Sermons of Pastor Rob Myallis

Witness and Suffering

2011-06-13T03:29:00.000-07:00

Christians changed the meaning of the word "martyr." Originally in Greek this word simply meant witness and had not connotations of suffering. Over time, however, this word meant to suffer because those Christians who gave their witness did suffer. The connection between witnessing to Christ and suffering is as old as the church...

Good Shepherd

2011-06-13T03:27:00.001-07:00

Psalm 23 and the metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is perhaps one of the most comforting images in the Bible. Might there be a little "edge" to this metaphor though?

Road to Emmaus

2011-06-13T03:26:00.000-07:00

This Easter season the sermons are focusing on meeting Jesus in our lives. The Road to Emmaus is perhaps the greatest story in the Bible of how and when we encounter Jesus on the road of life.

What kind of Community?

2011-05-03T08:31:00.001-07:00

This Easter, we've been looking at how we can experience the Risen Christ in our lives. This week we learn that Jesus shows up when Christians are gathered. So we got the where...but is there anything else we should know about this community?

Easter -- He is not here!

2011-05-02T15:36:00.001-07:00

Jesus is not in the tomb. This is a great thing. This means he is risen. But what about in our lives, when we get that sinking sense that he is not here, namely, in our lives? This sermon kicks off the Easter season, when we will focus on experiencing the presence of the Risen Christ in our lives.

Children, Palm Sunday and a Donkey

2011-04-19T16:13:00.001-07:00

Each Palm Sunday, our children and whole congregation have a wonderful celebration, cheering Jesus on with shouts of "Hosanna!"

This year though, I wondered if we were called, as a congregation, to get the donkey...

Holy and Humans (Lent V)

2011-04-19T16:12:00.001-07:00

We humans are called to be Holy. Yet we are human. The Bible is Holy. Yet clearly human. What gives? How can be both holy and human? What does Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth have to do with all of this?

Prophetic Challenge

2011-04-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

To help us understand the prophetic section of the Bible, we are looking at the call of Isaiah, found in chapter 6. It begins with the death of King Uzziah. Who cares? What does this mean? Beginning with this intro, we discover the three challenges to reading the prophets: The challenge of the mind, of the heart and finally of the spirit.

David and Nathan

2011-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

We continue "opening the word" by looking at a story in the "History" section of the Bible. In this part of the Bible people do lots of dumb things. This is a problem for God, who has promised to be faithful. How do we deal with stories of human sin and God's anger? Can we find mercy in them? To help us, we look at the story of David and Nathan...

10 Commandments (Lent I)

2011-03-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

This Lent, we are spending each week looking at a different section of the Bible. This week we are looking at the Torah (sometimes called "Pentateuch"), the first five books of the Old Testament. Lots of Sunday stories come from this section of the Bible, but adults readers don't often go here for a variety of reasons. One of the most important stories in this part of the Bible is the giving of the 10 commandments. So what do these old -- very old -- laws say about God and humanity? Three key words: Relationship, relevance and repentance.

The Other Nine

2011-03-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

Jesus invites three disciples up to a mountain, where he is “transfigured” or “transformed.” He becomes dazzling white, while he speaks with Moses and Elijah. God’s voice bellows through the clouds, “This is my son, with whom I am well pleased.” Yet, what about the other nine disciples? Weren’t they faithful disciples too? Why does God chose these three to reveal his glory?

Based on Matthew 17.

Sermon on the Mount V: Don't Worry

2011-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today we conclude our series on the Sermon on the Mount. He does so with a surprising ending: "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."

We hear in these words some good and simple advice: Live in the present. More deeply, Jesus is doing what he has done the entire Sermon on the Mount: Inviting into the Kingdom of God.

Sermon on the Mount IV: Love Your Enemies

2011-03-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

We continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount. This week Jesus says perhaps the hardest words of all: Love your enemies! No exceptions, ifs or buts! Hmm...but there is an "and," namely, pray for those who persecute you. Here in lies the key!

Sermon on the Mount III: Love and Marriage

2011-02-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

After some very gracious words in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives some very hard words about love and marriage (Matthew 5:21-37). More then simply about marriage, they are about relationships. How can we be in right relationship with one another given the amount of conflict in our lives?

Sermon on the Mount II: Light of the World

2011-02-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

In the sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to be "The Light of the World." I would much prefer for Jesus to be the Light of the World. How can we, as individuals, given the darkness that often pervades the world, act like the Light of the World??

