"Paul (#1): Never the Same Again"
Text: Acts 9:1-19a
We begin a new journey, studying the life of Paul as recorded in the book of Acts. We begin with a look at Paul's conversion experience, and reminder that Christ and the Church are so inseparable that to persecute one is to persecute the other. Paul's life reminds us that God can save anyone. As we embark on this journey with Paul, we are reminded that an encounter with Jesus is life-changing, and that we can never be the same again.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Discovering Jesus in the Church - June 12, 2011
"Discovering Jesus in the church"
Text: Acts 2:1-21
Pastor Jon concludes our Easter series on "Discovering Jesus" with this Pentecost message. As God's Spirit came down over the Church, we are reminded of similar events in the Old Testament: creation, the giving of the law, and the dedication of the temple. In the Church, God reveals the "new thing" that He is doing, as the Church is the visible expression of the Body of Christ for the world today. It is through the work of the Church that we came to know Christ... and it is through the work of the Spirit-empowered Church that the world will come to know Him.
Text: Acts 2:1-21
Pastor Jon concludes our Easter series on "Discovering Jesus" with this Pentecost message. As God's Spirit came down over the Church, we are reminded of similar events in the Old Testament: creation, the giving of the law, and the dedication of the temple. In the Church, God reveals the "new thing" that He is doing, as the Church is the visible expression of the Body of Christ for the world today. It is through the work of the Church that we came to know Christ... and it is through the work of the Spirit-empowered Church that the world will come to know Him.
Discovering Jesus in Scripture - June 5, 2011
"Discovering Jesus in Scripture"
Text: Luke 24:44-53
On Ascension Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus showed the disciples that He is revealed in Scripture: the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (writings). Pastor Jon talks about a proper understanding of scripture, and how we are to read all of scripture through the lens of the person and work of Jesus. All of scripture is useful because it reveals Jesus to us, And when we keep our primary attention on the most important parts of the story, the rest of Scripture shifts into proper focus.
Text: Luke 24:44-53
On Ascension Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus showed the disciples that He is revealed in Scripture: the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (writings). Pastor Jon talks about a proper understanding of scripture, and how we are to read all of scripture through the lens of the person and work of Jesus. All of scripture is useful because it reveals Jesus to us, And when we keep our primary attention on the most important parts of the story, the rest of Scripture shifts into proper focus.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Discovering the Father through the Son - May 29, 2011
"Discovering the Father through the Son"
Text: John 14:1-14
As Christians, we don't worship a nebulous, nameless God... the god that is often invoked by our pledge, on our money, or during a civic prayer. We worship the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We don't have to guess what God is like, because the Father is made known to us through the Son--the exact representation of God's glory. Pastor Jon continues our Easter series, looking at what it means to discover God and to make Him known.
Text: John 14:1-14
As Christians, we don't worship a nebulous, nameless God... the god that is often invoked by our pledge, on our money, or during a civic prayer. We worship the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We don't have to guess what God is like, because the Father is made known to us through the Son--the exact representation of God's glory. Pastor Jon continues our Easter series, looking at what it means to discover God and to make Him known.
Discovering Jesus in the Flock - May 22, 2011
"Discovering Jesus in the Flock"
Text: John 10:1-12
Continuing in our series this Easter season, Pastor Jon looks at this familiar passage from John, considering that we also discover Jesus in community, and that the Good Shepherd desires to bring the sheep into the fold. As we live in relationship with one another, we discover Christ at work in us. We are His people. We are the sheep of His pasture
Text: John 10:1-12
Continuing in our series this Easter season, Pastor Jon looks at this familiar passage from John, considering that we also discover Jesus in community, and that the Good Shepherd desires to bring the sheep into the fold. As we live in relationship with one another, we discover Christ at work in us. We are His people. We are the sheep of His pasture
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Discovering Jesus on the Road - May 15, 2011
"Discovering Jesus on the Road"
Text: Luke 24:13-35
If we look closely at the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we may recognize ourselves on the road--unable to recognize the answers that are before our own eyes. Through this account, Luke reminds us that we can discover Jesus in the ordinariness of life... on the road... in our doubts... in our disappointments... in our questions... and in the breaking of bread.
