Lent

On the fourth Sunday of Lent, our journey continues through the gospel of John. Jesus’ encounter is a story of blindness. On the one hand, the blind man showcases the transformative power of God’s grace and love, Jesus invites all of us to open our eyes and see the world in a whole new way. In another sense, this story acts as a critique of the spiritual blindness of the religious authorities. Which response do we tend to gravitate towards?

Scripture passage: John 9:1-41

This is Week 4 of our Lent Series

Reflect together:

• The visible and incarnate Jesus Christ, makes God known to us. We are reminded of the beautiful hymn from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and from the letter to the Hebrews:

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  Hebrews 1:3

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20

Our songs together:

• Only a Holy God - CityAlight

• Come Thou Fount

• Open the Eyes of My Heart - Paul Baloche

• He Will Hold Me Fast - The Gettys

Lent

This third week of Lent, we immerse ourselves into Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus breaks several conceived barriers to offer presence and new life to this woman. A woman, who becomes the first evangelist - announcing and inviting people to “come and see… could this be the Messiah?”

Scripture passage: John 4:1-42

This is Week 3 of our Lent Series

Respond Together:

• The Samaritan woman went back into the town - announcing the Messiah to people as the man who told me everything I ever did. Her past is precisely what tormented her and isolated her from others. The past that haunted her is now the channel by which she invites others to see Jesus. In what ways can our previous shame or wounds from the past become a channel to help others experience the living water available in Jesus?

• The Samaritan woman leaves her water jar announce this water “from above.” Jesus didn’t explicitly tell her to announce the news, but the wind of the Spirit is blowing and she is compelled to keep in step. In this season, where is the wind of the Spirit leading you to greater union and obedience to Christ? What inner transformation or outward act is being invited?

• The jar symbolizes a life she has been freed from. What aspects of your past / enslaved habits are you invited to leave behind in order to move into what is new?

Our songs together:

• O Come to the Altar - Elevation Worship

• Yours - Elevation Worship

• Gratitude - Maverick City

• Come Thou Fount

Lent

On the second Sunday of Lent, we have the opportunity to hear the night time conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. In John 3, we see that we cannot choose the stories that we’ve inherited but Jesus gives us an invitation to be born from above - to trust him and participate in a whole new story of moving forward.

Scripture passage: John 3:1-17

This is Week 2 of our Lent Series

Respond together:

• What are God’s desires for you in this Lenten season? Some invitations from today:

  To receive Jesus, return to God and trust in him

  To participate with the Spirit to become a new self

• For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world…Recall accounts in the life of Jesus where he showcased a posture of not condemning but healing and saving. As Jesus’ apprentices, what does it look like to be truthful while maintaining a posture of not condemning others?

• The bronze serpent in the wilderness would later become an idol. A cautionary tale of worshipping the gift over the Giver. Though hard to discern, what are some of the ways we can value the ‘gifts that we receive from God’ over God himself? What practices help you prioritize deeper union with Christ over what we can receive from him?

Our songs together:

• Build Your Kingdom - Rend Collective

• Holy Spirit - Jesus Culture

• Speak O Lord - The Gettys

• Yet not I but through Christ in me - CityAlight

Lent

The season of Lent follows Jesus journey into the wilderness. The priority of this season is to draw near to Christ, while putting to death our allegiance to worldly desires. It is fitting to close our time in the book of James with a warning on the pursuit of wealth, the hope we have in a world of injustice, and the prayer of faith in community.

Scripture passage(s): James 5

This is week 7 (final week) of our James series and an introduction into Lent

Respond together:

• There are a number of faithful people in Scripture that had great wealth. James appears to be more concerned about the misuse of wealth in (5:1-6). Take some time to reflect upon the way in which you acquire your wealth (ie. consideration of, or oppressing of workers) and how you steward it (ie. hoarding or helping).

• James calls followers of Jesus, particularly those who are suffering to a high standard. Why is it important to practice integrity when being unjustly treated? How is the Spirit calling you to endure in this season?

• Prayer, for James; is not solely a private activity. Prayer is a formative action that shapes a kind of people in community. The sick call on others to pray for them, people confess to one another, the happy can sing together. In such a divided culture, in what ways have you seen and experienced prayer keep people together and build unity?

