U-turns Permitted: Recent Episodes
Norman Viss/Trinity Church
U-turns are permitted in life. We grow, change, fail and succeed. We believe that God is there, that He loves us and will bring us safely through whatever life throws our way. That's why we can make u-turns when necessary with confidence and not fear. This podcast is sponsored by Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Broomall, Pa.
The well-known parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, from Luke 16:19-31, does not teach us about what heaven and hell will be like. It shows that there is hope for both rich people and Lazaruses in Jesus' Good News.
"Lord have mercy...." prayed the sinner in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. A parable of personal forgiveness and kingdom reversal. And a challenge to take these words on our lips every day. Luke 18:9-14.
Jesus taught that we should include those whom we would normally not include. Yet history shows that we (Christians) pretty much ignore Jesus' teaching. The passage is Luke 14:1;7-14.
Much of our Christian teaching and experience focuses on how to keep the law to get/stay in God's good graces. There's much more to be said and experienced than that. The woman in Luke 13:10-17 was bent and bound. Jesus unbent and unbound her. That's good news!
Today we read Luke 12:32-40. Jesus frees us from fear and gives us freedom and joy in using our resources for the betterment of His world.
Today we conclude our series on "What is the Gospel?". After a brief review, we ask ourselves what it might look like to live the kind of life that we might call "God's life".
We live in a culture that wants to "get over" or "fix" suffering asap. We have lost the ability to experience Jesus' presence in suffering. It is part of the good news of the Gospel that we are never alone, especially not in our deepest suffering.
The church has acknowledged Jesus as King throughout the centuries, but has often used the tools of Empire to build His Kingdom. How did Jesus set up God's Kingdom and what does that teach us?
Our series on "What is the Gospel?" continues with thinking about how Jesus rescues all of creation, on every level, from the intensely personal to cosmos-wide.
Part 2 of the "What is the Gospel?" series. Jesus has come to earth to show us God's love. What is God's love? And what about God's wrath? And what do you do if things are pretty bad and God's love seems far away?
This is the first in a series of 6 sermons that attempt to unpack what the "Good News" (Gospel) of Jesus Christ is. Many of us aren't clear or have a too narrow version of the Good News. There is much comfort, hope, and meaning when we come to understand the richness of what God has done for us and all of creation through Jesus Christ - especially in the times in which we live.
This is the last service in the life of Trinity CRC in Broomall. We now conclude our ministry. But that doesn't mean the Kingdom has not been present, or that it will not be present going forward. Isaiah 61 and Luke 4 serve as our source of encouragement.
Romans 11:36 reads: "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." This verse sums up the story of the Bible that goes all the way back to Genesis, and it gives us enormous hope and purpose for the future.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" is a well-known text from Philippians 4:13. Paul connects this to the concept of "contentment" in 4:11. Contentment means to "stand strong" and self-sufficient in Christ so that the waves of life don't overcome us.
Today we read the famous "Parable of the Sower" from Matthew 13. R.F. Capon calls this a "watershed moment" in Jesus' teaching, and that it is. It is much more than "how to listen to a sermon". Your whole perspective on the world might change!
Today we read the famous "Great is Your Faithfulness" passage from Lamentations 3. We place these verses of hope squarely where they are - surrounded by despair. We don't ignore the despair, nor do we allow the despair to quench the light of hope. We hold both together.
As the ragtag people of Israel stand ready to enter Canaan, the Promised Land, God encourages them to be strong and courageous, and not to fear, because He will be with them always. Jesus promises the same to his ragtag group of disciples as He prepares to leave them after His resurrection. And the same promise is for us today.
Today we read Genesis chapter 1, the beginning of the Gospel, the good news, that God is creating out of welter and waste, and He invites us to join Him in that creative process.
We conclude this short series on 2 Corinthians with the famous statement from Paul in 12:10 that when he is weak, he is strong. And we note that Paul is fully in touch with himself here. He recognizes his weaknesses and he recognizes his strengths. And all because Jesus' power is made evident in him.
Today we read 2 Corinthians 5:13-20. Paul shows us the perspective he brings to bear on his troubles. It is a perspective that gives hope and sends us out with a purpose.
In the church, societal and personal crises of his time, Paul uses the term "jars of clay" to describe how weak and vulnerable he and his people were. But in those "jars of clay" is a treasure - the glory of Jesus Christ. "Death is at work in us, but life in you", he says in 2 Cor. 4.
There are very few of us who do not think we are in a time of crisis - whether that be personal, communal, national or global. In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul expresses his own distress and speaks of the comfort that comes from God.
Today Rev. Jane Filkin from the Campolo Ministry Center at Eastern University opens Luke 24 for us, the story of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after Jesus' death. In their deepest grief Jesus walks with them, teaches them and transforms them.
Proverbs 31 contains the famous description of the "valorous woman", which has often been used throughout the centuries to think of and treat women in a way that is honoring to them or the God who made them. Today we will approach this passage as not so much a description of what a "valorous woman" should and shouldn't do, but as a description of what wisdom looks like, especially in a time of crisis.
The Book of Proverbs often speaks of the need for "integrity" as we conduct our daily lives, especially when dealing with crises. Listen as we explore what integrity is and looks like.
