Scripture readings: Gen. 28:10-19a and Ps. 139:1-12, 23-24 or Isa. 44:6-8 and Ps. 86:11-17 Rom. 8:12-25; Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43 LIVING IN THE ALREADY BUT NOT-YET KINGDOM (Matthew 13:24-30) By Josh McDonald Introduction Perhaps you recall the televangelist couple Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. They set out to build heaven-on-earth in a Christian theme park named Heritage … Continue reading "Sermon for July 23, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 25:19-34 and Ps. 119:105-112 or Isa. 55:10-13 and Ps. 65:9-13; Rom. 8:1-11; Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23 CULTIVATING GRATITUDE (Matt. 13:3-9; 18-23) By Michelle Fleming Introduction “The kingdom of God is like _________________.” How would you fill in the blank? Jesus gives us clues in his teaching where he compares and contrasts human experience … Continue reading "Sermon for July 16, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Ps. 45:10-17 (or Song 2:8-13) or Zech. 9:9-12 and Ps. 145:8-14; Rom. 7:15-25a; Matt. 11:16-19, 25-30 THE JOY OF TAKING JESUS’ YOKE (Matthew 11:27-30) By Cathy Deddo Introduction Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I … Continue reading "Sermon for July 9, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 22:1-14 and Ps. 13:1-6 or Jer. 28:5-9 and Ps. 89:1-4, 15-18; Rom. 6:12-23; Matt. 10:40-42 RECEIVING AND REPRESENTING JESUS (Matthew 10:40-42) By Martin Manuel Introduction Let’s begin with a video that illustrates the power of hospitality. [The video shows the work of a Peace Corps volunteer in the Asian country of Timor-Leste.] … Continue reading "Sermon for July 2, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 21:8-21 and Ps. 86:1-10, 16-17 or Jer. 20:7-13 and Ps. 69:7-10, 16-18; Rom. 6:1-11; Matt. 10:24-39 Sermon by Ted Johnston from Romans 6:1-4 (drawing on John Stott's commentary) CHRISTIAN LIVING (THE LOGIC OF BAPTISM) Introduction In today’s reading in Matthew, Jesus declared that his first disciples were to take up their crosses and … Continue reading "Sermon for June 25, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 18:1-15 and Ps. 116:1-2, 12-19 or Ex. 19:2-8 and Ps. 100:1-5; Rom. 5:1-8; Matt. 9:35-10:8 Sermon by Martin Manuel from Matt. 9:35-10:8 JESUS SEES A HARVEST FIELD—DO WE? Introduction Though Jesus tried to contain his popularity, his reputation spread like wildfire throughout Galilee and on into Judea. Wherever he went, crowds followed, … Continue reading "Sermon for June 18, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 1:1-2:4; Ps. 8:1-9; 2 Cor. 13:11-14; Matt. 28:16-20 REJOICING IN GOD, THE HOLY TRINITY (Ps. 8:1-9; Matt. 28:16-20; 2 Cor. 13:14) By Ted Johnston Introduction Today is Trinity Sunday—the first Sunday following Pentecost. It’s a day to rejoice in God, who is one in being and three in Person—the Holy Trinity. The Trinity is … Continue reading "Sermon for June 11, 2017 (Trinity Sunday)" Read the article
Scripture readings: Num. 11:24-30; Psalm 104:24-35; Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23 PENTECOST: EXTRAORDINARY LIFE IN ORDINARY TIME (Acts 2:1-21) By Michelle Fleming Introduction Today is Pentecost, which marks the transition from the Easter season to what the liturgical calendar calls “ordinary time.” During the Easter season, we reflect on God’s redemption through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Following … Continue reading "Sermon for June 4, 2017 (Pentecost)" Read the article
Scripture readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:1-9 or Psalm 93:1-5; Eph. 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53 ASCENSION DEFICIT DISORDER (Luke 22:44-53) By Lance McKinnon Introduction Many Christians, it seems, suffer from “ascension deficit disorder.” Perhaps that’s because few churches celebrate Jesus’ ascension, which occurred 40 days after his resurrection and 10 days before the sending of the Spirit on … Continue reading "Sermon for May 28, 2017 (Ascension Sunday)" Read the article
Sermon for May 21 (Sixth Sunday of Easter) Scripture readings: Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20; 1 Pet. 3:13-22; John 14:15-21 WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABANDONED (John 14:15-21) By Martin Manuel Introduction On the night before Jesus died, some 40 days before ascending to heaven, our Lord’s apostles were confronted with a troubling question: What would they do after Jesus … Continue reading "Sermon for May 21, 2017" Read the article