Our songs together:

• King of Kings - Hillsong Worship

• Highlands - Hillsong Worship

• Generous Love - Mosaic MSC

• Restless - Audrey Assad

Transfiguration Sunday

In James 4, we see one of the strongest calls for repentance in the New Testament. James pulls back the curtain and reveals the deeper sources of conflict and motives. In this chapter we see defining characteristics of the life that Jesus lived and discover that his life is the one his followers are to emulate. We are invited to spiritual wholeness through the process of submission to God and resisting the evil one. A timely reminder as we prepare to enter the season of Lent.

Scripture passage: James 4

Week 6 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• What are some patterns or values of the world that are easy to drift towards and adopt that are in conflict with allegiance to God? James invites us to take actions toward spiritual wholeness: submit to God, resist the devil, come near (return) to God, purify heart, repentance and humility.

• Which action(s) is the Spirit pressing you to focus or prioritize in this season? Scripture teaches that God’s kindness leads us to repentance.

• In the Hebrew Bible, to grieve, mourn and wail were an invitation to take our sin seriously and to turn away from it. Where is grieving and mourning appropriate in your story?

Our songs together:

• King of Kings - Hillsong

• Only a Holy God - CityAlight

• Come Thou Fount (I Will Sing) - Chris Tomlin

• Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me - CityAlight

Epiphanytide

Jesus says “the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” In the third chapter of James, we engage with dramatic metaphors on the power of the tongue. The tongue can be used in ways that give life like a fresh water spring or steal it away like a deadly poison. Followers of Jesus have to tend to our character and learn to tame our speech.

Scripture passage: James 3

Week 5 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• James uses powerful and dramatic metaphor to show us how life can be stolen or destroyed when you use your tongue in harmful ways. In what ways have words been spoken (to you or by you) that have set forests ablaze?

• With the tongue we can praise and bless and we can curse others who are made in God’s likeness. Who are those people or that person that is made in God’s likeness that you find it hard to bless? May you identify this person, in your mind and heart take some time to bless or pray for them this week.

• James identifies differences between earthly wisdom and wisdom that comes from heaven. What are the unique ways in which heavenly wisdom contrasts or counters what would be considered common ‘wisdom’ today? What wells of wisdom (books, podcasts, online) do you commonly drink from? Which wisdom do you live and practice?

Our songs together:

• Great are you Lord - All Sons and Daughters

• His Mercy is More - Matt Papa

• Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me - City Alight

Epiphanytide

Faith without expression is like a body without a spirit. James addresses a danger that arose in the early church and continues to be a reality today: the danger of navel gazing, where ‘faith’ can be confused with mere affirmation of truth. In this passage, we see that James shares the heart of Paul, who declared: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Scripture Passage: James 2:14-26

This is week 4 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• “God’s love comes to expression, reaches its intended goal, when we respond to his grace with love toward others.” comments Douglas J. Moo. How does your faith interact / cooperate with your works and character?

• Your life in union with Christ (in Christ) is to overflow with love and service to people around you - sometimes in radical ways, but often times in quiet, consistent ways. What are some concrete ways you can show love to those around you this week?

• Much of secular culture stresses similar teachings (ie. be good and charitable to others, do not show partiality, love your neighbor etc). However, many often lack the capacity to forgive or to love their enemies. Pray for the Holy Spirit to cultivate within you those supernatural qualities that go beyond action - but transform the way you see and love others.

Our songs together:

• Do it Again - Elevation Worship

• God with Us - All Sons and Daughters

• Yet not I, but through Christ in me - CityAlight

• Build my life - Pat Barrett

Epiphanytide

It's been said that God's church doesn't have a mission, but God's mission has a church. In Acts 13:1-12, we see this reality in action as the Holy Spirit expands His mission through Paul & Barnabas as they venture out on their first missionary trip together. But what does this story mean for us today?

Scripture: Acts 13:1-12

Guest Preacher: Pastor Jeff Jantzi

Respond together:

1. Pastor Jeff describes hearing and discerning the voice of the Living God involves “seeking Him” and listening to Him “through people”. How have you understood discernment and hearing God in the past?

2. What are some ways that the enemy may be deceiving people and leading them astray today?

Our songs together:

• Rest on Us - Maverick City Music

• So Will I (100 Billion X) - Hillsong

• Generous Love - Mosaic MSC

• Death in His Grave - Audrey Assad

Epiphanytide

When God became human and lived among us, he showcased generous love to all social classes. Jesus habitually broke down walls of ethnic division and socio-economic class. James, once again holds up a mirror of self-examination for us: what are the ways in which we duplicate worldly values in judging others? What are the ways in which we, often unaware; tear at the fabric of the people of God? James calls our attention to the royal law that gives freedom.

