Christ Church Jerusalem

Amos: The Lord Roars From Zion

Chapter 1, The Lord roars from Zion. Throughout Israel there are schools of prophets. But God chose a shepherd breeder to see the vision of what God was going to do. Was the message something Israel wanted to hear? In his first vision, Amos saw that God would pour out his wrath on those nations that disobeyed. Perhaps at first this would be pleasing to hear for the people of God, but they will soon learn that they have also disobeyed and will not forever escape God's wrath. Perhaps before we rejoice that the day of God's anger will come, we should consider ourselves and repent lest it is you and I that will suffer the wrath of God.

The Community We All Long For

The rebellion in the Garden not only affected our relationship with God but also our relationships with one another. Part of Jesus’ ministry is to restore relationships and re-establish community as God intended from the beginning. At times Jesus called this community the Kingdom of Heaven, and in the Gospel of Matthew we learn that it is comprised of the poor in spirit - those disciples who have made Jesus King. Relationships grounded in the Beatitudes are a witness to a world longing for community.

Readings: Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Micah 6:1-8

Psalm 15

Matthew 5:1-12

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Location, Location, Location

We usually don’t think too much about the geography of the Bible, but often it has an important theological message. Quoting from Isaiah, Matthew explains why the Son of God began his ministry in rural, insignificant Galilee. Isaiah tells us that the northern kingdom of Israel was dismantled by the Assyrians and the people were left in darkness, hopelessness and exile. It is no coincidence that Jesus’ message and ministry began there. Restoration and healing is found when we heed Jesus’ urgent call to repent and we leave the darkness to follow him.

Readings: Third Sunday After the Epiphany 

Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23

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Behold the Lamb of God.

How does a John the Baptist know to call Jesus the Lamb of God? And what should our response and our desire be to this declaration of truth?

Readings for 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 40:1-11

John 1:29-42

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Love and Sacrifice

We learn from the biblical sacrificial system that love and intimacy with God are bound up with sacrifice. In the “Binding of Issac” God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son whom he loves. On the banks of the Jordan river, God presents His beloved Son to Israel, and the Father so loves the world that he gave his only begotten Son. We also, as beloved sons and daughters adopted into God’s family, are called to live sacrificially. Although we live in an age of narcissism and self-absorption, His Holy Spirit can give us the courage and faith to believe that abundant life comes through self-giving.

BAPTISM OF THE LORD:

Isaiah 42:1-9

Acts 10:34-43

Matthew 3:13-17

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The Circumcision and the Naming of the Lord. The King of heaven possesses a Hebrew lineage and a Hebrew name, yet He is The King of all nations.

Christmas Day

How much is the lamb related to Jesus and His birth?

Bethlehem was the town where the Royal Lambs were raining shed and prepared for the Passover sacrifice. Jesus was our Passover spotless lamb who would shoulder the sins of the world. It was remarkable the similarities between Jesus and the lamb.

Readings: Titus 2:11-14 Psalm 96 Luke 2:1-14-20

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A Very Messy Christmas | Rev. David Pileggi

Often It’s been noted that the story of Jesus’ birth begins with a genealogy of some ancestors who were “less than perfect” – liars, cheats, idol worshipers, and prostitutes – sinners who made a mess of their lives and the lives of others. The birth of Jesus can only be fully understood in the context of this story. “Fear not,” the angel said at His birth, “I bring good news of great joy for you and all people. A Saviour, the Messiah is born unto you.” Like all of us, Jesus was born into and lived amidst messy and painful circumstances. Yet this obedient Son would save us from our sins and bring us back into an intimate relationship with the Father. He is Immanuel, God with us – whatever the circumstances we may find ourselves in today. And that is Good News.

Readings: Fourth Sunday in Advent - Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25

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Take No Offense | Rev. David Pileggi

On this third Sunday of Advent we recall the doubts that John the Baptist had about the Messiah-ship of Jesus. While recognizing Jesus as the Anointed One, John couldn't accept Jesus’ messianic agenda or the redemptive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. In response, Jesus said “Blessed is the one not offended in me.” How many of us, like John the Baptist, have expectations of Jesus that lead to disappointment which can corrode our faith and ultimately our relationship with God?

Readings - Third Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:4-9, Matthew 11:2-11

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A Lifestyle of Repentance

John the Baptist is one of the most enigmatic figures in the New Testament. The lack of detail often clouds his mission - which is more than just announcing the coming of Messiah. As foretold by the prophets – Isaiah in particular – it is that God will return to Zion with his people in glory to bring redemption to both Israel and the nations in an unprecedented way. Yet before this can happen the people must cleanse themselves with repentance. This message is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago: a lifestyle of repentance is the key to redemption.

Readings: Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12