We are in the middle of a sermon series called “A New Spirit.” We have been thinking about God’s spiritual gifts and what to do with them. We have thought about gratitude, peace and hope. This weekend we will focus on freedom, which seems appropriate as we prepare for Independence Day celebrations. In Galatians 5,…
We are in the midst of a “spirited” summer sermon series. The season of Pentecost began on June 9 and we took some time to celebrate God’s gift of the Spirit to the Church. Although Acts 2 describes the Spirit arriving in a dramatic way, there are references to it many years before Pentecost. For…
A New Spirit of PeaceJohn 14:15-18, 25-27 For centuries Christians have turned to John 14 for strength and assurance and peace—and Jesus delivers! He reiterates the new commandment he has given his disciples—to love others as he has loved them. He gently clarifies how his presence will remain with his disciples. Jesus assures them of…
When we read about the “birth” of the Church on the Day of Pentecost—the tongues of fire, the sound of a mighty wind, the proclamation of the Good News in many languages—we may think, “What a bizarre, incredible story!” The people seem chaotic and out of control on one hand—and yet caring and compassionate. They…
John 17:20-26 Some people have described today’s passage as the conclusion of the “real” Lord’s prayer – it is part of a longer prayer that starts at the beginning of John 17. On the eve of his betrayal and death, Jesus pleads with God. He prays for himself and his disciples. Then he prays for…
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…