Trinity United Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Trinity United Presbyterian Church
Stay up to date with the weekly teachings from Trinity United Presbyterian Church located in Santa Ana, CA.
One of the most difficult things a Christian is asked to do is to forgive -- truly forgive. We will explore what forgiveness means (and doesn't mean), and how God wants us to forgive when we don't think we can.
Once again, we examine the Church. The Transfiguration story tells us the shape of the Church (Christ preeminent, with the Law(Moses) and the Prophets(Elijah)), the power of the Church (Christ in Glory), and the weakness of the Church (human mistakes like Peter's happen LOTS!)
We'll focus on Jesus' commission to Peter - and how the Church destroys the gates of hell.
recounts a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, where they criticize His disciples for not following traditional hand-washing rituals. Jesus responds by teaching that true defilement comes from the heart, not external practices, emphasizing that evil thoughts and actions are what truly make someone unclean.
As Christians, this passage encourages us to focus on inner purity and spiritual integrity rather than merely following external rituals, reminding us that our hearts and motives are what matter most to God.
"You give them something to eat" - it's Jesus' command to ALL of his followers. Like his Disciples (or "ministers"), we have never been in the "miracle business" (trying to make something happen because of our own ingenuity, charisma or hard work -- instead, we are in the "distribution business" -- sharing what we've been given.
The four types of ground: path, rocky ground, thorns, and good soil: how can we cultivate our hearts to be sensitive to God, and fruitful in our obedience.
"Life without God is... Freedom? Self-sufficiency? Science...? " The answer from generations of philosophers (whether Christian or not) is instead "...despair and darkness." But, responding to that existential human condition, Is 9:1 tells us "Nevertheless..." Let’s realize that – because of God coming to earth at Christmas – life’s darkness (that we cannot by ourselves escape) has been seared open by a devastatingly brilliant light. Most important, this Light is not our doing – it is outside of us, and it comes from beyond us. This realization is the beginning of humility, and of openness to God’s grace.
If we’re not careful, we can let the sweetness and beauty of Christmas distract us from the power and sheer impossibility of Christmas. God has come to earth as a child…! “Immanuel” is – all at the same time – comforting (“God is near me, how nice!”), unsettling (“God sees everything I’m doing?!?”), and completely implausible.
"You shall bruise his heel, and he will crush your head." (Ge 3:15) The Bible doesn't make it more than two pages before it starts telling us what Jesus will do. The serpent will harm Jesus, but Jesus will destroy the serpent in return! Like a child before Christmas(!), God so wants to unwrap his gifts and show us what's coming.
Jesus calls those who are weary and burdened to come to him and receive rest. What are we burdened by? Guilt, shame, disappointment... we can bring it all to him and find forgiveness, grace, mercy. His yoke is easy and He is gentle with us. In him our souls find rest. (Augustine: Our souls are restless until they find their rest in Him)
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:34
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me is not worthy of me, and who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:37
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
As Jesus comes down from the mountain (where he taught God's Law), he now applies that law by helping people. But not just "people"-- outsiders! No circumstance will keep you or me from worshiping, asking for, and receiving the grace of Jesus.
Jesus teaches that our acts of righteousness, such as giving to the needy, should be done with genuine humility rather than for public recognition. Verses 19-24 emphasize the importance of storing treasures in heaven instead of on earth, urging us to focus our hearts on what truly matters—our relationship with God & loving others well!
God calls and equips his followers for a purpose- to be living proof of a loving God. He qualifies the unqualified. It's as simple and difficult as following.
This first half of Matthew repeatedly asks a clear but crucial question - "Who is this person Jesus??" -- and in the baptism of Jesus, we hear the Father's answer. The Old Testament helps us here -- Jesus fulfills TWO great hopes -- he is the "beloved son" of Psalm 2 and the servant "with whom I am well pleased" of Isaiah 42. That Jesus would be BOTH Mighty King and Suffering Servant - this was unthinkable to his people then; and it still baffles us today.
To our surprise, Jesus' nature evokes both passionate love/acceptance AND violent rejection. And (also to our surprise) Jesus and those who follow him are not immune to the violence.
Welcome to a journey through the Gospel of Matthew! By both studying and journalling, we together will experience the full impact of this life of Jesus. But the life of Jesus begins long before his birth! God has been planning, working, and weaving together stories of triumph and tragedy in preparation for the fulfillment of humanity's hopes and dreams. In Jesus' arrival, God wants us to see that we are no mere accidents of random genetics -- we are (as he was) part of God's plan, fulfilled in Christ and by Christ.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18
Trinity's new Mission Statement (Living Proof of a Loving God) begins today! Trinity's mission is NOT new - it's exactly what Jesus said in Acts 1:8. It's the bedrock statement of our church's purpose. Together with a few other things (our values, our strategy, and our mission measures), it makes up our church's vision -- a clear and concise picture of Trinity's desired future.
God has dreams for us to flourish. The Israelites were in captivity, but God had better plans for them. We can be part of moving people from a place of desperation and hopelessness, to flourishing and LIFE.
God alone is worthy -- can we realize that? Once again we consider how we worship God. Worship allows us to see the majesty of God, even when the reality of our struggles and daily lives might occupy us.
There is more to "reality" than meets the unaided senses! As the Apostle John experienced, things are not as they seem (that is, not merely as they seem) in our lives. God is at work; God has a purpose; and the all-powerful King Jesus is with us always.
Worship is not our creation or even our idea -- it is an imitation of what has been done in heaven for eternity; and it is a reflection of what every living being is drawn by God to do. Using Isaiah's vision, we will consider how God's presence in worship inspires us, instructs us, and sends us into the world with a purpose.
Every prophet's vision had both dreams and nightmares. Also, the people of God live in a world where disappointment, suffering, pain and sin exist along with joy, the love of family and friends, and forgiveness. It is often a challenge to reconcile and thrive in a sinful and fallen world. We ask, how do we deal with God's greater dreams for us? God's Word helps us with our disappointments, bringing comfort.
With a Missions Emphasis in worship, we consider how God guides us. In this brief passage, there are four ways God leads Paul and his companions. And guidance comes to believers because God cares how we spend our lives and has a mission field for each of us.
Joseph (of Mary and Joseph) has two significant dreams. One telling him that Mary's child was conceived from the Holy Spirit; the second telling them to flee to Egypt. In the first case, it helped him love and protect his wife; in the second, he preserved his family from danger. God cares about families!
Introduction to series; God sometimes speaks in dreams or visions. What can we learn from these moments of strange communication? In this story, we see the differences between the “Isaacs” of our lives (miracles God plans for us) and the “Ishmaels” (the things we settle for and/or try to manufacture ourselves). Are you ready to trust God enough to dream a little dream? (Note: passages read will be Ge 15:1-6; 16:1-6,15; 17:1-6, 15-22)
The roles of the Holy Spirit include being our advocate, reminding us of God's truth, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment; glorifying Jesus. The Spirit awakens our conscience to the true nature of things.
The Resurrection gives us the assurance of heaven -- but what's heaven like? We MUST use our imagination, since we cannot understand an existence we have never experienced. So we'll (briefly) consider five imaginations of Heaven - Paradise (Lk 23:43), Banquet (Is 25:6-8), Worship (Rev 7:9f), New (Rev 21:1-4) and House (Jn 14:2-4).
How does the Resurrection change how we read Scripture, or how we hear and trust God's promises? Peter tells us that before that 1st Easter, the Prophets wanted to know HOW God would redeem us, but were not told. So, a great deal of what they said and wrote was not only for their time but for us. What a privilege to have our Bible and to have faith and life that comes from God's Story and the open tomb!
The Resurrection gives us the experience of forgiveness, and the promise of ...trouble.
Identity / Inheritance... Our living hope is not just for some day long from now. The resurrection ushers in an entirely new identity for followers of Christ. It reorients how we see God, ourselves and others. It fuels our priorities and directed our obedience.
What is the present-day impact of the Resurrection of Jesus? 1 Peter 1 gives nine (!) ways that Jesus' Resurrection changes our lives today.
On a dusty road, going away from Jerusalem, two disciples don't recognize that the Risen Jesus walks beside them. His miracle ignored and his greatness unnoticed, Jesus speaks with them as they go -- as he often does with us as well. But on that journey, those two disciples are startled by...hope. Even before they know they are with Jesus (!), they are encouraged and thrilled that 1)God is faithful, 2)Jesus is Risen, and 3)Everything is different. Those truths change them and change the Road Ahead.
