Never Alone - December 31, 2006

"Never Alone"

Texts: John 1:1-14; Hebrews 1:1-8; Matthew 1:23

While Christmas is supposed to be "the most wonderful time of the year," for many it is truly the loneliest. Author Taylor Caldwell writes that the meaning of Christmas is that "we are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent." This is the message of Immanuel--God with us. Pastor Jon prays that you can claim the promise of Immanuel--this Christmas and for many Christmases to come.

Note: This sermon was preached on December 24th, 2006. It is published for December 31st, to replace a Service of Lessons and Carols which is not easily reproduced for podcast.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

The Little Drummer Boy - December 24, 2006

"The Legend of the Little Drummer Boy"

Texts: Matthew 2; Mark 12:41-44

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 published on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2006. Come back next week (December 31st) for a recording of the December 24th sermon. We will return to a regular schedule on January 7th, 2007.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

Jumping for Joy - December 17, 2006

"Jumping for Joy"

Texts: Luke 1:26-55

True joy is found, not in circumstances and surroundings, but in a deep and abiding knowledge of God and our role in His Kingdom. Pastor Jon looks at Mary, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist (as an infant) to see what we can learn about this deep joy which is available to us...even in the midst of situations which seem full of despair.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

Messiah Brings Shalom - December 10, 2006

"Messiah Brings Shalom"

Texts: Luke 3:1-18; Malachi 3:1-4

In our world of dischord and war, it seems odd to speak of the "Peace of Christ." When we hear the message of John the Baptist, it sounds less like a message of peace and good news, but one of judgment. And yet, true shalom is only found when we are at peace with God, ourselves, and others. May Christ's peace reign in your heart this Christmas.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

When All Hell Breaks Loose, Help Is On the Way - December 3, 2006

"When All Hell Breaks Loose, Help Is On the Way"
Texts: Luke 21:25-36; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; James 5:13-16
The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the new liturgical year. The Advent celebration is not simply about marking time until Christmas, but an opportunity for us to boldly proclaim the message of hope. This hope is rooted in the knowledge that God's promises are forever, and that Christ will come again. This service concluded with a time of prayer and anointing.
You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

Complete Surrender to Christ the King - November 26, 2006

"Complete Surrender to Christ the King"

Texts: Hebrews 12:1-2; John 18:28-40

Eric Liddell, also known as The Flying Scotsman, helps us understand what it means to orient our lives around the Kingdom of God. Jesus' dialogue with Pontius Pilate reminds us that His Kingdom is not one of swords or spears, but a spiritual Kingdom to which his followers belong. May we always place Him first in our lives.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

The Marathon of Faith - November 19, 2006

"The Marathon of Faith"

Texts: Hebrews 11-12:2; Psalm 73:24-28; Mark 13:1-8

The author of Hebrews exhorts his readers to hold fast and to follow hard after Christ as we run this great marathon of faith. Christianity is not something that we can take up when it is convenient, but an all-consuming obsession that leaves time for nothing else. To run this race, we must lay aside everything that would hinder us and fix our eyes on Jesus.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

The Requirements of the New Covenant - November 12, 2006

"The Requirements of the New Covenant"

Texts: Hebrews 10:11-24; Ruth 3:1-4:17; Mark 12:35-44

Hebrews chapter 10 provides some snapshots of ways in which the New Covenant has different requirements than the Old Covenant. While the Old Covenant was structured on lists and laws, the New Covenant is based upon the Law of Love. We give our all, not because we are required to, but because we are motivated to respond to God's great love for us.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

The Old and New Covenants - November 5, 2006

"The Old and New Covenants"

Texts: Genesis 15; Hebrews 9:1-15; Mark 12:28-34

By looking more closely at the covenant traditions of the ancient culture, Pastor Jon highlights more ways in which the author of Hebrews demonstrates that the New Covenant is greater than and fulfills the Old Covenant. We learn that when Jesus gives His life on the cross, He is fulfilling the promise made to Abram in Genesis 15.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

Salvation Full and Free - October 29, 2006

"Salvation Full and Free"

Texts: Genesis 14; Hebrews 7; Mark 10:46-52

The author of Hebrews spends a great deal of energy comparing Jesus to the Old Testament character of Melchizedek. Not only is Jesus similar to Melchizedek, but Melchizeded is greater than Levi and the Levitical priests. The logical argument provided by Hebrews helped the original readers understand how they could put their faith in Jesus as their Great High Priest, even though he was from the tribe of Judah. Because of this, Jesus offers complete salvation which is eternal. He invites us to enter into an ongoing relationship with Him, and like Blind Bartimaeus, we are to follow Him wherever He leads.

