Concord United Sermons: Recent Episodes
Concord United
David was chosen by God for kingship even though he was the youngest child in his family in a culture that valued older children. As a young man, he demonstrated remarkable faithfulness to God’s call to lead the people of Israel – even to the point of being willing to take on the giant Goliath to defend their honor. David’s early life forces us all to ask the question: Are we willing to walk the path that must be walked to follow the calling God has placed upon us even when the path is filled with giants who stand in our way?Scripture - 1 Samuel 16-17
David was chosen by God for kingship even though he was the youngest child in his family in a culture that valued older children. As a young man, he demonstrated remarkable faithfulness to God’s call to lead the people of Israel – even to the point of being willing to take on the giant Goliath to defend their honor. David’s early life forces us all to ask the question: Are we willing to walk the path that must be walked to follow the calling God has placed upon us even when the path is filled with giants who stand in our way?Scripture - 1 Samuel 16-17
: Jesus promised those who followed him that they would know the truth and the truth would set them free. Today, several common lies about God threaten to corrupt the Church. These lies include:
- The Prosperity Gospel – Jesus came to make your successful. Rather than the truth that Jesus came to make you faithful.
- Moral Therapeutic Deism – God is primarily your therapist who seeks to provide you with emotional comfort, rather than the truth that God is primarily calls you to holiness not comfort.
- Nationalism/Tribalism – Christ came to lift up a certain nation, race, or culture. Rather than Christ came to make disciples of all nations, races, and cultures.
Jesus promised those who followed him that they would know the truth and the truth would set them free. Today, several common lies about God threaten to corrupt the Church. These lies include:
- The Prosperity Gospel – Jesus came to make your successful. Rather than the truth that Jesus came to make you faithful.
- Moral Therapeutic Deism – God is primarily your therapist who seeks to provide you with emotional comfort, rather than the truth that God is primarily calls you to holiness not comfort.
- Nationalism/Tribalism – Christ came to lift up a certain nation, race, or culture. Rather than Christ came to make disciples of all nations, races, and cultures.
The early church learned of Jesus through the Apostles’ verbal teaching and later their writing. Eventually, the church accepted the Old Testament as Scripture because Jesus seemed to accept it as scripture. As the church gathered writings about Jesus, they created a criteria for which writings would be considered Scripture: 1) Apostolic Origin – related to someone who knew Christ, 2) Orthodoxy – the teachings align with the other teachings of Jesus’ followers, 3) Widespread Usage within the early church communities, 4) Antiquity – written in the first century. Early Church Councils at Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD) helped establish a unified canon of New Testament scriptures. To discern truth, United Methodists teach that truth is found primarily in scripture and that scripture is interpreted through tradition, reason, and experience.
Scripture - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The early church learned of Jesus through the Apostles’ verbal teaching and later their writing. Eventually, the church accepted the Old Testament as Scripture because Jesus seemed to accept it as scripture. As the church gathered writings about Jesus, they created a criteria for which writings would be considered Scripture: 1) Apostolic Origin – related to someone who knew Christ, 2) Orthodoxy – the teachings align with the other teachings of Jesus’ followers, 3) Widespread Usage within the early church communities, 4) Antiquity – written in the first century. Early Church Councils at Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD) helped establish a unified canon of New Testament scriptures. To discern truth, United Methodists teach that truth is found primarily in scripture and that scripture is interpreted through tradition, reason, and experience.
Scripture - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
In the ancient world, most people believed in multiple Gods (polytheism), often with geographic jurisdictions. A couple smaller religions (Judaism & Zoroastrianism) taught belief in one God (monotheism). The early church taught belief in One God in Three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the trinity was co-equal and co-eternal. They did not teach this belief to be socially and philosophically respectable – it was not. They taught it because it was the God who had been revealed to them through the life of Christ. (The heresy of Modalism was rejected because it did not respect the uniqueness of each person of the Trinity. The heresy of tritheism was rejected because it presented the Trinity as 3 gods rather than 1 God.)
Scripture - Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:14
In the ancient world, most people believed in multiple Gods (polytheism), often with geographic jurisdictions. A couple smaller religions (Judaism & Zoroastrianism) taught belief in one God (monotheism). The early church taught belief in One God in Three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the trinity was co-equal and co-eternal. They did not teach this belief to be socially and philosophically respectable – it was not. They taught it because it was the God who had been revealed to them through the life of Christ. (The heresy of Modalism was rejected because it did not respect the uniqueness of each person of the Trinity. The heresy of tritheism was rejected because it presented the Trinity as 3 gods rather than 1 God.)
Scripture - Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:14
The Church was Jesus’ idea. It was not the disciples plan to institutionalize the message of Jesus. It was their response to Jesus’ directions to establish the church as a hospital for sinners not a hotel for saints. (Donatism is a heresy rejected by the early church because it sought to offer church membership based primarily upon the degree of obedience of believer – a hotel for saints – rather than simply on their acceptance of Jesus’ grace – hospital for sinners.) In contemporary times, the church has had to battle against the heresy of individualism – the idea our relationship with Christ is primarily individual and private and that we can be faithful Christians without being a part of the life of a local church. Instead, the church has taught that personal relationship with Christ establishes the common ground necessary for a church community of equality among members in which each member is dependent upon God and the community for spiritual nourishment.
Scripture - Matthew 16:13-20, Hebrews 10:24-25
The Church was Jesus’ idea. It was not the disciples plan to institutionalize the message of Jesus. It was their response to Jesus’ directions to establish the church as a hospital for sinners not a hotel for saints. (Donatism is a heresy rejected by the early church because it sought to offer church membership based primarily upon the degree of obedience of believer – a hotel for saints – rather than simply on their acceptance of Jesus’ grace – hospital for sinners.) In contemporary times, the church has had to battle against the heresy of individualism – the idea our relationship with Christ is primarily individual and private and that we can be faithful Christians without being a part of the life of a local church. Instead, the church has taught that personal relationship with Christ establishes the common ground necessary for a church community of equality among members in which each member is dependent upon God and the community for spiritual nourishment.
Scripture - Matthew 16:13-20, Hebrews 10:24-25
As the early Church reflected on the nature and character of God made known through Christ, they quickly came to a conclusion that would have been shocking to the ancient societies in which they lived. God’s essence, God’s most fundamental nature was not power – though God was all powerful. Nor was it wisdom, though God was all-wise. The nature of God was, and is, love!
Scripture - 1 John 4:7-12
As the early Church reflected on the nature and character of God made known through Christ, they quickly came to a conclusion that would have been shocking to the ancient societies in which they lived. God’s essence, God’s most fundamental nature was not power – though God was all powerful. Nor was it wisdom, though God was all-wise. The nature of God was, and is, love!
Scripture - 1 John 4:7-12
Jesus was truly God and truly human. If Jesus were not truly God, he could not save us and forgive us. (Heresies such as Arianism and Ebionitism were rejected by the early church because they did not recognize Jesus as fully God.) If Jesus were not fully human, he could not be the authoritative example for faithful living. (Heresies such as Docetism, Gnosticism, Apollinarianism, Monophysitism, and Marcionism were rejected by the early church because they did not recognize Jesus as fully human.) As fully human and fully God, Jesus can fully relate to our struggle and has the power to fully save us. Scripture - John 1:14
Jesus was truly God and truly human. If Jesus were not truly God, he could not save us and forgive us. (Heresies such as Arianism and Ebionitism were rejected by the early church because they did not recognize Jesus as fully God.) If Jesus were not fully human, he could not be the authoritative example for faithful living. (Heresies such as Docetism, Gnosticism, Apollinarianism, Monophysitism, and Marcionism were rejected by the early church because they did not recognize Jesus as fully human.) As fully human and fully God, Jesus can fully relate to our struggle and has the power to fully save us. Scripture - John 1:14
The earliest church was characterized by 3 main beliefs: 1) Belief in Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:22-24), 2) Belief God was uniquely made known in Jesus (Acts 2:36), and 3) Belief in salvation by grace offered to all (Acts 15:7-11 - Jerusalem Council). Throughout the coming centuries, early Christians, guided by the Holy Spirit and reflecting on the firsthand testimony of the apostles, further developed these beliefs by pursing them to their logical conclusions. While these three beliefs do not contain everything there is to know about Jesus, they do contain enough to lead us to His saving grace and commit our lives to following Him.
Scripture - Acts 2:22-24,36 & Acts 15:7-11
The earliest church was characterized by 3 main beliefs: 1) Belief in Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:22-24), 2) Belief God was uniquely made known in Jesus (Acts 2:36), and 3) Belief in salvation by grace offered to all (Acts 15:7-11 - Jerusalem Council). Throughout the coming centuries, early Christians, guided by the Holy Spirit and reflecting on the firsthand testimony of the apostles, further developed these beliefs by pursing them to their logical conclusions. While these three beliefs do not contain everything there is to know about Jesus, they do contain enough to lead us to His saving grace and commit our lives to following Him.
Scripture - Acts 2:22-24,36 & Acts 15:7-11
Prayer is the language that God gives us to communicate with God. A vital practice of our faith is prayer. James notes the significance of prayer. We are to praise God, pray for the sick, and those in trouble. We are to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other. Practice of prayer is transformational for all involved.
Scripture - James 4:8a; James 5:13-18
Prayer is the language that God gives us to communicate with God. A vital practice of our faith is prayer. James notes the significance of prayer. We are to praise God, pray for the sick, and those in trouble. We are to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other. Practice of prayer is transformational for all involved.
Scripture - James 4:8a; James 5:13-18
Pentecost Sunday is the annual celebration of the birth of the church. Pentecost is a time to remember the purpose of the church, including living in community and caring for each other. The author of James often notes “brothers and sisters” in his writing, as he is speaking to the collective group of Christians. Faith is not limited to our actions as individuals, but also our actions as a community of faith. James speaks of how we take care of the poor, widows, and orphans.
Scripture - Acts 2:1-12,42-47; James 1:27-2:17
Pentecost Sunday is the annual celebration of the birth of the church. Pentecost is a time to remember the purpose of the church, including living in community and caring for each other. The author of James often notes “brothers and sisters” in his writing, as he is speaking to the collective group of Christians. Faith is not limited to our actions as individuals, but also our actions as a community of faith. James speaks of how we take care of the poor, widows, and orphans.
Scripture - Acts 2:1-12,42-47; James 1:27-2:17
There is the adage that “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That is not true. Our words cause damage in our close relationships and with those we do not know. Practicing our faith includes taming our tongue, as James teaches. The book of James notes more than once the significance of what comes out of our mouths, and how it is evidence of practicing our faith or not.
Scripture - James 3:1-12
There is the adage that “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That is not true. Our words cause damage in our close relationships and with those we do not know. Practicing our faith includes taming our tongue, as James teaches. The book of James notes more than once the significance of what comes out of our mouths, and how it is evidence of practicing our faith or not.
Scripture - James 3:1-12
Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.” This applies to our faith as well. Our faith, our trust, and dependence on God can be relegated to our beliefs, doctrines, and principles, yet never applied to our everyday life. The author of James challenges that faith is not merely knowing but in acting through faith. At times, the book of James can be accused of countering Paul’s words about faith not being about works. This is true that our faith is not about earning, or acting enough to earn God’s grace and love. The other piece is that as Christians, we are called to live out our faith through actions. Faith is not solely intellectual; it is practical. We can know all about God’s word, yet we are called to practice our faith within the world, within our relationships at home, work, school, and the “marketplace”.
Scripture - James 1:19-25; 2:14
Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.” This applies to our faith as well. Our faith, our trust, and dependence on God can be relegated to our beliefs, doctrines, and principles, yet never applied to our everyday life. The author of James challenges that faith is not merely knowing but in acting through faith. At times, the book of James can be accused of countering Paul’s words about faith not being about works. This is true that our faith is not about earning, or acting enough to earn God’s grace and love. The other piece is that as Christians, we are called to live out our faith through actions. Faith is not solely intellectual; it is practical. We can know all about God’s word, yet we are called to practice our faith within the world, within our relationships at home, work, school, and the “marketplace”.
Scripture - James 1:19-25; 2:14
: Jesus tells his disciples that he came to offer eternal life to those who believe in and follow him. Eternal life is described in the Bible in several ways. It is described as knowing Jesus, the heavenly city, and the eternal kingdom. These images point to an eternity within a community of restored relationships where every wound has been healed and where we are able love as God has loved us. Jesus’ teachings lead us to questions: 1) Can we know we are saved? 2) Can we know others aren’t saved?
In regards to question 1, Jesus’ teachings indicate that if we have sought his forgiveness and placed our trust for this life and eternity in him, we can trust we are saved even if we did not feel anything immediately when we prayed. Jesus also promises to send his Spirit to give us an assurance of salvation and calls us to trust His word that he will be true to his promise for those who seek him. While sometimes we have to wait longer than we would wish for a spiritual experience of assurance, often God’s silence is an invitation for us to more deeply pursue him. As relates to question 2, Christian disagree. While some Christian traditions, hold that those who never publicly profess faith are condemned, most Christian traditions hold out the possibility that Christ is still able to work in the lives of those on their deathbeds and those who sought God with their lives, but lived in cultures where they never learned the Gospel. As Methodists, we believe in free will and, therefore, we believe God will not force salvation on anyone. If a soul chooses darkness over light, God will respect the choice.
Scripture - John 10:27-30, Romans 10:9–10, Revelation 22:1–5
Jesus tells his disciples that he came to offer eternal life to those who believe in and follow him. Eternal life is described in the Bible in several ways. It is described as knowing Jesus, the heavenly city, and the eternal kingdom. These images point to an eternity within a community of restored relationships where every wound has been healed and where we are able love as God has loved us. Jesus’ teachings lead us to questions: 1) Can we know we are saved? 2) Can we know others aren’t saved?
In regards to question 1, Jesus’ teachings indicate that if we have sought his forgiveness and placed our trust for this life and eternity in him, we can trust we are saved even if we did not feel anything immediately when we prayed. Jesus also promises to send his Spirit to give us an assurance of salvation and calls us to trust His word that he will be true to his promise for those who seek him. While sometimes we have to wait longer than we would wish for a spiritual experience of assurance, often God’s silence is an invitation for us to more deeply pursue him. As relates to question 2, Christian disagree. While some Christian traditions, hold that those who never publicly profess faith are condemned, most Christian traditions hold out the possibility that Christ is still able to work in the lives of those on their deathbeds and those who sought God with their lives, but lived in cultures where they never learned the Gospel. As Methodists, we believe in free will and, therefore, we believe God will not force salvation on anyone. If a soul chooses darkness over light, God will respect the choice.
Scripture - John 10:27-30, Romans 10:9–10, Revelation 22:1–5
Though we are saved by grace, we are saved through faith. It is faith that allows us request and receive God’s grace and provision through our trust in God. Hebrews 11 describes faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. It is faith through which the Holy Spirit gives us the internal witness to our souls which allows us to trust God to save us for eternity and to guide us in this life. Living by faith means following God’s guidance and calling this life, and trusting that God will prepare a place for us in God’s eternal kingdom.
Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Hebrews 11:1,6
Though we are saved by grace, we are saved through faith. It is faith that allows us request and receive God’s grace and provision through our trust in God. Hebrews 11 describes faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. It is faith through which the Holy Spirit gives us the internal witness to our souls which allows us to trust God to save us for eternity and to guide us in this life. Living by faith means following God’s guidance and calling this life, and trusting that God will prepare a place for us in God’s eternal kingdom.
Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Hebrews 11:1,6
We can be saved only by grace, God’s unmerited forgiveness and blessing given to us in the midst of our sinfulness. This grace cannot be earned, but must be requested and received. To illustrate grace, Jesus used the example of the prodigal son, who wronged his Father, wasted his resources, and yet knew enough of his Father’s love to return and beg for forgiveness and provision – which the Father joyfully provides.
Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Luke 15:11-32
We can be saved only by grace, God’s unmerited forgiveness and blessing given to us in the midst of our sinfulness. This grace cannot be earned, but must be requested and received. To illustrate grace, Jesus used the example of the prodigal son, who wronged his Father, wasted his resources, and yet knew enough of his Father’s love to return and beg for forgiveness and provision – which the Father joyfully provides. Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Luke 15:11-32
Before his birth, Jesus is prophesied to be the one who will save the people from their sins. Ephesians 2 & Romans 6 describe sin as causing death. All sin ultimately causes us to make ourselves god rather following the One True God. Under the power of sin, we follow our own desires and relegate God to a deity we seek only when doing so can help us achieve our goals and objectives. In this way, sin causes estrangement from God by our deviation from the life God designed us for. To be saved is to have our estrangement with God overcome and our relationship with God rightly restored by the gracious work of Christ, so that we can once again see God for who God is and experience ourselves as God’s children and servants.
Scripture - Ephesians 2:4-9, Matthew 1:21, Romans 6:23
Before his birth, Jesus is prophesied to be the one who will save the people from their sins. Ephesians 2 & Romans 6 describe sin as causing death. All sin ultimately causes us to make ourselves god rather following the One True God. Under the power of sin, we follow our own desires and relegate God to a deity we seek only when doing so can help us achieve our goals and objectives. In this way, sin causes estrangement from God by our deviation from the life God designed us for. To be saved is to have our estrangement with God overcome and our relationship with God rightly restored by the gracious work of Christ, so that we can once again see God for who God is and experience ourselves as God’s children and servants.
Scripture -Ephesians 2:4-9, Matthew 1:21, Romans 6:23
Thomas was a skeptical follower of Christ. He heard the stories of Jesus’ resurrection, but had trouble believing until he could see for himself. At the time Thomas expressed his doubt, he was the only disciple who had not yet seen the Risen Christ. In this manner, Thomas is an example for all of us. There will be times when we have not yet experienced what we are told and believe about God to be true. In those moments, we might consider ourselves Skeptical Christians. Jesus challenges Thomas and us in those moments to believe. Thomas experiences Christ by placing himself around those who have already experienced him. When someone a fellow Christian is experiencing skepticism, our job is to encourage them to cling close to those who have experienced Christ, to share our experience (strength and hope), and wait for Christ to appear in His time in His way.
Scripture - John 20:19-29
Thomas was a skeptical follower of Christ. He heard the stories of Jesus’ resurrection, but had trouble believing until he could see for himself. At the time Thomas expressed his doubt, he was the only disciple who had not yet seen the Risen Christ. In this manner, Thomas is an example for all of us. There will be times when we have not yet experienced what we are told and believe about God to be true. In those moments, we might consider ourselves Skeptical Christians. Jesus challenges Thomas and us in those moments to believe. Thomas experiences Christ by placing himself around those who have already experienced him. When someone a fellow Christian is experiencing skepticism, our job is to encourage them to cling close to those who have experienced Christ, to share our experience (strength and hope), and wait for Christ to appear in His time in His way.
Scripture - John 20:19-29
The good thief can be described as spiritually fallen. He believes in God. He knows he has messed up in the worst sort of way, and he hopes against hope that God might give him another chance. Jesus encounters him with grace beyond our wildest imagining. Just like in the life of the good thief, sometimes the consequences of our misguided actions cannot be undone, however, God may still be full of far more grace than we could ever ask for or imagine. Our job in conversations with the spiritual fallen is to listen to the depth of their story with compassion rather than condemnation, and then to invite them to consider the amazing grace of God – a grace that does not overlook our sin but rather redeems the willing in spite of our sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Scripture - Luke 23:39-43
The good thief can be described as spiritually fallen. He believes in God. He knows he has messed up in the worst sort of way, and he hopes against hope that God might give him another chance. Jesus encounters him with grace beyond our wildest imagining. Just like in the life of the good thief, sometimes the consequences of our misguided actions cannot be undone, however, God may still be full of far more grace than we could ever ask for or imagine. Our job in conversations with the spiritual fallen is to listen to the depth of their story with compassion rather than condemnation, and then to invite them to consider the amazing grace of God – a grace that does not overlook our sin but rather redeems the willing in spite of our sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Scripture - Luke 23:39-43
Zacchaeus was spiritually curious, so much so, he was willing to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus and to open up his home for a banquet when Jesus requested dinner. He wanted to know what Jesus was teaching about God, even though his neighbors despised him and felt he wasn’t the kind of person God would be interested in helping. When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, he sought to spend time with him, and through Jesus’ presence Zacchaeus found a new and better way to live. Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus on his own. He needed to climb a tree. When we encounter spiritually curious people, many of whom are what we might call non-practicing Christians, our job is to be their tree. To relate to them, listen to them, and to offer the ways to see and experience Jesus.
Scripture - Luke 19:1-9
Zacchaeus was spiritually curious, so much so, he was willing to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus and to open up his home for a banquet when Jesus requested dinner. He wanted to know what Jesus was teaching about God, even though his neighbors despised him and felt he wasn’t the kind of person God would be interested in helping. When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, he sought to spend time with him, and through Jesus’ presence Zacchaeus found a new and better way to live. Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus on his own. He needed to climb a tree. When we encounter spiritually curious people, many of whom are what we might call non-practicing Christians, our job is to be their tree. To relate to them, listen to them, and to offer the ways to see and experience Jesus.
Scripture - Luke 19:1-9
The Rich Young Ruler is someone we might think of as culturally religious. He has done everything his religious culture has asked of him, and he thinks that should be enough to win God’s approval. Jesus challenges him to place God first above everything else. Rather than making God one priority (perhaps even his first priority) among many, Jesus invites him to let God be God and order all his priorities. Sometimes we encounter Cultural Christians (Elon Musk recently described himself as one) who believe Christianity has a positive influence, but who have not ever fully surrendered their lives to Christ or experienced the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit. Our job is listen and appreciate where, they are coming from and invite them to surrender fully to Christ and seek guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture - Luke 18:18-30
The Rich Young Ruler is someone we might think of as culturally religious. He has done everything his religious culture has asked of him, and he thinks that should be enough to win God’s approval. Jesus challenges him to place God first above everything else. Rather than making God one priority (perhaps even his first priority) among many, Jesus invites him to let God be God and order all his priorities. Sometimes we encounter Cultural Christians (Elon Musk recently described himself as one) who believe Christianity has a positive influence, but who have not ever fully surrendered their lives to Christ or experienced the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit. Our job is listen and appreciate where, they are coming from and invite them to surrender fully to Christ and seek guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture - Luke 18:18-30
The woman at the well is a Samaritan who believes differently about God than the Jewish people. Jesus engages in a deep conversation about theological truth and her personal journey. He begins by engaging her in a conversation about her beliefs and practices, and then shifts to sharing how God is present in her life and in the world. As a result she helps lead many Samaritans to faith in Christ. Following Jesus’ example, our conversations with those our other religions should start with genuine curiosity about their beliefs and practices. As they share we should listen for a way in which they already believe something true about God. (For example, “I see you believe in concrete right and wrong. Me too.”) And then be ready to share how Christ affects the way you approach that issue. (Ex. How do you discern what is universal right and wrong and what is cultural preference? For me, Jesus’ example and teachings are the measuring stick for universal right and wrong.) Remember, your job in these conversations is to invite others to take the next step on a spiritual journey guided by the Holy Spirit towards Christ, not to close the deal for Christ.
Scripture - John 4:4-42
The woman at the well is a Samaritan who believes differently about God than the Jewish people. Jesus engages in a deep conversation about theological truth and her personal journey. He begins by engaging her in a conversation about her beliefs and practices, and then shifts to sharing how God is present in her life and in the world. As a result she helps lead many Samaritans to faith in Christ. Following Jesus’ example, our conversations with those our other religions should start with genuine curiosity about their beliefs and practices. As they share we should listen for a way in which they already believe something true about God. (For example, “I see you believe in concrete right and wrong. Me too.”) And then be ready to share how Christ affects the way you approach that issue. (Ex. How do you discern what is universal right and wrong and what is cultural preference? For me, Jesus’ example and teachings are the measuring stick for universal right and wrong.) Remember, your job in these conversations is to invite others to take the next step on a spiritual journey guided by the Holy Spirit towards Christ, not to close the deal for Christ.
Scripture - John 4:4-42
Nicodemus is someone we might consider a curious skeptic. As a Pharisee, he is interested in the spiritual realm and explicitly believes in God. He is intrigued by Jesus, but he just can’t quite accept some of Jesus’ difficult teachings about the degree to which a person must surrender and be transformed to follow God. Jesus engages Nicodemus in a deep, respectful conversation about how Jesus’ teachings are line with much of what Nicodemus already believes and challenges Nicodemus to move to a deeper understanding and expression of faith. Sometime later, Nicodemus becomes a follower of Christ because of the spiritual journey begun in this conversation. When we talk to Curious Skeptics, we often encounter people who believe in the possibility of spiritual truth, but what they have heard about the Christian God does not yet entirely fit with their lived experience. Our job is to engage them in deep, respectful conversations in which we seek to understand how they see the world and challenge them to look for Christ’s presence within it.
Scripture - John 3:1-21
Nicodemus is someone we might consider a curious skeptic. As a Pharisee, he is interested in the spiritual realm and explicitly believes in God. He is intrigued by Jesus, but he just can’t quite accept some of Jesus’ difficult teachings about the degree to which a person must surrender and be transformed to follow God. Jesus engages Nicodemus in a deep, respectful conversation about how Jesus’ teachings are line with much of what Nicodemus already believes and challenges Nicodemus to move to a deeper understanding and expression of faith. Sometime later, Nicodemus becomes a follower of Christ because of the spiritual journey begun in this conversation. When we talk to Curious Skeptics, we often encounter people who believe in the possibility of spiritual truth, but what they have heard about the Christian God does not yet entirely fit with their lived experience. Our job is to engage them in deep, respectful conversations in which we seek to understand how they see the world and challenge them to look for Christ’s presence within it.
