Zions Stone UCC: Recent Episodes
Sermons from Rev. Mike Landsman, pastor of Zion's Stone UCC in Northampton, PA
17th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A; Habbabuk 1:1-13,2:1-4; II Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10Pastor Mike preaches on living by faith and how faith is not mere belief but confidence and trust.
Pastor Mike preaches on the war in heaven in Revelation 12 as being descriptive of the triumph of Jesus Christ over satan and evil through his death and resurrection . Michael & All Angels, Year A: Genesis 28:10-17; Revelation 12:7-12; John 1:47-51
Pastor Mike preaches on the Christian duty to offer prayers on behalf of all people, from those seen as the bottom of the ladder to those who rule or exercise authority at the top, as God is seeking the salvation of all. 15th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Amos 8:4-12; I Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13
Pastor Mike preaches on how when Jesus is elevated on the cross he will draw all people to him and how that helps focus us and turn us from the aimlessness of sin.Holy Cross Year A: Isaiah 45:21-25; Philippians 2:5-11; John 12:31-36a
Pastor Mike preaches from the Epistle to Philemon focusing on Paul's description of himself as a prisoner of Christ, what that means for Philemon, and how that changes relationships in the church modeled on Chrosts own self giving.13th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A:Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Philemon 1-25; Luke 14:25-33Image by Raul Lucus from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on how we are to live in the coming kingdom of God: Remembering to love one another, being content in Christ, and honoring our marriages.12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A: Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1-8; Luke 14:1,7-14
Pastor Mike preaches on the necessary role of guides and fathers in the Christian life.11th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Deuteronomy 18:15-18; I Corinthians 4:9-16; Luke 22:24-30
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' words on how his casting fire on the earth brings division and what sets it apart from the way that we divide one another up along political, personal, and spititual lines10th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Jeremiah 23:23-29; Hebrews 12:1-14; Luke 12:49-56
Pastor Mike preaches on the pattern of faith and faithfulness set by Abraham, and the heroes of the Old Testament, and how the promises they never saw fully realized are fulfilled in Christ. 9th Sunday of Pentecost, Year A: Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-16; Luke 12:32-40
Pastor Mike preaches on God's holiness, his actions, our response, and how the Transfiguration of Jesus shows us not only his divinity and humanity but also what he has promised us in the resurrection. Transfiguration, Year A: Psalm 99; Luke 9:28-36Image by falco from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on Abraham's intercession for Lot after God announced that Lot's city would be destroyed. Tied in with Jesus' instructions on prayer we learn that we can pray boldly, with specificity, and with expectation. 6th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Genesis 18:20-33; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13
2nd Sunday After Pentecost: Zechariah 12:8-10, 13:1, Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 9:18-24Pastor Mike preaches on how unhelpful theological trends has influenced how many Christians read and interpret the Old Testament, particularly prophetic passages relating to Israel, and how all of the Old Testament is summed up in Jesus Christ and the Church.
On Trinity Sunday Pastor Mike preaches on Isaiah and John's vision of the throne of God. Our encounter with his holiness makes us aware of our sinfulness, how Jesus has purified us, and how God is both utterly transcendent yet also knowable.
Pastor Mike preaches on how the unity of love that the Father and the Son (and the Spirit) share is given to us to unite us with God.
Pastor Mike preaches on Sts. Paul & Barnabas healing of the crippled man, the reaction of the people in Lystra to the healing, their response to the people's reaction, and how Jesus is the one whom their stories of divine visitation point towards. 6th Sunday in Easter, Year C: Acts 14:8-18; Revelation 21:1-4, 22-27, 22:1-5; John 14:21-29
Pastor Mike preaches on Saul's encounter with Jesus and the helaing of the eyes of his soul and how our vision of Jesus heals ours too. 3rd Sunday in Easter: Acts 9:1-19a, Revelation 5:6-14; John 21:1-14Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on being partners with one another in tribulation, the kingdom of God, and patient endurance as we await his appearing and our life in the age to come.
Pastor Mike preaches on the non partiality of the hope of the resurrection, how the gospel is for all people, and the power inherent in the proclamation of the risen Christ before concluding that Christ's bodily resurrection is so essential to our faith that to deny it is to deny our faith and cuts us off from its power.
Pastor Mike preaches on the various reactions of the perpetrators and onlookers of Jesus' crucifixion and how their responses are paralleled today.
Pastor Mike preaches on the link between the lambs slain and eaten at the first Passover and Christ's institution of the Eucharist.
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem contrasting that with a Roman triumph culminating with Jesus' enthronement on the cross.Palm Sunday, Year C: Luke 19:29-40; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 23:1-49Photo by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on how in spite of St. Paul's many accomplishments, he considered all of them to be nothing in the light of knowing Jesus and necessity of growth in Jesus as we live with the resurrection as the goal to which we are striving towards.5th Sunday in Lent, Year C: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:7-16; Luke 20:9-19
Pastor Mike preaches on God speaking to Moses through the burning bush and how God uses things to grab our attention to draw us back to Christ.3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C: Exodus 3:1-15; I Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-17
Pastor Mike preaches on being an enemy or friend of the cross and how that shows what we've patterned our lives after.2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C: Genesis 15:1-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:22-35
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus being tested in the wilderness, how we are tested when the devil thinks we are weakest, and how he tries to manipulate us from serving God and focusing on ourselves. 1st Sunday in Lent, Year C: Deuteronomy 26:5-11; Romans 10:4-13; Luke 4:1-13
Pastor Mike preaches on how the life of faith is rooted in following the commands of Christ and how that rootedness protects us in the storms of life and faith.8th Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Isaiah 55:10-13; I Corinthians 15:51-58; Luke 6:39-49Image by Thierry Bad from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the quality and character of Christian love, how mature Christian love is not transactional or manipulative, and how it is to be given away.7th Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Genesis 45:3-11,21-28; I Corinthians 15:35-49; Luke 6:27-38www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Manojiit Tamen from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus being brought into the temple and how it is the return of the long absent Divine presence and how Jesus partook of flesh and blood to be our faithful high priest.Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Year C: Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on the Christian relationship with politics and governmental authority and how we should strive to live at peace so that Christ may be glorified.www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundPhoto by Mike Stoll on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on the similarities and differences between John's baptism and Jesus' baptism and how being given the gift of the Spirit transforms us/Baptism of the Lord, Year C: Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-38; Luke 3:15-22www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by falco from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the Magi's journey to find Christ, how that mirrors our journey towards Christ, and the things that try and bar the way. Epiphany, Year C: Isaiah 60:1-9; Ephesians 3:1-13; Matthew 2:1-12www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the the story of the Holy Innocents from Matthew 2:13-18Holy Innocents, Year C: Jeremiah 31:15-17; Revelation 21:1-7; Matthew 2:13-18www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Satyaban Sahoo from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the joy rooted in the Lord's promise to return based on what he has done, what he will do, and how his peace preserves us as we await his coming.3rd Sunday of Advent: Micah 5:2-5a; Hebrews 10:1-10; Luke 1:39-56www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on how St. Paul's question on his coming to Corinth frames the same question to us as we await the Lord's second advent ,as well as how we are to imitate the saints of the church as we prepare our hearts.2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C: Malachi 3:1-5; I Corinthians 4:8-21; Luke 3:1-6 www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
1st Sunday of Advent, Year C: Zechariah 14:3-9; I Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:25-33Pastor Mike preaches on the return of Jesus, how we are tasked to live as we wait, and the patterns Jesus says will mark his second coming.www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' kingship, his royal titles, and his activities on our behalf.Christ the King, Year B: Daniel 7:9-14; Revelation 1:1-8; John 18:33-37www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by AJ jaanko from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the destiny of redeemed humanity, the necessity of endurance, that God will keep his promises, and the things that mark false christs.26th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Daniel 12:1-4a; Hebrews 10:31-39; Mark 13:14-23www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by WikiImages from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath and how she as an outsider trusted in the God of Israel and how she was rewarded with bread to sustain her and her family in time of famine. 25th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: I Kings 17:8-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on three things that All Saints reminds us of: This life is not all there is, we have been given life in the age to come, and that Jesus will heal and comfort all those who died in him. All Saints, Year B: I Kings 17:8-16; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on James and John's request to Jesus and how in Jesus' kingdom the path to glory lies in humble service22nd Sermon After Pentecost, Year B: Isaiah 53:4-12; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:35-45www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Bronisław Dróżka from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the rich man who asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life, how Jesus doesn't turn anyone away, and how people don't leave Jesus because he sends then away but because they don't like what he asks them to give up. 21st Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Amos 5:6-15; Hebrews 3:1-6; Mark 10:17-31www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the Pharisee's challenge to Jesus regarding divorce and the Torah, how divorce is the tearing apart of what God has made one, and how Jesus being made like us keeps us from tearing ourselves away from God.20th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 2:9-18; Mark 10:2-16www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Hoàng Đông Trịnh Lê from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the role of angels and their ministry centering on the glorification of Jesus. St. Michael & All Angels, Year B: Genesis 28:10-17; Revelation 12:7-12; John 1:47-51www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundPhoto by Julia Kadel on Unsplash
19th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Wisdom 1:16-2:1, 2:12-22; James 3:16-4:6; Mark 9:30-37www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on the centrality of the cross of Christ and how when Jesus is lifted up he will draw all to himself. Holy Cross, Year B: Isaiah 45:21-25; Philippians 2:5-11: John 12:31-36www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on how Jesus' disciples eating with unwashed hands challenged the religious leader because man made traditions meant to safeguard the keeping of the Torah became seen as just as important to the religious leaders as the Torah itself.15th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Ephesians 6:10-20; Mark 7:1-23www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on Joshua's three instructions to Israel: serve the Lord with reverence, fear, and faithfulness, put away the foreign gods, and choose whom you will serve.14th Sunday After Pentecost: Year B: Joshua 24:1-2, 14-25; Ephesians 5:15-6:9; John 6:60-69www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on how wisdom calls out to the simple and leads to life and how the table she sets is the table where we are fed with and by Jesus Christ, the living bread from heaven.13th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:3-14; John 6:53-59www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on what the transfiguration teaches us about encountering Christ and how that relates to veiling, witness, prayer, and ultimately beauty.Transfiguration: Exodus 34:29-35; II Peter 1:13-21; Luke 9:28-36www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's words to the Ephesians on how God has revealed to them and the Gentiles of the mystery of Christ and how it moves him and them into doxology.10th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: II Kings 2:1-15; Ephesians 3:8-21; Mark 6:45-52www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on Mary Magdalene's role as the first ambassador of Christ's resurrection as the first to see him and deliver his words to the Apostles.Mary Magdalene, Year B: Judges 4:4-10; II Corinthians 5:14-20a; John 20:11-18www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on God's purpose for us: being predestined for glorification and how that ties in with God's calling and sending of his people to accomplish his purpose.8th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Amos 7:7-15; Ephesians 1:1-14; Mark 6:7-13www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on God's mission to save and redeem his rebellious people even when they refuse to listen to his messengers.7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B: Ezekiel 2:1-7; II Corinthians 12:2–10; Mark 6:1–6www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundPhoto by Gabriel Komorov on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead and the healing of the bleeding woman and how both showed faith and how Jesus confronts and deals with death and its forces.6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B: Deuteronomy 15:7-11; II Corinthians 8:1-15; Mark 5:22-43www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Markus Spiske from Pixabay
