All Souls Bangor

This message consider the wider hope of the Christian Faith which includes not just a place we go when we die, but the restoration of all things.  Key texts include Luke 20:27-38.

A message for Stewardship Sunday in the life of our Congregation.  We thank you for your support of our ministries.

A reflection on Luke 18:9-14.

In examining some passages which seem to be in tension, we are are reminded that only in Christ can we hope to understand who we are truly are.

Why would God command us to observe a day of rest?  Is it for God's benefit, or for ours?  If not for God's benefit, perhaps all God's commands are meant to lead us toward a place of blessing?  Yes indeed.

Jesus calls us all away for the routine of our lives.  He call us to proclaim the gospel and to share the love of God in word and in deed.   Faithfulness to this calling is more important than ever.

In today's reading Jesus offers his first public sermon, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.  At first the people seemed pleased, but Jesus pushes further.  He suggest that while the people may indeed share a hope, they lack the faith to see how God is working toward its fulfillment, let alone the faith necessary to participate in that working.  This exchange reminds us that we cannot bind God to human assumptions.  God always works in ways that catch us off guard.  If we aren't open to this possibility and aren't willing to trust, the hope we herald could pass us by.

This weeks message is a reflection on the Baptism of Jesus.  In subjecting himself to John's baptism, meant for sinful humanity, Jesus aligns himself with us.  In so doing he transforms the water of baptism into a meeting place for the new covenant people of God of whom Christ is the head.  Baptism reveals the mystery of our having been joined with Christ.

Throughout the season of advent we emphasized the coming of God into our midst.  In these first weeks following Christmas we are confronted by the humanity of his coming.  Today's messages wrestles with the mystery of Emmanuel.  The one who comes to us as one of us, the Eternal Logos who while here on earth grows in both wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.