And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this is mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. -Ephesians 6:18-19

What does it mean to “pray in the Spirit?” For that matter, what is prayer exactly, and what does God expect of us? How does prayer ‘complete’ the full armor of God?

Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these,* take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” -Ephesians 6:14-17

Pastor explains how God’s word as an arsenal can defeat the enemy. What versus of scripture do you hold onto in times of need?

“For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places… Take the helmet of salvation.” -Ephesians 6:12,17a

Lots of tough stuff happens in life. How does God protect us when it seems that all is lost? To give us an eternal perspective on things, God gives us the helmet of salvation, and Dennis Metcalf we’ll talk with us about it today.

“For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places… take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” -Ephesians 6:12, 16

It doesn’t take a big flame to start a deadly fire. You can only imagine the damage that flaming arrows could do to someone! God provides us with a shield to protect us from those arrows, but how do we pick it up? We’ll see today.

“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” -Acts 2:2-4

Ever feel powerless? Imagine trying to communicate with a huge crowd, all of whom speak different languages! God came alongside the early Christians and gave them what they needed. Is God still coming alongside us today?

Here are the pictures we took of the congregation (after the kids and their teachers left - we also didn’t get any pix of the band, the nursery, or anyone in the Trinity Cafe, but you know who you are!)

“Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” -Ephesians 6:14-15

Shoes? Who cares about shoes in a battle? And what does it mean to put on whatever will make us ready to proclaim the gospel of peace? What’s the gospel of peace and why would I want to tell anyone else about it? We’ll discuss that today.

“For his (Jesus’) sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as garbage, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness of God based on faith.”

According to this passage, a Christian’s righteousness is based on faith in Christ and not on buckling down in strict obedience to God’s ‘law.’ Does this mean we need make no effort to live the way Christ taught us by his example? How does ‘righteousness’ protect us?

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… -Ephesians 6:13-14a

If there’s a “day of evil” coming, what good will a belt be? And why is “truth” the first characteristic mentioned in the description of the Armor of God? We’ll look at the way that truth can protect us. We’ll also look at what kind of harm we’re susceptible when we don’t wear the belt of truth.

“Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” -Ephesians 6:11

Hey, I thought you said that evil was defeated on the cross! Well, that’s true, but the devil hasn’t given up yet. The struggle for the hearts and minds of God’s children continues. What is God’s plan to keep us safe and strong? That’s exactly what we’ll be looking at today & through June.

Then he [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” -John 20:27

Thomas doubted and needed to see the scars of Jesus to believe. What doubts are keeping us from believing Jesus fully?

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4.7

Dan Meyerpeter talks about how to love the shepherd and take care of the sheep. Take a listen.

….he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” -Mark 16:6-7

The women have come to finish preparing Jesus’ body for burial, but when they arrive, he’s not there! Even after an angel tells them to go tell the good news to Jesus’ followers, they are paralyzed with fear. Can that happen to us too?

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ -Mark 15:33-34.

Nobody expected the Messiah - the anointed one - to end up on the cross. Even Jesus himself seems to feel abandoned by God! What good can come from such a terrible tragedy? Today, we’ll look for signs of hope for Jesus’ followers.

“And [Jesus] said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come forward.’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?’ But they were silent.” -Mark 3:3-4

The religious leaders set a trap for Jesus. Would he help a man whose hand didn’t work even on the Sabbath Day? Jesus was pretty upset by their apathy. What will he do? What will the consequences be? What does it mean for us?

Jesus excuses his disciples for picking grain on the sabbath: “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath.” Is Jesus the ultimate rule breaker?

Please welcome guest preacher Nick Zylstra.

“Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.’” -Mark 2:19-20

The Pharisees don’t understand why Jesus’ followers don’t fast twice a week. But Jesus tells them that they’re stuck! It’s time for a new way of being with God - they’re in the middle of a wedding feast! Is Jesus calling for something new today? How is he unsticking us in our 2009 lives?

“When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” -Mark 2:16-17

Jesus spent a lot of time with people who were looked down upon. That caused quite a stir among the religious “in crowd.” Are we still called to reach out to outcasts? And could it mean that Jesus wants to hang out with me too - even though I don’t have it together?

