Rev. Spencer Shaw explores the theme of refuge and trust in God through the lens of Psalm 27 and Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem in Luke 13. He explains how Lent is a journey, mirroring Jesus’ path toward the cross, and how the Psalms serve as songs of faith for those on this road. The sermon emphasizes that God is a place of refuge and safety, like a mother hen gathering her chicks, and that believers are invited to trust in Him, even when life is uncertain. Shaw challenges the congregation to reflect on where they place their trust, encouraging them to sing lives of faith, knowing that God is steadfast, faithful, and always waiting with open arms.

Concise Outline of "Singing on the Road to the Cross: Yearning for God"

Introduction:

• Rev. Shaw reflects on the season of Lent as a spiritual journey.
  
  
• Lent historically prepared new believers for baptism, but it also renews faith for all who follow Jesus.
  
  
• This year’s theme: Singing on the road to the cross—just as the Israelites sang the Psalms on their way to Jerusalem, we sing of God’s faithfulness.
  
  

I. The Psalms as Songs of Trust on the Journey

1. Psalm 27: A Song of Confidence in God
   
   
   • Declares that God is our refuge, our safe place in times of trouble.
     
     
   • Covers the full range of human emotion—joy, sorrow, anger, and hope—teaching us to bring everything to God.
     
     
2. The Power of Singing Truth in Difficult Moments
   
   
   • Singing is not just an expression of joy, but a way to remind ourselves of God’s promises.
     
     
   • The Psalms help believers redirect their focus from fear to faith.
     
     

II. Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem (Luke 13)

1. Jesus’ Heartbreaking Words:
   
   
   • "Jerusalem, Jerusalem... how often I have desired to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing."
     
     
   • A powerful image of God’s desire to protect and love His people, even when they resist Him.
     
     
2. God as Refuge: A Mother Hen, A Shepherd, A Loving Father
   
   
   • Like a hen protecting her chicks, God longs to shelter us from harm.
     
     
   • Like a shepherd guarding the sheep, He watches over us.
     
     
   • Like the father in the Prodigal Son, He waits with open arms for His people to return.

III. Where Do We Place Our Trust?

1. The Psalmist’s Confidence in God:
   
   
   • "Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear."
     
     
   • Trust in God means knowing He will never fail, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
2. False Places of Trust:
   
   
   • Many put their faith in wealth, power, or human strength, but these fail.
     
     
   • "Some trust in horses, some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord."

IV. Following Jesus on the Road to the Cross

1. The Journey of Lent: Trusting in the Midst of Uncertainty
   
   
   • Walking with Jesus to the cross means trusting Him even when life is difficult.
     
     
   • God does not promise an easy road, but He walks with us and offers refuge.
2. Jesus Invites Us to Take Shelter in Him
   
   
   • "Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest."
     
     
   • We don’t have to wait until everything is perfect—we can trust Him now.

Conclusion:

• The cross and resurrection reveal the ultimate refuge—a place where death, injustice, and pain are defeated.
  
  
• Shaw encourages the congregation to sing songs of trust with their lives, placing their confidence in the steadfast love of God.

Summary of "Singing on the Road to the Cross: Refuge in God" - 03/16/25

Rev. Spencer Shaw explores the theme of refuge and trust in God through the lens of Psalm 27 and Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem in Luke 13. He explains how Lent is a journey, mirroring Jesus’ path toward the cross, and how the Psalms serve as songs of faith for those on this road. The sermon emphasizes that God is a place of refuge and safety, like a mother hen gathering her chicks, and that believers are invited to trust in Him, even when life is uncertain. Shaw challenges the congregation to reflect on where they place their trust, encouraging them to sing lives of faith, knowing that God is steadfast, faithful, and always waiting with open arms.

Concise Outline of "Singing on the Road to the Cross: Refuge in God"

Introduction:

• Rev. Shaw reflects on the season of Lent as a spiritual journey.
• Lent historically prepared new believers for baptism, but it also renews faith for all who follow Jesus.
• This year’s theme: Singing on the road to the cross—just as the Israelites sang the Psalms on their way to Jerusalem, we sing of God’s faithfulness.

I. The Psalms as Songs of Trust on the Journey

1. Psalm 27: A Song of Confidence in God
   • Declares that God is our refuge, our safe place in times of trouble.
   • Covers the full range of human emotion—joy, sorrow, anger, and hope—teaching us to bring everything to God.
2. The Power of Singing Truth in Difficult Moments
   • Singing is not just an expression of joy, but a way to remind ourselves of God’s promises.
   • The Psalms help believers redirect their focus from fear to faith.

II. Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem (Luke 13)

1. Jesus’ Heartbreaking Words:
   • "Jerusalem, Jerusalem... how often I have desired to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing."
   • A powerful image of God’s desire to protect and love His people, even when they resist Him.
2. God as Refuge: A Mother Hen, A Shepherd, A Loving Father
   • Like a hen protecting her chicks, God longs to shelter us from harm.
   • Like a shepherd guarding the sheep, He watches over us.
   • Like the father in the Prodigal Son, He waits with open arms for His people to return.

III. Where Do We Place Our Trust?

1. The Psalmist’s Confidence in God:
   • "Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear."
   • Trust in God means knowing He will never fail, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
2. False Places of Trust:
   • Many put their faith in wealth, power, or human strength, but these fail.
   • "Some trust in horses, some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord."

IV. Following Jesus on the Road to the Cross

1. The Journey of Lent: Trusting in the Midst of Uncertainty
   • Walking with Jesus to the cross means trusting Him even when life is difficult.
   • God does not promise an easy road, but He walks with us and offers refuge.
2. Jesus Invites Us to Take Shelter in Him
   • "Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest."
   • We don’t have to wait until everything is perfect—we can trust Him now.

Conclusion:

• The cross and resurrection reveal the ultimate refuge—a place where death, injustice, and pain are defeated.
• Shaw encourages the congregation to sing songs of trust with their lives, placing their confidence in the steadfast love of God.
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Rev. Spencer Shaw reflects on the Transfiguration of Jesus and the significance of both mountaintop experiences and the journey back down into everyday life. While Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus shining in divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah, their experience wasn’t meant to end on the mountain—it was meant to prepare them for what lay ahead. Shaw draws connections between this moment and Moses' shining face after meeting God, as well as how Jesus immediately engages in healing and ministry upon returning to the crowds. The sermon challenges believers to recognize that spiritual encounters with God should lead to transformation and mission, not isolation. Instead of seeking to stay in moments of spiritual clarity, disciples are called to bring the light of Christ into a world in need of healing.

Introduction:

• Reflection on past Transfiguration sermons and how God brings new insights each time.
• The Transfiguration (Luke 9) as a moment of divine revelation for Peter, James, and John.
• The temptation to stay in the spiritual high versus returning to the world.

I. The Mountaintop Experience

1. Jesus Transfigured in Glory:
   • Peter, James, and John witness Jesus shining brightly with Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets).
   • A clear confirmation of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan.
2. Peter’s Impulse to Stay:
   • Peter wants to build shelters, to stay in the moment, but this isn’t the purpose of the experience.
   • Spiritual highs are not meant for escape but for equipping us for the journey ahead.

II. Coming Down the Mountain: Living Out the Glory

1. Moses' Shining Face & Transformation:
   
   
   
   • Like Moses returning from Mount Sinai, the disciples were changed by their encounter with God.
   • True encounters with God leave us different, affecting how we live and serve.
2. Jesus Immediately Returns to Ministry:
   
   
   
   • The next day, Jesus and the disciples come down to face the crowd.
   • A father cries out for Jesus to heal his tormented son, showing the real brokenness of the world.
   • The disciples struggle to cast out the spirit, showing the challenge of applying faith in difficult moments.

III. The Call to Bring God's Presence into the World

1. Faith Is Lived in the Valleys, Not Just the Peaks:
   
   
   
   • Mountaintop moments fuel us for service and mission, not for retreat.
   • The glory of God must be shared, not just experienced personally.
2. Jesus' Example: Engaging the World’s Brokenness:
   
   
   
   • Jesus doesn’t stay on the mountain—He walks straight into pain, need, and healing work.
   • Believers are called to carry the presence of God into their daily lives, not keep it for themselves.

Conclusion:

• Encountering God should lead to transformation and mission.
• The Transfiguration prepares disciples to go back down the mountain and live out the faith.

As believers gather at the Communion table, they are reminded of Christ’s presence and the call to reflect His light in the world.

Rev. Spencer Shaw unpacks the Sermon on the Plain from Luke 6, emphasizing the radical commands of Jesus to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. While these teachings are widely recognized, they are among the hardest to live out. Shaw highlights how Jesus' words are not just idealistic but depict the reality of God’s kingdom, where love replaces retaliation and mercy overcomes hatred. Drawing on the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers, he shows that only God’s grace can transform our hearts to truly live this way. He concludes by encouraging believers to start with a simple prayer for God’s help in softening their hearts, leading to action that reflects the love of Christ.