Sermon on the Mount I: Beatitudes

2011-02-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

We begin our sermon series on the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) with "the Beatitudes" or "blessings." Jesus begins his teaching with nine blessings, many of which are suprising: "Blessed are the poor in spirit" in fact, is how he begins. Following a great Biblical pattern, Pastor Rob suggests that the Beatitudes are the job description of God and not a formula for our lives.

Follow Me

2011-01-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

Jesus' invites his disciples to "Follow Me." More than this, he invites them to get out of their boats, leave their families and (gasp) give up control of their future. Wow! Sounds like a lot to ask! Listen to the sermon to discover how Jesus does more than simply make demands...Based on Matthew 4:12-23

Come and See

2011-01-26T07:12:00.003-08:00

We hear Jesus invite his disciples to "Come and See." What kind of invitation is this? How might we be called to invite others to "Come and See." Based on John 1:29-42

Knuckleheads!

2011-01-26T07:12:00.001-08:00

Well, Saint Paul is upset! The church in Corinth that he founded has broken down into factions. And so, he tells it like it is, calling them knuckleheads! (1 Cor 1:10-17). 2,000 years later, we continue with all sorts of divisions in our church; multiple denominations and factions within denominations exist. What do we do with all of these differences?

New Road in 2011

2011-01-04T12:16:00.001-08:00

As the wisemen (Matthew 2:1-12) leave the first Christmas, they are told by an angel to head on a different road. Many of us want to head into 2011 on a different road than the one we’ve been on. What can we learn from the wisemen about heading on the road God intends for us this year?

Jesus Family Tree

2011-01-04T12:15:00.001-08:00

We might expect for only heroes of faith to be found in Jesus family tree. But instead we find notorious sinners, great sufferers and definitive outsiders. What does this mean? In the often unread first sentences of Matthew’s Gospel, we see Jesus laying out his whole ministry. Based on Matthew 1:1-18

Bearing Fruit

2010-12-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

John the Baptist, in Matthew 3, calls the people to "Bear Fruit worthy of repentance." How do we bear fruit? By fruit, of course, we mean the fruits of the Spirit: Love, patience, kindness, humility (see Galatians 5). To think about how we as humans can bear the fruits of the Spirit, we will look at how an actual fruit tree bears fruit. For a fruit tree to actually bear fruit needs patience, pruning and of course, pollination. Likewise, to bear fruits of the Spirit, we need patience, pruning and of course, pollination.

Who, What, Where

2010-12-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

The prophet Isaiah puts forth a compelling vision: All the nations streaming toward the house of God, to learn and then be sent out as swords are beaten into plowshares. It is particularly powerful for us at Zion’s Lutheran because the name of the house of God is Zion! Zion is the place where the ancient Israelites would worship, learn and then be sent out into the world. In the same way, Zion’s is the place we where we worship, learn and then are sent.

So. Let’s make this extra fun. Isaiah 2 and Zions: The who, what and where of church.

Remember Me!

2010-11-23T11:07:00.001-08:00

From the cross, the thief cries out, "Remember Me." It is a strange verse to hear the week of Thanksgiving, but hang in there, there is something worth remembering here, even as we head into the holidays.

Legacy and a Resume

2010-11-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

Jesus today predicts the destruction of the temple. He is not concerned, because he knows that the legacy of the temple will live on. What will your legacy be? More importantly, what is the legacy of the temple?

Reformation, Repentance and Zaccheus

2010-11-02T10:36:00.001-07:00

Jesus transforms the life of Zaccheus (Luke 19). What's that got to do with Martin Luther, the 95 Theses and your life as a disciple??

Joseph and the "Reuben" option

2010-10-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

The story of Joseph is fascinating and complex...the first part of it, where he is sold into slavery is rather haunting! Based on Genesis 37.

Persistence in prayer

2010-10-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

Jesus, in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18), calls us to be persistent in prayer. What do we do in life when it seems our prayers are not being answered?

Giving Thanks

2010-10-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

This week we hear about 10 lepers (people who suffer from a horrible skin disease) who are healed by Jesus. Only one, from Samaria (the other side of the tracks) comes back to give thanks. Giving thanks feels good; God expects this; yet why do the nine not come back and do we often have a hard time saying thanks?