Through the meticulous preparation for the Passover meal, Jesus not only underscores the significance of tradition, but highlights his pivotal role in redemption, foreshadowing his imminent sacrifice on the cross. Communion serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of God’s love, the transformative power of Jesus sacrifice and redemptive work in our lives.
After such a joyous entry into Jerusalem, Jesus probably surprised the crowd by...weeping. It wasn't the first time he wept over the city (Lk 13:34). What saddens him so is that people do not notice his arrival, his coming near (or "visitation"). God still longs to be noticed, and when his approaches go unnoticed, it brings him to tears.
In life - and especially in the life of following Jesus - it is often a struggle to "keep the main thing the main thing"! Eugene Petersen says, "The Puzzle is why so many people live so badly. Not so wickedly, but so inanely. Not so cruelly, but so stupidly. …People, aimless and bored, amuse themselves with trivia and trash. Neither the adventure of goodness nor the pursuit of righteousness gets headlines." Mary and Martha exemplify this, and the real challenge to choose a singleminded path alongside Jesus.
As Jesus is "on the way" to Jerusalem, he now sends his followers out to minister in advance of his presence. They are Envoys (another word derived from "via") in that they - and we - act as ambassadors of Jesus. Thus, his instructions to them are also for us as we live as Christ's ambassadors (see 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:1)
On our walk of faith, there are temptations to deviate from the road. The cost of discipleship, being swayed by other’s expectations, and having divided loyalties can all play a part. Come hear how we can keep our feet steady on the path and not swerve from our devotion to Jesus.
Paul begins by encouraging the Philippians to stand firm, not waver in their faith. He also exhorts two women who are bickering to make up. This passage is applicable to all of us as we tend to worry and fret---God gives us a very practical prescription for the problem of worry and anxiety. Verses 8-9 I think of as a filter---that whatever consumes our mind, whatever worry and anxiety we have, we run them through the filter of God's amazing faithfulness and goodness. For Study one way to go through this passage is to make a list of all of the commands and a list of the promises given.
Our citizenship is in heaven: follow me as I follow Christ. What does it mean to have our primary identity as a citizen of heaven? What are the temptations that lure us to put other identities ahead of that? (political, national?). How does a future focus on the coming of Christ change our attitude? (this world and its attractions are temporary)
As you shine as lights in the world. Our best witness of the work of Christ in our lives is how we…
Church unity is difficult and takes servant-hearted sacrifice. However, Christ came as a servant, giving up privilege and glory for the sake of others – and we should follow his example.
Paul encourages the Philippians to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, standing firm in unity and facing opposition with courage and faith. The key application for a Christian's life today is to embrace a mindset that values Christ above all else, persevering in faith despite challenges, and living in unity and steadfastness. We are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with Christ above worldly desires, knowing that our ultimate hope lies in Him. Just as Paul found purpose and joy in serving Christ amid hardship, modern-day believers can draw strength from this passage to face trials with resilience, knowing that our sufferings can be a testimony to our faith in Christ. God gives us the ability to “walk worthy” (1:27) of Christ, so others will see our example even (and, perhaps, especially...) in our struggles.
How can we live an authentic Christian life – as 24-hour day Christians with integrity–? In saving us, Christ begins the good work of knitting together the parts of our life that feel divided and often broken, even feel incomplete. He will complete it by his Grace and Peace.
If there is any "Scrooge" in the New Testament, it is Herod ("the Great"). But this is more than a story of history - it describes our life today. It says: 1 -- despite what we'd like to believe, Christmas is NOT a perfect time, but instead is a real world of pain and joy. 2 -- The Herods of the world will always be outmatched and confounded by the love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Also, there is a bit of Herod in all of us - a part of us that is both threatened by Christ's Lordship and protective of our power.
Shepherds and angels remind us to applaud heaven; Mary's pondering on the story reminds us that God in heaven applauds us.
Simeon and Anna serve as poignant figures in the Gospel narrative, embodying faithful expectation and recognizing the fulfillment of God's promises in the infant Jesus.
Shepherds and angels remind us to applaud heaven; Mary's pondering on the story reminds us that God in heaven applauds us.
Shepherds and angels remind us to applaud heaven; Mary's pondering on the story reminds us that God in heaven applauds us.
Joseph is engaged to a woman with an emerging ‘baby bump’ – what on earth could he do? Once people noticed, he would be considered by his people as ungodly either for sleeping with Mary before their marriage or for choosing to marry an adulteress. By all of that day’s standards of what a proper and God-fearing person should do, Joseph had to divorce Mary. But when an angel appears, Joseph’s understanding of righteousness gets an Extreme Renovation.
God’s will begins with commands and rules – but it doesn’t stop there. His will, fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17-18), is observed when we go beyond, and fully trust the One who (as the angel said to Joseph, “came to “save his people from their sins.”
Zechariah & Elizabeth expected their home to stay empty of children. Years of waiting and disappointment can cover a soft heart with a concrete layer of cynicism. So when the gift of God arrives, we hesitate to accept it; we (like Zechariah) skeptically ask “how can I be sure of this...?” Faith comes from desiring a relationship with God without requiring a guarantee from God.
The prophets looked to a day when God's House (the Temple) would be better than anyone could ever dream. Christmas fulfilled that promise in ways none could even imagine -- Jesus himself WAS the Temple (Jn 2:18-22). Christmas shows us that we are never truly at home until we receive Christ into our hearts.
Major themes from The Grinch include, what to do with pain from the past (bitterness, resentment vs giving it to God to heal etc., what makes our hearts grow bigger (kindness) and what’s the main thing about Christmas (for the Who’s, family and togetherness, for us, that + Jesus at the center. What does it mean to have Jesus at the center of a hectic season?
-Peter had a story to tell (Luke 22:54-62, John 21:15-18, Acts 2)
-Peter shared boldly in the face of criticism and conflict (Acts 2:12-13)
-Peter proclaimed the story every human heart longs to hear (Acts Acts 3:5-11, 2:37-41)
Application: They responded to the gospel with their words and actions (end of Acts 2:42-47)
Brother Martin fully dedicated himself to monastic life, the effort to do good works to please God and to serve others through prayer for their souls. Yet peace with God escaped him. He devoted himself to fasts, flagellations, long hours in prayer and pilgrimages, and constant confession. But the more he tried to do for God, it seemed, the more aware he became of his sinfulness. -The demands of study for academic degrees and preparation for delivering lectures drove Martin Luther to study the Scriptures in depth. Luther immersed himself in the teachings of the Scripture and the early church. Slowly, terms like penance and righteousness took on new meaning. -With joy, Luther now believed and taught that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received by faith and trust in God's promise to forgive sins for the sake of Christ's death on the cross. This, he believed was God's work from beginning to end.
A Pharisee wants to follow Jesus; but Nicodemus meets Jesus at night, presumably out of fear that he would be seen with Jesus. Fully aware of Nicodemus’ double-mindedness, Jesus describes unbelief as loving darkness and hating the light (John 3:19-21)! God is not done with Nicodemus.
With a question and an invitation (Jn 4:29), the woman initiates spiritual conversations with the very people who judged and rejected her. The Samaritans conversations with Jesus then allow the Samaritans to move from borrowed faith to owned faith. Opportunities for some of the deepest spiritual conversations come with those who know us (and our faults) best. Join a small group…! Share your story!
Jesus uses multiple images, questions and invitations to offer the woman a spiritual conversation. There is no ‘spiritual conversation’ formula or script (bad news for some of us!); rather, we count on love for the person to urge us and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Spiritual conversations may begin with our thirst/need, but they end with Jesus. God has created the human heart to be thirsty for something beyond itself and beyond life. Jesus is both the gift of God and the one who gives us the Spirit (the living water). Every true spiritual conversation leads to Jesus.
Surprisingly, spiritual conversations best begin with our need, not other people’s need. For instance, Jesus was vulnerable, tired from his journey and thirsty for water. Are you and I willing to be vulnerable? And spiritual conversations only happen when we cross barriers. As a Jewish man, Jesus was not supposed to talk to women. Questions are the lifeblood of conversations, and especially spiritual conversations. Questions place the asker beneath the asked; and good questions invite the hearer to share their experience without judgement or assumption.
"Jesus had to go through Samaria..." God creates divine appointments when I am given the opportunity to talk with someone about what is truly most important. But I am good at missing them. I need to become more attentive to the moments I don’t always see – people with whom we’d never think to have spiritual discussions. But what if we were attentive? So, stay open to what God might do. We challenge each person to notice, to invite, to prepare for, and to experience “spiritual conversations” – discussions about faith and the deeper parts of our lives.
