Scottsdale Nazarene: Recent Episodes
Scottsdale First Church of the Nazarene
What do we do in response to the ascension? What does Jesus mean when he tells the disciples to preach a message of a changed heart and life? This sermon from Luke 24:44-53 considers what comes next for the disciples and for us.
We hear Jesus say "Whoever loves me will keep my word," and we have long misunderstood what Jesus means. We think we need to prove that we love God, but that is not what this passage is about! This sermon from John 14:23-29 considers what Jesus meant by these words.
Jesus' one and only command is to love each other - but what does this mean? This sermon from John 13:31-35 considers what it means to learn to love as Christ loves us.
The Easter Season invites us to reflect on two questions: What kind of Messiah do we want Jesus to be? And what kind of Messiah IS Jesus? This sermon from John 10:22-30 explores these questions. -May 8th 2022
We have heard the good news of resurrection, but now what? What comes next? This sermon from John 21:1-19 considers these questions and the way God works in and through the ordinary to bring about resurrection and the renewal of all things.
We are often so caught up in the things we think we should hope for (like success and power and status) that we ail to realize the way God is at work. This sermon from Luke 24:13-35 considers what true Christian hope is, and how God's work is revealed through resurrection even though our imaginations are limited. 4-24-22
It Certainly feels as if death has the final word - but Easter tells us it is resurrection that has the final word. This sermon from Luke 24:1-12 tells the story of Resurrection Sunday and considers the role memory plays in helping us to understand resurrection. - April 17th 2022
Palm Sunday is a day of celebration in the midst of Lent - but it also serves as a warning to us. It warns us just how quickly we can (and do) change our allegiances, and it warns us what can happen when we change our allegiances. But it also reminds us that there is hope for us when our allegiances change. This sermon from Psalm 18:1-2, 19-29 considers the warning of Palm Sunday.
In light of our circumstances, it is easy to be irritated with Psalm 126. It might be hard to believe that God can, will, or even wants to change your circumstances for the better. But even if you are annoyed with Psalm 126, this psalm is good news. It is good news because even now, against all odds, God is at work and making all things new. This sermon argues that it is okay to be annoyed with this psalm and urges us to make this psalm our prayer anyway.
Confession is a common theme throughout scripture, and confession has been an important part of the church since the beginning. So why does confession give us so much anxiety? This sermon on Psalm 32 explores what confession is and is not. Is confession an invitation to disgrace or humiliation? Is confession an invitation to rejection? Or does confession invite us to come home?
There is a theme of "protection" in the Lenten psalms. But what does God protect us from? This sermon on Psalm 63:1-8 considers the ways we might try to answer this question and the importance of obedience.
As we continue through the season of Lent, we pray through Psalm 27. Listen as Pastor Corey gives a beautiful sermon on finding Hope in the Lord in the midst of trying times.
We often misread texts like Psalm 90:1-2, 9-16. We think these words promise us that the "truly faithful" do not suffer. We have used these words to justify the belief that our suffering means we don't trust God enough or that we are not faithful enough - but that is not what his psalm promises. This sermon, preached on the first Sunday in Lent, considers how faithfulness and suffering coexist, and asks the question of where God is in our suffering.
In 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Paul writes, "where the Lord's Spirit is, there is freedom." But what exactly is this freedom? We have been taught to understand freedom in certain ways, but is our understanding of freedom what Paul is talking about? This sermon seeks to answer these questions and considers how the freedom of the Spirit is not just a freedom FROM, but a freedom FOR something.
If resurrection is the ultimate end, then why does this life matter? Are we just passing through this life? Are our lives and the problems we face insignificant? This sermon from 1 Corinthians 15:35-50 considers what resurrection means for this life. God is the God who makes all things new, not all new things - which mean this life does matter.
Resurrection is an essential part of our faith. But sometimes, we emphasize resurrection to the point of downplaying death- which has led to the belief that we do not have permission to grieve. This sermon from 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 considers what it means to practice resurrection hope and grief.
