Transitions 5: From Death to Life
Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:1-7, 38-44; Romans 8:6-11
Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones helps us to understand the power of God's Spirit. We are reminded that there are no situations that are beyond all hope, and Christians are invited to see the potential of God's work among us. On this Annual Meeting Sunday, Pastor Jon attempts to help us look into the future with sanctified imagination and with vision. Instead of simply resting on past successes (or being discouraged by past failures), we are called to move forward into God's preferred future for us as individuals and as the church.
Sunday, April 06, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Transitions 4: From Darkness to Light - March 30, 2014
Transitions 4: "From Darkness to Light"
Text: Ephesians 5:8-14
Chaplain Mike Griggs (USCG) offered this morning's message about the ways in which we are to be shaped by God's light in our lives. Punctuated by the words of ʺLet the Lower Lights be Burning,ʺ he looked at three key points: destiny, direction, determination. As we understand that we are children of light, we learn how to relate to the world and to each other, and we don't give up as we attempt accomplish God's purposes in our lives.
Text: Ephesians 5:8-14
Chaplain Mike Griggs (USCG) offered this morning's message about the ways in which we are to be shaped by God's light in our lives. Punctuated by the words of ʺLet the Lower Lights be Burning,ʺ he looked at three key points: destiny, direction, determination. As we understand that we are children of light, we learn how to relate to the world and to each other, and we don't give up as we attempt accomplish God's purposes in our lives.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Transitions 3: From Despair to Hope - March 23, 2014
Transitions 3: From Despair to Hope
Text: Exodus 17:1-7; John 4:1-24; Romans 5:1-11
Water is an essential component of human life... and Living Water is an essential component of our spiritual lives. Pastor Jon looks at two familiar scripture lessons about water, exploring the transition from despair to hope. As God's love is poured into our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are not only reconciled to God, but are called to be ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, bringing hope to the world around us.
Text: Exodus 17:1-7; John 4:1-24; Romans 5:1-11
Water is an essential component of human life... and Living Water is an essential component of our spiritual lives. Pastor Jon looks at two familiar scripture lessons about water, exploring the transition from despair to hope. As God's love is poured into our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are not only reconciled to God, but are called to be ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, bringing hope to the world around us.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Transitions 2: "From Law to Grace" - March 16, 2014
Transitions 2: "From Law to Grace"
Text: Genesis 12:1-4a; John 3:1-17; Romans 4:1-17
In studying Romans 4, we discover that it's not so much about doing away with the law, but the realization that trying to keep the law does not provide salvation. Pastor Jon explores the interplay between grace and the law, drawing upon familiar passages of the Old and New Testaments.
Text: Genesis 12:1-4a; John 3:1-17; Romans 4:1-17
In studying Romans 4, we discover that it's not so much about doing away with the law, but the realization that trying to keep the law does not provide salvation. Pastor Jon explores the interplay between grace and the law, drawing upon familiar passages of the Old and New Testaments.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Transitions 1: From Sin to Righteousness - March 9, 2014
Transitions 1: From Sin to Righteousness
Text: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 5:12-19
As we enter into the Lenten season, we begin a series on the transitions brought about in our lives because of the person and work of Jesus. This week, we focus on how sin entered the world through Adam, but righteousness entered the world through Jesus.
Text: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 5:12-19
As we enter into the Lenten season, we begin a series on the transitions brought about in our lives because of the person and work of Jesus. This week, we focus on how sin entered the world through Adam, but righteousness entered the world through Jesus.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
When Heaven Meets Earth - March 2, 2014
"When Heaven Meets Earth"
Text: Matthew 17:1-9
Transfiguration Sunday invites us to consider our mountaintop experiences. Pastor Jon takes two common lessons that are traditionally connected with the Transfiguration, and turns them ever so slightly to help us discover some new lessons we may not have previously considered. As you reflect on your own mountaintop experiences, may they continually reorient your perspective toward God's reality and God's kingdom.
Text: Matthew 17:1-9
Transfiguration Sunday invites us to consider our mountaintop experiences. Pastor Jon takes two common lessons that are traditionally connected with the Transfiguration, and turns them ever so slightly to help us discover some new lessons we may not have previously considered. As you reflect on your own mountaintop experiences, may they continually reorient your perspective toward God's reality and God's kingdom.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Building God's Temple - February 23, 2014
"Building God's Temple"
Text: I Corinthians 3:10-23
On this special Sunday, the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene honors Pastor Emeritus Roland Stanford and his wife Phyllis. As we continue our study in First Corinthians, we discover some key points about what it means to build God's Temple - the Church. We recognize that we receive a trust from those who have built the foundation. We stress the importance of building what will last - the Kingdom of God. And we hear the warning to not do anything that would destroy that temple. Ultimately, this passage is an invitation to put our faith on the Church's One Foundation - Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Text: I Corinthians 3:10-23
On this special Sunday, the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene honors Pastor Emeritus Roland Stanford and his wife Phyllis. As we continue our study in First Corinthians, we discover some key points about what it means to build God's Temple - the Church. We recognize that we receive a trust from those who have built the foundation. We stress the importance of building what will last - the Kingdom of God. And we hear the warning to not do anything that would destroy that temple. Ultimately, this passage is an invitation to put our faith on the Church's One Foundation - Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Cape Elizabeth Nazarene Podcast - and Expanded Video Ministry
Greetings in the Name of Christ!
