John 15:1-20. Jesus’ admonition to his disciples to “remain in me” was both a mystical spiritual reality that defies precise definition and a practical directive to abide in him (the vine) and bear fruit. Discipleship is a combination of at least three things: it is a way of thinking, a way of living, and a mystical supernatural experience. Come on Sunday and let’s think more about what it means to be “in Christ”.
A Journey Home — Bob Whitaker (3 Mar 2014)
John 14:1-11. Christ-followers past and present experience tension and a sense of mystery in living with two worlds in view–this world and the next. The way Jesus addressed the disciples’ questions about the future didn’t give them all the answers, but it provided them with perspective for a journey that is not aimless but includes an ultimate destination.
The God of the Old Testament vs. The God of the New Testament — Dr. Paul Copan (23 Feb 2014)
How do we reconcile the seemly harsh, judging God of the Old Testament with the emphasis on Jesus’ love and kindness in the New Testament? Dr. Paul Copan is Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University and the author or editor of numerous books.
Connexion: The Spirit Comes in Power – Josiah Leuenberger (23 Feb 2014)
Josiah speaks about the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping our church community.
Living the Good Life — Bob Whitaker (16 Feb 2014)
Matthew 7:24-29. Jesus brings the Sermon on the Mount to conclusion in this “here’s the takeaway” passage. The parable of the wise and foolish builders might seem foreboding, like a prediction of calamity for those who don’t build properly, but it is also a description of what it means to follow Jesus’ teachings. He tells his audience the pathway to the good life and reminds them that if they live according to his teachings they will be like the wise builder, inheriting the solid, substantial, good life of God’s kingdom.
Deep Healing — Dan Waugh (9 Feb 2014)
In Matthew 9:1-8, we see Jesus performing another healing miracle, this time healing a paralytic man. But the healing goes beyond that – Jesus offers the man a “deep healing,” and the great news is that He offers it to us, too!
Connexion: Jesus’ Lesson on Love – Josiah Leuenberger (9 Feb 2014)
Josiah takes a look at Jesus’ teaching on love as a part of the ongoing series True Community.
Going Rogue for Righteousness — Bob Whitaker (2 Feb 2014)
Jesus steps into the normal order of things in the synagogue and does something out of the ordinary, even shocking, that deepens their understanding of God. Jesus’ audience consisted of people committed to the word of God, and so are we, but sometimes our human interpretation of how things are or ought to be leads us to set this view up as a tradition that we simply accept as reality. Are you willing to let Jesus challenge your interpretations?
The Gospel Has No “Easy Button” — Bob Whitaker (26 Jan 2014)
Luke 9:51-62 When Jesus called his disciples to “come and follow,” he did not suggest that their life would become easy. He actually suggested that discipleship came at a great cost but that the investment paid eternal dividends. There are many famous authors who have addressed the cost of discipleship and many more who have lived the reality without writing about the experience. One thing is certain, following Christ does not mean that our life becomes easy but the life of a disciple includes remarkable rewards. This week we will consider with Pastor Bob the challenges and blessings of following Jesus. Join us on Sunday morning because a rich understanding of discipleship is always found in Christian community where the stories of grace from others continue to shape our own stories.
Connexion: Ancient/Contemporary Community – Bob Whitaker (26 Jan 14)
Bob traces the community of the people of God through the Old Testament and explores the relevance and importance of this community for us today.