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished.” -Luke 4:1-2

Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into a place where he would be hungry and would be tempted by the devil? Why was he faced with the biggest temptation after being weakened by hunger? What was the goal? How does God use temptation and trials in our lives?

Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’

Jesus healed the paralytic in part because his friends had enough faith in Jesus to take the paralytic to him at any cost. Can you think of a time when you moved “heaven and earth” to help someone meet Christ?

“Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’” -Mark 1:41

Jesus is confronted by a man with leprosy - an outcast from society - a true untouchable. Jesus chooses to take a risk and cross strict boundaries to show his love for him. Who do I see as untouchables in my world? How can I see them as Jesus sees them? What boundaries does Jesus want me to cross to do that?

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.

Have you ever tried doing service for God when your tank was running on empty? Even Jesus needed time to refresh his spirit to keep his ministry on track. How can we refuel our spirits when the tank says “low fuel?”

And he [Jesus] cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. -Mark 1:34

In today’s reading, Jesus heals the Apostle Peter’s mother-in-law and also many other people who had all kinds of diseases and demon possession.
Does God still heal today?
What can we do to receive healing?
What if we pray and do not receive healing?

James 5:14 - Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.

Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” -Mark 1:23-25

In today’s reading, Jesus casts an unclean spirit out of a man. What was that all about? Can it still happen? What impact does it have on our lives as Christians?

The Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-18.

1 John 4:4 - “Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea– for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. -Mark 1:16-18

Jesus offers a tough decision to four future disciples in today’s reading. Are there pre-qualifications for being a follower of Jesus? Does Jesus really require us to leave everything behind to follow him? What next?

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’”

What’s with this baptism thing? And why did Jesus of all people choose to be baptized? Are we called to be baptized too? And if so, what is the meaning of baptism in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ?

“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” -Matthew 2:11

What made these gifts worthy of the Christ child? The Magi’s gifts have much to teach us about the nature of this special child. What will each of us bring him in 2009?

Directed by Krista Penney.

]]> http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/148/feed 3:46 Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008, 7:00 PM. Directed by Krista Penney. Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008, 7:00 PM. Directed by Krista Penney. Music,,Podcast,,Trinity,Classics Steve Whitney friends no No http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/147 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/147#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:54:50 +0000 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=147 Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008, 11:00 PM.

Narrations by Dan Meyerpeter, Debra Johnston, and Steve Whitney.

Music by Joseph Faith.

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed– and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” -Luke 2:34-35

What does it mean to follow Jesus? Simeon speaks of the light and glory that Jesus will bring. But he also predicts opposition, revealing of secrets, and even of a sword. How does that relate to our lives as Christians?

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth… From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” -John 1: 14, 16-17

Pastor Steve examines what it means to have God with us in our lives as we welcome Jesus this Christmas.

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary… The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” -Luke 1:26,30-31

God chooses an unremarkable young woman named Mary and uses her to bring Jesus into the world. “How can this be?” she asks! We ask that too. How does God use us today? Mary says yes. Will we say yes too?

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.” -Isaiah 61:1

Isaiah was a prophet, anointed with God’s Holy Spirit. Along with the blessing of the Spirit, he was given a hefty job description. Jesus quotes this passage in Luke 4:18-19, claiming the same mission. And it’s been passed on to us with the power of the Holy Spirit!

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” -Mark 8:2-3

God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus 2000 years ago. And hundreds of years before that, God sent Isaiah and Elijah who prepared the way for John. How is God preparing the way for Jesus in our church today? Or in the world around us? Or in our hearts?

“Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.” -Psalm 25:8-10

The season of Advent - the four Sundays before Christmas - is a time of competing priorities and conflicting values. What is God’s call for us in this season? We’ll explore the question today.

“…choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” -Joshua 24:15

Joshua is nearing the end of his life, and it’s time to pass his wisdom on to the people of Israel. Instead of a pep talk, he gives them a choice. And the choice is a difficult one - a choice that must be made very carefully or there will be dire consequences. We are presented with the same choice today. How can we decide? What will our choice be? And what should we expect?

“Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them… I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6, 9

The great leader Moses is dead. Joshua is alone at the helm. He has a dangerous mission - to lead the people of God in taking possession of the Promised Land. How must Joshua have felt? God is gracious and gives him the keys to overcoming fear and being successful at the task. What does God tell him to do? What does God tell us to do so that we can live with no fear?

Now Jericho was shut up inside and out because of the Israelites; no one came out and no one went in. The LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have handed Jericho over to you, along with its king and soldiers. You shall march around the city, all the warriors circling the city once. Thus you shall do for six days. -Joshua 6:1-3

After a generation in the wilderness, God’s people are about to get their first shot at entering the Promised Land. But why does it have to be the walled city of Jericho? God has led them into what seems to be an impossible situation. How will God get them out? Is God still in the business of getting people through impossible challenges? How can we know what to do?

“When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the LORD said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over… Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you… But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance, since the offerings made by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them.” Joshua 4:1,6b,14

The tribe of Levi was the tribe responsible for helping the people to stay connected with God.  They were the priests, handled the burnt offerings, and arranged for the people to worship God.  So why did God cut them out when the land was divided up?  Why make them dependent on the rest of the people’s generosity?

When the entire nation had finished crossing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua: “Select twelve men from the people, one from each tribe, and command them, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood, carry them over with you, and lay them down in the place where you camp tonight.’” -Joshua 4:1-3

God gave the people of Israel an amazing demonstration of providence - God’s ability to provide for their needs. Then to help them remember God’s love and power, they built a monument. How can we remember the ways that God has been good to us so that we can be faithful rather than fearful as we face the future?

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Go up this mountain of the Abarim range, and see the land that I have given to the Israelites. 13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, 14 because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin when the congregation quarreled with me. You did not show my holiness before their eyes at the waters.”

Moses’ mistake cost him the right to enter the Promised Land. Instead, God passed the mantle of leadership on to his protege’, Joshua. This should get our attention. If the great Prophet Moses wasn’t righteous enough to lead God’s people into Canaan, how can 21st century Christians dare serve such a holy God today?

“Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron; the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become booty; would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” -Numbers 14:1-3

The spies had gone out to see what the “Promised Land” was like and had found a rich land, but they had also found strong inhabitants. Would they trust God to bring them through successfully? Or would they turn back to the “lesser of two evils”?

“So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, ‘Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.’ Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. ” Exodus 24:13-15

Joshua got to watch Moses stepping into the cloud of the presence of God. But Joshua was still outside the cloud. And he was stuck there on the mountain for 40 days… Are there people around us who seem to have a special relationship with God? Or maybe there’s a Joshua waiting on you? How does God’s plan for spiritual growth involve other people? We’ll take a look!

“So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.  Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.” Exodus 17:10-11

When the Amalekites attacked the people of Israel out in the wilderness, Moses had a plan.  It looked like magic – when he raised his arms, the people of Israel were winning.  When Moses put his arms down, they would lose!  Why did it happen that way?  Does God still do that kind of thing today?

And stay tuned for our upcoming message series on Joshua and how he met the huge challenges he faced!

“You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.  Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.  But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” James 1:19-22

The word holiness makes us think of people who are kind of out of touch with the real world, and expressions like “holier than thou” suggest something negative.  What does God’s call to holiness really mean and how does it play out in our daily lives?

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ (Acts 8:18-19) 

Many of us would like to relate to God and be empowered by God’s Spirit on our own terms. Simon tried to buy God’s power. We’d never do that, but do we do something similar? We’ll see! 

“You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.” -Deuteronomy 11:18-19

God has called us to teach the word to our children - as individuals and as a church. How can that work in a world that seems to be too busy to take a breath? We’ll explore that today.

While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died. -Acts 7:59-60

Stephen was a servant of Jesus Christ and a victim of trumped up charges. But instead of telling people what they wanted to hear, he stayed true to the end - even praying for forgiveness for those who were about to execute him. How did he do it? Is that kind of strength accessible to Christians today?

“And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’” -Acts 6:2-4

The apostles seemed to believe that feeding the hungry and ministry of prayer and the word were both necessary. What is our 21st century equivalent to the decision they made. What can we do in our lives as Christians?

Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!” -Acts 5:3-4

What was so bad about what Ananias did that Peter called it “Satan filling his heart”? Then he died on the spot! Why is this particular sin so bad? What effect does lying to each other and to God have on us today?

(This is the same passage Pastor Steve preached
in his candidate sermon at Trinity 5 years ago.)
“And leaving the crowd behind, they took Jesus with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion…” -Mark 4:36-38a

Jesus asked his disciples to take him across the sea, a journey that would prove quite dangerous. And even though he was there in the boat, the storm was serious enough to threaten to sink the boat. What does it mean to have faith in the middle of the storm? Does it even make sense?

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” -Matthew 6:25-26

Even living what may be the highest standard of living of all time, we worry a great deal about having enough. That can prevent us from being generous and from trusting God as Jesus has called us to. How can we give and still feel secure? We’ll explore that today.

“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” -Acts 4:19-21

All of us face pressure to conform. We may know in our heart what is right, but it’s a lot easier to do what others expect from us… How will we make the decision when we’re on the spot? Let’s see what Peter and John did!

“‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them in?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them.’”

God appears to allow evil to thrive both in the world as well as in his church. Why doesn’t he just wipe it out? Today’s sermon is by Pastoral Assistant Debra Johnston, M.Div.

“Then Simeon blessed them (Joseph and Mary) and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’”

Christian faith isn’t always about the blessings God can give us. We find ourselves shocked when our love for Christ brings us times of testing and persecution. How can we stand firm when our faith journey presents us with a traumatic surprise? Please welcome guest preacher Rev. Dr. Thomas Smith.

“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” -Acts 3:1-6

How did Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, perform such an amazing feat of healing? Why did it happen? What did it mean in the 1st century and what does it mean in the 21st?

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” -Acts 2:42,45-47

What would it be like if the Christian Church looked like this? Acts 2:41-47 isn’t a set of commandments, but it does describe what’s possible for a community of people who follow Jesus! Do we want to live this way?

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” -Acts 2:37-39

Everyone saw something amazing the day that the Holy Spirit was given to the church. They knew that they had experienced something new and powerful, but what was it? What did it mean? What should they and we do now?

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” -Acts 2:1-4

How can a crew of 120 people be Jesus’ witnesses to the whole world? They can’t! At least not on their own. But in today’s passage, the Holy Spirit empowers some amazing ministry. What does it mean for us? We’ll see today!

“So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.” -Acts 1:23-26

How can we know God’s will? Jesus’ disciples prayed and then “cast lots” (flipped a coin). Is that really how you do it? What do we do when we know that we’re called by God but not sure what we’re called to? We’ll explore the question today! 

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:6-8

Patience isn’t one of the virtues of our 21st century culture. When Jesus’ disciples asked him for a timetable, he told them that wasn’t their business. Wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, he said. How about us? Are we OK with Jesus’ agenda and timetable? What does it mean to wait for God?

Praise Set

Send the Fire (Lex Loizides, William Booth)
Ancient of Days (Gary Sadler, Jamie Harvill)
Blessed Be Your Name (Beth Redman, Matt Redman)
Draw Me Close (Kelly Carpenter)

Prayer of Confession

Prayer Response:  Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) chorus (Kelly Carpenter)

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20

What does it mean to go and make disciples? Have
we really thought it through? Are we ready to do that
as individual Christians and as a church?

“And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.‘ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” -Luke 12:19-21

It sounds like the farmer in this story is planning ahead. Is there anything wrong with that? What does Jesus mean by “rich toward God”? Must we suffer to do it?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven…” -Matthew 5:43-45a

Give to, love, pray for whom??? My enemies? Surely that doesn’t really include ____________ (fill in the blank with the right name). We’ll see this morning!

“Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” -Matthew 5:37

Jesus’ standards in the Sermon on the Mount seem ridiculously high.  What’s up with that.  And what’s wrong with making promises and oaths?  What is Jesus trying to tell us about the value of saying a simple “yes” or “no”?  Guest preacher, Dave Dove helps us understand it all.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” -Matthew 5:27-28

What does Jesus have to say about sex? Adultery? Lust? Divorce? Does he just not want us to have fun? Is what Jesus describes really even possible?

