"A Peculiar Companion"
Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14
On Pentecost, we are reminded that Christ came not only so we could have eternal life, but that we could have abundant life in the here and now. Pastor Jon takes a look at Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, and reminds us that God desires to breathe His Spirit into our lives, even though we may feel cut off and dried up.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
A Peculiar Commission - May 20, 2012
"A Peculiar Commission"
Text: Acts 1:1-11
The last words of Jesus to the disciples were a commission to be witnesses to the whole world. That commission has been handed down from disciple to disciple to disciple, until it has reached you. What sort of a witness are you? Who is depending on you to be the next link in the chain so they can come to know Christ?
Text: Acts 1:1-11
The last words of Jesus to the disciples were a commission to be witnesses to the whole world. That commission has been handed down from disciple to disciple to disciple, until it has reached you. What sort of a witness are you? Who is depending on you to be the next link in the chain so they can come to know Christ?
A Peculiar Condition - May 13, 2012
"A Peculiar Condition"
Text: John 17:6-19
In the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, recorded in John 17, we discover that Jesus not only prays for the disciples, but he prays for us as well! In this prayer, we also learn of our peculiar condition--to be in the world but not of it. As subjects in the Kingdom of God, we must be careful of the "Caesars" that would demand our allegiance, and instead make sure that our identity is found in Christ alone.
Text: John 17:6-19
In the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, recorded in John 17, we discover that Jesus not only prays for the disciples, but he prays for us as well! In this prayer, we also learn of our peculiar condition--to be in the world but not of it. As subjects in the Kingdom of God, we must be careful of the "Caesars" that would demand our allegiance, and instead make sure that our identity is found in Christ alone.
A Peculiar Commandment - May 6, 2012
"A Peculiar Commandment"
Text: John 15:9-17
Pastor Jon continues to unpack what it means to be "A Peculiar People" by looking at some of Jesus' teachings. This week we explore the "New Commandment" that Jesus gives the disciples on the night he was betrayed. As we discover what it means to "love as Jesus loved," we learn that this is a very specific commandment, calling us to be shaped by the cross of Christ.
Text: John 15:9-17
Pastor Jon continues to unpack what it means to be "A Peculiar People" by looking at some of Jesus' teachings. This week we explore the "New Commandment" that Jesus gives the disciples on the night he was betrayed. As we discover what it means to "love as Jesus loved," we learn that this is a very specific commandment, calling us to be shaped by the cross of Christ.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
A Peculiar Connection - April 29, 2012
"A Peculiar Connection"
Text: John 15:1-8
Jesus teaches that if we are connected to the vine, we will bear fruit. Pastor Jon explores this peculiar connection, highlighting some of the lessons we can learn from the grapevine, and what it means to talk about "Abiding in Christ."
Text: John 15:1-8
Jesus teaches that if we are connected to the vine, we will bear fruit. Pastor Jon explores this peculiar connection, highlighting some of the lessons we can learn from the grapevine, and what it means to talk about "Abiding in Christ."
A Peculiar Commitment - April 22, 2012
"A Peculiar Commitment"
Text: John 10:1-18
As we understand what it means to follow the Good Shepherd, we are challenged by the knowledge that He has a peculiar commitment to the sheep... and calls us to have a peculiar commitment to Him and to each other.
Text: John 10:1-18
As we understand what it means to follow the Good Shepherd, we are challenged by the knowledge that He has a peculiar commitment to the sheep... and calls us to have a peculiar commitment to Him and to each other.
Annual Meeting: A Peculiar People - April 15, 2012
"Annual Meeting: A Peculiar People"
Text: I Peter 2:4-12
At our Annual Meeting we give thanks to God for the year we have completed and we look forward into the future, anticipating what He might choose to do in and through us. Join us as we celebrate the God who is making "All Things New," and hear the ways in which the people of the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene are "A Peculiar People."
Text: I Peter 2:4-12
At our Annual Meeting we give thanks to God for the year we have completed and we look forward into the future, anticipating what He might choose to do in and through us. Join us as we celebrate the God who is making "All Things New," and hear the ways in which the people of the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene are "A Peculiar People."
Easter: The Great Reversal - April 8, 2012
"Easter: The Great Reversal" Text: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Jon suggests that the truth of the matter is revealed to us on Good Friday…. all of creation is hushed on Black Saturday, holding its collective breath… and on Resurrection morning, Jesus breathes out this word: BUT. And the Great Reversal begins. Sins are forgiven. Addictions are broken. Marriages are restored. Hope is renewed. Purpose is discovered. And death itself begins to work backward.
