“Voluntary Submission in the Kingdom of God”Text: Philippians 2:1-11; Luke 3:15-22Pastor Jon looks at the Baptism of our Lord through the lens of the Kenosis hymn found in Philippians 2.  By considering Baptism as a voluntary act of submission, we recognize that in order to live into our baptism will entail great risk as we…

“Epiphany: Pursuing the Revelation of Christ”Text: Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12While much of our traditions about the Magi are based in speculation and legend, we can make some educated guesses about their journey and the sacrifices that they made.  These educated guesses help us determine some lessons that we can learn from the Wise Men in…

Family Resemblances (#4): “Love”Text: I Corinthians 13And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love.  But the greatest of these is Love. – I Cor 13:13.  Pastor Jon concludes our Advent Series with a look at what it means to be shaped by Godly Love. Paul tells us that nothing else that we do will…

Family Resemblances (#3): JoyText: Psalm 126, Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-13Exploring the tension between Advent Hope and our present circustances, Pastor Jon identifies the need for Joy and Contentment.  Even as we know it’s acceptable to “sow in tears,” we rejoice that Christ identified with those tears, that the Light of the World came down into…

Family Resemblances (#2): “Peace”Text: Matthew 5:38-48; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20During this second week of Advent, Pastor Jon explores what it means to reflect the life of the Prince of Peace.  Jesus not only came to bring a message of peace on earth, but came in a manner consistent with that message. What does it mean for…

Family Resemblances (#1): HopeText: Zechariah 9:9-12This Advent, Pastor Jon looks at some of the “Family Resemblances” that ought to be found in the family of Christ-followers.  We begin our series with a look at what it means to be a “prisoner of hope.”  Christ-followers ought not be characterized by hand-wringing and head-shaking, but with a…

“Christ the King: Consider the Cost”Text: Luke 14:25-35Christ the King Sunday is an annual reminder that Christ is to be lord of our lives throughout the year.  Pastor Jon looks at some of the hard teachings of Jesus as he journeys toward Jerusalem and the cross.  Have you considered the cost of discipleship?  The invitation…

All for What?Text: Mark 13:1-8In the second of this two-part message on Mark 12:38 – 13:8, Pastor Jon further explores what it must have meant for the widow to tragically give her two last coins for a failed system that was condemned for destruction.  We are reminded to make sure that we give of ourselves…

Giving All Mark 12:38-44Placing this passage in its broader context helps us to understand that the primary message wasn’t about the widow’s sacrificial giving, but about the exploitation by the Pharisees.  Pastor Jon takes a closer look at this passage, suggesting that churches and religious institutions have used these verses in precisely the ways that…

E100 #21: “Where They Need No Sun”Text: Revelation 21-22At the conclusion of our five-month journey through E100, Pastor Jon considers the themes of light and darkness.  Sometimes we need to turn to the end of the Story to be reminded of its grand and glorious conclusion!  And in the in-between-time, we are reminded that we…