This is the audio of the complete service held at Trinity CRC in Broomall on July 30, 2023, in the aftermath of the news that a former pastor kidnapped, sexually abused and murdered an 8-year-old neighbor girl in August of 1975. Some of the songs we sang are not included in this recording because the sound was not good.
This week our community was shocked to hear that a former pastor of our congregation kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered an 8-year-old neighbor girl 48 years ago. He hid his crimes for decades until he confessed and was arrested just a few days ago. Click here for the story. In an effort to process these events a service of lament, reflection and renewal of hope was held. This is the sermon part of the service. You can find the whole service on video here, and audio here.
Today we begin our series on the book of Proverbs. Proverbs reflects Israel’s struggle to find its identity in a time of cultural crisis, when the monarchy and the priesthood were no longer sources of authority and stability. We're in a time of crisis today also, which should make Proverbs relevant for us.
Today we read John 21, the coda to the gospel, in which Jesus restores Peter and sends him on mission.
Jesus appears to the disciples and sends them out as He has been sent out by God. A week later, Jesus reveals himself to Thomas, who would believe only if certain conditions were met. Jesus shows Thomas Himself, and that is enough.
At the end of John 17 Jesus prays for His disciples, then turns His attention to the generations that follow. It is encouraging to make Jesus' prayer as personal to us as possible.
Today we read John 17:3, in which Jesus prays that knowing Him is the way to "eternal life". God has given us the Bible, the Church and the Christian religion as means to help us know Jesus. They are not Jesus - they lead us to Him.
Today is Pentecost Sunday. Corey Brown guides us through Jesus' promise that "when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide us into all the truth". (John 16:13)
Today we read from John 15, Jesus' famous statement about "abiding in Him". What does that mean, and especially, is He just referring to individual piety? We will look at the Old Testament roots of this image to help us find out.
Jesus gives his disciples peace, which doesn't mean they will have no problems in life. After all, the next day they would experience the worst day in the history of humankind. So how can we experience peace regardless of our circumstances?
Today we read the famous story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas, who was to betray him. Today we don't wash each other's feet. So how can we follow Jesus' example as He calls us to do?
Today we read from John 12:44-50, the last words he spoke to a public crowd. These words contained a challenge for those listeners, and they contain a challenge for us today.
Today we read John 11, the famous story of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus stands in solidarity with the people he loves before the closed tomb of Lazarus. But then he moves forward, opens the tomb, and, as the rest of John tells us, moves toward his own closed tomb.
On this Easter Sunday, this is the question we ask. What did Jesus' resurrection do for the disciples? and what could it mean to us if we really believed it? We read the story from John 20.
On this Maundy Thursday we contemplate the horrific individual and corporate sin that caused the death of Jesus. We confess our complicity in it and come to His table for forgiveness and renewal.
Today we read the story of the "Triumphal Entry" from John 12. "Hosanna!", the crowd shouted. Typically that is understood as an acclamation of praise, but it is not. It means "Save us!". THe crowd in Jerusalem, embroiled in political, sociological and economic tension, needed saving. So do we, in our time and place.
In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind. He is silenced, abandoned and rejected by those around him. But not by Jesus. Do we shepherd the marginalized?
Today we read the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8:1-11. This is a story of radical grace and a radical invitation.
Today we look at John 7, and ask ourselves what the response to Jesus was among the people and leaders of the Jewish community in and around Jerusalem at the time of the Feats of Tabernacles. And what is our response to Jesus?
Today we look at John 6, in which Jesus proclaims himself the "Bread of Life". What does he mean by the word "life"? What is he offering to the people of his time and people of all times?
Today we read Psalm 145, and try to understand how a Psalm of praise can help us in times of (dire) crisis. Such a Psalm is a foundation, a lens, and, perhaps, a destination.
At the end of his second letter Timothy, Paul writes to his protege: "The Lord be with your spirit; grace be with you." With this blessing we enter 2023, in our questions and difficulties and in our joys and accomplishments.
For Christmas this year we observe the story of Mary and Joseph from two vantage points: on the ground and from above. What did their story look like without the Divine perspective? and what did that Divine perspective add to the story?
Today we read the famous passage Isaiah 9:6-7 and think together about what it means that Jesus is called the "Prince of Peace", the one who establishes a kingdom of peace forever.
Today we read Isaiah 61, written after the Jews had returned from exile, while things were still broken. We learn from Fleming Rutledge that Advent is not darkness: Advent is Light in darkness. And therein lies the possibility of joy.
Today we read Zephaniah 3:17: God proclaims His love over and for us. But the background is no sentimental Christmas scene - it is judgment and exile. Only with that background can we understand God's love for us and move out in love to our world.
On this first Sunday of Advent we explore the theme of "Hope", from Isaiah 40, written while Israel was in exile, captivity and despair in Babylon.
Today we look at two healings done by Jesus: the son of an official and a man who had been lame for 38 years. The Age of Life breaks into the Age of Death and healing happens. That is the good news.
Jesus speaks with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. He speaks to both of them of "eternal life". What did he mean to convey to them, and what did they understand? Most likely it was not about "how to get to heaven when you die". Listen to find out what it might have been.
Today we look at two very different people Jesus spoke with: the Pharisee Nicodemus and the anonymous Samaritan woman. In this sermon we will explore the differences and similarities between them, next week we will explore what Jesus actually said to them.