Text: Luke 24:13-35
If we look closely at the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we may recognize ourselves on the road--unable to recognize the answers that are before our own eyes. Through this account, Luke reminds us that we can discover Jesus in the ordinariness of life... on the road... in our doubts... in our disappointments... in our questions... and in the breaking of bread.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Seeing is Believing - May 8, 2011
"Seeing is Believing"
Text: John 20:19-31
Pastor Jon explores the familiar story of "Doubting" Thomas against the backdrop of the commonly-stated belief, "seeing is believing." Our faith is not simply an examination of the evidence provided, neither is it merely mental assent to a series of doctrines or propositional statements. Ultimately faith requires that we believe, in order that we might "see with the eyes of our heart."
Text: John 20:19-31
Pastor Jon explores the familiar story of "Doubting" Thomas against the backdrop of the commonly-stated belief, "seeing is believing." Our faith is not simply an examination of the evidence provided, neither is it merely mental assent to a series of doctrines or propositional statements. Ultimately faith requires that we believe, in order that we might "see with the eyes of our heart."
Annual Meeting: All Things New - May 1, 2011
"Annual Meeting: All Things New"
Texts: Various, including: Ephesians 5;, Isaiah 6:1-3, 9:2, 26:19, 43:16-21; Revelation 21:1-5
Together, we celebrate the God who is making all things new, breathing new life into this congregation, and building His Kingdom. As Pastor Jon looks back over the past year, he highlights several victories, and considers the ways that God may be preparing us for even greater things in the year to come.
Texts: Various, including: Ephesians 5;, Isaiah 6:1-3, 9:2, 26:19, 43:16-21; Revelation 21:1-5
Together, we celebrate the God who is making all things new, breathing new life into this congregation, and building His Kingdom. As Pastor Jon looks back over the past year, he highlights several victories, and considers the ways that God may be preparing us for even greater things in the year to come.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Easter: Jesus Calls You by Name - April 24, 2011
"Easter: Jesus Calls You by Name"
Text: John 20:1-18
On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Jon talks about the importance of our names... and how God knows us and calls us by name. It was when Jesus called Mary's name in the garden that she recognized him. How will you respond when he calls you by name?
Text: John 20:1-18
On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Jon talks about the importance of our names... and how God knows us and calls us by name. It was when Jesus called Mary's name in the garden that she recognized him. How will you respond when he calls you by name?
Monday, April 18, 2011
Palm Sunday: Ride on to Die - April 17, 2011
"Palm Sunday: Ride on to Die"
Text: Matthew 21:1-11 and Psalm 24
After setting the stage for the Triumphal Entry, Pastor Jon stops to explore what Matthew might have meant when he said, "the city asked 'who is this?'" One possibility is that Matthew was offering a liturgical comment, identifying that the priests may have been reciting Psalm 24 as Jesus entered the city. What does it mean for us to hear, "Lift up your heads, o ye gates, that the King of Glory may come in"?
Text: Matthew 21:1-11 and Psalm 24
After setting the stage for the Triumphal Entry, Pastor Jon stops to explore what Matthew might have meant when he said, "the city asked 'who is this?'" One possibility is that Matthew was offering a liturgical comment, identifying that the priests may have been reciting Psalm 24 as Jesus entered the city. What does it mean for us to hear, "Lift up your heads, o ye gates, that the King of Glory may come in"?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Life Transformations 4: The Resurrection and the Life - April 10, 2011
"Life Transformations 4: The Resurrection and the Life"
Text: John 11:1-45
As we conclude our mini-series on Life Transformations, Pastor Jon looks at the graveclothes of Lazarus as a metaphor for the things in this world that keep us captive--whether destructive forces and addictions... or the good things that keep us from the best things that God has for us. Just as Lazarus finds freedom through the voice of Jesus and the community around him, we find freedom through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and our local communities of faith.
Text: John 11:1-45
As we conclude our mini-series on Life Transformations, Pastor Jon looks at the graveclothes of Lazarus as a metaphor for the things in this world that keep us captive--whether destructive forces and addictions... or the good things that keep us from the best things that God has for us. Just as Lazarus finds freedom through the voice of Jesus and the community around him, we find freedom through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and our local communities of faith.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Life Transformations 3: Invisible People - April 3, 2011
"Life Transformations 3: Invisible People"
Text: John 9
In this passage, Jesus sees a man who has been mostly invisible his entire life. Failed by the people who ought to know him best, this man responds to God's transforming grace--finding not only physical sight, but the salvation that is found in Christ. His firm and bold witness inspires us to tell our story in simple yet concrete ways.
