Advent #4: Love Shall Be Our Sign - December 22, 2013

Advent #4: "Love Shall Be Our Sign"
Text: Isaiah 7:1-16
Isaiah presents a prophecy to King Ahaz, reminding him to stand fast, to have faith, because God is with His people. This prophecy reminds us to always seek God first, to stand firm in our faith, and to trust God's wisdom and direction instead of our own reasoning. The promise of Immanuel was fulfilled in Ahaz's lifetime, it was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, and it continues to be fulfilled in our lives today.

Advent #2: Peace - Following the Child - December 8, 2013

Advent #2: "Peace - Following the Child"
Text: Isaiah 11:1-10
Isaiah's vision of the Peaceable Kingdom inspires us to live into the Kingdom where enemies will be made friends. Despite the seeming evidence to the contrary, we stubbornly proclaim that the Prince of Peace has come, and will come again.  The image of the shoot from the stump of Jesse gives us great hope, as we realize that God can bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to those in conflict.

Advent #1: Walk in the Light of the Lord - December 1, 2013

Advent #1: "Walk in the Light of the Lord"
Text: Isaiah 2:1-5
On this Sunday of Hope, we look at the ancient vision given to Isaiah: a world where God's mountain is the highest, where all nations come to the mountain, where God is the righteous judge over everyone, and where we live in peace in the Garden of the Lord. While we await that time, we are not given the details of how or when it will occur, but are simply exhorted to "walk in the light of the lord."

Colossians #7: Submitted to Christ the King - November 24, 2013

Colossians #7: "Submitted to Christ the King"
Text: Colossians 3:18-4:6
We conclude our series in Colossians on "Christ the King Sunday." Even as we consider the practical implications of Paul's teachings, we are challenged by his broader point: to radically submit ourselves to the authority of Christ. As we look at a complicated (and sometimes controversial passage), Pastor Jon looks at the cultural context of the day and the broader trajectory of the Gospel Narrative, suggesting some ways of interpreting this passage that are consistent with the balance of the scriptural witness.

Colossians #6: Clothed in Christ - November 17, 2013

Colossians #6: "Clothed in Christ"
Text: Colossians 3:5-17
In this sixth message on the letter to the Colossians, Pastor Jon looks at Paul's image of a wardrobe, suggesting that when we are found in Christ and Christ in us, we are clothed with the attributes and qualities of Christ. This requires a complete wardrobe transformation, putting off the old in order to put on the new. When we do this, we not only represent Christ, but Christ puts to an end the divisions of ethnicity, gender, nationality, and economic status.

Colossians #5: Hidden in Christ - November 10, 2013

Colossians #5: "Hidden in Christ"
Text: Colossians 3:1-4
Pastor Jon continues our exploration of Paul's letter to the Colossians with a look at the first 4 verses in chapter 3. What does it mean that we are "hidden in Christ?" What does that tell us about the value that God places on his children? Pastor Jon draws from the parables of the the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price to help us understand the ways in which God pursues his children.

Colossians #4: Alive in Christ - November 3, 2013

Colossians #4: "Alive in Christ"
Text: Colossians 2:6-23
The church in Colossae is being pulled in two directions: by those who would inject pagan practices into Christianity, and by those who would require gentiles to keep the Mosaic law in order to be Christian. Paul encourages the early church to continue to live in Christ, to be rooted and built up in him, to be strengthened in their faith, and to overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians #3: "Peace for the World that God so Loves" - October 27, 2013

Colossians #3: "Peace for the World that God so Loves"
Text: Colossians 1:19-27
As we continue with our study in Paul's letter to the Colossians, we are reminded that God, in Jesus, was reconciling the world to Himself. If the fullness of God is pleased to dwell in Jesus, and if the hope of glory is Christ in us, then we also have been given this ministry of reconciliation. As ambassadors for Christ, we must consider that it is not enough to simply repeat the message of Jesus. We must also perfect his methods.

Faith Promise: Aim Lower - October 13, 2013

Faith Promise: "Aim Lower"
During our annual missions convention, Rev. Gary Hartke shares about the three big rocks of missions: Prayer, Involvement, and Giving. Rev. Hartke is the Global Director of Nazarene Youth International, and came to share about some of the ways that God is using youth around the world in powerful ways.

