Ekklesia

3/24/2024 - A Tale of Two Processions

Today's message explored the clash of processions entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday: one of imperial might, the other of humble love. Plus, we looked at Mark's unique gospel focus on Peter's missteps. How do these stories speak to us today?

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQFUSRxDefE&t=1694s

3/17/2024 Seeds, Fruit, and Loving Your Life

WAs Jesus interacted with people in the temple, and prepared for his impending death, he told a parable about a seed dying that gives birth to great life. He was hinting at his own death on the cross, but he was also pointing to the life his followers were called to live. How does this text speak to us today, all these years later?

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw_y5We7tUU&t=1994s

3/10/2024 'Then' is 'Now': A Bigger Understanding of John 3:16

When you see someone holding up a sign that says, “John 3:16” what is your reaction? How do you feel? Our current Christian culture has reduced this verse into something small and judgemental. How might we reclaim it and let it affect our lives today?

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnW4FQ-b45I&t=1741s

3/3/2024 Wisdom and Foolishness

In 1 Corinthians, Paul talks about wisdom and foolishness. How does this text, written thousands of years ago, speak to us today? Watch the archived recording of this message here:

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dbhjyPVVK0&t=1586s

2/25/2024 The Messiah We Want vs. The Messiah We Need

Peter may have correctly confessed Jesus as the Messiah, but his expectations clashed with reality. From viral internet moments to surprising twists in Jesus' narrative, our perception of the Messiah is challenged. And it needs to be!

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U3lMpnFB4k&t=1968s

2/18/2024 The Beauty of Baptism

On this first Sunday of Lent, our gospel lectionary text is once again the baptism of Jesus. As we prepare to do baptisms on Easter Sunday, we take a look at the meaning of this important sacrament. Baptism has become fraught in our modern culture, but is it possible to get back to more beautiful and productive vision of it?

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mRuB7T2Big&t=1806s

2/11/2024 The Last Man Standing

In the dramatic transfiguration story, Peter's suggestion to build three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah prompts a divine response. What does this story reveal about Peter's beliefs, and how does this story challenge our understanding of the Bible?

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Xug-kyr3I&t=1660s

2/4/2024 The View from 100

Isaiah 40 reminds us how great God is and how small we are. How can a 100th birthday party, a pop star comeback, and the Bible remind us of our place in the cosmos? And how can we live with the central Christian combination of wonder and humility?

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1DcJ6uatV8&t=1522s

1/28/2024 The Art of Wonder

Drawing upon Psalm 111 as well as a conversation with a friend, the animated series "Bluey", and the movie "Soul", this message explores the theme of finding wonder, awe, and aliveness in the ordinary moments of life.

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2fODE8rjRM&t=1831s

1/21/2024 Our Problem with Jonah

This Sunday we talked about the story of Jonah and the calling of the first disciples in the Gospel of Mark.

Our services are streamed every Sunday on our YouTube channel (https://ekklesiaraleigh.org/youtube). Join us Sundays online at 10:45am. Watch the archived recording of this message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5KueKPDfH4&t=1600s