Transitions 2: “From Law to Grace” – March 16, 2014 Text: Genesis 12:1-4a; John 3:1-17; Romans 4:1-17 In studying Romans 4, we discover that it’s not so much about doing away with the law, but the realization that trying to keep the law does not provide salvation. Pastor Jon explores the interplay between grace and…

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…

“When Heaven Meets Earth” Text: Matthew 17:1-9 Transfiguration Sunday invites us to consider our mountaintop experiences. Pastor Jon takes two common lessons that are traditionally connected with the Transfiguration, and turns them ever so slightly to help us discover some new lessons we may not have previously considered. As you reflect on your own mountaintop…

“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…

“Under Construction” Text: I Corinthians 3:1-9 Paul continues his letter to the new believers in Corinth, encouraging them to move on from “drinking milk” to “solid food.” Just as a baby must learn to feed themselves, mature Christians should not be content with being spoonfed, but instead have learned to feed themselves. We not only…

“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…

“A Foolish Message” – February 2, 2014 Text: I Corinthians 1:18-31 God doesn’t often choose the eloquent, the influential, or the wealthy. Instead, he chooses the nobodies, the meek, the poor. At the core of the Gospel is a message that seems foolish to the world: that God would take on human flesh and bones,…

“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…

Epiphany: “Three Wise Guys” Text: Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi give us a model for worship. We are committed to come, despite obstacles, inconveniences, and hindrances. We come, not only to bring our treasures, but to pay homage and to worship the King, submitting ourselves to his authority. We go home a different way, having been…

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…