You may email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

Finding Jesus Through Suffering - October 22, 2006

"Finding Jesus Through Suffering"

Texts: Mark 10:35-38; Hebrews 1:9-10; Isaiah 53:3-12; Genesis 3:17-19Job 38:1-7, 34-41; Romans 8:17; Matthew 25:35-40

The Problem of Evil asks "How can evil co-exist in a universe with an all-good, all-powerful God?" Pastor Jon Twitchell looks at this difficult problem, drawing from the doctrine of free will, the tarnishing of creation at the fall of man, and the simple fact that, like Job, we were not with God at the creation of the universe. However, we can be confident that through our suffering we can find Jesus, and that we can also find Jesus when we go to those who are suffering. We find healing in His brokenness, we find life in his death.

Of Campaigns and Callings - October 15, 2006

"Of Campaigns and Callings"

Texts: Mark 10:13-45; Hebrews 5:1-10; Philippians 2:1-11

Twenty-first century political campaigns in the United States seem to be a far cry from the intentions of the founding fathers of our country. And yet, the aspirations for titles and positions go back in history. Every organization with people seems to have a political aspect to it, and even Jesus' band of disciples was not immune to the idea of campaigning. In the midst of the campaign, we're reminded that the first shall be last, the one who wishes to be great must serve, and leadership is about following a calling, not running a campaign.

What's Your Perspective? - October 8, 2006

"What's Your Perspective"

Texts: Job 1:13-21, 19:25; Mark 10:17-31; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-16

Contrasting Job with the Rich Young Ruler forces us to consider the priorities in our own life. Our ability to face the inevitable losses and tragedy in life is determined by our perspective on life. By setting our sights on things above, we are better able to weather the storms in life.

This message extensively references a recent barn fire in Albion, ME, which you can read about here or watch a news report here.

The Exact Representation of God's Being - October 1, 2006

"The Exact Representation of God's Being"

Texts: I Corinthians 13:2; Hebrews 1:1-14, 2:5-12

The author of Hebrews states that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory, and the exact representation of His being. In a world where God's message is so often drowned out by the noise around us, it is good to be reminded that God continues to speak to His people, and uses the Church to communicate His presence to the world.

Faith Promise Session 3/3 - Persecuted Church - September 24, 2006

Faith Promise 3/3 - Persecuted Church

The third of three services from our Faith Promise for Missions Convention with special speakers Bryan & Linda Heil. In this service, Bryan provides first- and second-hand accounts of how God is working in areas of the world that have been historically resistant to the Gospel. The Heils are currently serving in the Carribean Regional office located in Miami, FL. For more information about ministry on the Caribbean Region, visit www.caribbeannazarene.org.

Faith Promise Session 2/3 - Work & Witness - September 24, 2006

Faith Promise 2/3 - Work & Witness

The second of three services from our Faith Promise for Missions Convention with special speakers Bryan & Linda Heil. In this service, Bryan shares about how Work & Witness teams are being used to help build the Kingdom of God. The Heils are currently serving in the Carribean Regional office located in Miami, FL. For more information about ministry on the Caribbean Region, visit www.caribbeannazarene.org.

Faith Promise Session 1/3 - JESUS Film - September 23, 2006 -

Faith Promise 1/3 - Jesus Film

The first of three services from our Faith Promise for Missions Convention with special speakers Bryan & Linda Heil. In this service, Bryan shares inspiring stories about the success of the JESUS Film around the world. The Heils are currently serving in the Carribean Regional office located in Miami, FL. For more information about ministry on the Caribbean Region, visit www.caribbeannazarene.org.

Rally Day - The Day of Small Things - September 17, 2006

The Day of Small Things

Special speaker Doug Twitchell visited for our Sunday School Rally Day. In addition to some ventriloquial sketches with Jeorge, Jeffrey, Uncle Jim, and JD, he presented this message exhorting us to faithfully do the small things that God calls us to. For more information on Doug's ministries, visit www.biblical-illuminations.com.

Homecoming - The Temple of Your Heart - September 10, 2006

The Temple of Your Heart

Texts: I Kings 5-8; Jeremiah 31:31-33; II Corinthians 3:3

Homecoming weekend not only provides the opportunity to review the history of our local church, but also our place within the history of God's interaction with mankind. The dedication of Solomon's Temple provides the backdrop for our understanding of God's covenant with His people and how He desires to dwell within human hearts.

Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord - September 3, 2006

Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord

Texts: I Kings 3:16-28; Matthew 25:14-30

We continue our study of Solomon with the first major test of his God-given wisdom. Faced with a dilemma, Solomon wisely considers a third option to discover the truth. We are reminded that it was not simply enough for Solomon to ask for wisdom, or for God to give him that wisdom, but Solomon had to choose to use that wisdom.

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God - August 27, 2006

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

License Plate Handout

Texts: I Kings 2:10-12; I Kings 3:3-14; Matthew 6:25-34

Solomon's request for wisdom (an understanding and discerning heart) provides an example of one who understands the difference between needs and wants, as well as an example of faith that helps us in our own stewardship decisions. If we seek God's Kingdom first, we will have no need of worrying about the material concerns of this world.

An Ungrateful Response to Grace - August 13, 2006

An Ungrateful Response to Grace

Texts: John 6:22-27; Luke 17:11-19; Psalm 78:23-32; Exodus 16; II Samuel 9:1-13; II Samuel 16:1-4; II Samuel 19:24-28

The story of Mephibosheth forms an example for how we should live our lives as a response to God's grace. When compared to the crowds who sought after loaves to fill their bellies or the Israelites who hoarded manna, we see Mephibosheth as one who recognizes his dependence upon David's grace, but does not presume upon it.

The House of God - July 30, 2006

The House of God

Texts: II Samuel 7; Ephesians 2:19-22; Isaiah 53:4-6

This sermon takes a look at the Davidic covenant as recorded in Second Samuel 7, in terms of the short-term fulfillment found in Solomon and the temple, as well as the long-term fulfillment found in the person and work of Jesus the Christ. All are invited to come and take their place as a living stone within the new temple of God--the Church.

Worshipping with Wild Abandon - July 23, 2006

Worshipping with Wild Abandon

Text: II Samuel 6

This sermon takes a look at Second Samuel 6, and looks at the lessons about worship that we can learn from Uzzah, Michal, and David. When we truly "worship with wild abandon," we are not concerned with protecting either God's reputation or our own, but are offering ourselves completely for His glory.

Upside-down, Backwards, and Inside-Out - July 16, 2006

Upside-down, Backwards, and Inside-Out

Texts: II Samuel 5:1-10; II Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly counter-cultural....upside-down, backwards, and inside-out. In this sermon, Pastor Jon Twitchell challenges us to examine our lives and our churches to see if we are simply following the conventional wisdom of this world, or if we are following the patterns set by Jesus.

A Matter of Life and Death - July 9, 2006

A Matter of Life and Death

Texts: II Samuel 1:1-27; Matthew 5:43-48

The story of the end of Saul's life forces us to confront questions about the Sanctity of Life. However, it would be good for us to remember that Sanctity of Life is not only about when life begins or when life ends, but about how we live our lives between birth and death.

We Need a Hero? - July 2, 2006

We Need a Hero?

Text: I Samuel 17:1-49

The story of David and Goliath is interpreted against the backdrop of superhero stories like Superman, Spiderman, or Zorro. David challenges us to not simply wait around for a "superhero" to step in and do amazing things, but to use the gifts that God has given us to make a difference in the world around us.

A Citizen of the Kingdom of God - June 18, 2006

A Citizen of the Kingdom of God

Text: I Samuel 8:1-20

We consider the nature of citizenships and kingdoms as we look at the Israelites' request for a king to rule over them. As we consider the systems of human government, we are challenged to orient our lives around the spiritual realities of the Kingdom of God. We are primarily to be citizens of God's Kingdom, before being citizens of the kingdoms of this world.

I Serve at the Pleasure of God Almighty - June 11, 2006

I Serve at the Pleasure of God Almighty

Texts: I Samuel 3:1-20; II Corinthians 4:5-12

Have you ever wondered what it must be like for a Presidential appointee to receive a phone call asking them to serve "at the Pleasure of the President of the United States." This sermon explores the call that the young boy Samuel received in the middle of the night asking him to serve "at the Pleasure of God Almighty." How do you respond to God's call on your life?

Pentecost - Crash Helmets & Life Jackets - June 4, 2006

Pentecost - Crash Helmets & Life Jackets

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.