I
want to thank you for being a faithful subscriber to our podcast.
Whether you listen weekly, or only periodically, we're glad to have you
as part of our extended family. Since we began our podcast, we've had
over 30,000 unique downloads of our audio sermons. It's a blessing to
know that our ministry reaches to traveling nurses and truckers,
missionaries on the other side of the world, and those who are isolated
from a church community because of location or health concerns.I'm writing today because we're looking for a handful of people to help us with a new internet venture. God has placed within our congregation some individuals with skills, passion, and desire to help us reach out through video ministry as well. This would allow us to cable-cast our services to our surrounding communities, live-stream on the internet, and offer video-on-demand through a variety of distribution channels. It's our belief that this will allow us to impact our local communities, as well as to enhance our internet ministry.
Pastor Jon
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Under Construction - February 16, 2014
"Under Construction"
Text: I Corinthians 3:1-9
Paul continues his letter to the new believers in Corinth, encouraging them to move on from "drinking milk" to "solid food." Just as a baby must learn to feed themselves, mature Christians should not be content with being spoonfed, but instead have learned to feed themselves. We not only feed ourselves the "solid food," but we help others discover where the spiritual food of the Gospel can be found. Spiritual growth can be uncomfortable, painful, and even messy... but growing Christians continue to draw closer and closer to God.
Text: I Corinthians 3:1-9
Paul continues his letter to the new believers in Corinth, encouraging them to move on from "drinking milk" to "solid food." Just as a baby must learn to feed themselves, mature Christians should not be content with being spoonfed, but instead have learned to feed themselves. We not only feed ourselves the "solid food," but we help others discover where the spiritual food of the Gospel can be found. Spiritual growth can be uncomfortable, painful, and even messy... but growing Christians continue to draw closer and closer to God.
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Eyes, Ears, Hearts, and Minds - February 9, 2014
"Eyes, Ears, Hearts, and Minds"
Text: I Corinthians 2:1-16
After emphasizing the core essentials of the Gospel, Paul invites the maturing believer to deepen their faith, to be filled with the Spirit, and to have the mind of Christ. In so doing, our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds are opened, as the mysteries of God are revealed to us. Holiness is not merely a list of dos and don'ts, but an invitation to participate in God's Kingdom.
Text: I Corinthians 2:1-16
After emphasizing the core essentials of the Gospel, Paul invites the maturing believer to deepen their faith, to be filled with the Spirit, and to have the mind of Christ. In so doing, our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds are opened, as the mysteries of God are revealed to us. Holiness is not merely a list of dos and don'ts, but an invitation to participate in God's Kingdom.
Monday, February 03, 2014
A Foolish Message - February 2, 2014
"A Foolish Message" - February 2, 2014
Text: I Corinthians 1:18-31
God doesn't often choose the eloquent, the influential, or the wealthy. Instead, he chooses the nobodies, the meek, the poor. At the core of the Gospel is a message that seems foolish to the world: that God would take on human flesh and bones, be born in a manger, and die for those who had turned to their own way.
Text: I Corinthians 1:18-31
God doesn't often choose the eloquent, the influential, or the wealthy. Instead, he chooses the nobodies, the meek, the poor. At the core of the Gospel is a message that seems foolish to the world: that God would take on human flesh and bones, be born in a manger, and die for those who had turned to their own way.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Following the Leader - January 26, 2014
"Following the Leader"
Text: I Corinthians 1:4-17
One of the ways that Christ is made manifest through the church is rooted in the church's ability to follow the leader. As each individual seeks to discover God's will, the community is transformed. We do not simply follow human leaders, denominations, or traditions, but we seek to follow Christ alone. As we pursue His mission, our agendas and divisions begin to fade away.
Text: I Corinthians 1:4-17
One of the ways that Christ is made manifest through the church is rooted in the church's ability to follow the leader. As each individual seeks to discover God's will, the community is transformed. We do not simply follow human leaders, denominations, or traditions, but we seek to follow Christ alone. As we pursue His mission, our agendas and divisions begin to fade away.
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Epiphany: Three Wise Guys - January 5, 2014
Epiphany: "Three Wise Guys"
Text: Matthew 2:1-12
The Magi give us a model for worship. We are committed to come, despite obstacles, inconveniences, and hindrances. We come, not only to bring our treasures, but to pay homage and to worship the King, submitting ourselves to his authority. We go home a different way, having been transformed by our time in God's presence and with his people.
Text: Matthew 2:1-12
The Magi give us a model for worship. We are committed to come, despite obstacles, inconveniences, and hindrances. We come, not only to bring our treasures, but to pay homage and to worship the King, submitting ourselves to his authority. We go home a different way, having been transformed by our time in God's presence and with his people.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, December 08, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
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."
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."
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, November 03, 2013
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.
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.
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