Colossians #2: Seeing the Invisible - October 6, 2013

Colossians #2: "Seeing the Invisible"
Text: Colossians 1:15-20, 27
In this second sermon on the book of Colossians, Pastor Jon explores what it means to have faith in an invisible God. If Christ is the image of the invisible God, then we can trust the manner in which Christ reveals the Divine Nature. He is a faithful embodiment because God was pleased to have his fullness dwell within Jesus. Today's watching world doesn't need a vigorous defense of the Gospel as much as they need to see "Christ in you, the hope of glory," for if Christ is in you, then you are the embodiment of the Gospel.

Colossians #1: But Wait... There's More - September 29, 2013

Colossians #1: "But Wait... There's More"
Text: Colossians 1:1-14
We begin a short series on Paul's letter to the believers in Colossae. Pastor Jon notes that even though the letter is addressed to Christians, Paul prays that they will receive even more of what God has in store for them. The primary goal of the Gospel is not only that we would escape condemnation, but that we would live lives worthy of the Lord, pleasing to Him.

Was There no Balm in Gilead? - September 22, 2013

Was There no Balm in Gilead?
Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
In our personal lives we usually pay close attention to annual open enrollment for renewing or changing insurance coverage. This week we will follow Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, as he encourages the people of God to renew their commitments to holy living. Pastor Gloria encourages us to ask the question, 'Why am I out of healing balm and what can I do about it?"

The Kingdom: The Return of the King - September 15, 2013

"The Kingdom: The Return of the King"
Text: Matthew 21:33-46
Many of the Kingdom Parables remind us that Jesus will return.  The parable of the wicked tenants should not simply be viewed as condemnation of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but a reminder that the new tenants (Gentile Christians) have not received the vineyard without also receiving the expectations of working in the vineyard.

The Kingdom: The Generous Landowner - September 8, 2013

"The Kingdom: The Generous Landowner"
Text: Matthew 20:1-16
What does it mean for us to recognize that compared to others, we are the 11th hour workers in this story?  On the other hand, what does it mean to consider that when compared to still others, we are the early birds?  More importantly, what does this story tell us about God's grace and the way that the Kingdom of God functions?

The Kingdom: Persistence in the Face of Injustice - September 1, 2013

"The Kingdom: Persistence in the Face of Injustice"
Text: Luke 18:1-8
Pastor Jon explores some of the ways that this passage has been misinterpreted, coloring our perspective of God.  We are reminded that God gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:7-12) and that every good and perfect gift is from the Father (James 1:2-18).

The Kingdom: Contentment & Generosity - August 25, 2013

"The Kingdom: Contentment & Generosity"
Text: Luke 18:18-30
In Luke 18, Jesus delivers a hard teaching to the Rich Young Ruler.  As we consider the ways in which we related to material possessions, we discover that the posture of the subject in the Kingdom of God is one of contentment and generosity.

The Kingdom: Like a Child (Part 2) - August 18, 2013

"The Kingdom: Like a Child" (Part 2)
Text: Matthew 18:1-6
Pastor Jon continues to explore the relationship between children and the Kingdom of God.  This week, we consider what it means to have a childlike faith, trusting God, and receiving God's grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

The Kingdom: Like a Child - August 11, 2013

"The Kingdom: Like a Child" - August 11, 2013
Text: Luke 18:15-17
Following our Vacation Bible School closing program, Pastor Jon highlights the importance of bringing children to Jesus, and of telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.

The Kingdom: Wedding Clothes - August 4, 2013

The Kingdom: Wedding Clothes
Text: Matthew 22:1-14
In Matthew 22, Jesus again compares the Kingdom of God to a wedding feast.  As we consider the idea of wedding clothes, we are reminded that it's important to arrive at the feast, "dressed in His righteousness alone."

The Kingdom: No Excuses - July 28, 2013

"The Kingdom: No Excuses"
Text: Luke 14:15-24; Luke 9:59-62
In Romans, Paul tells us that all people are "without excuse."  Jesus emphasizes this in the Banquet parable in Luke 14--reminding us that the seats left empty by those who offered excuses will be filled.  While we might immediately understand this parable as a lesson about Gentile inclusion into the Kingdom of God, it is important that we also stop to consider the ways that we might offer excuses, even today.