Nativity of John the Baptist: Isaiah 40:1-11; Acts 13:14b-26; Luke 1:57-80www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on what St. Paul means when he calls our bodies tents, how we groan to be further clothed in life, how the Christian hope is not disembodied, and how faithfulness effects when we stand before Christ's judgment seat.4th Sunday of Pentecost, Year B: Ezekiel 31:1-6,10-14; II Corinthians 5:1-10; Mark 4:26-34www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Kanenori from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on sin and shame and how shame drives us to either withdraw from God and others or to try and twist sin into virtue instead of seeking the healing and reordering of our lives that salvation offers us. 3rd Sunday in Pentecost, Year B: Genesis 3:1-21; II Corinthians 4:13-18; Mark 3:20-35www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on the Pharisee's conflict with Jesus and his disciples over what they saw as work on the Sabbath, how Jesus responded, and how the Sabbath is a gift of rest.2nd Sunday of Pentecost, Year B: Deuteronomy 5:6-21; II Corinthians 4:1-12; Mark 2:23-28www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on Nicodemus' misunderstanding of Jesus' words on how one enters the kingdom of God and how salvation is still misunderstood in our own time.Trinity Sunday, Year B: Exodus 3:1-6; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-16www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
On Pentecost, Pastor Mike preaches on the experience of God and how that relates to the Holy Spirit being the Spirit of truth. Pentecost, Year B: Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17https://www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
7th Sunday After Easter, Year B: Acts 1:15-26; I John 5:6-15: John 17:11-19www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on why Jesus ascended into heaven and what it accomplished. Ascension of Jesus Christ, Year B: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on the perfect and perfecting love of Christ and how it gives us confidence to stand before him in the day of judgment.6th Sunday of Easter, Year B: Acts 11:1—30; I John 4:7-21; John 15:9-17www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundPhoto by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch and how Jesus is made manifest to us through the Scrptures and the guidance of the Church.5th Sunday of Easter, Year B: Acts 8:26-40; I John 3:11-24; John 14:15-21www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on how Jesus demonstrates the four tasks of a good shepherd.4th Sunday of Easter, Year B: Acts 4:23-37; I John 3:1-10; John 10:11-16www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Adina Voicu from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the healing of the crippled man by Peter & John as a picture of what awaits those who have fellowship with Christ and how the spreading of that fellowship leads to our joy.3rd Sunday of Easter, Year B: Acts 4:5-14; I John 1:1-2:2; Luke 24:36-49www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Romy from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on Thomas' unbelief upon hearing of Jesus' appearance to the rest of the disciples and the invitation Jesus gave him to touch his wounds as the invitation to a deeper life in him.2nd Sunday of Easter, Year B: Acts 3:12a,13-15,17-26; I John 5:1-5; John 20:19-31www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Jenise Cook from Pixabay
Pastor Mike begins by preaching on what the resurrection isn't before focusing on what it is, what happened as explained by St Peter's sermon, and why it matters. Easter Sunday: Year B: Isaiah 25:6-9; Acts 10:34-43; Mark 16:1-8www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundPhoto by Silas Barr Photography
Maundy Thursday: Year B: Exodus 12:1-14; I Corinthians 11:23-34; John 13:1-15www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundPhoto by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on how we are to cultivate the mind of Christ by following his example of humility: the incarnation and his death upon the cross.Palm Sunday, Year B: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 15:1-39www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundPhoto by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' words that conclude his public ministry and how as we follow him, even to death, we will bear much fruit and become sons of light. Feast of St. Patrick (5th Sunday of Lent): Year B: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:1-10; John 12:20-36www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' cleansing of the temple in John's Gospel, how it points to the re-sacralization of sacred space and humanity, and our work to re-sacralize the world. Third Sunday in Lent, Year B: Exodus 20:1-21; Romans 7:12-25; John 2:13-22www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingPhoto by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on the testing of Abraham and why we react negatively to the story, what testing does, and how we can respond when we are tested. 2nd Sunday in Lent, Year B: Genesis 22:1-14; Romans 8:31-39; Mark 8:31-38www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingPhoto by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on Christ's baptism and testing in the wilderness and how through those acts he saves us and sets the pattern for the Christian life.1st Sunday of Lent, Year B: Genesis 9:8-17; I Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-13www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingPhoto by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash
Ash Wednesday, Year B: Joel 2:1-2,12-17; II Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by Grzegorz Krupa from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the call to ascend the mountain of the Lord, to encounter him, and descend renewed.Quinquagesima, Year B: I Kings 19:9-18; II Peter 1:13-21; Mark 9:2-9www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by StockSnap from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' healing of Peter's mother and the people, how miracles are a picture of our salvation, and how salvation leads us to service. Sexagesima, Year B: II Kings 4:8-21, 32-37; I Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
4th Sunday of Epiphany, Year B: Deuteronomy 18:15-22; I Corinthians 8; Mark 1:21-28www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike peaches on Jesus' gospel proclamation that time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is here, and to repent and believe. 3rd Sunday of Epiphany, Year B: Jeremiah 3:19-4:4; I Corinthians 7:17-24; Mark 1:14-20www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' call to follow him.2nd Sunday of Epiphany, Year B: I Samuel 3:1-20; I Corinthians 6:9-20; John 1:43-51www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingPhoto by Mabel Amber from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on how evil attempts to thwart God's work by trying to destroy those whom God loves.Holy Innocents, Year B: Jeremiah 31:15-17; Revelation 21:1-7; Matthew 2:13-18www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the connections between David's desire to build a house for God and God's response to build a house for David and its fulfilment through the Blessed Virgin Mary.4th Sunday of Advent, Year B: II Samuel 7:1-17; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by R. Thiemann on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on how the Advent season calls us to embrace and walk in our sanctification as we prepare for the coming of Christ. 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B: Isaiah 65:17-25; I Thessalonians 5:12-28; John 3:22-30www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by R. Thiemann on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on how in light of the first and second advent of Christ we are to, following St. Peter's exhortation, live marked by holiness and godliness.2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B: Isaiah 40:1-11; II Peter 3:8-18; Mark 1:1-8www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by R. Thiemann on Unsplash
Christ the King, Year A: Ezekiel 34:11-20; I Corinthians 15:20-28; Matthew 25:31-46www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by Constance Kowalik from Pixabay
Pastor Mike continues on the topic of the Day of the Lord and the necessity for preparation so wee are not caught unaware and unready. 25th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; I Thessalonians 5:1-10; Matthew 25:14-30www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingPhoto by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on the Day of the Lord, what is is, how it's experienced, and how the work of transformative justice ultimately rests with God.Year A: Amos 5:18-24; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by RÜŞTÜ BOZKUŞ from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on how we are to see and experience the hope given us by Jesus Christ and how the saints share in that vision.All Saints, Year A: Revelation 7:9-17, Ephesians 1:11-23; Matthew 5:1-12www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's alternative to the three motivations that underlie false gospels. 22nd Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 22:21-27; I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the trap laid for Jesus by the religious leaders and what God asks us to render to him.21st Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 22:21-27; I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by Ilo from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on what it means to always rejoice in the Lord, and how setting our minds on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy can lead us through times of anxiety and trouble.20th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Isaiah 25:1-9; Philippians 4:4-13; Matthew 22:1-14www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Mark Evans preaches on Psalm 120, one of the psalms of ascent, highlighting its tone of distress and the challenges brought on by worldviews hostile to God's people.Psalm 120www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the questioning of God's ways and the consequences of ascribing injustice to his actions and by pretending we know better than he does.18th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:28-32www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by NomeVisualizzato from Pixabay
Focusing on the reading from Jonah and Jesus' parable of the generous landowner in the reading from St. Matthew's Gospel, Pastor Mike preaches on the "unfairness" of the Gospel and how God's desires all to repent and come to salvation.17th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Philippians 1:21-27; Matthew 20:1-16www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by blenderfan from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the necessity of and how forgiveness is to be formed and worked out in the Christian community.16th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Sirach 27:30-28:7; Romans 14:5-12; Matthew 18:21-35www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by myeongae lim from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on genuine love and how it is demonstrated in the Christian community.
15th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Ezekiel 33:1-11; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 18:15-20
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Image by Michaela from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' command to take up our cross to follow him and St. Paul's exhortation to offer ourselves to God as a living sacrifice.
14th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:21-27
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Many people have different opinions of who Jesus is, in this sermon Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' self revelation and St. Peter's confession of his identity and what that means for us.
13th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Isaiah 51:1-6; Romans 11:25-36; Matthew 16:13-20
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the Canaanite woman's request to Jesus, his response to her request, what we can learn about her faith in him, and how we all approach the table as dogs but we feast as sons.
12 Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Isaiah 56:1-8; Romans 11:13-24; Matthew 15:21-28
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike reflects on the lessons from Jonah's prayer from Sheol and Jesus' walking on the water to save the storm tossed disciples.
11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A: Jonah 2; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Image by Falco from Pixabay
Mark Evans preaches on Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds from Matthew 13.