“So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” -Matthew 5:23-24

Jesus seems to be saying that anger, name calling, an disputes between people are on the same level as the Old Testament against murder. What can Jesus possibly be saying? What can we do with it?

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus says that Christians are the light of the world and the salt of the earth.  What does it mean to be salt and light?  What about hiding the light under a basket?  So what will we go do? 

“Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.”

How did Jesus himself interpret the Old Testament writings, which were the only scriptures available to his disciples while Jesus was alive?  Why does it matter to us today?

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” -John 20:1-2

Where is Jesus? His disciples sure didn’t understand. They knew what to expect from Jesus before, but now, everything’s changed. If Jesus is risen, what now?

Today’s Bible Reading is Matthew 27:11-32.

“So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ … And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ 22 Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’” -Matthew 27:17,21b-22

In the final days of Jesus’ life on earth, the religious and civil authorities found him guilty. Then they gave the people a chance to choose. They chose to release a man called Barabbas and to crucify Jesus. What would we do?

“Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” -John 11:21-23

Why did Jesus let his friend Lazarus die? Did he really think that a theological statement would be a comforting answer? What does it mean for Jesus to be “the resurrection and the life”? And what can we do with it?

“‘As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him’” -John 9:1-3

Meeting a man who was born blind brought up some theological questions among Jesus disciples. But the real storm started after the healing. Why is Jesus so controversial? What does this healing mean for us?

Your Trinity Podcast Team

“The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am he, the one who is speaking to you.’ … Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’” -John 4:25-26, 39

Jews didn’t talk to Samaritans, especially not this Samaritan woman. But Jesus did. He learned her secrets, she learned about him, and lives were changed! Learn more today.

“Jesus answered Nicodemus, ‘Very truly, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’” -John 3:3

Theologians have been battling over the precise meaning of the phrase “born from above” for some time now, but the main issue is, “How can WE know we have been ‘born from above’?”

“Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.” -Matthew 4:10-11

The Spirit led Jesus out into he wilderness where, after forty days of fasting, he was tempted by the devil.  Was his choice really a big deal?  How did Jesus resist?  Does his victory mean that we too can resist temptation? How can we do it and what will it mean in our lives when we do?

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” -Matthew 5:11-12

Jesus says that all kinds of people in tough situations are actually blessed! How can this be? What do those in pain, out of power, and the persecuted except suffering? What does it even mean to be blessed in those situations? We’ll discuss it today.

“As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea– for they were fishermen.  And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” -Matthew 4:18-20

What will it mean when Jesus calls?  For these fishermen, it looked like giving up everything in exchange for uncertainty, downward mobility, and discomfort.  What made them decide to follow?  Will we decide to follow too?

“…for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.” -Jeremiah 9:13

Have we been looking for life in all the wrong places?  Are our lives empowered by living water or are we storing everything we have and everything we are in cisterns that hold no water at all?  How would we know?  What can we do about it?

“And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’” -Matthew 3:16-17

Why was Jesus baptized at all?  And why did God choose this time to sing Jesus’ praises?  John the Baptist’s objections look pretty reasonable too.  All in all, the baptism of Jesus can be confusing.  What did it mean then, and what does it mean for us today?

“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’  When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.” Matthew 2:1-3

When the Wise Men followed the star and arrived in Jeru-salem looking for Jesus, they came to King Herod to ask how to find him.  Herod wasn’t as helpful as he appeared.  Where are we getting our guidance?  From Herod or from God?

Today’s scripture is Hebrews 1:1-4.
“He is the reflection of God’s glory.”

In this Chrismas season, we are reminded that we are all children of God and come to Him as children, full of questions and wonder, hoping in the truth that ‘nothing is impossible’ with God.

Christmas is the season of miracles, but for many of us it is a time when we focus on how far our lives have fallen short of our expectations…even in our faith walk.  Can we, like our sister Elizabeth, really believe that ‘nothing is impossible’ with God?

“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.”
-Luke 24:13-14

Guest speaker Dave Dove preaches on the 400 years of world history between the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

“Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
-Matthew 24:42-44

Jesus said that he would be back, but when?  What will happen to the world in the meantime?  Is it destined to get worse and worse?  How are we supposed to act in the world?

