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…

The Kingdom: The Sower Went Out to Sow – July 14, 2013

“The Kingdom: The Sower Went Out to Sow”Text: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-32; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; I Corinthians 3:5-9It was the best of soil, it was the worst of soil.  But regardless of the soil, the sower goes out to sow.  Pastor Jon looks at this parable, and suggests three lessons for us: Tend your soil. Produce fruit.…

The Kingdom: A Pearl of Great Price – July 7, 2013

The Kingdom: A Pearl of Great PriceText: Matthew 13:44-46; Genesis 29:15-28; Luke 14:26-30If we are to announce the coming of the Kingdom of God, we ought to know what the Kingdom looks like.  Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of God through parables and teachings.  Today, we look at the parable of the pearl of…

The Kingdom of God has Come Near – June 30, 2013

“The Kingdom of God has Come Near” – June 30, 2013Text: Matthew 13:31-33; Hebrews 12:18-29; I Cor 5:18-20 Based on a message by Rev. Jerry Porter (General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene), Pastor Jon explores the promise of Jesus: that the Kingdom of God has come near!  Highlighting stories that were told at…