Where are We Going? - December 5, 2010

"Where are We Going?"
Text: Romans 15:1-13, Isaiah 11:1-10

Pastor Jon takes a second look at Advent as a road trip. Last week we considered the question, "How much longer?" This week we ask, "Where are we going?" Isaiah paints a picture of the destination in his description of the Peaceable Kingdom. Paul offers some suggestions for how we ought to prepare, and the gifts for the journey that God gives us: endurance, encouragement (hope), and peace (reconciliation).

Are We Almost There Yet? - November 28, 2010

"Are We Almost There Yet?"
Text: Romans 13:8-14, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 24:36-44

On this first Sunday of Advent, we are challenged to consider the time--that the return of Christ is imminent. Indeed, it is closer now then when we first believed. The question that is before us is not when Christ will return, but how we ought to live in the in-between-time. The Season of Advent reminds us that our moments today are part of the flow of God's interaction with all of history--past, present, and future.

The Twelve Prophets #15: Zechariah and the City without Walls - November 7, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #15: Zechariah and the City without Walls"
Text: Zechariah 2:1-13

Zechariah uses construction and building imagery to help the returning exiles understand their God-given purpose and ultimate destination. In chapter 2, he paints a picture of an ever-expanding city without walls. Pastor Jon suggests that in this city, it's not up to us to determine who's in and who's out, but rather it is up to our God who is a consuming fire. The message concludes with a call to focus on the "unshakable essentials" of our faith.

The Twelve Prophets #14: Haggai and a Dream Deferred - October 31, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #14: Haggai and a Dream Deferred"
Text: Haggai 1:1-2:9

As the exiles beginning to return from captivity, the initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the temple eventually wanes. Haggai attempts to remind the Jews of God's dreams for them, inspiring them to return to work on the temple. Pastor Jon examines this passage, asking us to consider the God-given dreams that we've neglected and allowed to get dusty on the top shelf of our lives.

The Twelve Prophets #13: Habakkuk and Theodicy - October 10, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #13: Habakkuk and Theodicy"
Text: Habakkuk 1:1-2:4

(Note: Unfortunately, Sermon #12 on Nahum was not recorded, and so is not included in our podcast)

Pastor Jon continues our journey through the Minor Prophets, this week looking at Habakkuk.  While we do not always understand the apparent evil in the world around us, Habakkuk reminds us that God has a plan and a purpose.  While He welcomes our honest questions, we can also be reminded that He walks with us through the unknown and the darkness of the world.

The Twelve Prophets #11: Zephaniah and the Remnant - September 26, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #11: Zephaniah and the Remnant"
Text: Zephaniah 3:12-20
In looking at the prophet Zephaniah, we must also explore the historical events of the day.  Pastor Jon looks into the lives of Kings Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah, and the discovery of the scroll in the temple.  Zephaniah offers strong condemnations and judgments, but a glimmer of hope is provided in the knowledge that there will be a remnant returning to Jerusalem.  In exploring how they got into this problem in the first place, we're reminded of the importance of sacred space and time, and refusing to allow our worship to be cluttered with distractions.

The Twelve Prophets #10: Micah and Court - September 12, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #10: Micah and Court"
Text: Micah 6:1-8
One of the most familiar passages of Micah (Micah 6:8) is part of an oracle that represents a trial--a court case between God and His people.  Pastor Jon explores the format and content of the verses, and then offers some thoughts regarding justice, lovingkindness, and humility.

The Twelve Prophets #9: Micah and Peace - September 5, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #9: Micah and Peace"
Text: Micah 4:1-5
We continue our study in the Minor Prophets, turning our attention toward the Southern Kingdom of Judah, with a look at the prophet Micah.  Micah looks forward to the Peaceable Kingdom, when weapons will be refashioned as instruments of peace and agriculture.  Pastor Jon reminds us that we are to be faithful and committed to God, regardless of how the "other nations" believe and worship.

The Twelve Prophets #8: Hosea and Taking God for Granted - August 29, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #8: Hosea and Taking God for Granted"
Text: Hosea 5:15-6:6
In our continued journey through the Minor Prophets, Pastor Jon suggests that the Israelites of Hosea 6 had adopted the dangerous practice of taking God (and His grace and forgiveness) for granted.  The prevalent belief appears to be that they could live however they wanted... knowing that God would be faithful and forgive them.  Instead, God compares them to the morning mist and the early dew, which quickly disappears.

