Vessel Houston

We consider the sudden death of Moses; the Promised Land, unresolved melodies, and our small part in God’s infinitely larger story. We can (and must) devote ourselves to a hopeful future we may not personally inhabit. We can (and must) plant trees whose shade we will never enjoy. Many of us only get to see the mountaintop… (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Psalm 90:1-6

Matthew 22:34-30

Within the disillusionment and overwhelm of wilderness, how can we continue putting on the “mind of Christ” to renew our trust that God still awaits on the path ahead? (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Exodus 17:1-7

Philippians 2:1-13

YHWH didn’t call upon Moses to lead the people out from under Pharaoh’s oppression only for them to rebuild empire on the far side of the sea. As a people rescued, we consider together why we often deny from others the mercy and grace that we ourselves have received. (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Exodus 14:19-31

Romans 14:1-12

Pharaoh is only capable of viewing people as tools or threats. The beginning of Exodus precedes the actions of Moses; the faithfulness of those who disobey Pharaoh’s calls to harm embody the collaborative trajectory of liberation (to this day) when God’s people choose courageous mercy. (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Exodus 1:8-2:10

The ground beneath our feet constantly shifts, the winds blow, and Jesus walks from an unseen place of prayer to meet us in the middle of the storm… (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Matthew 14:22-33

Before there were two nations, there were two brothers. Before competition, kinship. Will we continue living by the lies that seek to divide us, or join with the living imagination of the patient and loving God who still dreams reconciliation into being? (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Genesis 25:19-34

It was a blessing to welcome guest preacher, Malia Palmer, who beautifully led us through the challenging story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. When God tests and commands, he provides and resurrects. (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Genesis 22:1-14

Psalm 24:1

“God is shown to be fully sovereign just as He is graciously faithful. That God provides shows His gracious faithfulness. That God tests is a disclosure of His free sovereignty. [...] the two marks of God are always encountered together.” 

-Walter Brueggeman

“[A knowledge] beyond understanding that God will find a way to bring life even in this scenario of death. That is the faith of Abraham.”

-Walter Brueggeman

“God is [...] offered in this story [...] as the one whose promises and demands will often not be as we want, but which will never fail us.” 

- Andrew McGowan

In a world exhausted by violence, division, and fear, Jesus sends ordinary people into the wounds of their communities—not to build empires, but to cultivate gardens of healing, peace, and hope. (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Matthew 9:35-10:23

On Pentecost, we’re reminded that the Holy Spirit cannot be controlled or confined by religious institutions, but moves through all people, and in unexpected places, even behind prison walls. The Spirit calls us to deep listening; recognizing the voice of God as one of unfailing, dignifying love. (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

Acts 2:1-18

Numbers 11:24-30

1 Corinthians 12:3-13

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. The blessed pasture to which God calls us is not hidden behind four walls, it’s out in the world; the shepherd’s loving voice our constant guide. (sermon begins at 01:00)

Scripture & Quotations

John 10:1-10

Acts 2:43-37

John 6:52-53