Mark 5:1-20 – June 23, 2024

Mark 5:1-20The story of Jesus healing the man with an unclean spirit reminds us that the grace of God follows us to wherever we’ve been cornered and offers help both now and forever more. This story is ours as well, and contains our mission; because God has loved us, we are not cast out from…

2 Corinthians 5:1-15 – June 16, 2024

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…

Jesus, Prophet of Grace – June 9, 2024

“Jesus, Prophet of Grace”Text: Mark 4:26-41We continue studying the Gospel of Mark. This passage, which echoes the Old Testament prophets Ezekiel and Jonah, reveals the prophetic power of Jesus Christ. The fullness of God’s message has been found in Jesus Christ; he is the embodiment and the fulfillment of God’s prophecies. Whatever the world might…

Mark 4:1-25 – June 2, 2024

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 – May 19, 2024

“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…

Counted Among the Disciples – May 12, 2024

“Counted Among the Disciples”Text: Mark 3:1-19Following our “Why We Worship” series, we return to our study of the Gospel of Mark. In this passage, Jesus appoints His disciples. Mark describes them as having three purposes; “to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out…

Why We Worship: Communion – May 5, 2024

“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: Scripture – April 28, 2024

“Why We Worship: Scripture”Sermon Text: Acts 3 : 11-26We continue our mini sermon series on the worship practices of our local congregation at the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene. In today’s passage, Peter intentionally makes the point that the healing of a man unable to walk was not anything done in His own name,…

Why We Worship: Gifts of Praise & Prayer – April 21, 2024

“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…