Faith Reflections: Recent Episodes
Travis Deur
Text: Romans 6:1-8 / Date: 9-29-2024 / Location: Pease Christian Reformed Church (Pease, MN)
What does baptism symbolize and signify? What should we be reminded of as we remember our baptism? Romans speaks of sin and grace, burial and resurrection, old life and new life.
Text: Exodus 14:21-15:21 / Date: 8-18-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
God makes himself known through the waters delivering the Israelites from the Egyptians. Do we trust God in our uncertainty during our Red Sea moments?
Text: Exodus 13:17-14:20 / Date: 8-11-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
The Israelites are released from Egypt but find themselves pursued with their backs against the water. In this liminal time between slavery and the Promised Land do they trust in God to direct their path?
Text: Galatians 5:22-25 / Date: 8-4-2024 / Location: Bethel Christian Reformed Church (Princeton, MN)
We are called to live in step with the Spirit and not the sinful nature. Our call to bear fruit is explored using the Fruit of the Spirit and other passages referencing the fruit in our lives.
Text: Exodus 4:29-5:21 / Date: 7-14-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
How do we respond when things get difficult? Moses' message to the people is well received until Pharaoh makes it harder for the people.
Text: Exodus 3:16-4:20 / Date: 7-7-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
God demonstrates his power to a Moses who remains reluctant to carry God's message and instructions to his people and those oppressing them.
Text: Exodus 2:1-10 / Date: 6-16-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Moses is drawn out of the Nile and into Pharoah's palace demonstrating the ways God uses what is intended for evil for his good. He redeems us for his purposes.
Text: Matthew 9:1-8 / Date: 6-9-2024 / Location: Pease Christian Reformed Church (Pease, MN)
Revisiting this passage with a new congregation. Jesus shows himself capable of healing the physical, the natural, and the supernatural. But more important than these is spiritual healing.
Text: John 4:3-30, 39-42 / Date: 5-26-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Jesus crosses boundaries to offer the Samaritan woman living water. An evaluation of the opportunities and obstacles we create that draw people to Christ and keep them from meeting him.
Text: Isaiah 40:28-31, The Book of Esther / Date: 4-28-2024 / Location: Pease Christian Reformed Church (Pease, MN)
Lessons from the Book of Esther about God working behind the scenes in our life and encouragement for all to rise up and serve him.
Text: Matthew 4:1-11 / Date: 3-24-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Jesus temptation in the wilderness and his obedience during Holy Week illustrate to us the trust we must have in our trials.
Focus: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 21 / Date: 3-17-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Revisiting the catechism's question "What is true faith?" with another congregation two years later. This question and answer points us to knowledge, truth, and trust by the power of the Holy Spirit through the merit of Christ's sacrifice for us.
Text: Luke 11:5-8 / Date: 2-25-2024 / Location: Trinity Hill (Chanhassen, MN)
The parable "A Friend Comes at Midnight" provides insights into the culture Jesus was speaking into and our call to be shameless in praying to God.
Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-15 / Date: 1-28-2024 / Location: Pease Christian Reformed Church (Pease, MN)
Nathan confronts David with his sin through a story of an abuse of power. In repentance David finds grace amid the consequences of his actions.
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 / Date: 1-21-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part Three of a series on building relationships and sharing our faith. A focus on Paul's willingness to meet people where they were and encouragement to love our neighbors through sharing life with them.
Text: 2 Timothy 1:7 / Date: 1-14-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part Two of a series on building relationships and sharing our faith. Encouragement to take confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Text: I Peter 3:15, Ephesians 2:10 / Date: 1-7-2024 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part One of a series on building relationships and sharing our faith. How is God preparing you and preparing moments for you to tell your story and his story?
Text: Exodus 19:3-8, 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 7:6-13 / Date: 12-17-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
In a series on Old Testament covenants, God rescues his people from slavery in Egypt through the leadership of Moses. Grace and deliverance precede the covenant at Mount Sinai. God chooses his people in love and remains faithful to his promises.
