Sermon:           “A Message to Change the World”

Theme:            God’s gracious gift is to lift us out of petty living so that we may be part of doing what matters.

Purpose:          The congregation will focus on serving in ways that matter and make a difference in the world.

Scriptures:       1 Corinthians 8:1-13   Knowledge puffs up, the grace of God sets free.

Mark 1:21-28  Jesus teaches with surprising authority and power that sets people free.

Questions:

What is it about Jesus’ authenticity and personal relationship with God that gave him the authority to heal and confront evil? In what ways does “knowledge puff up” but “love builds up?” What is it about our own fears of being judged or misunderstood that causes us to judge and make assumptions about others? How can we have a depth of relationship with Christ that gives us the ability to speak words that are healing and encouraging? What “unclean spirits” do we encounter that need a message of renouncing and healing?

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Sermon:           “God’s Interruption”

Theme:            God’s message calls us to a new way of living and sharing Christ’s love to the world.

Purpose:          The congregation will perceive our serving is an opportunity to be transformed in heart and mind.

Scriptures:       Mark 1:14-20  Jesus calls the disciples to “fish” for people.

Jonah 3:1-5, 10           Jonah finally proclaims God’s word and the people respond.

Questions:

What does it mean for us to follow Jesus? In what ways are we called to share Christ with others? In what ways are we like Jonah, resentful when good things happen to people we don’t like? How do we learn to be more favorable to God’s call and direction than to our own resentments and personal feelings?  In what ways are we needing to let go of our attachments and grudges in order to take part in God’s mission?

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Sermon:           “The Story Continues to Begin”

Theme:            We are “re-clothed” by Christ’s coming to take part of bringing a message of healing and transformation to the world.

Purpose:          The congregation will continue the celebration of Christmas as they seek ways to share Christ’s love.

Scriptures:       Isaiah 61:10-62:3         I will rejoice in the Lord, and clothe in salvation to celebrate a new gift of righteousness.

Luke 2:22-40   Jesus is dedicated at the temple, prophesy is made for his transforming role.

Questions:

After all of the presents are unwrapped and the Christmas frenzy is over, what is it we want for God to give to us in Christ’s coming? What do we need to hear God speak to us of promises of healing and transformation? What changes are the gifts of forgiveness and transformation going to bring to us? Now that God has given us new life and peace, what needs to be taken out of our closet and given away? What things are cluttering up our ability to receive the gift of Christ’s presence in new ways?

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Sermon:           “On God’s Time”

Theme:            We are confident in God’s love and care and out of that are able to be present and to do God’s work in the midst of anxious times.

Purpose:          The congregation will seek to find confidence through practicing trust and prayer.

Scriptures:       2 Peter 3:8-15 Waiting – the Lord’s time is not our time.  Be found at peace and patient.

Mark 1:1-8      The appearance of John the Baptist.

Questions:

What difference does our time of preparation make for us? How wise are we in using our time to prepare our hearts and open our lives up to God’s healing? In what ways are we slow to let go of our unholy thinking and meaningless hostility? How are we failing to let go of past resentments, empty grudges, and hostility whose time has long past? Can we celebrate Christ’s coming by offering healing or forgiveness to one person in particular this Advent?

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Sermon:           “The King of Love”

Theme:            Those who are submitted to Christ will share God’s love with those who they meet (who are all God’s children.

Purpose:          To rededicate to serving Christ by serving the people around us.

Scriptures:       Ephesians 1:15-23       With the eyes of your hearts enlightened, we submit to the power and authority of God in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 25:31-46      The parable of the separating of the sheep from the goats.

Questions:

When are we welcoming Christ? What does it mean to us to recognize Christ in those who are hungry, naked, a stranger, and in prison? What is our call as Christians to learn how to put love into action? What does it mean to know the power of Jesus in his glory through serving those who are in need of peace? How do we put this real power to work? What do we need to do in order to be servants of Christ the King?

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