The Kingdom: Beggars at the Feast - July 21, 2013

The Kingdom: Beggars at the Feast
Text: 2 Samuel 9:1-11; Romans 8:14-23; Luke 14:7-14
Jesus' advice about table manners is not merely practical social advice, but a lesson with distinctly Christian overtones.  When we consider this parable, we become aware of the ways that the Kingdom of God is structured and ordered. As we join with the other "beggars at the feast," we celebrate our adoption as children of God.

The Kingdom: The Sower Went Out to Sow - July 14, 2013

"The Kingdom: The Sower Went Out to Sow"
Text: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-32; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; I Corinthians 3:5-9
It was the best of soil, it was the worst of soil.  But regardless of the soil, the sower goes out to sow.  Pastor Jon looks at this parable, and suggests three lessons for us: Tend your soil. Produce fruit. Sow seed. 

The Kingdom: A Pearl of Great Price - July 7, 2013

The Kingdom: A Pearl of Great Price
Text: Matthew 13:44-46; Genesis 29:15-28; Luke 14:26-30
If we are to announce the coming of the Kingdom of God, we ought to know what the Kingdom looks like.  Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of God through parables and teachings.  Today, we look at the parable of the pearl of great price, considering our grateful response to the free gift of God's grace.

The Kingdom of God has Come Near - June 30, 2013

"The Kingdom of God has Come Near" - June 30, 2013
Text: Matthew 13:31-33; Hebrews 12:18-29; I Cor 5:18-20
Based on a message by Rev. Jerry Porter (General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene), Pastor Jon explores the promise of Jesus: that the Kingdom of God has come near!  Highlighting stories that were told at Nazarene General Assembly, we are reminded that we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, and that we are the ambassadors of that Kingdom, announcing the Good News to all.

Connect. Grow. SERVE. - June 16, 2013

"Connect. Grow. SERVE."
Text: Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16
The last of a three-part series, we explore what it means to use the right tools in the hands of the right person for the right job.  The elements of service are so tightly woven into the fabric of the Christian faith that it's essential for every believer to be utilizing their gifts and talents in service to the Master.  To do anything less is to miss out on all that He has for you.  Pastor Jon concludes the message by exploring the relationship between the three core values that we've been discussing: Connect. Grow. Serve.

Connect. GROW. Serve - June 9, 2013

"Connect. GROW. Serve"
Text: 2 Peter 1:3-8
If we are truly connected to God, then it stands to reason that we will grow.  But Peter indicates that we can't simply sit back and expect this growth to occur, but that we must "make every effort" to add to our faith.  We also realize that we don't reach a point of "arrival" but that we have these things in "increasing measure."  All of this for the purpose of being effective and productive in the Kingdom of God.

CONNECT. Grow. Serve. - June 2, 2013

"CONNECT. Grow. Serve."
Text: Romans 5:6-11
What is "The Church"?  The first in a three-week series, we explore our core values and mission.  Using the biblical images of a vine, the body, and a building, Pastor Jon explores what it means to be reconciled to God and to help others connect with God.  Prior to the sermon, the congregation watched this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_4u8TRorUw

Glory in our Sufferings - May 26, 2013

"Glory in our Sufferings"
Text: Romans 5:1-5
Pastor Jon considers the themes of honor and shame, which were two of the guiding criteria in the ancient cultures. The Apostle Paul challenges to not "fit in" with the dominant culture, but to glory in our sufferings... and to know that our hope will not put us to shame.

Ashes to Fire #14: "It's a Family Thing" - May 19, 2013

Ashes to Fire #14: "It's a Family Thing"
Text: Romans 8:9-17
The celebration of Pentecost is truly "A Family Thing," as nobody else celebrates this holiday quite like Christians.  Pastor Jon explores the themes of family resemblances, family brokenness, and family restoration in this concluding sermon in the Ashes to Fire series.

Ashes to Fire #13: "A Great High Priest" - May 12, 2013

Ashes to Fire #13: "A Great High Priest"
Text: John 17:20-26
In looking at this portion of the "High Priestly Prayer of Jesus," we are reminded that on the night Jesus was betrayed, He prayed for US.  The contents of that prayer inform the way in which we ought to live together as the Church, and the mission that we ought to be engaged in.  We are also reminded that Jesus continues to pray for us as He is seated at the right-hand of the Throne of God.