Scripture passage: James 2:1-13

This is week 3 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• In what ways has partiality crept into your mind and heart? Do you elevate or favor people based on external traits (ethnicity, gender, clothing style, position)? How will you grow and train yourself in this area? Name some examples of the people of God living in ways that elevated the marginalized in history. Name the ways the people of God have unjustly discriminated against others. What can we learn from this today?

• James invites examination of how we treat all classes of persons with less social power. Refugees and immigrants, people of different ethnicity, orientation or ability. What actions can I take to learn more about the challenges that people I discriminate against face?

• What is something in particular that you sense the Holy Spirit calling you to obey in this portion of Scripture?

Our songs together:

• Behold Him - Paul Baloche

• O Praise The Name (Anástasis) - Hillsong Worship

• Come Thou Fount (Above All Else) - Shane and Shane

• All I Have Is Christ - Sovereign Grace

Epiphanytide

When will my reflection show who I am inside?” asks Mulan, the protagonist in Disney's 1998 animated film. It’s a question more relavant to us than we might have initially considered. James uses a similar imagery of someone looking into the mirror to provide a reflection of the integrity of our faith. Does our reflection show a wholehearted devotion to God? James invites his readers to look into the law that gives freedom.

Scripture passage: James 1:17-27

This is week 2 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• In what ways does my anger contribute to harming the people around me and what effect does it have on my own wellbeing?  What situations tend to reveal my anger? What does that teach me about what I value most? Can you recall ways in which Jesus expressed anger? What is the Spirit calling me to do in this regard?

• Faith is not only social action, a follower of Jesus works to distance themselves from the evil practices prevalent in culture (Rom 12) As you examine your own life, in what ways do you find it challenging to live in a way that is distinctive of worldly practices?

Our songs together:

• Living Hope - Phil Wickham

• Speak O Lord - Keith & Kristyn Getty

• More Like Jesus - Passion

Epiphanytide

This time of year brings about a newfound zeal for change, people everywhere consider what it means to flourish. This is the gift of wisdom literature in the Bible. The creator of the universe reveals what it looks like to live wisely. This Sunday, we begin a series in the book of James and what it means to yield to the Lordship of Jesus in everyday life.

Scripture passage: James 1:1-18

This is week 1 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• As you take inventory of your life at the beginning of 2023, would you consider your life to be one that is self directed or Christ directed? Jesus calls us to surrender our whole being and to find true wholeness in the process. In what areas of your life is Christ calling for deeper surrender?

• What trials do you encounter most often? In what ways do you typically react to them? James teaches us that trials help produce greater maturity and wholeness in us. Take time to consider a trial that you are currently facing. Then prayerfully discern how God might want you to grow in the midst of this trial.

• What sources do you tend to go to in pursuit of wisdom? What kind of wisdom do these sources provide and how do these sources line up with the life of Jesus Christ and the wisdom revealed in Scripture?

• As you reflect on your story, what relationship has there been between trials and temptations? In the midst of trials, what have been the common temptations?

Our songs together:

• Reckless Love - Cory Asbury

• Morning by Morning - Pat Barrett

• Do It Again - Elevation Worship

• More Like Jesus - Passion

Epiphany

An Epiphany message from Matthew 2:1-18, the story of the wise men from Persia, bringing gifts to Jesus. It considers Herod's consuming fear (why is he so afraid?), the source of power struggles that rock our world, and the strange gift God gives through Jesus' vulnerable weakness. This message invites us to respond with the Wise Men, in generous faith -- welcoming and honouring God's generous gift to us. 

Scripture passage: Matthew 2:1-18

Our songs together:

• Build My Life - Pat Barrett

• More Like Jesus - Passion, Kristian Stanfill

• This Is How I Thank the Lord - Mosaic MSC

• Remembrance - Hillsong Church

“The opening words of the gospel of John are quite possibly the most important words ever written. In this passage, there is new birth and new creation. God invites us to dwell here, with each reading expanding our wonder, our imaginations and our hearts. And what is most breathtaking? That we can get the front row experience of God’s love, a love so intense that he writes himself into our story. God becomes human and moves into the neighborhood."

Passage: John 1:1-14

Respond:

• One way we can lose sight of meaning is through familiarity, we can become so accustomed to the words that we fail to hear them. As you come to the text this week, read it slowly. What phrases and truths does the Spirit invite you to dwell on?

