River City Vineyard - Teachings: Recent Episodes
River City Vineyard Community Church
We are losing a generation. Many in the Gen Z generation are no longer interested in attending church. What has caused this very sad situation? Is there a way forward for correcting what is turning people away from the church?
"As a result..." Paul write in Ephesians 4. Christian maturity and the unity of the Spirt are a result of what? That is our conversatiom today.
Forty days after the resurrection Jesus ascended. His ascent was not a departure from the earth. Jesus ascended in order to fill the universe. He is in his rightful place as King of all the universe.
The women at the tomb were disoriented when they discovered the missing body of Jesus. When they remembered how Jesus told the first disciples this would happen, they were reoriented to following Jesus announcing the resurrection to the twelve.. Likewise, Martha questioned Jesus about his late arrival and the loss of her brother, Lazarus. Jesus reminded her of who he was which reoriented her to the reality of resurrection now and the end of days sooner not later.
Disorientation is a normal experience for those who commit to following Jesus. Remembering how Jesus said what he said is one way to face our uncertainties and to continue our journey of faith.
The woman at the empty tomb “wondered.” They were at a loss about the absence of the body of Jesus which they helped place in the tomb on Friday afternoon. There are times when following Jesus brings us to a place of uncertainty. How do we move through these times?
King Jesus, we acknowledge you as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We cry out to you for help. Help us, Jesus, with our present, everyday fears. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Jesus in the wilderness is central to the church's season of Lent. Why is that?
The answer is found in the first 100 years of the church.
The unfolding story of our community is a tale to be told. Our vision is larger than our resources. What do we do?
First, we will return to our Christian roots and fast on either Wednesday or Friday. Our fast will include petition for our Father's provision for our community.
Second, we will send out a crowd source funding invitation for all our friends.
In these ways we hope to receive the resources to enlarge our garden for the sake of our neighbors who visit our monthly food pantry. Plus we want to continue to provide a safe place for our at-risk families in need of shelter.
Why did the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness? Why did Jesus endure temptations in the Wilderness?
The third glimpse of glory seen by John and the first disciples im Jerusalem was the lame man healed at the pool of Bethsaida. What are the glimpses of glory seen in this account?
God appeared in humanity. Jesus is the Word who became flesh and who radiated the glory of divinity. We now can see God when we look at Jesus!
Gpd purposed before time began to rescue all humanity not by our accomplishments but by God's method, the personal appearance of Jesus.
Christmas contains an incredible story. It is a story to be told. And at the sam time it is a story which inspires action. We need to tell the story and at the same time, do the work of Christmas
The birth of Jesus is a love story. God so loved all humans that he sent the Son who was Beloved of God. It is a love story to remember from the past and a love story for today and a love story for the rest of time.
The birth of Jesus comes with joy! More joy comes for today. And there is a future joy that we await.
Jesus arrived at a time when many experienced hopelessness. How does hope show up at a hopeless time?
What is the meaning and purpose of the Church?
Most know the answer is much more than a group of people meeting on Sunday mornings in a building.
How important is the garden in our faith? Here is the beginning of exploring an important aspect of our faith as we follow Jesus.
When Paul writes to Timothy's about God's House, whta was he imagining? How can we learn from Paul's instruction?
Holiness is a state of being not a state earned by doing holy things. Holy activities flow from a being who is holy. We become holy by being with the One who is holy.
Jesus became like us so that we could become like him. This is the purpose of the Christian life. This is the reason church exists. This mystery is very important and awe inspiring.
What we say at a time of suffering is important. We hope to bring comfort to the suffering. But, sometimes what we have been taught to say communicates discomfort and misrepresents who God is.
As we journey through this season of Great Lent, we stop at the cross this morning. Our Orthodox Church Fathers include a reminder of the cross in the liturgy of the Great Lent. It is such a helpful reminder of our journey's end.
How important is it for the church (people believing in and following Jesus not an institution or a building) to become like Jesus?
St Gregory Palamas and others thought it was very important. The means was the spiritual exercise of contemplation and the Jesus Prayer. May we learn from the example and teaching of those who have gone before us in following Jesus and in becoming like him.
This year we will follow the Eastern Tradition for the season of Lent, the Great Lent. This morning we will introduce the season.
What is God like? Who is God? What does relationship with God look like?
All these questions arise during the Season of Epiphany. How has God made himself known to us in Jesus Christ? That has been our question through thin season. This morning we share our "a-ha_moments with one another.
How is God made know through Jesus as a boy at the Temple during Passover?
Hoping we all have an "A-Ha" moment or two.
How does God appear through Jesus in the escape of Joseph, Mary, and the baby to Egypt from the murderous rage of King Herod?
"In his name the Gentiles will hope."
Matthew paints a beautiful portrait of God's chosen One, Jesus. caring for the "outsiders" resulting in both their well-being and the hope they all discover in relationship with Jesus.
Can we trust God?
with all that we cannot see?
with all that we do see?
with all that is needed for living a worthwhile life?
with the one-of-a-kind God-expression?
How did Andrew find Jesus, the Messiah? John tells the story in the first chapter of the gospel story. How about us and those we love? How do we find Jesus, the Messiah?
When John the Baptist drew attention to Jesus, the Lamb of God, what did his disciples hear and understand? If we understand that meaning, we can enter into their Messianic Expectation.
The Season of Advent is approaching. It is almost here. We want to prepare for the season by renewing and expanding our Messianic Expectations. We start with the Samaritan woman who visited with Jesus at a water well. In that conversation she expresses a Messianic expectation. What was that expression? Where did it come from? What the surprise for her?
"Happy are the peacemakers" is more than a platitude. These are words we must put into practice. Our world in strife is in great need of peacemakers.
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, was a disciple of John the Apostle. Both he and Polycarp learned to follow Jesus by appenticing with John. So, when Ignatius provides us with a definition of Christianity, it is good for us to listen and learn.
"If God wills" can be an excuse for inactivity. We are considering another option practiced by Jesus. God invites us to partner with him.
We are still in John 4 where Jesus met the Samaritans. So much to learn about how Jesus shared his life with others.
Tapping into our Vineyard history in hopes of refining our service toward our neighbors.
What Jesus' approach in life and ministry with the woman at the well (John 4)? What values were at the center of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan women? How did Jesus create a safe place for the Samaritan women?
Do we as a community follow Jesus in our approach to ministry?
We are identifying the core values of our community from the Beatitudes. The first part is a Theology of Peacemaking.
All of us are in need of mercy. May we who follow Christ Jesus learn to receive mercy and to give mercy away with no strings attached.
We find ourselves disoriented by political and ecclesiastical crisis over the past ten to twenty years. Gratefully, we can begin to reorient ourselves from lessons learned in the past by those in the Fourth Century who faced similar circumstances.
A special conversation with Bert and Evelyn Waggoner concerning the a center set approach to ministry, values, and much more.
Palm Sunday is the beginning of Passion Week. What a great opportunity to focus on the humility and self-sacrificing love of Jesus which triumphs over all principalities, powers, and empires.
We live in the Between Times. We still experience the suffering of this present age, "an aeon of suffering," and at the same time "taste the powers of the age to come." We refuse to ignore the reality of human suffering or dismiss that suffering by heartless theologies. We are "those who mourn."
We practice a center-set approach to ministry. We are discerning the values toward which our community is drawn in this season.
Are we lawyers or prophets? Will we retreat into religious legalism or serve as the prophetic conscience of our culture? Which way does Jesus lead us?
In a center set approach to ministry, the authority is found in the values at the center toward which all in the community are encouraged to move toward. Along with prioritizing relationship over rules, the values at the center hold things together in a center-set community.
Merry Christmas. Our world is in desperate need of change. What can we who follow Jesus do to help?
Part of the salt and the light we are to share with the world is Peacemaking. In light of the outbreak of hostility in the Middle East, we want to encourage others to come along with our community in the pursuit of reconciliation and a just peace between Palestine and Israel.
Our community has been on an adventure of reading A More Christlike God by Bradley Jersak. We have been covering one chapter a week. Each week’s conversation is directed by one of our teaching leaders followed by comments and questions by our in-person and on-line community.