In the story of Philip and the Ethiopian we see the following: 1) Philip was listening to God and open to his promptings; 2) He reacted with instant obedience and took a risk; 3) God was already working in this man's life; 4) Philip was willing to initiate a spiritual conversation; 5) He was relevant in his speech; 6) He invited the man to a lifestyle not just a belief system.
Words that define “worldly” greatness are wealth, power, status, achievement, comfort, etc. Jesus defines it differently. Jesus said to be great in God’s eyes, we must become servants. Words that define Jesus’ teaching are sacrifice, humility, generosity, quiet strength, compassion, and care. This morning we’ll look closely at how Jesus taught and modeled servanthood to his disciples, and then we’ll look at practical ways for us to serve this fall!
God wants you and I to grow, and one of the most compelling gifts he gives us is community. He has fashioned us to need each other.
We will look at how general and special revelation declares God's glory. While creation shouts in general ways, it is only through the revealed Word of God that God's specific character and purpose are revealed. And only as the people of God respond to that Word that we can join the chorus declaring glory to God.
Create in me a clean heart so that I will always be near to your presence and I will declare your glory. “Have mercy on me oh God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
Create in me a clean heart so that I will always be near to your presence and I will declare your glory.
The Psalm, a hymn composed by King David, when he brought the Ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem. It is one of adoration and praise. The theme repeated throughout Ps. 96 is that God is worthy of our praise. We will identify the different things we are invited to give our allegiance to; looking at practical ways in which we can declare the glory of God, in our day-to-day lives.
God is our Protector, Fortress, and deliverer and will keep us from being injury in time of trouble. “Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place - the most high, who is my refuge - no evils shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. for he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
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The (apparent) Absence of God
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The Thought Spiral
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What is God doing?
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The Right Response: Talk, Trust, Remember, Worship
God shapes and grows us in every season and circumstance. God's Word models a "dangerous prayer" that will spur this growth and transformation.
The human heart is often filled with restlessness and angst, longing for peace. Psalm 46 is one of the most comforting and encouraging passages we have in Scripture. It is a reminder that God is a strong fortress and source of strength, no matter what we might face in life. In God we find stillness for our souls as we rest in God’s providence.
When people live united (not in unison, but in agreement on what is most valued), it is a precious thing to God, a lavish expression of goodness (vs 2), and a miracle that blesses all those around (vs 3). Note: this is a psalm of ascent, meant to be sung as a 'rising chorus' as people were going to Jerusalem for worship. Jesus may have referred to this when he said "when you worship and remember that a brother has something against you, leave your gift and go and make peace with your brother." (Mt 5:23-24)
God is our rescuer. He rescues us from situations and from our own sin. We depend on his love, mercy and faithfulness.
What is God's vision for the Church? Pentecost began the church, and if we assume that the church began as it was intended to be, then the church is 1--for all (2:39), 2--expressed through the 12+ activities listed in 3:42-47. This also means that the church is NOT a building but a people, not a one-hour service but a community movement, not a convent of the saved but a movement of Christ's inviting
The basic idea is that God tells us that we will suffer (through trials, & circumstances). However, he promises us that he will be with us in the midst of suffering.
Jesus, the unique Son of God, calls you and me his mother, his brothers, and his sisters. This casts the Christian family in a different light -- If we seek to be Jesus' followers, we are invited to be his family. And we, therefore, are brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers with one anther. NOTE: Jesus does not say any of us are also his 'fathers' -- as the Unique Son of God, he has just one Father, God Himself.
What does Jesus mean when he says, "Do not worry"--? The link is in the "therefore" (which looks back to Matthew 6:19-20); worry is directly related to treasure (anything we value). So Jesus wants us to feel completely dependent on the supporting power of God. In short, we are not in control; only God is.
We'll focus on how the forgiveness and redemption of the Risen Christ in our lives allows our past regrets and mistakes to be “unhooked” from our sense of self (“I’m not a failure because of what I did…”), our relationships (“I don’t have to be ashamed because of what I did…”), and our calling (“I’m not disqualified from serving because of what I did…”).
For Jesus’ first followers, Resurrection changed everything. Because of the Resurrection, an encounter with Jesus becomes more than just an encounter with his ideas or teachings. Following the Risen Jesus reframes our sight – it changes how we view everything in life. But how do we know the resurrection of Jesus actually happened? The event comes with evidence that rational persons cannot ignore, and consequences we can hardly imagine.
Easter brings us a Challenge to Live into the Resurrection Life. The angel asked, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" We often spend our lives trying to find real life among things that are dead (things that will pass away). Jesus invites us to discover that real life is not in the temporal things around us (money, comfort, physical health, etc.) but in the deeper and more eternal things of life. In short, we're settling for what's dead and looking for life in all the wrong places.
This is the most important question ever asked. Jesus wants us to go deep within ourselves to ask who Jesus is – why are still talking about him today.
Jesus begins with an easier question – “Who do people say that I am?” Once answered (with many divergent opinions), Jesus zeroes in on the question that eternity demands: “Who do YOU say that I am?”
When Peter answers, Jesus tells him two shockingly surprising things:
a) it is revealed by the Spirit, and
b) upon that confession, Jesus will build a movement that will change the world.
In short, Christian faith is miraculous (it requires God’s help), it is personal (it demands your decision), and it is eternal (it changes everything).
For over 350 years, Americans haven’t stopped arguing about the role that faith plays in public life. How do we, Christians whose ultimate authority is God, interact with a government that doesn’t always have God-honoring policies or politicians? How do we expect to pay allegiance and taxes to a country that is often more sinful than sacred? How should a Christian mix political and religious life?
Beginning with a question, Jesus gives us brief guidance in navigating politics and religion. In doing so, Jesus preaches a sermon to offend everyone. While in some ways mysterious, Jesus’ lesson clearly tells us that while we owe our ruler(s) some things, we owe God everything.
God alone is Lord of All, and he will remain Lord forever.
Rev. Mike Kenyon
Out of the Depths #3
The Unhurried Life: Moving at the Pace of Jesus
TUPCSA #TUPCSA-03-12-2023 #The_Depth
To use a modern term, Jesus is multitasking. He has just spoken with a synagogue official named Jairus, whose daughter needs healing (Mark 5:21-23, 36-39). Then Jesus allows his journey to be interrupted by a person as different from Jairus as possible – a destitute woman with a flow of blood who touches Jesus’ cloak (Mark 5:24-35). The woman’s touch – and the story itself – intrude on a potentially pivotal event between Jesus and a socially important person. Jesus’ detour begins with a question: “Who touched me?”
The mystery is this: when Jesus feels a flow of power from himself to another, why does he insist on finding the woman? Why does he stop walking after the Jewish official and ask for the woman to be found? And if he (perhaps) knows the nature of the healing he has just affected, why does he risk defiling the home of a synagogue official – a man whose reputation and livelihood depended on keeping himself and his home ceremonially clean?
The woman wants her body to be healed, but Jesus wants more – and (as always) Jesus is willing to detour to achieve it.
It’s always tempting to superimpose human categories and characteristics on God. But what if His love is different? What if it’s a love that can never give us up?
What do we do when sin comes knocking on the door of our hearts? The Bible tells us that sin will either master us, or we will master it. Unchecked sin can lead to dire consequences. For Cain, it led to him murdering his brother out of jealousy and anger. Cain knew the right thing to do but chose to do otherwise. We will explore tactics the enemy uses to tempt us and share practical ways to avoid the sin that so easily entangles.
A deep dive into the spiritual discipline of fasting as we explore the encouragement that we receive directly from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. We are called to fast and seek the Lord because it is one of the best ways we can hear from Him when we are seeking direction and intimacy.
Prayer is an investment in the future that God has for the world. And so, prayer often is an act of risk and faith.
As the Babylonians are besieging Jerusalem, God commands Jeremiah to buy a field(!), as a description of how God will bring health and life to the area after God uses the Babylonians to enact judgement on His people. When we pray as Christ and the prophets taught, we place ourselves in the hands of a God who is beyond time and space. Therefore, the momentary circumstances around us and the mere moments of time that comprise our lives – these things are brief and small compared with God’s timing and majesty!
Charge: As 2023 begins, we should commit ourselves to prayer for our church and our communities. And we should be ready to risk ourselves to see God’s good will done in God’s good time.
A family-friendly candlelight service with Christmas carols, children’s lesson, choir, and sermon. Childcare for ages 5 and under.
The birth of the Christ-child is provocative. It demands a response. What will yours be?
