Love Chapel Hill

Jesus People --- Matthew 15:21-28

It's hard not to wince when you read Matthew's narrative of Jesus, his disciples, and the Canaanite woman. You want to skip right to the end when the desperate mother's daughter is healed and everyone is happy. But we're going to take a hard look at the dialog that makes our Savior sound like a racist xenophobe. How do we square what we know about the Kingdom with the kind of exclusionary language Jesus uses? It sounds wrong, doesn't it? Good. It should. Jesus uses the voice of established culture to ironically set up a historical enemy as the paragon of true faith; one who already has more insight to the Kingdom than Jesus' own disciples.

Jesus People --- Mark 5:1-20

Many satirists have said in one way or another that Jesus was man who suggested we be kind to others and naturally it would follow that we would execute someone for that. There's a darkly humorous point in there about human nature, sure, but it ignores the Jesus's power in moments like this chapter early in Mark's gospel. The encounter with the demon-possessed man is a remarkable repudiation of the established earthly kingdoms. Christ shows power over Israel's long history of bondage, power over the Roman Empire, power over paganism, and power over Evil itself. Jesus demonstrates power in compassion and freedom; something that is very dangerous to those who wield bondage and fear.

Jesus People --- John 2:1-12

This week we continue our seasonal walk through the Gospels. We examine Jesus' first miracle: turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. But instead of directing our focus at the miracle itself, let's look at the events leading up to it. The principal character is someone we know but rarely think about at this point in the Gospels. Jesus' mother Mary once again models the kind of surrender Jesus People should strive for. Don't confuse surrender with weakness, though. It requires a strength of faith and conviction that you might not recognize in your own day-to-day walk.

Jesus People --- Matthew 3:1-17

In keeping with our tradition of following the classic Church calendar, we move into the gospels for our new series as we look ahead to the Easter season. We'll be examining Christ through the perspective of the Jesus People movement; a group of reformers established decades ago. This week, we celebrate the mission of John the Baptist and the power of him saying "Yes" to the Spirit as Jesus kicked off his world-changing ministry. The Way of Jesus began when a man with his own followers and ministry was willing to relinquish his control and trust in his cousin, who he recognized as the Christ before all others. Where in your own life do you see the opportunity to look to Jesus and respond "Yes" when you hadn't before?

Epiphany 2020 --- Luke 2:22-40

Don't pack up your trees just yet! According to the church calendar, today is the 12th day of Christmas. We celebrate Epiphany on Monday. We remember when the young Jesus is presented to the Temple and two people who embody the longing of Israel for the Messiah are able to recognize him on sight. How are they able to do that, though? Their attentiveness to the Spirit is something we can emulate here in the present too. It starts with a series of postures...

Advent 2019 --- Matthew 1:18-23

It's almost here! Pastor Dan preaches on the last Sunday of Advent before Christmas. We look at Mary, the young girl who would bring the Messiah into the world in such a curious way. What is it about the virgin mother that is important to believe in? What does the account say about the character of God, Joseph, and Mary herself? As we approach the day when we turn to the manger, let's take some time to consider the teenager who was unexpectedly chosen to save the world.

Advent 2019 --- Isaiah 35:1-10

One again, we are delighted to welcome Pastor Ron back up to the stage for our 3rd week of Advent. We take a deep dive into Isaiah 35 and the imagery of strength and renewal foretold by the coming of Christ. Not only are we saved by the life of Christ, we're also spiritually strengthened to make this world and our church better. There is a Way to God now, but to get there, we have to stand with one another without the fear that comes from the Enemy.

Advent 2019 --- Isaiah 11:1-9

In order to understand the gravity of Christ's birth, it's important (as always) look at the historical context of Jesus's arrival. Isaiah describes him as the shoot from the stump of Jesse. Hundreds of years had passed since the anointing of David as God's chosen king. In less than two generations, the nation had been split apart. In the following decades the Temple would be destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The entire culture would be captive to the ancient conquerers. Jesus arrives to a people firmly in control of the Roman empire. This is what hopelessness looks like. The line of David is broken. But a small child in a manger fulfills Isaiah's words and the world is completely turned upside down. Where do you feel points of longing in your life? Where do you feel the despair? Advent is a season where we celebrate a coming redemption!

Advent 2019 --- Isaiah 2:1-5

The season of Advent is upon us! Every year we celebrate the anticipation of Christ's arrival by making the counter-cultural decision to be still. We wait in anticipation for the redemption of the Kingdom as the Israelites did when exile and division repeatedly tore their society apart. We look to our own time and our own communities and long for the promise of peace all these centuries later. As you embrace the season of intentional anticipation, remember that the coming of the Child is can also be a calling for you to enact the change you long for in the world.

Established --- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

It's the last week of our Established series. Paul's letters to the growing church has been the archetype for the kind of awakening prayer we're being called to throughout our tenth year. We encourage you to go forward knowing that we as Christians have always been rooted in prayer and that we are established by love. How would your own life continue to transform if you rejoiced always and prayed continually? What's making you uncomfortable about the prayers of renewal in Paul's words? Find your opportunity to grow one of the streams of Christianity and to join with the river God has called our church to be.