The Twelve Prophets #7: Hosea and Faithfulness - August 22, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #7: Hosea and Faithfulness"
Text: Hosea 1-3
Continuing on our journey through the Twelve (Minor) Prophets, Pastor Jon looks at Hosea and his relationship with Gomer as a picture of God's chesed (lovingkindness or extreme faithfulness).  Though she did nothing to deserve it, Hosea chose her... and though she did everything to deserve condemnation, he redeemed her and renewed the covenant with her.  This "Second Greatest Love Story Ever Told" gives us a clear picture of the "Greatest Story Ever Told."

The Twelve Prophets #6: Amos and Complacency - August 15, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #6: Amos and Complacency"
Text: Amos 6:1-7
This sermon takes a second look at the book of Amos, this time exploring the spiritual complacency that came from the wealth and luxury experienced by the Northern Kingdom of Israel.  This spiritual complacency occurs when we center our lives around the things of this world, and relegate the Kingdom of God to the outside.

The Twelve Prophets #5: Amos and Justice - August 8, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #5: Amos and Justice"
Text: Amos 5:18-27
It was the best of times... Under Jeroboam the Second, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had experienced unprecedented growth, security, and wealth.  As we learn from studying the prophet Amos, this caused the people to become spiritually complacent, perpetuating injustices against the poor and innocent.  Amos says, "Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord," indicating that the people of Israel were on the wrong side of God's justice.

The Twelve Prophets #4: Joel and the Locusts - August 1, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #4: Joel and the Locusts"
Text: Joel 2:1-32
Joel uses a locust swarm to warn the people of a great judgment that will come if they do not repent.  And this must be a true repentance of the heart, not simply being sorry because they got caught.  Pastor Jon continues our 16-week journey through The Twelve Prophets, commonly called The Minor Prophets.

The Twelve Prophets #3: Obadiah - July 25, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #3: Obadiah"
Text: Obadiah
Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, contains a prophetic oracle against the nation of Edom.  Pastor Jon offers some thoughts on how Christians today ought to be careful of falling into the same sins committed by the people of Edom.

The Twelve Prophets #2: Jonah and the Great City - July 18, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #2: Jonah and the Great City"
Text: Jonah 3 & 4
Pastor Jon continues our survey through Jonah by looking at the way the narrator repeats the word 'great.'  Jonah is called to do the work of God in the Great City of Ninevah, and yet is angry when his ministry is successful.  As he gets angry about the growing vine, we are reminded that our problems and concerns often seem great to us, but may not be as great as what God intends to accomplish.

The Twelve Prophets #1: Jonah Gets Down - July 11, 2010

"The Twelve Prophets #1: Jonah Gets Down"
Text: Jonah 1 & 2
Today we embark on a 16 week journey through The Twelve Prophets (commonly referred to as The Minor Prophets).  Pastor Jon looks at the first part of the book of Jonah as an image of our tendency to run from God, instead of going to the places that He calls us to.  And yet, even when we get to the bottom of the deepest pit, we are reminded that God's arm is long enough and His love is strong enough to bring us back up.

Galatians #6: Parting Words - July 4, 2010

"Galatians #6: Parting Words"
Text: Galatians 6
This completes our six week series in the book of Galatians.  Pastor Jon takes a look at some of Paul's practical comments, and then considers what it means for Paul to say, "I bear on my body the marks of Jesus."  What might it mean for us to say that today?

Galatians #5: The Fruit of the Spirit - June 27, 2010

"Galatians #5: The Fruit of the Spirit"
Text: Galatians 5:13-25
Pastor Jon takes a look at this familiar passage from Galatians, exploring what it means to live according to the Spirit instead of according to the law.  Paul teaches that the Spirit at work within us will bear fruit in keeping with the Spirit.  We are free from the law because we are free to do good.  The Spirit changes our "want to" so that we naturally bear fruit.

Galatians #4: One of These Things - June 20, 2010

"Galatians #4: One of These Things"
Text: Galatians 3:26-4:7
Paul challenges our natural inclination to sort and categorize people based on race, economic status, or gender.  Indeed, the ground is level at the foot of the cross, and all people are welcome into the family of God as dearly loved children, co-heirs of the Kingdom of God.

