Jesus

Sunday July 28:  Philippians 1:27-2:5, “In ALL Things”

Sunday July 28: Philippians 1:27-2:5, “In ALL Things”

Paul pivots to a sticky issue next: unity.  Paul desires to see the church in Philippi rally together to love and serve the community around them in the name of Jesus.  Paul reminds them that the source of that unity is found not in causes or topics, but in the love and grace that Jesus has extended to them, and they are not called to extend to others.

Sunday July 21:  Philippians 1:12-26 “We Get to Do This”

Sunday July 21: Philippians 1:12-26 “We Get to Do This”

In the second half of Philippians 1, Paul gives a brief update about his own life. He is in prison for sharing Jesus with non-Jewish people, and it is possible his punishment might be death. Yet he quickly pivots to another update: he is sharing Jesus with his guards, and those around him. Paul leans into this idea, that we get to follow Jesus. And that whatever life throws at us, we have the opportunity to live for Jesus.

Sunday July 7:  “Being with God” 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Sunday July 7: “Being with God” 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

One of the unique things about how Jesus teaches his disciples to pray in what is commonly known as the Lord’s prayer is calling God our Father.  This title implies closeness, relationship, connection, and approachability. Like any relationship, part of growing closer together is time with one another.  In 2 Corinthians, we are reminded that because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we are invited to enjoy and take time to be with God, with no agenda, simply to enjoy each other’s presence, but again what does that mean or look like?

Sunday June 30:  “Listening to God” John 10:2-6: Deuteronomy 6

Sunday June 30: “Listening to God” John 10:2-6: Deuteronomy 6

In prayer we talk to God, and with God. Like any healthy relationship, it is also important to listen.  A common desire is to hear guidance from God.  How to handle a decision, how to navigate a tough circumstance, and at the root of hearing from God is, well, listening. So what does listening to God look like?

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.