Last week we looked at the first thing God did when He showed up in the person of Jesus. This week we look at the second thing God in Jesus did: he took a whip to the Gentile Court of the temple and cleared it out. Quite a different thing!
Last week we heard the first words spoken about God as He appeared in Jesus. Today we look at the first thing God, in Jesus, did as recorded in John. He provided 180 gallons of the best wine at a wedding! We're going to connect that with the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and learn about humility and receiving God's gifts.
"Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." These are the first words spoken about God as He appeared on earth in the person of Jesus. There's more in these words than you might think.....
Today we read two sections from John 1:1-18. This is some of the deepest theological material ever written. Two things are made crystal clear by John: Jesus is God, and Jesus became human. In Jesus we see life, light, glory, grace and truth.
Today Dr. Kyuboem Lee of Mission Seminary preaches on the essential communal nature of Communion.
Today Dr. Kyuboem Lee from Missio Seminary leads us through John 16:16-33, a passage where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the trouble they are going to encounter in their world.
Today we begin a new sermon series on the Gospel of John. The Gospel is one of the most complex writings of all time, and there are a thousand ways to approach it. We will read John looking for the ways that Jesus shows us what God is like. As Brian Zahnd puts it: God is like Jesus. God has always been like Jesus. We have not always known what God is like, but now we do.
Today we kick off our new church year. The question that lies before us is: what is our common calling? To help us understand how we got here, we go back to the Lewis and Clark expedition, and even back to the first church council in Jerusalem.
Today we listen to two versions of the song "Respect Yourself", the first by the Staple Singers, the second by Melissa Etheridge, many years later. Both songs arise from a context of the "stranger" who cries out to be seen and heard. Which is, of course, exactly what Jesus was about.
Today we listen to "Down by the Riverside" by Muddy Magnolias. The theme of "down by the riverside" is a popular one in spirituals and folk music. In these songs the riverside is a place of reflection, refreshment and renewal. We look at Psalm 137:1-6 to see how the Israelites handled despair down by the riverside.
Today we listen to "Carry on Wayward Son" by Kansas from 1976. Then we read the story of the Prodigal Son, as it is known. Actually, there are two wayward sons in the story. But there's more to the story: how is this story more than the call to the individual to know that he/she is "beloved" of God? And what is the claim laid upon us by this story?
This is the first in the 2022 version of "Finding God in Your Songs" series. We listen to "Wishlist" by Pearl Jam (1998), then work through the story in Genesis 22 of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac at God's behest. Abraham had a wishlist; but so did God!
In his last words to the community of migrant Jesus-followers, James lays out a surprising recipe for survival in an unjust and difficult world: open, authentic, vulnerable community.
James concludes his letter by zooming in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggesting to them that the only way they can survive the in hospitable world in which they find themselves is with open, authentic and vulnerable community.
Today we conclude our study in the letter of James. After all the topics he has handled in the letter, he zooms in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggests to them that it is only in open, honest, vulnerable community and friendship that they can survive the world in which they find themselves.
Today we conclude our study in the letter of James. After all the topics he has handled in the letter, he zooms in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggests to them that it is only in open, honest, vulnerable community and friendship that they can survive the world in which they find themselves.
Today we conclude our study in the letter of James. After all the topics he has handled in the letter, he zooms in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggests to them that it is only in open, honest, vulnerable community and friendship that they can survive the world in which they find themselves.
Today we conclude our study in the letter of James. After all the topics he has handled in the letter, he zooms in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggests to them that it is only in open, honest, vulnerable community and friendship that they can survive the world in which they find themselves.
James 5:7-11 calls us to patience in the face of suffering. What does James mean by "patience"? And to what kind of suffering does he refer? And James does point to Jesus, who suffered more than any other person on earth, from whom we should learn.
James launches a brutal attack against us rich people in 5:1-6. He has no time for pleasantries or the typical notion that it is not about how much wealth you have, it is about your attitude. So what do we do with this?
Today we read James 4:13-17. James begins a two-part diatribe against rich people (us!). In this first section, he encourages us to think about our focus on inventing, designing, producing, and selling widgets to make a profit. Why are we doing this? Are we doing it (just) to make a living, or also to "live"? And what does that "living" look like?
Today we look at James 3:13-18. What is wisdom? What is the opposite of wisdom? James challenges us in strong words to think about our envies and jealousies, and to choose the way that makes for peace. How can we do that in this time of FOMO and bitter partisan division?
Today we look at James 3:1-12, the famous passage in which James talks about the danger of destruction caused by the tongue. Certainly, this is an issue for the individual at home, work and out and about. But there is also a kind of "dangerous speech" that we are seeing more of in our society today. How do we deal with dangerous speech on any level? James shows us: it is heart issue.
Today we read the well-known passage from James: 2:14-26. James speaks of the relationship between faith and works, not with the goal to figure out what we need to get into heaven when we die, but to show us that salvation is about the "here and now, making wounded people whole" (Diana Butler Bass).
Today Steve Brauning, missionary to the Dominican Republic for Resonate Global Mission, speaks to us today from Luke 4:14-21 about the mission Jesus took on when He came to earth and how we, in the power of the Holy Spirit, are called to work to continue that mission.