Our purpose for this journey with Bradley has been to make sure we are telling the best story of the Good News of Jesus. We have noticed that too often we leave the basic story line of the Bible and begin to add particular theological explanations which at times twists the story of Good News into Bad News, from a beautiful story to something much less than beautiful.
We want to do our best to pass along the Good and the Beautiful news of Jesus to our families, friends, and neighbors.
Love God. Love others in the same ways you love yourself. Even love your enemies. Since God is love. Love is the main word and action of the faith of those who follow Jesus. Better to spend time loving rather than judging!
As a community we have an opportunity to serve an asylum seeker. The truth is we have the heart to help, but we do not know how to do this. Pastor Dianne is further ahead of us on this journey and has wonderful encouragement for us and for anyone else who has the heart for a compassionate response to those seeking asylum.
Self-denial in the Gospel is not meant to be an end in itself. What does self-denial for the sake of following Jesus look like?
We are preparing for Lent. This morning we are suggesting a Community Rhythm of Prayer for the Lenten Season. All are welcome to join in prayer with us. Let us know if you do by writing inquire@rcvineyard.org.
Without darkness we cannot recognize light. In a similar way we cannot know hope without experiencing hopelessness. We will step into the pit of despair this morning so that we may experience the hope of Messiah
We want to continue the ministry of Jesus by serving the poor. We, also, have a wonderful heritage in the Vineyard of service to the poor. As we move toward owning a home close to a neighborhood of obvious need, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to empower us for service to others.
What do we mean when we say, “Jesus is Lord”? What does Jesus have in mind when we use the title, “Lord”?
Enjoy the listen.
After a season of discernment, we have a future idea of moving closer to our neighbors and serving with the love and care of Jesus.
A dead person raised from death to life is spectacular. Nothing compares to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. However, there is so much happening in the cross and the resurrection worthy of taking note. Give a listen. Hope you are encouraged.
May I have permission to rename the Triumphal Entry? This Palm Sunday I suggest the Courageous Entry. I think I have good reason to do that. Please listen and share what you think.
When disoriented remember who God has shown himself to be, and move forward trusting in him.
Jesus brought Good News to our world. We must never allow this Good News to be coopted for any purpose other than the purpose of his kingdom.
God is love. His message is love. His method is love. He sent Jesus because he loves all of humanity. He saves us and forgives us because he loves us. May we respond to him in love.
The season of Advent helped me change my perspective. It is Christmas. What an incredible day to remember what God has done for all human beings.
Joy comes from the process of facing trials with patience. We have certainly had a couple of years of trials. May our patience increase so that we may rejoice.
When the kingdoms of this world seem to thwart the arrival of the Kingdom of God, what did Jesus do? What can we do?
It is really hard to live in the “not yet” of the Kingdom of God.
How credible are the gospels of the New Testament? Important question to answer for anyone wanting to follow Jesus.
In these days of uncertainty we need something that is certain. We need a solid rock to stand on. We need truth at a time when many publish lies and half-truths. Is the story of Jesus even Jesus that certainty we all need in this season?
We have been exploring four ancient practices of the church. These were practices the church persisted in day by day. They were the devotions of the first church.
In this message we explore the pairing of the four practices. Luke writes of two pair of practices. How are we to understand these two sets of community devotions?
When the first followers of Jesus asked him to teach them to pray, he did. Plus he encouraged persisting in the prayer he taught them by telling them a parable. How can we learn to pray with persistence?
In a time of uncertainty we need to persist in time honored practices that bring stability to our community life. One of those practices is persisting in the teaching of the Apostles. Who were the Apostles and what did they teach? We have much to learn.
In these uncertain and trying times we as a community want to persist in pr Actives that have servers the church well since its beginning. This morning we will focus on the common meal, the breaking of bread.
It seems that the past two years have stripped us of health, financial security, relationships, sanity in national politics, and even time together. When all is stripped away faith, hope, and love remain. This podcast is the third in our series.
The second of our series of three. Faith, Hope, Love remain when all else is stripped away. We must not lose hope even in the most trying of times.
The time we live in is challenging. We have encountered unprecedented events never before faced in our lifetime. In many ways are living is being stripped down to essentials. When all else is stripped away faith, hope, and love remain.
We know in part. We see in part. No one knows or sees everything completely. This is the “Now”. In the “Then” we will know and see completely. “Now” is not “Then”. May we patiently wait for the “Then” to arrive.
We want Jesus to teach us to fish for people not fish. We want to gather people into community. Through friendship we hope everyone says “yes” to the invitation to follow Jesus, to enter His Kingdom, to join Jesus in setting things right on planet Earth.
We are a “come and see” community. We are transparent. We want folks to visit. We are happy to invite our friends to come with us to times of gathering. Our hope is for people to see Jesus in us.
Worship is more than songs in a church service. Worship includes the songs the church sings on Sunday mornings. However, worship is more than these songs and more than what the church does on Sundays. Worship recognizes the value of God in all of life. Worship is expressed in a many ways. May we all learn to worship in Spirit and in truth.
We believe the church in general has become too involved in partisan politics. We do not believe the church should be considered as a voting block for any particular political party. With increased partisan politics, the church in general has also begun to over emphasize Christian Nationalism. Being patriotic is one thing. Adhering to Christian Nationalism is quite different. We hope to explain the difference in our teaching and our loyalty to our King, Jesus, and his kingdom.
We want everyone to know who we are not and who we are. Our identity as a community of ordinary people following Jesus has been tested for several years. Here is a summary of what we have shared so far. Hope each listener enjoys getting to know us.
How much are we willing to give as a community? As much as Jesus was willing to give to us.
The Body of Christ must exercise if it is to remain healthy. It will grow and mature through exercise. But what exercise?
Liturgy is the “work of the people.” What work do the people do to build up the Body of Christ in love?
Can evangelism be something different than saving people from an impending future disaster?
Yes, it can!
What does it mean to care? How willing are we to enter into the pain of others? Caring goes much deeper than an occasional prayer or two.
The Father delivers his promise. The first followers are baptized with the Holy Spirit. That initial indwelling comes with noise and supernatural phenomena. A bigger crows assemblies and the Spirit-empowered followers of Jesus give their first witness to their peers in Jerusalem. Is it possible that their witness was two-fold? The first is the supernatural phenomena which gathers the crowd and allows the multilingual crowd to hear a witness about God’s deeds of power in their own native language spoken by others who are not speakers of their language. That first witness climaxes in a question, “what does all this mean?”
The second witness is Peter standing up and speaking to the crowd helped by the Holy Spirit to answer their question. We can imagine Peter starting his witness with words like these: “This does not mean this, but it does mean this...”
May the Holy Spirit empower the witness of the Church in 2021. In particular may the Holy Spirit help the Church answer the many questions coming from 2020 and summarized in the question asked in Acts 2. “What does all this mean?”
Jesus’ last exchange of instructions with his remaining followers is charged with emotion. From terror to great joy and all in between. There is even a range in faith expressed from belief to some belief to no belief. Into this cauldron of swirling emotions and variegated belief Jesus pours the seasoning of his last words. “Wait.” I don’t know anyone that likes to wait during amped up times. “Receive Power.” What I am asking you to do you cannot do without help. “Be my Witnesses.” I am checking out but I am sending you to every nation so that all humanity hears about me. See you later. “I will be with you all.”
Women were essential to the mission of Jesus. Among the women traveling from Galilee to Judea were at least two Moms. The sons of these Moms include the sons of Zebedee. The Mom of James and John, plus the Mom of two followers of Jesus are recorded by Matthew in his Gospel Story. These Moms and other women were present at the cross, the burial, and some were the fist witnesses of the resurrection. They were tasked by an Angel and Jesus himself to compel the Eleven out of hiding after the death of Jesus so that they could see him. These women who saw Jesus first helped the disciples including their sons to see Jesus.
Are you looking for Jesus? You are not alone. We read about people looking for Jesus this morning in Matthew’s story. They found him. He wants to be found. Keep looking and I am sure you will find him.
Exploring the theological necessity, historical reliability, and transformative power of the Resurrection.
