Colossians #2: “Seeing the Invisible”Text: Colossians 1:15-20, 27In this second sermon on the book of Colossians, Pastor Jon explores what it means to have faith in an invisible God. If Christ is the image of the invisible God, then we can trust the manner in which Christ reveals the Divine Nature. He is a faithful…
Colossians #1: “But Wait… There’s More”Text: Colossians 1:1-14We begin a short series on Paul’s letter to the believers in Colossae. Pastor Jon notes that even though the letter is addressed to Christians, Paul prays that they will receive even more of what God has in store for them. The primary goal of the Gospel is…
Was There no Balm in Gilead?Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1In our personal lives we usually pay close attention to annual open enrollment for renewing or changing insurance coverage. This week we will follow Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, as he encourages the people of God to renew their commitments to holy living. Pastor Gloria encourages us to ask…
“The Kingdom: The Return of the King”Text: Matthew 21:33-46Many of the Kingdom Parables remind us that Jesus will return. The parable of the wicked tenants should not simply be viewed as condemnation of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but a reminder that the new tenants (Gentile Christians) have not received the vineyard without also receiving the…
“The Kingdom: The Generous Landowner”Text: Matthew 20:1-16What does it mean for us to recognize that compared to others, we are the 11th hour workers in this story? On the other hand, what does it mean to consider that when compared to still others, we are the early birds? More importantly, what does this story tell…
“The Kingdom: Persistence in the Face of Injustice”Text: Luke 18:1-8Pastor Jon explores some of the ways that this passage has been misinterpreted, coloring our perspective of God. We are reminded that God gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:7-12) and that every good and perfect gift is from the Father (James 1:2-18).
“The Kingdom: Contentment & Generosity”Text: Luke 18:18-30In Luke 18, Jesus delivers a hard teaching to the Rich Young Ruler. As we consider the ways in which we related to material possessions, we discover that the posture of the subject in the Kingdom of God is one of contentment and generosity.
“The Kingdom: Like a Child” (Part 2)Text: Matthew 18:1-6Pastor Jon continues to explore the relationship between children and the Kingdom of God. This week, we consider what it means to have a childlike faith, trusting God, and receiving God’s grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
“The Kingdom: Like a Child” – August 11, 2013Text: Luke 18:15-17Following our Vacation Bible School closing program, Pastor Jon highlights the importance of bringing children to Jesus, and of telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.
The Kingdom: Wedding ClothesText: Matthew 22:1-14In Matthew 22, Jesus again compares the Kingdom of God to a wedding feast. As we consider the idea of wedding clothes, we are reminded that it’s important to arrive at the feast, “dressed in His righteousness alone.”