- Apr 8, 2012Death – Giving It Up
- Apr 1, 2012Popularity – Giving It Up
Popularity – Giving It UpWhat a welcome Jesus got as he entered Jerusalem. "Hosanna!" the people cried, hailing him as an honored king. The crowds loved Jesus on Palm Sunday, but just a few days later a different crowd was calling for his death and the release of a murderer. Popularity and acclaim in the eyes of others is fleeting, and if we put all our faith in it we will be very disappointed. Instead, God calls us to put our faith in God's unending love and grace- something that will never go away, and will sustain us through the times when others have abandoned us.
- Mar 25, 2012Our Lives – Giving It Up
Our Lives – Giving It Up
Pastor Bob takes us through the story of Jesus and the raising of Lazarus in the 11th chapter of the Gospel according to John. In this amazing account, we are reminded of Jesus' mission to glorify God in life and in death. God alone knows the beginnings and ends of our lives and works through Jesus to redeem and restore his creation. When we come to Christ we are buried with him in baptism and raised to new life through the saving power of the cross and his own resurrection.
- Mar 18, 2012Enemies – Giving It Up
Enemies – Giving It UpPDF of Sermon: Enemies - Giving It Up Enemies - Giving It Up Giving up our enemies can be tougher than one might think - they mean so much to us. Enemies give us a target for our frustrations; they energize entire nations to unite in common cause; they can be dehumanized to justify our aggression. But the worldview of Jesus reveals a world without room for enemies. Where no person can justifiably dehumanize another. Where judgment and condemnation are God's province alone. Giving up our enemies may be tough. But it is freeing. And it is integral to the path that leads us to the peaceable Kingdom of Jesus.
- Mar 11, 2012Superiority – Giving It Up
Superiority – Giving It Up
PDF of Sermon Slides: "Superiority - Giving It Up"
SUPERIORITY - GIVING IT UP
John 4:1-42 Superiority isn't usually something we think of giving up for Lent. It's a good thing, isn't it, to be superior? But attitudes of superiority that lead to discrimination and division can inflict tremendous pain and damage on the people around us. This week's message deals with Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman at the ancient well of Jacob. This passage in John 4 reveals Jesus' startling lack of "attitude" in his relationships with even those who his society counted as "inferior outsiders." He rejects ideas of cultural and moral superiority. He reveals himself as the Messiah and true source of eternal life. He reminds us that human beings can never find true fulfillment through their limited resources but must seek strength and truth and purpose from their Creator. Isn't it time we crucified our pride and attitudes of superiority and labored with Jesus to break down the walls of hostility that separate human beings from God and from each other?
- Mar 4, 2012Expectations – Giving It Up!
Expectations – Giving It Up!PDF of Slides for the Sermon - "Expectations - Giving It Up" Through the season of Lent and Easter Sunday, we're exploring the good news that through Jesus Christ we can give up so much that holds us down. Many will be giving up chocolate for Lent - but what if we gave up some of the things that poison our souls? Our need to exert control over every situation. Expectations that are misaligned with God's expectations. The elevation of ourselves above others. The making and retention of enemies. Holding our lives too dear. The false idol of popularity. And finally - our crippling fear of death.... What if we gave up all of this for Lent?
- Feb 26, 2012Control – Give It Up
Control – Give It UpPDF of "Give It Up - Control" - Sermon The first in the seven-part sermon series: "Give It Up." From Genesis to Revelation, control is a central theme of the Bible. When we view the world around us, most of our human endeavors focus upon that same theme of control. We first controlled fire to warm us, protect us from "the wild things," destroy our enemies, and clear the forests to grow crops all extensions of our desire to control our environment and our fate. For the sake of control, we form political alliances, erect fences around our homes, and dominate conversations and decisions. The world encourages the pursuit of personal control. "Take control of your future." "Look out for No. 1." "Don't let anyone tell you what to do." How different is the message of Jesus! Deny yourself. Take up your cross daily. Serve. Love. Trust in God. Are you ready to follow Jesus? Are you ready to give up control?