Text: Psalm 103:17-19 / Date: 11-19-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
An introductory message to a series on God's promises to his people highlighting redemptive safeguards in the Old Testament family structure and some similiarities between sacred covenants and secular treaties.
Text: Matthew 9:1-8 / Date: 11-12-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
In faith, a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus by his friends. He is healed physically and received more than the restoration of his body.
Text: Psalm 139 / Date: 10-22-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
The Psalms are emotional expressions of highs and lows. Psalm 139 tells us that we are fully known by God and surrounded by his presence and Spirit wherever we go.
Text: Luke 15 / Date: 9-24-2023 / Location: Calvary Christian Reformed Church (Edina, MN)
The three parables of Luke 15 show us the search and celebration in finding what's been lost. Will we intentionally seek the lost and valued souls that need to be redeemed to God's family?
Text: Matthew 6:25-30 / Date: 7-30-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part of a seven message series for the Twin Cities SERVE event under the theme of "What Do You Want?". The week explored what we really want, worth, freedom, hope, love and acceptance, signficance, and making a difference.
Text: Luke 7:26-50 and Matthew 18:21-35 / Date: 7-2-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
From a series of messages on the parables. We look again at grace. Do our actions suggest that we understand our need for grace and that we recognize the gravity of God's forgiveness?
Text: Matthew 20:1-16, Luke 18:9-14 / Date: 6-25-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
From a series of messages on the parables. Are we generous or greedy when it comes to grace? Through the parables of "The Workers in the Vineyard" and "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" we consider our posture before God and our response to grace.
Text: Matthew 25:14-30 / Date: 5-14-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
From a series of messages on the parables. The master has entrusted us with an invaluable gift. Are we acting with good stewardship? What are we doing with the treasure we've been given?
Text: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 / Date: 5-7-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
From a series of messages on the parables. Jesus speaks to the final judgment and separation of those who follow him and those who don't. If we are secure in his future promises to us, how do we watch for weeds in our lives and our churches while reaching out to those without the assurance of eternity with God?
Text: Matthew 7:24-29 and Luke 12:13-21 / Date: 4-23-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
From a series of messages on the parables. Jesus uses little stories to teach big lessons through which we see his kingdom. In the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders we examine the strength of the foundation we are building our lives on. Through the parable of the Rich Fool we are challenged to evaluate our focus. Is our vision on the present or the future? Are our souls invested in the temporary or the eternal?
Text: John 20 / Date: 4-9-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part of our Lenten Series "On the Way to the Cross". On Easter Sunday, a reminder that we are all called to be witnesses to the resurrection. How often do we testify to the things we love, and where does our faith rank on that list?
Text: Matthew 26:31-35 and Luke 22:54-62 / Date: 3-12-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part of our Lenten Series "On the Way to the Cross". To experience the fullness of grace we must first recognize our sin and the ways, like Peter, we deny Jesus in our lives.
Text: Ruth 3:10-4:22 / Date: 2-19-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part three of three looking at the story of Ruth. The redemptive story reaches it's climax for Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, and all of God's people. How do we respond to The Story of Ruth?
Text: Ruth 2:1-3:9 / Date: 2-12-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part two of three looking at the story of Ruth. Hope for Ruth and Naomi presents itself in a generous landowner uniquely positioned to fill their physical emptiness and redeem the family line.
Text: Ruth 1 / Date: 1-29-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part one of three looking at the story of Ruth. Naomi returns to Bethlehem empty having lost her husband and sons during the famine. Will Ruth's loyalty lead to hope and redemption?
Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 / Date: 1-1-2023 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
We enter the New Year considering our identity and purpose amid competing voices and labels. Who are we? What are we called to do?
Text: Matthew 2:1-18 / Date: 12-11-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part of an advent series exploring the supporting characters of the Christmas story. What can we learn from Herod and his resistance to recognizing Jesus as king in a fight to preserve his own power?
Text: Matthew 1:18-25 / Date: 11-27-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Part of an advent series exploring the supporting characters of the Christmas story. What can we learn from Joseph and what God does in and through the earthly father of Jesus?
