Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-15In today’s reading from 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about two different kinds of dwellings; the first is an “earthly tent” where we live in this world. The other is a dwelling built by God. While it can be read that this second home refers to God’s eternity, Paul’s expectation is that the…
Text: Mark 4:1-25We return to our study of the gospel of Mark by hearing one of Jesus’ first parables – the parable of the sower. The sowing work is the spreading of God’s grace throughout the world. It is not limited to one particular area or just where we think it should be spread. Jesus…
“The Holy Spirit Brings Forgiveness”Text: Mark 3:20-35Today is Pentecost, when the Church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. While the traditional Pentecost scripture comes from the second chapter of Acts, since we have been going through the gospel of Mark this year, today’s reading comes from Mark. It is the second time in this…
“Why We Worship: Communion”Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34We end our short series on “Why We Worship” by discussing Communion. In his letter to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importantance of Communion and the need to take it with genuineness. We celebrate this sacrament each week in our service; it serves as the…
“Why We Worship: Gifts of Praise & Prayer”Text: 1 Chronicles 16:23-34Worship is the practice of drawing near to God. Today, we begin a short series called “Why We Worship,” where we talk about who we are at the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene and why we worship the way we do. Everything in worship…
“Breaking New Ground”Text: Isaiah 43:14-21Today, the church held its Annual Meeting, where we celebrated what God has done in our midst during the past year. Pastor Tim read for us encouraging words from the prophet Isaiah, saying that God’s promises for His people are promises for us too. When God says that He will make…
“Still Breathing Life into Dust: Sabbath Work”Text: Mark 2:23-28We continue our study of the second chapter of Mark by seeing how Jesus responds to the Pharisees questioning what they perceive to be His disciples breaking the sabbath rules. Jesus refers to an Old Testament story where David, acting on authority given to him, was able…
Still Breathing Life into Dust: Imperfect FollowersText: Mark 2:13-17Today we look at a story about those whose lives are not fully shaped the way we fully expect after an encounter with Jesus. Levi is a tax collector who began to follow Jesus, however he still has ties to his previous life, spending time and eating…
“Still Breathing Life into Dust: Forgiven”Text: Mark 2:1-12Today, we mark the first Sunday in Lent by beginning a new sermon series called “Still Breathing Life into Dust,” recognizing that God’s work did not stop when He breathed life into Adam. Even when we are still marked by the ashen moments in our lives, God is…
“Where the Kingdom Draws Near”Text: Mark 1:29-45In today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus starts proclaiming “the Good News” but we usually think of the Good News as His death and resurrection or heavenly promises, so what is it? Jesus states that “the time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God has drawn near.”…