Can you remember the last time you experienced complete and utter awe? Temple Shepherds were out in the field, tending to sheep that were set aside for temple sacrifice. One angel appears in front of them; encompassed in the shekinah light of God’s glory. He proclaims good tidings of great joy. And what is his message? That the Messiah has come! Then a chorus of Angels appear and sing a hymn of praise to the Lord. Application: Spending time with Jesus changes us. When was the last time you were in awe of the reality that Jesus died for your sins; that he came in the form of a vulnerable infant, in a place and in a way that no one would have expected? The invitation for us is not to miss the wonder of God coming near!
What are we to do when we face impossible situations? Mary receives a visit from the angel Gabriel, the same angel that appeared to Zechariah. The appearance to a Priest in the temple made sense, but appearing to a young girl, with no title, from an obscure town? That would have been jarring to a person in the first century. Gabriel informs Mary that she is going to give birth to the promised Messiah. She says to the Angel, “How can this be?” And the Angel says, “Nothing is impossible with God.” What we will learn is that history is going somewhere. God works through ordinary people, and through Jesus, is reconciling people to Himself!
God does some of his best work in us while we wait. Throughout the Old Testament, the people of God are waiting for Messiah to come; the one they believed would restore Israel’s fortunes, deliver them from their enemies & bring God’s salvation in ways that would bless the entire world. We will look at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and what God did in their lives as they waited for their son John to be born. What we will learn is waiting isn’t a sign of God’s absence, but an assurance of His presence.
At this point in our “One New Step” series, we have heard about the may new steps that we could take on our discipleship journey. Still, it can be easy to get stalled out by fear or to stay back in comfort. In Matthew 14:22-36 we see an incredible picture of what it looks like to take a new step of faith--literally. Often, we give Peter a hard time for sinking into the sea, but there are so many things we can learn from his step onto the water.
We explore the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet, and consider what it would look like to live a life of extravagant generosity.
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses (or complaints against the abuses of the Church, on the door of Christ Church in Wittenburg). Out of this came the “5 Solas” declaring what it means to be a Christian. This morning we will study one of them: Sola Fide- Faith Alone. The central question Luther wrestled with is, “What must I do to be saved?” We will learn from the life of Luther, while unpacking Paul’s teaching on how faith works (Romans). We will learn that we are justified before God, because of what Jesus did on the cross for you and me. Application: Gratitude and obedience is our response for what Christ has done for us on the cross.
A “new step” begins with a new vision for where I might walk… Our perspective changes what we think about the world, about ourselves, and about God. Paul’s last letter of his life describes his sense of himself, his purpose, his future, and his belonging to God. And God can use such a shift in our “Vantage Point” to change our perspective as well as our impact on our relationships and our world.
Jesus’ second commandment is one that is often overlooked: Love Your Neighbor. What would it look like in our lives to love our actual neighbors? What does it mean for me in my street, my apartment block, or my retirement community?
Christians have always struggled in how to respond to culture. Should we avoid it, succumb to it, or engage and transform it? Learn how God can use us For the Good of the City.
We'll focus on how the people of God are called to use their spiritual gifts to bless and encourage their local church. We will explore what it means to be a servant of God, with gifts to share, as we seek the will of God for our lives. As we engage God's will for our lives in the work of the local Church we will see how the body is blessed when all of God's people use the spiritual gifts we have been given to advance the Kingdom of God.
In a world of uncertainty, we need the Truth and we need our Tribe. Hear how committing to God’s Word and God’s People can seriously enhance our spiritual lives.
Often, the most difficult thing for a Christian to do is pray. We live in a culture that is starved for any sense of authority or deep experience of the soul. At the core of every person, there is a longing for closeness with God. Jesus provides a template of how we deepen our intimacy with the Father: through prayer. The model in which Jesus taught his disciples is known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” We will unpack this prayer and explore what a language of intimacy looks like. Application: We cultivate a life of prayer by practicing the presence of Christ, readjusting our focus and adoring the One who is worthy.
This is the moment where God’s redemptive plan is made known. God uses the circumstances of drought and suffering, to save a nation and a family. The brothers were willing to admit to something they did not do (Steal the cup), when they had escaped punishment for something they did do (selling Joseph into slavery). Jesus accepted the punishment for something he did not do. Application: Look for the redemptive moments in the detours of your life
Four Strategies: 1) don’t panic, 2) maintain the routines, 3) keep the channels of communication open (see Psalms), 4) guard against sin.
Christ understands temptation (Hebrews 2:16-18; Hebrews 4:14-16) so we can approach the throne of grace, receive mercy and find help The Holy Spirit is the risen Christ living in you, moving you towards holiness and away from sin (Romans 6:11-14)
Life rarely goes the way we imagine. This was certainly true of Joseph. He knew he was his father’s favorite. His arrogance and pride created incredible envy in his brothers. These circumstances start Joseph on an amazing journey. We know how the story ends: he saves the nation from famine. A beautiful illustration of something meant for harm, God turned around for good. Application: God is present in life’s detours. Trust his purposes and seek the lessons to be learned.
During all seasons we are called to be people who pray for one another and the church leadership. This is especially true during seasons of transition, uncertainty and pressure.
The enemy seeks to divide God’s people and create false foes that distract and derail, God’s people are to recognize there is one spiritual foe which we unite against to stand strong in faith and reach the world for Christ.
Focus on living lives for Christ and his kingdom work, daily dying to what is not of Christ.
As a diverse people we also possess diverse gifts, skills, passions, personalities and experiences. God calls is to be an encouraging body working together for Christ.
God takes fragmented, diverse humanity and creates one people in Christ. Babel is reversed. Identity in Jesus is the focus. Reconciliation is always meant to bring greater unity and point to the unity of the triune God.
We are all people in the same plight in need of one Savior. No other cultural savior or lord will do.
The author of Ephesians declares that we are chosen by God for a purpose. In these nine verses, Paul enthusiastically reminds us of who we are in Christ. That we were once slaves, but now have been rescued; adopted into the family of God. We have a new Father, a new status, all of our debts have been canceled, and we will never be disowned. Paul exhorts us to put off anything doesn’t feed our new identity; letting go of any false identites that hinders us. When you and I embrace who we truly are, we live differently and we love differently. Application: We are chosen, by his grace, for a purpose.
The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. When we come to faith in Jesus, we are given a new identity; as Sons and Daughters of the King. Paul exhorts his children to “live into” their true identity in Christ (Eph 4:1). We live out this life of faith in Christian community, and as a witness to those who don’t know Jesus. In the N.T. the phrase “one another” is used 36 times. We will explore Paul’s call for unity in the Church, living out our new identity by displaying the fruits of the Spirt. Jesus said that by your love they will know you’re my disciples; love of God, love for one another and love for those outside the Church. Application: God works through other people to reveal himself to us. It is in the messiness of human relationships that God both transforms and uses us.
Jesus’ teaching on the vine and branches summarizes our three most basic and important commitments in life: Commitment to Christ, to the body of Christ, and to the work of Christ in the world. We abide in the Lord through prayer and attention to God’s Word. We love one another because we are all beloved in Christ. We bear much fruit that will last as the natural result of God’s life flowing through us in community. Application: Form your life around these three commitments to Christ.
King Josiah gives us the example of why pursuing difference and change matters as it leads us to reclaim our identity, rediscover God’s truth, and experience renewal in how we live our lives.
In the gospel of Luke we see several passages of scripture that highlight how Jesus called his first disciples. In this passage from Luke chapter 5 we will notice not only who Jesus asks to follow him but also but why he asks them to follow him. This sermon is really about our call to serve the Kingdom of God - that is for all of us. But in the midst of that call there is also the vocational call that we have as disciples – that is the work we are gifted for. When we say yes to Jesus we are saying the most adventurous thing we could ever say out loud. It's not just that our sins are forgiven but how our Lord, the one who directs our lives, chooses how to best use us as assets of the kingdom.
The best response to the perpetual problem of suffering and evil is humility. God is God and we are not. Faith, hope, and love thrive when we accept God’s sovereignty over all life. Our unwavering confidence in God’s love lies at the heart of this conviction. God’s love ensures justice, quiets our anxiety, cultivates our contentment, and generates our confidence. Job’s story reveals both the limits of human reasoning and the limitless love, wisdom, and power of the sovereign Lord. Application: God’s love, wisdom and justice inspire our peace in the midst of life’s trials.