(The sermon starts a few seconds into it; you just miss a segue from talking about Jacob in the Old Testament to the Gospel lesson, namely, the story of the thankful Samaritan). This Bible story may be found in Luke 17.

Wrestling with God

2010-10-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

One of the great stories in the Bible from all time: Jacob wrestling with God. Or God wrestling with Jacob. Either way its a haunting story. But finally one that ends with healing.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

2010-09-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is a tough parable Jesus tells of a poor man Lazarus and a rich man. The rich man, only in hell, realizes the consequences of his own actions. What will it take for our eyes to be opened to the poor around us? Our own death? Our own hellish experiences in life? It seems that maybe it starts with learning a name...

Where is God?

2010-09-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

This fall, we've been hearing stories of Jacob. What a crazy tale! This week the gate of heaven is opened and he see's a ladder with angels going up and down! Yet he admits he didn't even know that God was in that place. In our lives too God is there but we don't even know it!

Celebrations!

2010-09-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Jesus today tells two parables -- a shepherd finding a lost sheep and woman finding a lost coin. In both cases, a celebration follows. In church today we had some big celebrations. Why are we celebrating? What did we find? (And therefore, what was lost?)

Meat and Potatoes

2010-09-07T11:42:00.001-07:00

Two stories: Jacob and Esau are born; Jesus tells people the costs of following him.

They form the meat and potatoes of Christianity. Really, they do!

Healing on the Sabbath

2010-08-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Jesus this week heals on the sabbath (Luke 13:10-17). We probably ask: What is the sabbath? Sabbath is time off. Well, sort of. What exactly is the sabbath? Let's let Jesus show us.

Abundance consists of...

2010-08-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

We all agree what Jesus says: Life does not consist in the abundance of things (Luke 12:13-21). Somehow though possessions have a way of working their way into our lives...and sticking there... How do we live what Jesus teaches?

Good Samaritan

2010-08-24T19:03:00.000-07:00

A classic story: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). What a witness to God's love! This past week the youth were on a mission trip. What a witness to God's love!

Witnessing to the ends of the earth!

2010-08-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

This week Jesus says to his disciples that they will "recieve the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth." We don't live in Jerusalem nor Samaria...but we are called to witness to people in familiar places (Jerusalem and Judea) as well as "the other side of the tracks" (Samaria). What does this mean for us then? Paul's letter to the Galatians gives us some insight into what Christian witness looks like in both places we love and places we don't exactly enjoy...

Based on Acts 1:1-10 (Jesus calls his disciples to be witnesses); reference to Galatians 6:1-10

The Forever Road Trip

2010-06-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Jesus today is on the last leg of a roadtrip...and is a bit impatient. Why might this be?

Shoes

2010-06-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

Saint Paul is at it again -- stirring up trouble in the city of Galatia. Here he confronts Peter about what shoes a Christian should wear. Well, not exactly, but that is at the heart of the matter.

Holy Trinity...and me?

2010-06-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Big deal??? We look at the basics of the faith to assess three things we hear all the time as Christians:
A) "God doesn't give you more than you can handle."
B) "Everything Happens for a Reason."
C) "You just have to believe"

They may be true, but our faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit provides us with something a bit different to say.

Pentecost

2010-05-25T10:22:00.001-07:00

Street preachers, speaking in tongues and end times prophecies...yet one of the most important (and relevant) events in world history, not to mention your life...why?

The High Horse

2010-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Jesus meets Paul on his High Horse; he meets Peter in the ashes of Peter's sin and shame. Where will Jesus meet you and convert you heart, once again, to him?

Resurrection of the Body

2010-04-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

The tomb is empty. That means Jesus body isn't there. Which means that Jesus wasn't just resurrected in the soul but also in the body. Which is amazing. Amazingly good news for you and me.

Palm Excitement

2010-03-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday is a festive day. This is a good thing. Following Jesus is the most exciting thing we can do with our lives.

Worthy is Christ

2010-03-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

The book of Revelation is famous for "wrath" but it is far more a book of worship, in fact, of heavenly worship across all space and time. What can we learn from Revelation about our earthly worship today? Sermon reflects on Revelation chapter 5.

Fig Tree

2010-03-09T08:45:00.001-08:00

Jesus tells a parable of an unfruitful fig tree. Where might Jesus be in this story?

Healing...and lent

2010-03-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

Healing is a major theme in the Bible. Lent, a season of repentance and the cross sheds light on God's role in our healing.

