REPEAT: The Little Drummer Boy - December 28, 2008

"The Legend of the Little Drummer Boy"

Texts: Matthew 2; Mark 12:41-44

For the next 8 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Not a traditional sermon, this fictional retelling of The Legend of the Little Drummer Boy (written by Pastor Jon in 2003) helps us imagine how the character of the Little Drummer Boy might have interacted with real biblical characters. While the story is imaginative and fictional, it contains truths which help us give of our best to God.

This telling of the story was recorded at an evening service on December 17, 2006, and originally published on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2006.

Proclaim the Promise - December 21, 2008

Proclaim the Promise

Text: Psalm 89:1-4; II Sam 7:1-11, 16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:57-79

Prepare, Receive, Rejoice, Proclaim! This four-word outline is the basis for our Advent journey, and a picture of our relationship with the Gospel--the Good News of Jesus Christ. This week, Pastor Jon explores what it must have been like for Zechariah to finally be able to speak after nine months of being silent.

Rejoice in the Promise - December 14, 2008

Rejoice in the Promise

Text: Psalm 126; Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, I Thessalonians 5:16-24; Luke 1:39-56

Prepare, Receive, Rejoice, Proclaim! This four-word outline is the basis for our Advent journey, and a picture of our relationship with the Gospel--the Good News of Jesus Christ. This week, Pastor Jon uses a recent experience during an ice storm to help us understand what it means to rejoice in the promise of something yet to come.

Receive the Promise - December 7, 2008

Receive the Promise

Text: Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12; II Peter 3:8-15a; Isaiah 40:1-11; Luke 1:26-38

We continue our journey through Advent, as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. This week, Pastor Jon looks at the promise of Jesus as foretold to Mary in Luke 1:26-38. As we consider what it means to receive grace, we look at the following three questions: What are the requirements to receive God's grace? What is the appropriate response to God's grace? What is the result of receiving God's grace?

Preparing for the Promise - November 30, 2008

Preparing for the Promise

Texts: Psalm 80:1-3, 17-19; Isaiah 64:1-9; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 1:5-25

This Advent season, Pastor Jon takes us on a journey of preparation through Luke chapter 1. This week, we look at the foretelling of the forerunner, John the Baptist. Zechariah is prepared to go to worship, but isn't prepared for a life-changing encounter with God. This Advent, let us create intentional space in our lives that we might deepen our walk with God, and that we might be a people prepared for His coming.

Worshipping the Golden Calf - November 23, 2008

Worshipping the Golden Calf

Texts: Psalm 106:1-2, 19-23, 47-48; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14; Exodus 32:1-24; Psalm 24:3-6

We near the conclusion of our journey through Genesis and Exodus, with the people of God waiting near the base of the mountain as Moses travels back and forth to negotiate the terms of the covenant with God. As Moses spends 40 days at the top of the mountain, the people get tired of waiting and ask Aaron to create a god who would lead them. Pastor Jon talks about how we sometimes turn to pacifiers when the going gets tough, instead of turning to the God who created us.

There's No Such Thing as the Ten Commandments - November 16, 2008

There's No Such Thing as the Ten Commandments

Texts: Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Exodus 19:3-8, 19:18, 20:1-20; 24:3-7, 31:18; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Jeremiah 33:31-34

Pastor Jon offers the surprising fact that the phrase "the Ten Commandments" wasn't in the Bible until the 1590 Geneva Bible. He explores what it means for us to consider that these verses should more appropriately be called "the Ten Words," or "Ten Ideas," or "the Decalogue." He also explores the numbering of the Decalogue, the reason for two tablets, and why they were hidden away in a box. In considering the context surrounding the Decalogue and the Old Covenant, we gain greater understanding of the New Covenant sealed in Jesus' blood.

Living Water - November 9, 2008

Our Living Water

Texts: Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Matthew 21:23-32; Philippians 2:1-13; Exodus 17:1-7; Ecclesiastes 3:10-11; Isaiah 55:8-9; Numbers 20:6-13

Pastor Jon considers the lessons that we can learn from the "Water from the Rock" stories in Exodus 17 and Numbers 20. Sometimes we miss God's hand at work because we lack an eternal perspective. Sometimes we miss seeing God work because we are focused on the negative things in our lives. And sometimes we miss seeing Him work because we are not prepared for Him to do a new thing, but keep expecting Him to do what He did once before.