It takes time and repetition of the story year after year to believe the resurrection. It is so unfamiliar to us that a body that died and was put in a tomb would be raised to life again. And yet that is our faith. We believe Jesus died and rose again. Coming to fully embrace that faith is a process not a singular “ah ha” moment.
Paul in writing the Corinthians determined to keep his message plain and simple. “First Jesus__who he is, and second Jesus__what he did, Jesus crucified.” These two questions are foundational for following Jesus. We must know who he is and what he has done for us. What did Jesus do for us on the cross?
The crowds welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem with shouts of praise. In the praise there are several titles attributed to Jesus. What do these titles mean? How does the meaning of these titles help us answer the question of Jesus’ identity? Who is Jesus?
Is Culture war real or imagined? What if Culture War is a political device used to manipulate people? What if fighting in the Culture War is undermining the Church’s witness to Jesus?
We lament the loss of life for so many from the Covid pandemic. We confess the sin of tribalism dividing so many in the Body of Christ.
Lament prepares us for the hope we will find in the empty tomb of Jesus. Confess leads to the cross of Jesus where we receive forgiveness.
We want to engage with the world around us and rely on the Holy Spirit to teach us to walk like Jesus; one aspect of our world right now is the rise of conspiracy theories in the American church. Listen in as we seek wisdom and discuss Qanon, a popular conspiracy theory that led to the insurrection on the US Capitol on January 6th.
We live in an enchanted world and we can enjoy that enchantment as long as our worldview allows us to see the mystery.
Something has gone horribly wrong in the evangelical church. We have in general failed in our spiritual formation growing less like Jesus rather than more like him. We have become bad news for many in our generation. Some estimate that 25 million or so have left the evangelical church since the first decade of the 21st century. What are we to do?
We want to figure out what has happened so we stop making the same mistakes over and over again. And we want to reorient our faith and practice so that we get back on track with spiritual formation and with God’s mission in our world.
A New Year has begun in a not so happy way. The global pandemic is worse than when it first began. An insurgency at the National Capital. A President impeached for the second time in a four year term with the most serious charge in impeachment history: inciting an insurrection.
What do we do now?
God made a personal appearance on the earth. He brought attention to that appearance through a miraculous sign, a guiding star. The star both announced the birth of a new King and also guided the Magi from the east to Bethlehem, the city of the King’s birth. In Bethlehem these Magi had a personal encounter with the new-born King. That appearance overwhelmed them and they bowed in worship. May we all have a similar epiphany of Jesus, Messiah and King.
Shalom. Peace...”The essential characteristic of the Messianic KIngdom.” How much of that peace did Jesus give to those who follow him?
In these challenges days while we gather for holidays, we have the opportunity to listen to one another’s woes and offer to pray for one another. God has amazing ways of answering our prayers with divine surprises.
What does it look like to follow Jesus after such a contentious Presidential election and at the same time a year of pandemic, economic downturn, police brutality and racial injustice. Let’s have a conversation. We have lots to talk about.
Who we are, our identity, in relationship with Jesus, our King and his Kingdom can not be lost in our practice of temporal, national politics. We will never enter the Kingdom if we cannot let go of our political partisanship
We are waiting for the Positivity Rate in our county to drop to 5% and remain there or lower before we gather in-person. Until then we can begin to take steps forward toward regathering. This week and next week are an encouragement toward our first step.
By and large the church is not in the building. That is a blessing. We can get back to doing what Jesus asked us to do.
Paul returns to Antioch certain that he is on the right track in announcing the Kingdom of God to the Gentiles and asking them to simply believe in Jesus with nothing else added. Peter helps assure Paul of his ministry. All is good until Peter comes for a visit. Sadly Peter is followed by others who disagree with the decision reached in Jerusalem. For this Judaizer group Faith in Jesus for the Gentiles must include obedience to the Jewish law of circumcision. Peter is so intimidated By this group he draws back from the Gentiles and is swept into hypocrisy.
Do we recognize similar pressures today? And if so, what are we to do?
For fourteen years Paul announced the Good News of the Kingdom to Gentiles in Syria and Cilicia. Throughout that time he had a lingering uncertainty. He expressed that uncertainty in this question: “Am I running or have I run this race in vain?”
What did he do with this uncertainty? How can we learn from Paul as we face our uncertain time?
Throughout Christian history and into modern times, church leaders have demonstrated a strong tendency to insist new followers of Jesus conform to prevailing religious, social, and political customs. Two familiar and important stories from the ministry of Jesus remind us that making distinctions based on these customs is contrary to the Good News of the Kingdom.
We are more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. But until we as a nation are willing to take an honest look at our legacy of racism and truly listen to the stories of those affected by it to this day, we won’t move forward into healing and freedom in Christ.
We are not the first lovers of God to face difficult circumstances. Those who love God have quite the history of facing slavery, forced labor, pompous emperors, fiery furnaces, global famine, and even execution by the state. How did our ancestors face their trials? What can we learn from them?
Who is going to step up to the work of reconciliation in our generation? Reconciliation is long overdue making the challenges even harder. But, who regardless of the difficulty is going to do the heavy lifting?
We all need reconciliation with God and with one another. The need for reconciliation continues in our nation. It is hard work to reconcile. It takes a lot of time. Yet, there is nothing like being reconciled. Who are the servants of reconciliation in our generation?
Stereotypes get in the way of reconciliation. Paul confesses to formerly judging Jesus, the Messiah, wrongly because of a stereotype. Setting stereotypes aside and seeing through new eyes is a big step toward reconciliation.
For those who follow Jesus, the cross and resurrection are the focused center for reconciliation. We are all regardless of our diversity on level ground. As one translation reads, “We are all in the same boat.” Because of the work of Jesus reconciliation can and must happen.
In these challenging days I feel somewhat helpless in the pandemic. I can continue to pass along safety measures from our Public Health department, but I cannot do much more. I also think the same about our economic downturn and the record unemployment. Apart from encouraging our community to contribute so our mercy ministries are fully funded to help when help is requested, I can’t do much. The third challenge is the social unrest and I think we can work with this one. We can learn to do reconciliation and take steps forward being reconciled to God and to one another. We are committed to being a part of the solution and not part of the problem. We begin with motivation. Why do reconciliation?
How do we keep our focus when our circumstances include a pandemic, record unemployment, heartless brutality toward Black Americans by some police, all at the same time, and in just four months?
Throughout human history God has been interacting with us, trying to bring us out of oppressive upside down systems and ways of life. He wants to rescue us from Egypt and bring us into the promised land, but to do that we often have to begin the hard work of unlearning the culture of Egypt that we have always grown up in. To enter the Kingdom of God we must leave our old kingdoms behind.
It is Pentecost Sunday. We wait for the Holy Spirit to fill us so we can be an effective witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Thousands in our generation need to hear an empowered witness like Peter on the first Pentecost. Is there anything about the Church today that would cause the Holy Spirit to delay our empowerment?
In our culture of anger and disappointment, people are always looking for enemies. Are you for or against me and my beliefs? Jesus never looked for enemies. Let’s look at the way of Jesus and learn how to relate to people in today’s environment.
What an irony to call the Church a super spreader event. On the one hand, yes, we are as long as we are spreading healing and life and truth. But when we foolishly spread an illness and death and conspiracy theories, no we are not and never meant to be. How can we be the super spreader event we are meant to be in light of our current crisis?
It is not an either...or. It is a both...and. This is a time of both gratitude and grief. As a matter of fact that is the way it has always been. Plus, it is the way of the Kingdom of God.
The Stay at Home order has ended. The Governor has announced the Open Texas Plan.
What is our path forward as a community following Jesus?
Jesus is a bright light shining in a dark world. We live in the tension between his light and our darkness. The global pandemic with almost 3 million human beings infected and almost 200,000 dead in 3 months is a reminder of our darkness. Along with the dark cloud of the pandemic, there is another storm cloud on the horizon, economic recession or possibly depression. This economic downturn is a second reminder of our darkness. And at the same time Jesus remains a bright light in the darkness. How do we keep his light burning in our darkness?