8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Romans 8:18-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 34-43
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Image from Silas Barr
Pastor Mike preaches on the effects of sin and death upon human nature and Christ's freeing us from those effects enabling us to live according to the Spirit.
6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A: Zechariah 9:9-12; Romans 7:21-8:6; Matthew 11:25-30
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Image from Wikipedia public domain images, St. Paul by Rembrandt
Pastor Mike preaches on being joined with Christ in his death and joined with Christ's life through baptism and how we are liberated from sin and death.
5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A: Isaiah 2:10-17; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 10:34-42
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on how like the prophet Jeremiah we may feel like we have been deceived by God and how that can distort our relationship with him and one another.
4th Sunday of Pentecost, Year A: Jeremiah 20:7-13; Romans 5:15-19; Matthew 10:16-33
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on how God's description of bearing his people up on eagles wings is a description of his salvific acts on their behalf.
3rd Sunday of Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 19:1-8; Romans 5:1-11; Matthew 9:35-10:15
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Image from Seaq68 on Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' call to Matthew to follow him, Jesus' spending time with sinners, and how he did so while not participating in their sin or approving of it.
2nd Sunday of Pentecost, Year A: Hosea 5:15-6:6; Romans 4:13-18; Matthew 9:9-13
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Image by marinas32 from Pixabay
on Trinity Sunday, Pastor Mike preaches on the tripartite nature of the Great Commission and leads the congregation in the confession of the Athanasian Creed.Trinity Sunday, Year A: Genesis 1:1-2:3; 2 Corinthians 13:5-14; Matthew 28:16-20www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingPicture: 13th-century depiction of the Trinity from the Roman de la Rose manuscript
Pastor Mike preaches on how the search for human greatness apart from God turns into sin and confusion and how the Holy Spirit regathers sinful humanity through the GospelPentecost, Year A: Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Scripture warns us ahead of time that fiery trials and suffering may come our way. Pastor Mike preaches on what we should do when they come and how to prepare.7th Sunday of Easter, Year A: Acts 1:1-14; I Peter 4:12-16; John 17:1-11www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingImage by Hans from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's sermon to the Athenians proclaiming the truth of the unknown God revealed in Jesus Christ.6th Sunday of Easter: Year A: Acts 17:16-34; I Peter 3:8-18; John 15:1-11www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by UnsplashIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
5th Sunday in Easter, Year A: Acts 17:1-15; I Peter 2:1-12; John 10:1-10www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by PixabayIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on how Philip's request to be shown the Father and how the Father is seen through the works of the Son, through whom our own works proceed. Feast of St. Philip & St. James, Year A: Isaiah 30:18-21; II Corinthians 4:1-7; John 14:6-14www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by PixabayIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Peter's sermon and from his epistle on repentance and holiness and how Christ's revelation to us in the broken bread empowers our spiritual lives.3rd Sunday of Easter: Year A: Acts 2:14a, 36-47; 1 Peter 1:13-25; Luke 24:13-55www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of Jesus appearing to Thomas and what it means to be blessed by believing and not seeing.2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A: Acts 2:14a, 22–32; I Peter 1:3–9; John 20:19–31www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the significance of the resurrection and how since Christ is risen then nothing else matters.Easter, Year A: Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
In tonight's Maundy Thursday service, Pastor Mike preaches on the institution of Passover, the Eucharist, and Service. Maundy Thursday, Year A: Exodus 12:1-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34; John 13:1–15www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the triumph of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and his triumph on the cross on the outskirts of Jerusalem.Palm & Passion Sunday, Year A: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 26:36-27:66www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike offers a brief reflection on John 12:20-33 where Jesus describes his coming crucifixion as his glorification.www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the importance of the Annunciation by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary and what it teaches us about sacrifice being offered to, accepted by, and transformed by God. Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Year A: Isaiah 7:10-14Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:26-38www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
St. Joseph Husband of the Virgin Mary and Guardian of Jesus, Year A:II Samuel 7:4, 8–16; Romans 4:13–18; Luke 2:41–52www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on how Jesus offers the water of life that is the only cure for the thirsty and restless soul. Third Sunday in Lent, Year A: Exodus 17:1–7; Romans 1:16–32; John 4:5-42www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the temptation story in Genesis, how St. Paul speaks of death reigning until Christ came, and how Christ's victory over the devil in his own temptation aids us in our own struggles to reign in life. 1st Sunday in Lent, Year A: Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21; Matthew 4:1-11www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Karla Korn PhotographyIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Ash Wednesday, Year A: Isaiah 58:1-12; II Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on how the Transfiguration of Christ shows us his identity, shows us our destiny, and shows us how grace is mediated to us through the material. Transfiguration of the Lord, Year A: Exodus 24:12-18; Philippians 3:7-14; Matthew 17:1-9www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundImage by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on how sin damages the relationship between us and God and between one another, and how faithfulness to his commandments strengthens us. 6th Sunday of Epiphany, Year A: Sirach 15:11-20; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37Image by Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' words on being salt, light, and a city on a hill, and how the church enacts those roles drawing people into the light of Christ.5th Sunday of Epiphany, Year A: 2 Kings 22:8-20; 1 Corinthians 2; Matthew 5:13-20Image by Alexander Hood from Pixabay www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike concludes his sermon series, Continuity, Discipline, & Rhythm, by preaching on the topic of rhythm and how the rhythm of the church's liturgical life draws us into salvation and transformation in Jesus Christ.4th Sunday of EpiphanyImage by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabaywww.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on the disciplines of asceticism, endurance, and worship and how discipline in the Christian life works for our repentance and our ultimate joy in Christ.3rd Sunday of Epiphany Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabaywww.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike begins a new three part series: Continuity, Discipline, & Rhythm. He preaches on the continuity seen in the Scriptures as seen through the unifying lens of Jesus Christ and the continuity of tradition in the faithful reception and keeping of the apostolic deposit of faith.2nd Sunday of Epiphany Year A: Exodus 12:21-28; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabaywww.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Drawing from the hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Pastor Mike preaches on how our attention is called to Jesus, who he is and what he has done, and our response to his incarnation and saving acts.Christmas Day, Year Awww.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling
Pastor Mike preaches on what the Gospel isn't, what the Gospel is, and how the Gospel leads us to grace and peace. 4th Sunday of Advent, Year A: Isaiah 7:10-17; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingCover art by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the development of steadfast patience as we await the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year A: Isaiah 7:10-17; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFundIntro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingCover art by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on how the strong bearing up those who are weak allows us to glorify God together with one voice. 2nd Sunday of Advent Year A: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:1-13; Matthew 3:1-12Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDlingwww.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the promised first and second advents of Jesus Christ and the call to be awake and ready for his coming.
1st Sunday of Advent, Year A: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 24:29-44
Image by Couleur from Pixabay
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the preeminence of Christ displayed in what he has done in delivering us out from the realm of death and into the realm of life.
Christ the King, Year C: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:35-43
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Image by Couleur from Pixabay
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how what we believe about the saints indicates what we believe about God. Far from living in a materialistic world, we are surrounded by saints past who have died in the hope of the resurrection, a hope that has been sealed in us by the Spirit.
All Saints, Year C: Revelation 7:9-17; Ephesians 1:11-23; Luke 6:20-36
Image by Danie Bester from Pixabay
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
On Reformation Sunday, Pastor Mike preaches from the story of Zacchaeus and what it teaches us about the reformation of the soul.
Reformation Sunday, Year C: Isaiah 1:10-18; II Thessalonians 1:1-4,11-12; Luke 19:1-10
Image by Danie Bester from Pixabay
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
On the Feast of St. James, Pastor Mike preaches on how St. James is a model of reconciliation and how we each are called to be agents of reconciliation to those around us.
20th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Acts 15:12–22a; I Corinthians 15:1–11; Matthew 13:54–58
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the divine origin of Scripture and the ways in which helps us become perfect, or mature.
19th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Genesis 32:3–8, 22–30; II Timothy 3:14–4:5; Luke 18:1–8
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Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how St. Paul reminded Timothy of how the faith was handed down to him by his family, and the importance of our ongoing handing the faith over to not only our family but the world around us as well.
17th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Habakkuk 1:1–13; 2:1–4; II Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5–10
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's words to TImothy about fleeing from ungodliness and fighting the good fight of faith in the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ.
16th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Amos 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 6:11-19; Luke 16:19-31
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Image by gregorycosta from Pixabay
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' parable of the unjust manager and what it teaches us about faithfulness.
15th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Amos 8:4-12; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Image by Prawny from Pixabay
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's self-description as the "worst of Sinner" in his letter to Timothy and how in spite of his blasphemy, persecution, and opposition to the Christ and his church he was given abundant forgiveness and mercy.
14th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Exodus 32:1, 7-14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Image by Peter H from Pixabay
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the gospel has repaired not only our relationship with God but also with one another and how that plays out in the relationship between Philemon, Onesimus his slave, and St. Paul spiritual father to both.
13th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Philemon 1:1-25: Luke 14:25-33
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Image by Sophia Hilmar from Pixabay
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how pride attempts to undo the call to ongoing Christian love shared among one another, our spouses, and the world.
12 Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Sirach 10:7-18; Hebrews 13:1-8; Luke 14:1, 7-14
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the imagery of the cornerstone, the narrow door, and the consuming fire as exhorting us to live lives of holiness.
11th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Isaiah 28:14-22; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:22-30
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Photo by Mark Boss on Unsplash
Assumption/Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Year C: Isaiah 61:10-11; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 1:46-55
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas on Pixabay
Guest preacher, Mark Evans, preaches on being rich towards God from Jesus' parable of the rich fool in the Gospel of Luke.
8th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:11; Colossians 3:5-17; Luke 12:13-21
Pastor Mike preaches on James & John's request for authority and power in the messianic kingdom only to find those positions aren't meant for them, and those who reign with Christ can only do so if they suffer with him.
7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C: Jeremiah 45:1-5; Acts 11:27-12:3; Matthew 20:20–28
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the need for us to sit at the feet of Jesus and ignoring the things that try to distract us from him.
6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C: Genesis 18:1-14; Colossians 1:21-29; Luke 10:38-42
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how when the Gospel is proclaimed and lived out it brings about spiritual fruitfulness.