Tempations of Jesus

2010-02-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

We spend much effort on our bodies, whether working out, at doctors or in our daily routine. What about our souls, our spiritual bodies? Lent is a time of spiritual exercise following Jesus lead in the wilderness. Based on Luke 4.

Transfiguration

2010-02-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

Today we hear of Jesus going up a mountain and being "transfigured." The disciples are blown away by this mountain experience. We all are hungry for the mountain top. How do we get there from here??

Share the boat!

2010-02-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

In today's sermon, we look at Jesus calling of his first disciple, Peter. Jesus first tells Peter to share the boat; Peter is done fishing, but Jesus uses his boat to teach people. Next Jesus tells Peter to cast his nets to the deep. As Christians, we are also called to share the boat and cast our nets -- and not just as individuals, but as a church. Based on Luke 5.

One body in Christ

2010-02-03T04:04:00.000-08:00

We have lots of people in our church who actually don't have much in common. Different ages, different backgrounds, different political beliefs. So what do they have in common? Christ! But what does this mean? (Based on 1 Cor 12)

Love is patient, love is kind

2010-02-03T04:02:00.000-08:00

Paul today (His first letter to the church in Corinth, chapter 13) is dishing out some poetic and lovely words about love. Love is patient; love is kind. Against what backdrop did he write these words?

How Jesus makes miracles happen

2010-01-19T12:48:00.001-08:00

Today we hear of Jesus first miracle -- turning water into wine. The same way Jesus does this miracle -- using common elements and common people -- is how Jesus does miracles today.

Baptism of Jesus

2010-01-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

Today we hear of Jesus Baptism (Luke 3:14-21). Today we also have a Baptism of a baby. Why was Jesus baptized? Why do we baptize? Why do we baptize babies?

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?

2010-01-05T11:57:00.001-08:00

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? The magi bring three gifts that seem like "wants" and not "needs." A closer examination reveals that actually they are just the gifts Jesus and we need...Sermon based on Matthew 2:1-11 (and 1st Corinthians 1:18-31).

Christmas Eve

2010-01-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas was ruined! The Christmas counterdowner had falled apart and the elf, elmo and other Muppets were all so frightened! Although it is just a movie, sometimes it can seem like Chritsmas does depend on us. The truth is, God comes into our world at Christmas and always and let's us know that it doesn't all depend on us.

Mary's Song

2010-01-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

During Advent this year, our congregation looked at God's messengers, both new and old. This week we hear from Mary. What is her message to us? Based on Luke 1:39-55

Psalm 145 and the struggle for faith

2009-11-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

Psalm 145 is nothing but praise for God. It confesses the faith many of us had as children. As adults, praising God can be tougher as we encounter the challenges of life. This week we also hear Jesus standing before Pilate. In Pilate's words we find some responses to the struggles of life. But we find the truth in Jesus' words.

Daniel and the Lion's Den

2009-11-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

People often think the book of Daniel is a book about doomsday dreams. The book is much more about what it looks like for us to be faithful in an unfaithful world. If you have ever had to make a decision that your group, your company, your school, your town, even your church or nation disapproved of because you believed it was the right thing to do, then the book of Daniel is for you.

Generosity

2009-11-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

We hear two stories of generosity today. Both involve a widow giving. So, why be generous? How can we be generous? What does Jesus mean for our generosity? Based on Elijah and the widow (1 Kings 17:8-16) and Jesus and the widow's two cents (Mark 12:38-44)

DTR and Baptism

2009-11-03T09:02:00.001-08:00

The "DTR." That's right, the DTR, the "Defining the Relationship" conversation. Boy meets girl...they begin as friends, feelings develop..and finally the ambiguity becomes too much and the DTR must happen. And in the DTR, objections are raised..."I like you, but just as a friend." Sometimes, in special DTR's, those objections are met.

Strange as it seems, the DTR can serve as a helpful metaphor for Baptism. Jesus declares the relationship: I am savior, you are my saint. Let the objections begin...

The Reformation and the Spiritual Journey

2009-10-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed the 95 thesis to the castle church door in Wittenberg Germany. Thus began the Protestant Reformation, which changed the church and the world. It also changed the way we look at the Spiritual Journey with Jesus, changing the Who, the When and the Where. Based on insights of Luther and Mark 10:46-52.