In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Paul stresses the importance of the good news. Paul's words point to faith - but what IS faith? This sermon (from 2/6/22) explores some of the ways we have come to understand faith, and considers how faith is embodied as trust and ultimately calls us to delight.
This sermon is about the greatest gift - love. 1 Corinthians 13 is all about love, but what exactly does Paul mean by "love?" This sermon considers some of the ways to define love, and it explores which type of love Paul writes about in this passage. It reminds us that we love because God first loves us, and it calls us to be known for how we love one another.
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Paul seems to contradict himself. We have long understood Paul's body analogy to mean there is a hierarchy in the church. But is that what Paul means? Is Paul even the first person to use this analogy? What is Paul REALLY saying? This sermon considers these questions, reminds us that our differences come from the one Spirit, and celebrates the beauty we find in our diversity.
This Sermon (preached on January 16th) is about 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. We often think the beauty of his passage lies in the spiritual gifts- but the real beauty of his passage is in the way it draws our attention to the Giver and calls us to delight. This passage invites us to ask, "what is good? What is beautiful? And what is true?
The epistle to the Ephesians mentions God's secret plan several times, which has led up to ask, "What IS God's secret plan?" This sermon from Ephesians 3:1-12 reminds us that we need to look at Ephesians as a whole, that God's plan is for ALL of us, and the God's plan is good news. This sermon was preached on Baptism Sunday, this sermon also considers how baptism is one of the ways we respond to God's plan.
In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul sparked a lot of debate and anxiety in the church when he said "God destined us." These words leave us with some big questions! Did God really destine US? And what does God destine us for? This sermon, preached on January 2nd, 2022, seeks to answer these questions.
We have been conditioned by the Myth of Efficiency, and this conditioning has caused us to think of stories like the one found in Luke 2:41-52 as unnecessary or unimportant. This sermon considers why stories like this one matter, and why we ought resist the Myth of Efficiency.
It seems we have come to think about the circumstances surrounding Jesus' Birth as a stumbling bock to God's plan. But is that really what is going on here? Who is really in control - God, or the empire? This sermon from Luke 2:1-20 considers these questions and celebrates the way God works through the ordinary.
When Mary visits Elizabeth (in Luke 1:39-45), Elizabeth believes what God is doing without requiring any proof. It seems Elizabeth doesn't need proof to believe, but we do Perhaps we, like Mary and Elizabeth, already have all the proof that we need.
John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and judgment - both of which are words that we find unsettling and perhaps even frightening. In the midst of impending judgement, the crowds ask John the same question we ask: What should we do? This sermon from Luke 3:7-18 considers how John answers this question and also considers how repentance and judgement are good news.
Scripture often reminds God's people to remember who God is and what God has done. And yet, we often forget to remember. Even so, the good news is that the God of the people who forget is the God who remembers. Rev. Matt Codd preaches a FANTASTIC sermon from Luke 1:67-79
When we hear passages like Luke 21:25-36, we might want to skip over these words. But while these words seem scary at first, we actually find a lot of home in them. There is a great hope in God's future, and there is even greater hope in knowing that even now, God is bringing all things towards that future - and we get to be a part of it! Rev. Jaime Waldron Levi preached this GREAT sermon on November 28th, 2021.
Pastor Corey preached a beautiful sermon from John 18:33-37. In this sermon, we are reminded that our lives are filled with inconsistencies, but in spite of the inconsistencies, the ups, and the downs of life, one truth constantly remains: Christ IS King.
In Mark 13:1-8, Jesus talks to the disciples about THE END. But what IS the end? Is Jesus talking about the end of the world? This sermon seeks to answer these questions by considering God's telos (the Greek word Jesus uses that we translate here as "end"). There is hope to be found in God's end.
For so long, Mark 12:38-44 has been interpreted as a means of encouraging people to give everything that they have, even if it leads to suffering. But is that really what this passage is about? This sermon from the first Sunday of Advent considers a different way to interpret what Jesus says about what the poor widow gives.
The story of Lazarus (Found in John 11:32-44) is a beautiful story that teaches us what it means to faithfully grieve, lament, and express our hope. This sermon considers some of the reasons why we may feel we do not have permission to grieve, and considers faithful grief in light of the Gospel. Resurrection is good news, but the good news is also found in knowing that God grieves with us.