A Faithful and True Witness - May 28, 2006

A Faithful and True Witness

Texts: Acts 1:1-11; I John 5:9-13

With present-day discussion about "The DaVinci Code" and the "Gospel of Judas," the Church is challenged to consider why it places its faith in the message revealed through the current scriptural Canon. As we consider the witness of those early Apostles, our faith is strengthened by the realization that they were willing to suffer and die because of the message that they testified about. Are we prepared to be that faithful and true witness in our world today?

Faith is the Victory - May 21, 2006

Faith is the Victory


Texts: John 15:9-17; I John 5:1-5

The mission of the church is not to be a safe place for the saved and the sanctified, but to take the message of hope and holiness to the world around us. We're not the church primarily when we're gathered within these four walls, we're the church primarily when we're away from these four walls engaging our world as conduits of the "wonderful, matchless grace of Jesus." We're called to love others. How do you know that you are loving others? By loving God. Both our love for God and our love for others are derived from God's love for us.

With this backdrop, Pastor Jon looks at the potential reasons why the Church in North America is failing to grow at the same pace of churches around the world. Is it possible that we are no longer finding lost people because we believe that lost people don't want to be found? Is it possible that we know the reasons they would reject Christ better than they know those reasons? Do we lack the victory that Jesus promised because our faith needs to be strenghtened?

Abiding in Him - May 14, 2006

Abiding in Him


Text: John 15:1-8; I John 4:7-21

On Mother's Day, we are reminded that the most basic and fundamental characteristic of God's nature is love. Not only does "love" describe who God is, but we also realize that God defines our understanding of "love." The call of Scripture is for us to abide in God so that He abides in us. Instead of settling for being "saved from Hell," we are to be in an intimate relationship with our Creator. Perhaps this intimacy is best pictured by the intimate abiding of a mother and unborn child. How do you know you love God? When you produce fruit and love others.

The Reality of Present Risenness - April 30, 2006

The Reality of Present Risenness

Text: I John 3:1-8

What difference does Easter really make? Does the reality of the resurrection affect the way in which we live our lives? Easter is not simply an historical event, but has very real ramifications for our lives today. Not only did Jesus walk from an empty tomb, but He is alive and active today. we must be continually aware of what Brennan Manning calls "Present Risenness."

Special - Welcome to the Podcast - April 23, 2006

Special - Welcome to the Podcast

A special message from Pastor Jon Twitchell directly to listeners of our sermon podcast. We're very glad that you're listening, and we'd love to hear from you. You can email Pastor Jon at pastorjon@capenazarene.org.

Easter - Rejoice! The Song is Alive! - April 16, 2006

Easter Sunday - Rejoice! The Song is Alive

Texts: Isaiah 53:6; Acts 3:15; Luke 7:18-23; Luke 15:1-7; John 9; John 11:1-44

As the continuation of the message begun on Good Friday, we can rejoice today for the Song is alive. For even though we killed the Author of Life, God is more powerful than darkness, life is stronger than death, God's song is stronger than the silence. The lost are found, the blind see, the dead live again. What shall our response be to this proclamation of the Gospel? What song shall we now sing? To whom shall we sing our song? Let us echo the words of Casting Crowns--indeed, "let my lifesong sing to You!"

Good Friday - Killing the Song - April 14, 2006

Good Friday - Killing the Song

Texts: John 1; John 18-19; Philippians 2:1-8; Acts 3

The creation of Narnia from Lewis's "The Magician's Nephew" formed the backdrop for an evening of dramatic readings which culminated in this message about killing the author of life. For three horrible days, the Light of the World was snuffed out, the author of the song had been silenced. Instead of singing the song of the Creator, we chose instead to sing our own song. Let us never forget that it was as though our sins and disobedience nailed Him to that tree.

The Quest - It's Not About You - April 9, 2006

The Quest - The Life You've Longed For: It's Not About You

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Texts: Mark 1:14-20; I Corinthians 1:20-31

Jesus took ordinary people and asked them to do extraordinary tasks. On this quest, we learn that our participation in the Kingdom of God isn't really about us--it's about Him. Will you choose to follow Him with all of your heart, regardless of the cost? Henri Nouwen says, "There is no middle ground here. Jesus went to Jerusalem to put people in a situation where they had to say yes or no."

