Sermons on growing in faith (Page 22)
The Arena
Linda’s message is rooted in John 20.19-31 and introduces our Easter journey into Rising Strong. This worship series holds the lectionary readings for the season of Easter in conversation with Rising Strong by Brené Brown.
Raising of Lazarus
Matt’s message is rooted in the story of Jesus raising Lazarus (John 11.1-45); which foreshadows what lies ahead for Jesus, and for all of us, if we desire to follow him as messiah. Jesus weeps at the tomb of Lazarus with Mary and Martha. What might it mean for Jesus to meet us at the tomb today? After raising Lazarus, Jesus calls those gathered to unbind him. How might Jesus be calling us to unbind one another from the suffocating reality of death?
Finding Life-Giving Water through Conversation with a Thirsty Messiah & a Courageous Woman
Matt’s message is rooted in the encounter of an unnamed Samaritan woman with Jesus at Jacob’s well in John 4. An unnamed foreign woman from a different religious tradition & cultural identity is the first one to whom Jesus reveals his true identity in the Gospel of John. How might this story challenge and invite us to claim Jesus as Messiah in our everyday lives? Our scripture reading of John 4 is woven with Conversations by Sara Groves.
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.
