Sermons on growing in faith (Page 19)
Saying No, Saying Yes
Matt’s message is rooted in the story of Jesus encountering temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4.1-11). As we reflect on what it means to claim Jesus as the Christ and to be claimed by God through the love of Christ, the message invites us to consider what we might need to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to experiencing Jesus as Christ.
Life
Matt’s message is rooted in Deuteronomy 30: 15-20. Moses believes that living life means to walk in the ways of God. To follow the Law, love our God and love our neighbors, and it will lead you to Life. We must find our way, wherever we are, and choose life.
Fix it
The prophet Isaiah challenges the people of God in his day to move beyond empty religious rituals by integrating their spiritual disciplines with God’s call to justice-making. Isaiah concludes this section, “you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.” Linda’s message invites reflection on how God might be calling us to be repairers of the breach, restorers of the streets in our day.
Attention
Linda’s message is rooted in Isaiah 49: 1-7. The idea of rescue in one’s life can often become individualistic. In order to live life together as a whole, we must seek to be the rescuers of each other and see the servant as both the faithful individual AND the obedient community.
Watch.
Linda’s message on this first Sunday of Advent invites us to watch for signs of God’s hope waiting to be born amidst the uncertainties of life. Worship is rooted in Gregory Porter’s Take Me To The Alley & Matthew 24:36-44.
Jephthah’s Daughter
In this last week of taking a closer look at troubling texts in scripture, Matt reads through the story of Jephthah’s sacrifice of his only daughter (Judges 11:29-40). We are called to be more faithful every day and delve into following the ways of hope, healing, love, and liberation in our communities.
Water.
Matt’s message is rooted in 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-18. Like Paul’s deep commitment to follow Jesus, the waters of new life are poured over those who wish to follow in those same foot steps and be welcomed into God’s warmest, loving family.
Yeast.
Matt’s message is rooted in 2 Timothy 3.10-4.5. As we reflect on making Deep Commitments to God & our community of faith, how might God be kneading our lives? How will you allow yourself to rise with God in the coming year? Here is a link to our online Deep Commitment form.
Salt.
Linda’s message, rooted in 2 Timothy 2.8-15, teaches us that time is the most important ingredient towards developing a better life of faith as we watch over others in love and allows ourselves to be watched over in love. It takes time to knead and fold in the salt in our lives to gain a better Christlike character.
Flour.
How might the beautiful, simple, & inspiring ingredients that have been passed down to us through the generations stir up the gift of God among us? Matt’s message invites the love of God to rekindle our imaginations as we discern making Deep Commitments at The Table. Worship on is rooted in 2 Timothy 1.1-14.
Curriculum for Christianity as a School for Love
Matt’s message invites reflection on the movement of love within Christianity. Christianity teaches that we are created in love, we are born into a fallen world, and we are redeemed by God’s love. This is the curriculum for our school of love. How might this curriculum shape our daily lives?
Losing Religion
Kristin Stoneking, Executive Director of Fellowship of Reconciliation, was our special guest preacher in worship this morning at The Table. Kristin’s message is rooted in John 14.1-14 and invites reflection on following Jesus in a multifaith world.