The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Rev 22:20) Advent doesn’t get much attention compared to Christmas. It is not difficult to see why. Advent, which means “coming,” is all about waiting. And Christmas means instant gratification with …
Worship
Whose image do you reflect?
Last Sunday (Sept. 23), we asked Whose image do you reflect? We used a mirror to help us see that a mirror simply reflects what it is closest to. As Genesis 3 opened up, we noticed that Adam and Eve were closest to the serpent and that their actions reflected a different image than their maker – …
How to Sabbath… some ideas to start
How to Sabbath… some ideas to start The quickest way to kill a new spiritual practice is to go all in. Just like starting a new exercise regimen requires that you ease into it – don’t try to run a marathon on your first day – starting a new spiritual practice requires that you give your spiritual …
The portrayal of Jews in the Gospel According to John
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2012/09/jewish-take-jesus-amy-jill-levine-talks-gospels The gospel according to John has over the centuries been misused to justify and promote anti-semitism (everything from anti-Jewish feelings to out right persecution). John's refers to "the Jews" but he means …
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John 10:1-6, 14-19 “From Your Lips to God’s Ears”
As our Lenten sermon series on the body of Christ continues, this Sunday we will reflect on Christ’s ears and what he heard; and on our own ears--what we hear; to whom we listen, and whether we are hearing, and listening when God speaks to us. In preparing this sermon, I pondered what …
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Ephesians 2:14-19 “Boundary Crossings”
14 For Jesus is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15 He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making …
John 2:1-11 “The Light Begins to Shine”
Happy Epiphany! We are in the midst of little noticed season of the church year. Epiphany kicks off on January 6 each year with a commemoration of the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus, what most Latin American countries celebrate as Three Kings day. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek word …
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Micah 5:2-5 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
This Sunday we will examine the prophet's words to a people who are waiting, longing, hoping for God to do a new thing in their midst. The people of Israel are waiting for a Redeemer-King from the line of the mighty King David to restore their nation. Bethlehem, the “city of David,” is the …
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1 Kings 17:8-16: “Trust Walk”
Then the word of the Lord came to (Elijah): “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. 1 Kings 17:8-10 If you have ever done the "trust walk" teambuilding activity, you …
Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17 “Holy Ground”
This Sunday’s scripture text has several very recognizable themes in it. One is the revelation of the name of God (“I am who I am”); another is the burning bush (a Sunday school lesson favorite); third is the concept of holy ground and God’s command for Moses to take off his sandals. While on …
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