Text: Psalm 25:4-10 / Date: 10-23-2022 / Location: Grace Christian Reformed Church (Inver Grove Heights, MN)
Seeking direction in our decision making as we pursue God's will for our lives.
Text: Colossians 1:15-23 / Date: 10-9-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Paul calls the Colossian Christians away from the mixing and matching of local religious practices to giving Jesus his rightful supremacy in their lives. He is all in on Jesus and making him known and calls us to do the same.
Text: Acts 2:42-47 / Date: 9-4-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Exploring the importance of community and shared stories as we grown in our faith. Celebrating, wondering, and remembering together.
Text: Isaiah 55 / Date: 8-28-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Listening for God's voice through the noise in our world. The importance of seeking him through the habits of Bible reading and prayer.
Text: Jeremiah 29:4-14 / Date: 8-21-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Answering the call to seek the peace and prosperity of those suffering in the places we live by aligning ourselves with God's call to serve the vulnerable.
Text: Matthew 25:31-46 / Date: 8-14-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Exploring hospitality in and outside of our church. How do we love each other and our neighbors well turning strangers into friends?
Message three of six looking at Faith Practices, "holy habits that help us love God and our neighbor, listen to the Spirit, and become more like Jesus".
Text: Deuteronomy 5:12-15 and Luke 6:1-11 / Date: 8-7-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
How do we observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy? Is the proper practice a list of "dos and don'ts"? In the busyness of our daily lives how do we make time to rest?
Message two of six looking at Faith Practices, "holy habits that help us love God and our neighbor, listen to the Spirit, and become more like Jesus".
Text: I Thessalonians 5:11-19 / Date: 7-3-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
An exploration of gratitude, service, and generosity. How does gratitude work in our lives to increase happiness and prompt us toward generosity and a willingness to serve?
Message one of six looking at Faith Practices, "holy habits that help us love God and our neighbor, listen to the Spirit, and become more like Jesus".
Date: 6-5-2022 / Location: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (New Brighton, MN)
Committing to who you want to be no matter what God calls you to be. Questions to ask as you move into a new stage in your life and the opportunity we have to reflect God's light into the dark places in our world.
Date: 4-9-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
One session from a wider workshop on "Enlivening the Dry and Weary Heart of Our Churches". This segment focuses on the youth of our church and their faith formation. Framed around basic questions of identity, belonging, and purpose.
Text: Mark 8:31-38 / Date: 3-27-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
The good news that springs from bad news. Understanding God's plan for us.
Text: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 21 (additional verses from Hebrews) / Date: 2-6-2022 / Location: Trinity Hill Church (Chanhassen, MN)
What is faith? Is it belief? Trust? Is it rooted in fact or fantasy? What kind of response does faith require of us?
Text: Luke 15:11-32 / Date: 1-2-2022 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
In the story of The Lost Son and in our lives, when are we made right with God? The Father is waiting for us to run back to him.
Text: James 2 / Date: 10-31-2021 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
The link between what we do and who we claim to be. The faith demonstrated by our deeds.
Text: 2 Timothy 3:16 - 4:5 / Date: 8-1-2021 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Does our search for truth include a desire to understand our neighbor's views and experiences? Thinking about the way we think and the lenses we see our world through.
Text: Psalm 15 / Date: 7-25-2021 / Location: Calvary Christian Reformed Church (Edina, MN)
If David's list of attributes is the way we gain access to God we all fall short. How are we made worthy in his eyes?
Text: Matthew 26:36-46 / Date: 1-17-2021 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Examining the shape of our conversations with God. Is our desire to know and serve him better or are we calling out for our own interests?
Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-12 / Date: 9-6-2020 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
Providing guidance for the next generation. What will they take with them? Helping them understand and obey God.
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 / Date: 5-10-2020 / Location: Faith Christian Reformed Church (New Brighton, MN)
God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Our story, including our struggles and adversity, is our message to the world.
Includes the story of Rog's testimony through his battle with ALS.