thomas doesn’t doubt Jesus, he doubts this friends. How does our mistrust of our fellow believers cause us to miss out on Jesus?
- What were they afraid of? Fear didn’t keep two of them from sprinting to the tomb when they heard the body was gone. After the tomb, they returned home. Why were they now locked in a room? Now faced with reality of resurrection, why were they paralyzed?
Peter presents Jesus’ life and resurrections as the renewal of the covenant God made with Jacob. In doing so, Peter reshapes Joel’s original prophecy to show how Jesus fits into the well-known prophecy. Peter never showed a lot of Biblical knowledge, so did he intentionally reinterpret the passage or simply remember it in the way he needed to support his sermon?
- At some point between the time of Peter’s denial of Jesus and when he stood up and preached his first public sermon in this text, Peter got a bit of holy boldness. What could cause that kind of change?
- How do we “misremember” scripture show it says what we want it to say? What do you think is your favorite example of how you might do this?
Easter 2022, April 17, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian.
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Zephaniah 3. How does putting our trust in human leaders set us up for failure?
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Genesis 9. When and how do rainbows appear?
concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Psalm 19. If creation is speaking, we can't understand what it says. So how do we learn a lesson from it?
concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Ezekiel 36. Can God make mistakes?
concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
April 10, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 19:1-16a
How do we learn to live a more honest and authentic life by seeing ourselves the way God sees us?
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
April 3, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 18:28-40.
How do we learn to live a more honest and authentic life by seeing ourselves the way God sees us?
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
March 27, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 18:12-27.
How do we learn to live a more honest and authentic life by seeing ourselves the way God sees us?
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Luke 15:1-3; 11-20. This story is so familiar we sometimes miss its impact. Maybe that's because we focus on the wrong character. What if the story isn't about the prodigal son, but instead about the generous father?
For more about our community: concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Almost Daily Devotion on Isaiah 33:1-10. Christians have always struggled over our faith-based response to violence. How do we respond to potential oppressors?
Almost Daily Devotion on Psalm 32. Sometimes we have bad days. Can we learn to pause long enough to give them to God?
March 20, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 13:1-17.
How do we learn to live a more honest and authentic life by seeing ourselves the way God sees us?
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Almost Daily Devotion on Luke 13:1-9. Why do we so often look first to blame before responding with compassion?
Almost Daily Devotion on Psalm 63. How does seeking God gives us the confidence to live our lives in truth?
For more about our community: concordpreschurch.com Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Almost Daily Devotion on Isaiah 55:1-8. How does moving into the future really mean a return to our ancestral home?
Almost Daily Devotion on 1 Corinthians 10:1-15. How do we find God in the midst of the passages which have been used to harm?
For more about our community: concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
March 13, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 11:1-45.
How do we learn to live a more honest and authentic life by seeing ourselves the way God sees us?
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Psalm 130. We find ourselves, at times, overwhelmed by waters which are too deep. How do we see rays of light when there are so many clouds?
Almost daily devotion on Ezekiel 37:1-9. Ezekiel's vision is God's way of offering support to the despairing Israeli refugee. How do we find our hope when all appears hopeless?
March 06, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 10:1-18.
How do we learn to live a more honest and authentic life by seeing ourselves the way God sees us?
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
(Almost) Daily Devotion on 1 John 3:!6-24. Loving others is risky, if only because it asks us to respond in love first. What barriers do we put in place which hem in our love?
(Almost) Daily Devotion on 1 Peter 2:19-25. The stories we tell and lift up as important should be ones of praise. How we keep ourselves in bondage to despair?
(Almost) Dally Devotion on Ps. 118: 1-29. nWE restrict possibilities because we are either half-full or half-empty thinkers. How does our attitude shape how we see God at work in the world?
concordpreschurch.com
(Almost) daily devotion on Acts 2L42-27. Sharing and Generosity are part of the Christian Life. But how do we often get the cart before the horse?
February 27, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 9:1-19. How do we learn to live a more honest and authentic life by seeing ourselves the way God sees us?
concordpreschurch.com
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Luke 9:28-36. Jose goes up on the mountain and gets a heck of tan. How do our mountain top experiences stay with us?
(Almost) Daily Devotion on 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. How does our focus on the "after-life" devalue on actual, earthly life?
