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.
A God You Can Trust? — Bob Whitaker (19 Jan 2014)
Matthew 7:7-12. Jesus describes God as a most loving father. In fact, it appears he believes that God will give us whatever we want. “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find…” On the surface, these seem like open-ended promises…but are they? Suppose you asked for what was not in your best interest. Would a good parent give it to you anyway? Is it possible that a good parent would deny a request to their children? Giving a child anything that he/she asks for is not exactly good parenting, is it? Surely we ought to evaluate the promises of Jesus in light of these experiences, shouldn’t we? How are we to understand this teaching of Jesus?
Connexion: And it was NOT Good! – Josiah Leuenberger (19 Jan 14)
Josiah reminds us that the need for community existed since creation, even prior to the fall into sin, and reflects our being made in the image of God who exists in eternal community.
Let God Be the Judge — Bob Whitaker (12 Jan 2014)
“Judge not or you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). These words of Jesus are quoted often and they are frequently invoked when someone is feeling protective of another, insulted or personally threatened. As usual, we tend to use the words as if we know their exact meaning, but do we? Is Jesus suggesting that words of judgment should never be used? Does he mean that we should not be discerning about what is good or bad, moral or immoral? Is Jesus suggesting that we ought not make judgments in court, enforce laws or punish criminals? Some claim that this is exactly what Jesus is teaching. This Sunday we will renew our study of the life and teaching of Jesus – rediscovering his teachings.
Connexion: True Community Introduction – Josiah Leuenberger (12 Jan 14)
Josiah kicks off the new semester and the new series True Community with this message that reminds us that while salvation is personal, there are communal aspects we cannot ignore.