Our Daily Bread - November 2, 2008

Our Daily Bread

Texts: Psalm 105:1-2, 37-45; Matthew 20:1-16; Philippians 1:21-30; Exodus 16:1-30

In looking at the story of the manna in the wilderness, Pastor Jon encourages us to trust in God for our daily needs. By looking at pictures from "The Hungry Planet," Pastor Jon expands our perspective to understand what it might mean to rely on God for daily bread.

Love Has the Final Move - October 12, 2008

Love Has the Final Move

Texts: Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35; Exodus 14:19-31; Revelation 18:11-16

Juxtaposing the text from Exodus against the various riders in Revelation reminds us that though our back may seem up against a wall, though we may be at the end of our rope, and though it feels like it may be almost over, Love has the final move.

The Church as the Chosen People of God - October 5, 2008

The Church as the Chosen People of God

Texts: Psalm 24; Exodus 19:1-6; Matthew 5:43-48; I Peter 2:1-11

Today we celebrate 100 years of the Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Jon reminds us that we don't celebrate a denomination, but the movement of God through His people. As the Church, we are part of the chosen people of God--we are His, we are Holy, we are Sent. Or, in terms of our Core Values, we are Christian, we are Holiness, we are Missional.

The Church as the Temple of God - September 28, 2008

The Church as the Temple of God

Texts: Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12; I Kings 8:23-30; John 2:13-22; Ephesians 2:19-22; I Peter 2:4-5; I Corinthians 3:16-17

The third in a four-part series celebrating the Centennial of the Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Jon looks at what it means to be Living Stones built in the Temple of God. We understand that the we don't invite God into our presence, but thank Him for inviting us into His presence. We realize that the church is not the building, but the people, and that we are not the inhabitants, but the stones that make up the structure. The purpose of the structure is to give glory to God.

The Church as the Body of Christ - September 21, 2008

The Church as the Body of Christ

Texts: Psalm 108:1-5; Exodus 18:13-24; John 15:1-13; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

The second in a four-part series celebrating the Centennial of the Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Jon looks at what it means to be a one part of a unified body. In particular, we discuss the tension between unity and diversity, and the needs of the one vs. the needs of the many.

The Church as Covenant Community - September 14, 2008

The Church as Covenant Community

Texts: Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 22:36-40; 2 Corinthians 3:4-18

The first in a four-part series leading up to the Centennial of the Church of the Nazarene, this sermon also fell on our Homecoming Weekend at the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene. We consider what it means to be part of the Covenant Community of Faith, the people called out by God to accomplish a specific purpose. What did this mean for Israel? What did it mean for the Early Church? What did it mean for Nazarenes 100 years ago? And what does it mean for our local church today?

Standing on Holy Ground - September 7, 2008

Standing on Holy Ground

Texts: Revelation 21:1-4; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28; Exodus 3:1-15

Pastor Jon takes a look at the narrative of Moses and the Burning Bush, asking if the church comes together expecting God to speak to us. Are we prepared for worship? Are we expecting God to transform us? Or do we simply gather to see the bush, hoping that it doesn't burst into flames and actually expect something of us.

Of Baskets and Mangers - August 24, 2008

Of Baskets and Mangers

Texts: Psalm 124; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20; Exodus 1:8-2:10

Pastor Jon discusses ways that we can be agents of the Kingdom of life and hope, by committing faithful acts of subversion against the kingdom of power, death, and oppression. Oskar Schindler, Shiphrah & Puah, and Pharaoh's daughter are presented as examples of how we might be beacons of hope and light in the midst of darkness.

Laying Down Your Birdstick - August 17, 2008

Laying Down Your Birdstick

Texts: Psalm 133; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28; Genesis 45:1-15

Pastor Jon continues the exploration of the Joseph narrative, looking specifically at the way in which he offered grace and forgiveness to his brothers when they came to Egypt looking for grain. Even in the deepest moments of our lives, we are to reflect the nature of God--offering grace and forgiveness to everyone we know.

Where is God? - August 3, 2008

Where is God

Texts: Psalm 105:1-4; Matthew 14:22-33; Romans 10:5-15; Genesis 37:12-36; Romans 8:28

Pastor Jon explores the story of Joseph and his brothers, noting that nowhere in Genesis 37:12-36 are we able to find mention of God. And yet, as the Joseph narrative comes to a conclusion, Joseph is able to affirm that God's hand was at work in everything, in order that many lives might be saved.