Today we look at James 2:1-13. James condemns the sin of discrimination - showing partiality as it occurred in the early migrant church. But how does that apply to us today? None of us want to show partiality or discriminate. Most of us believe we are past that. Are we? And what if it isn't so much about me as an individual but us as a society?
Today Rev. Dan Kim leads us through James 1:19-25, the famous passage that encourages us to not just be listeners to the word of God, but also to be doers.
James chapter 1 is a summary of the rest of the letter. It introduces most of the topics James handles in the letter. James is writing for his own people in exile, struggling. In today's world many of us struggle and feel exiled.
James begins his letter to people who are enduring hardships of various kinds. He explains to them how hardships can lead to growth, maturity, fullness, which leads to joy. Today we read James 1:2-4.
Today we introduce our sermon series on the Letter of James. A crucial discussion on this book over the last centuries has centered on whether (and how much) James supports the Apostle Paul's emphasis on "salvation by grace alone". But is that the best approach to understanding James? Join us and find out!
"An event has occurred as a result of which the world is a different place, and human beings have the new possibility to become a different kind of people...” This is how N.T. Wright describes the impact of what happened on Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead. We read selected passages from 1 Corinthians 15.
On this Maundy Thursday we read 1 Corinthians 1:30: On the cross Jesus took upon himself what we are not and gave us what He is: wisdom, justice, purpose and freedom.
Today is Palm Sunday - Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. This story doesn't happen in a vacuum - all kinds of events immediately precede it. John quotes the prophet Zecharaiah in his commentary on the events of this day, who proclaims that peace will come to the nations. What do you think: does Jesus bring peace?
What do these have to do with Deuteronomy? You might be surprised. Today we finish our series on Deuteronomy by looking at chapter 30, the last part of Moses' sermon to Israel (the final chapters contain a song, some blessings and the report of Moses' death). What - or who - is our real life?
At the moment of this sermon series, Russia is waging a fierce, aggressive war in Ukraine. In the USA, the "culture wars" are waging. Group is pitted against group, each considering the other the "enemy". Does Deuteronomy offer us a way to respond to these and all wars? We will look at Deuteronomy 20 and ask ourselves that question.
Deuteronomy 15 presents an economy unlike ours. Redistribution of wealth and reparations are imperatives for Israel. What can we learn from that, without saying that we must emulate the Deuteronomic system? Are there echoes of this approach in the New Testament? And where does our final hope lie for our broken world?
Today we look at the blessings and curses that were to be spoken from the mountains Ebal and Gerizim. This ritual was to be done when Israel entered Canaan (and was done - read Joshua 8). The blessings and cursing were a direct result of whether Israel obeyed God or not. Which raises the question: is our relationship with God transactional? If so, doesn't that lead to all kinds of problems? Today we try to present another approach to this text.
In light of the attack on Ukraine by Vladimir Putin and his army, we are using our service time today (Feb. 27, 2022) as a time of prayer and reflection for Ukraine, Russia, Europe and our world. Please join us and dpray along with us.
Deuteronomy contains a number of passages that state that God wanted Israel to engage in "holy war", which some have called genocide of the Canaanite people. What are we to make of that? And how can we deal with the hostility between people in our own time?
Today we read Deuteronomy 6. This chapter includes the command to love God only and to teach our children to love and obey Him. One way to understand this chapter is with the image of being at home - home with God and home with each other. Join us!
Today we read the Ten Commandments from Deuteronomy 5. How can we read them in a way that doesn't strike fear into us or load a burden on us that we cannot bear to carry?
We continue our series on Deuteronomy, looking at Chapter 4: historical recollections give way to urgent exhortation. Moses reflects on God's presence with and care for Israel, and assures the people that his mercy will never fail. And then he asks this question: Has such a great thing as this ever happened with anyone else?
Today Dan Kim speaks from Luke 7:11-17, the story of the raising of the son of the widow of Nain from the dead. Jesus says a startling thing to the widow as her son is being brought to the graveyard. He says the same thing to us.
Today we look (quickly!) at the first 3 chapters of Deuteronomy. Moses looks back on the last 40 years of history, and relates both the good and the bad of Israel's past. "The more honest we are in telling the stories of our ancestors in the web, the more we will be able to understand ourselves and the possibilities carried in our emotional DNA for our future.” (Diana Butler Bass, Grounded, pg 157). Moving forward into crisis means understanding that we are a part of a "web of belonging", not just individuals, and being willing to be honest about our past.
Today we begin a 12-week sermon series on the Book of Deuteronomy, the 5th and final book of the Pentateuch. Israel stands on the verge of entering Canaan after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. As Walter Brueggemann says: "Deuteronomy looks both backward to rootage and forward to crisis, and interprets at the precise place where rootage and crisis intersect." That makes Deuteronomy also relevant for our time. Today is the introduction.
Today we read Jeremiah 31:7-14, together with churches all over the world (a lectionary reading). How do we live when things for which we long so desperately don't happen? When promises don't come true? When it seems like nothing is going well for us?
Today, the day after Christmas, we look at the trip the Magi took to worship the newborn king. Why did they undertake that journey? For what/whom were they longing? Their trip took discipline and commitment over a long period of time. Do we have the same longing for a new world and the same commitment to, as Eugene Peterson put it, a "long obedience in the same direction"?
