Before we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we traditionally (in the CRC) use the previous Sunday to prepare to partake of the sacrament. Why do we need to prepare? What sort of preparation? The main passage referring to this preparation is 1 Corinthians 11. In the context of the abuse of the Lord's Supper going on in the Corinthian church, Paul explains the need for self-examination and intentional preparation.
Scripture:  I Corinthians 11:17-34

We have come to call the events described in Luke 19:28-44 (and parallels) Palm Sunday, and the event of the day "the triumphal entry." But I think we've got the names wrong, both of them. Why Palm Sunday when palms were an inappropriate image for the day? And what is triumphant about an entry into Jerusalem that leaves Jesus  weeping? So what is the appropriate image? What should the day be called?
Scripture: Luke 19:28-44

Years ago, there was an extremely talented law school student whose life was changed by a couple of scary events: his friend’s sudden death and his own narrow escape from a lightning strike. Suddenly he became terribly afraid for his own salvation. How could he be right with God and find peace for his soul? He eventually found it when he took to heart Romans 3. It changed his life, and it changed the history of the church.
Scripture: Romans 3:9-31

If you looked in a dictionary, you might find the following definition of pharisaical: “observing the form but neglecting the spirit of religion.” A Pharisee is often defined as a self-righteous, hypocritical person. These are probably the definitions we grew up with. But one thing I’ve found in exploring the cultural background of the Bible: it often explodes your definitions and assumptions. And nowhere is that more true than in our understanding of the Pharisees and their relationship with Jesus!
Scripture: Matthew 23

As we near the Passion Week of Jesus, we encounter in the story of Jesus’ suffering two sinners: Peter and Judas. Matthew puts these stories together for a purpose: to compare the sins and to contrast the responses. What is Matthew trying to teach the church of his day? And how is God speaking through these stories to us today?
Scripture: Matthew 26:69 – 27:5

In preparation for heading to Jerusalem and the cross, Jesus had just asked his disciples “who do you say I am?” and they responded, through their spokesman Peter, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Then Jesus revealed that he was going to suffer and die in Jerusalem, something they weren’t prepared for. They’d made the great confession (son of God), but did they believe it with every ounce of their being? Later, in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus would give authority to carry on his work, but where did he get it?
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-13

The Hebrew Christians were greatly persecuted by Rome. They were tempted to drop out of the race of the Christian life (in fact, many did), because it was too hard and unrewarding. Here the author of this letter to those Hebrew Christians encourages them with stories of former “saints” who ran and won the race, and now closes this section saying, in essence: “If you don’t run, you can’t win!”
Scripture: Hebrews 11:32 - 12:3

Jesus actually changed his hometown from Nazareth to Capernaum. Why? Especially at a time when that wasn’t the norm? Any time you move, it is a conscious decision that comes with reasons. In fact, we could all ask that of ourselves: Why has God placed you in this place at this time? So it is not unusual for us to ask that of Jesus. Why did he move to Capernaum?
Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25

Pastor Disselkoen leads us in worship tonight by exploring the Great Commission and Jesus' command to "Go".

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Doug Higby examines God's invitation to the Israelites to listen and live.  This passage in Isaiah invites "all you who are thirsty" to receive God's grace and blessings.

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-7