This week's Gospel reading is from Mark 10:32-45. This is the third time in the Gospel of Mark tat Jesus tells the disciples what is going to happen to him and what it means to follow him, and the disciples respond by asking Jesus for status. The disciples STILL don't get it. But what exactly is it that makes us uncomfortable about this passage? This sermon seeks to answer that this passage is really about.
In Mark 10:16-31, Jesus looks at a rich man and loves him and tells him to go sell all of his possessions. The rich man leaves discouraged; and we might feel discouraged, too. Rev. Matt Codd preaches a GREAT sermon about our desire for security, our greater need for obedience, and the fact that nothing is impossible for God.
It is a joy and a gift to be accepted and loved without needing to prove our usefulness. And yet, we tend to equate "worth" with "usefulness". This sermon from Mark 10:2-16 explores the myth of usefulness, and considers our inherent value is our belovedness.
This passage talks about cutting off limbs to avoid sin and hell. These words seem really harsh! But what doe Jesus really mean here? What is sin? And how do we avoid sin? This sermon on Mark 9:38-50 attempts to answer these questions and considers how the way of sin leads to self-destruction, but the way of Christ leads to peace and inclusion.
What is greatness? We might think of it as power, status, or success, but Christ redefines what we think it means to be the greatest. This sermon from Mark 9 considers what greatness is as defined by Christ.
Who do we say Jesus is? And who are we called to be in light of who Jesus is? This sermon on Mark 8:27-38 considers the answers to these complex questions.
Why do we rely so much on human leaders? This sermon considers this question by exploring doubt, hope, and the bold proclamations of Psalm 146.
Who can dwell in God's presence? Our first reaction might be to say, "No one!", but is that really the answer to this question? This sermon considers what Psalm 15 is really about.
It is clear from the scriptures that wisdom is important, but what IS wisdom? This sermon explores what it means to live our lives wisely according to Ephesians 5, Psalm 34, and Proverbs 9.
We have heard it said that "good Christians" don't feel or express anger, frustration, or sorrow, but is that really true? This sermon from Ephesians explores what it means to be fully human and express our emotions as people who imitate Christ.
This sermon debunks some of the myths about unity and explores what it means for us to sustain the unity of the Spirit by accepting each other with love.
There is hope in knowing our broken, untrustworthy, and unjust kingdoms aren't how God's Kingdom runs. Come Listen to another great sermon from Pastor Mary Beth.
Today, Pastor Mary Beth gives a wonderful sermon and reinterpretation of the well known Psalm 23. There is incredible comfort in knowing we aren't alone in the face of suffering, pain, tragedy and doubt.
Pastor Mary Beth preaches an amazing first sermon for her first sermon today as lead Pastor. Today's sermon dives into the beheading of John The Baptist, a challenging scripture that may lead you wondering "Where is The Good News?" Until Pastor Mary Beth sheds new light on significance over success and how weak the Empire really is compared to how things may look on the surface.
Not Matt's last sermon ever, probably, but his last one as the Lead pastor of Scottsdale First Church of the Nazarene. (Matt will still be around, still be a part of the church, but is shifting away from being THE lead pastor.)
Based on Mark 6:1-13. Here are some major thoughts from this sermon:
Permission to doubt
Grace is mediated - God forms partnerships
Faith in a BIG God of BIG love… “praise God from whom ALL blessings flow”
Let us be people who are saying “Change is possible!” and are throwing out demons (all kinds of demons), smearing oil on many people (blessings of power), and healing (rightly imagined).
A God who is love, who is safe, and in whom everyone belongs.
Lots of danger, lots of the number 12, some Death Cab, a bit of Gandalf, and very good news in the middle of it all. Part of this rethinks "healing" just a bit - part of it rethinks contamination.
Jesus' family and religious leaders accused Jesus of being out of his mind and possessed by evil. Pastor Mary Beth preaches a great sermon from a section of Mark 3.