“[The Holy Spirit] will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.  All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” – John 16:14-15

What is the Trinity?  Can 1+1+1=1?  How can God be three and one at the same time?  If I do  manage to understand the Trinity, what  difference will that make in my life?

“If you can comprehend it, it is not God.“
- Augustine of Hippo, 4th Century

Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

Genesis 1:1-2
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

John 1:1-3a
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.”

Perichoresis
peri = around
choresis = dance

Genesis 1:27
“So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

John 14:20
“On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”

“The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.” – Luke 16:22-23

Do heaven and hell exist?  If so what and where are they?  How do you end up in one or the other?  Should we be worried?  Is there any way to be sure of our eternal fate?

“Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?  Seven times?’
‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven.’”

Does God really expect us to forgive like that?   Won’t that make me a doormat or an enabler of someone caught in sin?

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!  Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

How much does God protect us?  Can we count on it?  What about the things we’ve seen that God hasn’t protected us from?  Where is God then?

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” -Malachi 3:10

How can we tell how much to give financially?  What does our culture say?  What does the Bible say?  How do I make a decision?

Supplimental readings:
Luke 16:13-14
2 Corinthians 9:7-8

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.  Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” -Psalm 19:1-4

Is there wisdom in other religions?  Has God revealed himself outside of the Bible?  What should we accept and what should we reject?

In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”  That sounds clear.  But then in James 2:24,  James writes, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”

Which is it?  How can both be correct?  How can a Christian deal with a conflict like this in the Bible?

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

If God is indeed speaking and acting in the world, how can we tell what is God and what isn’t?  In 1 John 4, John gives his community some basic principles to use to understand that – and they still work nearly 2000 years later!

Discernment
“A Christian’s ability to distinguish between truth and error, good and evil, right and wrong, ‘from God’ and ‘not from God’”

Discernment Criteria
1. God Is Consistent
a) with Jesus
Does an interpretation or perspective point to Jesus or leave room for Jesus?
b) with what God has said and done
Is an interpretation of perspective consistent with God’s action and self-revelation in Scripture?
2. Community
God wants us to depend on each other. It’s much easier to discern God’s will in community.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is within us!
b) It’s easier to hear “yes” and “no”

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Do we still have spiritual gifts?  Even the spectacular ones?  If we do, how can we tell which ones we have?  What are we supposed to do with them?

Lists of Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
1 Corinthians 12:28-30
Romans 12:6-8
Ephesians 4:11-12
1 Peter 4:9-11
There may be several more depending on whom you ask.

Knowing that God can use our suffering to console others helps, but is there any answer to why God allows incredible suffering at all?

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.  ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NRSV)

Did God change between the Old and New Testaments?  What was God thinking doing some of the things we read about in the Old Testament?  Where are the love and grace we see in Jesus’ teaching?  Are they there at all?

Today’s Big Questions
#1 - I cannot equate the God of the Old Testament who helped, asked for, etc. armies to kill with the God of love in the New Testament.
#2 - Why don’t we as Christians, follow all the dietary (& other) laws of Moses?
#3 - How come some things like slavery and polygamy were OK back in Old Testament times?

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NRSV

How can we interpret the Bible?  Are there principles that will help?  What about the confusing stuff or the weird stuff? Are there parts that don’t matter or that are now out of date?

Have you felt too weak or ill-equipped to be useful?  Or that you couldn’t really make a difference in the world?  Jesus may just have other plans for you…

Please welcome Reverend Julie Kim this week.

“… As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.”
- Mark 10:46-49

Ever get angry at someone? Or really frustrated by a situation? King David did!

“O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me– those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil!”
-Psalm 139:19-20, NRSV

Can you really say that to God? How does God respond? Did someone just add those lines into this beautiful Psalm?  We’ll explore that today.

“For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” -Psalm 139:13-14a (NRSV)

Ever wonder why you’re here?  If there is a purpose for your life?  Or maybe if you are just a random occurrence?  Psalm 139 tells us about God’s relationship with us as Creator, and what it means for God to have plans for us.

“Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.” -Psalm 139:7-8 (NRSV)

Ever try to get away from God? How did that work for you? King David expresses the same sentiments in Psalm 139, but wherever he can go, he finds that God is there too. So what can we do? We’ll explore that.

“O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away…” Psalm 139:1-2 (NRSV)

Ever feel that nobody would want to be around you if they really knew you? Or maybe that nobody really understands you? Or that God doesn’t really understand you?  We will examine what it means for God to know us as we explore the words of the psalmist in Psalm 139.

Draw near to God?  What does it even mean to draw near to God?  How can we do it? We’ll look at James’ insights into that and see how they can work in our own lives.

When Simon Peter figured out who Jesus really was, Jesus told him that God had revealed it to him.  Jesus gave Peter a new name that means “rock,” and Jesus promised to build something important and strong on his foundation.  What does that mean for us?  What does it mean for Jesus to build the church?  Will he build any old church?  How can we be part of what he’s doing?

“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain…If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are, of all people, most to be pitied.”

What do you really believe about resurrection? The Apostle Paul was very clear resurrection is a core issue of the Christian gospel. Resurrection: Christ’s and ours, it really does matter, and it is the source of our greatest Christian hope.

A nasty case of sibling rivalry had broken out in the Corinthian Church as to who were the “most spiritual,” and the women were behaving more like pagan priestesses than Christian converts. The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians that every spiritual gift, no matter how spectacular, must be exercised in Christian humility. He reminds us the only thing that will survive into eternity is the quality of our relationships on earth. How’s your love walk?

When God starts working in your life, it’s going to upset someone.  Why does that happen?  What do we do about it?  How can God support me in the uncomfortable interactions that follow?  It’s not a new problem, and we’ll explore it now.

“When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31 (NRSV)

God wants to work in our lives, but God usually chooses to wait until we give permission. When the 1st century church prayed for the Holy Spirit’s work to happen among them, the result was amazing! Are we ready to “take the plunge” into the Spirit too?

When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”
-Acts 4:7 (NRSV)

Where does the power to heal come from?  What if we pray for healing and it doesn’t happen? What did Peter mean when he said, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” And what does that have to do with healing?

6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.”  7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  8 Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.”
-Acts 3:6-8 (NRSV)

Does God still heal?  Why some and not others?  What is our role in healing? Dave Dove delivers this week’s captivating Word as Pastor Steve recovers from illness.

There’s lots of talk these days about “spirit” and things “spiritual.”  But who is this Spirit that Peter talks about?  What does Jesus have to do with any of this?  And why does that matter?  We’ll explore it today.

What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?  And can we really know God’s will through the Spirit?

Paul says we are one body in Christ. How does that affect the way we see the Church and our function in it? We’ll explore that here.

Many of us try to earn God’s favor by “being good.”  Others feel that an hour on Sunday morning is enough.  Still others don’t think they have anything to offer.  What does the Apostle Paul have to say about Christian service?

We live in nation propelled by wealth and consumption. Is that compatible with the gospel? In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus tells us that we can’t serve both God and money. What does that mean for our day-to-day lives as Christians?

What does true freedom look like? Living under our own power can only lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and eventually death. But God promises us that in Christ Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience life and peace. Where in your life would you like to experience that kind of freedom today?

This week Pastor Steve takes a look at Romans 8:1-9 to find out how we can find freedom as we begin a our new series, “Seeking God’s Will.”

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’  Peter felt hurt because he said to him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’  And Peter said to him, ‘Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.’  Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’”    John 21:17

Have you ever needed a second chance?  Jesus’ disciple Simon Peter sure did.  On Jesus’ way to his crucifixion and death Peter denied him three times.  Listen as  Debra Johnston talks about John 21:1-18  where Jesus gives Peter the ‘second chance’ he did not deserve and could never hope to get.  That’s one of the definitions of grace…that ‘second chance’  we don’t  deserve.

For in [Christ] every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 18:20

Ever been let down by someone who should have made good on a promise? Maybe even a pastor or a church? In this classic Trinity message from February 19, 2006, Pastor Steve looks at 2 Corinthians 1:18-22. What does it tell us about how our promises are different from God’s? And why does it matter?