This message focuses on the thieves on the cross. If we had only this account of the crucifixion, we would have enough to understand the entire gospel. This taunting thief took up the insults of the crowd and threw them at Jesus. His scornful jibe revealed his shallow understanding of the nature of justice and of Jesus. For Christ to save Himself would have been seen by most as a vindication. To save the others would be a capricious injustice. The convicted criminal, however, understands justice. He recognizes his own guilt and does not question his just desserts. He does not ask to be saved from his cross. But he also recognizes Jesus as savior and asks to be remembered. And Jesus promises him paradise! Application: Jesus’ last minute mercy reminds us that none are worthy of salvation
This message focuses on the thieves on the cross. If we had only this account of the crucifixion, we would have enough to understand the entire gospel. This taunting thief took up the insults of the crowd and threw them at Jesus. His scornful jibe revealed his shallow understanding of the nature of justice and of Jesus. For Christ to save Himself would have been seen by most as a vindication. To save the others would be a capricious injustice. The convicted criminal, however, understands justice. He recognizes his own guilt and does not question his just desserts. He does not ask to be saved from his cross. But he also recognizes Jesus as savior and asks to be remembered. And Jesus promises him paradise! Application: Jesus’ last minute mercy reminds us that none are worthy of salvation
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is yet one more evidence of God’s divine design, orchestrating all events according to God’s redemptive plan. We see this in the securing of the colt, the fulfilment of Scripture, and the prophecy of Jerusalem’s future destruction for rejecting Jesus. Application: Jesus walks the “high way,” the royal way (el Camino Real) so that we can travel with him into our royal inheritance as his adopted family.
Jesus’ journey to the cross is the “scarlet thread” woven through Scripture. The transfiguration combines the revelation of Jesus’ glory with the clarity of his mission as the Christ (Luke 9:20-22). Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) predicted and prepared God’s people for this cosmically significant event. (See Deuteronomy 18:15—quoted in Acts 7:37—and Isaiah 53 as examples). Jesus came to give his life as a ransom to inaugurate a new exodus for God’s people from the Egypt-slavery in this world. Luke 9:31 should literally be translated, “They spoke about his exodus, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.”
We’ve probably all had the humiliating experience of being chosen last for a sports team, or facing some kind of rejection. How liberating it is when we realize that we have been chosen by God. And more than that, he has a plan for us, good works for us to do, to make a difference in this world. This week, as we wrap up our Chosen series, we’ll be looking at what a difference that makes to us, and now to children in a village in Honduras. Come and enjoy the big Reveal!
Growing up as a street kid in Kampala, Uganda, Peter endured unthinkable suffering; however, the kindness of a stranger changed his life. Peter's inspiring story will challenge you to reflect on what you have been given and invite you to be Chosen by a child in Honduras.
We're invited to step outside our comfort zones and engage in God's love for "the least of these brothers and sisters" whom Jesus calls us to care for, near or far.
Commitments shape our lives. We first make our commitments and then our commitments make us. What kind of commitments shape your life? Is life just happening to you, or are you shaping an abundant life? If you want to become all that God created you to be, you must tap the power of a committed life. As we come to the commencement (I prefer that word over “conclusion”) of our journey toward heightened spiritual vitality, view it as your launch to a new level of living where you are equipped to live and work fruitfully. Investing yourself in a valued course of action satisfies your mind, energizes your will, and engages your emotions. Application: Invest your energy and personal resources in proportion to the value of your commitment to Jesus Christ.
Since creation, the Lord has called us, as his image-bearers, to reflect God’s nature in a holy partnership in life and work. Theologians describe our call to be “vice-regents” who exercise God-given authority in the responsible care for and management of creation. Spiritual exercises channel the life of Christ through us as we play our part in Christ’s continuing work in the world. We have one call in life—to live for Jesus Christ—that expresses itself in two ways. The first is the discipline of our daily call as disciples; the second is the discipline of our vocational call. Application: Spiritual exercises and practices are means to help us become God’s person and God’s partner in continuing Jesus’ work in this world.
One of the greatest distractions to spiritual growth is drawing power from our human assets instead of relying on the Lord. Spiritually speaking, power means having the resources and ability to pursue and achieve godly goals, to maintain our convictions and standards in the face of subtle challenges or direct opposition, and to influence individuals, groups, and relational networks (systems) for godly purposes. The spiritual disciplines of fasting, silence and solitude serve primarily to detach us from the world's “power sources” so we can tap into the Lord, allowing God’s power to sustain, guide and protect us. APPLICATION: Detachment from worldly power and comfort helps us access God’s power and experience our freedom in Christ.
Spiritual vitality makes sense of life: Why are we alive? Why is there suffering? What is God’s will for our lives? Apart from God, the ‘secular mind’ conjures up a inaccurate, inadequate explanations and principles for life and conduct. When we receive new life through Christ, however, we also received the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). This new mind corrects our view of the world and of every aspect of life. God’s Word is the foundation for this renewal. This message looks at the disciplines of Bible study, meditation, and spiritual reading for developing spiritual mental maturity: Application: God’s Word comes alive when we both study to learn God’s truth and also meditate with sanctified imagination to experience God more fully.
God is always with us, but we rarely realize God’s presence. Spirituality, at it’s essence, is living moment-by-moment in the awareness of God’s presence by the power of the Holy Spirit. Spirituality brings us in touch with God’s life so we bring God’s touch to the world. Elisha’s servant saw the spiritual reality that is often “invisible” to those untrained in faith. Spiritual exercises set us free from distractions, help us see through deceptions, and equip us to discern God’s movement in our lives and in the world around us. Application: Gain confidence and courage by developing the spiritual awareness of God’s continual presence.
In the rush to experience as much as we can, we miss those factors that bring peace, perspective, and meaning into our lives. How can we confront and break “the tyranny of the urgent”? We do so when we align our time with God’s values. Grace takes time. Experiencing peace takes time. Letting God love you takes time. This message equips us to exercise daily time awareness and weekly Sabbath rest. Application: To break free from the time crunch, watch your heart, not your watch.
Spiritual growth is not automatic. Our best intentions will not change us by themselves. Many strategies (such as guilt, emotionalism, and will power) are inadequate for us to discover and sustain the motivation for consistent training in godliness. Motivation is best generated when we catch the vision for the new life God has for us in Christ. The ‘glory’ of the Old Covenant faded, but the glory of our transformation into Christlikeness now is an ever-increasing possibility. Application: A vision of who God calls us to become in Christ can unlock the energy to pursue the disciplines that stimulate spiritual vitality.
The symptoms of soul neglect help diagnose our spiritual condition. But what about spiritual health? What does that look like? We measure our physical health by basic criteria called vital signs. The soul, likewise, has vital signs by which we measure spiritual health. The five vital signs of spiritual health are: God’s pace redeems our time. God’s presence fills our hearts. God’s perspective renews our minds. God’s power strengthens our wills. God’s purpose directs our steps.
It’s not only what we do that hurts us most; it’s what we fail to do. We are often unaware that many of our emotional, psychological, and relational struggles arise from soul neglect. This message explores the symptoms of soul neglect in Elijah’s story, such as depression and discouragement, disconnecting from others, disconnecting from responsibility, and vulnerability to temptation.
We profess to believe in God, but our words, thoughts and actions often dishonor God and embarrass us. We are theoretical believers– but functional atheists. Intentional soul care (spirituality) connects us with God in vital fellowship, cultivates spiritual awareness in our daily lives, and conforms us to God’s image in Christ. Theme scripture for entire series: 1 Timothy 4:7, 8 “...Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (ESV)
We are a forgetful people. When it comes to our spiritual lives, it is important that we never forget what God has done for us. In Joshua 4, God instructs the Israelites to construct a pile of stones to mark the day they crossed over the Jordan River, into the land that God had promised them. The stones would be a reminder, for generations to come, of God’s love for his people and faithfulness to keep his promises. We will explore moments in which God reinforced his covenant with his people; culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. We will remember God’s faithfulness at Trinity in 2021 and remind ourselves that God goes before us into 2022!
“...Should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus never hesitated to teach the reality of judgment. To perish is to be separated from God, cut off from eternal life with God. God gave Jesus to save us from judgment. Through faith in Christ, God gives us the gift of abundant life now and eternal life forever. Jesus warned Nicodemus (and all who read the gospel) about the eternal danger of rejecting the Light of God in Christ (John 1:4-9).