Scripture -John 3:1-21
Jesus sends out his disciples to share the good news about God. He informs them that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Still, today Jesus sends out his followers. And the good news about God still changes lives and transforms communities. The biggest challenge facing the spread of the Gospel is not the Gospel’s lack of power – if has more than enough, it is the lack of people ready and willing to spread. In our culture, we have been discouraged from sharing our faith by the lie that religion is private. The Christianity we inherit from Jesus’ own teachings to the earliest disciples is personal, not private. Every Christian is called to learn the art of spiritual conversation – learning to listen and relate to the spiritual journey of others and to share the Gospel in a gracious, kind, and loving manner.
Scripture - Luke 10:1-11,17-20
Jesus sends out his disciples to share the good news about God. He informs them that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Still, today Jesus sends out his followers. And the good news about God still changes lives and transforms communities. The biggest challenge facing the spread of the Gospel is not the Gospel’s lack of power – if has more than enough, it is the lack of people ready and willing to spread. In our culture, we have been discouraged from sharing our faith by the lie that religion is private. The Christianity we inherit from Jesus’ own teachings to the earliest disciples is personal, not private. Every Christian is called to learn the art of spiritual conversation – learning to listen and relate to the spiritual journey of others and to share the Gospel in a gracious, kind, and loving manner.
Scripture - Luke 10:1-11,17-20
Love is a word with many implications, from the trivial to the significant. The same is true for hate. We use the words loosely to describe our feelings towards things and people. We love and we hate. There is healing and damage within both, yet there is a love bigger than our human attempts. It is the love that undergirds our hope, faith, community, purpose, grace, and forgiveness. The love that poured out on the cross for each of us. The love that challenges our words and actions, and leads us to something bigger than the world can give us. The love of our God, of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit. Love is something bigger than.
Scripture - John 15:12-13
Love is a word with many implications, from the trivial to the significant. The same is true for hate. We use the words loosely to describe our feelings towards things and people. We love and we hate. There is healing and damage within both, yet there is a love bigger than our human attempts. It is the love that undergirds our hope, faith, community, purpose, grace, and forgiveness. The love that poured out on the cross for each of us. The love that challenges our words and actions, and leads us to something bigger than the world can give us. The love of our God, of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit. Love is something bigger than.
Scripture - John 15:12-13
Harms are committed every day, both unknowingly and intentionally. These harms cut deep into our souls, and we carry them. The question of forgiveness looms below the surface and stares directly into our souls. Peter asks the question that we might wonder as well, a question about forgiveness that Jesus’ answer leaves us uncomfortable. Forgiveness is not a question, but an action rooted in something bigger than us, God’s love and grace. Forgiveness begins with an understanding of our need for forgiveness, thus leading us to forgive others. Forgiveness is something bigger than.
Scripture - Matthew 18:21-22
Harms are committed every day, both unknowingly and intentionally. These harms cut deep into our souls, and we carry them. The question of forgiveness looms below the surface and stares directly into our souls. Peter asks the question that we might wonder as well, a question about forgiveness that Jesus’ answer leaves us uncomfortable. Forgiveness is not a question, but an action rooted in something bigger than us, God’s love and grace. Forgiveness begins with an understanding of our need for forgiveness, thus leading us to forgive others. Forgiveness is something bigger than.
Scripture - Matthew 18:21-22
In a world that seems to thrive on division, judgment, and even hate, we become overwhelmed. Demonization, weaponization, and tribalism seem to rule the day. We are all in need of the gift bigger than all this - grace. Grace is the thing we all so desperately need and want, yet it is so difficult to give it. Grace is the gift we do not deserve and comes from God. Seeing ourselves and each other through the lens of God’s grace counters our culture and removes the walls that divide. We are each sinners in desperate need of God’s grace. Grace is something bigger than.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-9
Other Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10; John 1:16
In a world that seems to thrive on division, judgment, and even hate, we become overwhelmed. Demonization, weaponization, and tribalism seem to rule the day. We are all in need of the gift bigger than all this - grace. Grace is the thing we all so desperately need and want, yet it is so difficult to give it. Grace is the gift we do not deserve and comes from God. Seeing ourselves and each other through the lens of God’s grace counters our culture and removes the walls that divide. We are each sinners in desperate need of God’s grace. Grace is something bigger than.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-9
Other Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10; John 1:16
There are times within our lives when our purpose is undeniable and success is attainable. There are other times when our purpose seems fleeting at best. Jesus shows us that our purpose is in something bigger than ourselves, serving others. No matter our age or stage in life, serving others gives our lives purpose and meaning. We are to do as Jesus has done. God calls all to serve. There is a place for all to serve. There is a need for all to serve. Serving is bigger than.
Scripture - John 13:12-17
A persistent experience for many, across the generations, is loneliness, even being lonely in the midst of crowds. We long to belong, to have connection. We are created for connection to God and others. The church is Jesus’ idea, formed in the early days of Christianity as a means to glorify God and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Within this mission and structure, connection to God and others occurs. Through being part of something bigger than ourselves, the church, the assembly of those seeking and following, not simply an institution, we find the connection to God and others. Community is something bigger than.
Scripture - Acts 2:42-47
A persistent experience for many, across the generations, is loneliness, even being lonely in the midst of crowds. We long to belong, to have connection. We are created for connection to God and others. The church is Jesus’ idea, formed in the early days of Christianity as a means to glorify God and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Within this mission and structure, connection to God and others occurs. Through being part of something bigger than ourselves, the church, the assembly of those seeking and following, not simply an institution, we find the connection to God and others. Community is something bigger than.
Scripture - Acts 2:42-47
Doubt is that looming feeling of uncertainty, where we question the realness of others, life, and God. Hope is future-focused related to our expectations, while faith is our present beliefs and reliance and trust in. We experience doubt about God, the church, the government, relationships, and even ourselves. Our dependence and trust are in ourselves, because we wonder who or what can be trusted. Faith is the antidote, the unseen belief in something bigger than us and this world. Belief in a God who came to be with us. The exclamation of “help me overcome my unbelief” applies to us today. Our focus becomes trusting the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding. Faith is something bigger than.
Scripture - Mark 9:21-24, Proverbs 3:5
Doubt is that looming feeling of uncertainty, where we question the realness of others, life, and God. Hope is future-focused related to our expectations, while faith is our present beliefs and reliance and trust in. We experience doubt about God, the church, the government, relationships, and even ourselves. Our dependence and trust are in ourselves, because we wonder who or what can be trusted. Faith is the antidote, the unseen belief in something bigger than us and this world. Belief in a God who came to be with us. The exclamation of “help me overcome my unbelief” applies to us today. Our focus becomes trusting the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding. Faith is something bigger than.
Scripture - Mark 9:21-24, Proverbs 3:5
Examples exist around us of hopelessness, broadly in the despair of our world and specifically within our own lives. We begin to lose hope. Hope is the expectation of what is possible in the future. We reflect on the past year, or years, identifying the highs and lows, the joy and grief, and the moments of hope and hopelessness. The Psalms provide examples of hopelessness, despair, disappointment, and of where we find our hope. Our hope is in God. Our hope is in the steadfast love of God. God is the hope of something bigger. Within the words of the book of Romans, we are reminded that nothing separates us from the love of God. Hope is something bigger than.
Scripture - Psalms 33:20-22; Romans 8:24-27, 35-39
Examples exist around us of hopelessness, broadly in the despair of our world and specifically within our own lives. We begin to lose hope. Hope is the expectation of what is possible in the future. We reflect on the past year, or years, identifying the highs and lows, the joy and grief, and the moments of hope and hopelessness. The Psalms provide examples of hopelessness, despair, disappointment, and of where we find our hope. Our hope is in God. Our hope is in the steadfast love of God. God is the hope of something bigger. Within the words of the book of Romans, we are reminded that nothing separates us from the love of God. Hope is something bigger than.
Scripture - Psalms 33:20-22; Romans 8:24-27, 35-39
Even in his early years, those who encountered Jesus sensed that they were in presence of a power unlike anything they had experienced before. When we encounter Jesus today, we too must choose how we will respond to His power and wisdom.
Scripture - Luke 2:21-52
The birth of Christ was both a local and cosmic event. Jesus was born to specific family from a specific culture in a specific place to change the world through a singularly influential life. He was also the Almighty God who had come back to redeem His creation.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-7, John 1:1-5,14-18
The birth of Christ was both a local and cosmic event. Jesus was born to specific family from a specific culture in a specific place to change the world through a singularly influential life. He was also the Almighty God who had come back to redeem His creation.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-7, John 1:1-5,14-18
The shepherds proclaimed the good news told to them by the angels—that Jesus would be their Savior, even though He was only an infant. Mary treasured their words in her heart to guide her in the future. When Scrooge sees Christmas future, he witnesses grief for the Cratchit family and his own lonely death if he doesn’t change his ways. Thankfully, Scrooge changes his ways, and his future turns out far better than he could have ever imagined. When we choose to follow Christ, we open ourselves to the blessings of the future God has in store for us rather than the devastation of a selfish life spent living for our own momentary pleasure.
Scripture - Luke 2:8–20
The shepherds proclaimed the good news told to them by the angels—that Jesus would be their Savior, even though He was only an infant. Mary treasured their words in her heart to guide her in the future. When Scrooge sees Christmas future, he witnesses grief for the Cratchit family and his own lonely death if he doesn’t change his ways. Thankfully, Scrooge changes his ways, and his future turns out far better than he could have ever imagined. When we choose to follow Christ, we open ourselves to the blessings of the future God has in store for us rather than the devastation of a selfish life spent living for our own momentary pleasure.
Scripture - Luke 2:8–20
With his engagement and plan for his life quickly collapsing due to Mary’s pregnancy—which he interpreted as infidelity—Joseph hears from God that Mary’s pregnancy is not the end of his family but the beginning of a new work of God to invite all of humanity into His family. When Scrooge views Christmas present, he sees the Cratchit family's struggles with poverty and the joy they experience in the midst of those struggles thanks to their faith. In our lives, we can choose to ruminate on our struggles (which often is a path straight to depression and despair) or we can find strength and joy in the midst of our struggles through faith.
Scripture - Matthew 1:18–25
With his engagement and plan for his life quickly collapsing due to Mary’s pregnancy—which he interpreted as infidelity—Joseph hears from God that Mary’s pregnancy is not the end of his family but the beginning of a new work of God to invite all of humanity into His family. When Scrooge views Christmas present, he sees the Cratchit family's struggles with poverty and the joy they experience in the midst of those struggles thanks to their faith. In our lives, we can choose to ruminate on our struggles (which often is a path straight to depression and despair) or we can find strength and joy in the midst of our struggles through faith.
Scripture - Matthew 1:18–25
After Mary's encounter with Gabriel and visit with Elizabeth, she sings a song remembering what God has done for her. In the story of the wise men, we see how God saved the Holy Family from Herod so Jesus could save the world from sin. In Scrooge's story, he remembers the joy and warmth of his early years, as well as how—rather than turning to God when life was hard—he allowed life’s struggles to turn him into a bitter and selfish person. It’s important for us to remember how God has already saved and protected us in our past, so that we can heal from the wounds life has dealt us (including our self-inflicted wounds) and live out God's plan for our present and future.
Scripture - Luke 1:46–56; Matthew 2:1–14
After Mary's encounter with Gabriel and visit with Elizabeth, she sings a song remembering what God has done for her. In the story of the wise men, we see how God saved the Holy Family from Herod so Jesus could save the world from sin. In Scrooge's story, he remembers the joy and warmth of his early years, as well as how—rather than turning to God when life was hard—he allowed life’s struggles to turn him into a bitter and selfish person. It’s important for us to remember how God has already saved and protected us in our past, so that we can heal from the wounds life has dealt us (including our self-inflicted wounds) and live out God's plan for our present and future.
Scripture - Luke 1:46–56; Matthew 2:1–14
Isaiah prophesied a Messiah hundreds of years before the coming of Christ. Yet the hope for a Messiah endured through the centuries, and when Jesus came, He transformed the world and human society to an almost unimaginable degree. To understand Christmas, it is important for us to remember how different our world was before Jesus came into it—and how different our lives were before Jesus transformed them. In the character of Scrooge, we remember both the stingy Scrooge and the redeemed, generous Scrooge. If we forget how God has redeemed us (and our world), we will be tempted to base our lives on our own abilities rather than on God's presence and power.
Scripture - Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7
Isaiah prophesied a Messiah hundreds of years before the coming of Christ. Yet the hope for a Messiah endured through the centuries, and when Jesus came, He transformed the world and human society to an almost unimaginable degree. To understand Christmas, it is important for us to remember how different our world was before Jesus came into it—and how different our lives were before Jesus transformed them. In the character of Scrooge, we remember both the stingy Scrooge and the redeemed, generous Scrooge. If we forget how God has redeemed us (and our world), we will be tempted to base our lives on our own abilities rather than on God's presence and power.
Scripture - Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7
Peter was instrumental in leading the early church. His words preached at Pentecost gave meaning to what was transpiring. His faithfulness in engaging with Cornelius, a Gentile, was a pivotal moment in church history, no longer a church of us, but of us and them. Peter’s maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ is evident through scripture and is an example for us. Peter is obedient and prayerful.
We are called beyond what seems possible to share Christ, serve others, and grow in faith. We, too, have a role in the larger story of God’s grace and love to those we know and those we do not. We are called to go beyond our boundaries to declare the truth of Jesus Christ.
Scripture - Acts 2:37-41; Acts 10
Peter was instrumental in leading the early church. His words preached at Pentecost gave meaning to what was transpiring. His faithfulness in engaging with Cornelius, a Gentile, was a pivotal moment in church history, no longer a church of us, but of us and them. Peter’s maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ is evident through scripture and is an example for us. Peter is obedient and prayerful.
We are called beyond what seems possible to share Christ, serve others, and grow in faith. We, too, have a role in the larger story of God’s grace and love to those we know and those we do not. We are called to go beyond our boundaries to declare the truth of Jesus Christ.
Scripture - Acts 2:37-41; Acts 10
After Jesus’ resurrection, he appears multiple times to the disciples. One such time is on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. There, he and the disciples present fish again. We see the connection in Jesus meeting the disciples on the shore at their jobs when he called them. It is here that Jesus speaks with Peter, the one who denied Jesus three times. A conversation about love and tending to Jesus’ sheep occurs. Through this conversation, Jesus “reinstates”, thus calling Peter a second time to follow Jesus. A call that Peter accepts gratefully.
We too find ourselves again at the feet of Jesus, remorseful, disappointed, and Jesus meets us here too. Jesus calls us again to follow. We, too, have a choice to respond to the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
Scripture - John 21:15-17
After Jesus’ resurrection, he appears multiple times to the disciples. One such time is on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. There, he and the disciples present fish again. We see the connection in Jesus meeting the disciples on the shore at their jobs when he called them. It is here that Jesus speaks with Peter, the one who denied Jesus three times. A conversation about love and tending to Jesus’ sheep occurs. Through this conversation, Jesus “reinstates”, thus calling Peter a second time to follow Jesus. A call that Peter accepts gratefully.
We too find ourselves again at the feet of Jesus, remorseful, disappointed, and Jesus meets us here too. Jesus calls us again to follow. We, too, have a choice to respond to the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
Scripture - John 21:15-17
Peter is there at the Last Supper, as are the other eleven disciples. Jesus breaks the bread and takes the cup. Jesus shares how they will all fall away that evening, the night of betrayal. Peter confidently declares that he will not “fall away”. Then Jesus speaks those famous words predicting that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows. Peter says he will be faithful unto death.
Peter accompanies Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane and is present when Jesus is arrested. He followed from a distance as they took Jesus. When Peter was recognized as being associated with Jesus, he denied, not once, not twice, but three times, and then the rooster crows. Peter remembers Jesus’ prediction, and he weeps bitterly.
We too stand confidently on the truth of who Jesus is, and we follow. Following becomes costly, and we distance ourselves. We find ourselves denying what we said we wouldn’t. We come to the depths of our humanity, and we weep bitterly.
Scripture - Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75
Peter is there at the Last Supper, as are the other eleven disciples. Jesus breaks the bread and takes the cup. Jesus shares how they will all fall away that evening, the night of betrayal. Peter confidently declares that he will not “fall away”. Then Jesus speaks those famous words predicting that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows. Peter says he will be faithful unto death.
Peter accompanies Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane and is present when Jesus is arrested. He followed from a distance as they took Jesus. When Peter was recognized as being associated with Jesus, he denied, not once, not twice, but three times, and then the rooster crows. Peter remembers Jesus’ prediction, and he weeps bitterly.
We too stand confidently on the truth of who Jesus is, and we follow. Following becomes costly, and we distance ourselves. We find ourselves denying what we said we wouldn’t. We come to the depths of our humanity, and we weep bitterly.
Scripture - Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75
Jesus often gathered with his disciples, instructing, particularly through asking questions. One such question was when Jesus asked his disciples, “’ Who do people say that I am?”. The disciples respond with examples of John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Jesus takes the question to the next level, “’ Who do you say that I am?’”. Peter answers, “’ You are the Messiah, the son of the living God.’” A confession, an acknowledgement, a pivotal moment as Peter claims Jesus’ divinity. Jesus is not another teacher; Jesus is the Messiah.
Within Peter’s declaration, we are summoned to declare who Jesus is as well. Jesus is more than a weekly scheduled event; he is the Messiah, our Savior, our God. How do we declare this with our words and our actions? We have a God, a Savior.
Scripture - Matthew 16:13-19
Jesus often gathered with his disciples, instructing, particularly through asking questions. One such question was when Jesus asked his disciples, “’ Who do people say that I am?”. The disciples respond with examples of John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Jesus takes the question to the next level, “’ Who do you say that I am?’”. Peter answers, “’ You are the Messiah, the son of the living God.’” A confession, an acknowledgement, a pivotal moment as Peter claims Jesus’ divinity. Jesus is not another teacher; Jesus is the Messiah.
Within Peter’s declaration, we are summoned to declare who Jesus is as well. Jesus is more than a weekly scheduled event; he is the Messiah, our Savior, our God. How do we declare this with our words and our actions? We have a God, a Savior.
Scripture - Matthew 16:13-19
After feeding 5,000, Jesus sends his disciples across the sea without him, retreating to a place of prayer. The disciples incur a storm on the sea. Jesus comes to them walking on water. Their response is one of fear, yet Jesus instructs them to take courage and not be afraid. Peter inserts himself by stating that if this is Jesus, he commands him to walk on water as well. Jesus simply states, “Come”, for which Peter does. Initially, Peter walks on water, walking towards Jesus, but the he sees the wind, fear results in Peter sinking into the water. Jesus describes Peter’s doubt, even asking why Peter doubts.
We too enthusiastically seek to follow Jesus, and then the fears and doubts come as life batters us. In Peter, we see the example of faithfulness and fear. We hear Jesus’ words, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”. We respond through worship and declaration of who God is. Our fear does not disqualify us from following. Our response matters.
Scripture - Matthew 14:25-34
After feeding 5,000, Jesus sends his disciples across the sea without him, retreating to a place of prayer. The disciples incur a storm on the sea. Jesus comes to them walking on water. Their response is one of fear, yet Jesus instructs them to take courage and not be afraid. Peter inserts himself by stating that if this is Jesus, he commands him to walk on water as well. Jesus simply states, “Come”, for which Peter does. Initially, Peter walks on water, walking towards Jesus, but the he sees the wind, fear results in Peter sinking into the water. Jesus describes Peter’s doubt, even asking why Peter doubts.
We too enthusiastically seek to follow Jesus, and then the fears and doubts come as life batters us. In Peter, we see the example of faithfulness and fear. We hear Jesus’ words, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”. We respond through worship and declaration of who God is. Our fear does not disqualify us from following. Our response matters.
Scripture - Matthew 14:25-34
In Luke’s account of Jesus calling Peter to follow him, Jesus meets Peter where he is, on his job fishing. Actually, Peter has not had a good day on the job, having spent a long night with a fruitless catch. There, Jesus comes to Peter and his friends. There, Jesus guides Peter to try again. Peter responds with reluctance, yet does as instructed, casting the nets again. The result is a bountiful catch. When Peter sees, he falls down at Jesus’ feet, confessing his sinful nature. Jesus responds to not fear, but that now they will catch men. Peter responds by leaving everything and following Jesus.
Peter demonstrates reluctance yet willingness. He also shows a response to Jesus’ invitation to follow. This is for us as well, reluctant yet willing followers of Jesus Christ, responding to the obvious, God’s truth and grace.
Scripture - Luke 5:1-11
: In Luke’s account of Jesus calling Peter to follow him, Jesus meets Peter where he is, on his job fishing. Actually, Peter has not had a good day on the job, having spent a long night with a fruitless catch. There, Jesus comes to Peter and his friends. There, Jesus guides Peter to try again. Peter responds with reluctance, yet does as instructed, casting the nets again. The result is a bountiful catch. When Peter sees, he falls down at Jesus’ feet, confessing his sinful nature. Jesus responds to not fear, but that now they will catch men. Peter responds by leaving everything and following Jesus.
Peter demonstrates reluctance yet willingness. He also shows a response to Jesus’ invitation to follow. This is for us as well, reluctant yet willing followers of Jesus Christ, responding to the obvious, God’s truth and grace.
Scripture - Luke 5:1-11
As Jesus departs his disciples, he gives the command that is at the heart of being a disciple: we are commanded to go and make disciples. Being a disciple is simply to grow in faith ourselves, but to share Christ and serve others as well.
Jesus did not make disciples just for the time when he was here on earth. We are part of a 2,000 year discipleship tree, of disciples making disciples for the transformation of the world and our lives. Our discipleship tree begins with considering who has guided us and is guiding us on following Jesus. As disciples, we are to guide others in following Jesus Christ. We are part of something much bigger than ourselves as a disciple.
Scripture - Matthew 28:19-20
As Jesus departs his disciples, he gives the command that is at the heart of being a disciple: we are commanded to go and make disciples. Being a disciple is simply to grow in faith ourselves, but to share Christ and serve others as well.
Jesus did not make disciples just for the time when he was here on earth. We are part of a 2,000 year discipleship tree, of disciples making disciples for the transformation of the world and our lives. Our discipleship tree begins with considering who has guided us and is guiding us on following Jesus. As disciples, we are to guide others in following Jesus Christ. We are part of something much bigger than ourselves as a disciple.
Scripture - Matthew 28:19-20
We live in a culture that encourages us to take the easier, softer way, but that is counter to the costliness of being a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us that we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. He goes on to say that to save our lives, we must lose them. He also asks the question that convicts, haunts, and repels, “What is the profit if we gain the world but lose our life?”, and what does that really mean. Following Jesus is costly. Yet, not following Jesus is costly as well.
Scripture - Matthew 16:24-26
We live in a culture that encourages us to take the easier, softer way, but that is counter to the costliness of being a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us that we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. He goes on to say that to save our lives, we must lose them. He also asks the question that convicts, haunts, and repels, “What is the profit if we gain the world but lose our life?”, and what does that really mean. Following Jesus is costly. Yet, not following Jesus is costly as well. Scripture - Matthew 16:24-26
No matter our age or stage in life, we are being formed by that which we spend time doing, reading, listening, and becoming. Why not be formed by Jesus and use Jesus as the model? Luke 6:40 tells us to be like our teacher, our rabbi, the one for whom we follow.
Our first question is, “What forms us?”. Our second question is, “What do we want to be?”. These are foundational questions we consider as we seek to be like Jesus. It is more than knowing about Jesus or doing as Jesus; it is becoming like Jesus.
Being formed by Jesus is a process, not an event. We are to be with God, as John’s words teach us. We are to love God and love others, as Jesus articulated the greatest commandment. We are to share Christ, serve others, and grow in faith.
Scripture - John 15:1-8; Luke 6:40
No matter our age or stage in life, we are being formed by that which we spend time doing, reading, listening, and becoming. Why not be formed by Jesus and use Jesus as the model? Luke 6:40 tells us to be like our teacher, our rabbi, the one for whom we follow.
Our first question is, “What forms us?”. Our second question is, “What do we want to be?”. These are foundational questions we consider as we seek to be like Jesus. It is more than knowing about Jesus or doing as Jesus; it is becoming like Jesus.
Being formed by Jesus is a process, not an event. We are to be with God, as John’s words teach us. We are to love God and love others, as Jesus articulated the greatest commandment. We are to share Christ, serve others, and grow in faith.
Scripture - John 15:1-8; Luke 6:40
Just as Jesus called the disciples to come and follow him, Jesus calls us. Following Jesus is a choice, more than simply believing in God. We can spend our whole lives believing in God and never answer the call to follow Jesus. One of the elements of Jesus’ call to follow him, to be his disciples, is that he meets us where we are. Just as Jesus called his disciples from their jobs, their everyday lives, he calls us where we are. We do not have to get all cleaned up, know all the books of the Bible, or take any other action that qualifies us to be Jesus’ disciples. We simply need to hear the call and take our next step. God loves us first.
Jesus does not call the equipped, but equips the called. Jesus’ first twelve disciples were not the most revered rabbis in the land, nor do we have evidence that their understanding and faithfulness to God were exceptional. We also see within scripture that Jesus calls us more than once and anew, such as Peter hearing Jesus’ words to follow him from the shores of his fishing business and the shores following Jesus’ resurrection and Peter’s denial.
Scripture - Matthew 4:18-20
Just as Jesus called the disciples to come and follow him, Jesus calls us. Following Jesus is a choice, more than simply believing in God. We can spend our whole lives believing in God and never answer the call to follow Jesus. One of the elements of Jesus’ call to follow him, to be his disciples, is that he meets us where we are. Just as Jesus called his disciples from their jobs, their everyday lives, he calls us where we are. We do not have to get all cleaned up, know all the books of the Bible, or take any other action that qualifies us to be Jesus’ disciples. We simply need to hear the call and take our next step. God loves us first.
Jesus does not call the equipped, but equips the called. Jesus’ first twelve disciples were not the most revered rabbis in the land, nor do we have evidence that their understanding and faithfulness to God were exceptional. We also see within scripture that Jesus calls us more than once and anew, such as Peter hearing Jesus’ words to follow him from the shores of his fishing business and the shores following Jesus’ resurrection and Peter’s denial.
