Was There no Balm in Gilead? – September 22, 2013

Was There no Balm in Gilead?Text: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1In our personal lives we usually pay close attention to annual open enrollment for renewing or changing insurance coverage. This week we will follow Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, as he encourages the people of God to renew their commitments to holy living. Pastor Gloria encourages us to ask…

The Kingdom: The Return of the King – September 15, 2013

“The Kingdom: The Return of the King”Text: Matthew 21:33-46Many of the Kingdom Parables remind us that Jesus will return.  The parable of the wicked tenants should not simply be viewed as condemnation of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but a reminder that the new tenants (Gentile Christians) have not received the vineyard without also receiving the…

The Kingdom: The Generous Landowner – September 8, 2013

“The Kingdom: The Generous Landowner”Text: Matthew 20:1-16What does it mean for us to recognize that compared to others, we are the 11th hour workers in this story?  On the other hand, what does it mean to consider that when compared to still others, we are the early birds?  More importantly, what does this story tell…

The Kingdom: Contentment & Generosity – August 25, 2013

“The Kingdom: Contentment & Generosity”Text: Luke 18:18-30In Luke 18, Jesus delivers a hard teaching to the Rich Young Ruler.  As we consider the ways in which we related to material possessions, we discover that the posture of the subject in the Kingdom of God is one of contentment and generosity.

The Kingdom: Like a Child (Part 2) – August 18, 2013

“The Kingdom: Like a Child” (Part 2)Text: Matthew 18:1-6Pastor Jon continues to explore the relationship between children and the Kingdom of God.  This week, we consider what it means to have a childlike faith, trusting God, and receiving God’s grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

The Kingdom: Like a Child – August 11, 2013

“The Kingdom: Like a Child” – August 11, 2013Text: Luke 18:15-17Following our Vacation Bible School closing program, Pastor Jon highlights the importance of bringing children to Jesus, and of telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.

The Kingdom: Wedding Clothes – August 4, 2013

The Kingdom: Wedding ClothesText: Matthew 22:1-14In Matthew 22, Jesus again compares the Kingdom of God to a wedding feast.  As we consider the idea of wedding clothes, we are reminded that it’s important to arrive at the feast, “dressed in His righteousness alone.”

The Kingdom: No Excuses – July 28, 2013

“The Kingdom: No Excuses”Text: Luke 14:15-24; Luke 9:59-62In Romans, Paul tells us that all people are “without excuse.”  Jesus emphasizes this in the Banquet parable in Luke 14–reminding us that the seats left empty by those who offered excuses will be filled.  While we might immediately understand this parable as a lesson about Gentile inclusion…

The Kingdom: Beggars at the Feast – July 21, 2013

The Kingdom: Beggars at the FeastText: 2 Samuel 9:1-11; Romans 8:14-23; Luke 14:7-14Jesus’ advice about table manners is not merely practical social advice, but a lesson with distinctly Christian overtones.  When we consider this parable, we become aware of the ways that the Kingdom of God is structured and ordered. As we join with the…