Ashes to Fire #12: "Not Afraid" - May 5, 2013

Ashes to Fire #12: "Not Afraid"
Text: John 14:23-29
The Holy Spirit.  Peace.  Be Not Afraid.  These promises of Jesus are so intertwined that it's hard to tell where one ends and the next begins.  When we truly understand the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, made available to all people for all time, then we will walk in peace, and never be afraid.  We know that "never once did we ever walk alone."

Ashes to Fire #11: "Love Like Jesus" - April 28, 2013

Ashes to Fire #11: "Love Like Jesus"
Text: John 13:31-35
In light of the New Covenant established on the night that Jesus was betrayed, we need to take a serious look at the New Commandment given by Jesus - to love others as Jesus loves us.  This sort of love is to be the defining hallmark of the Christ-follower, for the world will know that we are Christians because of our love.  In this sermon, Pastor Jon explores what this love looks like, and how it is lived out in the new covenant community.

Ashes to Fire #10: In the Arms of the Shepherd - April 21, 2013

Ashes to Fire #10: "In the Arms of the Shepherd"
Text: I Thessalonians 5:1-11; John 10:22-30; Psalm 46
Following the tragic events of this week, Pastor Jon considers the "illusion of security" that we sometimes cling to.  The texts today remind us that we can't find "peace and safety" in our government, economy, military, or anything else in this world which is bound to fail.  When all else fails, we are reminded that the Good Shepherd will shelter us, and that no one can snatch us out of His hand.

Ashes to Fire #9: Under Construction - April 14, 2013

Ashes to Fire #9: "Under Construction"
Text: John 21:1-19
We recognize that we are often like Jesus' disciples: even if we don't deny Him like Peter, or betray Him like Judas, we are often like the others - silent, doubting, confused, scattered, and afraid.  And like the seven disciples in today's lesson, we sometimes return to "business as usual" - the familiar and comfortable routines we knew before we met Jesus.  Today's sermon reminds us that Jesus lovingly pursues us, even though we're still under construction.

Annual Meeting: "Now Thank We All Our God" - April 7, 2013

Annual Meeting: "Now Thank We All Our God"
Text: I Corinthians 3:5-9; Luke 17:11-19
Before we rush ahead into the "New Thing" that God is doing, it's important to return to the Savior, praising Him for what He has done, is doing, and is going to do.  In his Annual Report, Pastor Jon highlights some of the great things that have happened this year, reminding us that this is not the story of any one pastor, board member, teacher, or member; but the story of God Himself.  He will build His church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it (Mt. 16:18).

Ashes to Fire 7: "Breaking the Chains" - March 31, 2013

Ashes to Fire 7: "Breaking the Chains"
Text: I Corinthians 15:20-26; Isaiah 65:17-25; Luke 24:1-12
Pastor Jon explores the imagery of bondage throughout scripture and literature, considering the ways in which Christ breaks the chains of injustice, sin, and death.  Easter reminds us that Christ has already defeated the last enemy, death itself.  In so doing, we can be confident that all other enemies are defeated and all other chains are broken.

Ashes to Fire #6: "Not a Rock" - March 24, 2013

Ashes to Fire #6: "Not a Rock"
Text: Luke 19:28-40
As we explore the themes of the Triumphal Entry, we are confronted with the question of whether we accept Jesus on His terms, or attempt to define Him to meet our own expectations.  Did the "Hosannas" fade because the road was too tough... the cross too difficult... or because Jesus wasn't who they expected Him to be?  As disciples, it is our job to praise God regardless of the circumstances.  If we remain silent, then the rocks will cry out.

Ashes to Fire #5: Prodigal Mary - March 17, 2013

Ashes to Fire #5: Prodigal Mary John 12:1-11
In a Gospel Lesson full of literary devices, we consider the ways in which Mary's lavish gift helps us to give of ourselves fully to our Lord.  Our extravagant worship should always be in response to our understanding that God has given everything for us.

Ashes to Fire #4: Embraced by Grace - March 10, 2013

Ashes to Fire #4: "Embraced by Grace"
Text: Luke 15:1-2, 11-32
Victor Hugo provides a powerful way to look at the characters in today's Gospel lesson.  From Les Miserables, the characters of Javert and Valjean help us to understand the lives of the elder and younger son in the parable of the Prodigal Son.  One has been forever changed after being embraced by grace, while the other is bound by rules and legalism.  As we remember our own encounter with God's grace, we are reminded to extend that same embrace to others--that they might somehow catch a taste of the transforming grace of God.