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Psalm 37:1-11, 39 & 40.
We're often told to be silent and wait on the Lord, but that's not great advice for a sustainable life of faith. How does trusting God ask more from us?
(Almost) Daily Devotion on Genesis 45:3-11. Joseph decides to be honest. How does living life honestly change how we interact with the world?
February 20, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 7:37-52
Music and lyrics used by permission from CCLI License # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Today's Almost Daily Devotion on 1 Corinthians 15. How does our experience in the world prevent us from seeing other people, and ourselves, as real, important, physical beings?
Today's Almost Daily Devotion on Luke 6:27-38. How does our inability to love our enemies create an environment where we unintentionally give them too much power?
February 13, 2022, Scout Sunday, at Concord Presbyterian. Worship based on John 6:35-51
Our Almost Daily Devotion on Psalm 1. Our Roots are what allows us to make is through the hard times. Who is the person who we look up to because they have survived the tough times?
Our Almost Daily Devotion on Jeremiah 17:5-10. St. Thomas Aquinas said Happiness consists in God alone. How does trusting human sources of power leave us unrooted?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Believing in the truth of the resurrection can and should change our lives. How does understanding God's grace and its impact on our lives change our outlook?
Songs used with Permission from bensounds.com
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Luke 5:1-11. The words Jesus speaks to Peter, James, and John were what draws them in to God's grace. How do our words create truth?
Music from bensounds.com
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Isaiah 6:1-8. God's presence is overwhelming and can leave us feeling inadequate or not good enough. How can we see this vulnerability as a good thing?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on John 4:7-42. We don't really understand the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, because it's full of cultural baggage we don't recognize. But, how can we discover a deeper meaning but looking at the text slightly differently?
To read the Bible verse for yourself: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A7-42&version=NIV
For more information, go to https://www.concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Today's (almost) daily devotion on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Faith, hope, and love are what defines a God-Life. What yardsticks do we use to measure our lives? What kind of power do we seek?
To read the Bible verse for yourself: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A1-13&version=NIV
For more information, go to https://www.concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Psalm 71:1-6. Every part of our lives are dependent on God's care and love for us. How do we see God's hand in the midst of it all?
For more information, go to concordpreschurch.com
To read the Bible verse for yourself: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+71%3A1-6&version=NIV
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Jeremiah 1:4-11. We see prophets called to ministry, but often don't see ourselves that way. God, on the other hand, sees everyone as called. How do we see ourselves like God sees us?
To read the Bible verse for yourself: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+1%3A4-11&version=NIV
For more information, go to concordpreschurch.com
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
Today's (almost) daily devotion. Often, our perception of ourselves is based off of faulty information. How do we see ourselves the way God sees us?
Songs used with Permission from: bensounds.com
January 9, 2022 at Concord Presbyterian. Third Sunday after Christmas Worship based on Luke 3:15-22
Today's (almost) daily devotion on John 13:1-8. How do we remain open to re-interpreting events?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Psalm 25:16-21. How do we open the doors and let the old year out?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Amos 7:7-11. We can't wallpaper over truth, even with fancy Christmas paper. How is this good news?
Our (almost) daily devotion on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8. Are you a "person of the day" or a "person of the night"? What difference does it make?
Our (almost) daily devotion. Today we look at John 1:35-38, when the disciples meet Jesus. They ask Jesus "Who are you?" and he responds "What do you want?"
Our (almost) daily devotion on 1 King 18. Elijah goes to the wilderness to avoid dealing with his own lonliness. How do we avoid our soft spots?
This week is thanksgiving and our (almost) daily devotion on Ephesians 2:4-6 begins a look at all the reasons we have to be thankful.
The (almost) daily devotiona on Rev. 1:4-8. TWe worship a God who was, who is, and is to come. Why does that make such a difference?
The (almost) daily devotiona on Rev. 1:4-8. The 7 churches seem so strange to us. What could John's letter have to say to us?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Psalm 93. Why does it matter that we have a God who is in charge?
Today's dail-ish devotion on Mark 13:21-34. It's easy to trust in false promises when they sound so good. How do we know the difference?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Numbers 23:4-11. What's the difference between an altar and idol?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Hebrews 8:8-15. What do we do when we think God has broken a promise?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Zechariah 4:9-11. What are the standards we use to judge our success?