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay…  Suddenly Jesus met them…”
- Matthew 28:5-6, 9

Meeting Jesus again meant that everything he had taught them was true. We’ve all heard about Jesus. Some of us have met him before and decided that his message didn’t matter for us. What can he really do anyway?  Or maybe we’re just not feeling it right now. Want to meet him again? (See Matthew 28:1-10 for today’s reading.)

Have you ever wondered what the cross really means? Why it was necessary? Or how the Son of God could die a shameful death? Pastor Steve Whitney talks about those questions and more in this week’s message on Matthew 27:11-54, “On the cross for me?!?“

 “Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his town, in Ophrah; and all Israel prostituted themselves to it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.”
– Judges 8:27

After an amazing victory by God’s strength along, Gideon ended up setting himself up to be worshipped.  How did such a promising leader get so far off course?  What went wrong?  And how can we avoid making similar mistakes?  Listen to find out!

Have you ever felt like “teaching someone a lesson?”  Listen on as Debra Johnston explores Judges 8:1-21.  It is pretty difficult for human beings to know just exactly what the justice of God might look like.  Maybe that’s the point: maybe only God knows!  How can we let go of the things that have hurt us so that God can mete out his justice in his perfect timing?

Do you ever wonder what God is up to? How the pieces will every possibly fit together? Me too. I’ll bet Gideon wondered that also. How can we deal with the frustration of the many, seemly unrelated parts of what will later prove to be God’s plan? Then be sure to listen!

“That same night the LORD said to [Gideon], ‘Get up, attack the camp; for I have given it into your hand.  But if you fear to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah; and you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to attack the camp.’”  – Judges 7:9-11

Gideon’s in an impossible situation, but God had a plan and was willing to let Gideon in on it.  Does God still have a plan?  Can we get a sneak peak into what God is doing in our lives?

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,  where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”  - Luke 4:1-2a

The devil gave Jesus some pretty tempting offers, but he resisted.  How did he do it?  Is the devil still tempting us?  Why is it so important not to give in?  Listen to find out!

“The LORD said to Gideon, “The troops with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand. Israel would only take the credit away from me, saying, ‘My own hand has delivered me.’”  - Judges 7:2

Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 to deliver his people from oppression.  But God sent 31,700 of them home. God said they’d take the credit if they had a big army – instead of giving the glory and honor to God.  Where do you think we take credit for God’s work in our lives?

Gideon has seen a sign from God already, but he asks for two more. Why does Gideon need more assurance of God’s faithfulness and God’s call? How do we know that God is there for us?

The people ask for deliverance from the oppression of Midian, and God sends someone to tear down an altar… Could this be what we need too? What idols could we be worshipping? Do we need to tear down their altars to receive God’s blessing? We’ll explore those questions in this message.

Have you ever told God you were the wrong person for the job? What do you think held you back…was it lack of confidence or maybe fear of burnout? Gideon had the same problem. How can we find the courage to accept the call of God on our lives?

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“The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD gave them into the hand of Midian seven years… Thus Israel was greatly impoverished because of Midian; and the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help. ” -Judges 6:1,6

Why would God abandon the Chosen People? Or is that actually what happened? Is there still hope for us in the 21st century when it seems that our relationship with God is on the skids?

“So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:8

How did the Apostle Paul and his companions share the gospel? Is it still effective in the 21st century? How can we do it? Listen to find out.

“When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” –Matthew 2:10-11

The Wise Men dropped everything to go and seek Jesus. When they found him, the gave him their treasure and bowed before him in worship. As Christians, how are we doing at following their example?

Lessons from the Wise Men

• Seek Jesus
• Go out of your way to find him
• Bow before him
• Offer him valuable gifts
• Follow God’s instructions
• Don’t be deceived by “Herod” - those in power, the establishment, the culture around us

Simeon recognized Jesus, praised God, and responded. How did he know? Who recognizes Jesus now? How do they/we respond to him and his call on our lives?

What is the Bible?  Where did it come from?  What is its purpose?  Can we trust it?  The book, The Da Vinci Code, casts a lot of doubt on the Bible.  Is it warranted?  We investigate the issue in this message.