In the first week of Advent, the Narrative Lectionary presents a story that contrasts cruelty with hope.  For many in power, the cruelty is the point.  But for God, the hope is the point.  The sermon is based on Daniel 6:6-27.  

This past Sunday was Christ the King Sunday - a day we are reminded that we follow Jesus and not ideologies.  Christ's kingdom is far different than the world's.  Christ's kingdom is founded on peace, invitation, grace, and mercy.  The world's kingdoms use force, violence, oppression, and imposing on others.  We are called to live into Christ's kingdom in the midst of the world's kingdom.  Pastor Matthew's sermon is based on Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28, then 31:31-34.

The Narrative Lectionary shares Isaiah's call.  We are all called.  It's just a matter of what we are called to do and to be.  How is God calling you.  The sermon is based on Isaiah 6:1-13.

Jonah is a parable about a resistant prophet who doesn't want what's best for this enemies.  He tries running away.  Nothing works.  But in spite of it all, Jonah is faithful.  He knows that God is merciful.  Sometimes we are Jonah, sometimes we are the people of Nineveh, and sometimes we are the king of Nineveh.  Pastor Matthew's Sermon is based on Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10; 4:1-11.  

1 Kings 17 talks about Elijah and the widow.  There is abundance in the midst of suffering.  And we shouldn't ignore the cause of the suffering - King Ahab's moral bankruptcy.  Terrible leadership causes everyone to suffer.  But God provides.  The sermon is based on 1 Kings 17:1-24.

The Temple couldn't be built without foreign help and resources.  And Solomon pleads with God to hear the prayer of the foreigner.  God has always been tearing down barriers and walls that separate humanity from God.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a prime example of that faithfulness.  Pastor Matthew's Sermon is based on 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:27-30, 41-43.

God reminds David of who is in charge, and it's not David.  Humility is an essential leadership quality we are told about in 2 Samuel 7:1-17.  But that message is just for David.  It's for all of us.  We encounter humility all the time.  Just look around.  Pastor Matthew's Sermon talks about humility in leadership and in life.  

Do you struggle with prayer?  Hannah's story in 1 Samuel offers us some guidance in the midst of struggle.  Prayers from the margins of society upend the meaning of greatness, strength, and might.  The sermon is based on 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1:10.  

When we feel lost and uncertain, how comforting is it to have something tangible that can make us feel safe?  Our politics, economics, relationship, and so much of our lives are uncertain.  And there are golden calves that offer a sense of control and safety.  But they aren't God.  Golden calves help us ignore the reality of the chaos and provide us a false sense of security.  God walks with us in the uncertainty and provides a way forward.  The sermon is based on Exodus 32:1-4

The world can feel overwhelming.  So much of what goes on is designed to make us give up.  But hope raises us up and sets people free.  The sermon is based on Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8.