Sun, Sep 19, 2021
Duration: 47 mins 47 secs
After looking at the "harassed and helpless" crowd and calling for prayer, Jesus summons his disciples by name to go, show, and tell about the inbreaking kingdom of God. They become short-term missionaries with a simple strategy. Unfortunately, certain opposition will come, both within the family and from the government. However, Jesus reassures the Twelve that God has their back and His Spirit will provide the words when they give witness. This Missionary Discourse has relevant application today for followers of Jesus. We too should go public and not panic, knowing God's got our backs.
Sun, Sep 12, 2021
Duration: 44 mins 21 secs
Jesus's compassion explodes on the scene with four successive miracles. He heals a bleeding woman, resurrects a dead child, gives sight to two blind men, and casts the demon out of a mute person. The crowds marvel. The Pharisees grumble. Acts of compassion are not always celebrate. In fact, Jesus's increasing fame comes with rising opposition. Followers of Jesus should be aware when they do good in his name, their acts of compassion will not always be welcomed.
Sun, Jun 27, 2021
Duration: 49 mins 51 secs
Miracles are hard to believe in our secular age. We are trained to be skeptics, to view the world as a closed and often cold system. If God ever existed, he left us long ago, thinks the skeptic. But Jesus gives us a glimpse of "God with us" and engaged in powerful acts of healing, restoring, and welcome. He has authority over nature, demons, sin, and death. These are evidences he is Messiah, Son of God. And we should let the evidence address our inner skeptic, so we see the world buzzing with divine life.
Sun, Jun 13, 2021
Following Jesus's powerful words from Sermon the Mount, he performed powerful works. He healed a ritually unclean person, an ethnic outsider, and someone from another gender. His compassionate healing is awe-inspiring. Then he provided two harsh words to would-be disciples. Following him should not be flippant. In fact, those who follow Jesus may have to forget their comforts to take up his calling.
Sun, Mar 14, 2021
Duration: 46 mins 17 secs
The Sermon on the Mount closes with three appeals to live what Jesus preached. He's not looking for cognitive assent but commitment. And here's the good news: when we follow him, we flourish. We'll nuance this a bit. Flourishing does not mean life absent of suffering. It does, however, mean a foundation that gives us confidence as we face today's trials and tomorrow's judgment. Our task now is paying attention to the direction of our life, our instructors, our motives, and our foundation. Or, simply, we pay attention to Jesus, following what he says.
Sun, Mar 07, 2021
Duration: 49 mins 22 secs
Jesus said, "Do not judge," This is one of his most famous statements. A second, "Do unto other as you want them to do unto you," bookends the ethical teaching in the sermon on the mount. This message looks at Jesus's cascading maxims, arguing for a life of self-reflection. Before engaging the world in evangelism, we are wise to examine ourselves. Knowing our faults, sins, and failures helps us build an empathetic connection to others.
Sun, Feb 28, 2021
Duration: 50 mins 58 secs
Anxiety is epidemic. We worry about our bodies, income, and the fractured state of our nation. The consumer age does not help, offering us unlimited goods that cause buyers remorse or discontentment. Jesus empathizes with our worries. He assures us God cares about us and will take care of us. This message shines a light on modern anxiety research as well as timeless, biblical wisdom. Knowing God cares for us and surrounding ourselves with people who echo this claim will help us to worry less and seize the day.
Sun, Feb 21, 2021
Duration: 51 mins 26 secs
Private acts of devotion draw our hearts close to God. They keep us out of the spotlight so it can shine on his good and glorious presence. God is a loving Father who wants to reward his children. However, when we settle for the praise of people, we receive our reward in full. Jesus spoke about this in his Sermon on the Mount, offering three exemplary habits of devotion as ways of grace. What he says about giving, prayer, and fasting may be applied to any acts of devotion. So find your Hat Trick (that's three) of Habits, and slide from the spotlight.
Sun, Feb 14, 2021
Duration: 50 mins 44 secs
Jesus called his disciples to a "above and beyond" way of living the law. While others looked for loopholes or ways to manage their behavior, Jesus addressed true, heartfelt obedience. He systematically works through six examples of Hebrew law, showing how each is an opportunity for elaborate love. Rather than dissect the six case studies, this sermon will focus on the overall strategy. Jesus wants whole bodied obedience to affect every relationship for the disciples. He not only delivers the message, but also provides the model. His love is elaborate.
Sun, Feb 07, 2021
Duration: 44 mins 49 secs
Jesus called disciples to do good. Our good words and good works testify to the goodness of God. Sadly, in our current climate, the testimony of the church is less stellar. Worse yet, this turns people off God. Offering two timeless metaphors -- salt and light -- Jesus implores his followers to be engaged but distinct in the places God has se(nt) them. Where are you set? What good can you do?