Ashes to Fire #3: Keep Short Accounts - March 3, 2013

Ashes to Fire #3: "Keep Short Accounts"
Text: Luke 13:1-9
When tragedy strikes, there is no shortage of "Christian spokespeople" prepared to declare that the tragedy was somehow indicative of God's judgment on a particular person or group of people.  And yet, when people ask Jesus about tragic events, he (politely and tactfully) tells them to MYOB - Mind Your Own Business.  In this message, Pastor Jon considers the ways in which we ought to primarily be concerned about nurturing our own spiritual growth, keeping short accounts with God and with others.

Ashes to Fire #2: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem!" - February 24, 2013

Ashes to Fire #2: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem"
Text: Luke 13:31-35
As Jesus moves steadfastly toward Jerusalem, he does so fearlessly, knowing that the timing if his death is entirely in the hands of the Father.  Lamenting the broken systems and lost people in Jerusalem, Jesus continues to make intentional decisions which lead to his arrest and execution.  And yet, we still get a sense for the Father-heart of God, as Jesus longs to gather under his wings the very people who will seek to do him harm.  In a reversal of our English idiom about the fox guarding the hen house, here we see the hen walking straight into the lair of the fox.

Ashes to Fire #1: Wilderness Survival Guide - February 17, 2013

Ashes to Fire #1: "Wilderness Survival Guide"
Luke 4:1-14
As we begin our wilderness adventure with Jesus, we consider the ways in which His identity formed the foundation from which He faced temptation.  Jesus knew who He was, whose He was, and Who went with Him.  In the same manner, as dearly loved children of God, we survive the wilderness by being firmly rooted in our identity and the knowledge that the Holy Spirit goes with us.

Transfiguration: Going Back Down the Mountain - February 10, 2013

"Transfiguration: Going Back Down the Mountain"
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Concluding the Season After Epiphany, the Transfiguration reminds us that we meet God in order to be transformed; that we go up the mountain in order to return to the valley; and that we enjoy the privilege of a personal relationship with God.  As we go back down the mountain into the valley, we are to be the representation of God--ambassadors to the world.

Missio Dei - February 3, 2013

"Missio Dei"
Text: Luke 5:1-11
Jesus invites Peter, James and John to partner with Him in fulfilling the Mission of God.  It is the same call that is issued to every follower of Jesus, and yet we have often been content to sit back and wait for the world to come to us.  We are reminded of the response of Isaiah: "Here am I, send me."

The Year of Jubilee - January 27, 2013

"The Year of Jubilee"
Text: Luke 4:14-21
In proclaiming the Year of the Lord's Favor, Jesus doesn't seem to be talking about land ownership and freedom for slaves as much as He is talking about spiritual poverty & blindness, and setting people free from the law of sin and death.  In a move that angers His listeners, Jesus extends this Year of Jubilee to all people, not just the Jews.  What would it mean to press the "giant reset button" on your life?  What does it mean to truly understand that your future is not controlled by your past?

Discipline of Celebration - January 20, 2013

"Discipline of Celebration"
Text: John 2:1-11
Jesus continues to demonstrate obedience and submission as His mother asks Him to perform His first miracle at the wedding in Cana. In turning water into wine, Jesus not only reminds us that He has power over the material elements in this world, but that He is the full embodiment of the God who celebrates with His children. Jesus doesn't cut any corners, but turns the water into the best wine imaginable, reminding us that we can bring the ordinary "stuff" of our lives to be transformed into something extra-ordinary for God's glory.

Voluntary Submission in the Kingdom of God - January 13, 2013

"Voluntary Submission in the Kingdom of God"
Text: Philippians 2:1-11; Luke 3:15-22
Pastor Jon looks at the Baptism of our Lord through the lens of the Kenosis hymn found in Philippians 2.  By considering Baptism as a voluntary act of submission, we recognize that in order to live into our baptism will entail great risk as we subvert the kingdoms of this world.

Epiphany: Pursuing the Revelation of Christ - January 6, 2013

"Epiphany: Pursuing the Revelation of Christ"
Text: Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12
While much of our traditions about the Magi are based in speculation and legend, we can make some educated guesses about their journey and the sacrifices that they made.  These educated guesses help us determine some lessons that we can learn from the Wise Men in our pursuit of Jesus.