On this Christmas Eve we consider the shepherds, living their lives in the field outside Bethlehem, who hear the gospel - the good news - that today a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord. They decide to go quickly, with haste, to see and meet him. Will you do the same?
Today we conclude our Advent series on Lamentations. How do we Lament without turning in on ourselves and becoming hopelessly and helplessly self-centered, sinking into a pit of despair? Lamentations shows us how to turn lament into a work of justice and resisting of evil. And leads us to Jesus, Word become flesh, who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.
Today we look at Lamentations 3, words spoken and penned by a Man (3:1), a man defined differently than the regular use of the word "man". This is a strong man, a man of valor. He expresses his afflictions and troubles, and then speaks out the only hopeful words in the book of Lamentations: God's faithfulness is new every morning.
This is the 2nd Sunday of Advent 2021. We read portions of the 2nd chapter of Lamentations, and hear the narrator accuse God of bringing disaster down upon Jerusalem and her inhabitants. God is blamed unequivocably - but in accusing him, the people hold on to him, and "in that holding they clear space for new ways to meet God” (O'Connor pg. 123). May this Advent time be a time for clearing space and meeting God in new ways.
This is the first Sunday of Advent, 2021. We are looking at the book of Lamentations as we awaiting the coming of the Christ-child. Today is the introduction and a look at Chapter 1, which focuses on Jerusalem's lack of someone to comfort her in her distress.
Rev. Dr. Kyuboem Lee speaks today from Romans 15:1-7 and shows us how we can really accept one another.
In this last on our series on Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass, we look at Jesus as Presence. What does it mean that Jesus is present in our lives and in this world?
Today we look at Jesus as “The Way”. Diana makes the point that a theme in western Christian Evangelicalism is that this verse carries a strong exclusionary message. Diana gently but clearly counters that idea, emphasizing that the context of this verse indicates that it is a verse of comfort and promise, not exclusion, threat or weapon.
Today we look at Chapter 4 of "Freeing Jesus" by Diana Butler Bass. The topic is "Jesus is Lord". What does it mean that Jesus is Lord, for us personally and for the world?
Today Rev. Dr. Alfred Muli, Chaplain at ACTS Community in Granite Farms, preaches for us on 1 Peter 1:22-23, on "Love One Anther".
Today Rev. Dr. Alfred Muli, Chaplain for the ACTS Community in Granite Farms, preaches for us on 1 Peter 1:13-21
Today we explore what it means that Jesus is our Savior. From what do we need to be saved? “Salvation is not a transaction to get to heaven after death; rather, it is an experience of love and beauty and paradise even now.” (Diana Butler Bass)
Today we look at Chapter 2 of Diana Butler Bass' book "Freeing Jesus". Jesus as Teacher. As teacher he give "rules, tells stories, but most importantly he is a sage, who goes before us with his life to not only tell us how to live but show us how to live.
Today we look at the theme of friendship with God and Jesus, which is actually a fairly central theme in the Bible. What does friendship with God look like, and why do we struggle with friendship with God and with others?
Today we start our Fall '21 series called "Freeing Jesus", based on the book of the same title by Dr. Diana Butler Bass. In this introduction we look briefly at the history of the last 150 years in theology about Jesus, and, in this time of "deconstruction" and crisis, ask whether we will move away from Jesus or toward him.
As we remember 9/11 and start a new Fall Season, what do we do with the troubles, difficulties and disappointments in which we find ourselves, as well as the joys and victories we experience? Today we read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. the famous passage about Times and Seasons, to see if we might find some guidance there.
We conclude our series on the Book of Acts. The book ends quietly, with no bombast about evangelistic success, the influence of the church on its society, or the fear of marginalization or persecution and attempts to avoid it. Paul is in a quiet home, welcoming all who come to his table, speaking of the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It's almost as if the book demands a sequel that isn't there. Or is it?
We look today at the story of Paul's journey to Rome, fraught with danger on a Roman ship carrying the prisoners and profit-making lifeblood of the Roman Empire. Luke shows us how we, as followers of Jesus, can live within that system and find God in what Jennings calls "gentile hospitality" and unusual kindness.
Today we listen to Paul's last words to Empire, as recorded in Acts 26, to King Agrippa specifically. The heart of his message is found in verses 17 & 18: Jesus wants to open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, for the forgiveness of sins and a place in the community of God's people.
Today we look at Acts 22 and 23, the story of Paul's last conflict with the Jews of Jerusalem and their leaders before he goes to Rome. He confronts their nationalism and offers them the hope that is bound up in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. What does this have to say about our nationalism and the tensions in which we live today?
Today we read Paul's last words to the elders of the Ephesian church. He knew he would not see them again. It is revealing to listen to what he said to them. What would you say in the same situation?
Today we read the story of the riot the occurred in the city of Ephesus after Paul had been preaching about the kingdom of God there for about 2 years. Why did that riot occur? And what kind of relevance could we find in the story of an ancient riot for our time today? Listen on - you might be surprised!
Today we cover the First Missionary Journey of Paul, Barnabus and John Mark. We will focus on the first recorded sermon of Paul at Antioch of Pisidian. Most of us have grown up being taught "the gospel". How does what we learned compare with what Paul preached? This is an important question when we consider that this was Paul's first opportunity to proclaim the gospel in a missionary setting.