Scripture - Matthew 4:18-20
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is core to who we are and what we are called to be. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus Christ. The historical context of a disciple is found within the Jewish tradition of a rabbi and a rabbi’s disciples. An ancient phrase found in Jewish tradition is being “covered by the dust of our rabbi”. That is our hope and calling, to be covered in the dust of our teacher, master, Savior, Jesus Christ.
As disciples, we begin with belief being the foundation of faith. What do we believe about God? There are three main components to our belief about God: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in God the Father is the creator and maker of heaven and earth. God created us in His image. We believe in God the Son is our Savior and Messiah who came to be with us through Jesus Christ. Jesus is God incarnate, who lived, taught, healed, was betrayed, arrested, crucified, died, was buried, and rose on the third day. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, the Advocate who dwells in us and amongst us. We also believe that God loves us first.
Our journey in following Jesus begins with spiritual curiosity and transitions to believing the truths about God. Our first discipleship foundational truth is that we believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that God loves us first.
Scripture - John 20:31; 1 John 4:9-12
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is core to who we are and what we are called to be. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus Christ. The historical context of a disciple is found within the Jewish tradition of a rabbi and a rabbi’s disciples. An ancient phrase found in Jewish tradition is being “covered by the dust of our rabbi”. That is our hope and calling, to be covered in the dust of our teacher, master, Savior, Jesus Christ.
As disciples, we begin with belief being the foundation of faith. What do we believe about God? There are three main components to our belief about God: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in God the Father is the creator and maker of heaven and earth. God created us in His image. We believe in God the Son is our Savior and Messiah who came to be with us through Jesus Christ. Jesus is God incarnate, who lived, taught, healed, was betrayed, arrested, crucified, died, was buried, and rose on the third day. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, the Advocate who dwells in us and amongst us. We also believe that God loves us first.
Our journey in following Jesus begins with spiritual curiosity and transitions to believing the truths about God. Our first discipleship foundational truth is that we believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that God loves us first.
Scripture - John 20:31; 1 John 4:9-12
Following Jesus requires saying “yes” to him—which necessarily means saying “no” to some things. In the Gospels, Jesus’ call to discipleship is radical and demanding. He reminds followers that not all commitments can coexist; priorities must be chosen. In family life, learning to set healthy spiritual, practical, and moral boundaries is vital for flourishing. This lesson is especially important in a culture of busyness, distraction, and competing loyalties.
Scripture - Matthew 8:18-22
Following Jesus requires saying “yes” to him—which necessarily means saying “no” to some things. In the Gospels, Jesus’ call to discipleship is radical and demanding. He reminds followers that not all commitments can coexist; priorities must be chosen. In family life, learning to set healthy spiritual, practical, and moral boundaries is vital for flourishing. This lesson is especially important in a culture of busyness, distraction, and competing loyalties.
Scripture - Matthew 8:18-22
Jesus summarized God’s commands by reminding his followers to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love their neighbor as themselves. The parable of the Good Samaritan challenged first-century expectations about who deserves our compassion, showing that true faith always leads to practical acts of mercy. Christian families are shaped not only by beliefs, but by values lived out in daily choices—reflecting God’s vision for justice, equality, and grace.
Scripture - Luke 10:25-37
Jesus summarized God’s commands by reminding his followers to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love their neighbor as themselves. The parable of the Good Samaritan challenged first-century expectations about who deserves our compassion, showing that true faith always leads to practical acts of mercy. Christian families are shaped not only by beliefs, but by values lived out in daily choices—reflecting God’s vision for justice, equality, and grace.
Scripture - Luke 10:25-37
From Abraham’s family onward, the Scriptures portray the family as the foundation of both faith and society. God’s covenant with Abraham includes the call to instruct children and descendants “to keep the way of the Lord.” In the ancient world, faith was passed down person-to-person within families, with parents, grandparents, as well as single persons called unique forms of spiritual leadership.
Scripture - Genesis 18:17-19
From Abraham’s family onward, the Scriptures portray the family as the foundation of both faith and society. God’s covenant with Abraham includes the call to instruct children and descendants “to keep the way of the Lord.” In the ancient world, faith was passed down person-to-person within families, with parents, grandparents, as well as single persons called unique forms of spiritual leadership.
Scripture - Genesis 18:17-19
Family stories communicate who we are and where we come from—building emotional resilience and belonging. The Bible is filled with stories of God’s faithfulness, calling us to see ourselves as part of God’s great family. In 1 Peter, the scattered early Christians are reminded that despite suffering, they have an inheritance in Christ and belong to the family of God. Knowing our biblical story is foundational to living faithfully in today’s world.
Scripture - 1 Peter 2:9-10
Family stories communicate who we are and where we come from—building emotional resilience and belonging. The Bible is filled with stories of God’s faithfulness, calling us to see ourselves as part of God’s great family. In 1 Peter, the scattered early Christians are reminded that despite suffering, they have an inheritance in Christ and belong to the family of God. Knowing our biblical story is foundational to living faithfully in today’s world.
Scripture - 1 Peter 2:9-10
Social media has made jealousy into an epidemic, thought honestly jealousy was doing just fine long before Zuckerberg monetized it. The command not to be cover the possessions of our neighbor is the negative version of the positive command to be content and grateful with what God has given us. This doesn’t mean we have to be content with everything about our lives. We may find ourselves rightfully impassioned by the holy desire to better develop and utilize the gifts God has given us, but it does mean we do not sit around wishing we had the life of our neighbor rather than appreciating all the good things we have been given.
Scripture - Exodus 20:17
Social media has made jealousy into an epidemic, thought honestly jealousy was doing just fine long before Zuckerberg monetized it. The command not to be cover the possessions of our neighbor is the negative version of the positive command to be content and grateful with what God has given us. This doesn’t mean we have to be content with everything about our lives. We may find ourselves rightfully impassioned by the holy desire to better develop and utilize the gifts God has given us, but it does mean we do not sit around wishing we had the life of our neighbor rather than appreciating all the good things we have been given.
Scripture - Exodus 20:17
Many of us wouldn’t call ourselves creative people. But if you are placed in a situation where you can get out of trouble by bending the truth a little bit, you’ll be amazed how quickly you’ll become as creative as any Hollywood playwright. We discover this creative impulse early. Every parent has choked back laughter and tried to keep a straight face while hearing their child tell almost unbelievably creative lies in order to get out of trouble.
The command to not bear false witness establishes morality as a higher set of practices than doing what is practical in the moment. Those who choose to follow this commandment discover that it leads them to live a life based on integrity rather than getting ahead. Not surprisingly those who seek integrity often find fulfillment, but those who give up their integrity in search of fulfillment seldom find it.
Scripture - Exodus 20:16
Many of us wouldn’t call ourselves creative people. But if you are placed in a situation where you can get out of trouble by bending the truth a little bit, you’ll be amazed how quickly you’ll become as creative as any Hollywood playwright. We discover this creative impulse early. Every parent has choked back laughter and tried to keep a straight face while hearing their child tell almost unbelievably creative lies in order to get out of trouble.
The command to not bear false witness establishes morality as a higher set of practices than doing what is practical in the moment. Those who choose to follow this commandment discover that it leads them to live a life based on integrity rather than getting ahead. Not surprisingly those who seek integrity often find fulfillment, but those who give up their integrity in search of fulfillment seldom find it.
Scripture - Exodus 20:16
The commandment not to steal is found in almost all ancient societies with written laws. Why is it so prevalent? Well, there was no way then or now to protect all your stuff all the time. If you couldn’t count on your stuff being protect, there was no real way or motivation to do business with others. And society would spiral out of control. Seems like motivation enough.
Yet, in God’s commandment, we find more than common sense. The commitment to not take what isn’t ours – in all areas of life, whether it’s taking money from someone or taking credit for something we didn’t do – is rooted not in common sense, but in the belief that God will provide what we need so we don’t have to take it from others.
Scripture - Exodus 20:15
The commandment not to steal is found in almost all ancient societies with written laws. Why is it so prevalent? Well, there was no way then or now to protect all your stuff all the time. If you couldn’t count on your stuff being protect, there was no real way or motivation to do business with others. And society would spiral out of control. Seems like motivation enough.
Yet, in God’s commandment, we find more than common sense. The commitment to not take what isn’t ours – in all areas of life, whether it’s taking money from someone or taking credit for something we didn’t do – is rooted not in common sense, but in the belief that God will provide what we need so we don’t have to take it from others.
Scripture - Exodus 20:15
God created the family as the primary building block for society. To have a flourishing human society, parents must make great sacrifices to raise their children and instill in them a strong Christian character and children must make great sacrifices to respect their parents even when they disagree and to care for their parents in their old age.
Scripture - Exodus 20:12
God created the family as the primary building block for society. To have a flourishing human society, parents must make great sacrifices to raise their children and instill in them a strong Christian character and children must make great sacrifices to respect their parents even when they disagree and to care for their parents in their old age.
Scripture - Exodus 20:12
: In our society, we take the sacredness of life for granted. We might argue about what it means, but few people would serious argue life isn’t sacred in public. This hasn’t always been the case. The commandment prohibiting killing may have been one of the most controversial commandments for the Hebrew people. Ancient peoples did not have anything life a universal prohibition on killing. They might have subscribed to a morality which taught them, “Do not kill a family member.” “Do not kill a fellow citizen.” Or “Do not kill a colleague.”
But “Do not Kill”? Nobody believed in that. In most ancient society’s if you had a deformed baby, you could kill it. If you had an enemy, no one would be surprised if they suddenly disappeared. If your slave wasn’t working hard and you accidentally beat them to death, it was more a poor business decision than a crime against humanity.
Then Moses comes down the mountain with a tablet from God and the sixth commandment reads “Do not kill.” We can debate when a killing in self-defense is justified. But there’s no debating the power of this commandment. God is the author of life and to kill another human being is to destroy God’s creation and to thwart God’s purposes for creation.
Scripture - Exodus 20:13
In our society, we take the sacredness of life for granted. We might argue about what it means, but few people would serious argue life isn’t sacred in public. This hasn’t always been the case. The commandment prohibiting killing may have been one of the most controversial commandments for the Hebrew people. Ancient peoples did not have anything life a universal prohibition on killing. They might have subscribed to a morality which taught them, “Do not kill a family member.” “Do not kill a fellow citizen.” Or “Do not kill a colleague.”
But “Do not Kill”? Nobody believed in that. In most ancient society’s if you had a deformed baby, you could kill it. If you had an enemy, no one would be surprised if they suddenly disappeared. If your slave wasn’t working hard and you accidentally beat them to death, it was more a poor business decision than a crime against humanity.
Then Moses comes down the mountain with a tablet from God and the sixth commandment reads “Do not kill.” We can debate when a killing in self-defense is justified. But there’s no debating the power of this commandment. God is the author of life and to kill another human being is to destroy God’s creation and to thwart God’s purposes for creation.
Scripture - Exodus 20:13
With the family as the basic building block of society, the command to not commit adultery is necessary to protect the continuity of the nuclear family just as the command to honor your parents is necessary to protect the intergenerational extended family. This command is given not just to stabilize society, but also to bless each member of the society. This command seeks to provide children with a stable home life and spouses with a fulfilling lasting relationship. While marriage is never easy, studies show the healthiest and happiest people on earth are those in a stable marriage.
In ancient days, marriages were often challenged by the practice of polygamy and the uneven application of this command which held women to a higher standard of faithfulness than men. Today, marriages are challenged by hook-ups websites, the ubiquity of porn, the ease of reconnecting with old flames on social media, and cultural attitudes towards sex as an act of self-expression that shouldn’t be policed rather than a sacred gift of which we are stewards.
As Christians, we are called to recognize the harmful nature of these societal temptations and work to minimize them while also working to offer the grace of Jesus Christ to those who have found their lives wrecked by them.
Scripture - Exodus 20:14
With the family as the basic building block of society, the command to not commit adultery is necessary to protect the continuity of the nuclear family just as the command to honor your parents is necessary to protect the intergenerational extended family. This command is given not just to stabilize society, but also to bless each member of the society. This command seeks to provide children with a stable home life and spouses with a fulfilling lasting relationship. While marriage is never easy, studies show the healthiest and happiest people on earth are those in a stable marriage.
In ancient days, marriages were often challenged by the practice of polygamy and the uneven application of this command which held women to a higher standard of faithfulness than men. Today, marriages are challenged by hook-ups websites, the ubiquity of porn, the ease of reconnecting with old flames on social media, and cultural attitudes towards sex as an act of self-expression that shouldn’t be policed rather than a sacred gift of which we are stewards.
As Christians, we are called to recognize the harmful nature of these societal temptations and work to minimize them while also working to offer the grace of Jesus Christ to those who have found their lives wrecked by them.
Scripture - Exodus 20:14
When the Hebrew were enslaved in Egypt, they had to work for Pharoah 7 days a week. When God led them out of slavery, God instructed them to work for themselves 6 days a week and to give the 7th day to God. Instead of backbreaking labor, God instructed them to spend the 7th day (the Sabbath day), worshipping God and enjoying the goodness and love of God’s creation.
Today, many of us are enslaved by golden handcuffs of our own design. We struggle to take even half a day off from our other priorities to focus on God and to enjoy God’s goodness because we are so busy pursuing our own goals which often bring us as many curses as blessings.
God’s plan for Sabbath revolves around creating a community based around supporting its members to take Sabbath for rest, rejuvenation, and revival. So, we must wrestle with the question of how to practice Sabbath in a culture that no longer supports it.
To practice Sabbath in this culture is counter-cultural and necessary. If Jesus felt the need to take a Sabbath for worship and renewal every seven days, we probably need to as well.
Scripture - Exodus 20:8-11
When the Hebrew were enslaved in Egypt, they had to work for Pharoah 7 days a week. When God led them out of slavery, God instructed them to work for themselves 6 days a week and to give the 7th day to God. Instead of backbreaking labor, God instructed them to spend the 7th day (the Sabbath day), worshipping God and enjoying the goodness and love of God’s creation.
Today, many of us are enslaved by golden handcuffs of our own design. We struggle to take even half a day off from our other priorities to focus on God and to enjoy God’s goodness because we are so busy pursuing our own goals which often bring us as many curses as blessings.
God’s plan for Sabbath revolves around creating a community based around supporting its members to take Sabbath for rest, rejuvenation, and revival. So, we must wrestle with the question of how to practice Sabbath in a culture that no longer supports it.
To practice Sabbath in this culture is counter-cultural and necessary. If Jesus felt the need to take a Sabbath for worship and renewal every seven days, we probably need to as well.
Scripture - Exodus 20:8-11
How you use someone’s name has everything to do with the level of respect and authority they represent to you. The reason God instructs us not swear by his name (or to use older language “to take his name in vain” is because God knows our tendency to use his name, along with the power and authority attached to it, for our own purposes which have nothing to do with God’s purposes. Doing so, not only harms others, it creates a world where each person gets to decide right and wrong for themselves. Such a world is incapable of producing peace, justice, and a human flourishing because within such a world humanity has no common ground to stand on.
Scripture - Exodus 20:7
How you use someone’s name has everything to do with the level of respect and authority they represent to you. The reason God instructs us not swear by his name (or to use older language “to take his name in vain” is because God knows our tendency to use his name, along with the power and authority attached to it, for our own purposes which have nothing to do with God’s purposes. Doing so, not only harms others, it creates a world where each person gets to decide right and wrong for themselves. Such a world is incapable of producing peace, justice, and a human flourishing because within such a world humanity has no common ground to stand on.
Scripture - Exodus 20:7
History teaches us that humans will always find a way to worship. In the absence of a community based around the reality of the One True God (and sadly, sometimes even within such a community), our worship will center around idols. In ancient times, these idols were carved out of stone or wood each of which promised blessings of particular types (fertility, harvest, military victory) to its devotees. Today, these idols are more likely to center around our commitment to a goal (wealth, health, status) or a community (country, corporation, college).
In every case, idol worship takes our focus off of how we can serve God and puts the focus on how god (or gods) can serve us. Jesus teaches us that when we seek first God and God’s Kingdom, we receive all of God’s blessings in return. But when we seek first the blessings, we come away empty handed.
Scripture - Exodus 20:4-5
History teaches us that humans will always find a way to worship. In the absence of a community based around the reality of the One True God (and sadly, sometimes even within such a community), our worship will center around idols. In ancient times, these idols were carved out of stone or wood each of which promised blessings of particular types (fertility, harvest, military victory) to its devotees. Today, these idols are more likely to center around our commitment to a goal (wealth, health, status) or a community (country, corporation, college).
In every case, idol worship takes our focus off of how we can serve God and puts the focus on how god (or gods) can serve us. Jesus teaches us that when we seek first God and God’s Kingdom, we receive all of God’s blessings in return. But when we seek first the blessings, we come away empty handed.
Scripture - Exodus 20:4-5
In the Ten Commandments, we find God giving to humanity a foundation for the rule of law and for discerning God’s will for human flourishing. Without God’s revelation of right and wrong, good and evil, human society will inevitably be based around how those in power in can maintain and extend their power rather than how all can live together with love and respect. Many people point out that the first four commandments are about God (theology) and the second six commandments are about people (morality). This order is no coincidence. The moral teaching of the 10 Commandments derives their lasting relevance from the reality and nature of God.
Physicists have long searched (so far unsuccessfully) for a “theory of everything” which will show how the entire physical world on the micro and macro level works together. For Jews and Christians, the 10 Commandments bear witness to a theory (or better said, “the foundation”) of everything. Everything we are, everything we do, and the reality of right and wrong are all based on the reality, power, and presence of the One True God.
Scripture - Exodus 32:15-16, Exodus 20:1-3
In the Ten Commandments, we find God giving to humanity a foundation for the rule of law and for discerning God’s will for human flourishing. Without God’s revelation of right and wrong, good and evil, human society will inevitably be based around how those in power in can maintain and extend their power rather than how all can live together with love and respect. Many people point out that the first four commandments are about God (theology) and the second six commandments are about people (morality). This order is no coincidence. The moral teaching of the 10 Commandments derives their lasting relevance from the reality and nature of God.
Physicists have long searched (so far unsuccessfully) for a “theory of everything” which will show how the entire physical world on the micro and macro level works together. For Jews and Christians, the 10 Commandments bear witness to a theory (or better said, “the foundation”) of everything. Everything we are, everything we do, and the reality of right and wrong are all based on the reality, power, and presence of the One True God.
Scripture - Exodus 32:15-16, Exodus 20:1-3
Paul concludes his letter to the church at Philippi with verses that are often familiar to us, yet how do these words gain meaning when viewed from the perspective of being like Jesus? Paul guides us in putting into practice being like Jesus through prayer and how we live our lives.
Being like Jesus means putting into practice the mindset of Jesus.
Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9
Paul concludes his letter to the church at Philippi with verses that are often familiar to us, yet how do these words gain meaning when viewed from the perspective of being like Jesus? Paul guides us in putting into practice being like Jesus through prayer and how we live our lives.
Being like Jesus means putting into practice the mindset of Jesus.
Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9
What is it worth to know Christ Jesus? Paul speaks about the cost and losses of following Jesus, of conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. Above all else, Paul sees the value of following Jesus and sharing that with others. Knowing Christ, according to Paul, is not about knowing facts about Jesus but rather about knowing the power of Jesus. Paul notes the power of Jesus’ resurrection. John Mark Comer, in his book Practicing the Way, writes about how we are becoming someone, the question is, are we becoming like Jesus? We are being formed by something or someone, is it Jesus?
Being like Jesus is more than knowing facts about Jesus. It is becoming like Jesus, and there is a cost.
Scripture - Philippians 3:7-14
What is it worth to know Christ Jesus? Paul speaks about the cost and losses of following Jesus, of conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. Above all else, Paul sees the value of following Jesus and sharing that with others. Knowing Christ, according to Paul, is not about knowing facts about Jesus but rather about knowing the power of Jesus. Paul notes the power of Jesus’ resurrection. John Mark Comer, in his book Practicing the Way, writes about how we are becoming someone, the question is, are we becoming like Jesus? We are being formed by something or someone, is it Jesus?
Being like Jesus is more than knowing facts about Jesus. It is becoming like Jesus, and there is a cost.
Scripture - Philippians 3:7-14
Having a mindset like Jesus is critical to being like Jesus. As Paul encourages the church at Philippi, he specifically guides the readers to be like-minded, with the same love of Jesus, one in Spirit and one mind. This way of thinking is often countercultural then and now. Connection with Christ and with one another is invaluable to being like Jesus. Paul encourages imitating Christ through humility. Paul specifically mentions not having selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather valuing others above ourselves, and looking to the interests of others. Then Paul uses the example of Christ (2:5-11) to illustrate what being like Christ looks like.
Being like Jesus is having a mindset of Jesus.
Scripture -
: Philippians 2:1-11
Having a mindset like Jesus is critical to being like Jesus. As Paul encourages the church at Philippi, he specifically guides the readers to be like-minded, with the same love of Jesus, one in Spirit and one mind. This way of thinking is often countercultural then and now. Connection with Christ and with one another is invaluable to being like Jesus. Paul encourages imitating Christ through humility. Paul specifically mentions not having selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather valuing others above ourselves, and looking to the interests of others. Then Paul uses the example of Christ (2:5-11) to illustrate what being like Christ looks like.
Being like Jesus is having a mindset of Jesus.
Scripture -
Philippians 2:1-11
Paul is considered one of the greatest missionaries, taking the good news of Jesus Christ to the non-Jews in the first century. Thirteen of the New Testament books are attributed to Paul. These books are letters that Paul wrote to churches he founded or churches that we desired to guide. One such letter is the letter to the church at Phillipi, the book of Philippians. Through this letter, we hear Paul’s words of encouragement and guidance as we seek to be like Jesus.
Being like Jesus is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the point. Faith is not having all the answers nor understanding everything about Jesus, yet seeking to be like Jesus in how we live each day. We are to stand firm and strive together as one in the faith of the gospel.
Being like Jesus is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
To be like Jesus, we have to first meet Jesus. The apostle Paul did not begin as a great leader of Christianity. In fact, he persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ. That all changed when Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul’s conversion experience was critical to living and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul didn’t just like Jesus, he chose to live like Jesus. Do we just like Jesus or do we want to be like Jesus? Have we met Jesus and been changed by Jesus? What is our story of meeting Jesus?
We have to meet Jesus before we can be like Jesus.
Scripture - Acts 9:3-10, 17-18
To be like Jesus, we have to first meet Jesus. The apostle Paul did not begin as a great leader of Christianity. In fact, he persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ. That all changed when Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul’s conversion experience was critical to living and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul didn’t just like Jesus, he chose to live like Jesus. Do we just like Jesus or do we want to be like Jesus? Have we met Jesus and been changed by Jesus? What is our story of meeting Jesus?
We have to meet Jesus before we can be like Jesus.
Scripture - Acts 9:3-10, 17-18
The reign of a king ends at death. Through his resurrection Jesus establishes his eternal reign. Most kings begin their reign with a military campaign to expand their kingdom. Jesus begins his reign by giving his disciples the Great Commission to invite the world to join the Jesus’ Kingdom.
Scripture - Matthew 28 (selected verses)
Jesus’ enters Jerusalem on a donkey – which is the traditional entrance for a Jewish King – as opposed to Roman emperors or governors who would enter on a stallion or chariot. He also turns over the tables in the temple. In this way, Jesus establishes his reign showing himself to the public as the King of the Jews and showing his authority by ordering temple worship reforms to be made.
Scripture - Matthew 21:1-27
Jesus’ enters Jerusalem on a donkey – which is the traditional entrance for a Jewish King – as opposed to Roman emperors or governors who would enter on a stallion or chariot. He also turns over the tables in the temple. In this way, Jesus establishes his reign showing himself to the public as the King of the Jews and showing his authority by ordering temple worship reforms to be made.
Scripture - Matthew 21:1-27
Jesus tells us that only those who come to the kingdom like a child can enter it. The humility of childlike faith functions of the citizenship test for the Kingdom of heaven. Without the humility to recognize our need for God we will become our own gods and never experience the abundant life of the Kingdom.
Scripture - Matthew 18:1-5, 19:13-15
Jesus tells us that only those who come to the kingdom like a child can enter it. The humility of childlike faith functions of the citizenship test for the Kingdom of heaven. Without the humility to recognize our need for God we will become our own gods and never experience the abundant life of the Kingdom.
Scripture - Matthew 18:1-5, 19:13-15
Jesus compares the kingdom to a treasure that it would be worth selling all your other possession to acquire. This is the cost of the Kingdom. Only those who are willing to give up everything else can enter.
Scripture - Matthew 13:44-50
Jesus compares the kingdom to a treasure that it would be worth selling all your other possession to acquire. This is the cost of the Kingdom. Only those who are willing to give up everything else can enter.
Scripture - Matthew 13:44-50
Jesus tells his twelve disciples to go to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim the kingdom of heaven as come near. Once you have entered the kingdom, you are called to invite others in. This is the cause of the kingdom – to reach out to all those beyond it’s borders and invite them to the only life that can free their spirits and satisfy their souls.
Scripture - Matthew 10:5-15
Jesus tells his twelve disciples to go to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim the kingdom of heaven as come near. Once you have entered the kingdom, you are called to invite others in. This is the cause of the kingdom – to reach out to all those beyond it’s borders and invite them to the only life that can free their spirits and satisfy their souls.
Scripture - Matthew 10:5-15
During the sermon on the mount, Jesus tells us not to worry by instead focusing first on the Kingdom of God and trusting God to give us everything else we need. We can only enter the Kingdom of God by putting the Kingdom first. Until we learn to put the Kingdom first, we will always be worried because we will always be seeking things that cannot fulfill the deepest desire of our souls.
Scripture - Matthew 6:25-34
During the sermon on the mount, Jesus tells us not to worry by instead focusing first on the Kingdom of God and trusting God to give us everything else we need. We can only enter the Kingdom of God by putting the Kingdom first. Until we learn to put the Kingdom first, we will always be worried because we will always be seeking things that cannot fulfill the deepest desire of our souls.