The has been the most unique Celebration of Resurrection in my lifetime. While we cannot change the circumstances, we can change our vantage point. When we reread the Gospel stories from a different vantage point, we discover we have more in common with the first Easter Sunday this year than ever before. And just in case this is not a comfort to you, remember this unchanging, fantastic, mind-blowing fact, Jesus is alive, risen from the dead!
We begin a very unique Holy Week this morning. It is Pam Sunday and there will be no parade today. No large crowds. No loud Hosannas. We will celebrate Palm Sunday at home with our family. How different is that?
And then again maybe this provides for us a new vantage point. We can reread the story and see something new from a new view. We will see things that we’ve overlooked in past celebrations when we focused on the large public gatherings and the loud shouts of hallelujahs. Enjoy the view.
For the past two weeks and all the sudden changes to our lives due to the very real threat of COVID-19, I have heard Simon and Garfunkel’s classic song, Bridge Over Troubled Water, on auto-play as the background to my many thoughts. The lyrics of the song raise so many good questions for this troubling time. Who will wipe the tears from our eyes? Who will protect us? Who would lay their life down for us? Who is our bridge over troubled waters?
A crisis exposes our faith. What kind of faith are we expressing in this pandemic? What kind of faith is expected of us at this time?
"If I were still trying to please people, I wouldn't be Christ's servant." Paul
Which will we become: a people pleasers or a servants of Christ?
May the Holy Spirit shape us to be servants of Christ Jesus.
We read in Galatians the story of Paul and the Apostles discussing whether Gentile followers of Jesus should first assimilate into the Jewish culture of the day by the rite of circumcision. Is the Spirit leading us into a similar conversation today in the context of new followers of Jesus being told to first assimilate into certain rites of cultural Christianity?
As we strive to hold on to the good news of Jesus and at the same time try to navigate life in a "crooked generation" where certain people confuse us and attempt to alter that good news how do we deal with our mental, emotional, and spiritual agitation and confusion?
Our theme for 2020 is "Until Christ is formed in us." We will read through Galatians week by week and ask the Holy Spirit to form our community into the likeness of Jesus.
How is the ministry of reconciliation working in Luton, UK? What can we learn about reconciliation and peacemaking in our multi-faith, multi-cultural towns and cities.
What we do in 2020 is connected to our core Vineyard Values and to our Center Set philosophy of doing church.
We are grateful to our friends in Bethlehem for their visits to the US and their willingness to share their story with us.
We watched a short YouTube clip about the Christmas Eve Truce in 1914 and then asked some questions...
The Season of Advent continues. We ask our King, Jesus, to exercise his royal power of joy in our community.
The Season of Advent begins. We welcome our King, Jesus. We ask for Him to exercise his royal power of love in our community.
Molly and Nathanael attended this year's Vineyard Justice Network conference. Here are a few wonderful thoughts from Molly
How do we know when the kingdom is present in our lives? What does the rule of Jesus produce in our lives?
Part of the mystery of the Kingdom is it is both "Here and Not Yet." When "here" we celebrate in the effectiveness of Jesus' rule in our lives. The "not yet" is harder. We have to wait. How do we navigate both the here and the not yet.
A day is coming will all will be perfect. But it is not yet here. So how do we keep hope alive day by day?
How do we "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" first and foremost?
Let's make it our first and foremost.
Seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness, first and foremost, begins with a daily abandonment of our will and our self-rule. "Not our will," but his be done every day.
Sometimes we reduce the Good News. It is a message about both a King and His Kingdom. Not one or the other, but both. Let's explore both.
Once the Kingdom was launched by Jesus, what boosters would fuel the proclamation until its desired destination? Give a listen. The answer may surprise you!
We are beginning a new season, the Season of the Kingdom. Following along from now until Advent.
He is the Helper. He was sent by Jesus to help us. Just as Jesus helped the first disciples, so the Holy Spirit helps us. To what degree do we trust the Holy Spirit to help us? Do we depend on him to help us with full confidence?
Sometimes we associate the Holy Spirit with activity. That activity is sometimes characterized by a whirlwind of high paced activity. But what about rest? Isn't the Holy Spirit also the one who helps us to rest?
When the Holy Spirit empowers the mission, He produces his fruit in the lives of those connected to Jesus.
"We are the garden not the gardener." Thank you, Becca.
That is so profound and so helpful!
"Wait for the gift of the Father...Wait in Jerusalem...Wait for the Holy Spirit to baptize you all ..." All of these promises from Jesus to his first followers sound so wonderful, but each promise is preceded by wait. Waiting is so difficult and yet so necessary for all who follow Jesus then and now.
During the season of Pentecost we are asking the Holy Spirit to empower our mission. We are seeing Him not only empower the mission, but also raise up new leaders for new ministries. This is an exciting time for our community!
On an average day one hundred people are granted asylum from detention centers in South Texas. These human beings arrive at the bus station in San Antonio with literally nothing but the clothes they are wearing. A sponsor has purchased a bus ticket for each of them, but most have no idea were they are going. They need support.
We have been invited to join in preparing sack lunches for these travelers every other week till the end of the year. How thankful we are to extend the mercy of our King to these special folks.
The pilgrims in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost heard a loud noise and came on a run to check it out. Having been drawn by the sound they were gathered to hear the empowered witness of the life, death, and resurrection by the first followers of Jesus. On that day 3000 committed themselves to following Jesus.
What sound would catch the ear of our generation?
What happens at Pentecost when the promise is fulfilled and the power comes? What can we do to participate in a new day of Pentecost for our generation?
It is Pentecost Sunday. May the Holy Spirit empower us to provide our generation with a witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and to invite others to come along with us as we follow Jesus.
When grief runs its course it gives birth to new life. It's a mystery how grief which feels like death expands the soul and brings new birth.
As we walk through grief our lament leads us into a confusing in-between time. This is a season of disorientation. We have many questions, but few answers. It seems that God has abandoned us.
The beginning of this Podcast failed to record. A listener may want to start by reading Psalm 13 and then proceed with the Podcast.
Peter Scazzero writes, "In emotionally healthy churches, people embrace grief as a way to become more like God." Our community is traveling through an unusual season of grief and at the same time we are focused on a life shaped by God. So we want to embrace our grief in this season and know as we do that we are being conformed to the image of Jesus.
How are we to understand Paul's instructions to slaves and masters in his letter to the Colossians? What did it mean back then? And what about today? How are we to understand and put these words into action?
The empty tomb is " too much...too good to be true." A dead body resting in a tomb raised from the dead overwhelms all our rationalistic circuits. Even the first followers of Jesus at first did not believe the report. They seemed to move from unbelief to disbelief into full belief. So what can we expect from ourselves as we read the Gospel accounts of Jesus raised from the dead? What can we expect from others when we share the story of the empty tomb and invite them to follow the Risen King?
As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem, Luke seems to develop the story of Jesus entering the city. Maybe Zacchaeus, a man who wanted to see Jesus, is one bookend with Jesus weeping over the city that did not want to see Jesus as the second bookend with the triumphal entry in between with disciples praising God for all the works of power they had seen. It all seems to be intentionally tied together which makes one wonder if Zacchaeus continued to follow Jesus to Jerusalem in order to join the praise of the King who sets all things right, even a crooked tax collector.
Our apologies for technical difficulties. We did not capture all of Molly's message, but what we have we want to share. It is so good.
There is always room for more at the Lord's Table.
We are caught between the ages, the present age and the age to come. Jesus inaugurated the future age, but it is not yet here in its fullness. We taste of the powers of the age to come, but we wait for the full spread. Until the fullness of the Kingdom of God comes we need patience, extended patience to stay on course. That patience is available at the Table of our Lord.
We all need to receive forgiveness for ourselves and extend forgiveness to others. The Lord's Table reminds us that everything is in place for forgiveness to work in our lives and in the lives of others.
We are celebrating Lent by Coming to the Table. Each Sunday we will observe the Lord's Table and there receive a gift which only He can give. The first gift is life.
When God shapes our life, he shapes a new life. Our new life has new virtues and new activities creating a new people living in a new community. Everything is new in Jesus!