Today's (almost) daily devotion. What is all this talk about Predestination?
for more: presbyterianmission.org/what-we-believe/predestination/
Today's (almost) daily devotion. How are we connected with those who have gone before?
For more: https://www.pcusa.org/news/2013/7/18/heaven-or-hell/
(almost) Daily Devotion on Isaiah 40:26-32. Do we allow our exhaustion to make us immobile or use it as a motivation?
(almost) Daily Devotion on Isaiah 40:1-8. Do we hear messages of comfort or do we enjoy our discomfort so much we can't even see those messages of peace anymore?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on 2 Kings 4. Elisha fixes a meal of bread - a teaches us about having enough.
(almost) daily devotion on 1 Samuel 8:1-8. How does our fear and anxiety cause us to look towards the wrong person for salvation?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Psalm 78:23-29. Do we see God at work in the least of these?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on John 6:1-15. The disciples were a small group who changed the world. How do we let our size influence our impact?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on John 6:51-58. What exactly happens in communion? And does it matter?
Today’s almost daily devotion on Song of Songs 2:8-14. What kind of baggage does Love carry?
Today’s (almost) daily devotion on Mark 7:1-8.
Is following the rules helping or hurting you?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Ephesians 5:15-20. Wisdom is hard! We have to look for it and be intentional about receiving it's guidance.
Today's (almost) daily devotion on John 6:1-15. Do we like the idea of "secret knowledge"? How does this separate us from God and one another?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Psalm 78:23-29. How do the stories we hear about the past inform our future?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Exodus 16:2-4; 9-15. We don't often see God in the midst of flame and fire. So how do we see God's presence?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Ephesians 4:25-5:2. Forgiveness is hard. How do we create space for others so we can be more whole and healthy in our relationship with God?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on John 6:35, 41-51. What do we try to use to fill the hole on God's bread can fill?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Ephesians 4:25-5:2 How does our reflection show God to others?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Ephesians 3:14-21. Do we give others room in our lives to change us?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on PSalm 34:1-8. What is the relationship between Suffering and Praise? And is there such a thing as a bad prayer?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Psalm 34:1-8.
How does our attitude affect the group? And what are we choosing to notice about the world?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on 1 Kings 18:4-8. Elijah is driven out into the wilderness unprepared. How do we deal with the major changes which happen in our lives?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Proverbs 9:1-6. God's wisdom is offered to us in the same way as a fragrant meal or welcoming table. How do we respond when we smell those warm muffins?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Exodus 16:2-4; 9-15. How often do we experience wilderness? And do we see God at work in the midst of it?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on 1 Kings 19:4-8. Can we ask for help? Can we admit we can't do everything?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Psalm 145:10-17. How do we incorporate praise and prayer into our everyday life?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on 2 Kings 4. Elisha fixes a bad meal - a teaches us about trust.
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Psalm 23. Do we see the shepherd at work in our daily lives?
Sermon from July 11, 2021 based on Isaiah 11:1-9. What does God's hope actually look like and why don't we like it?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Ephesians 1:3-14. God's love is expansive, but how do we receive it?
Sermon from July 4, 2021 based on Roman 6:1-11.
How does our identity reflect God's Hope? What does baptism have to do with it?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Job 40:6-14.
What is God doing in the midst of the whirlwind?
Sermon for June 27, 2021 based on Psalm 104:33-43. How does God being the creator giving us Future Hope?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on 1 Corinthians 12. How do we know someone is speaking truth about God?
Sunday's Sermon for Concord Church in Statesville. Based on Mark 5:35-43. How does Jesus offer us Hope which external fixes can't?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Genesis 50:15-21. Is Evil secretly Good? And where does hope fit in?
Today's (almost) daily devotion. A Reading from John Calvin's "Institutes of the Christian Religion" 1.16
Today's (almost) daily devotion on 1 Kings 17:7-16. Elijah offers hope in the midst of famine and drought.
Sunday's Sermon on 1 Peter 3:8-17 from June 6, 2021. If Christians are called to offer hope, can we do so without risk?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 29:1-10. Paul gets bit by a snake. How often do we let snake bites poison our entire system?