5th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on sowing to the Spirit and reaping eternal life or sowing to the flesh which reaps eternal corruption.
4th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Isaiah 66:10-16; Galatians 6:6-18; Luke 10:1-20
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the battle between our corruptible human nature subject to sin, and sinful desires, and the life of the Spirit and freedom found only in Christ..
3rd Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: I Kings 9:15-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' questioning his disciples as to what others are saying about his identity and who they believe him to be. How we answer that question gives shape to our own identity found only in Christ.
2nd Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Zechariah 12:8-10; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 9:18-24
www.gofundme.com/f/ZionsStoneChurchRepairFund
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
On the Feast of Pentecost, Pastor Mike preaches on the three roles of the Holy Spirit - he is the Spirit of God, he is the Spirit of adoption, and he is the Spirit of witness- and how the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the antidote for the meaninglessness of our ever decadent culture.
Pentecost, Year C: Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:14-17; John 14:8-17
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on what can we do as we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ to enact true justice. Every person will stand before him and no one will escape his judgments.
Sunday After Ascension, Year C: Acts 16:16-34; Revelation 22:10-21; John 17:20-26
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the old gods of the ancient world, though they are still served under different names, have been defeated by the true and living God.
6th Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 14:8-18; Revelation 21:1-4, 22-27, 22:1-5; John 14:21-29
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Continuing from the account of St. Paul's preaching the word of God in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, Pastor Mike highlights the response of the gathered people: rejoicing or rejecting and reviling.
5th Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 13:44-52, Revelation 19:1-9: John 13:31-35
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how those who did not understand or recognize Jesus still fulfilled the purposes of God in spite of their own hostility towards the one they should have recognized and understood.
4th Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 13:14b-16,26-39; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the significance of the darkness, the net, and the fish in the story of Jesus' third resurrection appearance to his disciples.
3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 9:1-19; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-14
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how Jesus as the faithful witness, firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth loved us, freed us from sin, and made us a kingdom of priests in service to him.
2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 5:12a, 17-22, 25-29; Revelation 1:1-19; John 20:19-31
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the women's testimony of the risen Christ seemed to be a tall tale to the disciples but how it drove Peter to model our response: rise from our sin, run to the tomb, and marvel at God's love for us.
Easter Sunday, Year C: Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4; Luke 24:1-12
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches the Easter sermon of one of our fathers in the faith, St. John Chrysostom.
Sunrise Service, Year C
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the crucifixion, Divine wrath, Divine love, and the self giving of the Son.
Good Friday, Year C: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 10:1-25; John 18:1-19:37
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus washing the disciples feet and the institution of Holy Communion.
Maundy Thursday, Year C: Psalm 78:15-26; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the three questions from the Isaiah reading and how they are enacted in the Gospel Luke's account of Jesus' arrest in the garden.
Palm/Passion Sunday, Year C: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 22:39-62
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on learning to come to ourselves, not spurning the love of the Father, and not misunderstanding the blessings of the Father.
4th Sunday of Lent, Year C: Joshua 4:19-5:1,9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:11-32
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the Old Testament stories are examples for us in that as heirs of what was promised to them, we are in danger when we do not learn the lessons they refused to learn by putting God to the test though their immorality and disobedience.
3rd Sunday of Lent, Year C: Exodus 3:1-15; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-17
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how we are to imitate Christ, watch the example of those who lead us in the faith, and stand firm in our faith and life as those who do not do those things are enemies of the Cross and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C: Genesis 15:1-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the temptation of Jesus and how the devil uses physical gratification, materialism, and twisting of Scripture as weapons against Jesus, and his followers.
First Sunday of Lent, Year C: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Romans 10:4-13; Luke 4:1-13
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the distractions that seek to turn us from God, the reconciliation to God offered through Jesus Christ, and the necessity of repenting today as the time is short.
Ash Wednesday, Year C: Joel 2:1-2,12-17; II Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how as typified by Moses and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we are being transformed into that which we orient the eyes of our heart towards, and how Christ's transfiguration shows us a glimpse of what awaits those who are in him.
The Transfiguration of the Lord, Year C: Exodus 34:29-35; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13; Luke 9:28-36
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how God uses the events of our lives, the good and the bad, for his greater purpose of preserving the lives of those who are lost through Christ's act of life preserving love.
7th Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Genesis 45:3-11, 23-28; 1 Corinthians 15:35-49; Luke 6:27-38
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the difference between those who trust in themselves versus those who trust in the Lord, what results from choosing one or the other, and the corruptibility of the human heart.
6th Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how an encounter with the Divine is an encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, and how that encounter reveals who we are and how we are to cooperate with his freely given grace.
5th Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Judges 6:11-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the prophetic pattern of divine speech helps break us from the vicious circles of sin. As we gather divine speech exposes our hearts and build us up in Christ.
4th Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Jeremiah 1:4-10; 1 Corinthians 14:12-25; Luke 4:21-32
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the assembling of the people of God to hear the reading of the Word of God, to respond to the Word of God, and to rejoice by feasting and how that models our own worship
3rd Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Nehemiah 8:1-12
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus turning the water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana and how, following the example of the Blessed Virgin we are to notice what is wrong around us, intercede for others, and do whatever Jesus tells us to do.
2nd Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on some spiritual lessons of the monastic life and how, though most of us are not called to that life, the church functions much in the same way. What we have been given we are to take and share with the world around us.
2nd Sunday of Christmas
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how joy rooted in Jesus Christ surpasses any attempt to substitute that with anything our materialistic and secular culture has to offer.
4th Sunday of Advent; Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 35:10; Luke 2:10-14
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike continues his Advent series, Emmanuel: God With Us. In today's sermon he highlights the overarching story of salvation that David and Zechariah were part of, a story that we are called to enter in as we see that in Jesus God has kept his promises to his people.
Advent; 1 Chronicles 29:10-18; Luke 1:67-79
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike continues the series God With Us by preaching on the comfort that Jesus Christ brings.
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike begins a new series for Advent, Emmanuel: God With Us by preaching on justice and righteousness. Jesus brings us both now and in the age to come, and how that differs from cultural definitions of justice; and how our reception of righteousness makes us holy, expressing itself in acts of justice.
Pastor Mike preaches on the kingship of Jesus and how it is shown in his coming judgement, the freedom he brings, and the truth he incarnates.
Christ the King, Year B: Daniel 7:9-14; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches from the Epistle to the Hebrews on Jesus Christ as the new and living way into the presence of God and the finality of his sacrifice, once for all time.
25th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-8
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the wicked do not know the secret purposes of God, the secret purpose of God is Christ in us, and just like the departed saints we will share in the glory of Jesus as icons of the resurrection.
All Saints, Year B: Wisdom 3:1-9; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Greg Parker, Jr. preaches on Psalm 1, considering Christ who is the blessed way.
Reformation Sunday, Year B: Psalm 1; Acts 15:12-22; Matthew 13:54-58
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the life and example of St. James the Brother of the Lord and his turn from unbeliever to believer, from scoffer to disciple.
St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of the Lord, Year B: Psalm 1; Acts 15:12-22; Matthew 13:54-58
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
On the feast of St. Luke, Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's final instructions to Timothy, how that helps us navigate the life of faith, and how St. Luke demonstrated that in his own life.
St. Luke the Evangelist, Year B: Psalm 147:1-11; II Timothy 4:1-13; Luke 4:14-2
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike continues his short series, On Suffering. Entrenched in his suffering Job, responding to the false accusations of his friend Eliphaz, desires to find God to present his case before Him. And we see in Jesus Christ the once hidden way to God has been opened and we can find grace and help in our time of need.
20th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the reading from Hebrews that says Jesus was made lower than the angels, how his suffering and death led to his glorification, what it means that his suffering perfected him, and how our own suffering is redeemed through our identification with his suffering.
19th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the rabble, mixed among the people of God, caused God's people to focus on the strong craving for what they left behind instead of gratitude on God's gracious provision.
18th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Numbers 11:4-6,10-16; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on quarreling in church communities, where those disagreements stem from, and how God directs us to deal with them.
17th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Jeremiah 11:18-20; James 3:13-4:3,7-8; Mark 9:30-37
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the pattern of confusion, confrontation, and reorientation that occurs when we have wrong ideas in our minds of who Jesus is, and what he's done, when we encounter who Jesus actually is and what he has actually done (and continues to do).
16th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Isaiah 50:4-9; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how in the church we are all one and thus it is sinful when we show partiality to the rich and powerful over the poor. When we see the poor and the suffering in our midst and we, under the pretense of love, don’t feed or clothe them with what we have, then the faith we profess to have is devoid of meaning, and shows our actual lack of faith because our faithfulness is shown to be empty. .
15th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Isaiah 35:4-7a; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Concluding his series on John 6, Pastor Mike preaches on the unbelief of Jesus' own disciples at his hard words and how their reaction exposes our own unbelief. Faith is not blind belief it is trust, in spite of doubts and difficulties, propelling us to seek understanding that what we hold to be true may be wrong, and needs to be challenged by the words of our Lord.
14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B: Joshua 24:1-2,14-18; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:60-71
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Continuing the series on John 6, Pastor Mike preaches on eating and believing. Jesus intensifies his earlier statements leaving his hearers baffled. Is eating his flesh merely a metaphor for believing or is there something else to it all?
13th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
On the Feast of the falling asleep of the Blessed Virgin, Pastor Mike preaches from the Magnificat from the Gospel of Luke, and how it shows us Mary's humble acceptance of God's divine plan, her recognition in the salvation that was to come through her Son, and the divine reversal brought to humanity through the defeat of the evil spiritual forces that held humanity captive.
The Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Year B: Isaiah 61:10-11, Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 1:46-55
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike continues in John 6 contrasting seeing Jesus and believing versus seeing him and not believing and how the Exodus story is a model that can help us understand how unbelief leads some to reject the drawing of the Father to the Son.
11th Sunday after Pentecost: I Kings 19:4-8; Ephesians 4:17-5:2; John 6:35-51
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike continues his sermon series on John 6. Jesus is sought by the crowd not because of his teaching or his signs, but because they want something from him. And in response Jesus identifies himself as the true manna from heaven.