What even is Pentecost? In search of the (or an) answer, I explore the Trinity and our part it it. This might be one of my favorite sermons I have ever preached, at least conceptually and where it ends up pointing.
~Matt
This was our first Sunday back in person after more than a year. How the TRUTH of Christ's reign can help us regulate our own fear and reactivity.
What did Jesus mean when he said, "No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends"? Pastor Mary Beth helps us understand this passage in ways we might not expect.
Today, the Third Sunday of Easter (April 18, 2021), we talk about ghosts, spirits, and bodies while looking at Luke 24.
Guest preacher, pastor Jasmine Brenneman, preaches a great sermon from Romans 10:5-15 about what we hold on to and when we should let go. You won't believe it, but this was her first sermon!
The Bible is great! But not always. We wrestle with these ideas today, as we look at Psalm 19.
Psalm 22 is a gift to us - it can give us language for pain and hope, even when we are so overwhelmed we cannot find words.
Today we reflect on themes of love and safety (the two core emotions according to Restoration Therapy) in Psalm 25.
Here is the translation of the Psalm read at the end of the sermon (translation by Matt Rundio):
Psalm 25:1-2, 4-7, 16, 19, 20
I lift my heart to the Lord!
My God, I trust in you.
Please don’t let me be shamed.
Don’t let enemies triumph over me.
Show me your ways, O Lord.
Teach me your ways.
Guide me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation,
I wait in hope for you all day long.
Lord, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness,
for they are ever enduring.
Don’t remember the mistakes of my youth nor my willful sins
but remember me according to your loving kindness,
for you are good, O Lord.
Pay attention to me, and have mercy on me,
for I am lonesome and suffering.
Consider my enemies, for they are many.
They hate me with cruel hatred.
Please guard my life, and rescue me.
Keep me from disappointment, for you are my safe place.
Pastor Mark reads the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, and 7).* As a possible discipline to add during Lent, you might take time to listen to this sermon every day. If I had to pick the most important section of the Bible, this would be it.
Also, note the intro music is different than normal. Typically the music is our Alleluia Chorus, but during Lent we have changed it to music from Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent. Pastor Mark plays the music and wrote the melody for our Alleluia Chorus.
*This translation is the work of Pastor Matt, based on the World English Bible (WEB) and the Greek text.
Pastor Corey reflects on Mark 1:29-42 (focusing on v. 40-41). There were several cute moments of Corey being interrupted by his toddler, but I cut many of those out so the audio worked better for a podcast - you can still catch glimpses of their precious interaction.
This sermon comes from a story of Jesus' early ministry (Mark 1:21-28) and 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. In the midst of possibly deconstructing many things we learned in church, what do we hold on to?
What does it look like to follow Jesus? What does a "call" mean? It might not be what we expect. This sermon is based on Mark 1:14-20 and the book of Jonah.
This sermon comes from John 1:43-51, a passage about calling some of the first disciples. But it is about Jesus' identity and YOUR identity. I hope you will hear and believe the truth spoken in this. ~Matt
On Sunday, January 10, 2021, the Church celebrated Baptism Sunday and read Psalm 29 (about God's power over everything). And yet we are weary from a pandemic and just witnessed an insurrection at the US Capitol. Pastor Mary Beth helps us navigate how to read this kind of a Psalm in the midst of hard days - and baptism becomes a key to understanding.
Pastor Mary Beth preaches from the Christmas/Epiphany story of the coming of the Magi, Matthew 2:1-12. Things are not as they appear.
Today is the third day of Christmas and the first Sunday of Christmas. Today Pastor Matt talks about boundaries, being close to God, following God, and where God is. The scriptures drawn upon are:
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40
On this, the last Sunday of Advent, we focus the sermon on Mary, the Mother of God. How should we think of her? Should we give her honor? Devotion? Pastor Matt talks through these questions. The sermon is taken from Luke 1:26-38, 46-55.
Pastor Mary Beth preaches an Advent sermon from Psalm 126 - The One About Making Light Truly Count (preached on 12/13/2020).
Pastor Matt talks through two texts today that define (and help us understand implications of) "The Gospel." This was, for us, the fifth Sunday in Advent (second for most others) - our texts were Mark 1:1-8 and Isiah 40:1-11.
