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.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, March 18, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, March 04, 2013
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.
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.
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