A life shaped by God is a life being renewed. For all who follow Jesus a new life is promised. The new life replaces the old life. Focus on Colossians 3:9-10 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you strip off the old self along with its patterns of disobedience and put on the new self renewed in the image of the creator. It is time for a new humanity.
Colossians 3:1-4 directs our focus to Jesus, alive today, reigning today, waiting for the day when his glory is revealed to the whole universe. What a day that will be! But until that day we need to keep our eye on the "ball" and pursue our higher callings.
It is the Head of the Body that nourishes the rest of the Body. Every part of the body must remain connected to the head if the Body is going to flourish. Absolutely everything the Body needs for increase comes from the Head.
One a year Cathy Nobles visits our community. Cathy lives in Luton, UK and works in the ministry of reconciliation and peacemaking. Cathy is an encouraging voice in a world that tilts toward division.
Epiphany! We are celebrating Messiah's appearance to the Gentiles. The birth of Jesus is an event both for Israel and the rest of the world. God's global plan to bless all the nations through Abraham comes to fulfillment in Jesus, the Messiah
A child has been born to us. Who is this child? What makes the birth of Jesus such a big deal?
The host of Heaven announced "Peace on earth" on the night of Jesus' birth. How are we to understand and live out this announcement?
The season of advent begins. We wait expectantly for the comings of Jesus. We celebrate the first coming in flesh in a baby born in Bethlehem. We celebrate Jesus alive, resurrected coming daily in our lives. And last but certainly bot least, we celebrate his promise of return. Jesus is coming again at the end of this age. May we live in advent with joy, peace, love and hope.
Colossians 2:1-5
A life shaped by God is a life shaped by our burdens, our knowing of Jesus, and our discipline toward stability in our faith.
Colossians 1:15-18
A life shaped by God is a life shaped by learning to place Jesus first in everything.
Colossians 1:13-14
A life shaped by God is a life shaped by rescue. We thank God! He decided to rescue us.
Colossians 1:9-12.
We are discovering how God shapes our lives. One way is others praying for us and us praying for others. Continuous intercession shapes a life.
We begin a new series from the letter to the Colossians, A Life Shaped by God. We are all in the process of transformation from the inside out. We begin with Colossians. 1:3-5 as we invite the Holy Spirit to shape our lives.
What can we do to stop misery and suffering in this present age? Jesus does have an answer for that...
The scribe was close to entering the Kingdom. What did he need to do to take the final steps into the Kingdom? What keeps us from entering the Kingdom?
We want to identify what belongs to God and "pay" Him appropriately from a heart filled with love and devotion.
The collision of the old and the new climaxes in Jesus' final week. In the confrontation Jesus begins to tell story in order to get his point across to the opposition. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants comes right to the point: surely the tenant farmers will respect the son, but what if they reject him? What will the owner of the vineyard do?
God is neither male nor female. God is both and more. So it should not surprise us that God loves us both as a Father and as a Mother. His heart encompasses both and we are recipients of God's fathering and mothering love at just the right time. Today on Mother's Day we celebrate his love expressed as a mother.
There is only one miracle when Jesus curses something. Every other miracle is a blessing. Good for us to pay attention to what Jesus is doing so that we receive blessing and not curse!
When we see Jesus clearly in his passion, death, and resurrection, we truly know who he is and we are willing to pay the cost to follow him.
Are our eyes wide open? Do we need to regain our sight? Do we see everything clearly?
The road to greatness for Jesus and those who follow him is paved with service to others not being served, a refusal not to lord over others or to tyrannize them, and a willingness to give up of one's life for the sake of others. Who will get in on Jesus' glorious Kingdom rule as soon as possible?
What has Jesus done in his death and resurrection? Do we believe this? Do we live this?
Most of the time I expect to receive encouragement, comfort, and reassurance from the words of Jesus. So, what about those times when his words shock us? Dismay us? Horrify us?
Jesus announced the arrival of the Kingdom of God everywhere he went. He also demonstrated the arrival of that Kingdom by healing the sick or by setting people free from demonic oppression or by multiplying food of silencing a storm. And with the announcement of the Kingdom Jesus extended an invitation to enter the Kingdom. He leaves us with two very important questions: have we entered the Kingdom? Have we accepted the Kingdom?
Mark 10:1-12
Jesus passes into new territory and the crowds gather to hear him teaching. At the same time the Pharisees show up not to learn, but to ask questions in order to ensnare Jesus with a wrong answer. They ask a question about divorce. Jesus gives them an answer to a much more important question.
Mark 9:42-50
If we are going to take last place and serve others no sacrifice is too great.
God made manifest to humanity. What is the impact of that historical event on events in the present?
God has made himself know not just is the past but also very much in the present and in the very ordinary things of life.
As we celebrate the Christmas season and look to the new year, how can we seek God's presence in the ordinary parts of life?
From Peter's great confession to Jesus' rebuke of Peter to the top of the Mount of Transfiguration Becca guides us in our journey with Jesus.
Jesus crosses ever geopolitical dividing line, every race divide, and every gender gap with the announcement of his kingdom. There is something better for everyone!
Jesus asks his disciples a really great question after they miss the point of multiplying all that bread. Interestingly, those of us following Jesus may find ourselves in the same boat!
Jesus does it again. Feeding thousands of people by multiplying bread on the spot. But these thousands are on the "other side." What's up with that?
No matter the situation Jesus does everything well and for the benefit of those he serves.
We are beginning a new Teaching Series on the Core Values of the Vineyard, but first we'll share a short version of our history. Where did the Vineyard Movement come from? What is the historical seedbed which sprouted our core values?
Have you ever done something believing God said to do it only to find out that God never said it and it actually was a human tradition based on a human interpretation of God's revelation. How often has God's Word been replaced by our human interpretations and interpretations?
Jesus walking on water was not an everyday occurrence. So when Jesus does walk on the sea it is good to ask, what is going on?
The twelve needed rest. Off they went with Jesus to a deserted place away from the crowds in hopes of time together. When they landed their deserted place was full of a crowd of over 5000 people and their much needed rest was delayed. How does Jesus change their focus in this tense moment?
There are many joys for fathers which we want to celebrate. And at the same time fathers grow weary and can carry heavy burdens. Jesus has a special invitation for fathers, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden..."
Jesus invites his twelve apprentices to join him in announcing the Good News of the Kingdom. As they are ready Jesus empowers and sends them to the towns of Galilee two by two.
As Jesus announces the arrival of God's rule many accept the message and the benefits of God's Kingdom restored on the earth. Sadly and realistically, others also reject the message and its benefits. How can Jesus' hometown reject him?
A woman with a serious health problem reaches out to Jesus for help while Jesus is on the way to help a man whose daughter is also seriously sick and close to death. Will Jesus ask the woman to wait in order to help the man first or will turn the situation around for the benefit of everyone?
Jairus, the leader of the Synagogue in Capernaum, comes to Jesus publicly and urgently pleads for help. His daughter is close to death. How will Jesus respond to this request?
Jesus travels to the other side with his twelve through a terrifying and quieted storm into a different kind of storm.
Jesus really wants all of us to listen to him. Mark tells story after story recorded for us chapter 4 with the same encouragement, listen to Jesus. The calming of the sea is a climactic conclusion to the series of stories.
What does the arriving Kingdom of God and a mustard seed have in common? Jesus tells a parable to explain.
Jesus spoke the good word of God's Kingdom arriving "as they were able to hear it." How able are we to hear the word of the Kingdom spoken to us from the parables today? Let's listen and find out.
Listening is a skill to learn. With practice we can increase our capacity for listening to others. According to Jesus the better we listen to him, the more we will receive in understanding the Good News of the Kingdom.
Jesus was a story teller. His stories where parables, "stories that call for a response" from those who have "ears to hear". And what about those with ears that do not hear. What keeps us from listening and responding to the message of the Kingdom?
Let's embrace and enjoy the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God in our right-side up world!
A parable is an everyday story inviting response. What response does the Parable of the Sower invite?
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” C.S. Lewis
What a great way to describe the tensions in Mark 3 and its applications not just to Jesus but to us!
We are living in a time of unrest. Families, churches, and nations are divided. Rather than focusing on the problem how about looking at the solution? What can move us from our disunity to unity?
