Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Ephesians 1:15-23

This sermon explores the historical foundation and the life-transforming power of the greatest news ever told: Jesus was raised on the third day.

Given by Rev. Andrew Field. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Matthew 21:1-11

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as a true king, and a truly humble king. The triumphal entry reveals the upside-down nature of his kingdom and how followers of this humble king should use their power in the world.

Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Luke 18:9-14 

To round out our series on repentance, we’ll consider humility. Humility is both the foundation for and a fruit of repentance. Pride will keep us from truly repenting. And if a person truly repents, they are filled with gospel-humility, not less of themselves, but thinking of themselves less, and thinking much more of Jesus and his grace.

Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

As Thomas Watson points out, godly repentance is that which starts in the heart and bursts forth into a change in life. This sermon explores how repentance is a turning from “sin”, or idols, and is a turning to God. This turn manifests in actions, deeds, behavior, etc. (cf Acts 26:20).

Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Psalm 32:1-11

Another essential ingredient in gospel repentance is the confession of sin. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament highlight the importance of confession as a regular practice for the people of God. In this passage, we learn something about what real confession is and why confession is such an essential part of the Christian life, both for individuals and for a church family.

Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | 2 Corinthians 7:8-12

In the March 9 sermon, we considered repentance generally. The upcoming three sermons dive more specifically into the aspects of repentance. One ingredient of biblical repentance is experiencing godly sorrow for sin. Paul, in 2 Corinthians, distinguishes godly sorrow from worldly sorrow, and shows us how godly sorrow is not only good, but is a fruit of the gospel’s work in our life.

Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Mark 1:14-20

In his famous 95 Theses, Martin Luther remarked that the entirety of the Christian life is one of repentance. This is fitting, for when Jesus’ begins his public ministry and announces his kingdom, the invitation Jesus gives is one of repentance. In this sermon we’ll be exploring what repentance is (and isn’t!), and why repentance is for all of life.

Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Mark 2:1-12

In Mark 2, we see someone whose life was radically and holistically healed by Jesus. But he would not have experienced healing from Jesus if it were not for his friends who brought him to Jesus. Because this man’s friends brought him to Jesus, his life was forever changed. We want to be a church where people meet Jesus and experience his holistic healing, his shalom.  This sermon will explore the motivations and the practices of people who bring their friends to Jesus.

Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Ephesians 2:19-22

In his book, Side by Side, Ed Welch describes church as a place where every person is both needy and needed. Using the imagery of “temple” to describe the church, Paul is reminding Christians that they need the church and the church needs them. One way we promote shalom in our city is by fostering a community where it’s safe to be needy and where everyone is contributing to ministry.

Given by Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Ephesians 2:11-18

In these verses, Paul provides a theological foundation for the kind of reconciliation that we see depicted in Acts 10: The same gospel that reconciles people to God also reconciles people to each other. The gospel can tear down any ways erected between peoples today.