Forgiveness: Seeing the Face of God - July 27, 2008

Forgiveness: Seeing the Face of God

Texts: Psalm 17:6-8; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21; Genesis 32-33

Pastor Jon looks at the narrative of Jacob's return to Esau, as found in Genesis 32-33. As we read the text, we try to imagine that we are reading it for the first time, hoping to learn the lessons that Jacob may have learned as he discovered the meaning of forgiveness in the face of his very own brother.

Desperate for God - July 20, 2008

God's Ladder

Texts: Psalm 105:1-8; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52; Romans 8:26-39; Genesis 29:14b-30, Revelation 2:4-5

Jacob's great love for Rachel is evidenced by his glad service to his Uncle Laban. The many years of labor seemed like only a few days. Pastor Jon looks at our relationship with God, and suggests ways to recover "our first love."

God's Ladder - July 13, 2008

God's Ladder

Texts: Psalm 139:1-12; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43; Romans 8:12-25; Genesis 28:10-22

Often called the story of "Jacob's Ladder," Pastor Jon asks us to consider who it was that built the ladder between heaven and earth. When we remember that we are completely unable to reach out to heaven on our own, we recognize how essential it was that God was willing to reach out to us, to call our name, and to come to us.

Trading Your Birthright - July 6, 2008

Trading Your Birthright

Texts: Psalm 119:105-112; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Romans 8:1-11, 25-30; Genesis 25:19-34; John 6:22-27; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:6-8, 8:15-17

The Jacob & Esau narrative reminds us of Adam & Eve, and how they traded the greatest birthright of all, being made in the Image of God. As Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve, we too have all traded our birthrights, and yet God seeks to redeem us and welcome us to His Table.

The Will of God - June 29, 2008

The Will of God

Texts: Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30; Genesis 24

This week we continue our look at the Patriarchs, and their journey with God. Pastor Jon walks through Genesis chapter 24, the longest chapter in Genesis, and explores what it means to discern and follow the will of God.

The Principle of Firstfruits - June 22, 2008

The Principle of Firstfruits

Texts: Psalm 89:1-4; Matthew 10:40-42; Romans 6:12-23; Genesis 22:1-14; Joshua 6:26; I Kings 16:34; I Kings 17:13-16

Pastor Jon offers a personal look at the reasons why he gives to God, in hopes that we might find more meaning in our giving. As we give to God, we should consider the biblical principal of Firstfruits--as demonstrated by the city of Jericho, the widow at Zarephath, and the offering of Isaac by Abraham. These stories remind us that God is the owner of everything, and that He is faithful to provide for His children.

Father to the Fatherless - June 15, 2008

Father to the Fatherless

Texts: Psalm 86:8-10; Genesis 21:8-21; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 10:24-39; Psalm 68:4-6

On this Fathers Day, Pastor Jon looks at the way in which God is a Father to Ishmael after he was disowned by his own biological father, Abraham. If the church is the hands and feet of Christ, then we too ought to reflect the Father-heart of God as we care for those around us who may feel fatherless. May we also be reminded that God is our Father, and that He cares for us more than lilies and sparrows!

Faith & Action - June 8, 2008

Faith & Action

Texts: Psalm 116:1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:8; Romans 5:1-8; Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7; James 1:22-25, 2:14-18

In this portion of the Abraham narrative, we see Abraham and Sarah receiving a promise that requires their participation and activity. While we must trust God and believe in His promises, that trust ought to also inform and shape our actions. We are to live in a manner consistent with the promises that God has given to us.

Following the Call of God - June 1, 2008

Following the Call of God

Texts: Psalm 33:1-12; Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:3-13, 18-26

Join us this summer as we journey through the book of Genesis, focusing on the patriarchs who heard God's voice and responded. This week, we look at Abram (Abraham), and how he responded to God's call to go to an unknown land. May we follow God wherever He leads us, and may also live the way that God would want us to live.

Trinity Sunday: Reflecting God - May 18, 2008

Trinity Sunday: Reflecting God

Texts: Psalm 8; Genesis 1; John 1; Matthew 28:16-20

On Trinity Sunday, Pastor Jon looks at the practical implications of the doctrine of the Trinity for us as individuals and as a congregation. What does a church look like when it reflects the very nature of the Triune-God? It is a holy community of love, pouring itself out for each other--and also for the world around it.

God's Burning Bush - May 11, 2008

God's Burning Bush

Texts: Psalm 104:24-30; John 20:19-23; Acts 2:1-21; Numbers 11:24-30; I Corinthians 12:4-13

Pastor Jon looks at Pentecost through the lens of the life of Moses, and his desire the the Spirit of the LORD would come upon all people, and that they would prophesy. This desire is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the believers became "God's Burning Bushes" speaking forth His words to those who came to watch.

