January 16

Sunday June 9:  2 Thessalonians 3:1-15, “If You Don’t Want to Work, You Don’t Eat.”

Sunday June 9: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-15, “If You Don’t Want to Work, You Don’t Eat.”

This week we take a break from Nehemiah and look into Thessalonians. Both of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian church address either an individual or individuals who are perfectly capable of working but have adopted a rebellious attitude and are refusing to work. This refusal to work places significant weight on the community of faith, and needs to be addressed with pastoral sensitivity (culminating with Paul’s instruction regarding discipline). I will demonstrate how the refusal to work continues to be a relevant issue today, and conclude with how at creation, God invited us to partner with Him in the gift of work, and even though sin has distorted this gift, in Christ Jesus, God has already begun to redeem the gift of work.

Sunday May 12:  Nehemiah 3, “All In This Together”

Sunday May 12: Nehemiah 3, “All In This Together”

Nehemiah 3 is an interesting passage, sandwiched between chapters filled with actions, conflict and plot twists is a long list of names. In the 30+ verses filled with names, we get a reminder of God’s work through community. That in a world that can be focused on individuals, God’s work often occurs (and occurs best) through groups of people doing life together.

Sunday May 5:  “Secure in the Conquering Love of Christ”, Romans 8:31-39

Sunday May 5: “Secure in the Conquering Love of Christ”, Romans 8:31-39

Taking a break from the book of Nehemiah, the sermon will walk through how we are all looking for security, but how nothing in this world can provide us the security we long for. Sin has caused us to lose our security. God doesn’t leave us lost and searching, but rather offers us the love we long for in Christ. This is our ultimate security. Even though we can claim security in Christ, it is threatened by opposition. Yet, with the help of God’s Word, Spirit and Christian community, we’re able to remain secure in God’s love for us and share this with others. This is the greatest gift we’ve been given and the greatest gift we can share.

There is no Next Steps document this week.

Sunday March 31:  Easter, Acts 10:34-48

Sunday March 31: Easter, Acts 10:34-48

Easter Sunday was a tide change event. Jesus’ death and resurrection forever changed our relationship with God. Part of the impact of it was also who’s relationship changed with God because of those events. Jesus’ ministry culminated in his death and resurrection, which was meant to be a gift and sacrifice to many people, and the hope of that message grounds us, and gives us both joy and hope even today.

Sunday March 24:  Palm Sunday, Mark 11:1-11

Sunday March 24: Palm Sunday, Mark 11:1-11

On Palm Sunday, Jesus’ ministry moved into the limelight for many in Jerusalem that day. The traveling teacher who had impacted so many, was not center stage as crowds greeted him as many had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. That day many in the crowd had a variety of expectations and hopes of what this traveling rabbi might mean for Jewish people going forward.

Sunday March 17:  “Rooted:  Disciple” Luke 14:25-35

Sunday March 17: “Rooted: Disciple” Luke 14:25-35

Early in adulthood I learned a hard lesson. Every choice (even the ones that feel like we are refusing to make a choice) has consequences and impact. Jesus wants to remind his followers that being a disciple is a wonderful and impactful way to live, that leads us to the most fulfilling life we are designed to live. Following Jesus also comes with commands to live a life that is unlike others and calls us to a higher standard.

Sunday February 25:  I Love My Church “Rooted In Christ – God’s Word” Psalm 1

Sunday February 25: I Love My Church “Rooted In Christ – God’s Word” Psalm 1

Churches often talk about the importance of reading the bible, which is good, and needed. In Psalm 1 though we hear about loving and meditating on God’s Word. That God’s Word would be interwoven throughout our lives, that what the bible says would leak into every aspect of our lives. That God’s Word would give us a foundation to lean on in all seasons of life and in all circumstances.