God does ask us at times to wait. Most of us prefer NOT to wait. We resist waiting. Our culture has instilled instant gratification in our daily experiences, so waiting seems abnormal. And yet, God asks us to wait and for good reason.
Cathy is visiting us from Luton, UK where she works on community reconciliation and peacemaking in a multicultural city. We are excited to learn from her many years of experience in the ministry of reconciliation.
Seeing what Jesus is doing in our community this New Year and joining him in the adventure!
The theme of the third Sunday of Advent is Joy. We want to experience the intense joy of the Good News announced by the angels over Bethlehem to the shepherds.
"Do not be afraid (too late for that the shepherds were terrified by the sudden, unexpectant, brilliant a appearance of the angel!): Look (catch your breath and listen to this announcement)____I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people..."
Peace is the theme of this second Sunday of the Advent Season. May we all receive the peace Jesus has to give to us, so that we become the peacemakers of our generation!
It is a simple question, what did Jesus come to do? Thankfully, Jesus has an answer for us. We do not need to make up our own answer. Hopefully, we will listen to him and continue his mission in our generation.
Jesus was quick to silence evil and to expel that evil from the person it tormented. As we follow in Jesus' footsteps we are not to choose the lessor of two evils. That choice would still be a choice of evil. We are to expose evil for what it is. We are to have nothing to do with evil. We must be about the business of silencing the destructive works of the evil one.
Jesus invites two sets of brothers to follow him into a whole new way of life. No longer will these four fish for fish. They will fish for people in the business of the Kingdom. May we learn to catch the people of our generation without any hooks or bait with a net cast wide into a very diverse sea!
Jesus began the establishment of the Kingdom of God on the earth. How will we continue what he began? Will we resist the temptations to promise prosperity, to seek popularity, or to rely on political power to build kingdom?
"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind."
Sometimes we present baptism as a choice between either water or Spirit. Sadly, we can even pick sides about one type of baptism over the other. How about both are essential for Kingdom living. We must be baptized in water and also in Spirit. Both water and Spirit for all who follow Jesus!
John the Baptist constructed a "road" for the Messiah/King to enter human history. That was his prophetic task. Now there is the need for others to maintain the "road" so that every generation has the opportunity to enter relationship with Jesus. Will we do the work needed for our generation?
In light of unfavorable ratings we might be tempted to conclude that we are living in a time of God's disfavor. Yes, circumstances can be gloomy like living under a dark cloud, but what does Jesus say about the times we live in?
Three steps toward reconciliation we can take: listening, healing, confessing & forgiving. May we embrace the message and ministry of reconciliation for the sake of our neighbors. God help us to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem.
If we are to reconcile our wounds must be healed. Healing comes from Jesus and his work finished on the cross. May that healing flow into our brokenness.
We want to be a part of the solution to the current rifts in our culture. Part of that is to learn how to bring reconciliation into every situation. A first step toward reconciliation is listening.
Our giving to support Jesus' mission is a debit. When we debit He deposits! Our debits become credits. Incredible!
Plus we can receive the blessing of this promise if we dare to give. "...my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
We all need encouragement to keep our thoughts headed in a productive direction. Sometimes it is a real battle so we need encouragement to hold our ground in our thoughts inviting Jesus to take charge.
Maybe without even knowing it, Nehemiah connects with the Big Story of God for all of humanity.
Another BIG celebration for the Church and yet, sometimes we over look this one. What is up with that? What could possibly motivate us to forget the birthday of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower the followers of Jesus?
What have we got to lose? Jesus is out of the tomb, alive, resurrected promising the same for those of us who are following him. So let's get on with living fearlessly!
There is a time to take risks! Now is that time for our community. When Jesus invites us to take risks, he produces bigger faith in us.
Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead sent shock waves throughout the pilgrims in Jerusalem for Passover. Jewish pilgrims from Judea and the diaspora saw in the resurrection the coming of the King of Israel. Chief Priests felt alarmed and considered drastic measures to rain on the parade. What an incredible day in human history!
Our community leaders retreated together for a weekend to ask Jesus a few questions about our community's health and ministries. The time together was so awesome! Here is a summary of ways we believe Jesus is guiding us.
We must "constantly seek" close friendship with Jesus. We must "strive" to attain it. We must "affirm it afresh each day in the life of faith". Let's go for it!
Thank you, Noel. While our Community Leaders retreated, our community enjoyed encouragement from Noel to go deeper into relationship with Jesus and one another in community. Enjoy!
I am on sensory overload. So many incredible images in one short paragraph, Philippians 2:12-18. May all who follow Jesus see our tremendous potential to shine as stars on the earth!
Wednesday, January 6 is Epiphany. Get ready for the feast. Enjoy the celebration. Respond to the revelation: "...the Word became flesh and lived among us..." Experience an epiphany: "...and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth."
The Christmas season is Twelve Days long from December 25 to January 5. Keep the celebration going!
We celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. One of our intentions for the season is to keep us alert to the return of Jesus. He came. He comes. He will come again!
The season of Advent awakens ancient longings for the Messiah and at the same time reminds us of Jesus' present ministry on the earth between his comings. May we look for him setting things right on the earth day by day listening for his invitations to join him in his work now.
The second week of Advent. We are awakening the ancient longings for Messiah with a visit to the story of Daniel. Daniel knew desperation, darkness, and impatience all of his life. Toward the end of his life God sent him a glimpse of Messiah, our only hope.
We begin our Advent season in a place of desperation, impatience, and darkness. Where is Messiah and his promise of salvation?
Our community giving thanks in liturgy and expressions of thanksgiving to God, to one another, for our community, city, nation, and the nations. Happy Thanksgiving!
What brings joy to God's heart? How can our community following Jesus fill God's heart with joy?
Sunday to Sunday during the NFL season more people in America watch an NFL game than attend church services. What makes the NFL so attractive?
Thank you, Bryant, for a great word of encouragement for our community. May we all take this word to heart and rest secure in out true identity.
How do we fill in these blank spaces: For me to live is _______ and to die is _______.
May we help one another advance and rejoice in our faith in spite of our circumstances.
Amazing promise! "He who began this good work in you all will complete it" What is Jesus completing in you?
Time to finish our journey through Acts. Saying goodbye to this "good book" is difficult. I am so thankful for the time spend engaged in the story. The good news is the story ends where it started with an invitation for us today to keep the Acts going!
Jesus speaks wonderful words of promise to us. Each promise follows a pathway to fulfillment. The fulfillment is guaranteed by the integrity of the one who speaks the promise. But there is no guarantee of the pathway of each promise. The pathway is unpredictable and most of the time longer, more indirect, and more difficult than we expect. And yet, Jesus always comes through!
Katie and Amber set out on a summer journey to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Istanbul. Here is the beginning of their story...
While on trial in the midst of trial after trial, Paul keeps his focus on engaging others in good conversation about Jesus. Oh, that we could keep that focus in our trying days.
Will our faith in Jesus overcome the fears generated by the events of our day? Is there any promise of protection?
N.T. Wright suggests that this passage in Acts "provides an object lesson in how a Jew like Paul thought about the structures of power in society." From Paul we can learn "some object lessons in basic political theology." Seems like a very helpful topic for today!
Dear friends, we had a technical problem recording Part 1 of Otto's message. Sorry about that. Here is Part 2 which is well worth the listen even without Part 1.
Thank you, Otto, you challenge our community to stay on track with Jesus.
Who we are and what we do remain constant in spite of court rulings, IS activities, and whoever is President.
Too often our celebrations are accompanied by our sorrows. Happy Father's Day and at the same time today is a day to remember the tragic lose of life in Charleston this week. How grateful I am for God's Story which not only intersects with our current events, but also guides us through our times of shock, dismay, and grief.
We are sad to see the Wilson family moving, but at the same time we are so happy for their friendship. Jeremy shares a few profound thoughts with our community as we end this wonderful season.
Paul, a Jew, starts to follow Jesus, the Messiah. He does not stop being a Jew to become a "Christian." He does "belong to the King" but he continues to practice Jewish vows and rites of purification. Sadly, Paul gets a reputation for going lite on Moses falsely accused of teaching Diaspora Jews not to circumcise nor to follow certain traditions of Moses. Back in Jerusalem he attempts to clear the air.