Scripture - Matthew 6:25-34
In Matthew Gospel, the first messages we hear from Jesus and from John the Baptist are identical, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” According to these teachings, the kingdom can be entered during our earthly lives (not just after death) and repentance is the key to entering the kingdom. Repent means to turn around. Jesus’ first call on our lives is to turn from living by the values of earthly kingdom, or the selfish values of our own egocentric kingdom, and instead to live by the ways and means of the Kingdom of Heaven. During Lent, we focus on repentance, not so that we can improve our willpower, but so that we can experience life inside the Kingdom of Heaven.
Scripture - Matthew 4:12-17
In Matthew Gospel, the first messages we hear from Jesus and from John the Baptist are identical, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” According to these teachings, the kingdom can be entered during our earthly lives (not just after death) and repentance is the key to entering the kingdom. Repent means to turn around. Jesus’ first call on our lives is to turn from living by the values of earthly kingdom, or the selfish values of our own egocentric kingdom, and instead to live by the ways and means of the Kingdom of Heaven. During Lent, we focus on repentance, not so that we can improve our willpower, but so that we can experience life inside the Kingdom of Heaven.
Scripture - Matthew 4:12-17
The Holy Spirit is God's presence of love here on earth. Adventure awaits when we accept the invitation to discover God's love and become aware that the same Spirit who guided Jesus's life also guides ours. We need a community of faith on this adventure, just as Christ did. We can't do it alone.
True joy is not just an emotion that happens to us and is tied to our circumstances but a deep and fulfilling fruit that comes from abiding in Christ. When we abide in His love, our lives overflow with the joy that only He can give, sustaining us through all seasons and leading us into the fullness of life He intended.
Scripture -
- Romans 8:14-15) (Supporting Scripture, John 16:13, Galatians 5:25)
- The Joyful Christian ( John 15:9-11) (Supporting Scripture, Psalm 16:11)
Being a Christian is far more than good moral values. Christianity is believing in and following Jesus Christ. We follow Jesus not merely as an act of moral rightness, but as someone who believes, has faith, and takes actions to imitate the actions of Jesus.
Scripture - John 14:5-7
Being a Christian is far more than good moral values. Christianity is believing in and following Jesus Christ. We follow Jesus not merely as an act of moral rightness, but as someone who believes, has faith, and takes actions to imitate the actions of Jesus. Scripture - John 14:5-7
We often find ourselves trying to find the words to support a loved one who is experiencing grief. We try to find the words, such as, “At least they are in a better place,” or “You should be happy they lived a long life.” We want to fill the void and explain the unexplainable. Grief is woven throughout the story of the Bible. There is loss throughout and grieving is part of living. We find a pattern of how to respond to grief in the Psalms of Lament. As the psalmists acknowledge God, lament what is lost, petition for help, commit to trust God, and give praise to God.
Scripture - Psalm 42
We often find ourselves trying to find the words to support a loved one who is experiencing grief. We try to find the words, such as, “At least they are in a better place,” or “You should be happy they lived a long life.” We want to fill the void and explain the unexplainable. Grief is woven throughout the story of the Bible. There is loss throughout and grieving is part of living. We find a pattern of how to respond to grief in the Psalms of Lament. As the psalmists acknowledge God, lament what is lost, petition for help, commit to trust God, and give praise to God.
Scripture - Psalm 42
We often hear the saying, “Everything happens for a reason”. These words we hear often when someone is suffering. We try to explain or give reason to the suffering. The all-encompassing “everything happens for a reason” is the answer. There are issues with this statement: it takes personal responsibility out of the equation and makes God responsible for everyone’s actions. At the heart of this statement is our belief about God’s sovereignty and the role we play in our decisions.
Scripture - Deuteronomy 30:19-20a
We often hear the saying, “Everything happens for a reason”. These words we hear often when someone is suffering. We try to explain or give reason to the suffering. The all-encompassing “everything happens for a reason” is the answer. There are issues with this statement: it takes personal responsibility out of the equation and makes God responsible for everyone’s actions. At the heart of this statement is our belief about God’s sovereignty and the role we play in our decisions.
Scripture - Deuteronomy 30:19-20a
Life is hard. There are challenges. We seek to comfort and help each other. An often-spoken saying in such times is that “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.” No, scripture does not say that God will not give us more than we can handle, yet Jesus speaks to trouble in the world and how we can overcome it.
Scripture - John 16:29-33
Life is hard. There are challenges. We seek to comfort and help each other. An often-spoken saying in such times is that “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.” No, scripture does not say that God will not give us more than we can handle, yet Jesus speaks to trouble in the world and how we can overcome it. Scripture - John 16:29-33
Joshua sums up his purpose by saying “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua has been a spy, a patient assistant officer in the wilderness, a conquering commander, and now he will oversee the creation of a nation. In each era of his life, however, his purpose is the same: to serve the Lord with all he can control. Even after all the ways Joshua has led the Hebrew people, he recognizes he does not have the power to force them to serve the Lord. The only thing Joshua can control is that he and his household serve the Lord.
What can you control and what do you need to release to God so that you can live our your life’s purpose?
The name “Jesus” is a Greek translation of the Hebrew name Joshua. Just as Joshua led the Hebrew people into the promised land, Jesus leads us into the promised land of abundant and eternal life.
How can you follow where Jesus is leading?
Joshua sums up his purpose by saying “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua has been a spy, a patient assistant officer in the wilderness, a conquering commander, and now he will oversee the creation of a nation. In each era of his life, however, his purpose is the same: to serve the Lord with all he can control. Even after all the ways Joshua has led the Hebrew people, he recognizes he does not have the power to force them to serve the Lord. The only thing Joshua can control is that he and his household serve the Lord.
What can you control and what do you need to release to God so that you can live our your life’s purpose?
The name “Jesus” is a Greek translation of the Hebrew name Joshua. Just as Joshua led the Hebrew people into the promised land, Jesus leads us into the promised land of abundant and eternal life.
How can you follow where Jesus is leading?
Scripture - Joshua 24:14-15
Joshua defeated the city of Jericho by following a plan for the battle given to him by God. God has given us a plan to help us live victoriously in our lives. God’s plan includes weekly worship (Sabbath), daily scripture reading & prayer, tithing & generous giving, serving others, and sharing Christ by telling our story and inviting others into relationship with God & the church. Moreover, sometimes in our individual lives it is through following God’s plan for us that we ultimately discover God’s purpose.
As you being the new year, what are the priorities (or prior commitments) you want to put in place to help you faithfully follow God’s plan and discover your purpose? What do you need to do for your physical health (treating your body as a temple), relational health, spiritual health, emotional health? Do you have a plan for making your priorities a reality?
Scripture - Joshua 6 – selected verses
As the Hebrew people neared the promised land they sent spies to scout the land. The spies reported that it was a beautiful fertile land flowing with milk and honey. The majority of the spies reported back that the people of the land were too big, strong, and numerous for them to defeat. A small minority report was given by two spies (including Joshua). They believed the people should enter the land and that God would deliver the land into their possession. The people did not listen to the minority report and because of their lack of faith wandered in the wilderness for another 40 years before they entered the promised land.
Scripture - Numbers 14:1-10
As the Hebrew people neared the promised land they sent spies to scout the land. The spies reported that it was a beautiful fertile land flowing with milk and honey. The majority of the spies reported back that the people of the land were too big, strong, and numerous for them to defeat. A small minority report was given by two spies (including Joshua). They believed the people should enter the land and that God would deliver the land into their possession. The people did not listen to the minority report and because of their lack of faith wandered in the wilderness for another 40 years before they entered the promised land.
Scripture - Numbers 14:1-10
: We often see the Wise Men joining the rest of the traditional nativity scene characters in the Christmas story, yet the wise men arrive likely when Jesus was no longer a baby but a child. The Wise Men went to worship the King of the Jews. They are an interesting piece to our story. In them we find a place of returning, but returning a different way. Thanks to a warning in a dream, the magi return a different way in order to not have to speak to Herod again. In their returning a different way, we seek to return from our journey of Advent and Christmas a different way too. We seek to enter the new year transformed by the birth of our Savior, longing for what God longs for, waiting as a spiritual practice, finding the extravagant amongst the simple, living from a position of humility, and sharing how our Savior changes us. This is how we return.
Scripture - Matthew 2:1-12
We remain at the manger, the place of Jesus’ birth. For here is where we find our Savior. In the midst of what seems like humble beginnings is the story of our God who transforms and saves. We kneel at the manger as people knowing we cannot save ourselves despite our best efforts, seeking for more than this world can give, and finding the miracle that salvation comes through the birth of the baby born in simple beginnings, yet is evidence of the extravagance of our God’s love for us. Our God has come to be with us, who will show the depths of his love for us through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We come to the place of saving.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-20
We remain at the manger, the place of Jesus’ birth. For here is where we find our Savior. In the midst of what seems like humble beginnings is the story of our God who transforms and saves. We kneel at the manger as people knowing we cannot save ourselves despite our best efforts, seeking for more than this world can give, and finding the miracle that salvation comes through the birth of the baby born in simple beginnings, yet is evidence of the extravagance of our God’s love for us. Our God has come to be with us, who will show the depths of his love for us through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We come to the place of saving.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-20
Predictably we find ourselves in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. We find in Bethlehem a place of humility. Jesus was not born in a palace but a manger. The witnesses of Jesus’ birth were not powerful rulers but shepherds going about their daily tasks. An event that we have made into extravagant was really a place of humble beginnings. We journey to Bethlehem to acknowledge the importance of Jesus’ lineage within the line of King David, as well as the power of our Savior born, in a place of humble beginnings witnessed by everyday folks - the place of humility.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-20
Predictably we find ourselves in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. We find in Bethlehem a place of humility. Jesus was not born in a palace but a manger. The witnesses of Jesus’ birth were not powerful rulers but shepherds going about their daily tasks. An event that we have made into extravagant was really a place of humble beginnings. We journey to Bethlehem to acknowledge the importance of Jesus’ lineage within the line of King David, as well as the power of our Savior born, in a place of humble beginnings witnessed by everyday folks - the place of humility.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-20
Our next stop is Nazareth. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Nazareth was place of little significance and the home of a most unassuming mother to birth Jesus. Mary herself almost seems insignificant until God transforms her story and ours as well. Within simplicity, we find the story of our God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ, an incarnational act. The simplicity of Nazareth and Mary show us how there is significance in where we are and who we are.
Scripture - Luke 1:26-38, 46-50
Our next stop is Nazareth. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Nazareth was place of little significance and the home of a most unassuming mother to birth Jesus. Mary herself almost seems insignificant until God transforms her story and ours as well. Within simplicity, we find the story of our God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ, an incarnational act. The simplicity of Nazareth and Mary show us how there is significance in where we are and who we are.
Scripture - Luke 1:26-38, 46-50
We do not like to wait. We find ways to bypass traffic. We buy our way to the lightening lanes. We complain about taking longer to get where we want to go. Waiting is a crucial part of Advent and of God’s people. Jerusalem, specifically the Temple, is where we find the opportunity of waiting through Zechariah and Elizabeth. Waiting is actually a spiritual practice that provides an opportunity to receive rather than get. So, we wait.
Scripture - Luke 1:5-17
We do not like to wait. We find ways to bypass traffic. We buy our way to the lightening lanes. We complain about taking longer to get where we want to go. Waiting is a crucial part of Advent and of God’s people. Jerusalem, specifically the Temple, is where we find the opportunity of waiting through Zechariah and Elizabeth. Waiting is actually a spiritual practice that provides an opportunity to receive rather than get. So, we wait.
Scripture - Luke 1:5-17
We begin our journey in Rome, the place of power at the time of Jesus’ birth. The familiar words of Luke 2:1-3 note that a census is ordered by Caesar, the human authority at the time of Jesus’ birth. Rome ruled with authority over those in its empire. The people longed for more. As we begin our journey of Advent, we too long for more in our own lives. Our longing leads us to the manger and seeking what our God longs for.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-3; Romans 8:18-25
We begin our journey in Rome, the place of power at the time of Jesus’ birth. The familiar words of Luke 2:1-3 note that a census is ordered by Caesar, the human authority at the time of Jesus’ birth. Rome ruled with authority over those in its empire. The people longed for more. As we begin our journey of Advent, we too long for more in our own lives. Our longing leads us to the manger and seeking what our God longs for.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-3; Romans 8:18-25
As we conclude our series on loving one another, we do not conclude loving one another. Loving one another is a way of being through encouraging, serving, praying, honoring, and forgiving. Peter writes an effective summary of loving one another in his words found in 1 Peter 4:8-11. We are called to love deeply, offer hospitality, serve others, and above all things give God praise. As we enter the holiday season, may we seek ways to love one another that brings glory and honor to God. May we be known by our love of one another.
Scripture - 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
As we conclude our series on loving one another, we do not conclude loving one another. Loving one another is a way of being through encouraging, serving, praying, honoring, and forgiving. Peter writes an effective summary of loving one another in his words found in 1 Peter 4:8-11. We are called to love deeply, offer hospitality, serve others, and above all things give God praise. As we enter the holiday season, may we seek ways to love one another that brings glory and honor to God. May we be known by our love of one another.
Scripture - 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
We often hear the words “you just need to forgive”. Forgiveness is complicated, necessary, and freeing for the one forgiving and the one being forgiven. First, forgiveness is core to God’s love for each of us. Jesus’s death and resurrection is an act of forgiveness. We are uncapable of saving ourselves, so God sent his Son for the forgiveness of our sins. God’s love is an act of forgiveness. Next, forgiving others is a response to the forgiveness we receive. Peter’s question of Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” is a question that we may have asked ourselves. Jesus’ response calls us into the uncomfortability of loving one another. Fear of forgiving is a real challenge. Are we giving someone permission for the harm done to us or someone else? Are we letting someone off the hook for the harm? What about the eye for an eye philosophy? The questions are real and the fear is warranted. Our response of loving one another through forgiving one another is rooted in the depths of God’s love for us and seeing our own need for forgiveness.
Scripture - Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 18:21-35
We often hear the words “you just need to forgive”. Forgiveness is complicated, necessary, and freeing for the one forgiving and the one being forgiven. First, forgiveness is core to God’s love for each of us. Jesus’s death and resurrection is an act of forgiveness. We are uncapable of saving ourselves, so God sent his Son for the forgiveness of our sins. God’s love is an act of forgiveness. Next, forgiving others is a response to the forgiveness we receive. Peter’s question of Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” is a question that we may have asked ourselves. Jesus’ response calls us into the uncomfortability of loving one another. Fear of forgiving is a real challenge. Are we giving someone permission for the harm done to us or someone else? Are we letting someone off the hook for the harm? What about the eye for an eye philosophy? The questions are real and the fear is warranted. Our response of loving one another through forgiving one another is rooted in the depths of God’s love for us and seeing our own need for forgiveness.
Scripture - Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 18:21-35
Honoring one another seems like an obvious way to treat each other, yet respect seems to be a lost art at times as we live our everyday lives. We desire respect from each other and at times demand such from each other. Lack of respect seems to be rooted in our focus on self and demanding our rights be met immediately. Honoring is the act of respecting. Loving one another includes honoring one another through a posture of humility. Paul speaks of honoring and being devoted to one another, as well as living in harmony with one another. Paul’s words outline simple yet powerful ways to show love is an action not a feeling.
Scripture - Romans 12:9-18
Honoring one another seems like an obvious way to treat each other, yet respect seems to be a lost art at times as we live our everyday lives. We desire respect from each other and at times demand such from each other. Lack of respect seems to be rooted in our focus on self and demanding our rights be met immediately. Honoring is the act of respecting. Loving one another includes honoring one another through a posture of humility. Paul speaks of honoring and being devoted to one another, as well as living in harmony with one another. Paul’s words outline simple yet powerful ways to show love is an action not a feeling.
Scripture - Romans 12:9-18
Prayer is the language our Creator gave us to communicate with God. We talk and listen to God through prayer. Praying for one another is sacred space we get to walk with each through times of crisis and routine. There is such power in praying for one another and in being prayed for by others. Jesus’ words to the disciples through the Sermon on the Mount includes loving our enemies through prayer. Jesus notes that loving those who love us is easy. Loving those who are our enemies comes through the love of Christ for us. Maybe we do not consider folks our enemies, yet there are those who oppose our beliefs. This upcoming week includes Election Day. May we be a people who pray for those we love and those for whom our beliefs differ.
Scripture - James 5:15-18; Matthew 5:43-48
Prayer is the language our Creator gave us to communicate with God. We talk and listen to God through prayer. Praying for one another is sacred space we get to walk with each through times of crisis and routine. There is such power in praying for one another and in being prayed for by others. Jesus’ words to the disciples through the Sermon on the Mount includes loving our enemies through prayer. Jesus notes that loving those who love us is easy. Loving those who are our enemies comes through the love of Christ for us. Maybe we do not consider folks our enemies, yet there are those who oppose our beliefs. This upcoming week includes Election Day. May we be a people who pray for those we love and those for whom our beliefs differ.
Scripture - James 5:15-18; Matthew 5:43-48
Serving one another is at the core of who Jesus is and who we are called to be. Volunteering is something we do. Serving is a way of being for followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus washing the disciples feet on the night he was betrayed is an image, a demonstration and a command. We are called to love one another through serving one another. This isn’t another activity on our schedule; it is a way of living and being. What are the next steps we need to take in serving one another.
Scripture - Galatians 5:13; John 13:1-17
Serving one another is at the core of who Jesus is and who we are called to be. Volunteering is something we do. Serving is a way of being for followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus washing the disciples feet on the night he was betrayed is an image, a demonstration and a command. We are called to love one another through serving one another. This isn’t another activity on our schedule; it is a way of living and being. What are the next steps we need to take in serving one another.
Scripture - Galatians 5:13; John 13:1-17
There seems to be plenty to cause discouragement. Often times the loudest voices in public and private are those of judgement, criticism and discouragement. The writer of Hebrews guides the reader of the past and the present about the significance of encouraging one another. We are directed to draw near to God, hold fast to the hope we have in Jesus Christ, spur one another along to love and good deeds, continue to meet together, and encourage one another. Encouraging one another is part of loving one another. In a world where we provoke each other to emotions of anger and frustration, let us provoke each other to God, hope, love, serve, meet and encourage.
Scripture - Hebrews 10:19-25
There seems to be plenty to cause discouragement. Often times the loudest voices in public and private are those of judgement, criticism and discouragement. The writer of Hebrews guides the reader of the past and the present about the significance of encouraging one another. We are directed to draw near to God, hold fast to the hope we have in Jesus Christ, spur one another along to love and good deeds, continue to meet together, and encourage one another. Encouraging one another is part of loving one another. In a world where we provoke each other to emotions of anger and frustration, let us provoke each other to God, hope, love, serve, meet and encourage.
Scripture - Hebrews 10:19-25
In our divided culture, we are taught to only love those in our tribe who think like us, look like us, and vote like us. When asked about what it meant to love your neighbor, Jesus responded with the story of the Good Samaritan. Samaritans were an enemies of the Jews and disagreed with them about significant religious beliefs. Yet, when a Jewish man is robbed and beaten, it is a Samaritan who helps him while other “religious” Jews neglect him. Jesus tells us to do likewise. “Doing likewise” in today’s world means intentionally seeking to befriend, understand, and bless those with whom we disagree. This is how Christians are to be a healing presence in a world where people are too busy demonizing one another to love one another.
Scripture - Luke 10:25-37
In our divided culture, we are taught to only love those in our tribe who think like us, look like us, and vote like us. When asked about what it meant to love your neighbor, Jesus responded with the story of the Good Samaritan. Samaritans were an enemies of the Jews and disagreed with them about significant religious beliefs. Yet, when a Jewish man is robbed and beaten, it is a Samaritan who helps him while other “religious” Jews neglect him. Jesus tells us to do likewise. “Doing likewise” in today’s world means intentionally seeking to befriend, understand, and bless those with whom we disagree. This is how Christians are to be a healing presence in a world where people are too busy demonizing one another to love one another.
Scripture - Luke 10:25-37
Jesus commands us to love one another as He loves us. The key to following this commandment is recognizing the difference between the way Jesus loves us and the way the world teaches us to love. Jesus loves us unconditionally. Usually, the world loves us so long as we have something to offer. Jesus loves us when we fail. The world loves us when we succeed. Jesus loves us when it means defying social expectations. The world loves us when we follow social expectations. We see the depth of Jesus’ love in his Resurrection interaction (in John 21) with Peter following Peter’s denial. Jesus asks Peter if Peter loves (agape) him. Peter responds by saying loves (philio) Jesus. Agape is sacrificial love. Philio is the love of a friend. Peter knowing his recent denial is too ashamed to claim that he sacrificially loves Jesus because he knows his actions have not lived up to that standard. Yet, Jesus still restores and prophecies over Peter that Peter will indeed love him sacrificially – even to the point of Peter giving up his life. This is how Jesus loves us. By forgiving, redeeming, restoring, and guiding us through the power of the Holy Spirit to a life of courageous love which we could have never lived purely on our own power.
Scripture - John 13:34, John 21:15-19
Jesus commands us to love one another as He loves us. The key to following this commandment is recognizing the difference between the way Jesus loves us and the way the world teaches us to love. Jesus loves us unconditionally. Usually, the world loves us so long as we have something to offer. Jesus loves us when we fail. The world loves us when we succeed. Jesus loves us when it means defying social expectations. The world loves us when we follow social expectations. We see the depth of Jesus’ love in his Resurrection interaction (in John 21) with Peter following Peter’s denial. Jesus asks Peter if Peter loves (agape) him. Peter responds by saying loves (philio) Jesus. Agape is sacrificial love. Philio is the love of a friend. Peter knowing his recent denial is too ashamed to claim that he sacrificially loves Jesus because he knows his actions have not lived up to that standard. Yet, Jesus still restores and prophecies over Peter that Peter will indeed love him sacrificially – even to the point of Peter giving up his life. This is how Jesus loves us. By forgiving, redeeming, restoring, and guiding us through the power of the Holy Spirit to a life of courageous love which we could have never lived purely on our own power.
Scripture - John 13:34, John 21:15-19
The dishonest manager realizes his time in his current position is limited and he acts in such a way to bless others (both his clients and his boss) and in so doing leaves a last impression (legacy) with his life. We all own nothing. We only have a few things that for a few years we are entrusted to manage for God. We will manage them in such a way that leave a legacy. Will our lives leave a legacy of faith and love which will bless our families for generations to come? Will we use our gifts to build building, create endowments, or support ministries that will remain as a testament to God’s goodness long after we are gone?
Scripture - Luke 16:1-15
The dishonest manager realizes his time in his current position is limited and he acts in such a way to bless others (both his clients and his boss) and in so doing leaves a last impression (legacy) with his life. We all own nothing. We only have a few things that for a few years we are entrusted to manage for God. We will manage them in such a way that leave a legacy. Will our lives leave a legacy of faith and love which will bless our families for generations to come? Will we use our gifts to build building, create endowments, or support ministries that will remain as a testament to God’s goodness long after we are gone?
Scripture - Luke 16:1-15
Lives are changed for the better not by technology or wealth primarily, but by connection with God and others. This is what we were created for. The story of the prodigal son is the story of two sons who lose connection with their family for different reasons, and the path to restoration that each must learn to walk. This is why the most powerful ministries of the church are the ministries that create personal and spiritual connections. These may look rather ordinary like worship services, Sunday School classes, potluck meals, or service projects, but what they are doing is helping us connect to God and each other. In fact, studies have shown that our connection to each other and our spiritual connection to God plays a greater role in even our well-being than any other medical factor (Ex. Harvard longevity study). At Concord, we recognize one of the reason why we give of our treasure is to enable life changing ministry which connect people to God and each other.
Scripture - Luke 15:11-32
Lives are changed for the better not by technology or wealth primarily, but by connection with God and others. This is what we were created for. The story of the prodigal son is the story of two sons who lose connection with their family for different reasons, and the path to restoration that each must learn to walk. This is why the most powerful ministries of the church are the ministries that create personal and spiritual connections. These may look rather ordinary like worship services, Sunday School classes, potluck meals, or service projects, but what they are doing is helping us connect to God and each other. In fact, studies have shown that our connection to each other and our spiritual connection to God plays a greater role in even our well-being than any other medical factor (Ex. Harvard longevity study). At Concord, we recognize one of the reason why we give of our treasure is to enable life changing ministry which connect people to God and each other.
Scripture - Luke 15:11-32
The woman who finds her lost coin invites her friends to come celebrate with her. Like the woman, God celebrates whenever a person turns to God in repentance. When we experience God, we are called to imitate the woman by sharing with others the joy of God’s presence. When we allow God’s goodness of overflow in our lives by sharing it with others, we discover that in the act of giving to others we find ourselves replenished and restored. This is why we give our time talent, and treasure to allow God’s goodness to overflow through us.
Scripture - Luke 15:8-10
The woman who finds her lost coin invites her friends to come celebrate with her. Like the woman, God celebrates whenever a person turns to God in repentance. When we experience God, we are called to imitate the woman by sharing with others the joy of God’s presence. When we allow God’s goodness of overflow in our lives by sharing it with others, we discover that in the act of giving to others we find ourselves replenished and restored. This is why we give our time talent, and treasure to allow God’s goodness to overflow through us.
Scripture - Luke 15:8-10
History is the story of God’s pursuit of loving relationship with humanity. From the beginning we are created in God’s image to love and be loved (Gen 1). God walks in the garden to fellowship with us (Gen 2). God banishes us to from Eden b/c we corrupted the relationship yet still pursues us. God provides Cain with a mark of protection and doesn’t abandon him. God speaks to the Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. God provides for the people in Egypt and delivers them from Egypt. God leads through the wilderness. God’s provides the promised land. God speaks through judges, prophets, kings. God ultimately sends his Son, Jesus, so that we might know God’s true nature. Jesus dies and rises again for the disciples who desert him and the crowds who crucify him. Christ pursues Paul who persecutes him, Gentiles who dismiss him, and Jews who condemn him. And God pursues each of us in a never ending quest to reach us and redeem us. When we read the Bible we come to see our place in the story of God’s unstoppable love. This is why every atheistic society must ban the Bible. Because the story of God’s love is unstoppable.
