Sermons @ Shepherd

Our perspective on the struggles of life affect the way we respond. When the divine presence wrestled with Jacob and asked him "What is your name?", this is really no more than a set-up, a way for God to rename Jacob ("supplanter, deceiver") to Israel ("he who wrestles with God"). When God names us, God is claiming authority over us. Our response is to simply surrender, to acknowledge that we belong to no one but God. Genesis 32:22-28.

Like a good teacher, Jesus asks us probing questions. "What are you looking for" gets to the heart of the matter. The disciples' response is the same for us: "Rabbi, or teacher." We need a teacher, someone to model our lives after, someone to follow. (Note: the YUGO video can be found at https://vimeo.com/312452107)  John 1:35-39.

"What are you looking for?"  These are the words Jesus asks his first followers. What we seek, what we want, our deepest desires pale in comparison to what Jesus offers. The Kingdom that Jesus ushers in is more cosmic than you can imagine. The only possible answer is "come and see!" John 1: 35-39

Einstein and Bill Murray? Well, somewhere in the midst of those 2 characters, Jesus asks the question "Do you want to be made well?" Making that a "yes" is harder than kit seems, but if we start by saying "yes" in the moment, that Jesus might make me whole just for now, is a great beginning. John 5:1-9.

When Jesus encounters the lame man in Bethsaida (John 5:1-9), the man justifies why he has not been healed. We do not need to justify ourselves to Jesus; that's what Jesus does for us! Grace redefines the way we see ourselves, others, and love itself. Do you want to be made well?

"Where are you?" is the first question God asks in the Bible. This question implies that we are not where we are supposed to be. Pride and shame come to Adam and Eve when they eat the forbidden fruit. And although God's initial response is banishment from Eden, God's ultimate foil to pride is grace through the works of Jesus. Genesis 3:1-9.

The first sermon in a new series, "Life Questions" looks at some of the BIG questions posed in the Biblical narrative. The New Year is as good a time as ever to reflect on life, as well as renewing and refreshing. Adam and Eve, having eaten the fruit, hide from God. "Where are you?" is a question that has meaning beyond our physical location. Genesis 3:1-9.

Everyone usually gets new clothes for Christmas. Paul asks us to "clothe ourselves with love" as a way to set us apart. By bearing with and forgiving one another, we take on the mantel of the "Christian" identity. Colossians 3:12-17.

Our Christmas Eve message from 2018. The story of Christmas is the end of the journey, but just the beginning of a new story of God's love made flesh. Where will your Christmas story lead you?

Christmas is full of the expected: holiday lights, red and green decorations, and nativity sets. Matthew's account of the nativity is shocking: the Messiah born to an unwed mother. The Good News of Christmas is that God's love is for everyone, through acts of kindness, grace, and compassion. Matthew 1:18-25