We want to make the most of a wonderful season. We have a tool to help us. The Vineyard Prayer Model is tried, true, and very effective for making the most of a season of deepening reconciliation and emerging leaders.
Yes, there is brokenness and yes, there is grace. They have to mingle if grace is going to work in this crazy, broken world. How they mingle depends on broken people who have experienced grace mingling with broken people who have yet to experience grace. Bryant does a great job of encouraging us to go there again and again without any hype, or cliches. Simply let grace speak through our deeds.
Where do we go when we need help? When we cry for Mercy who hears our cry and comes through?
13.6 million people have been displaced in Syria and Iraq in just a couple of years. That is like relocating the largest city in Europe, London. Imagine that! Many of those suffering are Christians. All are human beings. So what are we to think? What are we to do?
Disbelief is not unbelief. It is simply refusal to believe. And can you blame these poor souls? What a roller coaster week? Up____"The Kingdom of God is going to appear at once". Down____"I will not drink this wine again until it finds fulfillment in the Kingdom of God". Up___"Welcome to the King". Down____"Are you the King of the Jesus?" Like a really hard fought match point conclusion to a long, seemingly unending tennis match, the week especially Friday and Saturday went on and on, up and down, round and round. The disciples were worn thin and just could not believe the reports from enthusiastic women and travelers back from Emmaus. So what moved them from disbelief to acceptance and on to announcement? Well, that is what the story is about.
Expectation for the appearance of the Kingdom of God was exceptionally high on the day Jesus' entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. So he told a story. That story was just as important then as it is now. How do followers of the King do his business with his currency as they wait for his kingdom to appear?
Paul's farewell address to the leaders of the Ephesian church is incredible. His final charge to the leaders is a heartfelt, passionate, tearful appeal to keep the community together without being scattered by threatening "wolves". Just think of the kingdom potential of a Church resistant to the divisions introduced by leaders emphasizing non-essential truths.
Paul's farewell to the Ephesian leaders is full of great leadership qualities. Spend some time reading and thinking through Acts 20. Please share some of your insights.
Eutychus means "good fortune" and how fortunate he was the night he fell from a third story window to the pavement below. By embracing the dead life returns in those moments when the Kingdom breaks through.
As Paul is preparing to press on from Ephesus the city erupts in protest against the perceived threats to the Temple and the worship of Artemis. Notice who is protesting, who is angry, who is violent, who is threatened. Please also notice that Paul's message is not against Artemis. It is for the King and his Kingdom. Yes, we have something to learn from our history for today!
More and more people following Jesus. The Message increasing. The power of the Kingdom of God winning out over Jewish and Greek magic. The Message prevailing. It happened in Ephesus, a city of 300,000. How can it happen in cities today?
Paul did his best to make the things of the Kingdom real and convincing to others. In a two year window of opportunity the Province of Asia was saturated with the Good News of the Kingdom. How are we doing in our announcement to our generation?
The Holy Spirit is the game changer. He empowers our living and our witness from the inside out. We just can't do it without God inside us.
The beginning of a New Year gives us the opportunity to raise the bar of expectancy and commitment. Jesus wants to do a few things through our community this year. With his help and encouragement from one another we will build community, improve teamwork, engage in our domains, and take advantage of our learning communities equipping all of us for Kingdom ministry.
What does Jesus wanna do this year?
Build communityImprove teamworkImpact the bigger world around us for the betterJourney toward understanding in Israel and Palestine*Equip the saints for the work of ministry
Jesus is Savior. He does provide us with the means to be forgiven and to forgive, but he also intends so much more for all of humanity. We tend to focus on external behavior. He goes right to the heart.
To what degree does God love humanity? How does he demonstrate that love? Does Jesus communicate God's love or God's judgment? A few good questions to ask at this time of the year.
"In those days"____when hope for a personal Messiah was at a highpoint in Jewish history. "In those days"____when the Roman emperors were addressed as savior. It just so happened that Jesus____Messiah and Savior___was born in Bethlehem. This is the joyful event announced for all of humanity.
Advent is a season of waiting for Messiah. Since He has come and is coming, we commemorate His first coming as we prepare for his return.
Happy ThanksGiving!
"Be cheerful no matter what; Pray all the time; Thank God no matter what..."
Cathy Nobles, the founder and director of the Reconciliation Walk Community in Luton, UK, shares a word of encouragement with River City Vineyard.
All who follow Jesus are strengthened by the presence and power of God. May we share the experience of this ancient praise from the Qumran community: "Thou hast caused the Spirit of Thy Holiness to fall on me."
Paul is accused of inciting illegal worship in Corinth. Guess who comes to his defense. Maybe it is time for the "accused" to keep their mouths shut and let God provide the defense.
Do we know of God or do we know God? Are we seeking to find God or have we found Him? When we find Him do we live day by day in friendship with Him or do we connect with Him through dutiful religion that keeps Him at a distance shrouded in the unknowable?
This message is out of sequence but it is a good week to post. We enjoyed a Sign Up Sunday on September 7 and if you were not there the recording of signing up for serving, learning, and connecting is a tad uneventful. So here is a podcast we missed posting a while ago.
As Paul announces the King and the Kingdom in Athens those with a pagan background have no point of reference for Jesus or the resurrection. Is he introducing two new gods to the Pantheon? This is amazing.
We had a bit of technical trouble in the middle of this podcast, however we think there is enough to pass along. Sorry about that. Thanks for listening.
This message; Jesus is alive raised from the dead, Jesus is King, His Kingdom has arrived, disturbed the Roman Empire. Whose empire is disturbed by this message today?
Paul and Silas were Roman citizens and enjoyed the rights of citizenship. After violating those human rights the Philippian officials backpedal after a big Oooppps. How are we doing today with human rights?
Slavery and divination were both acceptable in Roman Law. Paul, however, represented another law, the Law of the Kingdom. Human trafficking, divination, and demon possession were just not acceptable. When he did something about it on the streets of Philippi he was accused of disturbing the peace.
Paul receives a vision of a man in Macedonia. He and the team get to Philippi in Macedonia as quickly as possible. That "man from Macedonia" pleading for help ends up being a lady from Asia Minor, Lydia. The first to respond to the announcement of the King and his kingdom in Europe is a woman!
Good to have a plan. Better to move out holding loosely to the plan. Best to respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He improves the plan.
Paul goes one way. Barnabas the other. Luke sticks with Paul as we head back into Asia Minor. Paul picks up a new companion, Timothy, as he announces the the arrival of the Kingdom of God.
Celebrating Father's Day by encouaging Dads (as well as all of us) to manage conflict well. Barnabas, a spiritual dad to Saul (Paul), let a conflict get to the boiling point and the two parted company. What can we learn from these two?
“They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!”
Are we speaking the languages of our generation? Are we declaring God's mighty works? Is any one wondering what's going on with these people who are following Jesus?
We are reading about solving a problem in the 1st Century, but wow! There is so much here for the church to consider in addressing today's questions.
Jews and Gentiles in the same house on equal footing is no afterthought. This is what God has intended all along. James and the Council in Jerusalem simply recognize this is what God is doing in complete agreement with the Prophets.
"Don't we believe that we are saved because the Master Jesus amazingly and out of sheer generosity moved to save us just as he did those from beyond our nation?" Thank you, Peter. Great question. Our turn to give an answer.
Amazing how we can make our doing more important than God's giving. Salvation is his gift to give not ours to earn. Hope we can be encouraged by Paul and Barnabas' response to those in their generation who attached conditions to salvation.
The first 13 saw Jesus resurrected and believed. Took some time for Thomas, but in the end he believed. All 13 spent the next 40 years giving their all to telling others that Jesus is alive and urging others to believe. Each had the courage to face physical death knowing that like Jesus "the true self survives death." How are we those who believe but have not seen more blessed than these?
From curiosity, to celebration, to suspicion, to condemnation, to sorrow, to righteous indignation...Jesus' royal entry into Jerusalem is full of emotion. May we tap into that emotion in order to recognize and welcome our king.