Global Mission

2009-10-06T08:07:00.001-07:00

On the journey with Jesus, we are never alone. We walk with Christians all around the world on God's Global Mission. So what is global mission? How are we involved? What are the blessings and what are the challenges? Loosely based on Mark 14:1-9

The little things

2009-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Business books today are filled with commentary about the importance little things. As we continue along with the Spiritual Journey with Jesus, we learn what little things matter to Jesus: little acts of kindness to others; little children to be welcomed and taught and finally little sins that greive Jesus.

In the midst of all this talk about the little things, we hear the big message about Jesus though! Based on Mark 9:32-50.

On the Journey with Jesus, Part I

2009-09-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

We often begin our Spiritual journey with the question: "Who am I?" Jesus begins his disciple's journey with a different question: "Who is Jesus?" Once we have this question answered, then our spiritual journey begins...but still, where are we going on this journey? Tune in to find out...Based on the later part of Mark 8 and the beginning of Mark 9.

Mirrors and Basins

2009-09-01T09:28:00.001-07:00

James warns that those who hear but do not do the Word are like people looking in the mirror (James 1:17-27). We live in a mirror culture -- how many mirrors are in your own house?! All too often in our culture we spend too much time looking at ourselves in the mirror...often instead of looking to our neighbor. Jesus though offers us another tool to think about our discipleship -- the basin (John 13).

Tackling tough issues

2009-08-25T07:23:00.001-07:00

In our nation, health care is the rage; in the church it is homosexuality. Our world has complicated issues. Beyond the cable-TV style of two opposing people yelling at each other, how can we as Christians engage the world on these issues? What is God's wisdom for us -- an answer, it seems, lies in the armor of God..Sermon text: 1 Kings 3, which tells of Solomon's wisdom and the infamous story of the baby and the two fighting mothers; also reflections on Ephesais 6:10-20 and the armor of God.

What I Learned

2009-07-28T06:56:00.001-07:00

Celebrating my first year in ministry, I give thanks to God for this church. In the past two years I learned two things more clearly than ever before: The power of Sin but moreover, the power of God, especially as it comes to us through the communion of Saints, in my case, this congregation.

Compassion Fatigue

2009-07-28T05:55:00.001-07:00

The disciples are tired -- tired of working, tired of other people's problems. When they see a huge crowd, they want Jesus to send everyone away. But instead Jesus asks them "What do you have," and then multiples what they do have to feed the 5,000. God multiplies what we have to help the world, even amid our compassion fatigue. Based on Mark 6 and the feeding of the 5,000.

Don't stop believing

2009-07-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

We conclude a three week look at the power of Jesus and the power of faith. Today, though, we look at the difficulties in having and sustaining faith. In the words of Jesus (and the rock group Journey): "Don't stop believin'!" The story is from Mark 5.

Sufficient Grace

2009-07-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

Saint Paul, as mighty in faith as he was, is struggling in today's passage (2 Corinthians 12:2-10). Many are criticizing his authenticity as an apostle. He himself wonders why he cannot heal himself from the thorn in his side. Instead of a "healing" he receives the powerful words from God: "My grace is sufficient for you; in weakness my power is revealed." This is not just true for Saint Paul, but also for us.

The power of Faith

2009-07-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

The Gospel of Mark tells of Jesus' power; but it also speaks about how this divine power is available to us through faith. The ill woman of Mark 5 and her interaction with Jesus has much to teach us about faith.

Mission Trip

2009-06-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

As the youth in our church head out for their mission trip to West Virginia, we hear from the Old Testament, where God picks David, the youngest of eight siblings!

Holy, Holy, Holy

2009-06-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

Last week we heard about the Trinity; so this week I want us to focus on "Holy." What does it mean to be Holy? What is God's work of sanctification? All of this is set against two powerful images, the first of Isaiah's vision of God Almighty, the second of a recent and tragic death in our church family.

Confirmation

2009-06-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

We say it so often that the unusual nature of the Apostle's Creed does not strike us. But on this confirmation day, we will ask our youth to confess that God created them, that Jesus is their lord and that the church is holy because of the Holy Spirit. That is not something that average person on the street believes!

I chose you

2009-05-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

Americans love choices, especially when it comes to religion. Yet Jesus isn't up for our consumer mentality: "You did not chose me, I choose you," He says. Instead of a consumer metaphor of choice and options, he gives us another way to think about our relationship with him: "I am the vine, you are the branches."