10th Sunday after Pentecost: Exodus 16:2-15; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:22-35
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike begins a new series, The Bread of Life, based on the readings from John 6. In the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves followed by Jesus walking on the sea, we see how both are not only a revealing of Jesus as a prophet greater than Moses, but also as a theophany revealing Jesus to be the God who treads upon the waves.
9th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: 2 Samuel 11:1-15; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how Christ's act of redemption was meant to bring both those who were far off from and those who were near the covenants of promise together as one.
8th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: II Samuel 7:1-14; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 55-56
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on God's work of blessing us with all spiritual blessings: our being chosen, predestined, and adopted to be sons of God. And all of this is in service to his overall plan of uniting all into Christ.
7th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: II Samuel 6:1-5, 12-19; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches from the stories of David, Paul, and Jesus highlighting the pattern of being hit with adversity after experiencing moments of God's goodness, and how they responded.
6th Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: II Samuel 5:1-10; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the Chinese emperor Qin Shihuang's obsessive quest to find immortality, contrasting it with St. Paul's self giving love on display for the Corinthian church and how even as our bodies waste away, our inner self is being renewed by the grace of God (his energies at work).
Second Sunday After Pentecost, Year B: Genesis 3:8-15; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches from Psalm 29 on how the church is the reconstitution of the heavenly beings called to offer worship to God arrayed, or in the beauty of, holiness and how the doctrine of the Trinity leads us to contemplation, adoration, and worship.
Trinity Sunday, Year B: Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from Jesus' words to the disciples in John 16, Pastor Mike preaches on the three activities of the Holy Spirit: convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Pentecost (Whitsunday), Year B: Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the binary statement we see in the reading from 1st John, and how those who believe in the Son have life, and those who do not believe in the Son do not have life as well as how God himself testifies to the Son's identity.
Sunday After Ascension, Year B: Acts 1:15-17,21-26; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ are not burdensome and how our fulfilling them shows our abiding in God's love. This enactment of our faith aids in our victory over the world which is still captive to sin and death.
6th Sunday of Eastertide, Year B: Acts 10:44-48; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' imagery of the vine, fruit, and branches and how God is glorified not through the damnation of sinners but through the growing to maturity, bearing fruit, of those who are in Christ.
5th Sunday of Eastertide, Year B: Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the link between love and truth. Too often these are set at opposition against one another but actually work together.
4th sunday of Eastertide, Year B: Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to his disciples and giving them the key to understanding the Scriptures: his passion, resurrection, and forgiveness of sin being proclaimed to all nations. In turn this keeps us from ignorance and lawlessness.
3rd Sunday of Easter, Year B: Acts 3:12-19; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
After an opening excursus on sin and death (mortality), Pastor Mike preaches on how Jesus gave the Apostles the gift of being able to forgive sins that was grounded in his work of redemption. When we come together in worship and confess our sins we are truly forgiven and freed from the weight of guilt and shame.
2nd Sunday After Easter, Year B: Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from the reading from the prophet Isaiah, Pastor Mike preaches on the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the prophet's words that the Lord would swallow up the veil of death that covers all people. Christ is risen!
Easter, Year B: Isaiah 25:6-9; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; John 20:1-18
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
On this Palm & Passion Sunday Pastor Mike preaches on the three themes of Kingship, humility, and suffering from the Triumphal Entrance of Jesus and the Passion narratives from the Gospel according to St. Mark.
Palm & Passion Sunday, Year B: Mark 11:1-11. Mark 15:1-39
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike finishes his series on the lenten prayer of St. Ephrem. In the final line of the prayer we acknowledge God's lordship over us and how we then can ask God to grant us sight to see our own sins and to help us not judge one another.
5th Sunday of Lent, Year B
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Continuing the series on the Lenten prayer of St. Ephrem, Pastor Mike preaches on the four virtues that we ask God to give us: chastity, patience, humility (meekness of mind), and love - which binds it all together.
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from the Lenten prayer of St. Ephrem, Pastor Mike preaches on who St. Ephrem was, why his Lenten prayer is still so powerful, and gives scriptural examples to highlight the four things the prayer asks God to take from us: despair, sloth, lust for power, and idle talk.
3rd Sunday of Lent, Year B
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
On the 250th Anniversary of Zion's Stone UCC, our own Ray Biery preaches on the faith of those who founded our church and how that faith is one we share. Their own stories and struggles continue to be a guide and inspiration for us today as we follow them in following Jesus.
2nd Sunday of Lent, Year B
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike concludes his series The Church Is/Is Not by preaching on the Church is the Body of Christ (Not a Social Club). The church is not a social club or gathering. The church, marked by the preaching of the Word, administration of the Sacraments, and living the disciplined Christian life, is the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic body of the living Christ.
1st Sunday of Lent, Year B: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on how Lent is one of the primary ways we are confronted with the holiness of God, human sinfulness, and God's abundant mercy and love, and his call to repent and return to him.
Ash Wednesday, Year B: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the mistake of seeing the faith primarily as a pattern of moral transformation that inevitably leads to moralistic therapeutic deism. Our participation in the resurrected life of Christ is part of our own transfiguration as the journey from death to life, begun at our baptism and kept by our faith and faithfulness, is fully realized.
The Transfiguration, Year B: I Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 9:2-9
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike continues his series The Church Is/Is Not and preaches on The Church is Inclusive (Not Exclusive). After starting out with the cultural definition of inclusivity we turn to the Scriptures to see the true definition, and application, by looking at the issue of Gentile inclusion in the early church, and the controversy it kicked up for both Sts. Peter and Paul.
5th Sunday After Epiphany: I Corinthians 9:16-23
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the means of human salvation as well as the exclusivity inherent in the reception of the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist, and how that compares with popular theologies of inclusion (that aren't based in scripture but in cultural beliefs about inclusion).
4th Sunday After Epiphany, Year B: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; I Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Silas Barr Photography
Continuing the series, The Church Is/Is Not, Pastor Mike drawing from the conversion of St. Paul preaches on how his conversion to Christ is the model for our own. Our conversion isn't a one time deal but the constant readjustment of our hearts according to the Word of God and the sacramental life of the church which is a marked difference from the wider culture's journey of self actualization.
Conversion of St. Paul, Year B: Acts 26:9-21; Galatians 1:11-24; Matthew 10:16-22
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Silas Barr Photography
Second Sunday of Epiphany, Year B
Building on his theme from last week of rival "baptisms" that seek to draw us from Christ, Pastor Michael begins a series on the church is/is not. In today's sermon he focuses on the church being a hospital where the treatment given through the sacraments, and communal life, are brought to bear on our problem of sin and sets this against the idea that the church is the place where political and social activists are formed.
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on how rival baptisms, primarily those on the political right and left, try to draw us away from living out our baptism into Christ by replacing it with worldviews and ideologies contrary to the way of Christ.
First Sunday of Epiphany, Year B: Genesis 1:1-5; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from John 1, Pastor Mike preaches on the eternal Word of God as the foundation of reality and the pattern that sets for the church's life and mission.
Second Sunday of Christmas, Year B: Sirach 24:1-12; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:1-18
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike reads the Nativity sermon originally preached by one of our fathers in the faith: St. John Chrysostom.
First Sunday of Christmas, Year B
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on God's promises to David and the annunciation to the Virgin Mary and how God continually does what looks like, from our perspective to be, the impossible.
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B: 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on what it means to always rejoice, pray, and give thanks and how that will help us to abstain from evil as we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Third Sunday of Advent, Year B: Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8,19-28
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the coming day of the Lord and how scoffers call it into question by what looks to be God's inactivity. But what looks like inactivity is God exercising patience so that more can come to repentance.
2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B: Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Jeannette Bellesfield, our guest homilist, preaches on the first Sunday of Advent giving us hope as we wait, in the in-between time, for Jesus' second coming. We wait and wonder and shine our light of hope leading us up to the Christmas event.
1st Sunday of Advent, Year B: Isaiah 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the parable of the sheep and the goats and how as King , Christ rules and reigns over all and on the last day will judge all.
Christ the King, Year A: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how the coming Day of the Lord is meant to be a message of encouragement as well as what it means that salvation is something we have yet to fully obtain.
24th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Zephaniah 1:7,12-18; I Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the parable of the five wise and the five foolish virgins.
23rd Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Wisdom 6:12-16; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from St. John's first epistle, Pastor Mike preaches on what we're destined to become, how our destiny is grounded in God's love, and how what we are to become is able to begin to be seen in the here and now.
All Saints, Year A: Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from St. Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica, Pastor Mike preaches on the three traps- flattery, greed, and glory- that if not avoided will damage or negate our Christian witness and evangelistic efforts.
21st Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Concluding the series on Exodus, Pastor Mike preaches on Moses' intercession for the people of Israel after their sin, God's promise to go with them, and Moses' request to see God's glory, how Jesus Christ as the image of the glory of God mediates it to us, and how God's ongoing presence with us is a sign of our distinctness as his people.
20th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 33:12-23, I Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the final commandments not covered the previous week: how they indicate that God cares how we treat our neighbors and family, our sexual proclivities, and the inherent dignity we all have as human beings created in God's image as well as how Christ's walking in love models how we can best keep the commandments.
19th Sunday After Pentecost: Exodus 20:1–4,7-9,12-20
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue. Before dealing with the first four commandments that deal with the interior life, or our relationship with God, we have to remember the point of the law and correct some misconceptions about the people of Israel and their relationship to it.
18th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 20:1-4,7-9,12-20; Philippians 3:4-14; Matthew 21:33-46
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of the people of Israel grumbling because of the lack of water. It demonstrates their lack faith and their expectation that God is supposed to respond to their demands. In spite of that, God still graciously supplies water from a rock which we learn is actually Christ.
17th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 17:1-7; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Continuing through the series on Exodus, Pastor Mike preaches on the grumbling of the people of Israel and God's response in sending them bread from heaven and how we, in our own faithlessness, are fed by and on Jesus Christ the true heavenly bread in the Holy Eucharist.
16th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 16:2-15; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the deliverance of the people of Israel from Egypt through the miracle of the opening of the Red Sea. The water that delivered and saved them from their enemies brought destruction upon the Egyptians. The miracle at the Red Sea is also a picture of the gospel of Christ's deliverance of humanity from our enemies of sin and death.