Scripture - Luke 15:1-7
: History is the story of God’s pursuit of loving relationship with humanity. From the beginning we are created in God’s image to love and be loved (Gen 1). God walks in the garden to fellowship with us (Gen 2). God banishes us to from Eden b/c we corrupted the relationship yet still pursues us. God provides Cain with a mark of protection and doesn’t abandon him. God speaks to the Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. God provides for the people in Egypt and delivers them from Egypt. God leads through the wilderness. God’s provides the promised land. God speaks through judges, prophets, kings. God ultimately sends his Son, Jesus, so that we might know God’s true nature. Jesus dies and rises again for the disciples who desert him and the crowds who crucify him. Christ pursues Paul who persecutes him, Gentiles who dismiss him, and Jews who condemn him. And God pursues each of us in a never ending quest to reach us and redeem us. When we read the Bible we come to see our place in the story of God’s unstoppable love. This is why every atheistic society must ban the Bible. Because the story of God’s love is unstoppable.
Scripture - Luke 15:1-7
: Galatians 5:1 reminds us that even after having experience the freedom found only in the grace of Jesus Christ, it is easy for us to drift back into a religion based on our obedience, or lack thereof, to God rather than on God’s faithfulness to us. Galatians 6 gives instructions for what to do when others within the church have strayed from true Christianity. We are told to “restore them gently” and be careful not to fall prey to temptation ourselves. The temptation when helping restore others is to view them judgmentally as if we have not and will not ever be led astray unwittingly by an idol. We must maintain the utmost humility when helping others and recognize that because we are “all sinners who fall short of the glory of God” that a day will most likely come when we will need someone to restore us gently, so that we can live in the lasting freedom of God’s grace.
Scripture - Galatians 5:1, Galatians 6:1-10
Galatians 5:1 reminds us that even after having experience the freedom found only in the grace of Jesus Christ, it is easy for us to drift back into a religion based on our obedience, or lack thereof, to God rather than on God’s faithfulness to us. Galatians 6 gives instructions for what to do when others within the church have strayed from true Christianity. We are told to “restore them gently” and be careful not to fall prey to temptation ourselves. The temptation when helping restore others is to view them judgmentally as if we have not and will not ever be led astray unwittingly by an idol. We must maintain the utmost humility when helping others and recognize that because we are “all sinners who fall short of the glory of God” that a day will most likely come when we will need someone to restore us gently, so that we can live in the lasting freedom of God’s grace.
Scripture - Galatians 5:1, Galatians 6:1-10
In Galatians 5:16-26, Paul contrasts the desires of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. What Paul calls “the desires of the flesh” are nothing more than what happens when we allow our animal instincts to run while and do not attempt to conform our instincts to the will of God. In the animal world these instincts are not immoral. This is simply the way the animals were created to live. However, God gave to humanity a morality based not on animal instincts, but on the image of God in which we were created. While no one person can fully judge the faith or fruit of another person, if our lives are exhibiting more of the fruit of the spirit and less of the destructive desires of the flesh it is an indication of the sincerity of our religion. If our lives are exhibiting more and more of the desires of the flesh and less and less fruit of the Spirit, it is an indication that we have turned away from true Christianity and replaced it with a selfish and idolatrous form of religion.
Scripture - Galatians 5:16-26
In Galatians 5:16-26, Paul contrasts the desires of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. What Paul calls “the desires of the flesh” are nothing more than what happens when we allow our animal instincts to run while and do not attempt to conform our instincts to the will of God. In the animal world these instincts are not immoral. This is simply the way the animals were created to live. However, God gave to humanity a morality based not on animal instincts, but on the image of God in which we were created. While no one person can fully judge the faith or fruit of another person, if our lives are exhibiting more of the fruit of the spirit and less of the destructive desires of the flesh it is an indication of the sincerity of our religion. If our lives are exhibiting more and more of the desires of the flesh and less and less fruit of the Spirit, it is an indication that we have turned away from true Christianity and replaced it with a selfish and idolatrous form of religion.
Scripture - Galatians 5:16-26
One of the major problems for our religion (and one of the major defects in many of our personalities) is the desire to please people rather than God. The Galatians are trying to please and pacify people by making requirements for Christianity (especially circumcision) above and beyond the requirements of Christ. Paul is not trying to please people, but is trying to please God by sharing the truth of the Gospel and pointing out the idolatrous practices of the Galatians. As Christian, we are called to love and care for people, but we must ultimately live our lives for an Audience of One seeking to please only God.
Scripture - Galatians 1:10-12
One of the major problems for our religion (and one of the major defects in many of our personalities) is the desire to please people rather than God. The Galatians are trying to please and pacify people by making requirements for Christianity (especially circumcision) above and beyond the requirements of Christ. Paul is not trying to please people, but is trying to please God by sharing the truth of the Gospel and pointing out the idolatrous practices of the Galatians. As Christian, we are called to love and care for people, but we must ultimately live our lives for an Audience of One seeking to please only God.
Scripture - Galatians 1:10-12
Christianity is not corrupted by sin. Christianity is founded upon the conviction that sin abounds in each human heart and we are in constant need of the grace of Jesus Christ to save us from our sins and enable us to grow in faith. Christianity is corrupted by idolatry which equates participation in a cultural practice or attitude with right relationship with God. Such idolatry creates a religion wholly different than Christianity because the foundation of such idolatrous religion is obedience to a law, and often culturally conditioned, selectively applied interpretation of a law, rather than on a saving and sanctifying relationship with Jesus Christ. In 21st Century America, those with more progressive views often make an idol out of a certain political ideas and on the right we make idols out of other political ideas, in East Tennessee we often make an idol out of Tennessee Volunteer athletics, and sometimes within the church we even make idols out of our favorite worship styles and sacramental practices. If we are to live in the saving grace and lasting freedom of Christ, we ensure our identities are based on the Rock of Ages, not the idols of our age.
Scripture - Galatians 1:6-7, Galatians 3:1-4, 3:23-29
Christianity is not corrupted by sin. Christianity is founded upon the conviction that sin abounds in each human heart and we are in constant need of the grace of Jesus Christ to save us from our sins and enable us to grow in faith. Christianity is corrupted by idolatry which equates participation in a cultural practice or attitude with right relationship with God. Such idolatry creates a religion wholly different than Christianity because the foundation of such idolatrous religion is obedience to a law, and often culturally conditioned, selectively applied interpretation of a law, rather than on a saving and sanctifying relationship with Jesus Christ. In 21st Century America, those with more progressive views often make an idol out of a certain political ideas and on the right we make idols out of other political ideas, in East Tennessee we often make an idol out of Tennessee Volunteer athletics, and sometimes within the church we even make idols out of our favorite worship styles and sacramental practices. If we are to live in the saving grace and lasting freedom of Christ, we ensure our identities are based on the Rock of Ages, not the idols of our age.
Scripture - Galatians 1:6-7, Galatians 3:1-4, 3:23-29
From the beginning, God has walked with us. Prayer is one of the tangible ways that God walks with us and we walk with God. Prayer is the language that God gave us to communicate with our creator. Walking with God includes Jesus. Jesus states that he is the light of the world and whoever follows him "will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". Walking with God through prayer includes a variety of methods. One such method is a prayer labyrinth, a path of walking with God.
Scripture - Genesis 17:1-8; John 8:12; 12:35-36
From the beginning, God has walked with us. Prayer is one of the tangible ways that God walks with us and we walk with God. Prayer is the language that God gave us to communicate with our creator. Walking with God includes Jesus. Jesus states that he is the light of the world and whoever follows him "will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". Walking with God through prayer includes a variety of methods. One such method is a prayer labyrinth, a path of walking with God.
Scripture - Genesis 17:1-8; John 8:12; 12:35-36
Life has its challenges for sure. Sticking with the basics of following Jesus provides peace through God when everything around us seems to be chaotic. Paul's words in Philippians brings us back to core ways to put into practice following Jesus.
Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9
Life has its challenges for sure. Sticking with the basics of following Jesus provides peace through God when everything around us seems to be chaotic. Paul's words in Philippians brings us back to core ways to put into practice following Jesus.
Scripture - Philippians 4:4-9
As we wrap up VBS week, we dive deeply into God who is our friend who loves. When God told Jonah to go preach to the people of Nineveh, Jonah jumped on the first ship . . . . . in the opposite direction! Jonah did not think the Ninevites' deserved to hear about God's love. But God had other plans. Through the story of Jonah, we see the depths of God’s love to forgive both Jonah and the people of Nineveh. This is true for us and those who we may see undeserving of God's love. Our God is a friend who loves.
Scripture - Jonah 2:1-10
As we wrap up VBS week, we dive deeply into God who is our friend who loves. When God told Jonah to go preach to the people of Nineveh, Jonah jumped on the first ship . . . . . in the opposite direction! Jonah did not think the Ninevites' deserved to hear about God's love. But God had other plans. Through the story of Jonah, we see the depths of God’s love to forgive both Jonah and the people of Nineveh. This is true for us and those who we may see undeserving of God's love. Our God is a friend who loves.
Scripture - Jonah 2:1-10
Jesus promises eternal life to his followers. The eternal life Jesus offers is both quantitative (lasting forever) and qualitative (made possible only through relationship with Jesus Christ.) Therefore, eternal life can start now. However, beyond this life, eternal life exists through the Resurrection of the Dead. The Resurrection of the Dead is not simply a reference to Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is the first fruits of the resurrection offered to all people in God’s eternal kingdom. While the exact physical mechanics of the resurrection are mysterious, we now the resurrection involves judgement and (for those judged favorably) the gift of body, like Jesus’ resurrection body, which resembles our earthly bodies but does not decay and is not bound by the laws of physics.
Scripture - John 17:1-5 & John 11:21-27
Jesus promises eternal life to his followers. The eternal life Jesus offers is both quantitative (lasting forever) and qualitative (made possible only through relationship with Jesus Christ.) Therefore, eternal life can start now. However, beyond this life, eternal life exists through the Resurrection of the Dead. The Resurrection of the Dead is not simply a reference to Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is the first fruits of the resurrection offered to all people in God’s eternal kingdom. While the exact physical mechanics of the resurrection are mysterious, we now the resurrection involves judgement and (for those judged favorably) the gift of body, like Jesus’ resurrection body, which resembles our earthly bodies but does not decay and is not bound by the laws of physics.
Scripture - John 17:1-5 & John 11:21-27
The belief in sin sets Christians apart. Rather than seeing humanity’s main problem as ignorance, hate, or immaturity, Christians recognize the main problem of humanity as turning away from the one true God. The belief in sin also recognizes that humanity cannot save itself because humanity cannot bestow upon itself forgiveness only God can do that. In Christ, we see the depth of God’s love and the lengths to which God will go to offer forgiveness to us.
Scripture - Romans 3:23 & Matthew 1:21
The belief in sin sets Christians apart. Rather than seeing humanity’s main problem as ignorance, hate, or immaturity, Christians recognize the main problem of humanity as turning away from the one true God. The belief in sin also recognizes that humanity cannot save itself because humanity cannot bestow upon itself forgiveness only God can do that. In Christ, we see the depth of God’s love and the lengths to which God will go to offer forgiveness to us.
Scripture - Romans 3:23 & Matthew 1:21
The Church was Jesus’ idea not our idea. The church was Jesus’ plan for the community of His followers that would share His Gospel with world. In the Great Commission, Jesus calls the church to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. And at Pentecost the Spirit empowered the birth of the church. Though the Church on earth is imperfect due being filled with imperfect people, it is impossible to love the perfect Lord without loving the Church and seeking its good.
Scripture - Matthew 16:13-20
The Church was Jesus’ idea not our idea. The church was Jesus’ plan for the community of His followers that would share His Gospel with world. In the Great Commission, Jesus calls the church to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. And at Pentecost the Spirit empowered the birth of the church. Though the Church on earth is imperfect due being filled with imperfect people, it is impossible to love the perfect Lord without loving the Church and seeking its good.
Scripture - Matthew 16:13-20
The Holy Spirit was God’s instrument in creation and continues to be God’s instrument in bringing new life in the hearts of believers. The Holy Spirit, goes before us, behind us, and all around us. The Holy Spirit inspires, encourages, convicts, teaches, and empowers.
Scripture - John 14:16-17
The Holy Spirit was God’s instrument in creation and continues to be God’s instrument in bringing new life in the hearts of believers. The Holy Spirit, goes before us, behind us, and all around us. The Holy Spirit inspires, encourages, convicts, teaches, and empowers.
Scripture - John 14:16-17
Christ is not Jesus’ last name. Christ is a statement of Jesus’ identity signifying Jesus as Messiah or Savior. Acknowledging Jesus as our Savior requires acknowledging that he saves us from our sins, saves us for eternal life, and saves us form the calamities of this life by promising to never leave us or forsake us. To say Jesus is Lord means to say that Jesus is our authority. Jesus’ example and teachings are how authority for faithful living. Jesus demonstrates is Messiahship and Lordship through the virgin birth and his death and resurrection. Jesus did not become Lord and Savior during his life. He has always been Lord and Savior as the Father’s only begotten Son.
Scripture - Matthew 1:18-25 & 1 Corinthians 8:6
Christ is not Jesus’ last name. Christ is a statement of Jesus’ identity signifying Jesus as Messiah or Savior. Acknowledging Jesus as our Savior requires acknowledging that he saves us from our sins, saves us for eternal life, and saves us form the calamities of this life by promising to never leave us or forsake us. To say Jesus is Lord means to say that Jesus is our authority. Jesus’ example and teachings are how authority for faithful living. Jesus demonstrates is Messiahship and Lordship through the virgin birth and his death and resurrection. Jesus did not become Lord and Savior during his life. He has always been Lord and Savior as the Father’s only begotten Son.
Scripture - Matthew 1:18-25 & 1 Corinthians 8:6
We Believe in One God who created all things for the purpose of inviting His creatures to join His Kingdom of Love. To say God is Father is not to say God is male. We call God Father because Jesus called God Father and taught us that the Father created all things and gives us every good gift. Whoever creates something create for a purposes. Therefore, in acknowledging God as creator we recognize that we both receive our life from God and our purpose from God.
Scripture - James 1:16-18
We Believe in One God who created all things for the purpose of inviting His creatures to join His Kingdom of Love. To say God is Father is not to say God is male. We call God Father because Jesus called God Father and taught us that the Father created all things and gives us every good gift. Whoever creates something create for a purposes. Therefore, in acknowledging God as creator we recognize that we both receive our life from God and our purpose from God.
Scripture - James 1:16-18
As Wesley laid on his deathbed, these were the words he sang and spoke, “The best of all, God is with us!”. In the 1700s, Methodist were known to “die well”. When asked about this, Wesley responded that it is because Methodist “live well”. From Wesley’s fear of death being exposed on the ship across the Atlantic years before to a place of peace as he approached his death, God’s grace, love, and living a life rooted in the truths of God’s love and living a way of loving others is at the heart of following Jesus. Dying well is much more about living well.
Scripture - 2 Timothy 4:6-8
As Wesley laid on his deathbed, these were the words he sang and spoke, “The best of all, God is with us!”. In the 1700s, Methodist were known to “die well”. When asked about this, Wesley responded that it is because Methodist “live well”. From Wesley’s fear of death being exposed on the ship across the Atlantic years before to a place of peace as he approached his death, God’s grace, love, and living a life rooted in the truths of God’s love and living a way of loving others is at the heart of following Jesus. Dying well is much more about living well.
Scripture - 2 Timothy 4:6-8
For Wesley, his work was not confined to a church building. Wesley left the church to “go be more vile”, in his own words. He used the practice of field preaching to meet people literally where they were. He preached to coal miners and the least of these. He was faithful in visiting those imprisoned, those who were sick. Wesley argued against slavery. Just as Jesus words remind us of the importance of being the hands and feet of Jesus, so Wesley’s influence on his community was significant.
Scripture - Matthew 25:31-40
For Wesley, his work was not confined to a church building. Wesley left the church to “go be more vile”, in his own words. He used the practice of field preaching to meet people literally where they were. He preached to coal miners and the least of these. He was faithful in visiting those imprisoned, those who were sick. Wesley argued against slavery. Just as Jesus words remind us of the importance of being the hands and feet of Jesus, so Wesley’s influence on his community was significant.
Scripture - Matthew 25:31-40
Scripture - 2 Kings 10:15 & John 13:34-35
John Wesley saw the dangerous potential for Christians to defend their Christian (and denominational) beliefs in unchristian ways. He subscribed to the saying: “In the essentials unity. In the nonessentials liberty. In all things charity.”
John & Charles Wesley often debated George Whitfield on matters of predestination, grace, and justice. However, towards the end of their lives Charles wrote a letter to George in which he says, “We loved more when we knew less.” It’s our goal as Methodists to only let our knowledge increase our love never lessen it.
This is why as Methodists we hold to the historic orthodox Christian faith, believe in social principles which contain a consistent ethic of the sanctity of life which cuts across partisan politics, and believe the Holy Spirit is at work in Christians with theological and political beliefs different from our own.
Scripture - 2 Kings 10:15 & John 13:34-35
John Wesley saw the dangerous potential for Christians to defend their Christian (and denominational) beliefs in unchristian ways. He subscribed to the saying: “In the essentials unity. In the nonessentials liberty. In all things charity.”
John & Charles Wesley often debated George Whitfield on matters of predestination, grace, and justice. However, towards the end of their lives Charles wrote a letter to George in which he says, “We loved more when we knew less.” It’s our goal as Methodists to only let our knowledge increase our love never lessen it.
This is why as Methodists we hold to the historic orthodox Christian faith, believe in social principles which contain a consistent ethic of the sanctity of life which cuts across partisan politics, and believe the Holy Spirit is at work in Christians with theological and political beliefs different from our own.
We often hear in church that we should pray and read the Bible. Those seem like good answers to the question of how to be a good Christian. For John Wesley, praying, reading scripture, fasting, and Holy Communion weren’t just about being a good Christian. Participating in the “means of grace” for Wesley was about engaging in the means which convey God’s grace. These means are not about earning God’s grace, but experiencing God’s grace. As individuals and as a community of faith, engaging in the means of grace are a part of who we are.
As Jesus gathered with his disciples on the night in which he was betrayed, he shared in The Last Supper, a meal far more than bread and wine. John Wesley described the sacraments of Holy Communion and baptism as “outward signs of inward grace”. Each time we come to the communion table or baptize someone, we are claiming the truth about God’s grace at work.
Scripture - Acts 2:42-47; Luke 22:14-20
We often hear in church that we should pray and read the Bible. Those seem like good answers to the question of how to be a good Christian. For John Wesley, praying, reading scripture, fasting, and Holy Communion weren’t just about being a good Christian. Participating in the “means of grace” for Wesley was about engaging in the means which convey God’s grace. These means are not about earning God’s grace, but experiencing God’s grace. As individuals and as a community of faith, engaging in the means of grace are a part of who we are.
As Jesus gathered with his disciples on the night in which he was betrayed, he shared in The Last Supper, a meal far more than bread and wine. John Wesley described the sacraments of Holy Communion and baptism as “outward signs of inward grace”. Each time we come to the communion table or baptize someone, we are claiming the truth about God’s grace at work.
Scripture - Acts 2:42-47; Luke 22:14-20
Following Jesus is not limited to one hour a week on Sunday. The “method” part of Methodism comes from the methodical ways that Methodists live. A part of the method is living in a community together. For Wesley, this community of small groups was not limited to teaching and listening. For Wesley, being part of a weekly group where folks really knew you was significant for growing in faith and following of Jesus. There were two types of groups: class meetings and bands. The class meetings were approximately 12 persons who met weekly with a leader with the purpose to “watch over one another in love”. These groups were focused on checking in on the condition of one’s soul and to encourage, loving God and loving others.
Scripture - Matthew 22:37-40; Hebrews 10:19-25
Following Jesus is not limited to one hour a week on Sunday. The “method” part of Methodism comes from the methodical ways that Methodists live. A part of the method is living in a community together. For Wesley, this community of small groups was not limited to teaching and listening. For Wesley, being part of a weekly group where folks really knew you was significant for growing in faith and following of Jesus. There were two types of groups: class meetings and bands. The class meetings were approximately 12 persons who met weekly with a leader with the purpose to “watch over one another in love”. These groups were focused on checking in on the condition of one’s soul and to encourage, loving God and loving others.
Scripture - Matthew 22:37-40; Hebrews 10:19-25
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus at night. Their conversation focuses being born again. Jesus explains that this is a birth of the spirit not of the flesh. In John Wesley’s sermon, The New Birth, he speaks of justifying and sanctifying grace. Wesley used the analogy of a house to describe grace. The driveway/porch is prevenient grace, God’s love drawing us to him. Justifying grace is the door entering the house. We walk through. We move from unbelief to belief. This is not our own doing, but God’s work in us. Sanctifying grace is God’s grace in our lives as we seek to live a life following him. The inside of the house completes Wesley’s analogy of grace, signifying our lives are a process of God’s love at work in and through us. Coming to faith is not an event, it is a process for a lifetime.
Scripture - John 3:1-17
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus at night. Their conversation focuses being born again. Jesus explains that this is a birth of the spirit not of the flesh. In John Wesley’s sermon, The New Birth, he speaks of justifying and sanctifying grace. Wesley used the analogy of a house to describe grace. The driveway/porch is prevenient grace, God’s love drawing us to him. Justifying grace is the door entering the house. We walk through. We move from unbelief to belief. This is not our own doing, but God’s work in us. Sanctifying grace is God’s grace in our lives as we seek to live a life following him. The inside of the house completes Wesley’s analogy of grace, signifying our lives are a process of God’s love at work in and through us. Coming to faith is not an event, it is a process for a lifetime.
Scripture - John 3:1-17
Armed with his knowledge and experiences of the methodical ways of a small group, Wesley headed to the colony of Georgia to convert those living in the colony. His experience was unsuccessful in multiple ways. He returned to his home in England in a crisis of faith. He had head knowledge, yet something was missing. A significant event for Wesley was witnessing a group of Moravians respond to a life and death situation at sea. He wondered why he feared death and they had peace. Wesley would soon have what he described as “his heart strangely warmed” at Aldersgate while listening to Luther’s Preface to Romans. Wesley’s Aldersgate’s experience transformed him and ignited in him an experience that transcended his head knowledge. The words of Romans 5 rest at the heart of Wesley’s experience and ours too.
Scripture - Romans 5:1-11
Armed with his knowledge and experiences of the methodical ways of a small group, Wesley headed to the colony of Georgia to convert those living in the colony. His experience was unsuccessful in multiple ways. He returned to his home in England in a crisis of faith. He had head knowledge, yet something was missing. A significant event for Wesley was witnessing a group of Moravians respond to a life and death situation at sea. He wondered why he feared death and they had peace. Wesley would soon have what he described as “his heart strangely warmed” at Aldersgate while listening to Luther’s Preface to Romans. Wesley’s Aldersgate’s experience transformed him and ignited in him an experience that transcended his head knowledge. The words of Romans 5 rest at the heart of Wesley’s experience and ours too.
Scripture: Romans 5:1-11
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10
Wesley Sermon: The Scripture Way of Salvation
At the heart of Wesleyan belief is prevenient grace. Prevenient grace is that God loves us first, that God pursues us. God’s loving us first is evidenced in the words of Ephesians 2:8, “it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”. John Wesley was raised in a religious home with parents who influenced his understanding of God. Wesley’s early life experiences, education, in addition to his family experiences informed his understanding of who God is. God’s preventing grace was at work within Wesley throughout his early life, just as with each of us. God pursues us. We point to Wesley because Wesley points to Jesus.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10
Wesley Sermon: The Scripture Way of Salvation
At the heart of Wesleyan belief is prevenient grace. Prevenient grace is that God loves us first, that God pursues us. God’s loving us first is evidenced in the words of Ephesians 2:8, “it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”. John Wesley was raised in a religious home with parents who influenced his understanding of God. Wesley’s early life experiences, education, in addition to his family experiences informed his understanding of who God is. God’s preventing grace was at work within Wesley throughout his early life, just as with each of us. God pursues us. We point to Wesley because Wesley points to Jesus.
When the women came to the tomb to anoint Jesus body, the angel asked them a pointed question: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” They were looking for Jesus in the wrong place. Where should we look to find the Risen Christ? According to Luke’s Gospel, we should look to find his presence with the least, the last, and the lost. And we should look to find Jesus in our own hearts if they are humble enough to receive him. Sometimes we have a pride that says, Jesus couldn’t really be present in our hearts and couldn’t really be alive and at work in our world b/c we can’t understand intellectually how he could rise from the dead, or because we can’t feel him near all the time or because life’s harder than we wish it was. But if we learn to be humble and to love the people Jesus loved, we will see his resurrected presence all around us.
Scripture - Luke 24:1-11
When the women came to the tomb to anoint Jesus body, the angel asked them a pointed question: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” They were looking for Jesus in the wrong place. Where should we look to find the Risen Christ? According to Luke’s Gospel, we should look to find his presence with the least, the last, and the lost. And we should look to find Jesus in our own hearts if they are humble enough to receive him. Sometimes we have a pride that says, Jesus couldn’t really be present in our hearts and couldn’t really be alive and at work in our world b/c we can’t understand intellectually how he could rise from the dead, or because we can’t feel him near all the time or because life’s harder than we wish it was. But if we learn to be humble and to love the people Jesus loved, we will see his resurrected presence all around us.
