Growth and Persecution – Acts 3:1-4:37 All the believers were one in heart and mind. It’s fascinating that this story of persecution is immediately followed by this paragraph about the believers sharing everything in common and being one in heart and mind. While Luke doesn’t go so far as to suggest a cause-and-effect relationship, it…
The Day of Pentecost – Acts 2:1-47 “In the last days…” Peter makes it quite clear that the Day of Pentecost ushers in a period of time we might call “The Last Days.” Now, I realize that this period of time has been nearly 2000 years long, but there’s no question that the Kingdom of…
E100 #15: “You Are What You Eat”Text: Luke 22:7-34Our text today highlights the dichotomy between the Kingdom Narrative and the narratives of this world. While the disciples are attracted to money, power and greatness; Jesus demonstrates a Kingdom built on poverty, brokenness and servanthood. As we gather around the Table, we are formed and shaped…
The Ascension – Acts 1:1-11 When? How Long? The disciples ask Jesus if he’s going to “restore the kingdom to Israel.” It’s quite likely that what they want to know is if He is finally going to deliver them from Roman occupation. Failing to understand that He came to conquer sin and death, they still…
The Resurrection – John 20:1-21:25 Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restored our life. Christ will come again in glory. These words, part of nearly every funeral service I conduct, remind us that death is not the end… that the grave has lost the battle against life and love. Even when confronted with caskets…
The Crucifixion – John 19:1-42 “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. The crucifixion of Jesus is a central component of the Gospel message… and right in the middle of the narrative we are confronted with this crucial question about the Lordship of Jesus. Pilate asks the chief priests if he should…
Arrest and Trial – John 18:1-40 “I am He” – Jesus “I am not” – Peter As I read this passage, I was struck by the repetition of these phrases. Twice, in dialogue with the chief priests and officials, Jesus says, “I am He.” And twice, when asked if he was a disciple, Peter replied…
The Last Supper – Luke 22:1-46 But I am among you as one who serves. I recently read an article in which the author suggested that one of the best remedies to our celebrity culture (even within the Church) is an intentional and continual celebration of the sacrifice of Christ. Consider, for just a moment,…
E100 #14: “Miracles 101: Ephphatha”Text: Mark 7:32-37The miracles of Jesus are examples of God’s spiritual intervention in our lives. Although we may not hear or see what happened, we are still changed. Pastor Gloria highlights Gospel stories of individuals whose response to unexpected release demonstrated their belief about the Source of their miraculous provision.
Raising Lazarus from the Dead – John 11:1-57 Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying? Lazarus is dead… and Jesus was too late to save him. At least, that’s what the onlookers are suggesting. And in this quote, they reveal their own lack of faith–possibly…