May 9, 2010

"Revelation: Time Is Just About Up"

Revelation 1:1-8

Introduction

      Esther Yang asks us to “Please write to my mother in prison.” Esther is the 28-year-old daughter of Pastor Yang Xuan and his wife Yang Caizhen. They are leaders of a large network of house churches with a large church building in Linfen, a city of 4 million in Shanxi province in China.

May 2, 2010

"I Have Gifts for Ministry…"

Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Introduction

      Not: what are you doing here this morning? Not: why did you come to church? But, what did you bring to church today? What gifts do you have to share to build up the body of Christ or to use in the ministry of the church out there in the world?

April 18, 2010

“I Read the Bible...”

Psalm 119:97-100, 103-105; II Timothy 3:14-4:5

April 4, 2010

“He Is Risen!”

Exodus 15:1-18; John 20:1-18

Introduction

      He asked of himself, “What will come of what I am doing today or tomorrow? What will come of my whole life? Why should I live, why wish for anything, or do anything? Is there any meaning in my life that the inevitable death awaiting me does not destroy?”

March 28, 2010

“Hosanna in the Highest ... Crucify Him!”

Matthew 21:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26

Introduction

      Well, what’s it gonna be? “Hosanna in the highest?” or “Crucify him?” Blessing or cursing? Honor or dishonor? Saved or damned? How stark the contrast. House of prayer or den of robbers? The children shouting or the religious indignant? Peter or Judas? Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?

March 14, 2010

“It is Finished”

John 17:1-5, 20-23

Introduction

      The Gospels record what are known as “the seven last words” of Jesus; the last phrases spoken from the cross by Christ in the final hours of his earthly life. As we have traveled this Lenten season, we have heard the strong and merciful word, “Father, forgive them…” A word of assurance, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” The troubling word of despair, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

March 7, 2010

Introduction

      Holidays fill our annual calendar. New Year’s, MLK, Valentines, Presidents, St. Patrick’s, Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial, Father’s, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus, Veterans, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Over time, however, they tend to loose their meaning. What do people really know or celebrate about George Washington or Martin Luther King?