John 10:22-30 We are in the midst of an Easter season sermon series called “Rise!” We are considering qualities of Jesus’ followers and disciples. What does it mean for us to be “Easter people”—people of the resurrection? So far we have been exhorted to believe and follow. This week we are urged to rise and…
May 5, 2019 John 21:15-19 As we continue to celebrate the season of Easter, we are reflecting on variations of a phrase we often hear after people are baptized: “Rise! Walk in the Newness of Life!” What does—or could—that look like for us as individuals and a community of faith? What does it mean to…
Rise! John 20:1-10 (11-18) As we prepare for the season of Easter, we will reflect upon variations of a phrase we often hear after people are baptized: “Rise! Walk in the Newness of Life!” I am inviting you to join me as we give some thought to what it means to be “Easter people?” What…
Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019 Luke 19:28-40 Dr. Leigh Bond
John 12:1-11 April 6,/7 2019 INTRODUCTION. We continue to consider variations of the theme “Opportunity.” During the season of Lent we have thought about tempting opportunities and opportunities to be fruitful. Last week we remembered that even when we are “prodigal,” we have the opportunity to be welcomed “home” by God. We affirmed that the…
An Opportunity to Come Home Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 March 30, 31, 2019 INTRODUCTION. We are more than halfway through the season of Lent. We continue to consider variations of the theme “Opportunity.” We have thought about tempting and fruitful opportunities. Today we will remember that because of God’s love and grace, we always have the…
INTRODUCTION. Hello and Happy Spring! March Madness is here and many of us are cheering for our favorite teams on the road to the “Final Four.” As people of faith, I hope we will not forget that we are also in the midst of March Gladness and the season of Lent. We continue to follow…
Maybe that is what is at the heart of all of this? We experience different kinds of hunger—and we are tempted not to trust that God will satisfy our needs. We experience trials and tribulations—and we are tempted not to trust that God loves us and cares for us and knows each one of us by name. So many of our problems have to do with trust and timing. We get wonderful gifts from a life-giving God, designed to bring us nourishment, opportunity, pleasure and well-being. But we are not to selfishly gobble them up, grab them, force them or rush them. Bread can satisfy our hunger, except when God says, “Wait.” Power is worth pursuing, but not if we sell our souls in the process. Being children of God is a cherished blessing, but we can’t take God’s good and graceful gifts for granted.
Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” Luke 5:12-16 Introduction (Watch video https://youtu.be/-95sTha1BLs.) Have you seen this commercial? The company, Vaev, was…
“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 Introduction How many of you really enjoy fishing? If so, this story may be your favorite in the whole Bible. Some will try to make a case…