Susan and Katie visited the Holy Land with a group of thirteen on a Journey of Understanding. Their journey combines pilgrimage and conversation with Israelis and Palestinians. Here is part of their story.
Five of us from our community visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Galilee earlier this month. We return from an unforgettable journey with stories to tell. Please be patient as we unpack our bags over the next few weeks. We hope to impart a vision for something bigger and better not just for ourselves, but also for the whole world because our King has arrived with his kingdom.
This line from our Mission statement, "living and learning together," took on a whole new meaning after a week in Luton with the School of Reconciliation & Justice. This experience provided a new lens for reading Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Wow! The Good News just got bigger!
Paul & Barnabas announce the King and his Kingdom in Antioch of Pisidia. Some reject the announcement and "judged themselves unfit for eternal life." Others receive the announcement and are "appointed to eternal life." Geez, what does that mean?
Which do we want? To preach down at our generation? Point out sins with a tone of superiority? Condemn people to hell?Or, declare the good news of the kingdom? Point toward the genuine Savior of us all? Announce resurrection and life?
May the Holy Spirit send us out to proclaim not preach the good news of the king and his kingdom to our neighbors and the nations!
What a helpful reminder of our commitment to our King and his kingdom in all that we do including our finances. Thanks for keeping our focus on a community serving one another,our neighbors, and the nations rather than on the numbers.
1+1=4. Sometimes Kingdom stuff does not add up. It multiplies. Hoping for a year of increase by multiplication.
What are we to do after we see Jesus for who Jesus is? Following John, Andrew, and Philip is a great place to start.
John saw the glory of the only unique, one-of-a-kind, Son of God. He saw God with skin on, a man of flesh and blood. And yet, he saw more through eyes of faith. Will we? Will we see both the humanity and the eternal glory of Jesus. May this be a Glorious Christmas for all!
John, one of the Twelve, continues to describe the greatest event in the history of humanity. Jesus steps into time and space with life as it is meant to be lived. His entrance forces all of us to decide. Will we continue as is or become a child of God?
Just who is this that stepped out of eternity into time? Just who is this that became flesh and blood? Who is this?
What a person! What an event! How does one describe "the Word becoming flesh" while at the same time reeling from the impact? John, one of the Twelve, a Galilean fisherman, a Jew following Jesus, records his experience for us.
The Pilgrim's first year in the New World was miserable and yet, they gave thanks. What's up with that?
God can do anything and when he does it blows our minds. Peter couldn't believe an angel was getting him out of jail. It was just too good to be true. His praying friends couldn't believe he was at the front door. At times our faith is in the unbelievable.
A Christian is "one who belongs to the KIng." So who is the King? Herod Agrippa? Caesar? Jesus? First and foremost Jesus is King. When he is those who belong to him can be a threat to religious, economic, and political power centers.
What will we stick with for the rest of our lives? How about sticking with God as He grows large and strong cross-cultural communities who announce the King and His Kingdom?
So the worship set is not grabbing your attention. You seem disengaged. What to do? Here is a great suggestion from Marianne.
The place, the forerunner, the Messiah; His life, death, and resurrection, eyewitnesses, the announcement...what a rich story with a unbelievably generous announcement for all the world. Jesus offers something better for every nation.
An angelic visitation, a vision from God, Peter (a Jew following Jesus), and Cornelius (a Roman centurion) all come together to reveal God's truth and message to all of humanity.
Peter gets the vision. It's not about food. It's not about purity laws. It is about people. People that Peter would never associate with until...
The prayers and the charitable giving of a "common" Roman centurion, Cornelius, rise to the attention of the Lord like sacrificial smoke while the "holy" Jewish fisherman, Peter, sees the dietary laws abolished opening the way for the Jew and the Gentile, the "holy" and the "common", to meet under the same roof and to share the same great news of the King of all.
How does our community move from ordinary to extraordinary? The answer is surprisingly simple.
Acts 9. What a difference when others take an interest in us. Barnabas took an interest in Saul and Wow!
Acts 9. There is no better time than right now for us to announce Jesus to our generation. He brings change for the better for us and the world we live in. Amazing!
Jesus recruits Ananias, one of his followers, to visit Saul after the Road to Damascus encounter. Ananias' first response to the invitation must have been "Do what! You want me to do what?"
Saul experienced the amazing mercy and grace of Jesus in Syria on the road to Damascus with official papers in his pocket to arrest any "renegade Jew" who followed Jesus. Blinded he came to see the truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom.
The Holy Spirit helps Philip meet an Ethiopian on a desolate road to Gaza and the rest is history for us to enjoy and learn from.
We all need to answer three basic questions. When did we accept the message about Jesus? When were we baptized in the name of Jesus? When did we receive the Holy Spirit? These are defining experiences for all who follow Jesus.
Philip announces the message of Messiah and the Kingdom of God to a Samaritan city after a great persecution drives him and other followers of Jesus out of Jerusalem.
Jesus found the Temple in a mess. His Father's House had become a "den of thieves." In particular the Court of the Gentiles served as a bizarre rather than a place to pray and experience the presence of God. So he cleaned house.What about today's "temple" ? The Temple is no longer a building in Jerusalem. That Temple has been torn down. The resurrection of Jesus introduced a new Temple to the world. What does Jesus find when he walks into our Temple?
So Stephen is stoned to death and a great persecution breaks out against those who are following Jesus in Jerusalem. Only the Apostles and the men and women arrested by Saul remain in Jerusalem. The rest are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. And here is the kicker..."they all become missionaries announcing the message of Jesus." What is this message? What God can turn a great persecution into a missional moment?
While being grilled by those opposing the preaching of Jesus, Stephen's face gave off a bright glow. They couldn't take their eyes off of his face.There remains those who oppose faith in Jesus. What do they see when they look at the faces of those following Jesus?
Hard to imagine getting anything done without money. Yet, Peter without a nickel in his pocket invited a man to stand and walk for the first time in his life. Wow, the ministry of the Kingdom with no money exchanged!
What motivated the first century community of Jews following Jesus to sell their excess property and possessions to contribute to the needs of others?
The Holy Spirit filled Peter with power, power to witness, to tell of God's mighty works through Jesus. 3000 responded to Peter's empowered witness. 3000 changed their minds about Jesus. 3000 were baptized demonstrating their identity with the death and resurrection of Jesus. 3000 were added to the community of 120 following Jesus.
The Holy Spirit came with power. Peter filled with that power preached a short, spontaneous message. The crowd listening was "cut to the quick," convicted, asking, "What do we do now?" Peter answered in a word, "Convert."
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit and power. Both came in an unexpected moment. The crowd didn't know what to think. Are they drunk? What is this?
Jesus returning to Heaven. The disciples watching him go but staying on earth. If the point of following Jesus is going to heaven seems like this would have been a great time for them to go up with him. Hey, what's going on here? He goes. They stay. Why?
It all began with 120 waiting to receive the promise of the Father. With the promise came the power to continue what Jesus started, the announcing of the Kingdom of God.
What of eternity can we experience now? How does the future break into the present? Join Paul in "partaking of the future life" now.
Sometimes it is the last word in a conversation that says it all. That is the way it is for Paul's letter to the Ephesians. "Partaking of the future life" in his present situation. The future breaking into the present. Chained yet unshackled. May we taste the powers of the age to come breaking in on us as well.
When we strive to live a life worthy of our invitation into the Kingdom, we will face resistance. When the resistance comes we need to stand our ground. We stand our ground when we put on the "full armor of God" and pray together .
A Roman soldier did not fight alone. He put on full battle armor and joined other soldiers in a variety of formations when facing an enemy. One formation in particular, the "testudo", seems to provide a rich metaphor for Paul in his final word for us as we "put on the full armor of God" and together resist "the fiery arrows of the evil one."
First Century slavery was considered a "social reality" by early Christians. They were not in a position to set slavery aside legally so they overcame it with both the "brotherhood in ἀγαπη" and "the redeeming act of Jesus."
Thanks to the work of Jesus restoration to the Creator's original design for relationships has begun. Since the first family dysfunction has held families in a tight grip. Now there is something better.