March 17, 2019 Philippians 3:17-4:1 “Living Out Our Citizenship” Paul asks the Philippians, and us, to live a life modeled on an understanding of the cross. This isn’t just life with the cross as symbol or talisman, but rather a life lived in self-emptying love. This way of being changes our understandings about everything. Paul […]
Luke 4:1-13 “The Spirit Led Me Here?” (Jeff Moore, preaching) People often call moments of victory, comfort, or assurance “Holy Spirit” moments – moments when we’ve felt the sure presence of God’s power and purpose. But what if moments of temptation, uncertainty, and confusion are also “Holy Spirit” moments? Jesus’ temptation in the […]
February 17, 2019 Psalm 1 “Trees Planted By Water” Psalm 1 offers its readers and hearers a choice between the way of the Lord and the way of the wicked. It serves as both a warning and an encouragement, offering assurances that when we follow the way of the Lord we will be strengthened and […]
Luke 5:1-11 “Leaving and Following” (Jeff Moore, preaching) Jesus encounters fishermen at their workplace as they’re doing what they know best, and invites them to reconsider. They listen and respond, and find themselves surprised and amazed. They leave everything and follow him. What has Jesus asked us to reconsider? What would it mean […]
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 “Church – Love ≠ Church” (Jeff Moore and Keiler Swartz, preaching) These well-known verses are often heard in the setting of the beginning of a marriage. They are strong and important thoughts as we consider personal relationships. But what’s more is that Paul’s discussion of love is directed to a […]
John 2:1-11 “The First Sign – Mighty Fine” John’s gospel tells us that Jesus’ presence is a manifestation of God. It changes things – our celebrations, our understandings, our expectations. How might this sign of the wedding wine provide us with a glimpse of his glory? What witness will we give to Jesus’ presence […]
Matthew 2:13-23 “Seeking Refuge” (Jeff Moore, preaching) Jesus was born into a dangerous situation. His story proceeds directly from the gifts of the wise ones to a journey across borders. Even though his ancestral land was likely his family’s first and best choice for his infancy and early childhood, political threats and violence […]
Psalm 80:1-7 “Hoping Through the Tears” The worse things seem, the more we need hope. Imagine how the Psalmist’s community must’ve felt, lamenting having been sustained only on the bread and drink of tears. And they cried out together for God to “shine.” Maybe joy and sorrow work together that way. Our own common meal, […]
Dec. 9: Luke 3:1-6 “Setting Things Straight” (Jeff Moore, preaching) Check it out: When Tiberius was the biggest deal of all, when Pilate was in charge down south and Herod had it covered up north; when Phil and Lysy were takin’ care of business, and Annas and Caiaphas were the names to know at […]
2 Samuel 23:1-7 “When the Hunter Tells the Story” (Jeff Moore, preaching) Here, near the end of 2 Samuel, David gives, as an oracle, a eulogy, of sorts, for himself. He sure sounds great! God’s favorite. Super faithful. Fantastic! I wonder – I just wonder – if the story would be a little […]