What does Mark 13 mean for us? Pastor Matt also talks about why Mark 13 IS NOT about the second coming or the end of the world.
Pastor Mary Beth preaches a great sermon on Christ the King Sunday, from Matthew 25:31-46 (the sheep and the goats).
The parable of the talents (bags of gold) - a familiar passage to many. Today we think about (1) how we wait and (2) what these "talents" might really be. From Matthew 25:14-30.
From Matthew 25, the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, pastor Matt talks about wisdom in the midst of delay.
Our church celebrates seven weeks of Advent, each Sunday taking its name from one of the great O Antiphons of the church (which became the song O Come O Come). This week, O Wisdom.
Tonight we prayed prayers in light of the upcoming election in the United States. If you would like to follow along, the liturgy can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZ8eSZaSHEVsYPb0LyrGRg6wML8iC3OoYHFJ6NwjoqM/edit?usp=sharing
The One About Four Questions. People ask Jesus three, Jesus asks one. Together the answer to these four questions help orient us in the world: How we engage politics, how we think about the future and our hope, what rules we follow, and who is Lord. From Matthew 22:15-46.
The one about Politics. Jesus wisely answers a trick question about paying taxes and gives us something to work with in wrestling with the question: how do we engage government as faithful followers of God? (From Matthew 22:15-22.)
The one about the one kicked out - what is going on here?! Pastor Matt preaches from Matthew 22:1-14.
The One about Pretending to be Jesus - a sermon by Pastor Mary Beth from Philippians 1:27-2:13.
This one, from Matthew 21:28-32, is about how what we do is more important than what we say. It includes this reworked parable:
Jesus was controversial in his time - a fact that would lead to his death. Pastor Matt reworked the parable (from today's lectionary readings) to be sharp for us, like it was sharp originally. So, here is a modern version of Matthew 21:28-32 - this is a work of imagination, not intended to BE scriptural… simply imagining how it might speak sharply to us in our day:
Speaking to self-identified seriously religious people, the question is asked: “What do you think? God once told the people, ‘Love each other! Care about life!’”
"Some said, ‘I’m pro choice.’ But later went out and what they did helped bring life to many people.
"Some said, ‘I’m pro life!’ But later went out and what they did destroyed the lives of many people and left many others in danger.
“Which group did the will of God?”
They answered, “The first.”
“I assure you that many people you think are far from God are entering God’s kingdom ahead of you.”
Pastor Matt talks about ANGER (and more) in this sermon from Matthew 20:1-16 and Jonah 3:10-4:11.
Rev. Letiah Fraser preaches a great sermon, from Genesis 50, about the myth of scarcity.
The one about how love is everything. From Romans 13:8-10
Our only obligation: love each other. Whoever loves their neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and all other commandments, are all summed up in this: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.
Toward the end there is a creedal statement about love. Here is that, in case you want to read it:
We believe in a God of unfailing love, who calls us to love.
We confess that “there is nothing higher in religion; there is, in effect, nothing else; if [we] look for anything but more love, [we] are looking wide of the mark.”
We desire God to form us in love, knowing that Christian perfection “is nothing higher and nothing lower than this, – the pure love of God and [neighbor]. It is love governing the heart and life, running through all our tempers, words, and actions”
We believe the apostle Paul when he proclaimed that “our only obligation is to love each other...Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
We believe that love is not passive, but active, and calls us to endure and act – neither violently resisting nor fleeing – it may require suffering for the benefit of others; it may require shelter and self care.
We desire the defeat of evil, not the defeat persons, recognizing that oppressors are victims too, that God loves people indiscriminately, and that Christ calls us to “be perfect” in the same way. O Lord of power and love, as you have said, so let it be with us; let it be with me.
[Sources for the creedal statement on love: “Creed” of love written by Matt Rundio, using quotes from John Wesley, ideas from Dr. King (see, for example, Dr. King’s principles of nonviolence or Walter Wink’s book The Powers that Be.), and the words of Jesus, Paul, and Mary. Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, 99, 55. Romans 13:8, 10. Matthew 5:43-48. Luke 1:38.]