“...That whoever believes in him...” Jesus taught Nicodemus that God’s love reaches far beyond the Jewish nation. This message was clearly articulated in God’s covenant with Abram (Genesis 12:1-3) and taught by the prophets (Isaiah 2:3) In Nicodemus’ context however, there was a sharp divide between the Jews and Samaritans (addressed in John 4) and especially between the Jews and Gentiles. Jesus proclaimed the truth that God values all humanity. None are disqualified from God’s love. Even as the serpent lifted up in the wilderness saved people from the plague (Numbers 21:4-9), all who believe and trust that Jesus is God’s Son and the Savior will be redeemed from their sins and restored to a relationship with God.
“...That he gave his one and only Son...” God paid the ultimate price because God treasures us as the ultimate prize. As one song says, God “... didn’t want heaven without us...” Jesus taught Nicodemus the necessity and the possibility of being born again (see John 1:12-13). The Pharisees based their system on the assumption we need to earn God’s favor. Jesus taught that life isn’t about what we can give to God, but about what God gives to us. Some people assume God is primarily concerned with getting something from us. God gives new life through the power of the Holy Spirit, not through our own achievements (Romans 8:31-32).
“For God so loved the World...” It’s all about love. Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisee, Nicodemus, lays the foundation for the gospel message. It begins with hope (advent theme): God didn’t give up on the rebellious creation. When we turned away, God did not turn away from us. Love is not God’s second choice. Love is the heart of God’s character. God’s love gives us new life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Because of a very limited exposure to scripture and stereotypes of “hellfire and damnation” preachers who proclaim, “Turn or burn!” many people have the idea that God is angry, or at least always irritable. Psalm 103 is one of many scriptures that proclaim God is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” The Hebrew word hesed means God’s long-suffering patience and unwavering commitment to care for and bless his people – most often in spite of their resistance and even rebellion. Application: Draw close to God for strength and courage because of God’s unwavering love and promises.
Many Christians today, although we believe in God, live our everyday lives as if God doesn’t exist. We say we believe in God but live our lives as if God wasn’t in the room. We call ourselves Christians, but we live as if God were dead. We aren’t daily running the race that God set before us, instead our lives look like this: I believe in God, but I compartmentalize my faith into one day of the week I believe in God, but I conform to the patterns, habits and values of this world I believe in God, but I don’t give up control, and instead have an illusion of self-sufficiency We draw inspiration from Hebrews 11 and the “great cloud of witnesses” who ran their race with true surrender and faith in God. Hebrews 12 then is an invitation for anyone courageous enough to admit their hypocrisy, get honest with God, and live a life that truly is running after Christ.
Does God Help Only Those Who Help Themselves? Many believe God only helps “saints,” whom they define as those who impress God with their character and sacrifice. True saints, however, are those who trust in the Lord and “work out their salvation” as God works in them. Yes, there is a tension between human responsibility and divine care. But the expression “God helps those who help themselves” (from ancient Greece) makes God’s provision conditional on our performance.
The great Reformation themes of God’s sovereignty and providence are grounded in God’s good, good character. If God were “great” without being good, God would be a tyrant. If God were “good” without being great, God would be unable to ensure the well-being and redemption of us and all creation. We will explore the soaring descriptions of God in Isaiah 40 and Romans 11 to expand our unwavering confidence in God.
Some people think God is interested only in emergencies or in Big Deals. “Don’t bother God with the small stuff,” they say. They assume God is too busy to bothered by our “measly” concerns and problems. The truth is that God loves to be “bothered” by those who love him. Even as a parent or friend gladly pays attention to a loved one, so God eagerly attends to us. God will care for us in all situations, especially when we are actively serving him.
Romans 12 talks about offering our bodies as a living sacrifice. Of course, the problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps trying to crawl off the altar! Today we’ll be looking at what it takes to offer ALL of ourselves to God: our bodies, our spiritual gifts and our finances.
Some people think God is stingy, that God resents blessing us, or blessing us more. They have the idea that there is a “quantity” quota, and they should save it for something big. Scripture teaches us God is generous, not stingy. We need to cultivate an “Abundance mentality” (Covey) that trusts God to provide whatever we need for life and service. As apprentices of Jesus, our perspective, values, and priorities change with a Kingdom focus. God’s intangible gifts of presence and comfort sustain us.
Many people wonder if God really cares about them. Why would God be interested in their “little lives.” The essence of communion is celebrating God’s love for and interest in all the world, not just some “special few.” Communion presents the promise of continual connection with the Living Lord. Psalm 23 reveals God’s continual care for our lives in all situations. We celebrate Christ’s spiritual presence in Communion, remembering his incarnation, death, abiding presence now, and promised return.
We often mistakenly believe that God demands perfection, and either punishes or rejects us when we fail, as we inevitably do. When we have an unrealistic view of God’s expectations and an anemic view of God’s grace, we tend to engage in one of two unhealthy behaviors: reckless disobedience or joyless perfectionism. But God loves us in spite of—and even in the midst of—our failure, and can use our struggles to open us to new life in Christ.
The Parable of the Talents warns us about the grave dangers of having the wrong idea about what God is really like. The wicked servant buried his treasure because he resented the master. His misconceptions about his master led to grave miscalculations in his actions and choices. And we are liable to the same problem. Our misconceptions about God lead to misconceptions about life, the world, and ourselves. This sermon series will make us aware of our often unrecognized misconceptions and reveal the truth about God that transformed our lives.
The announcement of my retirement provides a unique vision-casting moment to educate God’s people how to face transitions with the maturity of faith, hope, and love. We can intentionally emphasize our vision and values and make people aware of the dynamics of transitions. The basic message is that it is not about personalities, it’s about God. It’s not about us, it’s about God’s mission of conquering the Promised Land.
During times of crisis our first instinct is rightly towards self-preservation. We have real needs and hurts. Then when the dust settles. and our safety is relatively intact, the bold go immediately back into the fray to rescue others. The passive stay back saying “someone else will do It,” or “well they didn’t ask for help, I don’t want to offend them.” In the story of the paralyzed man, we see friends who ignore the selfish temptation toward passivity and boldly bring their friend to Jesus for holistic healing. In this season so many are paralyzed in fear, addiction, stress, and isolation. God invites you to partner with Him in seeing the needs of others and bring them to the feet of Jesus for healing.
Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees exposed the greatest danger of religion– turning faith from a vital relationship to a burdensome ritual. The Pharisees shifted the focus from the privilege of enjoying God to the necessity of pleasing God. Jesus said God gave the Sabbath not as an obligation to burden us, but as a gift to bless us. Ironically the Pharisees’ understanding of Sabbath made it the hardest day of the week. Spiritual vitality depends on our breaking from the busyness of daily business to make time and space for our souls. What does Sabbath-keeping look like? Rest from our work, showing mercy to our neighbors, and walking in fellowship with our Lord.
Two encounters with “ritually unclean people,” following Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, revealed Jesus’ grace, mercy, and power for all who trust him. The leper’s cry expressed his hope awakened by Jesus’ teaching on God’s character (Matthew 7:7-12). “If you want, you can heal me.” Jesus’ reply “I want to” reveals Jesus’ love and response to all who seek him. The Gentile (perhaps Roman) centurion in Capernaum expressed faith in Jesus in the same way he expressed unwavering confidence that those in authority have the power to do what they promise to do. The Lord wants to do more for us and through than we can ever ask or imagine. Application: Rejoice in the wonder of God’s redeeming love and rely on God’s infinite power.
Jesus’ encounter with Mary and Martha presents two approaches to life. The choice is not necessarily between sinful and righteous, nor between wise and foolish. It is a choice about how to live in a world of demands, troubles, and stress. One approach begins with spiritual focus, the other begins with worldly focus. It’s the difference between starting with the Lord and then moving into life, verses starting with life and then seeking the Lord. Mary focused on the Lord as the way to prepare for the task. Martha focused on the task as the way to serve the Lord. Jesus commended Mary for being focused on “the one necessary thing”– connecting with Jesus in all of life.
In the text that we have from the gospel of John, we see the Lord arriving in a locked room with some very fearful disciples. Jesus meets them in their situation and brings peace and he wastes no time in sending them out to share what they know about Jesus. Jesus also sends them out with two key features: the Holy Spirit and the admonition to forgive those who have sinned. As Jesus appears to his disciples, he knows they will need real evidence of his return, so he shows them his hands and side—first to most of the disciples and a week later to Thomas. Jesus also understands that believing in him requires real faith, that Jesus is the Son of God, even when people have not had direct contact with Jesus.
The image of cutting and pruning that Jesus provides is fitting to our lives. The gardener has a vision for this vine; a vision for us to cut away anything that would keep us from becoming what God intended us to be. We are called to abide in Christ Jesus. When Jesus says, “remain in me”, the invitation is to take up residence in Christ, just as the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. In Christ there is healing, restoration, and true life. Jesus says apart from him, we can do nothing, unable to bear fruit.