Bearing the Name 'Christian' - May 4, 2008

Bearing the Name 'Christian'

Texts: Psalm 68:32-35; Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75; Acts 1:6-14; I Peter 4:12-16, 5:6-9; Philippians 3:10-11

The Name "Christian" probably had its origins as a derogatory way for pagans to refer to the followers of "The Way." Peter encourages his readers to not be ashamed of the Name, but to bear it well. This sermon explores what it means for 2008 Followers of Jesus to bear the Name "Christian."

Are They Asking? - April 27, 2008

Are They Asking?

Texts: Psalm 66:16-20; John 14:15-21; Acts 17:22-31; I Peter 2:9-12, 3:13-22; Romans 12:1-2

Peter tells us to "always be prepared to give an answer for the reason for the hope that is within us." We ought to be able to clearly explain our faith and how it has made a difference in our lives in a brief and compelling way. But we must also explore the question, "Are they asking?" And if not, "why not?" May we live such good lives that people are compelled to ask us the reason for the hope that we have.

Annual Meeting: A Holy Priesthood of Living Stones - April 13, 2008

Annual Meeting: A Holy Priesthood of Living Stones

Texts: Psalm 68:32-35; Acts 2:42-47; John 10:1-10; Ephesians 4:11-13; I Peter 2:4-10, 4:7-11; I Corinthians 5:20

This sermon is the Annual Pastor's Report, presented to the Annual Meeting of the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Jon Twitchell takes a look at some of the victories and successes of the past year, as well as some of the challenges that lie ahead. In looking at selections from First Peter, he invites church members to join together in a model of shared ministry where each one uses whatever gifts they have received to God's glory.

The Power of the Presence of Christ - April 6, 2008

The Power of the Presence of Christ

Texts: Psalm 116:1-6; John 24:13-35; Acts 2:14a, 36-41; I Peter 1:17-25

The Presence of Christ was powerful in the lives of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. That same power is available to us today because of the Risen Christ. The Church is to be the Body of Christ, the physical presence of Christ in a world in need of a Savior. Let us experience His presence, so that we might take that presence to the world around us.

Genuine Faith - March 30, 2008

Genuine Faith

Texts: Psalm 16:1-2, 8-10; John 20:19-30; Acts 2:14a, 22-32; I Peter 1:3-9

In a world where we must constantly be on our guard against scams, seekers want to know if your faith is genuine, or just for show. Peter suggests that our trials come so that our faith might be proved genuine, and that Christ may be glorified.

Jesus: The One and Only - March 23, 2008

Jesus: The One and Only

Texts: Psalm 118:1, 15-16, 29; Matthew 28:1-10; Acts 10:34-43; John 3:16-17

On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Jon explores the evidence that John gives us, so that we might believe that Jesus is the One and Only, that He is authentic and can be trusted. For it is when we believe that we may have life!

Good Friday: Who Do You Say that I Am? - March 21, 2008

Good Friday: Who Do You Say that I Am?

In a joint Good Friday Service, members of the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church and the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene imagine what it might have been like for the disciples and followers of Jesus to gather together after Jesus' burial. As they attempt to make sense of the last few hours, days, months, and even years, we hear them share their own preconceptions and memories of who Jesus is. Let us also consider that all-important question, "Who do YOU say that I am?"

Follow Me... For I Am the King - March 16, 2008

Follow Me...For I Am the King

Texts: Psalm 118:25-27; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-11

Palm Sunday presents us an opportunity to consider how the disciples might have felt during Holy Week. We are reminded that the call to follow Jesus is a call to follow Him not just when it's convenient or makes us feel good...but to follow Him wherever He leads--even as He goes to the cross.

The dramatic reading "A Member of the Crowd" by Sarah Foulger can be found at http://teamnoah.info/Stirred/crowd.html.

The Washington post story "Pearls before Breakfast" can be found at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html.

Follow Me... And Come Forth From the Tomb - March 9, 2008

Follow Me...And Come Forth From the Tomb

Texts: Psalm 150; Psalm 137; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45

The texts this week lead us to consider the "very dry" bones in Ezekiel, and the "very dead" Lazarus in John. When we realize that these are not simply hopeless situations, but have moved "beyond all hope," we are reminded that for God, there is no such thing as "beyond all hope." God can bring hope into our hopelessness, life into death, and joy into our sadness. As we "come forth from the tomb," may we be living testimonies of God's grace in a world full of dry bones.