The Quest - Christlike Character - April 2, 2006

The Quest - Christlike Character

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Texts: Romans 12:1-2

God desires to form Christlike character within us. If we are a broken pot, it is not simply enough for Him to rescue the pieces of the pot from being thrown out--instead, He loves us so much that He desires to pick up the pieces, put them back together again, clean the inside of the pot, fill it up with His Spirit, for the purpose of restoring the Image of God within us. We are called to be transformed--allowing the Character of Christ to shine through us.

The Quest - You Can Receive Power - March 26

The Quest - You Can Receive Power

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Texts: Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7, 14

Our fifth session on our Quest, guided by Frank Moore's book "The Power to be Free," causes us to consider the ways in which we are empowered by God to do His work. As we are dependant upon His power and allow His power to flow through us, we find ourselves caught up in His Kingdom work. This power gives us strength, it works on our behalf, and it is at work within us.

The Quest - You Can Experience Purity - March 19, 2006

The Quest - You Can Experience Purity

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Texts: Matthew 5:8; Psalm 51; Philippians 2:1-8; James 4:8

Scripture teaches that the goal of the Christian is to have a pure heart. Is it possible to experience this kind of purity in the world around us? What does a pure heart look like? Soren Kierkegaard suggests that heart purity is "to will one thing." James suggests that we must be single-minded in all we do. Heart purity begins when we follow Jesus as our example and seek only to do the Father's will.

The Quest - You Can Accept Love - March 12, 2006

The Quest - You Can Accept Love

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Texts: John 3:16; Luke 15; Matthew 13:45-46

This third session on our Quest highlights the way in which God's Spirit transforms us through His love.Luis Palau, (the "Latin Billy Graham") is famous for saying "God loves you, loves you, loves you." However, this truth doesn't simply mean that we can live however we like--God loves us so much that He desires to transform us more and more into His image. Not only does God love us, He loves others through us.

The Quest - You Have a Guide - March 5, 2006

The Quest - You Have a Guide

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Text: John 16:12-15

This second sermon on "The Quest" (based on Frank Moore's book The Power to be Free) looks at the ways in which the Holy Spirit acts as our guide. With a multitude of guides and teachers offering their thoughts to us, we must remember that the Holy Spirit is the best guide for us to follow--the best teacher for us to learn from. We can always find people who want to tell us what we should do--but we should be a student of the Holy Spirit.

The Quest - How Do I Live the Life I've Longed For? - February 26, 2006

The Quest - How Do I Live the Life I've Longed For?

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Text: II Kings 2:1-12; John 14:1-6, 15-18

Have you ever had a task for which you need outside assistance? Jesus left his disciples with two great tasks--the Great Commandments and the Great Commission. While the tasks seem impossible for us to complete on our own, Jesus left us with Great Promises of outside help--the Holy Spirit. This sermon begins our study through "The Quest," based on Frank Moore's book The Power to be Free.

Following Instructions - February 19, 2006

Following Instructions

Text: II Kings 5:1-17

The story of Naaman's leprosy reminds us of the importance of following the instructions that God gives us, regardless of how simple or foolish they may appear. Instead of following the instructions that are given to us, we often are tempted to try to figure things on our own. When we are broken, it is necessary to consult the instructions, to learn how God might provide us with healing. It is precisely God's grace alone which heal us, not only our bodies, but our spirits as well. It is our faith and obedience which opens us to God's healing power to be at work in our lives.

One With Authority - January 29, 2006

One With Authority

Text: Mark 1:21-28

What does it mean to say that Jesus "taught as One with Authority"? In our pluralistic culture, the role of authorityhas been diminished--instead of trusting those in positions of influence, we are tempted to only trust ourselves. At the same time, we long for a culture which shares a common moral authority where "right" is always "right" and "north" is always "north." Our best self-improvements leave us with a sense of emptiness and failure, and so we must reorient our compass to follow the "One with Authority."

Follow How Far - January 22, 2006

Follow How Far?

Text: Psalm 62: 5-8; Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7:17-23; Mark 1:14-20

At the heart of the message of Christianity is the doctrine that we can have a personal relationship with God Almighty. And yet, it's important for us to remember that we are on a Great Adventure with a Great Commander! As we hear the Gospel lesson about the calling of the disciples we are challenged to consider how far we are willing to follow our Leader.

A New Wardrobe - January 1, 2006

A New Wardrobe

Text: Revelation 21:1-6a, Isaiah 43

TLC's "What Not to Wear" provides the backdrop for this New Year's sermon about our God who is making all things new. As we prepare to throw away our old wardrobe, we know that God is always doing a new thing and desires to clothe us with His robes. What "New Thing" does God want for you this year?