The rhythm of Genesis 1 is we work six days. We're called to care for the earth, partner with God, and serve those things that need attention. In short, we're called to get to work.

The early church emerged in unprecedented fashion. Scripture says the Spirit arrived like tongues of fire. People were speaking in all languages proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord. This fire, this passion for following Christ, is still alive today.

The gods we put in our lives are weak imitations to the one true God of Love. Paul sees this firsthand in Athens, but he doesn't get mad. Instinctively, he calls their attention to their altar to the unknown god and declare heknows who this is. It's God. the true creator of heaven and earth. This message converts many to become followers of Jesus Christ.

Not everyone is ready for an inclusive love. Some people abhor it. Jesus lived, died, and resurrected for all people, giving all people access to this Divine Love. But not everyone is okay with this message. Some even kill because of it. This is what happens to Stephen, our first martyr.

Mother's Day. Although not a spiritual holiday. it feels like one. In this sermon text, we see that in the Decalogue (10 Commandments), God commands for us to honor our fathers and mothers. This is not an easy command, especially if we come from a less than desirable family system. But scripture offers hope in how we can and should honor those who gave us our lives.

Scripture says, "awe came upon everyone" so much so that it caused them to give away their possessions and to live in a practicing community. It's referring to the transforming acts of the disciples as they live out their understanding of the love of Christ.

The early church started like this: The disciples proclaimed the good new of the resurrection and people decided to follow. The very first converts heard a straightforward pitch from Peter and by the end of the day, Christianity had sprouted 3000 more believers. The message of the early church was this: "Repent and be baptized." This message is still true today.

The road to Emmaus is a familiar story about Jesus and his disciples that is unique to the Gospel of Luke. As the two disciples are journeying, they meet Jesus along the way without knowing it is him, and they later ask the question, "Didn't our hearts burn while he spoke to us ont he road?" Hope and love create a burning heart within us that is aware that Jesus is present.

Five Scenes. Five interactions with the resurrected Jesus. Five different responses, yet five completely changed lives. this is what happens when we meet the resurrected Christ; everything changes. Everything. And it's still happening today.

Matthew's version of Palm Sunday is great. Jesus rides two donkeys, the citizens lay down cloaks instead of palm branches, and Jesus entered into a city in turmoil. It's not the narrative we're used to hearing, but it bears hope that we need to hear..