February 2, 2014 

Texts:  Micah 6.1-8 andamp; 1 Corinthians 1.18-31

The church is at its best and most resilient when it’s message and methods are centered in YHWH’s call: Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6.1-8), and grounded in the Cross (1 Corinthians 1.18-31)

January 26, 2014

Texts:  Isaiah 9.1-4 andamp; Matthew 4.12-23

The resiliency of the church stretches beyond itself and offers God’s light wherever there is gloom (Isaiah 9.1-4).  Jesus (Matthew 4.12-23) pioneered this through ministry in a unique environment (Galilee) with a unique message (Repent, the Kingdom is at hand…), and with a unique strategy (calling workers to follow him).

January 19, 2014

Texts:  Isaiah 49.1-7 andamp; 1 Corinthians 1.1-9

The church serves.  It offers itself to God, and to God’s creation, in order to fulfill God’s missional design.  Isaiah points to the promise of a messiah who will serve all peoples – including those not yet in the kingdom of God (i.e., Gentiles).  Paul reminds a badly divided and broken church (1 Corinthians 1.1-9) that God’s utter faithfulness provides the church with all they need to faithful to the world.

Dr. Joe Manickam, Mennonite Central Committee Asia Director

January 12, 2014

Texts:  Isaiah 42.1-9 andamp; Acts 10.34-43

The church, as God’s resilient missional vehicle, is called to welcome the world God is redeeming.  The promise of God is that the messiah will usher in a new day where all the dispossessed and marginalized are welcomed into God’s kingdom (Isaiah 42.1-9).  The story of Peter and Cornelius’ conversions (Acts 10), point us toward how the church become a place of welcome.