April 25 — Ephesians 1:15-23 — Hope, Riches, and Incomparably Great Power

Paul says that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us as followers of Christ. In particular, we have a hope, we have the riches of a glorious inheritance, and we have the immeasurable greatness of his power. The Reverend Andrea Poppleton helps us explore those great gifts and leads us to the gifts of God offered at the Table.

The Resurrection and eventual return of our Lord Jesus Christ provides us with perspective on our circumstances. In particular, we have a LIVING HOPE.

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed Alleluia!

March 21: Luke 9:18​-24 — “Let Them Deny Themselves”

Today’s sermon presents the opportunity to talk about some of the traditional themes of Lent: following Jesus, denying ourselves, and taking up our cross. It’s a call to a cruciform way of life. Lord have mercy.

This passage continues from last week's. Paul writes about the resurrection of the body, and thus, that's our theme for this day: the physicality of eternal life (we're not going to a disembodied heaven!) and how these new bodies will be nothing like our current bodies.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul ardently argues that life does not end at death. Verse 19 is an especially poignant verse: “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” And toward the end of this passage, Paul makes a powerful argument that we will focus upon: knowledge of a second life has direct implications for how we should live this first life. We’re not just frivolous and apathetic (“eat, drink, and be merry”); Instead, we give ourselves to Christ’s causes every single day.

Feb. 28: Romans 6:1-23 — “Dying and Rising with Christ”

Building on Romans 5 from Last week, Paul tells us how we live into Christ-life now. He

provides practical advice about considering ourselves dead to sin (see v. 11) and alive in

Christ.

Feb. 21: Romans 5:12-21 — “Death Through Adam; Life Through Christ”

The Apostle Paul draws our attention to the greatness of life in Christ. Sure, Christ is like Adam in that one man’s move affected many. But he’s much different than Adam in the sense that his move leads to this extra benefit: true life. (i.e., he didn’t just die to absorb the punishment; he died to give us life! He didn’t just take away the bad thing; he provided a good thing).