Text: John 9
In this passage, Jesus sees a man who has been mostly invisible his entire life. Failed by the people who ought to know him best, this man responds to God's transforming grace--finding not only physical sight, but the salvation that is found in Christ. His firm and bold witness inspires us to tell our story in simple yet concrete ways.
Life Transformations 2: Living Water - March 27, 2011
"Life Transformations 2: Living Water"
Text: John 4:1-42
Jesus breaks all societal norms when his afternoon is seemingly interrupted by an encounter with a woman at the well. What divine appointments might God bring your way this week? How can offer living water to the people on the fringes?
Text: John 4:1-42
Jesus breaks all societal norms when his afternoon is seemingly interrupted by an encounter with a woman at the well. What divine appointments might God bring your way this week? How can offer living water to the people on the fringes?
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Life Transformations 1: Born Again - March 20, 2011
"Life Transformations 1: Born Again"
Text: John 3:1-21
In this first of four sermons on transformation, Pastor Jon offers some comparisons between Nicodemus and the "rich young ruler." As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, we're called to consider if we are holding onto our carefully constructed life. Many things can take the rightful place of God in our lives... status, reputation, money, etc. Jesus' call to be "born again," may also be a call to give up some of those elements of a carefully constructed life in order to follow Jesus with our everything.
Text: John 3:1-21
In this first of four sermons on transformation, Pastor Jon offers some comparisons between Nicodemus and the "rich young ruler." As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, we're called to consider if we are holding onto our carefully constructed life. Many things can take the rightful place of God in our lives... status, reputation, money, etc. Jesus' call to be "born again," may also be a call to give up some of those elements of a carefully constructed life in order to follow Jesus with our everything.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sermon on the Mount 8: Rock of Ages - March 13, 2011
"Rock of Ages"
Text: Matthew 7:15-29
In this concluding study on the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Jon quickly recaps our Ash Wednesday service (recording not available), and then looks at Jesus' conclusion to the Sermon. Jesus Himself places great importance on these teachings, suggesting that if we hear the Sermon but don't allow it to shape us, then we are like a foolish man who builds his house on the sand. Pastor Jon suggests that, "We don’t get to wait until the storm hits to decide what type of house we have built… that decision is made moment-by-moment and day-by-day."
Text: Matthew 7:15-29
In this concluding study on the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Jon quickly recaps our Ash Wednesday service (recording not available), and then looks at Jesus' conclusion to the Sermon. Jesus Himself places great importance on these teachings, suggesting that if we hear the Sermon but don't allow it to shape us, then we are like a foolish man who builds his house on the sand. Pastor Jon suggests that, "We don’t get to wait until the storm hits to decide what type of house we have built… that decision is made moment-by-moment and day-by-day."
Sermon on the Mount 7: The Narrow Road - March 6, 2011
"The Narrow Road"
Text: Matthew 7:1-14
This portion of the Sermon on the Mount reminds us that it's easy to choose the path that leads to destruction. With many narratives competing for our attention, it's vital that we learn to detect the counterfeit narratives. That's why we practice retelling the Grand Narrative, affirming our faith in Christ, and gathering around the Table.
Text: Matthew 7:1-14
This portion of the Sermon on the Mount reminds us that it's easy to choose the path that leads to destruction. With many narratives competing for our attention, it's vital that we learn to detect the counterfeit narratives. That's why we practice retelling the Grand Narrative, affirming our faith in Christ, and gathering around the Table.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Sermon on the Mount 6: Seeking First the Kingdom - February 20, 2011
"Seeking First the Kingdom"
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
We continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount with another look at "Kingdom Economics." Pastor Jon provides some images to help us consider the ways that the Kingdom of God is vastly different from the kingdoms of this world... and how the narrative of our US culture is not the narrative that Kingdom-subjects are called to live.
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
We continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount with another look at "Kingdom Economics." Pastor Jon provides some images to help us consider the ways that the Kingdom of God is vastly different from the kingdoms of this world... and how the narrative of our US culture is not the narrative that Kingdom-subjects are called to live.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sermon on the Mount 5: Who is Your Master? - February 13, 2011
"Who is Your Master?"