Galatians #3: Hypocrisy and Integrity - June 13, 2010

"Galatians #3: Hypocrisy and Integrity"
Text: Galatians 2:11-21
This is the third of six sermons on the book of Galatians. Pastor Jon suggests that one of the biggest criticisms facing the church is that of hypocrisy--a charge that goes back to the earliest days of the church. The antidote is integrity, living the same way everywhere we go, even when nobody is looking. In this portion of our text, Paul tells how he confronted Peter because of his hypocrisy in regards to keeping the Old Testament Law.

Galatians #2: Anchored in Jesus - June 6, 2010

"Galatians #2: Anchored in Jesus"
Text: Galatians 1:10-24
How do you face criticism and false accusations? Paul faced his accusers confidently, offering them evidence of his good fruits, references from other believers, and the story of his calling. Ultimately, he could face down the false accusations because he knew who he was in Jesus.

Galatians #1: Christianity Plus - May 30, 2010

"Galatians #1: Christianity Plus"
Text: Galatians 1:1-12
Pastor Jon begins a 6 week series on the book of Galatians with an overview of the letter to the Gentile believers in Galatia. Paul challenges those who are teaching adherence to the law, and encourages the believers to place their faith in Christ alone. C. S. Lewis might refer to this as "Mere Christianity," and what the Judaizers were teaching as "Christianity Plus."

Are You Really Listening? - November 8, 2009

"Are You Really Listening?"

Pastor Jon combines several texts of scripture to illustrate the words of James 1:22 (Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself, do what it says.) From the Israelites in the wilderness to the disciples' treatment of children, we explore the human propensity to look like we're listening--without really being transformed by what we have heard.

To the Other Side of the Tracks - October 25, 2009

"To the Other Side of the Tracks"

Text: Mark 6-8

Pastor Jon retells Mark 6-8 in broad sweeping strokes, paying particular attention to the geographical movement that Jesus makes. Based on some material by Ray Vanderlaan, this sermon explores the message that Jesus lived out--that the Highway of Holiness was to take the Gospel to the margins and fringes, that because of Jesus, the outsiders were to become insiders, and welcome to the table.

Made Clean from the Inside Out - October 11, 2009

"Made Clean from the Inside Out"

Text: Mark 7:1-23

Pastor Jon looks at some of the traditions of the Pharisees to help us better understand Jesus' call in Mark 7. As we seek being cleaned from the inside out, we also recognize that it's not about changing people on the outside--but introducing them to the God who can change them on the inside.

Recognizing Jesus - October 4, 2009

"Recognizing Jesus"

Text: Mark 6:30-56

Our text from Mark 6 shows sequences of events where people either recognized, or failed to recognize, Jesus. We are reminded that Jesus is Jesus--both when things are going well and there's plenty of food, and when the storms are raging. Our inability to recognize Jesus doesn't change His ability to see us and recognize us. Pastor Jon concludes with a challenge that we are to be the representation of Christ to the world around us... that we might be so wrapped up in Him, that people confuse our identity with His.

Buffet Christianity - September 27, 2009

"Buffet Christianity"

Texts: Mark 6, Amos 7

Pastor Jon takes a look at the question of "Who is Jesus?" By looking at the stories of King Herod & John the Baptist, and Amaziah & Amos, we see the great dangers of elevating ourselves above the Word of God or the Prophet of God. These stories bring us to this conclusion: If God is not Lord of our life all the time, then He's really not Lord of our life at all.

Laodicea: Learning to Rely on God - September 20, 2009

"Laodicea: Learning to Rely on God"

Text: Revelation 3:14-22

On this special "Homecoming" Sunday, Pastor Jon takes another look at the familiar passage from Revelation chapter 3. Instead of looking at each sentence as a mini-sermon, as we are prone to do, we looked at the letter as a whole unit, inside the context of Laodicean culture, geography, and history.

The Lord's Prayer: For Thine Is... Amen - September 6, 2009

"The Lord's Prayer: For Thine Is... Amen"

As we conclude our study of the Lord's Prayer, Pastor Jon reminds us that this prayer requires great faith and confidence, recognizing that God can do these things because it is His Kingdom.

The Lord's Prayer: Deliver Us... - August 23, 2009

"The Lord's Prayer: Deliver Us..."

We continue our study of the Lord's Prayer through the lens of David and Goliath, recognizing that the battle belongs to the Lord, and only in Him can we find true deliverance.

The Lord's Prayer: Forgive Us Our Debts - August 16, 2009

"The Lord's Prayer: Forgive Us Our Debts"

We continue our study of the Lord's Prayer with a look at what it means to be part of the community defined by forgiveness.