Today we look at the persecution of Herod Agrippa perpetrated on the church in Jerusalem. Herod looked to the sword and the prison to solve his problems. That's what Empire does. How did the church respond? What did the early Jesus-followers do?
Today Dan Kim leads us through the familiar story of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37. A story that is well-known to many. But because it is so well-known, it is good to review it again and listen to its message for us in our time.
Today we listen to Peter tell the story of his meeting with the Roman centurion Cornelius, and what God did there to convince Peter, who had a hard time believing it, that God is not partial. The early Jesus-followers in Jerusalem could hardly believe also. Neither can we, often. Or maybe never, as Willie James Jenning says.
Today we read Acts 9, the story of the conversion of Saul. Our focus is on the three men that appear in the story: Saul, Ananias and Barnabus. Who were they? What was their role? And how did God use them each in their God-given uniqueness to further the reach of the gospel message?
Today we read Acts 8, the story of Simon the Magician and the (unnamed) Ethiopian eunuch. Both are impacted by power dynamics: Simon wanting to use power, the eunuch being abused by power. What can we learn from these stories about the use of power in our own lives and time, and what the "gift of God" is?
Today we look at the story of the sermon and stoning of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7. In this lengthy story we see (at least) three responses to the news that Jesus is King of the universe. What is your response?
Today we look at the story of Acts 3 and 4: the man who was born lame and was healed by Peter and John. Why choose this story as the first story of the public church in Acts? Why such detail? And why were the Jewish leaders so annoyed?
Today we read Acts 2, the famous story of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. Our main point: Pentecost is not complete without the new community of Jesus-followers that came into existence. Without the one, the other is meaningless.
Today we look at the theme of "nationalism" as it appears in the Book of Acts. Probably not a theme you have associated with this book before. Willie James Jennings, in the chapter "The Death of Nationalist Fantasy" helps us understand that the earlier Jewish Christians were nationalists whose perspective had to change in the light of the Lordship of Jesus. How could that apply to us in 21st century America?
Today we start a new sermon series on the book of Acts. We focus on the themes of Christian Community (God's Community) living in the midst of Empire. At that time it was the Roman Empire, today it is the empires of our modern world. Click here for a list of primary resources being used.
Today Dan Kim leads us through 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. Christians have freedom of conscience, but knowledge can puff up and lead to pride. Love builds up. Because Jesus loved us to the uttermost on the cross, we can love our brothers and sisters.
On this Easter, after a long "Holy Saturday" year of pandemic lockdown, we read Matthew 28:1-11 and meditate on Jesus' death and resurrection as a sabbath rest and the first day of the new creation, bringing hope to all. We cannot go back to "normal". Everything is now different.
As Holy Week begins, we read from Luke 19 about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey colt. What actually happened that day? And what can we learn from it? Dan Kim leads us.
Today we close the series "God, His Land and His People". We look at the two cities whose stories are told throughout the Bible: Babylon, the city of Empire, the great parasite, sucking the life out of the rural farms and peoples, and Jerusalem, designed to be a source of healing to the nations. And we are challenged to make clear, practical choices in our lives: which city holds our allegiance?
As we near the end of this series, we ask ourselves what it looks like to follow Jesus in our "sick society". The prophet Isaiah speaks of the "Anointed One", sent to proclaim good news to the poor, captive and oppressed, as well as all of creation. Jesus takes that thought up in His very first sermon in Luke 4, and in the Beatitudes of Matthew 5 passes on this way of discipleship to us.
Today we take a brief look in outline at the Prophet Jeremiah and his ministry in a time of great distress and crisis on every side. We look at his recognition of the idolatry of God's People, his willingness to feel the loss deeply, and the claim he lays to hope.
Today Dan Kim walks us through the concept of "wise work" as opposed to "sloth". Sloth is an act of commission, surprisingly enough. Sloth is the refusal to act as neighbor and kin to other, including the failure to be responsible toward those who precede and follow us in this world and remaining inactive when action is necessary. The building of the tabernacle in the desert is an example of wise work which unites God, His People and His Land.
Today we look at the prophet Amos, who prophesied during a prosperous time in Israel, but a time that was characterized by economic injustice and wealth inequality, just like today. Amos not only pronounces the judgment of God, he foresees that even Nature itself will rise up against those who misuse and abuse God's people and His Land.
Today we look at 1 Kings 21:1-29, the story of King Ahab and Naboth. This story is often used to admonish us not to be greedy or pout if we don't get our way. As laudable as that admonishment is, that is not what this story is about. It's about Empire grabbing and exploiting land. Ahab did it, and the culture which we come from, the Western Culture, has been doing it for centuries also. Click here for the whole article on Sub Saharan Africa mentioned and read from in the sermon. And click here for the article on the Anathoth Community Garden.
Today we look at the responsibility we all have to make the daily life choices necessary to maintain the dance of God, His Land and His People. The Book of Leviticus lays out what that meant for Israel in the land of Canaan in great detail. While the specific guidelines of Leviticus may not all be applicable to us today, the themes are: God dwells among us, calls us to walk in justice with each other and to care for His creation.