Scripture - Luke 24:1-11
Jesus doesn’t seek torture and death, but neither does he shy away from it when he realizes it is the only way to stay true to his message and his mission. On the cross he encounters two criminals and gives them the opportunity to repent. To the criminal who chooses to repent, Jesus says, “You will be with me today in paradise.” In his greatest moment of pain, Jesus was still concerned for someone society had given up caring about a long time ago. We might find Jesus’ offer of salvation to a criminal to be offensive, but if there isn’t room for that thief on the cross beside Jesus in heaven there isn’t room for any of us. None of us make it on our own merits. The only reason any of us make it is Jesus’ sacrifice.
Scripture - Luke 23:32-43
Jesus doesn’t seek torture and death, but neither does he shy away from it when he realizes it is the only way to stay true to his message and his mission. On the cross he encounters two criminals and gives them the opportunity to repent. To the criminal who chooses to repent, Jesus says, “You will be with me today in paradise.” In his greatest moment of pain, Jesus was still concerned for someone society had given up caring about a long time ago. We might find Jesus’ offer of salvation to a criminal to be offensive, but if there isn’t room for that thief on the cross beside Jesus in heaven there isn’t room for any of us. None of us make it on our own merits. The only reason any of us make it is Jesus’ sacrifice.
Scripture - Luke 23:32-43
At Zacchaeus’ house, Jesus finds himself at the last supper you’d expect (at least if you expectations were like those of the pharisees). Jesus is eating with a tax collector and, in fact, forgiving and praises the tax collector for his repentance. In Luke 22, Jesus is eating with his disciples at the last supper as his disciple debate who is the greatest. In each instance, Jesus redefines greatness. In the case of Zacchaeus, to be great is to be merciful. In the case of the disciples to be great is to be a servant. Do you practice extending mercy in your relationships? Would others describe you as servant if they knew your heart?
Scripture - Luke 19:7-10 & Luke 22:24-27
At Zacchaeus’ house, Jesus finds himself at the last supper you’d expect (at least if you expectations were like those of the pharisees). Jesus is eating with a tax collector and, in fact, forgiving and praises the tax collector for his repentance. In Luke 22, Jesus is eating with his disciples at the last supper as his disciple debate who is the greatest. In each instance, Jesus redefines greatness. In the case of Zacchaeus, to be great is to be merciful. In the case of the disciples to be great is to be a servant. Do you practice extending mercy in your relationships? Would others describe you as servant if they knew your heart?
Scripture - Luke 19:7-10 & Luke 22:24-27
Jesus prepares his disciples for his death and he prepares them to take up their own crosses and follow him. His paradoxical words still haunt us, “those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lost their life will save it.” What does it mean to lose our life for Christ? Perhaps it means living our life in Christ: by Christ’s power and for Christ’s purposes. Such a calling is too high for us. Just like his first disciples we will shy away cowardly when push comes to shove. But if we keep coming back to Jesus in our failure, we like his first disciples (most of whom ultimately lost their lives for him) will learn how to courageously live our lives for Christ.
Scripture - Luke 9:22-25
Jesus prepares his disciples for his death and he prepares them to take up their own crosses and follow him. His paradoxical words still haunt us, “those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lost their life will save it.” What does it mean to lose our life for Christ? Perhaps it means living our life in Christ: by Christ’s power and for Christ’s purposes. Such a calling is too high for us. Just like his first disciples we will shy away cowardly when push comes to shove. But if we keep coming back to Jesus in our failure, we like his first disciples (most of whom ultimately lost their lives for him) will learn how to courageously live our lives for Christ.
Scripture -
Luke 9:22-25
Jesus tells the story of a pharisee and a tax collector who went to pray. The pharisee thanked God who wasn’t a miserable sinner like the tax collector, but the tax collector just asked for God for mercy. Jesus concluded by saying the tax collector’s prayer pleased God, but the pharisee’s prayer did not. The only way we can pray to God honestly and experience God authentically is by praying from a low place, a place of humility and need. The moment we begin to think we can handle life on our own, the voice of pride begins to drown out the voice of God.
Scripture - Luke 18:9-14
Jesus tells the story of a pharisee and a tax collector who went to pray. The pharisee thanked God who wasn’t a miserable sinner like the tax collector, but the tax collector just asked for God for mercy. Jesus concluded by saying the tax collector’s prayer pleased God, but the pharisee’s prayer did not. The only way we can pray to God honestly and experience God authentically is by praying from a low place, a place of humility and need. The moment we begin to think we can handle life on our own, the voice of pride begins to drown out the voice of God.
Scripture - Luke 18:9-14
You are the only person who can’t directly see yourself. Yet, so often we go through life without really seeing others because we can only see the needs of ourselves. This was true of Simon, the pharisee, who didn’t respect the needs to a women who came to bless Jesus. It was also true of the culture of ancient Israel where the needs of women were often minimized and overlooked. Sadly, in our culture, we still minimize the needs of other who aren’t like us. Jesus challenges us to see the not only the needs but also the dignity, sacred worth, and potential in each person.
Scripture - Luke 7:36-50
You are the only person who can’t directly see yourself. Yet, so often we go through life without really seeing others because we can only see the needs of ourselves. This was true of Simon, the pharisee, who didn’t respect the needs to a women who came to bless Jesus. It was also true of the culture of ancient Israel where the needs of women were often minimized and overlooked. Sadly, in our culture, we still minimize the needs of other who aren’t like us. Jesus challenges us to see the not only the needs but also the dignity, sacred worth, and potential in each person.
Scripture - Luke 7:36-50
Gabriel tells Mary that her son will “fill the hungry with good things, but send the rich away empty.” In the beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus says “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. Throughout his life Jesus shows special care both for those who are physically hungry and spiritually hungry. Those who are not spiritually hungry often think they don’t need what Jesus as to offer because they can take care of themselves with their riches. Those without riches seem to more easily recognize the needs not just of their bodies and their souls. Is Jesus your greatest hunger? Is learning God’s ways and following God’s will the greatest desire in your life? This Lent we will be focused on the spiritual discipline of fasting. It is a way of increasing our reliance on God by decreasing our reliance on food. Throughout Lent, we want to challenge you to fast on Fridays. You have 3 options: 1) Friday from 9am-3pm 2) Friday until 3pm or 3) Friday until Sundown. It is Christian tradition to fast on Friday as it represents the day Jesus was crucified and sacrificed for us.
Scripture - Luke 1:51-53
Gabriel tells Mary that her son will “fill the hungry with good things, but send the rich away empty.” In the beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus says “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. Throughout his life Jesus shows special care both for those who are physically hungry and spiritually hungry. Those who are not spiritually hungry often think they don’t need what Jesus as to offer because they can take care of themselves with their riches. Those without riches seem to more easily recognize the needs not just of their bodies and their souls. Is Jesus your greatest hunger? Is learning God’s ways and following God’s will the greatest desire in your life? This Lent we will be focused on the spiritual discipline of fasting. It is a way of increasing our reliance on God by decreasing our reliance on food. Throughout Lent, we want to challenge you to fast on Fridays. You have 3 options: 1) Friday from 9am-3pm 2) Friday until 3pm or 3) Friday until Sundown. It is Christian tradition to fast on Friday as it represents the day Jesus was crucified and sacrificed for us.
Scripture - Luke 1:51-53
What does it look like to love others in the world, i.e. those with different values, who may identify with other Christian denominations or religions, or who live in other countries? As followers of Christ we are called to love those who are not like ourselves. One way of doing this is to find common ground. Even though we may be different in many aspects everyone wants to feel appreciated and loved. We need to focus not on our differences but on our similarities. It is a fact that even when we disagree with someone on an idea, there is still 10% of our discussion that we can agree upon. Let us work to focus on the 10% that we agree upon with those who are different than us. This is a starting place rather than a final goal but it is a good place to begin. When we learn to shift our mindset to what we have in common instead of focusing on our differences we see each other in a different light. Discovering what we have in common with others begins with us.
Scripture - 1 John 4:11-21; James 1:19
What does it look like to love others in the world, i.e. those with different values, who may identify with other Christian denominations or religions, or who live in other countries? As followers of Christ we are called to love those who are not like ourselves. One way of doing this is to find common ground. Even though we may be different in many aspects everyone wants to feel appreciated and loved. We need to focus not on our differences but on our similarities. It is a fact that even when we disagree with someone on an idea, there is still 10% of our discussion that we can agree upon. Let us work to focus on the 10% that we agree upon with those who are different than us. This is a starting place rather than a final goal but it is a good place to begin. When we learn to shift our mindset to what we have in common instead of focusing on our differences we see each other in a different light. Discovering what we have in common with others begins with us.
Scripture - 1 John 4:11-21; James 1:19
The church was never designed to be an inclusive place just for members only. God calls each one of us to extend the love he provides to us to those in our communities. A significant way we do this is to be involved in one of the many on-going missions and outreach activities that we in our church. Recently, our church held our annual Mission Blitz where we were involved in a vast variety of activities. However, this is not the only time that we have an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others in our local community. We have many ways for us to reach out to others with a welcoming and hospitable spirit. When we do we meet the needs of those around us who might otherwise be forgotten and lost. Is God calling you to serve in one of our many ministries or is God leading you to notice a need that is currently not being addressed in order to start a new ministry? The early church knew that they were called to meet the needs of the poor and others who were not being cared for in society. We are called to do the same.
Scripture - Luke 14:12-14
The church was never designed to be an inclusive place just for members only. God calls each one of us to extend the love he provides to us to those in our communities. A significant way we do this is to be involved in one of the many on-going missions and outreach activities that we in our church. Recently, our church held our annual Mission Blitz where we were involved in a vast variety of activities. However, this is not the only time that we have an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others in our local community. We have many ways for us to reach out to others with a welcoming and hospitable spirit. When we do we meet the needs of those around us who might otherwise be forgotten and lost. Is God calling you to serve in one of our many ministries or is God leading you to notice a need that is currently not being addressed in order to start a new ministry? The early church knew that they were called to meet the needs of the poor and others who were not being cared for in society. We are called to do the same.
Scripture - Luke 14:12-14
Belonging to a church family requires us to demonstrate love for each other through our words and actions. One simple way to do this is to be intentional about implementing the 3-minute 10-foot rule before and after each worship service. We need to extend a warm greeting of welcome not only to those that we already know but also to people who are unfamiliar to us. By being welcoming and hospitable we extend the love of Christ to others and make them feel loved and appreciated. Another way to demonstrate love for our church family is to volunteer in one of our many Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Welcoming ministries, serve as a Sunday School teacher or Nursery worker, or volunteer in our Children or Youth ministries. Paul tells us that the body of Christ is comprised of people who use their particular skill-set and passions to serve the church. When we find our unique place to serve we demonstrate our love for our church family as the body of Christ.
Scripture - 1 Corinthians 12:12-28
Belonging to a church family requires us to demonstrate love for each other through our words and actions. One simple way to do this is to be intentional about implementing the 3-minute 10-foot rule before and after each worship service. We need to extend a warm greeting of welcome not only to those that we already know but also to people who are unfamiliar to us. By being welcoming and hospitable we extend the love of Christ to others and make them feel loved and appreciated. Another way to demonstrate love for our church family is to volunteer in one of our many Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Welcoming ministries, serve as a Sunday School teacher or Nursery worker, or volunteer in our Children or Youth ministries. Paul tells us that the body of Christ is comprised of people who use their particular skill-set and passions to serve the church. When we find our unique place to serve we demonstrate our love for our church family as the body of Christ.
Scripture - 1 Corinthians 12:12-28
Most of us are so consumed with our family and friends that we don’t make a point to know our neighbors. Who is our neighbor? Jesus challenges us with the parable of the Good Samaritan which teaches us that we are called to love those who we usually don’t even think about or want to know at all. However, what if we took his mandate literally and started making a point to get to really know those who physically live around us. Do we know the names of our neighbors? Do we know what struggles they have? As followers of Christ we are called to love and be welcoming to those who live around us. When we are more intentional about loving our neighbors we have the opportunity to extend the love of Christ in our neighborhood and change it for the better.
Scripture - Luke 10:25-37
Let’s face it, sometimes it can be easier to love those who are not in our family. After all, we don’t have to see them every day and if someone gets on our nerves we can simply walk-away from them. Not so with our families. However, our families are important because this is how we learn to interact with others, are provided with a safe place to be nurtured and grow, and where we are loved and appreciated for who we are. Jesus understood the importance of family and how growing up in a healthy family is important for us to be nurtured in our faith. A healthy family is one where each member is welcoming and hospitable to each other.
Scripture - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 4:2
Let’s face it, sometimes it can be easier to love those who are not in our family. After all, we don’t have to see them every day and if someone gets on our nerves we can simply walk-away from them. Not so with our families. However, our families are important because this is how we learn to interact with others, are provided with a safe place to be nurtured and grow, and where we are loved and appreciated for who we are. Jesus understood the importance of family and how growing up in a healthy family is important for us to be nurtured in our faith. A healthy family is one where each member is welcoming and hospitable to each other.
Scripture - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 4:2
Jesus claims that we need to love our neighbors as ourselves. However, due to a myriad of reasons, many of us are not as healthy and whole as we want to be resulting in a lack of satisfaction with ourselves. In fact, many of us set “New Year’s Resolutions” or goals at the beginning of each year with the desire of changing ourselves for the better. Unfortunately, these resolutions or goals tend to disappear by March of each year only causing us to become discouraged. What if this year was different and rather than relying on ourselves to change we relied on Jesus to help us become healthy and whole. It is only when we become healthy and whole that we can extend the love of Christ to others in a joyful and welcoming manner.
Scripture - Matthew 22:37-40; John 15:4-11
Jesus claims that we need to love our neighbors as ourselves. However, due to a myriad of reasons, many of us are not as healthy and whole as we want to be resulting in a lack of satisfaction with ourselves. In fact, many of us set “New Year’s Resolutions” or goals at the beginning of each year with the desire of changing ourselves for the better. Unfortunately, these resolutions or goals tend to disappear by March of each year only causing us to become discouraged. What if this year was different and rather than relying on ourselves to change we relied on Jesus to help us become healthy and whole. It is only when we become healthy and whole that we can extend the love of Christ to others in a joyful and welcoming manner.
Scripture - Matthew 22:37-40; John 15:4-11
We conclude our Advent series connecting where we began. Elizabeth and Zechariah’s unlikely son becomes an unlikely prophet, preparing the way for Jesus. We too have unlikely opportunities to share Christ with others. As we conclude the holiday season and enter into a new year, we seek to take next steps of sharing Christ, serving others, and growing in faith. We pray the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer as a reminder and recentering our focus on the unlikely opportunities ahead.
Scripture - Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-3
In our modern day culture, we know a little bit about what it is like when a king is born, or at least a future king, as we are witness to the monarchy of Great Britain. We view the happenings with intrigue and mystery as this is very different than our culture. The King of Kings was not born into pomp and circumstance. Jesus was born simply, in a manger because there was no guest room, amongst the animals, proclaimed to the unlikely shepherds. The Messiah. Our Savior. An unlikely King.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-12
In our modern day culture, we know a little bit about what it is like when a king is born, or at least a future king, as we are witness to the monarchy of Great Britain. We view the happenings with intrigue and mystery as this is very different than our culture. The King of Kings was not born into pomp and circumstance. Jesus was born simply, in a manger because there was no guest room, amongst the animals, proclaimed to the unlikely shepherds. The Messiah. Our Savior. An unlikely King.
Scripture - Luke 2:1-12
The Shepherds often have a place in the story of Jesus’ birth yet there is more to their story too. The shepherds are unlikely witnesses to the birth of the king. They are not the elite, in fact, far from it. They were the ones to whom the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus and were summoned to go to see the babe born in the manger. Who are the unlikely witnesses that we overlook in our lives? How can we be unlikely witnesses of the Savior born?
Scripture - Luke 2:8-20
The Shepherds often have a place in the story of Jesus’ birth yet there is more to their story too. The shepherds are unlikely witnesses to the birth of the king. They are not the elite, in fact, far from it. They were the ones to whom the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus and were summoned to go to see the babe born in the manger. Who are the unlikely witnesses that we overlook in our lives? How can we be unlikely witnesses of the Savior born?
Scripture - Luke 2:8-20
Herod is not a likely character focus of Advent, yet he plays a role in the story and also brings an awareness to how we might be connected to Herod. Herod’s fear and desire for power create multiple dynamics for the birth story of Jesus. We might be able to view Herod with disgust, yet when we consider more deeply, we are more like Herod than different from him. Power and prestige pull us too. It might be subtle as opposed to deadly, yet it keeps us from experiencing life fully. The unlikely power of Advent is that despite the power of Herod, the power of Jesus is far more.
Scripture - Matthew 2:13-18
Herod is not a likely character focus of Advent, yet he plays a role in the story and also brings an awareness to how we might be connected to Herod. Herod’s fear and desire for power create multiple dynamics for the birth story of Jesus. We might be able to view Herod with disgust, yet when we consider more deeply, we are more like Herod than different from him. Power and prestige pull us too. It might be subtle as opposed to deadly, yet it keeps us from experiencing life fully. The unlikely power of Advent is that despite the power of Herod, the power of Jesus is far more.
Scripture - Matthew 2:13-18
The Magi (Wise Men) are familiar to the telling of the birth of Jesus. We focus on the gifts that they bring to Jesus, yet their story is much more than the gifts. The Magi were from east of the Holy Land, astrologers possibly. They find themselves seeking the king of the Jews too. Just as they are unlikely attenders to the birth of Jesus, we too must be open to unlikely friends.
Scripture - Matthew 2:1-12
The Magi (Wise Men) are familiar to the telling of the birth of Jesus. We focus on the gifts that they bring to Jesus, yet their story is much more than the gifts. The Magi were from east of the Holy Land, astrologers possibly. They find themselves seeking the king of the Jews too. Just as they are unlikely attenders to the birth of Jesus, we too must be open to unlikely friends.
Scripture - Matthew 2:1-12
Elizabeth and Zechariah’s unlikely story is a one familiar to us. Elizabeth and Zechariah experienced infertility. Their dream of having a child was unfulfilled. We too have dreams that are unfulfilled, that leave gaps in our lives. Zechariah shows up to his work as a priest one day to experience the most unlikely path open up as an angel appears to him in the Holy of Holies. Elizabeth and Zechariah experience an unlikely hope. We too have hope in the most unlikely ways.
Scripture - Luke 1:11-25
Elizabeth and Zechariah’s unlikely story is a one familiar to us. Elizabeth and Zechariah experienced infertility. Their dream of having a child was unfulfilled. We too have dreams that are unfulfilled, that leave gaps in our lives. Zechariah shows up to his work as a priest one day to experience the most unlikely path open up as an angel appears to him in the Holy of Holies. Elizabeth and Zechariah experience an unlikely hope. We too have hope in the most unlikely ways.
Scripture - Luke 1:11-25
Jesus instructs us all to aspire to have faith like a child who exhibits humility and awe (Matt 18:1-5). This type of faith requires a deep dependence on God and a deep commitment to remove the obstacles that would prevent children from discovering faith (Matt 19:13-15). Removing the obstacles that prevent children from finding faith requires providing the physical space children need at church and providing space for children in our lives and our calendars. Intergenerational relationships are the most crucial element in the faith development of our children. In fact, intergenerational relationships are so important that Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me (Matt 18:5).”
Scripture - Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 19:13-15
Jesus instructs us all to aspire to have faith like a child who exhibits humility and awe (Matt 18:1-5). This type of faith requires a deep dependence on God and a deep commitment to remove the obstacles that would prevent children from discovering faith (Matt 19:13-15). Removing the obstacles that prevent children from finding faith requires providing the physical space children need at church and providing space for children in our lives and our calendars. Intergenerational relationships are the most crucial element in the faith development of our children. In fact, intergenerational relationships are so important that Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me (Matt 18:5).”
Scripture - Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 19:13-15
Providing children with the nurture they need is a fundamental task for every Christian. Today children need more nurture and training than ever academically, socially, and spiritually. Our weekday preschool is a great example of a commitment to build up our youngest generation in all these areas
Scripture - Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 5:8
Providing children with the nurture they need is a fundamental task for every Christian. Today children need more nurture and training than ever academically, socially, and spiritually. Our weekday preschool is a great example of a commitment to build up our youngest generation in all these areas.
Scripture - Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 5:8
God desires that people of all life stages be treated with dignity. The command in Ex 20 to honor father and mother is a lifelong command – not just one for kids. Dignity requires intentional displays of respect (Lev 19:32). Dignity also recognizes and appreciates the job God has given the elderly of reflection and wisdom. When we are young our job is to learn and dream. When we are old our job is to reflect and take stock of our lives (Ps 71:9 is an example of a prayer asking God still to reveal a purpose for us in our old age.) It is also the job of the elderly to leave a legacy with through their wisdom and it is the of the younger generations to seek out the wisdom of their elders.
Scripture - Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:32, Psalm 71:9, Proverbs 1:8-9
God desires that people of all life stages be treated with dignity. The command in Ex 20 to honor father and mother is a lifelong command – not just one for kids. Dignity requires intentional displays of respect (Lev 19:32). Dignity also recognizes and appreciates the job God has given the elderly of reflection and wisdom. When we are young our job is to learn and dream. When we are old our job is to reflect and take stock of our lives (Ps 71:9 is an example of a prayer asking God still to reveal a purpose for us in our old age.) It is also the job of the elderly to leave a legacy with through their wisdom and it is the of the younger generations to seek out the wisdom of their elder.
Scripture - Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:32, Psalm 71:9, Proverbs 1:8-9
Genesis ends with the story of Joseph. As with the other stories in Genesis, there is goodness and conflict. In the end, Joseph chooses to forgive the harm intended and done by his brothers. Joseph symbolizes redemption as he forgives his brothers. Our origin story includes the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, rooted in God’s amazing grace and unconditional love. God’s intentions have been since the beginning.
Scripture - Genesis 50:15-21
Genesis ends with the story of Joseph. As with the other stories in Genesis, there is goodness and conflict. In the end, Joseph chooses to forgive the harm intended and done by his brothers. Joseph symbolizes redemption as he forgives his brothers. Our origin story includes the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, rooted in God’s amazing grace and unconditional love. God’s intentions have been since the beginning.
Scripture - Genesis 50:15-21
There are times in our lives when we seem to be wrestling with God. Our conflict is not necessarily with others but with God. The wrestling is exhausting and often results in an eventual moment of realizing that we have come face to face with God. Jacob illustrates this in Genesis 32, wrestling with and acknowledging the depths of coming face to face with God. Our hope is our God.
Scripture - Genesis 32:22-32
There are times in our lives when we seem to be wrestling with God. Our conflict is not necessarily with others but with God. The wrestling is exhausting and often results in an eventual moment of realizing that we have come face to face with God. Jacob illustrates this in Genesis 32, wrestling with and acknowledging the depths of coming face to face with God. Our hope is our God.
Scripture - Genesis 32:22-32
Genesis reads as a classic drama with conflict, deceit, resentment, and much more. Often this conflict takes place within family relationships. Conflict between humans was not God’s original intent, yet our humanity finds itself in what feels like perpetual conflict with others. We become focused on our ways, our opinions, and our entitlements. We see this play out multiple times in our origin story and in our lives today. Brothers Esau and Jacob illustrate this dynamic in Genesis 25, 27. Our conflicts result in lost time, lost relationships, and generations affected by our focus on self.
Scripture - Genesis 25:21-34; 27:1-41
Genesis reads as a classic drama with conflict, deceit, resentment, and much more. Often this conflict takes place within family relationships. Conflict between humans was not God’s original intent, yet our humanity finds itself in what feels like perpetual conflict with others. We become focused on our ways, our opinions, and our entitlements. We see this play out multiple times in our origin story and in our lives today. Brothers Esau and Jacob illustrate this dynamic in Genesis 25, 27. Our conflicts result in lost time, lost relationships, and generations affected by our focus on self.
Scripture - Genesis 25:21-34; 27:1-41
We begin, in the beginning. Our origin story begins with the creation of the heavens and the earth, creating humans in God’s image, and humans choosing self as opposed to God’s will. The story of creation and Adam and Eve might be familiar, yet how do we see our origin story in our lives today. Often times we begin with our sinful nature, yet our beginning is as part of God’s creation. We are made in God’s image. The next part of our origin story is the role sin played in the beginning and in our own lives today. What are the ways that we choose to be God rather than live as God intended us? This is our backstory.
Scripture - Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:5-9, 15-18: Genesis 3:1-12
We begin, in the beginning. Our origin story begins with the creation of the heavens and the earth, creating humans in God’s image, and humans choosing self as opposed to God’s will. The story of creation and Adam and Eve might be familiar, yet how do we see our origin story in our lives today. Often times we begin with our sinful nature, yet our beginning is as part of God’s creation. We are made in God’s image. The next part of our origin story is the role sin played in the beginning and in our own lives today. What are the ways that we choose to be God rather than live as God intended us? This is our backstory.
Scripture - Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:5-9, 15-18: Genesis 3:1-12
Matthew 6 closes with reflections on what it means to overcome anxiety by trusting God. Jesus sums up this section and the entire chapter by saying, “Seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added unto you.” This is the point of prayer and giving: to help us seek first the kingdom and to learn to trust that everything else will need God will provide. In life we basically have two options, we can try to acquire and hoard away enough power and resources to hopefully help us if something bad comes our way. Or we can live a life of joyful generosity with our compassion and our resources b/c we have learned to trust God to provide for us. If we want a life of joyful generosity, we must learn to follow Jesus’ teachings on prayer and giving.
Scripture - Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 6 closes with reflections on what it means to overcome anxiety by trusting God. Jesus sums up this section and the entire chapter by saying, “Seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added unto you.” This is the point of prayer and giving: to help us seek first the kingdom and to learn to trust that everything else will need God will provide. In life we basically have two options, we can try to acquire and hoard away enough power and resources to hopefully help us if something bad comes our way. Or we can live a life of joyful generosity with our compassion and our resources b/c we have learned to trust God to provide for us. If we want a life of joyful generosity, we must learn to follow Jesus’ teachings on prayer and giving.
