We are excited to have Dr. Floyd Cunningham join us to tell of the many wonderful things God is doing all around the world through Nazarene missions. The Pape family and Floyd were together in the Philippines for many years. 

FAITH PROMISE is used by many local churches to raise financial support for world missions. The Church of the Nazarene, of which Emmaus Road is a member, has one of the longest running, globally supported missions programs in the World.

Sermon Scripture: Mark 1:9-15

During the weeks of Lent we become especially mindful of all that alienates us from God, indeed, of the human evil that nailed Jesus to those rough beams. This we lament with sadness. At the same time, we understand that by his death Jesus secured for us forgiveness and eternal life.  We are like; prisoners whose release draws near, refugees on our way back home, patients for whom the treatment is working.

We are invited to identify with Christ in his journey from the beginning of his public ministry to the events of Holy Week leading to his victory over sin and death on the cross.  We start Lent by joining Jesus in a place of solitude.

Sermon Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

The season of Epiphany begins just after Christmas with the story of Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan river by John the Baptist. As Jesus emerges from the water, a cloud appears and a dove descends and the voice of God is heard to say, “You are my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.”

And here, on this day of Transfiguration, Epiphany ends with another moment of divine revelation, “This is my beloved son, listen to him.” Once again and even more dramatically we see his glory revealed and hear the confirming voice of the Father. 

For the disciples who experience this amazing and powerful epiphany, it is a transformative moment. The same transformative work that God still enacts in our lives today.

Sermon Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

The Kingdom has come through Jesus for a specific purpose; to renew humanity and creation to its original design by overcoming the obstacles that prevent us from union with God and one another — but how are we doing at living this calling?

How are you caring for your physical, emotional, and mental health? We can endure surprisingly challenging seasons and situations, but without an effective care regimen, we will not last forever.

And secondly, what is your WHY? WHY are you doing the things you do? Without a strong WHY, you will be prone to hitting your breaking point much sooner than you otherwise would.

What is your current recipe for enduring life?

Sermon Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

The Kingdom of Heaven’s authority is undeniable and it is not segregated to certain locations and aspects of our lives. And unlike the authority demonstrated by other power hungry rulers, the stance that Jesus’s authority takes is all together unique. It is so compassionate and focused on the welfare of humanity — you might say it is humanist, for the Kingdom’s concern begins and ends with people; hearts, minds, souls.

In our passage today, Mark draws our attention to two major things Jesus is demonstrating; authority to inspire our minds and authority to bring healing and restoration to our bodies and spirits. Both lead to freedom, healing, and rescue.

Sermon Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

“The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

This simple, two sentence phrase holds the key to the entire human condition. It identifies what is broken and it offers the solution that God felt so strongly about that he came to dwell among us, just to show the way. Perhaps, the unfortunate part of this proclamation is that it has a couple of words that provide a challenge for us in hearing this invitation for what it is. 

Join us as we explore what it means to know and be known.

Sermon Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-3

In this season of Epiphany between Christmas and Lent, it is customary to focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, because the revelation of God with us in Jesus is what we have been waiting for! In Matthew 2, the Magi demonstrate for us four elements critical to experiencing epiphany in our lives. Join us as we explore and worship together.

Sermon Scripture: Luke 2:22-40, Isaiah 61:10-62:3

The community of faith matters! Why else would Mary and Joseph in their poverty make the effort to bring Jesus for dedication? How else could Simeon and Anna have known the tune which they were listening for? How else could they have known what consolation to bring to others? How else could they have been so perfectly poised to lead the community in God’s new song of life?

What will be our song in the coming year?

Sermon Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11, Luke 4:16-30

When we take up the call and join in the work of giving to others a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. When we work to build up the ancient ruins; to raise up the former devastations; to repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations, joy and rejoicing will be our reward.

But we must fight for our joy lest we be overwhelmed by the size of the task at hand.

Sermon Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11

And when God came in the Christ child born at Christmas, when God heard and answered our cries and dwelt among us, we were offered a gift which could never be taken from us. Was it surprising? Was it what we expected? Yes.

This second Sunday of Advent, we too are offered the gift of peace, but this is not a blissfully ignorant peace falsely assuming that everything in our world, in our nations, in our communities, or in our homes are just fine. Instead this gift of peace permeates all our being even as we long for justice in the world.

The peace of Christ be with you!