U-turns Permitted

Today we look at Chapter 2 of Diana Butler Bass' book "Freeing Jesus". Jesus as Teacher. As teacher he give "rules, tells stories, but most importantly he is a sage, who goes before us with his life to not only tell us how to live but show us how to live.

Today we look at the theme of friendship with God and Jesus, which is actually a fairly central theme in the Bible. What does friendship with God look like, and why do we struggle with friendship with God and with others?

Today we start our Fall '21 series called "Freeing Jesus", based on the book of the same title by Dr. Diana Butler Bass. In this introduction we look briefly at the history of the last 150 years in theology about Jesus, and, in this time of "deconstruction" and crisis, ask whether we will move away from Jesus or toward him.

As we remember 9/11 and start a new Fall Season, what do we do with the troubles, difficulties and disappointments in which we find ourselves, as well as the joys and victories we experience? Today we read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. the famous passage about Times and Seasons, to see if we might find some guidance there.

We conclude our series on the Book of Acts. The book ends quietly, with no bombast about evangelistic success, the influence of the church on its society, or the fear of marginalization or persecution and attempts to avoid it. Paul is in a quiet home, welcoming all who come to his table, speaking of the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It's almost as if the book demands a sequel that isn't there. Or is it?

We look today at the story of Paul's journey to Rome, fraught with danger on a Roman ship carrying the prisoners and profit-making lifeblood of the Roman Empire. Luke shows us how we, as followers of Jesus, can live within that system and find God in what Jennings calls "gentile hospitality" and unusual kindness.

Today we listen to Paul's last words to Empire, as recorded in Acts 26, to King Agrippa specifically. The heart of his message is found in verses 17 & 18: Jesus wants to open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, for the forgiveness of sins and a place in the community of God's people.

Today we look at Acts 22 and 23, the story of Paul's last conflict with the Jews of Jerusalem and their leaders before he goes to Rome. He confronts their nationalism and offers them the hope that is bound up in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. What does this have to say about our nationalism and the tensions in which we live today?

Today we read Paul's last words to the elders of the Ephesian church. He knew he would not see them again. It is revealing to listen to what he said to them. What would you say in the same situation?

Today we read the story of the riot the occurred in the city of Ephesus after Paul had been preaching about the kingdom of God there for about 2 years. Why did that riot occur? And what kind of relevance could we find in the story of an ancient riot for our time today? Listen on - you might be surprised!