Discovering Jesus in Scripture – June 5, 2011

“Discovering Jesus in Scripture” Text: Luke 24:44-53On Ascension Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus showed the disciples that He is revealed in Scripture: the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (writings). Pastor Jon talks about a proper understanding of scripture, and how we are to read all of scripture through the lens of the person…

Discovering the Father through the Son – May 29, 2011

“Discovering the Father through the Son” Text: John 14:1-14As Christians, we don’t worship a nebulous, nameless God… the god that is often invoked by our pledge, on our money, or during a civic prayer. We worship the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We don’t have to guess what God is like, because the Father…

Discovering Jesus in the Flock – May 22, 2011

“Discovering Jesus in the Flock” Text: John 10:1-12Continuing in our series this Easter season, Pastor Jon looks at this familiar passage from John, considering that we also discover Jesus in community, and that the Good Shepherd desires to bring the sheep into the fold. As we live in relationship with one another, we discover Christ…

Discovering Jesus on the Road – May 15, 2011

“Discovering Jesus on the Road” Text: Luke 24:13-35If we look closely at the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we may recognize ourselves on the road–unable to recognize the answers that are before our own eyes. Through this account, Luke reminds us that we can discover Jesus in the ordinariness of life… on the road……

Seeing is Believing – May 8, 2011

“Seeing is Believing” Text: John 20:19-31Pastor Jon explores the familiar story of “Doubting” Thomas against the backdrop of the commonly-stated belief, “seeing is believing.” Our faith is not simply an examination of the evidence provided, neither is it merely mental assent to a series of doctrines or propositional statements. Ultimately faith requires that we believe,…

Annual Meeting: All Things New – May 1, 2011

“Annual Meeting: All Things New” Texts: Various, including: Ephesians 5;, Isaiah 6:1-3, 9:2, 26:19, 43:16-21; Revelation 21:1-5Together, we celebrate the God who is making all things new, breathing new life into this congregation, and building His Kingdom. As Pastor Jon looks back over the past year, he highlights several victories, and considers the ways that…

Easter: Jesus Calls You by Name – April 24, 2011

“Easter: Jesus Calls You by Name” Text: John 20:1-18On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Jon talks about the importance of our names… and how God knows us and calls us by name. It was when Jesus called Mary’s name in the garden that she recognized him. How will you respond when he calls you by name?

Palm Sunday: Ride on to Die – April 17, 2011

“Palm Sunday: Ride on to Die” Text: Matthew 21:1-11 and Psalm 24 After setting the stage for the Triumphal Entry, Pastor Jon stops to explore what Matthew might have meant when he said, “the city asked ‘who is this?’” One possibility is that Matthew was offering a liturgical comment, identifying that the priests may have…

Life Transformations 3: Invisible People – April 3, 2011

“Life Transformations 3: Invisible People” Text: John 9In this passage, Jesus sees a man who has been mostly invisible his entire life. Failed by the people who ought to know him best, this man responds to God’s transforming grace–finding not only physical sight, but the salvation that is found in Christ. His firm and bold…