15th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 14:19-31; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Pastor Mike preaches on the institution of the Passover by dealing with being made uncomfortable with the death of all the firstborn and what's going on behind the scenes spiritually that can help us make sense of it.
14th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 12:1-14; Romans 13:8-14: Matthew 18:15-20
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Continuing through Exodus, Pastor Mike preaches on Moses' unexpected encounter with God at the burning bush and how that encounter asked of him, and of us, to place his trust, faith, and obedience in God (He also explores some of the typology behind the imagery and the revelation of the divine name).
13th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 3:1-15; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Beginning a new series on Exodus, Pastor Mike preaches on the forgetfulness of Pharaoh leading to oppression of the Children of Israel, and God's preservation of his people and providentially sending a deliverer.
12th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Silas Barr Photography
Drawing from the Joseph story in Genesis 45, Pastor Mike preaches on how the Christian vocation of the preservation of life conflicts with the surrounding culture's worship of the cult of death, and how we are to resist its influences.
11th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Genesis 45:1-15; Romans 11:1-2a,29-32; Matthew 15:21-28
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
image by Reinherdi from Pixabay
Our own Ray Biery preaches on even though we're not always perfectly faithful during difficulties, there are ways that we can refocus our faith when doubts arise all around us.
10th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Genesis 37:1-7,12-28; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by photosforyou from Pixabay
Greg Parker Jr. is a candidate for ordination in the PCA. He is a graduate of Cairn University and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Edinburgh. His work focuses on the theology and ethics of the Dutch Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck. This morning he preaches on Psalm 62 and finding hope in the silence of God.
8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A: Genesis 29:15-28; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of Mary Magdalene's experience at the empty tomb and how it mirrors our own encounter with the risen Christ and the mission he has tasked us with.
Feast of St. Mary Magdalene: II Corinthians 5:14-18; John 20:11-18
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Photo Credit: Pisit Heng @Unsplash.com
Pastor Mike preaches on the struggle between Jacob and Esau and our own struggles between our flesh and the Spirit, our struggles with God, and our struggles with one another.
6th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Genesis 25:19-34; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from the insights of St. Ambrose, Pastor Mike preaches on the story of Isaac and Rebecca in Genesis 24 on why Isaac can't take a wife from the local people, how Rebecca's choice is similar to Abraham's, and how Isaac and Rebecca are representatives of Christ and the church (as well as the human soul seeking divine union with God).
5th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Genesis 24:34-38,42-49,58-67; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19,25-30
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of Abraham's testing by God. It shows us that faith is not just mentally assenting to propositions and how our preparation and response to the test matters to our Christian walk.
4th Sunday After Pentecost: Genesis 22:1-14; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing on today's reading from Romans and Psalm 116, Pastor Mike preaches on how we react to the unexpected generosity of God, how we can never repay that generosity, and how we respond in grateful service.
2nd Sunday After Pentecost, Year A: Genesis 18:1-15; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's final instructions to the church at Corinth as a model for how we should seek to cure the ongoing problems of distorted human nature and factionalism in both the church and issues of justice in our culture.
Trinity Sunday, Year A: Genesis 1:1-2:4; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
In today's message, Pastor Mike speaks on the racial tensions in our country before speaking about how our being filled with the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to prophetically proclaim the saving acts of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.
Pentecost, Year A: Numbers 11:24-30; Acts 2:1-21; John 7:37-39
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from Jesus' High Priestly prayer, Pastor Mike preaches on eternal life as ever deepening communion with God, and the glory shared between the Father & the Son, and how it is shared with us.
7th Sunday after Easter: Acts 1:6-14; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
In this short reflection on the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, Pastor Mike speaks about the necessity of the Ascension as part of the Christian faith. If Jesus was not raised and then ascended then the Spirit has not been given and the scriptures remain closed to us.
Ascension of the Lord: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's sermon from the Areopagus where he linked the altar to the unknown god with the true God. When confronted by the knowledge of the true God, all are called upon to repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
6th Sunday of Easter: Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the martyrdom of St. Stephen and how we have been given the same Holy Spirit who will grant us boldness in witnessing to Jesus Christ and boldness to stand against the wickedness in our world.
5th Sunday of Easter: Acts 7:55-60; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from John 10, Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' description and explanation of being the door, the shepherd, and the proper place and identity of the faithful gatekeeper.
4th Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from the story of Jesus encountering two disciples on the road to Emmaus, Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus Christ being the metanarrative of the arc of Scripture and of our lives.
3rd Sunday After Easter: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the living hope that we have in Jesus Christ and how that hope enables us to endure times of testing and hardship as we await our inheritance: salvation.
2nd Sunday After Easter: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Photo by Feliphe Schiarolli on Unsplash
Pastor Mike shares a short reflection on Jesus' arrest in the garden, Peter's cutting off someone's ear, and our own unwillingness to hear and recognize Jesus and what he has done for our salvation.
Good Friday: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22:1-18, 19-21; John 18:1-19:37
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from St. Paul's epistle to the Philippians and Jesus being judged before Pilate, Pastor Mike preaches on the Lordship of Jesus Christ and how it is exercised through humility.
Palm/Passion Sunday: Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 27:11-54
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image by Gerhard Gellinger from Pixabay
Pastor Mike preaches on the raising of Lazarus and how it highlights our unrealistic expectations about sickness and death, our experience of grief, and the glory that awaits us if we are Christ's.
5th Sunday of Lent: Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:1-45
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's instructions to the Ephesians to no longer walk in darkness but to be awakened by the light of Christ and lay aside sin, and how this is highlighted by Jesus' healing of the blind man.
4th Sunday of Lent: Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches from Romans 5 and what St. Paul says about our having peace with God, as well as the role of suffering in the Christian life and how it produces endurance and character.
3rd Sunday of Lent: Exodus 17:1-7; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of Nicodemus visiting Jesus by night and his confusing Jesus' words about being born from above with born again, and how that confusion continues in our own time.
2nd Sunday of Lent: Genesis 12:1-4a; Romans 4:1-5,13-17; John 3:1-17
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from the Jonah story, Pastor Mike preaches on divine anger and its purpose in the biblical narrative and how God's anger is always tied in with, and can be averted by, repentance.
Midweek Lenten Vespers: Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 21:34-22:6
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches from the story of Jesus' temptation and how Jesus' not yielding to Satan undoes the sin of Adam and Eve failing their own moment of temptation.
1st Sunday of Lent: Genesis 2:15-17,3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Image taken from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Christ%27s_temptation_(Monreale).jpg
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' remarks about not marking yourself when fasting and the church's practice of beginning Lent by doing something that seems to be exactly what he was talking about.
Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:1-2,12-17; II Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the parallels between the story of Moses' vision of God on the mountain and Jesus' revealing of his divinity to Peter, James, and John. The vision of Jesus Christ revealed as the God-Man is a glimpse of how we will share in the resurrection life of Christ and be transformed from glory to glory.
Transfiguration of the Lord: Exodus 24:12-18; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Drawing from the reading from Deuteronomy as well as the Didache, Pastor Mike preaches on how our moral and spiritual imagination is reawakened so we can choose rightly between what gives us life and what gives us death.
6th Sunday After Epiphany: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Mark Evans preaches on the message of the cross and how God has worked to reconcile us to himself. The message of the cross, though difficult to hear, is how God has chosen to work in the world.
5th Sunday After Epiphany: Isaiah 58:1-12; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Track artwork by Silas Barr
Pastor Mike preaches on the the baptism of Jesus by John, how Christian baptism is different from John's baptism, and how baptism opens our spiritually blind eyes.
Baptism of the Lord: Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the Epiphany vision of light, mystery, and revelation and how God had always planned to draw all people through the sending of Jesus Christ to dispel the darkness.
Epiphany: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
On the first Sunday after Christmas, Pastor Mike preaches from the Epistle to the Hebrews on the Incarnation, God the Son, taking flesh and blood and why it matters.
1st Sunday After Christmas Year A: Isaiah 63:7-9; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the prophecy from Isaiah foretelling the coming king who will reign in righteousness and the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covering the earth.
2nd Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Concluding the sermon series The Hard Sayings of Jesus, Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus Christ as King and his actions of gathering, delivering, and saving.
Christ the King, Year C: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Continuing the sermon series The Hard Sayings of Jesus, Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' words about adultery, how lust can grow in our mind, and how we are to fight against it.
Matthew 5:27-30
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Continuing the sermon series The Hard Sayings of Jesus, Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' words to fear not but then immediately following that up with something that sounds opposite, the instruction to fear God. Matthew 10:26-29
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on how we as the saints of the present need to remember and emulate the saints of the past, both the great saints of history and the departed saints from our own families. The saints stood against the madness of their day and since God has given us the power of his Spirit, we too need to stand against the madness of our own culture and time.
All Saints: 21st Sunday After Pentecost: Psalm 149 • Ephesians 1:11-23 • Luke 6:20-31
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Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Guest minister, Mark Evans continues the series The Hard Sayings of Jesus. This week we look Jesus' words from Matthew 5:21-24 on murder, anger, and the necessity of reconciliation.
20th Sunday After Pentecost
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike continues the series The Hard Sayings of Jesus. This week we look Jesus' words about faith the size of a grain of a mustard seed being able to move mountains. Matthew 17:14-20.
19th Sunday After Pentecost
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro & Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike continues his series, The Hard Sayings of Jesus, by preaching on Jesus' command to be perfect and how that relates to loving our enemies.
18th Sunday After Pentecost
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Continuing the series, The Hard Sayings of Jesus, Pastor Mike preaches on a text that many have misunderstood. Is there one sin that is so unforgivable that even a Christian who commits it will be forever damned? (Mark 3:22-30)
17th Sunday After Pentecost
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Continuing the series, The Hard Sayings of Jesus, Pastor Mike preaches on an often misunderstood saying of Jesus to sell one's cloak to buy a sword. How does this gel with Jesus' calls to non retaliation and non violence? (Luke 22:35-38)
16th Sunday After Pentecost
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Continuing the series, the Hard Sayings of Jesus, Pastor Mike preaches from Matthew 5:38-42 focusing on Jesus' words to turn the other cheek when struck.