Today Dan Kim leads us in exploring the story of the manna in Exodus 16. God sent the manna because Israel was hungry and they complained. But there was more going on than that - Israel needed to be taught that, contrary to the Empire of Egypt, all our food and everything we need is a gift from God, not to be acquired by exploitation of people, animals or land. And because we live as a gift from God's hand, we are able to rest.
Today in our series "God, His Land and His People", we look at Genesis 1:26-30, often known as the "Cultural Mandate". There is much here to learn, especially about what it means to be caretakers of creation and join in the dance to which God invites us. It's also challenging, because so much of who we are as western culture seems bent on destroying that creation.
The 2nd part of the introduction to the series "God, HIs Land, His People". We will be looking at 6 theses or foundational perspectives upon which the Old Testament prophets based their prophecies to the people of Israel. They help us understand how God sees His relationship to human communities, non-human life and the non-living creation. You can find the theses referred to in this sermon by clicking here.
Today we start our Winter 2021 sermon series looking at Old Testament themes: God in sacred relationship to His Land and His People. This is the first of two introductory sermons in which we lay the groundwork for our study. Today we read parts of Jeremiah 32. For more information on sources click here.
At the beginning of 2021 we read Hebrews 12:7-17 together, which speaks of God teaching, training and disciplining us. Our image should not be that of an angry father, but of Jesus Christ who came to be with us and show us the way. How can we follow HIm this coming year?
Today we conclude our Advent/Christmas series on the Light that came into the world with Jesus. We look at 1 John 1:5-8 which speaks of how we can walk in the light in our lives today as followers of Jesus.
Tonight we follow the Magi as they follow the star, as told in Matthew 2. Their purpose was to worship the newborn King of the Jews.
Today we read Luke's version of the Christmas story in his Gospel. We focus on how the Light shines on all people, as part of God's work of reconciling all things to HImself, and how that gives us hope and a reason to live in dark times.
Dan Kim leads us in understanding how the Light of the World helps us through the darkest of times with verses from the Gospel of John.
Today we read Psalms 42 and 43, which speak of God sending His light and Truth to guide us into His presence.
This is the First Sunday of Advent, 2020. In these dark times we wait (again) with longing for the coming of the LIght of the world. Our Advent services will focus on that theme. Today Andy Kim leads us in reflections on Isaiah 60:1-3.
Today we conclude our series on Paul's letter to the Romans. We read the last verses, chapter 16:25-27. How were Iris and Nereus strengthened by this letter and Paul's gospel? How can we be strengthened in these days in which we need strengthening so much?
We continue with the concluding words of Paul in his letter to the Romans. He addresses the issue of division and obstacles among the believers. He also advises "avoiding" those who cause division. What should we do with that advice today?
Today Dan Kim leads us through Romans 15:29-33, the beginning of the close of the letter. Paul gets personal here about his life as a servant of Christ, and appeals to his listeners/readers to model their lives after his.
Today we look at the first 13 verses of Romans 15, which actually are a continuation of Romans 14. Paul encourages us to welcome each other, as God has welcomed us, even when we don't agree with each other. And he offers us true hope in these days of political, cultural and societal upheaval.
Today we look at Romans 14 - in which Paul gives guidance for those living in the middle of the "culture wars" of the time. Can the guidance he gave help us today in our partisan world?
Today we read Romans 13:8-14. Paul speaks the language of the Jew and the Gentile in encouraging the Roman church to really love one another and the world. As MLK put it in his last sermon on the Parable of the Good Samaritan: "The Levite asked, 'what will happen to me if I stop to help this person?'. The Samaritan asked 'what will happen to him if I don't stop to help him?'"
Today Rev. Grant Hofman leads us in a study of Romans 13:1-7, which speaks of our relationship to governing authorities. A very appropriate topic for our times!
Today we move on to the "practical" part of Paul's letter to the Romans. We will look at Chapter 12:1-8. This is a call to give ourselves completely to the service of Christ and each other. Intern Dan Kim is preaching.
Today we survey the difficult chapters 9 through 11 of Romans, often used to justify the "God elects some and not others" approach to salvation. Hopefully, we will see that God does elect, but not to a special privilege (to be saved). He elects to a special responsibility (to be part of the colony that is establishing His reign on this broken world). That changes everything.
We get back to our COVID-interrupted series on Romans entitled "When In Romans: Rescue all the way out and all the way down". This sermon is a review of where we have been so far - through the first 8 chapters of Romans. We meet Iris and Nereus again, and try to understand this letter as written an explained by Phoebe in Rome through their eyes and ears.
Today we look at the well-known song by Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: Teach Your Children. Known for its simple guitar background, complex harmonies and depth of lyrics, it was a staple of the late 60s and 70s. All of us have a responsibility to teach and live as an example in front of the generations coming after us. What does that look like? That's what this sermon is about.
Today we listen to a song from Bob Dylan's latest album entitled "Rough and Rowdy Ways". The song is "False Prophet". We will look at the theme of "Garden" in the Bible and hear about the hope that we have in Jesus the King and Gardener. This sermon leans heavily on a sermon by Brian Zahnd of Word and Life Church in Missouri for some of its central themes.
Today we continue our series "Finding God in Your Songs". We hear two songs: "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield, and "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley. The weekend of this sermon is bookended by the Democratic and Republic National Conventions. Those recurrent events form the background for our dive into these songs and Scripture. The Scriptures we read are Psalm 27 and Luke 4:16-21.