Hypocrisy and upright religiosity are very unattractive. Jesus models grace and acceptance in the face of sin and shame. 1. Welcome to the hypocrites. 2. Who among us is without sin? 3. How do we maintain moral standards and not condemn others? 4. Change Your Story, Change Your Life 5. What are we called to do?
In the text that we have from the gospel of John we see that Jesus is preparing his disciples for his leaving and death. Jesus then describes what the Holy Spirit/counselor will be like in two particular roles—after Jesus leaves. The first role is that the Spirit/counselor will convict us of our sin, righteousness, and judgment. The second role is that the Holy Spirit/counselor is our guide for the truth for how we are to live. Jesus also says that the Holy Spirit/counselor will speak only of the words that Jesus (and the Father) wants the disciples to hear for now and what is to come.
One of the purposes of the parables is to take the theory away from Biblical truth and relate it to everyday life. Such is the case in the Parable of the Shrewd Manager. At first glance it appears that Jesus is affirming the behavior of the crocked manager. What we learn however, is that Jesus isn’t praising his dishonesty, but affirming him for being opportunistic. He had a limited time before his manager returned. We have a limited amount of time before Jesus comes back. He will ask us to give an account for how we’ve managed the responsibilities entrusted to us. What we learn is that God owns everything, that we are managers, not owners and that should be freeing to us.
We'll look at two contrasting encounters (children being brought to Jesus and the rich young ruler) that demonstrate how to find freedom. Here we find the barriers of status, "stuff" and comfort that can prevent us from experiencing and understanding the freedom found in Jesus. Jesus peels away false perceptions and invites each of us to live into an eternal kingdom with lasting freedom.
Humans long for freedom, only to find themselves in pursuit of passing promises and well intentioned dead ends. Over the next two Sundays (June 27 and July 4) we will examine three back to back encounters with Jesus which cut through the confusion to expose false pursuits and reveal ultimate freedom.
In the quest for national freedom the Pharisees were convinced their righteousness would be the means of bringing freedom from Rome and the reign of the kingdom of God. This pursuit actually lead to a destructive prison paved with comparison and self-righteousness. In contrast, the repentant tax collector, in humble desperation, recognizes the only source of ultimate freedom is found in the grace and mercy of God.
Jesus heals the Demon-possessed man. Our soul is precious but can become burdened and weighed down. Jesus can deliver us, but he calls us to leave some things behind. Are we willing to do it? 1. For spiritual problems, Jesus is the only answer. 2. A Question of Identity 3.You are worth more than many pigs! 4. A Decision: Embrace or Reject Jesus
We are tempted to follow the “formulas” of faith, instead of focusing on the relationship. Jesus calls us to a relationship not a religious system. 1. The authority of Jesus – says who? 2. The gatekeepers of the Law are breaking the Law! 3. We prefer formula to relationship 4. A call to relationship
God created every human being with an appetite. Along with food, we have a number of other “appetites”: an appetite for love, acceptance, satisfaction, achievement, recognition and so on. And the Scriptures teach us that what we do with our appetites (desires) will determine if we fulfill God’s will for our lives. Shortly before the Feast of Passover (the feast celebrating the national identity of the Jews), Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5,000. The timing is no coincidence. Jesus is demonstrating that just as God provided Manna in the dessert, he is our ultimate provision from God: That he essential for our lives. Jesus says, I am the bread of life! There are two Greek words for life: bios (biological life) & zoe (quality of life). Zoe is a life full of meaning, exhilaration, joy; the kind of life worth living!
As we start this serried on encountering Jesus, we’ll take a look at the first time Jesus calls people to follow him. Most of us are familiar with the Great Commission but many of us treat it as the great suggestion and thus it has become the great omission. Jesus calls us to be and make disciples. What does it mean to be a disciple? We’ll find that Jesus calls us to follow him, be formed by him, and be sent by him for the good of the world.
Many of us have experienced the frustration of “self-powered Christianity.” Living Jesus’ way is impossible without relying on Jesus’ power. Pentecost fulfilled Jesus’ promise that we would receive the power of the Holy Spirit to instruct, convict, convert, and empower our transformation and service. One of the greatest privileges of the new covenant is that Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit to live within his followers. We mature in Christ as we learn to draw on the power of God’s Spirit in all times, places, and relationships.
Authentic fellowship makes God’s love and presence more real in our lives. One of the best strategies to experience God’s love and challenge more deeply is through an intentional friendship focused on providing mutual support for your discipleship journey. David found such a friendship with Jonathan. A spiritual friend provides accountability and perspective. A spiritual friend can help us discern the movement of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost theme) in our lives and speak words of encouragement and grace. They can also give us candid feedback. There is no set formula except the priority of honest sharing that focuses on faith and obedience in all areas of life.
Facades and surface-level conversations are barriers to deep and satisfying connection and community. God has given us the New Community to become a “safe place” to grow and change. The remedy to hypocrisy is compassionate vulnerability. Christ’s new community can be a safe place where we can unburden ourselves without fear of judgment, exposure, or belittlement. We can choose to make our fellowship a caring place to be honest in our struggles, to seek support in our weaknesses, to celebrate our victories, to expose our shameful areas, to admit our disappointments, and to share our boldest hopes and dreams. Paul outlines the commitments and qualities necessary to create this environment of trust and openness.
True community depends on realistic expectations for life together. Unrealistic high ideals for others cause disappointment and conflict. We must not be naive about both the wonder and mystery of human nature. We are a mix of both sinful self-centeredness and awe-inspiring generosity, of both confidence and insecurity, and of both sensitivity and insensitivity. This message presents three basic principles we need to grasp in order to develop realistic, biblical expectations.
In a culture that values self-reliance and heroic individualism, Jesus calls his followers to the radical alternative of “active interdependence.” Like the parts of a body, each person plays an essential role for the well-being of all. An African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We mature in Christ as we move “from me to we,” and confidently rely on one another.
Respect, one of the most basic need of every person, is rooted in the truth that all people are created in God’s image. The imago dei (being created in the image of God) forms the foundation both for civil society and for Jesus’ vibrant New Community. Though sin destroyed humanity’s relationship with God, it did not devalue human beings. As a result, we value people through civility, courtesy, and integrity. Above all, we share God’s love in Christ in the hope that they will put their faith in Christ and be renewed in God’s image.
One of the greatest evidences of Jesus’ resurrection is the quality of life and community demonstrated by his followers. The Book of Acts demonstrated how Jesus lived, died and rose again to create The New Community. Our faith comes alive when we connect in authentic fellowship that is centered in Christ, not just our natural affinities and preferences.
Too often we live on the wrong side of Easter, leading sub-normal lives, as if Easter never happened! “If Easter is real,” we may ask, “why hasn’t it made a huge difference in our lives? In our church? In our world?” The crowds and the disciples initially doubted Jesus’ promises and prophecies. But they were transformed, as we can be, when they believed and lived boldly in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.
Revelation 22:6-21 presents the “Epilogue” to the Revelation. The plea “Come, Lord Jesus” expresses our desire to see justice prevail, evil defeated and all things made right. Those who truly glimpse both God’s glory and this present world’s futility yearn for God’s new creation. What do we do in the meantime? We worship God– to keep our vision clear and our hearts loyal to the One True God. We live faithfully– to honor God and witness to his truth. We pray diligently– to release God’s power, provision and protection in this time of trial. Application: We worship, live and pray in the certain hope of God’s eternal victory.
Revelation 21:1-22:5 present the glorious vision of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Most assume heaven is “somewhere else” and that we will have an entirely different mode of existence there. In contrast to our assumptions, Scripture testifies we will dwell in a context that still has a sense of “physicality” – of materiality– as demonstrated by Jesus eating and being “touchable” following his resurrection. The primary truth is that the New Creation will no longer “contain” a localized tabernacle or temple, but will be “contained” within God. We will live in the unmediated presence of God. Words strain to communicate the splendor and joy that await us.
: Revelation 19:1-20:15 present the Final Victory and celebration. Throughout Scripture the consummation of God’s Kingdom is spoken of as celebrating a great feast (Isaiah 25:6). Jesus’ parable of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1-14) foreshadows this great celebration. The depth of our covenant love relationship with our Triune God is consistently represented as a marriage (Isaiah 54:4-6; Isaiah 61:10; Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 16:8-16; Revelation 2:4).
