Temptation comes in the ordinariness of our lives and makes us forget who we are and what we are called to do. It causes us to doubt the truth: that we are God’s beloved children.
Accompanying scripture:
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Matthew 4:1-11
In the strange moment of Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountaintop, Peter, James, and John fell to the ground, afraid. But Jesus did not leave them overwhelmed by their fear, in the face of the glory and mystery of God, and he did not leave them overwhelmed by fear when he went down the mountain and faced the growing conflict and darkness in his time. Jesus will not leave us overwhelmed by fear. In the darkness of our times, as we seek to follow along Jesus’ way, let our eyes be open to see the light of Christ, like a lamp shining in a dark place. And may God’s light shine through us to be a lamp shining for others who are afraid.
Scriptural Reference:
Matthew 17:1-9
Paintings Referenced:
Rubens’ Transfiguration
Rafael’s Transfiguration
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
It seems like a daunting task. Jesus’ admonition to be perfect just as God is – especially when it seems nothing is ever good enough.
Except that our understanding of perfect may not be the best way to understand this text. Maybe a better way is to think of it like how Gary Potter describes trying to get Happy Gilmore to putt a golf ball.
But you’ll just have to listen to the sermon to find out what that means.
Accompanying Scripture:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Matthew 5:21-37
Salt doesn’t taste very good on its own. It’s only really any good when it’s added to something else. So, when Jesus tells the crowd they are the salt of the earth, he wants them to flavor and preserve the world instead of keeping to themselves.
It’s time for us, the church, to heed Jesus’ words and enhance the flavors of the world.
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 58: 1-12
Matthew 5:13-20
Main Scriptural Reference:
Matthew 5:1-12
Other Scriptural References:
Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:16-30, John 2:1-12
At a young age, Pastor Kate wrestled with what it meant to be a member of her family. She thought it might be because she fished with them.
It’s tempting to think Jesus chose the first four disciples because they fished— that he wanted them to follow him because of what they did. Except maybe that’s not entirely accurate.
The being does not come from the doing. Instead, the doing comes from the being. Pastor Kate explores this notion in relation to Jesus’ call that each of us follow him.
Accompanying Scripture:
Matthew 4:12-23
Christmas is over and things have begun to return to normal. It’s easy to find ourselves in a fog of forgetfulness, consumed by the return to normal routines and busyness.
Just as it seems Mary and Joseph forgot who Jesus was in the midst of 12 years of normal. That is, until he gets left behind in Jerusalem and they begin to panic, searching for him everywhere except where he is.
In this sermon, Pastor Kate explores our forgetfulness in the midst of “normal” and Jesus’ response.
Accompanying Scripture:
Luke 2: 41-52
Accompanying scripture:
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 2:15-38
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