Today in worship we read a passage from Romans and practiced a spiritual discipline known as Lectio Divina(Divine Reading). The idea is to read (or listen to) the passage several times and pay attention to what the Spirit of God might be revealing to you. It is not study, it is listening, meditating, contemplating.
One takeaway from this morning is how important and orienting this passage is for us who wish to follow Jesus. (The Gospel passage today talked about taking up our cross and following Jesus.) We decided it would be a good practice to meditate on this passage regularly, especially in this season. So here it is - recorded as it was read in worship and written out so you can have it on your own.
This particular translation was completed by Pastor Matt. (If you choose to read it on your own, obviously feel free to use whatever translation you like.)
Here is the basic process of Lectio Divina
- Silence. Ask God to help you be open to what God has to say.
-
Listen to or read the passage three times, pausing for silence between each reading.
- While you listen, pay attention for a word or phrase that catches your attention - meditate on it - discern God’s voice to you
- Contemplate (silence & sharing). You might want to journal what you're hearing. Accept and offer to God what you received - even it is nothing or if you were distracted.
Here is the passage written out, if you'd like to read it yourself:
Romans 12:9-21
Let love be truly honest. Reject what is evil. Cling to what is good. Love each other as treasured family, try to outdo each other in showing honor; Don’t hold back your enthusiasm, serve the Lord with excitement; rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, persevering in prayer; contributing to the needs of God’s people; eagerly receiving strangers as a honored guests.
Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Find unity and equality between all people. Don’t think so highly of yourselves, but associate with humble people. Don’t consider yourself the smartest person in the room.
Do not repay evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all people. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all people. Don’t seek revenge, dear friends, but give place to God’s displeasure at wrongdoing. For it is written, “‘The ultimate making of all things right is mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on their head.” Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.
This sermon challenges the American concept of individualism by looking at Matthew 16 and Romans 12. Jesus is for us and we, not I and me.
The one about a trajectory of mercy: how this passage, Matthew 15:10-28, fits into a larger trajectory. Jesus can seem a bit harsh in this passage, but seeing it as part of a larger arc in the biblical narrative gives important perspective.
The one about God in the storms and good words for us and how that forms a loop. From Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus walking on the water.
This is a great sermon - the one about names, wrestling, limping, and holding on. Guest preacher Taryn Eudaly teaches from Genesis 32:22-31 - the story of Jacob (who is renamed Israel) wrestling with God.
The one about a bunch of parables - they help us asking the question, "Where is God?" when God seems hidden? Pastor Mary Beth preaches this sermon from a series of parables from Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52. In this excellent sermon she helps us realize that "Bad news seems too be the dominating voice round us, but bad news does not render the Good News meaningless."
The one about Jesus' addressing the question, "If Jesus is the Messiah, why is the world still so messed up?"
This sermon comes from the parable of "The Wheat and the Weeds" in Matthew 13.
Pastor Matt talks about story, hospitality, mission and liberation in this sermon, preached June 28, 2020, from Matthew 10:40-42.
Pastor Mary Beth preaches a wonderful sermon about a bad father and how God's grace is the real story. The was an accidental Father's Day sermon - the Lectionary text just happened to give us this passage from Genesis (21:8-21) about Abraham rejecting Hagar and Ishmael.
This one, from the passage of Jesus sending out the 12, calls for us to reimagine what demons are and where we might find them.
This one is a series of thoughts about a passage called The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Pastor Matt talks about (against) individualism, the enormity of God's redemption, and the idea of being a with-ness (rather than a witness).
What is the miracle of Pentecost? Speaking in other languages? Holiness? Or something else? Pastor Matt preaches this sermon (which includes a bit of history regarding our denomination, the Church of the Nazarene) on Pentecost Sunday, 2020.
Pastor Mary Beth preached this great sermon (from Acts 17 - the Mars Hill passage) on the sixth Sunday in Easter, 2020. Paul seems to have failed in his evangelism... but did he, really?
