Sermon Series (Page 5)

The Church As Forged Family

“…in the ancient Near East the idea of a single community across the traditional boundaries of culture, gender, and ethnic and social groupings was unheard of. Unthinkable, in fact. But there it was. A new kind of ‘family’ had come into existence. Its focus of identity was Jesus; its manner of life was shaped by Jesus; its characteristic mark was believing allegiance to Jesus.” — N. T. Wright, Paul: A Biography If there’s one thing about the church that almost…

It is Good (Teaching Series)

You could easily be forgiven if, from the messages promoted and policies advocated by American Christians, you don’t see demonstrated the biblical truths that God’s creation is good and that we are called to be protectors and stewards of the earth. For at least the last 50 to 60 years many American Christians have not only abdicated our responsibility to be caretakers of creation, but have actively contributed to practices and policies which pollute the earth, destroying the environment. There…

Again & Again: A Lenten Refrain

In Lent, we’re reminded that, again and again, suffering and brokenness find us. We doubt again, we lament again, we mess up again. Again and again, the story of Jesus on the cross repeats—every time lives are taken unjustly, every time the powerful choose corruption and violence, every time individuals forget how to love. With exacerbation we exclaim, “Again?! How long, O God?” And yet, in the midst of the motion blur chaos of our lives, God offers a sacred…

Journey Together

6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. […] 11 For you know…

Those Who Dream – Advent

Psalm 126 begins “When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” This is an expression of great joy and hope. In it we can place ourselves, at the intersection of the harsh realities of this world and the joyous future God is bringing about. As Kingdom people, we live in that tension, and Advent is all about that tension. Next Sunday, we enter into the powerful season of Advent. Advent is a season of…