As I think about the sermon series “Future Proof “as we study the Book of Revelation, I cannot help but think about who the book is addressed to. In Revelation 1:1 John tells us that he writes to God’s servants. With this in mind, we will do a deep dive into how the Scriptures define what servants of God look like in their behavior. There are many scriptures in the New Testament— 157 total—that use the word "servant," but only a few help us define what a servant is. We'll take a closer look at the attitude and work of a servant of God and we'll see that the Scriptures will give us a great job description.
Bob Blincoe is the president of the US office of Frontiers, an organization whose aim is to "with love and respect, inviting all Muslim people to follow Jesus." Through Frontiers, teams are sent to reach the least-reached Muslim people groups, because even the most uncharted frontiers need Jesus. Bob holds a PhD in History of International Development from William Carey International University and is an ordained Presbyterian minister. We are honored and excited to have Bob join us this Sunday.
Revelation 17:1-19:5 present the Fall of Babylon. Babylon is the temptress who seeks to lure the world from faithfulness to God. The New Jerusalem is to be the faithful wife in stark contrast to Babylon the faithless prostitute. The language is offensive and blunt– but so is the consequence of rejecting God’s love and covenant. Babylon is the personification of political and worldly power opposed to God and oppressing God’s people. Jesus’ followers are warned against the deceptions of Babylon because Babylon carries within the seeds of her destruction (17:16-17). God alone is to be worshiped.
Revelation 15:1-16:21 present the Seven Last Plagues/ bowls of judgment. We most often associate the phrase “It is finished” coming from Jesus’ lips (John 19:30), but it occurs twice in the Revelation (16:17 and 21:6 NLT) proclaiming the final judgment on evil. It’s important to note that the scenes in the Revelation are not chronological. Additional judgment scenes in the following chapters recapitulate this theme. This section begins with worship (15:3-4) reminding God’s people to endure suffering with the assurance that evil will be destroyed. Jesus’ victory on the cross will extend to the entire cosmos. The seven bowls once again echo the plagues of Egypt.
: This is another interlude given to encourage the church as it hears the horrors of disobedience and judgment. The scene shifts from the tumultuous sea to the solid ground of Mt. Zion. The 144,000 represent those who have been sealed and endure in grace. The number, like all numbers in Revelation, is symbolic: 12 tribes times 12 disciples times ten to the third power represents the “fullness,” the complete number of the redeemed. This interpretation is verified by the vision of a multitude no one can number from every ethnic group and every tongue who will worship the Lamb.
Revelation 12 is the climax of The Revelation, revealing the cosmic battle between God and the satanic trinity of the dragon, the sea-monster beast and the second earth-monster beast. This war started long ago in heaven. When Satan and his rebels were thrown down from heaven, they waged war against God’s people (causing much our suffering and persecution). Jesus warned his church that those faithful to him would be rejected by the faithless world (John 15:21). The church must resist the temptations of the beasts who represent the allure of worldly success, the seduction of comfort (Laodicea) and the lies of secularism.
Revelation 10-11 provide a brief “interlude” between the sixth and seventh trumpet blasts. As with the interlude between the sixth and seventh seals, this interlude provides reassurance to God’s people, instructing the Church on its role in the world and its destiny in Christ. Revelation 11 presents two witnesses (modeled on Moses and Elijah) who testify in a posture of grief and humility (sackcloth) mixed with authority (signs and wonders). They represent the Church standing in humble boldness, faithfully declaring God’s truth, demonstrating God’s power and proclaiming God’s grace.
: Revelation 8:1-11:18 presents the second cycle of judgment. The trumpets blast clear, clarion calls to awaken people to the consequences of sin and repent before it too late. The destruction is limited to “just” one-third in each instance (Ezek 5:12) as a sign of partial judgment still allowing for repentance. The trumpets unleash God’s righteous wrath because of the world’s persistent defiance toward God and God’s people. Many who protest the idea of God’s wrath are the first to denounce injustice and call for punishment of oppressors. Ironically, they rationalize their own “wrath” while rejecting God’s justice. They set themselves up as judges of the Creator and Rightful Judge of the Cosmos. As plagues preceded the release of God’s people from Egypt, these plagues foretell the final liberation of the Church.
There is a pause before the seventh seal to allow for the sealing of God’s people. This seal (mark of ownership, see Ezekiel 9:1-6) identified all God’s people as his own and promised their survival through all worldly tribulations. 144,000 represents 12 tribes x 12 apostles times 10 x 10 x 10 – a number of completeness, complimented the numberless multitude that includes all Gentiles, also. Note the play on unsealing judgements and sealing God’s own in the midst of judgment. The climax, once again (see Revelation 4 and 5) is the worship of the Sovereign, Almighty God.
God’s kindness to us calls us to bring others to Him. As David sought out Mephibosheth to show him kindness, so we should seek out others to share the news of God’s kindness with them.
LOVE. It’s easy to feel we can be loved only if we are lovable, if we have done things that make us worthy and significant to another, especially to God. The story of the shepherds declares clearly and boldly that God values us, no matter what our worldly status is. God’s love does not depend on our physical characteristics, social standing, job, education, performance, or anything else we possess or lack! But there is more to this message. The second message is that we are never too insignificant to be used by God. The shepherds, whose flocks supplied the sacrifices for worship were given the privilege of testifying to the one who would be The Lamb of God.
JOY. Joy is easily smothered by life’s pace, problems and even (dare we say it) people! The story of Christmas is a story of God coming to people overwhelmed with life. The Jews were literally overwhelmed and oppressed by Rome. They were also under the oppression of the religious system of the day. The Lord gives a word of that inspires joy and courage: “Fear not.” Joy comes from knowing we are favored, loved and cherished by God. It comes from knowing God is actively calling people to new life. Joy comes from trusting that nothing is impossible for God
PEACE. Sadly, Christmas and stress have become synonymous terms for most of us. Peace in all its forms (inner peace, interpersonal peace, world peace, etc) seems like a high ideal, far out of reach. Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel’s visit shows ways to face the most intense pressures of life– in any season. Mary took time to step back (Luke 1:39) as she welcomed the angel’s visit. Mary also found peace as she took time to reach out (Luke 1:40) to Elizabeth. And Mary took time to look up (Luke 1:46-55). Mary’s song of praise and hope grew out of her reflection as she came to understand God’s ways more deeply and to appreciate her role in God’s plan.
HOPE. Zachariah and Elizabeth had been faithful for years and years but reached the point where they had given up on God answering their prayer for a child. Waiting can wear us down, especially if we fear we have been ignored or overlooked by the Lord. This passage presents five principles that help us remember God when we fear God has forgotten us. (Zachariah means ‘God remembers.’) Application: Waiting is not wasted time; waiting is trust-building, faith-stretching, obedient-living time. Charge: Fear not because God remembers you.
Revelation 6:1-8:1 presents the Lamb’s breaking The Seven Seals. This is the first of three cycles of judgment in Revelation (seals, trumpets, bowls). When the world rejects God’s way, it suffers the consequences of conflict, bloodshed, scarcity and death. The first four seals symbolize these consequences of human wickedness as God’s judgment allows them to play out in history. The fifth seal expresses the martyrs prayers, and the sixth the natural disturbances in nature that arise from a fallen world. Then there is the interlude of “Security and Salvation” (Mounce) in chapter 7 (the subject of the next sermon), followed by the seventh seal– which opens the scroll– with a “dramatic pause”– leading to the sounding of the seven trumpets. The message of judgment is clear, challenging our far-too-casual view of God and sin. The promise of the fifth seal, however, is that, though God’s people suffer, they are ultimately redeemed.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13:
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
This chapter begins with a plea for one worthy to open the scroll God holds. The scroll contains “the full account of what God in his sovereign will has determined as the destiny of the world” (Mounce, 142). To open the scroll means to be instrumental in fulfilling God’s plan—which includes judging evil and establishing righteousness. John learns that the Lion-of-Judah-who-looks-like-a-slain-Lamb is worthy. Jesus’ ferocious love and sacrificial death secured our salvation and ensure our redemption. The greatest power in the universe is the “weakness” of sacrificial love.
Those facing pressure and persecution are tempted to give in to anxiety (living in fear of what could happen), anger (giving in to bitterness against the world, others, and even God), and/or apathy (surrendering to indifference). Revelation 4 transports us to the throne room of heaven, where we see the reality of what now is. Images echoing Exodus, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel proclaim that our God reigns. In spite of appearances, God is sovereign over all. The Revelation reveals God’s hand “behind the scenes,” working in all things for the redemption of his people and the destruction of evil.