15th Sunday After Pentecost
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike continues his series on the Hard Sayings of Jesus by preaching on Luke 9:23, "“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Holy Cross, 14th Sunday After Pentecost
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
In part two of the series The Hard Sayings of Jesus, Pastor Mike preaches on a passage that can be particularly difficult for those of us who are Americans as it cuts to the core of what we value.
Mark 10:17-31
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZw…kVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike begins a new series: The Hard Sayings of Jesus by preaching on what is probably the hardest saying of Jesus: "Eat my flesh and drink my blood."
John 6:25-66
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Album art by Silas Barr
Intro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Outro music: Parallel by Hotel Pools & oDDling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFal0LKZwnM&list=RDSZkVShypKgM&index=5
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of Jesus healing the woman afflicted by a disabling spirit. Not only is the story a picture of the church as a place of healing, it also teaches us how our enemy uses spite to try and negate the work of God.
11th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Isaiah 58:9b-14; Psalm 103:1-8; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Photo: https://unsplash.com/photos/7CjegTgBPKc by Markus Spiske
Many churches define baptism by what it doesn't do, robbing it of its power. Pastor Mike preaches on the reality of what is accomplished through our baptism. Far from being a mere symbol, it is our union with Jesus Christ.
8th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Colossians 3:1-11
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Drawing from the reading from Colossians, Pastor Mike preaches on the ways we are taken captive and how being rooted in Christ keeps us from falling prey to captivity.
7th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Genesis 18:20-32 and Psalm 138 • Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19) • Luke 11:1-13
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on God's mystery finally being revealed: Christ in us, the hope of glory.
6th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Genesis 18:1-10a, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Drawing from the story of the Good Samaritan Pastor Mike preaches on how we try to justify ourselves and the reasons why we justify ourselves and how the antidote to self justification is selfless service.
5th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: Deuteronomy 30:9-14, Psalm 25:1-10, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of Naaman and how our expectations of the spiritual life and our expectations of God get challenged which highlight our ongoing need for healing.
4th Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on the tension between following Jesus and the desire to turn back. Many will start on out on the journey but some will fall away.
Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year C: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on what happens when we encounter God using the story of the encounter between Elijah and YHWH and the encounter between Jesus and the man possessed by a legion of demons.
2nd Sunday After Pentecost, Year C: 1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a and Psalm 42 • Galatians 3:23-29 • Luke 8:26-39
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on how we cannot derive from nature anything analogous to the Trinity, the Trinity's involvement in our salvation, and how we are called to share in God's divine life.
Trinity Sunday, Year C: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Icon image from: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Hospitality_of_Abraham_%28Zakynthos%2C_15th_c.%2C_Byzantine_museum%29.jpg
In the Gospel of John, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of truth. Pastor Mike preaches on the truths that the Holy Spirit illuminates and empowers in and for us.
Pentecost, Year C: Acts 2:1-21 • Psalm 104 • Romans 8:14-17 • John 14:8-17
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of St. Paul casting the spirit of divination out of a slave girl, and how when the Kingdom of God advances it will clash against, but always triumph over, the kingdoms of this world (even when it doesn't look like a win.
7th Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 16:16-34 • Psalm 97 • Revelation 22:12-21 • John 17:20-26
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike continues looking at the description of the heavenly city from Revelation 21 & 22 and preaches on what we can learn from the description of the city not needing a temple, the river of life flowing through the city, the tree of life with fruit for the healing of the nations, and reversal of the curse.
6th Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 16:9-15 • Psalm 67 • Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 • John 14:23-29
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud @joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on the descent of the New Jerusalem from Revelation 21 and what that means for us: God's dwelling with us and our own promised healing.
5th Sunday Easter, Year C: Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35
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Intro & Outro Music: Dreams by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on three different perspectives of Jesus- cosmic, corporate, and individual- and how they correct the false ones we encounter or believe in ourselves.
3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 9:1-20 • Psalm 30 • Revelation 5:11-14 • John 21:1-19
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruling king and how he loved us, freed us from sin, and made us a kingdom of priests to God.
2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C: Acts 5:27-32 • Psalm 150 • Revelation 1:4-8 • John 20:19-31
Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Photo by Scott Rodgerson on Unsplash
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On Easter Sunday, Pastor Mike preaches on the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Starting with popular misconceptions of what the resurrection is not, he then moves into what the resurrection means for us and all humanity.
Easter Sunday, Year C: Acts 10:34-43 • Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 • 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 • John 20:1-18
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Intro and outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Jesus sent his disciples ahead of his entrance into Jerusalem to get a colt for him to ride on, and to explain their actions by saying "The Lord has need of it." Building off of that, Pastor Mike preaches on the three things that the Lord has need of from us.
Palm Sunday, Year C: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Luke 19:28-40
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Intro and Outro music: Dreams by Joakim Karud https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported— CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/VF9_dCo6JT4
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of the widow and the jar of oil and Jesus feeding the 5000.
4th Wednesday of Lent, Year C: Psalm 53; 2 Kings 4:1-7; Luke 9:10-17
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Pastor Mike preaches on the parable of the prodigal son and how both sons in the story represent two different groups of people, both of whom are in need of God's forgiveness and grace.
Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C: Joshua 5:9-12 • Psalm 32 • 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 • Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
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Pastor Mike preaches on the theme of what we are to do when faced with conditionality of time. We are to seek, repent, and learn in the light of God's patience while also realizing that time to do those things will one day run out.
Third Sunday of Lent, Year C: Isaiah 55:1-9 • Psalm 63:1-8 • 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 • Luke 13:1-9
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Pastor Mike preaches on the how we are powerless in the face of our ancient enemies of sin and death and how our Lord Jesus Christ fought and won the battle against them.
Second Wednesday of Lent, Year C: Psalm 105:1-42; 2 Chronicles 20:1-22; Luke 13:22-31
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Pastor Mike preaches on how in the light of receiving the righteousness given to us by Christ, we are to imitate, anticipate, and stand firm in our faith. This will put us in opposition those who are enemies of the cross and who boast in what is shameful.
Second Sunday of Lent, Year C: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 • Psalm 27 • Philippians 3:17-4:1 • Luke 13:31-35
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Pastor Mike speaks about the unexpected tragedy of the death of Job's children and how the day of the coming of the Lord will also be as unexpected. In light of his second coming we are told to stay awake so we can be ready and Lent helps us to cut off the cares of this world that keeps us off our guard.
First Wednesday of Lent, Year C: Psalm 17, Job 1:1-22, Luke 21:34-22:6
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The Christian spiritual life is one of highs and lows and we need to be aware of how the tempter tries to sway us and how Jesus' example of resistance teaches us how to resist.
First Sunday of Lent, Year C: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 • Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 • Romans 10:8b-13 • Luke 4:1-13
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Pastor Mike preaches on how Lent serves as a memento mori, and how the reminder that we are going to die helps us to orient our hearts towards God so that we do not receive his grace in vain.
Ash Wednesday, Year C: Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 51:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
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Pastor Mike contrasts the story of Moses coming down from the mountain with shining face and the transfiguration of Christ. As we behold the glory of Christ, we are called to be transformed from glory to glory as we learn to not refuse it or to be afraid.
Transfiguration, Year C: Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-36,
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Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus's call to love our enemies. Loving our enemies may be one of the hardest commands of Jesus but he demonstrates it to us by lovingly dying for us even while we were God's enemies.
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Psalm 37:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38
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Drawing from Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17, Pastor Mike preaches on the difference between being a shrub in a parched land or a fruitful tree planted by the streams of water. Jesus is the blessed man who takes us and plants us where we can grow and bear good fruit.
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Jeremiah 17:5-10 • Psalm 1 • 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 • Luke 6:17-26
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Pastor Mike preaches on how Isaiah, Peter, and Paul after having an encounter with God became aware of their own sin but experienced not only God's gracious forgiveness, but also a divine commission. Like them we too are made aware of our sin, but our experience of God's forgiveness enables us to respond to his commission.
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, Year C: Isaiah 6:1-13, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11
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Pastor Mike preaches on 1 Corinthians 13, one of the most widely read passages of Scripture. Far from being a treatise on romance, it is not a description of a feeling, it is the explanation of a way. And if they follow in this way the character that St. Paul models will be formed in them.
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Fourth Sun. After Epiphany, Year C: Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's comparison of the church with a body. Just like a body has many parts, the church- as Christ's body- is also made of many parts. This should then lead to unity among the diverse members and dependence upon one another.
Year C: Third Sunday after Epiphany: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 • 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a • Luke 4:14-21
Pastor Mike preaches on the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and how Jesus passing through the water of baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit, water and fire, sets the pattern for those who would follow him.
Theophany Year C: Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17,21-22
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of the Magi journeying to see Jesus and how they as Gentile unbelievers, who did not have the law or the prophets, are able to see what Herod and the religious leaders would not, and could not, see.
Epiphany, Year C: Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12
Pastor Mike preaches on the typology present in the story of Hannah and Samuel and Mary and Jesus, and the importance of a mother in shaping the faith, and sense of mission, of their children
Pastor Mike preaches on how remnants of of the spiritual remain inside, what has largely become, a secular holiday, how the blessed Virgin was a necessary participant in God's plan, and how the Magnificat upends everything.
Pastor Mike continues through the Advent season by speaking on John the Baptizer and his mission and message of preparing the way for the coming of the Lord, as well as how our hearts are prepared for the coming of Christ both in his incarnation and as the returning judge.
Pastor Mike opens the Advent season by preaching on how Advent shows us the promise of coming salvation, our receiving and lived experience of salvation in the present, and full realization of our salvation at the return of Jesus.
Pastor Mike finishes the series Pray Like Jesus just in time for Advent! He preaches on the necessity for disciplined times of prayer as well as using the Lord's Prayer as an outline for your own personal prayers.
Pastor Mike preaches on the part of the Lord's Prayer where we ask not to be led into temptation, knowing that God does not tempt us and that we can trust that he will deliver us from trouble even as we walk in the midst of it.
Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, the Conference Minister for the Penn Northeast Conference, joined us on Veteran's Day and preached on courage and hope as modeled by Ruth, Naomi, and the poor widow who gave all she had. The selection "What is a Vet?" is attributed to Jonathan Busch.
Pastor Mike preaches on forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer. Our debts and trespasses pile on us like weights and we need forgiveness from God for those sins as well as forgiving those who have sinned against us so that weight can be lifted.
