Ephesians Again

Sermon Text

Ephesians 1:3-10

Ephesians 3:14-4:3

Typically Ephesians is divided into chapters 1-3 which is about the mission of God and 4-6 which is the mission of the church. Instead of viewing these sections as distinct, we study the transition from chapter 3 to 4 and see how they are in fact linked. The mission of God in the world as remembered leads to worship which leads to a new understanding which drives us to a new way of living in the world. Specifically we will focus on the abundance of a gracious and generous God and see this as an example of the purpose of worship.

We also see how Paul explains to the Ephesians and us that we are now part of the story and if we get the story then it will only make sense to live our lives in a way consistent with that story. This will necessarily include a new set of virtues that will set forth a counter vision to the broken world that surround us.

Easter 2022

Sermon Text:

Colossians 1:15-20

Colossians 2:9-15

This sermon looks at the Easter story through the symbolism of the cross. Why did Jesus have to die on a cross? What did the cross symbolize in the Roman world? What does the cross symbolize to a victim? What does the cross symbolize to an oppressor? If victory comes through a cross, then how does that change how we view success?

Palm Sunday

Sermon Texts:

Zechariah 9:9-16

Matthew 21:1-11

Today’s sermon looks at the events of Palm Sunday within the context of the wider Greco-Roman world. We look at the various symbols used by the Romans, Jewish people, and Jesus and what they meant in their context. We will see how Jesus delivers an incredible statement through his action of the triumphal entry challenging the Romans, the Jewish people, His disciples, His followers, and us. In the end Jesus’ message is even more radical and even more new that anyone could imagine.

The Parable of the Ten Minas

Jeremiah 32: 1-19

Luke 19:11-27

Today’s sermon looks at the Parable of the Ten Minas. Here we look beyond the traditional stewardship and the importance of the wise use of resources meaning usually attributed to this parable. If we read this parable in its context and as an analogy rather than an allegory, we find an even more amazing interpretation that helps us understand Christ’s mission and our own mission as faithful followers of Christ.

Lament for Lent Part 4

Sermon Texts:

Exodus 2:24-25

Matthew 27:45-50

Lamentations 5:1-22

This week we conclude our series on Lamentations with a troubling passage. We hear from the voice of the community. The problem with this last chapter in Lamentations is we do not get the conclusion or ending that we hope for so we examine what this lack of closure means for us. We also talk about the snap from Avengers: Infinity War and Johnny Cash.

Lament for Lent Part 3

Isaiah 53:1-12

Matthew 16:21-23

Lamentations 3:1-66

Today we pick back up our sermon series from two years ago on the book of Lamentations. We hear the voice of the soldier and his words as he experiences the loss of his identity as a protector. We also find the theological center of Lamentations and see how it leads it to the cross and the necessity of suffering.