Ooof. This is not a text we hear in Sunday school. Who would turn down an invitation to dine with the King? And who would wear sweatpants to a wedding feast? In fact, both of the texts today feel like a call to worthiness. And that’s hard to hear. But what if we’re missing something? Is it really so dire?

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

Song: "Psalm 126 (come home with jubilation)" by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Ooof. This is not a text we hear in Sunday school. Who would turn down an invitation to dine with the King? And who would wear sweatpants to a wedding feast? In fact, both of the texts today feel like a call to worthiness. And that’s hard to hear. But what if we’re missing something? Is it really so dire?

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

Song: "Psalm 126 (come home with jubilation)" by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Father Richard Rohr wrote that “religion either produces the very best people or the very worst.” In this passage, Paul continues arguing against the outward trappings of the religious system that he had devoted his life to, in favor of “the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” This deserves a closer look!

Scripture: Philippians 3:4b-14

Song: "Lead Me To The Cross" written by Brooke Ligertwood; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Father Richard Rohr wrote that “religion either produces the very best people or the very worst.” In this passage, Paul continues arguing against the outward trappings of the religious system that he had devoted his life to, in favor of “the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” This deserves a closer look!

Scripture: Philippians 3:4b-14

Song: "Lead Me To The Cross" written by Brooke Ligertwood; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Today’s Gospel begins a series of challenges to the authority of Jesus by those holding positions of power. What is it about this Jesus guy that is so threatening? What does it mean that Jesus is occupying the temple in these stories and what does it have to do with us and the places we occupy?

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Song: "From The Inside Out" written by Joel Houston; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Today’s Gospel begins a series of challenges to the authority of Jesus by those holding positions of power. What is it about this Jesus guy that is so threatening? What does it mean that Jesus is occupying the temple in these stories and what does it have to do with us and the places we occupy?

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Song: "From The Inside Out" written by Joel Houston; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Let’s be honest, sometimes the bible bugs us. Why should the lifetime criminal have a place in heaven right next to the lifetime active church member just because of some jailhouse conversion? Today we contend with the annoying reality that God occasionally does things without our permission!

Scripture: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Matthew 20:1-16

Song: "One Thing Remains" by B. Johnson, et al.; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

VIDEO: Grace and Fear

Let’s be honest, sometimes the bible bugs us. Why should the lifetime criminal have a place in heaven right next to the lifetime active church member just because of some jailhouse conversion? Today we contend with the annoying reality that God occasionally does things without our permission!

Scripture: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Matthew 20:1-16

Song: "One Thing Remains" by B. Johnson, et al.; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

VIDEO: Grace and Fear

The Gospel today reminds us just how similar we are to the disciples, when they ask Jesus just how often they are supposed to forgive someone. 7 times? Then can we stop? Jesus lays down quite the stunning answer to this question, one that we hate and love all at the same time.

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Song: "Mighty To Save" written by B. Fielding & R. Morgan; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

The Gospel today reminds us just how similar we are to the disciples, when they ask Jesus just how often they are supposed to forgive someone. 7 times? Then can we stop? Jesus lays down quite the stunning answer to this question, one that we hate and love all at the same time.

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Song: "Mighty To Save" written by B. Fielding & R. Morgan; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band