Transitions 7: From Denial to Forgiveness John 21:1-19 Having journeyed with Peter on Thursday night, we are now invited to join him as he finds reconciliation and restoration. Confronted with our own fears, failures, disappointments, doubts, and even denials, we understand the dread that Peter may be experiencing. And yet, we discover that Jesus values…
Transitions 5: From Death to Life Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:1-7, 38-44; Romans 8:6-11 Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones helps us to understand the power of God’s Spirit. We are reminded that there are no situations that are beyond all hope, and Christians are invited to see the potential of God’s work…
Transitions 3: From Despair to Hope Text: Exodus 17:1-7; John 4:1-24; Romans 5:1-11 Water is an essential component of human life… and Living Water is an essential component of our spiritual lives. Pastor Jon looks at two familiar scripture lessons about water, exploring the transition from despair to hope. As God’s love is poured into…
Transitions 1: From Sin to Righteousness Text: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 5:12-19 As we enter into the Lenten season, we begin a series on the transitions brought about in our lives because of the person and work of Jesus. This week, we focus on how sin entered the world through Adam, but righteousness…
“Building God’s Temple” Text: I Corinthians 3:10-23 On this special Sunday, the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene honors Pastor Emeritus Roland Stanford and his wife Phyllis. As we continue our study in First Corinthians, we discover some key points about what it means to build God’s Temple – the Church. We recognize that we…
“Eyes, Ears, Hearts, and Minds” Text: I Corinthians 2:1-16 After emphasizing the core essentials of the Gospel, Paul invites the maturing believer to deepen their faith, to be filled with the Spirit, and to have the mind of Christ. In so doing, our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds are opened, as the mysteries of God…
“Following the Leader” Text: I Corinthians 1:4-17 One of the ways that Christ is made manifest through the church is rooted in the church’s ability to follow the leader. As each individual seeks to discover God’s will, the community is transformed. We do not simply follow human leaders, denominations, or traditions, but we seek to…
Advent #4: “Love Shall Be Our Sign” Text: Isaiah 7:1-16 Isaiah presents a prophecy to King Ahaz, reminding him to stand fast, to have faith, because God is with His people. This prophecy reminds us to always seek God first, to stand firm in our faith, and to trust God’s wisdom and direction instead of…