“Surpassing Righteousness” Text: Matthew 5:21-37 In this section, we find some of the most difficult words of Jesus contained in the Sermon on the Mount. After offering three different methods of interpreting the text, Pastor Jon calls us to give thanks to God for His grace, which enables us to have a righteousness that surpasses…
“How’s Your Flavor?” Text: Matthew 5:13-20 After describing the different Jewish sects of Jesus’ day, Pastor Jon takes a look at this section of the Sermon on the Mount through the eyes of the Zealots, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. As we listen to these words of Jesus, we hear Him calling us to engage our…
“A Living Blessing” Text: Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus begins His portrait of the Kingdom of God with a series of blessings, reminding us that God is on the side of the meek, the poor in spirit, and the peacemakers. As subjects of this Kingdom, we’re called to be the conduits of these blessings to the world…
“A Subject in the Kingdom of God” Text: Matthew 4:12-25 As we enter into the New Year, Pastor Jon urges us to consider the ways that the Kingdom of God is revealed among us. Matthew 4 provides the context for Jesus’ best known sermon, “The Sermon on the Mount.” During this season after Epiphany, we’ll…
“Where are We Going?”Text: Romans 15:1-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 Pastor Jon takes a second look at Advent as a road trip. Last week we considered the question, “How much longer?” This week we ask, “Where are we going?” Isaiah paints a picture of the destination in his description of the Peaceable Kingdom. Paul offers some suggestions…
“Are We Almost There Yet?”Text: Romans 13:8-14, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 24:36-44 On this first Sunday of Advent, we are challenged to consider the time–that the return of Christ is imminent. Indeed, it is closer now then when we first believed. The question that is before us is not when Christ will return, but how we…
“The Twelve Prophets #15: Zechariah and the City without Walls”Text: Zechariah 2:1-13 Zechariah uses construction and building imagery to help the returning exiles understand their God-given purpose and ultimate destination. In chapter 2, he paints a picture of an ever-expanding city without walls. Pastor Jon suggests that in this city, it’s not up to us…
“The Twelve Prophets #14: Haggai and a Dream Deferred”Text: Haggai 1:1-2:9 As the exiles beginning to return from captivity, the initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the temple eventually wanes. Haggai attempts to remind the Jews of God’s dreams for them, inspiring them to return to work on the temple. Pastor Jon examines this passage, asking us…
“The Twelve Prophets #13: Habakkuk and Theodicy”Text: Habakkuk 1:1-2:4 (Note: Unfortunately, Sermon #12 on Nahum was not recorded, and so is not included in our podcast) Pastor Jon continues our journey through the Minor Prophets, this week looking at Habakkuk. While we do not always understand the apparent evil in the world around us, Habakkuk…
“The Twelve Prophets #11: Zephaniah and the Remnant”Text: Zephaniah 3:12-20In looking at the prophet Zephaniah, we must also explore the historical events of the day. Pastor Jon looks into the lives of Kings Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah, and the discovery of the scroll in the temple. Zephaniah offers strong condemnations and judgments, but a glimmer…