Sunday's Sermon on Isaiah 6:1-7. God is bigger than our imaginations. How do we try to limit God?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 25. Paul demands to speak with Caesar - who acknowledges Paul didn't do anything wrong as far as the state is concerned. How should we deal with our disagreements with other people in the same religion?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 24:24-27. How do we testify concerning our faith when we are imprisoned?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 23:12-35. How do know whether we can rely on earthly authorities?
Can we "return to normal" or has the Holy Spirit moved us elsewhere?
Sermon from May 23, 2021, Pentecost Sunday.
How do we use our positions of power and privilege in order to spread the word of God?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 22
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 21:8-14. Do Christian faith and suffering go hand in hand?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 21:8-14. Do Christian faith and suffering go hand in hand?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 20:23-33. What does it take to be a leader for God?
Do you find yourself searching for a place or people to be accepted? This Sunday's Sermon on Acts 10:44-48 tells us what the Bible has to say about belonging.
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 13:1-12. What does it mean to be called by God?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 10:1-8. What makes somebody worth of being "inside" the church?
God often chooses the people we least expect to spread the gospel. Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 9:1-13.
Life in God makes a difference in us that last long term. Do we trust words from folks who only promise temporary solutions?
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 8:2-13
Why do we take our anger out on the person who tells us the truth? Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 7:51-8:1.
God's dream for us and for the church is bigger than our dreams. Sermon for April 25, 2021 based on Acts 8.
Today's (almost) daily devotion on Acts 5:22-35. What is the church's relationship with power?
Sermon from March 21, 2021, based on John 9:1-145.
Words and Music used with Permission. CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Benediction Song from marciamcfee.com
"The Life of Many Rooms" based on John 14:1-7; 10-15.
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
February 21, 2021's (almost) daily devotional.
Our scripture is Romans 8:31-39. When we feel like the world is "out of control", how can believeing God is in ctonrol give us peace and security?
Our (almost) daily devotional. Today, we begin the first reflection in our Lenten series called "Good Grief". The scripture reading is John 14:1-7; 15-19
Sermon and Song from February 14 at Concord Presbyterian Church. Basedon Psalm 89:1-5. When have you needed to borrow faith?
Our (almost) daily devotion. This week, we've been focusing on important theologians in the African-American Tradition.
Our (almost) daily devotion. This week, we've been focusing on important theologians in the African-American Tradition.
Our (almost) daily devotion. This week, we look a the lives and stories of important African-Americna Theologians in honor of Black History Month.
The Sermoncast. This week, we look at Ephesians 4:25-5:2. What do we do with all this anger we feel?
How often do we open ourselves to hearing other people's stories?
Our (almost) daily devotion on Ruth, Chapter 2:20-23.
Sermon from Sunday, January 17, 2021 on Ruth 1:1-18. Find out why God thinks you are enough.
CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Daily Devotion on the Story of Ruth and Naomi.
Find out more about Concord Presbyterian at concordpreschurch.com
Advent Devotion on the People look East. Full version of the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8GNlRcBdvs
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Devotion on Love Has Come. Full Version can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IikFfe4v_Cw
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Advent Devotion on Comfort My People. Full version of the hymn here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=119C58F3dnQ
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Devotion for December 8, 2020. Based on the hymn "What Star is this with Beams so Bright". Full hymn can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILmzvfOYtzg
Advent Devotions, Day 7. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear".
Full Hymn Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYDa4Kht6Eo
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Advent Devotions on Day 6 of Advent. "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken"
Full video of song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_CHF4gRyfI
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Advent Devotions, Day 5. "Creator of the Stars of Night".
Full Hymn Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zibWoP4RJ14
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Advent Devotions, Day 4. "Keep your Lamps, Trimmed and Burning".
Full Hymn Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdfkNKqPTV4
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Advent Devotions on Day 3 of Advent. "Resteraunos, Oh Dios"
Full video of song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piqok2sYIHU
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Advent Devotions on Day 2 of Advent. "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"
Full video of song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRAFQCOkjgE
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433
Advent Devotions on Day 1 of Advent. "Jesus, what a Wonderful Child.:
Full video of song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPCyMkDxh0M
Songs used with Permission from: CCLI license # CSPL086812 One License # A-735433