Sun, Jul 26, 2020
Duration: 43 mins 57 secs
After resisting God, Jonah realized the futility of his plan. He accepted his fate and went overboard. While sinking to the bottom of the sea, sensing the nearness of death, he cried out to God. His prayer blended well-known lines and images from the Psalms. Broken Jonah repented; savior God repented. This chapter demonstrates the remorse we feel as we look at death. It invites us to redirect our hearts to God to find grace and freedom. (NOTE: Audio quality a bit tinny due to recording issues.)
Sun, Jul 12, 2020
Duration: 35 mins 36 secs
Followers of Jesus imitate his kingdom mission. Fortunately, we do not work alone, in our own power, but in Jesus's presence by the power of His Spirit. John offers his slant on the Great Commission. In this text, he records Jesus's symbolic breath, promising the Spirit and calling his disciples to live an inspired life to make an impact for the kingdom. The same calling applies to us today.
Mon, Jul 06, 2020
Duration: 40 mins 26 secs
We will all die. A day will come when we breathe our last breath. This can be horrifying: spiritually, physically, socially, and emotionally. Our culture has tried to deny death. Too many people die alone. But death can also be clarifying. Our purpose, people, and God's mercy come to light. Jesus experienced the horror and clarity of death. He died on the Cross for the sins of the world. His last breath teaches us the practice of "release."
Sun, Jun 21, 2020
Saul was breathing threats and murder against Christians. Little did he know, we would soon join them as one of their chief spokespeople. Jesus stopped him on the way to Damascus, called his name, stole his sight, and gave him a new mission. Saul, who became Paul, converted, received his commission, and the rest, as they say, is history. His story is an example of Jesus taking the most odious breath and refreshing it. He did it with Paul; he does it with us.
Sun, May 31, 2020
Duration: 50 mins 58 secs
The apostle Paul calls believers in Ephesus to "walk worthy of their calling." These are diverse people, divided people, whom Jesus brought together as a single family. They share a single faith in Him who died for them and raised them to new life. This new, worthy life included living together in a spirit of humility. In our individualistic age, humility, gentleness, and sacrifice for others requires God's Spirit to help us.
Sun, May 24, 2020
Duration: 41 mins 39 secs
Our love for others -- church members, family, neighbor, and coworkers -- will never be perfect. We will be deficient in our care. Fortunately, if we are consistent in our care, it covers a multitude of failures and missteps. The apostle Paul closes out his lovely exhortation about love, speaking of its consistent nature: bearing, trusting, hoping, and enduring all things, always. As the message will illustrate, this is easier said than done.
Sun, May 17, 2020
Duration: 23 mins 56 secs
Jesus set aside his grief and followed his gut. A crowd had amassed, wanting his healing touch. Crowds can be demanding, feisty, fearful gatherings. This did not deter Jesus. Moved by pity, he tended their needs like a good shepherd. He provided food to feed 5000+. This miracle shows his pity moves him. It still does. He has compassion on you.
Sun, May 03, 2020
We tend to bend inward. Our hearts envy others, inflate our egos, and look for our own interests. This was the case in Corinth. Spiritual gifts and social groups bent the church inward. Rather than building one another up in love, they lived as rivals. We can suffer the same inward bent. Thus, Paul continues his masterpiece on love, encouraging his readers to look out for others. Love looks out for the inward bent and look outward to build up others.
Sun, Apr 26, 2020
Duration: 43 mins 12 secs
Love calls us to UP our game. We may put UP and shut UP in order to build UP others. These actions are expressions of patience and kindness, two positive aspects of love expressed by the apostle Paul in his magisterial chapter on love. Moreover, these aspects of love are essential to God, modeled by Jesus, and empowered by the Spirit.
Sun, Apr 12, 2020
Duration: 36 mins 44 secs
Everywhere you go these days you hear the phrases, "Stay healthy" or "Be safe." I started tacking on the exhortation, "Stay hopeful." Then I realized, hope is not an afterthought but the core to Christian living in critical times. This sermon traces the theme of hope -- a fixed past, promised future, and God's faithfulness amid present fears -- through the book of Romans. It encourages us to refocus.