Scripture - Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus teaches that if you don’t put your treasure where your heart is then your heart will go where your treasure is. A helpful exercise is to list on a piece of paper, what’s most important to you on one and on the other side list where you spend most of your money. If the two sides don’t align, eventually your heart will align itself with how you are spending your resources – and in some cases this can causes your heart to grow cold and jaded. God’s plan for us is to give our first 10% to God and then use the rest to provide for our families as well as for other charitable needs that arise as we are able. Even if you aren’t able to tithe yet, you can help put your treasure where your heart is by practicing First Fruits Giving. First Fruits Giving is prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give in the coming year and making sure you give that first each month rather than waiting to see if you have enough left over at the end of the month to give anything to God.
Scripture - Matthew 6:19-21
: Jesus teaches that if you don’t put your treasure where your heart is then your heart will go where your treasure is. A helpful exercise is to list on a piece of paper, what’s most important to you on one and on the other side list where you spend most of your money. If the two sides don’t align, eventually your heart will align itself with how you are spending your resources – and in some cases this can causes your heart to grow cold and jaded. God’s plan for us is to give our first 10% to God and then use the rest to provide for our families as well as for other charitable needs that arise as we are able. Even if you aren’t able to tithe yet, you can help put your treasure where your heart is by practicing First Fruits Giving. First Fruits Giving is prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give in the coming year and making sure you give that first each month rather than waiting to see if you have enough left over at the end of the month to give anything to God.
Scripture - Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 6 is the middle or the core of the sermon on the mount. And Matthew 6 is all about giving and prayer. You can no more be a Christian without giving than you can without praying. Jesus teaches that giving is not supposed to be simply a duty or obligation you carry out. It’s supposed to be an expression of your love for God. Therefore, your first concern should not be that others see you and admire you for your generosity. Your first concern is that your finances reflect your deep love, trust, and gratitude for God.
Scripture - Matthew 6:1-4
Matthew 6 is the middle or the core of the sermon on the mount. And Matthew 6 is all about giving and prayer. You can no more be a Christian without giving than you can without praying. Jesus teaches that giving is not supposed to be simply a duty or obligation you carry out. It’s supposed to be an expression of your love for God. Therefore, your first concern should not be that others see you and admire you for your generosity. Your first concern is that your finances reflect your deep love, trust, and gratitude for God.
Scripture - Matthew 6:1-4
God will not always answer our prayer in the way we desire or on the timeline we desire, but God will always answer. And we can trust God is doing things in God’s time for God’s reasons which are higher and better than our own. We are instructed to persevere in prayer. To keep asking and keep seeking until we see God at work. Prayer is meant to be a lifelong journey. Praying each day is as fundamental to our existence as speaking each day to our family.
God will not always answer our prayer in the way we desire or on the timeline we desire, but God will always answer. And we can trust God is doing things in God’s time for God’s reasons which are higher and better than our own. We are instructed to persevere in prayer. To keep asking and keep seeking until we see God at work. Prayer is meant to be a lifelong journey. Praying each day is as fundamental to our existence as speaking each day to our family.
This sermon will address the “why” and basic principles of prayer by making 3 main points. 1) The purpose of prayer is to give us a language for related directly to God. (Gen 1:26-31; 3:8). Having a language for relationship is part of being made in God’s image – the image of the Trinity, a relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the Garden of Eden intimate connection with God was expected. 2) Prayer is meant to be public and private. Jesus teaches his disciples to pray privately (Mt 6:5-6). He also teaches and demonstrates public prayer. (Mt 15, Mt 21, Luke 23, Mk 15). All Christians need to be comfortable praying publicly because it is one of the primary ways we Share Christ by teaching others the language God created for direct relationship with us. 3) For Jesus, fasting and prayer are inextricably connected. (Matthew 6:16-18) Just after teaching about prayer in the sermon on the mount, Jesus teaches about fasting. He always intended the two to go together. Fasting is itself a prayer. It is a special way of focusing on God and learning to listen. John Wesley encouraged the early Methodist to fast from sundown on Thursday until 3pm on Friday – mirroring the hours of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. We mention fasting in the sermon and mention that we will be more intentionally exploring fasting explicitly from food with our congregation during Lent.
Additional Materials: 1) Front/back handout (maybe a book mark) – front = principles of prayer, back = principles of fasting, 2) Kids prayer requests on altar
This sermon will address the “why” and basic principles of prayer by making 3 main points. 1) The purpose of prayer is to give us a language for related directly to God. (Gen 1:26-31; 3:8). Having a language for relationship is part of being made in God’s image – the image of the Trinity, a relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the Garden of Eden intimate connection with God was expected. 2) Prayer is meant to be public and private. Jesus teaches his disciples to pray privately (Mt 6:5-6). He also teaches and demonstrates public prayer. (Mt 15, Mt 21, Luke 23, Mk 15). All Christians need to be comfortable praying publicly because it is one of the primary ways we Share Christ by teaching others the language God created for direct relationship with us. 3) For Jesus, fasting and prayer are inextricably connected. (Matthew 6:16-18) Just after teaching about prayer in the sermon on the mount, Jesus teaches about fasting. He always intended the two to go together. Fasting is itself a prayer. It is a special way of focusing on God and learning to listen. John Wesley encouraged the early Methodist to fast from sundown on Thursday until 3pm on Friday – mirroring the hours of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. We mention fasting in the sermon and mention that we will be more intentionally exploring fasting explicitly from food with our congregation during Lent.
Additional Materials: 1) Front/back handout (maybe a book mark) – front = principles of prayer, back = principles of fasting, 2) Kids prayer requests on altar
Paul surprisingly discovers that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. When we give up on trying to be strong enough ourselves and learn to rely on God’s power, we discover a connection to a power greater than we could have ever imagined.
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 12:6-10
Paul surprisingly discovers that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. When we give up on trying to be strong enough ourselves and learn to rely on God’s power, we discover a connection to a power greater than we could have ever imagined.
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 12:6-10
James tells us if we draw near to God, God will draw near to us. 1 Cor tells us that our body is a temple where God’s spirit resides. Sometimes discovering God’s presence requires going somewhere, but more often it involves removing distractions that blind us to God’s presence in our daily lives.
James tells us if we draw near to God, God will draw near to us. 1 Cor tells us that our body is a temple where God’s spirit resides. Sometimes discovering God’s presence requires going somewhere, but more often it involves removing distractions that blind us to God’s presence in our daily lives.
1 John 5 says we express love by obeying God’s commands which are not burdensome. It changes our orientation to God when are live faithfully out of gratitude rather than fear. This is possible when we realize God’s commandments are given to bless us by making our lives better not to make life harder on us.
1 John 5 says we express love by obeying God’s commands which are not burdensome. It changes our orientation to God when are live faithfully out of gratitude rather than fear. This is possible when we realize God’s commandments are given to bless us by making our lives better not to make life harder on us.
Paul recognizes God’s calling upon our lives is a gift to be received with gratitude, not something we can earn. We are blessed to be blessings to others.
Scripture - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Paul recognizes God’s calling upon our lives is a gift to be received with gratitude, not something we can earn. We are blessed to be blessings to others.
Scripture - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Paul recognizes God’s calling upon our lives is a gift to be received with gratitude, not something we can earn. We are blessed to be blessings to others.
Scripture - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Paul recognizes God’s calling upon our lives is a gift to be received with gratitude, not something we can earn. We are blessed to be blessings to others.
Scripture - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
God is faithful to protect us from evil and complete the work he sets out to do in us. John Wesley referred to this aspect of God’s faithfulness as sanctifying grace. Sanctifying grace requires our continually saying yes to God’s work in us even as we increasingly realize our distance from God due to growing spiritual maturity.
Matthew 28:16-20, Joel 2:28-32
We are promised that God will supply our every need. How badly we know to know this truth! We often make the mistake of not believing God will provide and so we live with anxiety and worry. And we often make the mistake of believing God will provide every want instead of every need (the prosperity Gospel). The problem this belief is we turn God into a giant Santa Claus in the sky and become disillusioned when God doesn’t provide us wealth and ease. (Related Scriptures: The Lord’s prayer – “Give us our daily bread.”)
We are promised that God will supply our every need. How badly we know to know this truth! We often make the mistake of not believing God will provide and so we live with anxiety and worry. And we often make the mistake of believing God will provide every want instead of every need (the prosperity Gospel). The problem this belief is we turn God into a giant Santa Claus in the sky and become disillusioned when God doesn’t provide us wealth and ease. (Related Scriptures: The Lord’s prayer – “Give us our daily bread.”)
John’s first letter tells us that we love because God first loved us. God’s love is the cause of creation and the foundation of reality. We are incapable of fully loving others or God until we learn to receive the love God has for us because all love stems from God’s love.
John’s first letter tells us that we love because God first loved us. God’s love is the cause of creation and the foundation of reality. We are incapable of fully loving others or God until we learn to receive the love God has for us because all love stems from God’s love.
We conclude our series on “Turning the World Upside Down” by returning to the beginning, celebrating the birth of the early church on Pentecost. Turning the world upside down is not something that we self-create. Turning the world upside down for Jesus Christ comes through presence of the Holy Spirit. As individuals and a church, we must acknowledge and follow the Holy Spirit.
Scripture - Acts 2:1-21
We conclude our series on “Turning the World Upside Down” by returning to the beginning, celebrating the birth of the early church on Pentecost. Turning the world upside down is not something that we self-create. Turning the world upside down for Jesus Christ comes through presence of the Holy Spirit. As individuals and a church, we must acknowledge and follow the Holy Spirit.
Scripture - Acts 2:1-21
When asked, what is the story we tell about how Jesus has transformed us? Paul defended himself when arrested by sharing his story of his conversion and the truths about Jesus woven into his conversion story. Paul shares about the hope he has in God (Acts 26:6), the significance of turning from our sins and the truth of forgiveness (Acts 26:18). Paul is accused of being insane because of what he proclaims. His response is that he hopes that those listening can become like him. Sharing our story of encountering Jesus is invaluable to turning the world upside down.
Scripture - Acts 22:3-16; 26:12-23
When asked, what is the story we tell about how Jesus has transformed us? Paul defended himself when arrested by sharing his story of his conversion and the truths about Jesus woven into his conversion story. Paul shares about the hope he has in God (Acts 26:6), the significance of turning from our sins and the truth of forgiveness (Acts 26:18). Paul is accused of being insane because of what he proclaims. His response is that he hopes that those listening can become like him. Sharing our story of encountering Jesus is invaluable to turning the world upside down.
Scripture - Acts 22:3-16; 26:12-23
Reputations are earned. For the those in the early church, they became known as those who were turning the world upside down, who were “saying there is another king named Jesus”, (Acts 17:6-7). What are we known for? What is our reputation as individuals and as a community of faith? Are we known for turning the world upside down in ways that confuse and defy cultural norms? How do we demonstrate that our king is not of this world, rather beyond anything this world can provide? Turning the world upside requires living beyond cultural expectations.
Acts 17:1-9
Reputations are earned. For the those in the early church, they became known as those who were turning the world upside down, who were “saying there is another king named Jesus”, (Acts 17:6-7). What are we known for? What is our reputation as individuals and as a community of faith? Are we known for turning the world upside down in ways that confuse and defy cultural norms? How do we demonstrate that our king is not of this world, rather beyond anything this world can provide? Turning the world upside requires living beyond cultural expectations.
Scripture - Acts 17:1-9
We tend to stay near those who act like us, look like us, and talk like us. The interaction between Peter and Cornelius shows us how to share Christ with those beyond who we are used to sharing with. Sharing the Gospel with Gentiles was without a doubt outside the norm for Jews. Peter experiences a dream, then is called to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. Peter takes action that models for us sharing Christ with those beyond those that we are used to spending time with. Peter takes actions by going to Cornelius home, talking with him, and entering into his home (Acts 10:23-32). Peter acknowledges that with God there is no partiality, rather faith is the common factor not nationality (Acts 10:34-35). Peter proclaims the central truth of Jesus being “lord of all”, (Acts 10:36-43). Peter also acknowledges the role of the Holy Spirit in conversions, (Acts 10:44-48). We use the example of Peter with the Gentiles to guide our next steps in sharing the good news of Jesus: taking action, acknowledging God’s lack of partiality, the central truth about Jesus, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Turning the world upside down requires us seeing beyond ourselves.
We tend to stay near those who act like us, look like us, and talk like us. The interaction between Peter and Cornelius shows us how to share Christ with those beyond who we are used to sharing with. Sharing the Gospel with Gentiles was without a doubt outside the norm for Jews. Peter experiences a dream, then is called to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. Peter takes action that models for us sharing Christ with those beyond those that we are used to spending time with. Peter takes actions by going to Cornelius home, talking with him, and entering into his home (Acts 10:23-32). Peter acknowledges that with God there is no partiality, rather faith is the common factor not nationality (Acts 10:34-35). Peter proclaims the central truth of Jesus being “lord of all”, (Acts 10:36-43). Peter also acknowledges the role of the Holy Spirit in conversions, (Acts 10:44-48). We use the example of Peter with the Gentiles to guide our next steps in sharing the good news of Jesus: taking action, acknowledging God’s lack of partiality, the central truth about Jesus, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Turning the world upside down requires us seeing beyond ourselves.
Our current culture rewards and takes pride in speaking our opinions. Leaders of the early church were challenged for what they were speaking, yet this was not about their opinions, rather what they had seen and heard about Jesus. Peter and John, who were leaders of the early church, were threatened for speaking boldly about Jesus. They responded that “we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard” about Jesus, (Acts 4:20). Our words today, as the early church, need to be rooted in the truth of Jesus (grace, love), bathed in prayer, and spoken with a boldness that comes through the Holy Spirit. Turning the world upside down includes speaking boldly.
Scripture - Acts 4:5-31
Our current culture rewards and takes pride in speaking our opinions. Leaders of the early church were challenged for what they were speaking, yet this was not about their opinions, rather what they had seen and heard about Jesus. Peter and John, who were leaders of the early church, were threatened for speaking boldly about Jesus. They responded that “we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard” about Jesus, (Acts 4:20). Our words today, as the early church, need to be rooted in the truth of Jesus (grace, love), bathed in prayer, and spoken with a boldness that comes through the Holy Spirit. Turning the world upside down includes speaking boldly.
Scripture - Acts 4:5-31
We continue as a people transformed by Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, by observing the early church as it transitioned into living out the commands of Jesus. The early church responded to Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension and the arrival of the Holy Spirit by taking next steps through the teachings of the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers, mutual care, and goodwill of all.In our own times, these same practices provide a blueprint to turning the world upside down: connection, serving, praising, and seeing “all” as God’s beloved children.
Scripture - Acts 2:42-47
We continue as a people transformed by Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, by observing the early church as it transitioned into living out the commands of Jesus. The early church responded to Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension and the arrival of the Holy Spirit by taking next steps through the teachings of the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers, mutual care, and goodwill of all.In our own times, these same practices provide a blueprint to turning the world upside down: connection, serving, praising, and seeing “all” as God’s beloved children.
Scripture -Acts 2:42-47
Humans can’t conceive the full glory of God. When Jesus’ predicted his death and resurrection, no one could comprehend the meaning. When the women found the empty tomb and saw the angels, they were “perplexed”. When the disciples heard about it, they couldn’t believe it. Jesus died and rose again, not so that we could be saved in theory, but so that we could be brought face to face with glory and grace of God. When we encounter God for ourselves, our proper response is to worship even if we don’t yet understand. Easter is God’s ultimate act of reaching out so that we can come face to face His glory and Easter is God’s promise that He will never stop reaching out.
Scripture - Luke 24:1-12
Humans can’t conceive the full glory of God. When Jesus’ predicted his death and resurrection, no one could comprehend the meaning. When the women found the empty tomb and saw the angels, they were “perplexed”. When the disciples heard about it, they couldn’t believe it. Jesus died and rose again, not so that we could be saved in theory, but so that we could be brought face to face with glory and grace of God. When we encounter God for ourselves, our proper response is to worship even if we don’t yet understand. Easter is God’s ultimate act of reaching out so that we can come face to face His glory and Easter is God’s promise that He will never stop reaching out.
Scripture - Luke 24:1-12
Crucifixion was a cruel act of physical abuse and psychological humiliation. It began with beatings and insults and ending with Jesus being stripped of clothes, nailed to a cross, and left to die. Even as Jesus faces this suffering, he does so for the greater purposes of saving others. From the cross, he tells a repentant criminal “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus shows us that even our suffering is a chance to glorifying God if we ask ourselves, “How can my faithfulness in the midst of suffering bless others?”
Scripture - Luke 22:63-65
Crucifixion was a cruel act of physical abuse and psychological humiliation. It began with beatings and insults and ending with Jesus being stripped of clothes, nailed to a cross, and left to die. Even as Jesus faces this suffering, he does so for the greater purposes of saving others. From the cross, he tells a repentant criminal “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus shows us that even our suffering is a chance to glorifying God if we ask ourselves, “How can my faithfulness in the midst of suffering bless others?”
Scripture - Luke 22:63-65
Jesus is so distraught about the suffering and humiliation he is about to suffer that when he prays on the Mount of Olives his sweat becomes like drops of blood. Jesus doesn’t hide or minimize his grief instead he shares it with God through prayer and with his closest friends by inviting the disciples to be with him as he prays. In so doing, he models our need to share our grief with God and trusted companions.
Scripture - Luke 22:39-46
Jesus is so distraught about the suffering and humiliation he is about to suffer that when he prays on the Mount of Olives his sweat becomes like drops of blood. Jesus doesn’t hide or minimize his grief instead he shares it with God through prayer and with his closest friends by inviting the disciples to be with him as he prays. In so doing, he models our need to share our grief with God and trusted companions.
Scripture - Luke 22:39-46
Jesus’ ministry caught the attention and provoked the jealousy of King Herod. Some Pharisees encourage Jesus to lay low because word on the street was that Herod was looking for an excuse to kill him. Jesus responds by saying “Go tell that fox…” Jesus can’t be bothered to tone down his ministry because Herod is threatening him. Nothing will stop Jesus from carrying out his mission. How many times do we allow real or perceived threats to cause us to tone down our witness for Christ?
Jesus’ ministry caught the attention and provoked the jealousy of King Herod. Some Pharisees encourage Jesus to lay low because word on the street was that Herod was looking for an excuse to kill him. Jesus responds by saying “Go tell that fox…” Jesus can’t be bothered to tone down his ministry because Herod is threatening him. Nothing will stop Jesus from carrying out his mission. How many times do we allow real or perceived threats to cause us to tone down our witness for Christ?
Shortly after his visit with Mary and Martha, one of Jesus’ disciples asks Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus responds by teaching the Lord’s Prayer and instructing them to be persistent in prayer. In doing so, Jesus demonstrates that we will never have the wisdom or courage to “face our Jerusalems” without relying on the constant guidance and power we receive through prayer.
Scripture: Luke 11:1-13
Shortly after his visit with Mary and Martha, one of Jesus’ disciples asks Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus responds by teaching the Lord’s Prayer and instructing them to be persistent in prayer. In doing so, Jesus demonstrates that we will never have the wisdom or courage to “face our Jerusalems” without relying on the constant guidance and power we receive through prayer.
Scripture-Luke 11:1-13
As Jesus is journeying to Jerusalem, he stops to visit Mary and Martha. Martha assumes the traditional female role in the household by preparing the meal. However, Mary breaks cultural conventions by sitting at Jesus’ the feet - the posture of a disciple seeking to learn which was a role reserved for males. By praising Mary, Jesus teaches us that we must learn to place seeking God above the pressure to conform to unholy cultural expectations.
Scripture - Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus is journeying to Jerusalem, he stops to visit Mary and Martha. Martha assumes the traditional female role in the household by preparing the meal. However, Mary breaks cultural conventions by sitting at Jesus’ the feet - the posture of a disciple seeking to learn which was a role reserved for males. By praising Mary, Jesus teaches us that we must learn to place seeking God above the pressure to conform to unholy cultural expectations.
Scripture - Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus was travelling, he wanted to stay a night in a Samaritan town, but the Samaritans rejected him. They broke the hospitality conventions of their day and refused to allow him to stay because he was a Jew. Rather than condemn them or allow himself to be filled with rage, Jesus simply moves on to the next town. On his journey to the cross, Jesus will face rejection on multiple occasions. In each instance, he doesn’t allow it to define, destroy, or deter him. From Jesus’ example, we learn to keep our eyes focused on God’s calling during seasons of rejection.
Scripture - Luke 9:51-56
As Jesus was traveling, he wanted to stay a night in a Samaritan town, but the Samaritans rejected him. They broke the hospitality conventions of their day and refused to allow him to stay because he was a Jew. Rather than condemn them or allow himself to be filled with rage, Jesus simply moves on to the next town. On his journey to the cross, Jesus will face rejection on multiple occasions. In each instance, he doesn’t allow it to define, destroy, or deter him. From Jesus’ example, we learn to keep our eyes focused on God’s calling during seasons of rejection.
Scripture - Luke 9:51-56
We become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives each day through spending time with God in prayer and the Scriptures. When we allow the Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions, we begin to see the evidence, or fruit, in our lives. The Holy Spirit allows us to experience peace, even in times of difficulty and uncertainty, and offer the same peace to others through our Spirit-filled, non-anxious presence.
Scripture -Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:26-27
We become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives each day through spending time with God in prayer and the Scriptures. When we allow the Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions, we begin to see the evidence, or fruit, in our lives. The Holy Spirit allows us to experience peace, even in times of difficulty and uncertainty, and offer the same peace to others through our Spirit-filled, non-anxious presence.
Scripture - Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:26-27
Jesus commissioned us to make disciples. He gave us the Holy Spirit to be his active presence within us. Just as Jesus was able to connect with people in a way that opened them to his saving love, we can do the same when we listen for the Spirit’s guidance. The Holy Spirit will empower us to offer Christ in all our relationships and guide us toward the appropriate time, words, and actions.
Scripture - Acts 8:26-40; Matthew 28:19
Jesus commissioned us to make disciples. He gave us the Holy Spirit to be his active presence within us. Just as Jesus was able to connect with people in a way that opened them to his saving love, we can do the same when we listen for the Spirit’s guidance. The Holy Spirit will empower us to offer Christ in all our relationships and guide us toward the appropriate time, words, and actions.
Scripture - Acts 8:26-40; Matthew 28:19
Elijah had acted on God’s behalf and wound up sideways with the queen. Afraid, he ran until physically and spiritually exhausted and laid down to die. God spoke through an angel and encouraged Elijah to get up and eat. God would later encourage Elijah in a whisper and assure him that he would be okay. When we are discouraged, the Holy Spirit might simply encourage us through an impulse or the words of others us to get moving: right foot, left foot.
Scripture - 1 Kings 19:1-17; Romans 8:26
Elijah had acted on God’s behalf and wound up sideways with the queen. Afraid, he ran until physically and spiritually exhausted and laid down to die. God spoke through an angel and encouraged Elijah to get up and eat. God would later encourage Elijah in a whisper and assure him that he would be okay. When we are discouraged, the Holy Spirit might simply encourage us through an impulse or the words of others us to get moving: right foot, left foot.
Scripture - 1 Kings 19:1-17; Romans 8:26
Through faith in Christ, each believer is given one or more specific gifts of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving. The gifts operate in conjunction with our innate talents, skill set, and life experiences to create a unique expression of the Holy Spirit to serve in Jesus’ name. Everyone has at least one and all are encouraged to share their gifts with the community.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Joel 2:28-29
Through faith in Christ, each believer is given one or more specific gifts of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving. The gifts operate in conjunction with our innate talents, skill set, and life experiences to create a unique expression of the Holy Spirit to serve in Jesus’ name. Everyone has at least one and all are encouraged to share their gifts with the community.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Joel 2:28-29
Solomon was David’s son who was anointed king as a teenager. God came to Solomon in a dream and said he would give him whatever he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom. Pleased with the request, God gave him great wisdom. The Holy Spirit continues to provide insight and wisdom to those who seek God’s perspective on issues great and small. God’s wisdom makes life better for us and for those we may influence.
1 Kings 3:5-12; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13
Solomon was David’s son who was anointed king as a teenager. God came to Solomon in a dream and said he would give him whatever he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom. Pleased with the request, God gave him great wisdom. The Holy Spirit continues to provide insight and wisdom to those who seek God’s perspective on issues great and small. God’s wisdom makes life better for us and for those we may influence.
1 Kings 3:5-12; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13
The Holy Spirit is often understood as the way God connects with his people. The Holy Spirit speaks and acts in real time, impacting and empowering people in way that transcends human capability. The story of creation is God’s first encounter with the earth and begins a creative rhythm that continues to this very moment. In the OT, God empowered people on an as-needed basis to accomplish his will. Through faith in Christ, all are connected with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture -Genesis 1:1-2; Acts 2:38-39
The Holy Spirit is often understood as the way God connects with his people. The Holy Spirit speaks and acts in real time, impacting and empowering people in way that transcends human capability. The story of creation is God’s first encounter with the earth and begins a creative rhythm that continues to this very moment. In the OT, God empowered people on an as-needed basis to accomplish his will. Through faith in Christ, all are connected with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture - Genesis 1:1-2; Acts 2:38-39
The story of the Magi visiting Jesus reminds us who we seek and who we worship. The Magi who came from the East were not Jews, rather Gentiles, who sought to worship the King of the Jews. They followed the star to find the child. They bowed down, worshipped him, and gave him gifts. Just as the Magi sought and worshiped, who is it we seek and worship. The concept of lord is not widely used in our culture, yet is very much a part of our God who does not give up is. “Lord” is mentioned over 600 times in the New Testament to describe Jesus. A lord has authority over a person’s life. There is much that contends for authority over our lives. The one who came to be with us, our King, Savior, Emmanuel, and Light, is also our Lord, our authority, the one for whom we seek and worship. As we enter a new year, may we seek and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by serving others, growing in faith, and sharing Christ. May we choose this year, one day at a time, to seek and worship as the Magi, declaring that Jesus is our Lord through, offering up all of us to the God who never gives up.