Concise Outline of "When Living the Gospel is Hard"

Introduction:

• Jesus' Sermon on the Plain contains some of His most well-known yet most difficult teachings.
• The challenge: We know these words, but do we truly live them out?

I. Jesus' Radical Commands

1. Familiar Yet Difficult Words
   • "Love your enemies."
   • "Do good to those who hate you."
   • "Bless those who curse you."
   • "Pray for those who mistreat you."
2. A Non-Negotiable Call to Action
   • Jesus does not offer these as optional suggestions or when convenient—He commands them.
   • He paints a picture of what it looks like when God reigns.

II. The Challenge of Loving Our Enemies

1. Misunderstanding Jesus' Teaching
   • Some think "loving enemies" is unrealistic in today’s world.
   • Jesus is not calling for naivety but for a radical, countercultural way of living.
2. Aikido and Absorbing Aggression
   • Rev. Shaw shares a martial arts analogy (Aikido) to illustrate how Jesus' nonviolence absorbs hostility and redirects it toward transformation.
   • Practical example: Responding to insult with a blessing instead of retaliation.

III. The Role of Grace in Transforming Our Hearts

1. The Story of Joseph and His Brothers
   • Joseph was betrayed, sold into slavery, and had every reason to retaliate.
   • Instead, he saw God’s greater purpose and responded with forgiveness and grace.
2. The Process of Heart Transformation
   • We can’t love our enemies on our own.
   • The Bible describes God changing hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.
   • This transformation is ongoing—we are changed, are being changed, and will be changed.

IV. A Practical Starting Point

1. A Simple Yet Powerful Prayer:
   • “Lord, I don’t know how to love my enemy, but help me start.”
   • God honors even the smallest willingness to be transformed.
2. Flipping the Script on Hate
   • Jesus calls us to not return evil for evil but to reflect the love of the Father.
   • Through His love, poured out on us, we can break the cycle of hatred.

Conclusion:

• Loving enemies is not easy—but God makes it possible through His Spirit.
• We are called to conquer hatred with love, just as Jesus did for us.
• "Praise be to God, who makes the impossible possible!"

In this sermon, Rev. Spencer Shaw reflects on the tension between the comfort and discomfort of the gospel, drawing from Luke 4, where Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in His hometown synagogue. At first, the crowd admires Jesus, but their attitude shifts dramatically when He challenges their understanding of God’s love and grace. Shaw emphasizes that while the gospel offers hope and reconciliation, it also confronts our assumptions, calling us to change and love beyond our comfort zones. He reminds the congregation that following Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s always good, as it leads to transformation, growth, and deeper discipleship.

Introduction:

• Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring that the prophecy is fulfilled in Him.
• The crowd’s initial admiration turns to anger when Jesus challenges their expectations.

I. The Comfort and Discomfort of the Gospel

1. The Comfort of the Gospel:
   • Jesus proclaims good news: freedom for the oppressed, healing for the broken, and reconciliation with God.
   • The gospel offers hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.
2. The Discomfort of the Gospel:
   • The gospel challenges deeply held assumptions, calling for personal transformation and change.
   • Jesus’ message of inclusion—highlighting the stories of the widow in Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian—offended His hometown audience because it expanded God’s grace beyond their expectations.

II. The Challenge of Change

1. God’s Love and Transformation:
   • "God loves you just as you are, and He loves you too much to leave you that way."
   • The process of sanctification, being made holy, is often uncomfortable but necessary for growth.
2. Living the Gospel in Difficult Moments:
   • Following Jesus means embracing both the joy and the weight of the gospel.
   • Discipleship requires loving others without questioning their worthiness, reflecting God’s unconditional love.

III. Holding Comfort and Discomfort Together

1. Avoiding Cheap Grace:
   • Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s concept of “cheap grace” warns against a gospel that offers comfort without the cost of transformation.
   • True grace calls for both acceptance and growth, comfort and challenge.
2. Jesus as the Ultimate Example:
   • Jesus faced rejection, suffering, and even death for living out the gospel fully.
   • His call to “follow me” includes both the promise of rest and the reality of hardship.

Conclusion:

• The gospel’s comfort sustains believers through its discomfort.
• Christ invites us to follow Him, even when it’s hard, with the assurance of His presence and the hope of eternal life.