Holy Spirit and Mother's Day

2009-05-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

The book of Acts often remains a mystery to us because of the active role of the Holy Spirit in the book. How does the Holy Spirit work? How is the Holy Spirit at work in our lives? And what does the Holy Spirit have to do with our mothers? Based on Acts 8:26-40.

You shall be my witnesses

2009-05-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

This week Jesus tells us to be his witnesses. What does this mean, especially in an age when many people around the world and in our own neighborhoods do not know about Jesus? We can learn much from the disciples...but most importantly the crucified and risen hands of Jesus that he shows us. Based on Luke 24:36-42.

Christ is Risen!

2009-04-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Christ is Risen! The news seems too amazing, too good to be true. The first disciples a hard time believing as well, but Christ sends his angels and finally himself to tell them the good news that He is Risen. Death, his death and our death, has been defeated. This is news that we and the world need to hear again and again and so God appoints us as his messengers to tell this to the world. Based on John 20.

Palm branches and leaders

2009-04-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

As we are exclaiming in church, "Hosanna" to Jesus, remember his triumphal entry into Jerusalem 2,000 years ago, people halfway around the world are cheering for President Obama and other world leaders as they meet to discuss the global financial crisis. We and the people 2,000 years ago waved palm branches; today they wave microphones. We are hungry for a leader. What kind of leader does the world need today?

The woman at the well and the Pharisee

2009-03-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

This week we see Jesus meeting two very different people...Although the conversations go in different directions, it is clear that Jesus is meeting them where they are. Jesus meets us as well -- in our Baptisms. Based on John 3 and 4.

What is our Purpose?

2009-03-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what your purpose in life is? Ephesians tells us that our purpose are the good works that God prepared before hand for us. How do we discover these? We can learn about this from Nicodemus, a prominent teacher of the Jews who comes to Jesus by night. Based on John 3:1-17 and Ephesians 2:1-10

Wrath of God

2009-03-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today we confront the reality of God's wrath, or God's anger. Where does God's anger come from? What does it look like in our lives? Does it have the final word? Based on John 2:13-22 and portions of the Noah story (Gen 8).

Glory and Discipleship

2009-03-10T07:03:00.001-07:00

Today we hear the invitation to something glorious -- following Jesus and doing God's will. So what does glory look like for disciples? Mark 8:31-38 and portions of the Noah story (Genesis 7:1-10).

The hope of repentance

2009-03-05T06:17:00.001-08:00

We live in a culture of fear -- fear of terrorism and fear of the economy. Is Lent a season of fear? Finally is there something about repentance that is based on hope? Based on Mark 1:9-15.

Mountain Top

2009-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

We all have a deep hunger for a mountain top experience, a time when we sense God's presence, God's glory and God's love in our lives. Peter, James and John have this when Jesus takes them up the mountain and is transfigured. Come to the mountain and experience God today!

Church as Leper

2009-02-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

Today we hear of Jesus curing a leper (Mark 1:40-45), who then goes on his way proclaiming the Good News. As a church (globally), we find ourselves like the leper, on the outside of society. Rather than be bitter, we can learn from the transformation of the leper about how God can put a new song in our hearts.

Jonah: A Whale of a Tale

2009-02-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

As children, we learn of the story of Jonah and him getting swallowed by a whale. In fact, I had my first nightmare about getting swallowed by a whale! Yet, if we look at this story as adults, we realize it is less about a whale and much more about the call and mercy of God. Based on the first three chapters of Jonah.

Challenges of Discipleship

2009-02-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Last week we heard Jesus call us to be his disciples, with each other, for the sake of the world. This week we hear about the challenges of being Jesus' disciples. Finally, we hear how Jesus is the love that enables us to be his disciples. Based on Mark 1:21-28.

An Invitation to Discipleship

2009-01-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

Today Jesus invites his first disciples to follow him and become fishers of people. Often society suggests that following Jesus means one of two options: Being spiritual but not religious or being hyper-religious. While both of these options contain goodnesss, Jesus today calls us to a discipleship something more full: Life together for the sake of others. Based on Mark 1:14-20.

Dealing with Disappointment

2009-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

"Another Year Older" sings John Lennon. As we look back on 2008 and look ahead to 2009, disappointment is likely one of our realities. How do we deal with disappointment? Where does our hope come from? Based on Luke 2:22-40.

Christmas Eve 2008

2009-01-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

An Authentic Christmas Story! A real us and a real God. Based on Luke 2:1-20.