We have spent Advent focusing on the God who does not give up on us. Jesus who is our King, Savior, Emmanuel, and Light. Today, we use the shepherd’s response to the news of Jesus’ birth as a model for what we do with what we have heard. The shepherd’s talk to each other about what they have seen, then they go to see. How can we go and see the babe wrapped in the manger? They find the babe wrapped in the manger and they spread the word about what they had been told (“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” 2:11). They returned, giving praise and glory to God for what they have seen and been told. How do we return giving praise and glory to God for what we have been told and seen? How do we leave Christmas Eve with such good news and go and tell what we have seen?
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
We have spent Advent focusing on the God who does not give up on us. Jesus who is our King, Savior, Emmanuel, and Light. Today, we use the shepherd’s response to the news of Jesus’ birth as a model for what we do with what we have heard. The shepherd’s talk to each other about what they have seen, then they go to see. How can we go and see the babe wrapped in the manger? They find the babe wrapped in the manger and they spread the word about what they had been told (“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” 2:11). They returned, giving praise and glory to God for what they have seen and been told. How do we return giving praise and glory to God for what we have been told and seen? How do we leave Christmas Eve with such good news and go and tell what we have seen?
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Our lives and our world can seem very dark. The constant bombardment of information and news through 24 hour news cycles and social media leave us wondering where is hope. Our God who does not give up on us is the light in the darkness, as described by John’s telling of the Christmas story in John 1:1-5, 10-14. The contrast of darkness and light is found throughout scripture, including in Genesis 1:1-5 in the creation story and in the conclusion of scripture in Revelation 22:5. The story of light and darkness are evident in our own stories and in our world. Darkness feels heavy, lonely, and hopeless, while light provides hope and joy. Our God who does not give up on us through Jesus reminds us that in the midst of the darkness, the light (God) overcomes then and now.
Scripture: John 1:1-5, 10-14
Our lives and our world can seem very dark. The constant bombardment of information and news through 24 hour news cycles and social media leave us wondering where is hope. Our God who does not give up on us is the light in the darkness, as described by John’s telling of the Christmas story in John 1:1-5, 10-14. The contrast of darkness and light is found throughout scripture, including in Genesis 1:1-5 in the creation story and in the conclusion of scripture in Revelation 22:5. The story of light and darkness are evident in our own stories and in our world. Darkness feels heavy, lonely, and hopeless, while light provides hope and joy. Our God who does not give up on us through Jesus reminds us that in the midst of the darkness, the light (God) overcomes then and now.
Scripture: John 1:1-5, 10-14
God attempted to intervene with his people as evidenced throughout the Old Testament. There were 400 years silence from God between the Old and New Testaments that was broken with God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ – God incarnate. The words of Isaiah 7:13-17 were spoken prophetically as a promise from God for the Israelites that would sustain multiple generations. The author of Matthew references Isaiah 7:14 as he tells the story of how our God never gives up. Our God came to be with us through Jesus Christ to a young mother trusting an unbelievable promise and a faithful husband protecting her on a dangerous journey. The significance of God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ is as important now as it was then. God with us was one of us but far more than that. God came to us fully human and fully divine. The story of God coming to be with us is rooted in God’s unconditional love and amazing grace for us. Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:20 bookend Jesus time on earth, reminding us that our God who does not give up on us, continues to be with us. Today, in the midst of all that challenges us, our God is with us. Not only that, but we get to share about our God who came to be with us. We get to share God’s love and grace to a world desperate for a God who does not give up.
Scripture: Matthew 1:22-25; Isaiah 7:13-17
God attempted to intervene with his people as evidenced throughout the Old Testament. There were 400 years silence from God between the Old and New Testaments that was broken with God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ – God incarnate. The words of Isaiah 7:13-17 were spoken prophetically as a promise from God for the Israelites that would sustain multiple generations. The author of Matthew references Isaiah 7:14 as he tells the story of how our God never gives up. Our God came to be with us through Jesus Christ to a young mother trusting an unbelievable promise and a faithful husband protecting her on a dangerous journey. The significance of God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ is as important now as it was then. God with us was one of us but far more than that. God came to us fully human and fully divine. The story of God coming to be with us is rooted in God’s unconditional love and amazing grace for us. Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:20 bookend Jesus time on earth, reminding us that our God who does not give up on us, continues to be with us. Today, in the midst of all that challenges us, our God is with us. Not only that, but we get to share about our God who came to be with us. We get to share God’s love and grace to a world desperate for a God who does not give up.
Scripture: Matthew 1:22-25; Isaiah 7:13-17
In Luke 1:31, scripture we read last week, the angel Gabriel tells Mary she is to name her newborn son “Jesus”. This name in Hebrew means “to save”, “to deliver”. The naming of Jesus focuses on the significance of Jesus’ role as God coming to be with us as our Savior. God does not give up on us, he saves us. Matthew 1:21 says that Jesus “will save his people from their sins” and Luke 2:11 says that “a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord”. The fall of Adam and Eve remind us of our sinful nature, which leads us to live outside the will of God. We seek our own way, sometimes subtly and other times blatantly. We miss the mark and we sin. God loves us so much he came to be with us through Jesus Christ who saves us, (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10, 16-19). Our God does not give up on us through Jesus, who was betrayed, arrested, tried, tortured, crucified, and resurrected. Our story is not defined by our mistakes, rather by the saving grace of our God who came to be with us through Jesus, circumventing death for our life everlasting. Our God who does not give up saves us for today and eternity.
In Luke 1:31, scripture we read last week, the angel Gabriel tells Mary she is to name her newborn son “Jesus”. This name in Hebrew means “to save”, “to deliver”. The naming of Jesus focuses on the significance of Jesus’ role as God coming to be with us as our Savior. God does not give up on us, he saves us. Matthew 1:21 says that Jesus “will save his people from their sins” and Luke 2:11 says that “a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord”. The fall of Adam and Eve remind us of our sinful nature, which leads us to live outside the will of God. We seek our own way, sometimes subtly and other times blatantly. We miss the mark and we sin. God loves us so much he came to be with us through Jesus Christ who saves us, (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10, 16-19). Our God does not give up on us through Jesus, who was betrayed, arrested, tried, tortured, crucified, and resurrected. Our story is not defined by our mistakes, rather by the saving grace of our God who came to be with us through Jesus, circumventing death for our life everlasting. Our God who does not give up saves us for today and eternity.
It seems no matter where we look, our leaders are unable to meet our expectations. The story of the God who doesn’t give up on us, includes the significance of Jesus as our King. We see the roots of Jesus our King through the story of David’s anointing (2 Samuel 5:1-3), the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7), and the angel Gabriel telling the virgin Mary that she will bear a child who will be on the throne of the most high God (Luke 1:31-33). Our King, Jesus, leads in a way that countered the ways of leaders of Jesus’ time and the time in which we live now. Our King, Jesus, was born a very unassuming birth in a manger, with no public fanfare. He led the unlikely, the disgraced, the forgotten. He made the experts uncomfortable. He walked amongst, healing and teaching. As we look for leaders in all the wrong places, may we turn for the first time or return again to the one true leader, our King, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, God incarnate.
It seems no matter where we look, our leaders are unable to meet our expectations. The story of the God who doesn’t give up on us, includes the significance of Jesus as our King. We see the roots of Jesus our King through the story of David’s anointing (2 Samuel 5:1-3), the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7), and the angel Gabriel telling the virgin Mary that she will bear a child who will be on the throne of the most high God (Luke 1:31-33). Our King, Jesus, leads in a way that countered the ways of leaders of Jesus’ time and the time in which we live now. Our King, Jesus, was born a very unassuming birth in a manger, with no public fanfare. He led the unlikely, the disgraced, the forgotten. He made the experts uncomfortable. He walked amongst, healing and teaching. As we look for leaders in all the wrong places, may we turn for the first time or return again to the one true leader, our King, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, God incarnate.
Our culture tells us that giving thanks is rooted in the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth in 1621, yet giving thanks has been a part of our DNA since Old Testament times. Giving thanks to God is evident throughout scripture. We pause this week to answer the question, “Why gratitude?”. We find the answer in the story of the 10 lepers who were healed and the one who returned to give thanks to Jesus. Though the nine who did not return to give thanks were following Jesus’ instructions to see the priest, the one who returned grasped the depths of Jesus love. The leper who returned answers our question “Why gratitude?”, and models for us how to give thanks, through acknowledging what Jesus has done in our lives, praising God, falling at the feet of Jesus, and giving thanks to the one who is worthy of our gratitude.
Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
Our culture tells us that giving thanks is rooted in the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth in 1621, yet giving thanks has been a part of our DNA since Old Testament times. Giving thanks to God is evident throughout scripture. We pause this week to answer the question, “Why gratitude?”. We find the answer in the story of the 10 lepers who were healed and the one who returned to give thanks to Jesus. Though the nine who did not return to give thanks were following Jesus’ instructions to see the priest, the one who returned grasped the depths of Jesus love. The leper who returned answers our question “Why gratitude?”, and models for us how to give thanks, through acknowledging what Jesus has done in our lives, praising God, falling at the feet of Jesus, and giving thanks to the one who is worthy of our gratitude.
Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
Hope is the atmosphere in which disciples live and thrive. Hope is the reality of infinite possibility triggered by faith in Jesus Christ. Hope inspires a vision of what can be in the midst of difficulty. Hope initiates transformation when our confidence shifts from our situational limitations to God’s overwhelming power to accomplish his will in our lives. When we grow in faith, we grow in our ability to trust Gods faithfulness, even when we can’t see the outcome.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Hope is the atmosphere in which disciples live and thrive. Hope is the reality of infinite possibility triggered by faith in Jesus Christ. Hope inspires a vision of what can be in the midst of difficulty. Hope initiates transformation when our confidence shifts from our situational limitations to God’s overwhelming power to accomplish his will in our lives. When we grow in faith, we grow in our ability to trust Gods faithfulness, even when we can’t see the outcome.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
As we grow in faith, we learn that God is the source and essence of love. The more we learn about God’s love that came to earth in Jesus Christ, the more we understand that love is transformative. When we love as Jesus loves, it changes those we love and it changes us. By growing in faith and knowledge of Jesus, or abiding in him as Jesus invites, we find our love growing stronger and deeper. In turn, we discover the power of love to change the world, one loving action at a time.
1 Thessalonians 3:12
As we grow in faith, we learn that God is the source and essence of love. The more we learn about God’s love that came to earth in Jesus Christ, the more we understand that love is transformative. When we love as Jesus loves, it changes those we love and it changes us. By growing in faith and knowledge of Jesus, or abiding in him as Jesus invites, we find our love growing stronger and deeper. In turn, we discover the power of love to change the world, one loving action at a time.
1 Thessalonians 3:12
Life is a gift from God and every day presents opportunities to grow into the person he created us to be. The Bible is an open source of God’s wisdom that his directed to our precise needs by the Holy Spirit. As we learn, the faith that God has planted in us in Christ Jesus begins to shape us into the very best version possible. Our character is molded to increasingly resemble the character of Christ.
Romans 5:3-4
Life is a gift from God and every day presents opportunities to grow into the person he created us to be. The Bible is an open source of God’s wisdom that his directed to our precise needs by the Holy Spirit. As we learn, the faith that God has planted in us in Christ Jesus begins to shape us into the very best version possible. Our character is molded to increasingly resemble the character of Christ.
Romans 5:3-4
Disciples serve the church. Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another as he had loved them. The implication for the Church is that disciples show their love for each other by serving each other. The church is where disciples are equipped to go out into the community to let their light shine. Disciples shine their light within the walls of the church by facilitating worship in leadership and support roles, by teaching all ages about Jesus and his love, and carrying out administrative functions that keep the church resourced for ministry
Romans 12:1
Disciples serve the church. Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another as he had loved them. The implication for the Church is that disciples show their love for each other by serving each other. The church is where disciples are equipped to go out into the community to let their light shine. Disciples shine their light within the walls of the church by facilitating worship in leadership and support roles, by teaching all ages about Jesus and his love, and carrying out administrative functions that keep the church resourced for ministry.
Romans 12:1
Disciples serve the community. It is the core impulse of everyone who follows Jesus. If we follow his footsteps we find his presence in the needs of others. Jesus moved across socio-economic, religious, and cultural boundaries to relieve suffering and provide pathways to wholeness. In the process, he revealed kingdom values of compassion and unconditional love that provided a doorway into a new way of living for those who felt trapped by difficult circumstances. Disciples live with a strong sense of purpose as they serve others with the love of Christ within them.
Matthew 25:35-40
Disciples serve the community. It is the core impulse of everyone who follows Jesus. If we follow his footsteps we find his presence in the needs of others. Jesus moved across socio-economic, religious, and cultural boundaries to relieve suffering and provide pathways to wholeness. In the process, he revealed kingdom values of compassion and unconditional love that provided a doorway into a new way of living for those who felt trapped by difficult circumstances. Disciples live with a strong sense of purpose as they serve others with the love of Christ within them.
Matthew 25:35-40
In many ways, the Church is the presence of Christ in the world, and as such, has both the mandate and the power to point people toward his transforming love. Through the proclamation of God’s Word and welcoming acts of mercy and justice, persons are able to see that the story of God’s grace and the story of their need intersect. Each church becomes a kingdom outpost where kingdom values of acceptance, unconditional love, and resurrection are proclaimed and demonstrated through ministry and mission.
Matthew 28:19-20
In many ways, the Church is the presence of Christ in the world, and as such, has both the mandate and the power to point people toward his transforming love. Through the proclamation of God’s Word and welcoming acts of mercy and justice, persons are able to see that the story of God’s grace and the story of their need intersect. Each church becomes a kingdom outpost where kingdom values of acceptance, unconditional love, and resurrection are proclaimed and demonstrated through ministry and mission.
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus was a powerful preacher and teacher, using examples for everyday life to convey deeper truths about the coming kingdom. But he also modeled the power of relationships as a way to draw people into his message of grace and hope. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is archetypal as a way to enter into someone’s life and invite them into a new life in Christ. He models deep intuition, active listening, and a non-judgmental response. Disciples live a life of deeper meaning when relationships take on an eternal dimension.
Scripture - John 4:1-42)
Jesus was a powerful preacher and teacher, using examples for everyday life to convey deeper truths about the coming kingdom. But he also modeled the power of relationships as a way to draw people into his message of grace and hope. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is archetypal as a way to enter into someone’s life and invite them into a new life in Christ. He models deep intuition, active listening, and a non-judgmental response. Disciples live a life of deeper meaning when relationships take on an eternal dimension.
Scripture - John 4:1-42
Scriptures: Matthew 5:43-45; Psalm 130
The passage from Matthew tells us that Jesus presumed that there was evil and suffering in the world – “God makes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust”. God’s provision is present even while acknowledging that the world isn’t perfect. What Jesus tells us to do when people are hurting us, and God seems far away is to react with love. Psalm 130 reminds us that the proper response for people of faith is to continue reaching out to God in the midst of suffering even though it seems we’re in the deepest depths. What we do when experiencing personal suffering is hold to whatever slim thread of faith there is, continue to communicate with God, and to respond with whatever love we can muster. More importantly, when times are good, when God seems close, our responsibility is to be Christ to those who aren’t seeing Christ. We are to be light in darkness, agents of peace for someone’s turmoil, and to point to Christ by being his hands and feet when we see chaos and suffering happening to others.
Scriptures: Matthew 5:43-45; Psalm 130
The passage from Matthew tells us that Jesus presumed that there was evil and suffering in the world – “God makes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust”. God’s provision is present even while acknowledging that the world isn’t perfect. What Jesus tells us to do when people are hurting us, and God seems far away is to react with love. Psalm 130 reminds us that the proper response for people of faith is to continue reaching out to God in the midst of suffering even though it seems we’re in the deepest depths. What we do when experiencing personal suffering is hold to whatever slim thread of faith there is, continue to communicate with God, and to respond with whatever love we can muster. More importantly, when times are good, when God seems close, our responsibility is to be Christ to those who aren’t seeing Christ. We are to be light in darkness, agents of peace for someone’s turmoil, and to point to Christ by being his hands and feet when we see chaos and suffering happening to others.
There is no good answer to this question. Whatever answer we can come up with falls short of being helpful and can even be hurtful. To say that God had a plan for the Holocaust or for terrorists to fly planes into buildings makes it appear that God is a terrible planner, and diminishes the lives lost and the pain of survivors. Most of the time, human sin is the reason for pain and suffering. God gave humanity free will, and to quote a friend of mine, “God values free will so highly that God is willing to watch us hurt ourselves to protect it.” But sometimes, as in the tower of Siloam, things happen in nature that are beyond the body’s ability to withstand. The same natural laws (like gravity) that benefit us can also cause harm. Sometimes an errant cell will begin a series of divisions that manifest in cancer. It appears that there are no good answers for why such things happen. The only solace is that God ultimately holds our eternal life and security despite the mystery of tragedy in this physical life.
There is no good answer to this question. Whatever answer we can come up with falls short of being helpful and can even be hurtful. To say that God had a plan for the Holocaust or for terrorists to fly planes into buildings makes it appear that God is a terrible planner, and diminishes the lives lost and the pain of survivors. Most of the time, human sin is the reason for pain and suffering. God gave humanity free will, and to quote a friend of mine, “God values free will so highly that God is willing to watch us hurt ourselves to protect it.” But sometimes, as in the tower of Siloam, things happen in nature that are beyond the body’s ability to withstand. The same natural laws (like gravity) that benefit us can also cause harm. Sometimes an errant cell will begin a series of divisions that manifest in cancer. It appears that there are no good answers for why such things happen. The only solace is that God ultimately holds our eternal life and security despite the mystery of tragedy in this physical life.
We answer the question, "Why Rest?" this week through readings about Sabbath. Our culture describes rest differently than God. Resting is in the beginning (Genesis), is a commandment (Exodus), and is way of remembering that God is our one true God (Exodus). How do we remember and rest in our one true God in ways that refill rather than feel like another thing we have to do? What are the benefits of remembering and resting?
Why Rest? - Rev. Wil Cantrell Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:8-11
We answer the question, "Why Rest?" this week through readings about Sabbath. Our culture describes rest differently than God. Resting is in the beginning (Genesis), is a commandment (Exodus), and is way of remembering that God is our one true God (Exodus). How do we remember and rest in our one true God in ways that refill rather than feel like another thing we have to do? What are the benefits of remembering and resting? Why Rest? - Rev. Larry Trotter
Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:8-11
We spend a lot of time worrying about relationships. Some of us worry every time someone isn’t pleased with us. Some of us worry even when everything seems to be going okay. Jesus always had people mad at him. People devoted to him. And everything in between. He taught us that when we really treat others as we want to be treated we can have peace no matter the external circumstances of the relationships. This means learning to put ourselves in their shoes and unlearning the ways we manipulate and use people.
"Why Worry About Relationships" - Rev. Brooke Hartman
Scripture - Matthew 7:12
We spend a lot of time worrying about relationships. Some of us worry every time someone isn’t pleased with us. Some of us worry even when everything seems to be going okay. Jesus always had people mad at him. People devoted to him. And everything in between. He taught us that when we really treat others as we want to be treated we can have peace no matter the external circumstances of the relationships. This means learning to put ourselves in their shoes and unlearning the ways we manipulate and use people.
"Why Worry About Relationships" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Scripture - Matthew 7:12
Financial stress can destroy our health and relationships. Often we experience financial stress because we never understand the purpose of money and the way money works. If we don’t understand God’s rules for money, no matter how much we have will never be enough. When we come to see how God desires us to use our money, we find peace even if we don’t have great monetary wealth. Jesus teaches to: 1) Make money our servant not our master (Mt 6:19-24) and 2) to give generously to God without counting up everything we could have done with the money we gave away (Matthew 6:1-3).
"Why Worry About Money" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Matthew 6:1-3, 19-21, 24
Financial stress can destroy our health and relationships. Often we experience financial stress because we never understand the purpose of money and the way money works. If we don’t understand God’s rules for money, no matter how much we have will never be enough. When we come to see how God desires us to use our money, we find peace even if we don’t have great monetary wealth. Jesus teaches to: 1) Make money our servant not our master (Mt 6:19-24) and 2) to give generously to God without counting up everything we could have done with the money we gave away (Matthew 6:1-3).
"Why Worry About Money" - Rev. Wil Cantrell
Matthew 6:1-3, 19-21, 24
Worry is chronic low-grade stress. It comes from being unclear about our purpose and therefore constantly insecure about how to live life. Because we are unclear about our purpose we typically try to avoid pain and so we end up worrying a great deal about the possibility of pain and struggle. However, without pain we can’t grow. When we learn from Jesus the purpose of life (to love God and neighbor) our worry goes away. We also become resilient in the face of pain because we expect it and we recognize it as an invitation to mature spiritually and emotionally.
"Why Worry About Problems" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Matthew 6:25-34
Worry is chronic low-grade stress. It comes from being unclear about our purpose and therefore constantly insecure about how to live life. Because we are unclear about our purpose we typically try to avoid pain and so we end up worrying a great deal about the possibility of pain and struggle. However, without pain we can’t grow. When we learn from Jesus the purpose of life (to love God and neighbor) our worry goes away. We also become resilient in the face of pain because we expect it and we recognize it as an invitation to mature spiritually and emotionally.
"Why Worry About Problems" - Rev. Wil Cantrell
Scripture - Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus celebrates a dishonest manager who, upon learning of his impending dismissal, cut deals with his master’s business associate so he will have a job waiting on him after he his fired. Jesus’ celebration isn’t meant as condoning dishonest business practices. He is using this man as an example of someone who realizes their world is changing quickly and who uses their resources to prepare for the world to come. In the same way, Jesus encourages us to use all we have gained from the rat race on earth to prepare ourselves for a very different reality that is coming in the Kingdom of Heaven.
"When It’s Time to Make a Deal" - Rev. Wil Cantrell
Luke 16:1-13
Jesus celebrates a dishonest manager who, upon learning of his impending dismissal, cut deals with his master’s business associate so he will have a job waiting on him after he his fired. Jesus’ celebration isn’t meant as condoning dishonest business practices. He is using this man as an example of someone who realizes their world is changing quickly and who uses their resources to prepare for the world to come. In the same way, Jesus encourages us to use all we have gained from the rat race on earth to prepare ourselves for a very different reality that is coming in the Kingdom of Heaven.
"When It’s Time to Make a Deal" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Luke 16:1-13
Jesus says that anyone who doesn’t hate mother or father can’t be his disciples. Once again, he isn’t speaking literally. He is saying that we need to give infinitely more allegiance to God than to our family.
"Dysfunctional Family Advise" - Rev. Brooke Hartman
Luke 14:25-33
Jesus says that anyone who doesn’t hate mother or father can’t be his disciples. Once again, he isn’t speaking literally. He is saying that we need to give infinitely more allegiance to God than to our family.
"Dysfunctional Family Advise" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Luke 14:25-33
"Don’t Worry About Death" - Rev. Brooke Hartman
Luke 12:4-7
Topic: Jesus says not to worry about those who can kill the body. But to fear God who can throw the soul into hell. Jesus is encouraging us to live our earthly lives by eternal values.
"Don’t Worry About Death" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Luke 12:4-7
Topic: Jesus says not to worry about those who can kill the body. But to fear God who can throw the soul into hell. Jesus is encouraging us to live our earthly lives by eternal values.
Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Faithfulness - Rev. Brooke Hartman
Scripture - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-8
Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Faithfulness - Rev. Mike Stallings
Scripture - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-8
"The Power of Presence" - Rev. Wil Cantrell
Scripture - Luke 4:16
The most powerful thing in this world is the presence of God. The most powerful thing any of us have to offer is our presence. Jesus sought God’s presence through weekly worship in the synagogue and by meeting with his disciples. If Jesus needed worship and fellowship each week, so do we. Through worship and fellowship, we learn to be truly present to God and truly present with one another.
"The Power of Presence" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Scripture - Luke 4:16
The most powerful thing in this world is the presence of God. The most powerful thing any of us have to offer is our presence. Jesus sought God’s presence through weekly worship in the synagogue and by meeting with his disciples. If Jesus needed worship and fellowship each week, so do we. Through worship and fellowship, we learn to be truly present to God and truly present with one another.
"God Broke Through the Silence at Christmas" - Bishop Wallace-Padgett
Scripture - John 1:1-4, 14
"God Broke Through the Silence at Christmas" - Rev. Brooke Hartman
Scripture - John 1:1-4, 14
"Blessing Others When We’d Rather Curse Them" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-14
"Blessing Others When We’d Rather Curse Them" - Rev. Wil Cantrell
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-14
"When Wisdom Fails God Still Prevails" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Scripture - 1 Kings 4:29-34
"Fighting Back When You’ve Become Your Own Worst Enemy" - Rev. Larry Trotter
Scripture - Psalm 51
"Fighting Back When You’ve Become Your Own Worst Enemy" - Rev. Wil Cantrell
Scripture - Psalm 51
Looking Up When Disappointment Has You Down - Rev. Wil Cantrell
Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-13
Looking Up When Disappointment Has You Down - Rev. Larry Trotter
Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-13
"Sharing Christ in a Post-Christian World" - Rev. Wil Cantrell Scripture - 2 Corinthians 5:16-20
"A Purpose Worth Living For" - Rev. Larry Trotter Scripture: Acts 3:11-21; Acts 17:19-34
Scripture: Acts 3:11-21; Acts 17:19-34 "A Purpose Worth Living For" - Rev. Wil Cantrell
Scripture Matthew 27:45-49 "Come Together As Brokenness Becomes Whole" Rev. Wil Cantrell
Scripture Matthew 27:45-49 "Come Together As Brokenness Becomes Whole" - Rev. Larry Trotter
"Always something there to remind me" - Rev. Larry Trotter Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25