What does Phil Collins, MTV, and the prosperity gospel have to do with asking God to give us our daily bread? And are we only asking for God to meet our physical needs or is there something deeper? Pastor Mike continues his series on the Lord's Prayer and preaches on "Give us this day our daily bread."
Pastor Mike preaches on why we pray for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done on earth as it done in heaven. We are asking for the kingdom to come in its fullness and learning how to align our will with the will of God.
Pastor Mike begins a new series, Pray Like Jesus, focusing on the Lord's Prayer and how it functions as our crutch, road, and lesson. He also preaches on what it means when we pray to our Father in heaven and what it means, and how, we can hallow God's name.
Pastor Mike concludes the sermon series on the Apostle's Creed by preaching on what it means to confess the resurrection and eternal life. We are to be resurrected as embodied, not disembodied, human beings animated by the life of God and how presenting the faith as dying and going to heaven doesn't reflect the fullness of what Scripture teaches.
Pastor Mike preaches on what it means when we confess our belief in the forgiveness of sins. Christ's atoning work has cleansed us from the sin we all bear because of our humanity, but we still struggle. When we sin we need to acknowledge it and confess it to God and to one another to experience forgiveness.
Continuing the series through the Apostles Creed, Pastor Mike preaches on what it means when we confess that the church is catholic and how that ties in with us being in communion with the saints.
Continuing through the sermon series on the Apostles Creed, Pastor Mike preaches on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not an energy field or personless force, The Holy Spirit is God. He also preaches on how the Holy Spirit, though "invisible" is made visible.
Continuing the sermon series on the Apostle's Creed, Pastor Mike speaks on Christ being seated and how he is interceding for us and reigning over all things. Jesus is also returning to judge which comforts us in that all evil will be accounted for and gives us hope that we will see the fulfillment of our salvation.
Pastor Mike continues his series through the Apostles Creed preaching on Jesus' resurrection & ascension, and how the resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith in that there is no Christianity without the resurrection. He also uses an icon of the resurrection of Jesus to show what it means when we say Christ is victorious over sin and death and how Christus Victor is the main way we understand the atonement.
Pastor Mike preaches on what it means when it says in the Apostles Creed that Jesus died, buried, and descended to the dead. He talks about the differences between Hell and Hades and how Jesus' descending to the dead is a act of victory.
Continuing through the series on the Apostles Creed, Pastor Mike preaches on Jesus' suffering, the mention of Pontius Pilate, the crucifixion, and what it accomplished. He also touches on the shame that comes with sin and how Jesus deals with that through his cross.
Pastor Mike continues his series through the Apostles Creed and preaches on Jesus being conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. The Virgin birth is not an isolated story in Scripture but a continuation of the miraculous birth stories in the Old Testament and Mary's assent to God's will is a model for our own obedience.
Pastor Mike continues his series through the Apostles Creed and preaches on what it means to call Jesus the only begotten Son as well as Christ and Lord.
Pastor Mike continues his Sunday sermon series on the Apostles Creed by preaching on what it means that God the Father is the Almighty Creator. We see that God's power is best seen through the cross of Jesus Christ and how creation itself is an act of love where God creates humanity to reflect his image to the broken, yet good, world.
Pastor Mike takes a break from the summer series, Credo, to preach on how God is regathering his scattered people, Jew and Gentile, to create a new people who are all one in Jesus Christ.
In part two of our sermon series on the Apostles Creed, Pastor Mike preaches on why we call God, the Father even though Scripture at times uses feminine imagery to speak of God.
Pastor Mike begins his summer sermon series, Credo. In it he begins to talk about what our faith teaches by focusing on the Apostles Creed and how confessing that creed ties us in with the church throughout time, before ending on how faith grasps on to what God has done.
Pastor Mike preaches on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and, how like St. John, our lives are lived in service to Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mike preaches on St. Paul's words on how those in Christ are new creations and how the tension in the Christian life is the battle between the old and the new.
Pastor Mike preaches on how St. Paul's perspective on how his sufferings caused him to display Christ helped him to see those sufferings as momentary in the light of eternity.
Pastor Mike preaches about how the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ has been given to us, we are clay jars, and how this -on the surface -seems counter intuitive but how God has chosen to spread the proclamation of Jesus as Lord. He also deals with St. Paul's suffering for the Corinthians and what that means for our own suffering today.
Pastor Mike preaches on Isaiah's call narrative and how his vision of God lays out our own worship as well as our vocation as Christians.
In this Pentecost sermon Pastor Mike speaks on the confusion of the languages at Babel and how upon the outpouring of the Holy Spirit humanity is reunited, in their own cultures, languages, and contexts under Jesus Christ. He also speaks on how the Spirit helps us cut through the confusing babble of life to see Jesus.
Pastor Mike speaks on how those who have the Son have life and how those who do not have the Son do not have life. He also speaks on the life of Christ as the testimony of God himself before touching on the witness of Mary and Joseph.
Pastor Mike preaches on the tension between the fear of God being the beginning of wisdom and perfect love casting out fear. He also touches on what is meant by Jesus being the atoning sacrifice for our sin.
Pastor Mike preaches on the story of the healing of the paralytic in Acts chapter 3 highlighting the apostolic preaching of Peter of Jesus as the suffering, crucified, & risen messiah and what we can learn about God's work of inner healing to those who have faith in the name of Jesus.
On Easter Sunday, Pastor Mike preaches on the gospel and our response to the proclamation of the risen Christ. We are to receive and hold fast even as we proclaim the good news of Jesus to others.
Pastor Mike contrasts the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with the triumph of Titus as he entered Rome, after conquering Jerusalem 30ish years later. Titus came in lavish splendor but Jesus came in the power of humility.
Pastor Mike preaches on God's promise to make a new covenant with his people, and how in this new covenant God will forgive sins, all will know him, and we will be united with him.
Pastor Mike speaks on the story of the fiery serpents sent to bite the Israelites and the bronze serpent on the pole- which brought healing to those who looked at it- and how Jesus uses it to teach a lesson about how his death on the Cross will bring salvation to those who believe.
Drawing from 1 Corinthians, Pastor Mike speaks on the Cross as the folly and wisdom of God as well as how the Cross IS the sign the Jews demanded as well as the answer to the arguments of the Gentiles.
Pastor Mike speaks on how singing, glorying, seeking, and remembering God's gracious acts towards us helps us focus on the light of Christ, whose light will be hidden from those who reject him.
Pastor Mike preaches on Peter's confession of Christ and his subsequent rebuke by Christ after trying to keep him from the journey to the cross. Like Peter, we don't know God's plan, and even when he shares it we often misunderstand and try to make it match with our own ideas.
Pastor Mike speaks about how we like the heroes of the Old Testament, and like Jesus, meet both God and the tempter in the wilderness. Unlike the OT heroes Jesus did not fall into temptation and the lenten practices of giving, praying, and fasting help us to resist the tempter and to turn our hearts towards God.
Pastor Mike speaks about the need for penitence and humility as we endeavor to battle the source of all sin: pride. Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are all mortal, and that in light of our mortality we should seek a heart of wisdom.
Pastor Mike speaks on the story of the Transfiguration and how the revelation of the deified Christ helps refocus our worship and sharpens our sin blurred vision .
Pastor Mike continues his series by speaking on the call to mission. Drawing from St. Paul's description of his laying his apostolic rights aside for the sake of his mission of gospel proclamation we too are called to lay our rights aside as we seek to serve those in need with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mike speaks on the second part of the call to relationship by outlining some of the issues St. Paul faced in Corinth and how we as a church community can learn to love one another and mitigate offenses through honest communication.
Pastor Mike expands on the call to relationship focusing on cultivating our relationship with God through spiritual formation using the classic Christian practices of prayer, fasting, and giving
Pastor Mike begins a new series and speaks on the three calls from God we see in 1 Samuel 3:1-10, The calls to relationship, mission, and renewed worship and vision.
Pastor Mike speaks on the first day of creation and how the Spirit hovering over the waters, and the separation of the light from the darkness, relates to the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.
Pastor Mike speaks on the experience of light shining in the darkness when the angels appeared to the shepherds and how the Virgin Mary treasured and pondered the experiences of the Nativity in her heart.
In the final sermon of 2017, Pastor Mike preaches on Galatians 4 on Jesus being sent in the fullness of time, born under the law, to free those enslaved so they could be adopted as God's sons and daughters.
Pastor Mike speaks on the example of the Virgin Mary and on the Old Testament language of God building himself a house among his people. Mary said yes to God, and her reception of Jesus in her womb is an example of the obedience and faith we are to have as Christ is formed in us.
Pastor Mike talks about the message of comfort from Isaiah, the message of preparation from John the Baptizer, and the message of diligent peace from Peter.
Pastor Mike begins the Advent season speaking on the theme of hope. We can have hope because of the promise of salvation, God's faithfulness in our waiting, and hope producing in us the desire to stay awake as we anticipate Christ's Second Coming.
Pastor Mike wraps up his series: What's the Point? by speaking on some of the lies we've come to believe about worship as well as what the point actually is.
Pastor Mike speaks on the centrality of the Eucharist in Christian worship and how many Christians have marginalized its importance. He also speaks on what it means and what in accomplishes and what it discloses to our hearts and to the world.
Drawing from the work of the theologian Robert Webber, Pastor Michael speaks about the biblical pattern of worship and the necessity for worship not being divided up into pieces we like better than others as the measure for authentic worship. He then speaks about the importance of proclamation of the word of God.
Pastor Mike Landsman talks about how worship is the call to become part of God's story of his saving activity in the world and how worship does God's story, remembers the past, and anticipates the future.
Pastor Mike speaks on how church is where we come to be renewed, reoriented, and retrained through worship, most especially around the preaching and receiving of God's word and the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Pastor Mike continues his series Whats the Point. He speaks on how we don't know what we love but we can tell what we love by what we steer our lives toward. He also speaks on how we need to learn to discern how culture around us subverts our hearts based on Christ's example of resisting temptation.
Pastor Mike continues his new series Whats the Point? by talking about how what we love is shaped by the habits and practices of our hearts and how our loves need redirection towards God through worship.