“The Kingdom: No Excuses”Text: Luke 14:15-24; Luke 9:59-62In Romans, Paul tells us that all people are “without excuse.” Jesus emphasizes this in the Banquet parable in Luke 14–reminding us that the seats left empty by those who offered excuses will be filled. While we might immediately understand this parable as a lesson about Gentile inclusion…
The Kingdom: Beggars at the FeastText: 2 Samuel 9:1-11; Romans 8:14-23; Luke 14:7-14Jesus’ advice about table manners is not merely practical social advice, but a lesson with distinctly Christian overtones. When we consider this parable, we become aware of the ways that the Kingdom of God is structured and ordered. As we join with the…
“The Kingdom: The Sower Went Out to Sow”Text: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-32; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; I Corinthians 3:5-9It was the best of soil, it was the worst of soil. But regardless of the soil, the sower goes out to sow. Pastor Jon looks at this parable, and suggests three lessons for us: Tend your soil. Produce fruit.…
The Kingdom: A Pearl of Great PriceText: Matthew 13:44-46; Genesis 29:15-28; Luke 14:26-30If we are to announce the coming of the Kingdom of God, we ought to know what the Kingdom looks like. Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of God through parables and teachings. Today, we look at the parable of the pearl of…
“The Kingdom of God has Come Near” – June 30, 2013Text: Matthew 13:31-33; Hebrews 12:18-29; I Cor 5:18-20 Based on a message by Rev. Jerry Porter (General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene), Pastor Jon explores the promise of Jesus: that the Kingdom of God has come near! Highlighting stories that were told at…
“Connect. Grow. SERVE.”Text: Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16The last of a three-part series, we explore what it means to use the right tools in the hands of the right person for the right job. The elements of service are so tightly woven into the fabric of the Christian faith that it’s essential for every believer to be…
“Connect. GROW. Serve”Text: 2 Peter 1:3-8If we are truly connected to God, then it stands to reason that we will grow. But Peter indicates that we can’t simply sit back and expect this growth to occur, but that we must “make every effort” to add to our faith. We also realize that we don’t reach…
“CONNECT. Grow. Serve.”Text: Romans 5:6-11What is “The Church”? The first in a three-week series, we explore our core values and mission. Using the biblical images of a vine, the body, and a building, Pastor Jon explores what it means to be reconciled to God and to help others connect with God. Prior to the sermon,…
“Glory in our Sufferings”Text: Romans 5:1-5Pastor Jon considers the themes of honor and shame, which were two of the guiding criteria in the ancient cultures. The Apostle Paul challenges to not “fit in” with the dominant culture, but to glory in our sufferings… and to know that our hope will not put us to shame.
Ashes to Fire #14: “It’s a Family Thing”Text: Romans 8:9-17The celebration of Pentecost is truly “A Family Thing,” as nobody else celebrates this holiday quite like Christians. Pastor Jon explores the themes of family resemblances, family brokenness, and family restoration in this concluding sermon in the Ashes to Fire series.