Text: Matthew 6:19-24
The last few sections of the Sermon on the Mount have been about "Kingdom Politics," and now we turn our attention to "Kingdom Economics." After considering what it means to have a good eye, to only serve one master, and to store up treasures that will not rot, Pastor Jon asks us to consider the ways we've been living into the kingdom of our culture, instead of the Kingdom of God.
Text: Matthew 6:19-24
The last few sections of the Sermon on the Mount have been about "Kingdom Politics," and now we turn our attention to "Kingdom Economics." After considering what it means to have a good eye, to only serve one master, and to store up treasures that will not rot, Pastor Jon asks us to consider the ways we've been living into the kingdom of our culture, instead of the Kingdom of God.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Sermon on the Mount 4: Who is Your Enemy? - February 6, 2011
"Who is Your Enemy?"
Text: Matthew 5:38-48
"Turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, give the shirt off your back." As they've been adapted by our culture, these phrases have lost much of their first-century cultural context. Pastor Jon explores the subversive nature of Jesus' style of resisting the kingdoms of darkness, suggesting that we need to reevaluate our understanding of who the Enemy really is.
Text: Matthew 5:38-48
"Turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, give the shirt off your back." As they've been adapted by our culture, these phrases have lost much of their first-century cultural context. Pastor Jon explores the subversive nature of Jesus' style of resisting the kingdoms of darkness, suggesting that we need to reevaluate our understanding of who the Enemy really is.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Sermon on the Mount 3: Surpassing Righteousness - January 30, 2011
"Surpassing Righteousness"
Text: Matthew 5:21-37
In this section, we find some of the most difficult words of Jesus contained in the Sermon on the Mount. After offering three different methods of interpreting the text, Pastor Jon calls us to give thanks to God for His grace, which enables us to have a righteousness that surpasses that of the pharisees--His righteousness.
Text: Matthew 5:21-37
In this section, we find some of the most difficult words of Jesus contained in the Sermon on the Mount. After offering three different methods of interpreting the text, Pastor Jon calls us to give thanks to God for His grace, which enables us to have a righteousness that surpasses that of the pharisees--His righteousness.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sermon on the Mount 2: How's Your Flavor? - January 23, 2011
"How's Your Flavor?"
Text: Matthew 5:13-20
After describing the different Jewish sects of Jesus' day, Pastor Jon takes a look at this section of the Sermon on the Mount through the eyes of the Zealots, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. As we listen to these words of Jesus, we hear Him calling us to engage our world as salt and light.
Text: Matthew 5:13-20
After describing the different Jewish sects of Jesus' day, Pastor Jon takes a look at this section of the Sermon on the Mount through the eyes of the Zealots, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. As we listen to these words of Jesus, we hear Him calling us to engage our world as salt and light.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sermon on the Mount 1: A Living Blessing - January 16, 2010
"A Living Blessing"
Text: Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus begins His portrait of the Kingdom of God with a series of blessings, reminding us that God is on the side of the meek, the poor in spirit, and the peacemakers. As subjects of this Kingdom, we're called to be the conduits of these blessings to the world around us. The Beatitudes don't simply end with us, but are a call for us to be the living blessing to those who need to see the Kingdom of God revealed in their lives.
Text: Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus begins His portrait of the Kingdom of God with a series of blessings, reminding us that God is on the side of the meek, the poor in spirit, and the peacemakers. As subjects of this Kingdom, we're called to be the conduits of these blessings to the world around us. The Beatitudes don't simply end with us, but are a call for us to be the living blessing to those who need to see the Kingdom of God revealed in their lives.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sermon on the Mount Prequel: A Subject in the Kingdom of God - January 9, 2011
"A Subject in the Kingdom of God"
Text: Matthew 4:12-25
As we enter into the New Year, Pastor Jon urges us to consider the ways that the Kingdom of God is revealed among us. Matthew 4 provides the context for Jesus' best known sermon, "The Sermon on the Mount." During this season after Epiphany, we'll take a look at this sermon, and how it calls us to live as Subjects of the Kingdom of God.
Text: Matthew 4:12-25
As we enter into the New Year, Pastor Jon urges us to consider the ways that the Kingdom of God is revealed among us. Matthew 4 provides the context for Jesus' best known sermon, "The Sermon on the Mount." During this season after Epiphany, we'll take a look at this sermon, and how it calls us to live as Subjects of the Kingdom of God.
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