God’s Spirit enables us to keep on in faith and service in spite of frustrations and threats and obstacles. This sermon was written by Dr. David Palmer and delivered by Rev. Douglas Denton. Read More →
People were not expecting the nature of God’s appearance in Jesus – that God appeared not in might but in humility, vulnerability, and nearness Read More →
When God calls people into mission, people will sometimes run away from the call (Jonah), or come up with excuses for why they are not the one to do it (Moses). We are challenged by the model of Isaiah, who says, “Here I Am; Send Me.” Read More →
We need to recognize the presence of God’s Spirit in every other person. True faith is not insisting on one’s own claims but having a deep relationship with God that allows for compassion and the acceptance of diversity, and that leaves room for all. Read More →
God answers us personally, with what we truly need, in ways often beyond our understanding, and answers finally with a call to be in mission for God. Read More →
Biblical people journeyed from anarchy (the period of the Judges) through authoritarianism (the period of the kings) through subservience (the period of being dominated by empires) to genuine freedom in Jesus Christ. Freedom is not simply being able to do what you want; it is... Read More →
We so often imagine that we have to wrestle our way through life by our own shrewdness and ability; but when we come up short, we recognize our profound need for God. Read More →
Zephaniah initially proclaims God’s devastating judgment, then suddenly declares God’s forgiveness and promise. It is a theological movement foreshadowing what God does in Christ. Read More →
We often want to keep things controlled and comprehensible; but God works beyond our expectations. We need to make room for mystery in life, to be receptive to the Spirit of God. Read More →
Although evil may rage on earth, there is a Judge on high. God will ultimately bring justice. We are called to be a part of God’s purposes on earth, trusting in the face of evil that good will prevail. Read More →
There is much bad in the world along with the good; but we need to let God be the judge, and on our part we are called to join with Christ, who is at work for redemption. Read More →
God’s Spirit, active eternally, is poured out expansively on the day of Pentecost, empowering the disciples to carry out what otherwise would be an impossible mission. We likewise are to look to the Holy Spirit for empowerment today! Read More →
The Israelites are being reminded that it was God, and only God, Who has been with them through many challenges. Paul assures his readers that they are children of God. Read More →
We are called to be “good soil” – receiving the word of God to grow in us; and we also have a ministry of “sowing seed”: spreading God’s Word and grace, trusting that God will be at work in time. Read More →
The Christian life is a process of growth, moving from spiritual infancy (where unfortunately many people are stuck) into spiritual maturity; this requires a major commitment! Read More →
When we have the answer to death, we begin to fully live life. Eternal life is not simply a future promise, but the reality of a new life that begins now Read More →
While human beings typically want to climb the ladder, Jesus makes the opposite movement; he is the reversal of our endless striving, showing the truth path to a life of meaning. Read More →
This sermon, written by Rev. Douglas Denton and delivered by his wife, Andrea Denton, discussed the necessities and challenges of being a peacemaker in troubled times. Read More →
Justice is having to do with how we treat one another. We are called to be God’s agents as an act of gratitude to God for all God has offered us. Read More →
God works in ways that appear small and unimpressive and progress may seem slow, but the result is impressive. We need patience and perseverance to join in God’s work. Read More →