Storefront Church

Now, if you were to ask someone living along the High Line what exactly does an Ambassador of Christ represents you might hear words like Love, or Grace, but I doubt we would here the topic we are being asked to consider today. Which is one of “reconciliation.”  Christians, are Ambassadors of God’s reconciling work to the world, through Jesus Christ. (Scripture Reading 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 ( ESV )

This week, we unpack what it means to be a “believer.” “Believing” into Jesus means that you move from an agnostic, atheist, or a general, “worshipper of God” to trusting in Jesus as Lord. For the disciples (and each of the new followers found in these verses) this meant that Jesus ruled over human hearts and entire households, over our bodies and our suffering.

(Scripture Reading from Acts 16:13-34)

(Scripture Reading from Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 2:1-3)

(Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:25-30)

When Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem and his imminent death on the cross, he loved his disciples to the end. That can be interpreted as "loved them to the last breath and love in its highest intensity." (v 1-5) The dialogue (v. 6-11) between Jesus and Peter shows us in vivid form, the lengths we are willing to go to cover up our shame, refusing Jesus who wants to serve us and wash us. Jesus shows through foot washing that his love knows no limit when it comes to how much shame he can endure, ultimately expressed in the cross. Following Jesus (v. 12-15) includes "putting on" the shame of others in grace, forgiving others when they've wronged you, and being more patient with yourself than you are now.

(Scripture Reading: John 13: 1-15 ESV)

“Citizens of Rome”, wherever they found themselves, were called to live out the "cultural distinctives" of the Roman Empire.  Paul reminds followers of Christ as “Citizens of Heaven” that they’re to live out the "cultural distinctives" of the Heavenly city in whatever earthly city they live in. Now there are many distinctives about the Christian faith, but they often begin with a return to Joy.

(Scripture Reading is from Philippians 3)

Not one time is the word “friend” mentioned in this passage. However, with the story of Zacchaeus we have a “case study” of how one becomes a friend, and the responsibility that comes with being a friend. Through friendship with Jesus, Zacchaeus transforms from being the foe of everyone to a humble friend to all who he has wronged. Friendship with Jesus is the kind that changes lives, transforms communities, and even the world.

(Scripture Reading Luke 9:1-10 ESV)

The Apostle Paul, like everyone, knows that being a servant is not easy. And yet, He says "we do not lose heart." With today's message we learn that being a servant of the Lord is challenging not because God is impossible to please, but because humans are.

(Scripture reading from 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 ESV)

These verses, quite helpfully, say something about how Christians face conflict in community. The injunction here is that before making judgements about others, the disciple is to engage in self-examination, avoiding hypocrisy. This passage is an invitation into the needed but too often neglected practice of self-examination. This week Pastor Bijan explores Jesus’ famous statement, ‘Do not judge’. We’ll be considering not only what Jesus meant, but also how that teaching shapes the way you navigate conflict today.

(Scripture Reading from Matthew 7:1-6 (NIV))