This sermon comes from the beginning of John 14 and speaks to us who have trouble stirring up our hearts. There is good news in two ways - both about the story we inhabit. May these words help bring you peace!
A sermon on John 10:1-10 (where Jesus talks about being a shepherd and says, "I am the gate") that looks at parts of John 9 for clues about the meaning of this passage. Preached on the fourth Sunday of Easter, 2020.
Pastor Mary Beth preached a GREAT sermon on the third week of Easter, 2020, as we are separated in our homes, worshiping through the Zoom platform. May we find ways that Christ continues to encounter us even as we are apart. May God grant us Divine assistance as we navigate through these times. The passage was the Road to Emmaus story, found in Luke 24:13-35.
This is the second Sunday of Easter, 2020. The passage takes place in a familiar situation: behind closed doors, in fear. Jesus meets the disciples, locked away, full of fear and doubt; Jesus meets us, too.
Pastor Mary Beth preaches a wonderful Easter sermon as we worship together through Zoom. The scripture reading (Matthew 20:1-10) and the Alleluia chorus (sung three times during Easter) is included - enjoy the beautiful music and wonderful preaching!
The scripture today was from the Gospel of John chapter 9. It is the story of a man born blind. In the sermon, I'll talk about a translation issue. I'll write it out here so you can see the difference. Listen to the sermon for the SO WHAT. Here is how it reads typically:
John 9:1 As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 Jesus’ disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned so that he was born blind, this man or his parents?”
3 Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned. This happened so that God’s mighty works might be displayed in him. 4 While it’s daytime, we must do the works of the one who sent me."
Here are the parts I'd change and why:
As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 Jesus’ disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned so that he was born blind, this man or his parents?”
3 Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned [add:"but"] -. This happened- [not there in Greek - also no period] so that God’s mighty works might be displayed in him [no period]. 4 While it’s daytime[wrong order] we must do the works of him who sent me [put back here: while it’s daytime…]
So, this is how it should read all put together:
“Rabbi, who sinned so that he was born blind, this man or his parents?”
Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; but so that God’s mighty works might be displayed in him we must do the works of the one who sent me…”
NOTE: I actually do know Greek, the language that the New Testament was written in. Furthermore, Craig Koester (a NT Scholar) has written about this translation issue in his excellent book, Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel: Meaning, Mystery, Community (see p. 104-7).
This sermon is based on John chapter 4, the "Woman at the Well" passage. We learn some amazing things about this woman and talk about who God is to and for her.
The next several weeks are in the gospel of John - this week is Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus. Who is God to Nicodemus? How might we relate to Nicodemus? What is God saying to us?
Pastor Mary Beth preaches a sermon about Satan and the Temptation of Jesus from Matthew 4:1-11.
This one is about the transfiguration - a story about Jesus turning bright light light on top of a mountain. We also engage in an ancient spiritual discipline called Lectio Divina (or Divine Reading).
Jesus asks us to "be perfect" - just like God is perfect. What is that perfection? How is God perfect? How are we to be perfect? This sermon comes from Matthew 5:21-48 (with emphasis on verses 43-48).
Forgive the audio on this one - I failed to turn on the main recording mic, so this is from a secondary audio source that isn't as good. ~Matt
My niece Katie got married and I had the honor of presiding. This is the short sermon from her wedding. ~Matt
When the people of God don't live into their true selves, when they are "morons." Based on Matthew 3:13-20, this sermon was preached on February 8, 2020.
The high point in the entire Bible might be the teachings of Jesus recorded in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. This sermon looks at the beginning of this passage, often called the "beatitudes" (the blessings). Jesus teaches that "the kingdom is right here!" - but what is that kingdom like? We see the answer in what Jesus does and what Jesus teaches. Matt preached this sermon on February 2, 2020 from Matthew 5:1-13.
In this sermon, Pastor Matt talks about some of his "evangelical trauma" and how it leads to misunderstanding this passage (Matthew 4:12-23 - the call of Peter to "fish for people" and Jesus announcing the "Good News of the Kingdom"). After thinking through some of what we must unlearn, Matt explains what it might mean to "fish for people" and "announce the Good News."