In this second in our series entitled "Finding God in Your Songs" we listen to the famous "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel, one of their most classic songs, written by Paul Simon, sung, interestingly enough, only by Art Garfunkel. We connect the song to 1 John 3:16: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
This is the first in our summer 2020 series in which we look for God in some popular songs of our time or generation. Today's song is by The Rolling Stones, their famous "Gimme Shelter". "Oh, a storm is threat'ning, My very life today, If I don't get some shelter, Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away." Relevant lyrics for our time. Psalm 91 speaks of the shelter we find in God. Join us!
Today we look at the virtue of Kindness. "Kindness is a type of behaviour marked by acts of generosity, consideration, or concern for others, without having an expectation of praise or reward." God is Kind- and he calls us to show kindness to one another.
Today we look at the virtue of Patience - being "long in the nose" as the Hebrews say. And we try to make a distinction between the everyday frustrations and irritations that produce patience, and the kind of patience that aligns with God's "slow to anger" work of building His Kingdom.
Today we look at the virtue of Chastity. This also carries a very spiritual association, especially for the early church. Knowing God's love is the foundation to treating others with love and respect, especially when it comes to sexuality.
The next Virtue in our series on the 7 Virtues is "Diligence". You may think you know what is coming, but you may only be partly right.
We are in a new series on the 7 Virtues - the virtues recognized by the church through the ages as the classic "fruit" of being united with Christ. The first in the series, "Charity" could not be recorded. This is the second in the series, on the Virtue of Temperance.
The week before Pentecost 2020 has arguably been one of the worst weeks in America in living memory. A global pandemic, displayed racism, protests, riots and lootings, more than 40 million Americans unemployed. The Holy Spirit, active in and since Creation, comforts, renews and challenges us as individuals, churches and a society.
Today we close the Lord's Prayer with the doxology - the last phrase, in which we confirm that the kingdom, power and glory belong to God - and Jesus - and Him alone. IN this time of COVID-19, when the empire is crumbling around us, these words should be our foundation.
During lockdown we all need to receive and extend forgiveness. Well, anytime, actually, but perhaps especially now. This petition is very powerful and very practical. "Forgive us our debts/sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." But is it really so conditional? What if forgiveness was not conditional, but a dance?
Today we look at this petition of the Lord's Prayer. Upon hearing this petition, every Israelite in the time of Jesus would have thought of the Exodus and the provision of manna in the desert. That link brings us into the realm of Empire and God's Kingdom. We read Exodus 16:1-18.
Today we look at this second petition of the Lord's Prayer. It is a powerful prayer (message) for this time of crisis. It is a "risky, crazy prayer of submission and commission, or, if you like, the prayer of subversion and conversion". (NT Wright)
Today we start a short series on The Lord's Prayer, in this time of coronavirus, lockdown and uncertainty on all sides. Perhaps this time is driving more of us to more prayer, and this prayer of Jesus can help direct and guide our prayers. Today we start with the first petition: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."
On this most strange of Easters for all of us, we look at what the men and women who experienced that first Easter felt as they began to realize what had happened. Then we move to what Jesus said to them as he met them in different contexts in the following weeks. We can identify with the first celebrants of Easter in these days; let's hear the words of Jesus spoken to them and to us on this coronavirus Easter.
On this dark night we look at how Jesus, by His death, broke the back of evil and began to build a new community of love and forgiveness.
Today is Palm Sunday, and we celebrate another online worship service. Our text is Mark 11:1-11. "Save us now!" shouted the people then. We shout the same thing today.
Join us for a brief online worship on March 29, 2020, still in the grip of the coronavirus. Our Bible passage today is Psalm 32.
This is a recording of our online worship of March 22, 2020. We read from Psalm 23, words of assurance and comfort in these times.
This was the first Sunday we had an online service instead of meeting together in the church due to the coronavirus. Psalm 46 was the basis for our meditation.
Today we read Romans 8:31-39. And these verses really are, like, the best Bible verses ever! We try to understand how Iris and Nereus would have heard these words, and how we might hear them and be encouraged and changed by them.
Today we look again at Romans 8:18-30. Paul speaks of how we suffer in light of the "glory" that is to be revealed to us. What is that "glory"? You may be surprised at what it is......
Today we lament. We lament the brokenness of creation. Because we are wealthy, powerful westerners, we often don't know what lament really is, and we tend to avoid it at all costs. Not today. Our key verse is Romans 8:22: "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." This sermon won't give you the "feel goods". But in the first week of Lent, perhaps that is OK.
Today we look at Romans 8:12-17. Paul talks a lot about the "flesh" and the "Spirit". What does he mean? And then he talks about doing away with fear and living as children of God. How did Iris and Nereus understand that? And how can we understand that?
Today we zoom in on Romans 8:1: "There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." What did that mean to Iris and Nereus? What could it mean for us? What does "condemnation" really mean? And who is condemning you?
Today we look at Romans 7 - an incredibly complex and obtuse section of this complex letter. It's about the law. When we live under the law instead of under grace the law kills - at every level. Paul refers to himself as a wretched, lost man, seemingly incurable but grateful he has been rescued by Jesus.