On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Jon suggests that the truth of the matter is revealed to us on Good Friday…. all of creation is hushed on Black Saturday, holding its collective breath… and on Resurrection morning, Jesus breathes out this word: BUT. And the Great Reversal begins. Sins are forgiven. Addictions are broken. Marriages are restored. Hope is renewed. Purpose is discovered. And death itself begins to work backward.
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Lent (#6): Not a Fan - April 1, 2012
Lent (#6): "Not a Fan"
Text: Mark 1:1-11
On this Palm Sunday, Pastor Jon reminds us that Jesus doesn’t call us to be fans. He calls us to be followers. He calls us to be disciples. He calls us to make an unwavering commitment to follow Him wherever He goes… even to the cross.
Text: Mark 1:1-11
On this Palm Sunday, Pastor Jon reminds us that Jesus doesn’t call us to be fans. He calls us to be followers. He calls us to be disciples. He calls us to make an unwavering commitment to follow Him wherever He goes… even to the cross.
Lent (#5): Confession is Good for the Soul - March 25, 2012
Lent (#5): "Confession is Good for the Soul"
Text: Psalm 51
Confession is good for the soul. Confession allows us to remove our masks… and to be open and honest before God and before each other. Confession reminds us of the “Good News of Repentance,” that there is hope for a better way.
Text: Psalm 51
Confession is good for the soul. Confession allows us to remove our masks… and to be open and honest before God and before each other. Confession reminds us of the “Good News of Repentance,” that there is hope for a better way.
Lent (#4): "Thou Shalt Not Whine" - March 18, 2012
Lent (#4): "Thou Shalt Not Whine"
Text: Psalm 107
Throughout the Old Testament wilderness narrative, we discover a community which grumbles, complains, and whines about their situation. In contrast, when we read the narrative of Jesus in the wilderness, we discover faithfulness and contentment. In the New Covenant Community, we ought to find Christ-followers who continually adopt the posture of praise and thanksgiving.
Text: Psalm 107
Throughout the Old Testament wilderness narrative, we discover a community which grumbles, complains, and whines about their situation. In contrast, when we read the narrative of Jesus in the wilderness, we discover faithfulness and contentment. In the New Covenant Community, we ought to find Christ-followers who continually adopt the posture of praise and thanksgiving.
Lent (#3): Sweeter Than Honey - March 11, 2012
Lent (#3): "Sweeter Than Honey"
Text: Psalm 19
C. S. Lewis calls this psalm, “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.” As we look at the Psalm, we consider that the primary reason God's Word is "sweeter than honey" is because it reveals the nature and character of God. In essence, it is through the Written Word that we come to know the Living Word.
Text: Psalm 19
C. S. Lewis calls this psalm, “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.” As we look at the Psalm, we consider that the primary reason God's Word is "sweeter than honey" is because it reveals the nature and character of God. In essence, it is through the Written Word that we come to know the Living Word.
Lent (#2): Praising in the Desert - March 4, 2012
Lent (#2): "Praising in the Desert"
Text: Psalm 22
Possibly one of the most "schizophrenic" psalms in all of scripture, Psalm 22 reminds us that even in the midst of great suffering we are to praise God. David. Esther. Jesus. Each one an example of someone who might feel abandoned by God, and yet gives praise to God in advance of the deliverance they are certain they will receive.
Text: Psalm 22
Possibly one of the most "schizophrenic" psalms in all of scripture, Psalm 22 reminds us that even in the midst of great suffering we are to praise God. David. Esther. Jesus. Each one an example of someone who might feel abandoned by God, and yet gives praise to God in advance of the deliverance they are certain they will receive.
Lent (#1): Where God Isn't - February 26, 2012
Lent (#1): "Where God Isn't"
Text: Psalm 139
If there are places on earth that seem particularly close to the heavens, then it is only reasonable to suggest that there may be places which seem particularly distant. And yet, as the Psalmist is quick to point out, even if we make our bed in the depths... God is present.
Text: Psalm 139
If there are places on earth that seem particularly close to the heavens, then it is only reasonable to suggest that there may be places which seem particularly distant. And yet, as the Psalmist is quick to point out, even if we make our bed in the depths... God is present.
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