Stories That Shape Us: The Abomination – September 18, 2022Text: Daniel 11:31-12:13It is often said that history is “written by the victors.” However, this week we review a passage from the book of Daniel that comes from the perspective of those who have been conquered. Despite descriptions of the desolation of the Temple and battles…
“Stories That Shape Us: Can It Get Any Worse?”Text: Book of JonahThe story of Jonah is a one of downward descent, starting off somewhere well and continually getting worse for him. Despite Jonah’s disobedience and lack of enthusiasm in proclaiming God’s message to the people of Nineveh, God still uses him to initiate the repentance…
“Stories That Shape Us: Giant Issues”1 Samuel 17This week we study the original “underdog” story, David and Goliath. It is not a story rooted in David finding his inner strength to defeat Goliath, but instead dwelling in the confidence of God’s providence. Like David, the Lord uses the trials of our past to equip us…
“Stories That Shape Us: Radical Grace”Text: Deuteronomy 19We continue our look at influential Old Testament scripture passages by examining Deuteronomy 19. While the mindset of “an eye for an eye” – reserved for only the most malicious offenses – became a part of the culture, the passage reveals that God is a God of mercy…
“Stories that Shape Us: Finding Our Voice”Text: Exodus 3We’re in our second week of a new sermon series entitled “Stories that Shape Us” where we look at the Old Testament stories that both affect other areas of Scripture and define our understanding of who we are as the church. This week, we look at the…
Text: Luke 15:1-7We welcome Pastor Amanda Lawton as this week’s guest preacher. She serves the South Portland Church of the Nazarene as both children’s pastor and director of the Lighthouse School. We sometimes experience moments when we feel lost. However, as the Parable of the Lost Sheep reminds us, God is always searching for us…
Text: Galatians 5:13-26We continue our look at Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia. In last week’s passage from chapter 3, Paul reminds us that there is no law that keeps us from the grace of God. This may tempt us to live our lives the way we want to or just do the minimum…
“Trinity Sunday”Text: John 16:12-15On Trinity Sunday, the church remembers that in worship, we celebrate God, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. But what does the Trinity mean for us? In this passage, Jesus invites us into this same interconnected relationship; that everything about His character is shared as a blessing to us as well.…
“Praying Our Way to Pentecost: The Power of a Praying Church”Text: Acts 12:1-25We continue praying our way to Pentecost and studying scripture that shows the power and importance of prayer. In this week’s scripture, Peter’s deliverance from prison is God’s response to the church as they intercede for him with fervent prayers. This passage reminds…
“Praying Our Way to Pentecost: Faith Fail”Text: Luke 22:31-34It’s easy for us to think of failure as not having accomplished a task or met a goal. During this season of intentional prayer, we should not be discomforted or give up if we find that our prayers are not answered in the way we expected to…