Follow Me... And You Will See - March 2, 2008

Follow Me...And You Will See

Texts: Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

The texts this week help us to understand that Jesus is the Light of the World, and that he desires for us to truly see as He sees. In contrast to the man born blind from birth, we find that those with spiritual blindspots are far more handicapped. Samuel struggles to look past outward appearances to annoint the next king of Israel. In our Gospel lesson the Pharisees, the neighbors, the parents, and the disciples all display their spiritual blindness.

Follow Me... And the Truth Well Set You Free - February 17, 2008

Follow Me...And the Truth Will Set You Free

Texts: Psalm 103; Exodus 17:1-7; Romans 5:1-11; I Samuel 11 & 12; John 4

Pastor Jon looks at two biblical characters who found themselves trapped or in bondage of some sort. In each case, a prophetic voice speaks truth into their situation that sets them free. Jesus calls us to admit the truth about our situations, to confess to Him our need of a Savior. The good news is that He knows how we were formed, and He loves us just the same.

Follow Me...Into the Wilderness - February 10, 2008

Follow Me...Into the Wilderness

Texts: Psalm 32:6-7; Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

Pastor Jon invites us to follow Jesus into the wilderness during this lenten season. The wilderness is a place that is dry and barren, a place with few comforts of life, a place where we are confronted with silence and solitude. And yet, when we go into the wilderness, we learn to rely upon God and to trust Him for all of our needs.

Got Life? Got Music? (pt. 4 of 4) - February 3, 2008

Got Life? Got Music? (pt. 4 of 4)

Texts: Psalm 37:3-6; Matthew 4:18-23; Romans 12:1-8; I Samuel 17:38-40; I Corinthians 12:28-31; I Peter 4:7-11; Ephesians 4:4-6, 11-13, 16

Pastor Jon concludes our study on Abundant Life by looking at the gifts, talents, and abilities that God has placed within each of us, and the unique role that we have within His Kingdom. Like David, we must never try to be someone that we are not, but simply use our gifts, and trust the God who gave them to us.

Got Life? Just Do It! (pt. 3 of 4) - January 27, 2008

Got Life? Just Do It! (pt. 3 of 4)

Texts: I Chronicles 16:23-33; Acts 4:32-37; Matthew 25:14-30; Proverbs 11:24-28; Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 6:38; II Cor 9:6-11

Part of living an "Abundant Life" is being freed from the bondage of greed and materialism. Pastor Jon looks at several passages of scripture, and challenges us to move beyond a legalistic approach to tithing, toward a New Testament, grace-filled vision of being generous with God's resources.

REPEAT: Crash Helmets & Life Jackets - January 25, 2009

Pentecost - Crash Helmets & Life Jackets

For the next 4 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Originally Published: June 4, 2006

Text: Acts 2:1-41

Pentecost Sunday provides an opportunity to consider the great power of the Holy Spirit available to the Church. Unfortunately, we are often ill-equipped to tap into God's power, and would be surprised if we encountered the sort of transformational worship that took place on that first Christian Pentecost. Theologian Annie Dillard suggests that our ushers should distribute crash helmets and life jackets in case the Almighty chose to show up at church.

Got Life? There Is No Off Season (pt. 2 of 4) - January 20, 2008

Got Life? There Is No Off Season (pt. 2 of 4)

Texts: Psalm 46; Ecclesiastes 3:1-14; I Peter 4:1-11; Mark 11:12-21

We continue our journey through the "Got Life? Live It!" series by taking a look at the relationship between Abundant Life and our time. Pastor Jon looks at the relationship between the fig tree and the temple (Mark 11) to show us how "There Is No Off Season." As you listen to this sermon, may you be challenged by the truth that all time is sacred time--all time is God's time.

Got Life? Live It! (pt. 1 of 4) - January 13, 2008

Got Life? Live It! (pt. 1 of r)

Texts: Psalm 16:7-11; Deuteronomy 30:11-20; John 10:1-11

Pastor Jon begins a four-week series exploring what it means to us when Jesus said "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Today, he takes a look at several deficient metaphors which might be used to explain God, or our relationship with God. We then take a look at the law, as given to the Israelites, and how it was given in order to bring life to the people. As the fulfillment of the law, Jesus comes in order that all people might have abundant life!