• The first words of John 1 echo the first words of Genesis, virtually all scholars agree that this is very intentional. John is writing a new creation story - what new reality is being birthed in this prologue?

• When God “made his dwelling” among us, it is no longer like the understanding of tabernacle or temple; God’s presence has no boundaries. What are the implications of a God who moves into our neighborhood? A God who shows up unannounced? Who is with us when we run errands? When we brace ourselves for hard news? Whose presence we should emulate?

Advent

This week, we read about Jesus’ birth according to Matthew. Unlike other accounts, this gospel has no manger scene, no angel song and no shepherds. It’s a portrait of how God is truly with us among all of the mess and complexities that we find ourselves in. That God is with us means that we can have hope in one that will bring an end to sin and injustice, that there is peace available to us, that the good news of the kingdom is among us. That God is love."

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Respond:

• Joseph walked in faith despite lacking the full picture of the hardships ahead. In what areas or uncertainties might God be calling you to a deeper surrender and trust in this season of your life?

• How do you react when we are confronted with highly unusual circumstances that disrupt our understanding of things? Has God called you to participate in something that seemed impossible or frightening? In retrospect, have you found that God was present and faithful in the midst of those strange and difficult times?

Advent

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” This honest question and doubt from John the Baptist echoes in the hearts of many of us. It reflects the difference between people’s expectations and the reality of the true character of Jesus - God with us. This time of year, we are saturated with manufactured cheerfulness; we can have joy in the promises of God and His kingdom despite our experiences of loneliness and despair.

Scripture passage: Matthew 11:1-11

Respond:

• The advent of Jesus Christ comes with good news. It’s an invitation to be transformed.  What is the Holy Spirit inviting to be transformed in you? Is it a relationship in your life? Is it how you steward your time, finances and abilities? Is it an invitation to slow down and listen to your gut, your soul? Is it a fundamental change of heart?

• Emmanuel, God with us, does not remove all our troubles but enters our suffering and accompanies us through them. Does this make a difference in your experience? How can God’s people faithfully accompany others through troubles?

• Jesus made a habit of bringing those who were excluded and marginalized (lepers, strangers and outsiders) into community and healing. As Jesus asks, what do you hear and see? In what ways do you see God’s kingdom at work and how can you participate in it?

Advent

For a Christmas story, the birth of Jesus, that brings so much joy and hope it is interesting that in its initial announcements to the main people in the story, the joyful news is preceded with the words “Do Not Be Afraid”. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and finally the Shepherds all get the same words in their opening dialogues with the Angels. The Promise of Peace is there for us. But what is this Peace that is being offered? For one thing it is not always how we picture it!

Scripture Passage(s): Luke 2:8-14, Philippians 4:7, Romans 15:13

Respond:

• Re-read one of the narratives surrounding the birth of Jesus: Zechariah (Luke 1:11-25), Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25), Mary (Luke 1:26-38), and the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-14). Take notice of the scene, their reactions and the exhortation from the angels “do not be afraid”. What do you see? What details stick out?

• When we look at the biblical witness, we find stories of men and women that continually experience fear and anxiety within circumstances out of their control. Times of suffering and brokenness is a common thread for God’s people. “There are no exceptions even for Jesus”, notes Paul Racine. What has your experience of fear and anxiety look like in your life? How might you distinguish between trusting in a change of circumstance and trusting in God?

• When have you experienced God’s nearness in a particularly trying time. What happened? What scripture comes to mind? Or perhaps a biblical story. Take time sharing and giving praise.

• Jesus, prayed the lament of Psalm 22 on the cross. Choose a portion of the Psalm (verses 1-21 petition, verses 22-31 praise and thanksgiving) and put it into your own words.

• Read Psalm 22 as a closing prayer together (or pray Psalm 22 in your own words)

Advent

The certainty of hope is not what you are hoping for but it is in whom your hope is placed.

Passages: Psalm 119: 116, Romans 4:18, Romans 15:13

Christ the King Sunday

This Sunday we celebrate Christ the King. The theme of Christ’s Lordship is central to what it means to trust and follow Jesus. This week we engage Psalm 46. A honest psalm that names the constant threats we face but draws us to the One who is enthroned above the chaos of the wind and the waves.

No recording available for this week

Passage: Psalm 46

Respond:

• Thomas Merton says that the psalms are like the bread of heaven in the wilderness of our exodus. Does life currently feel like a wilderness season? Or do things feel overwhelming and chaotic? How do your heart respond toward these circumstances?

• In Psalm 46, the psalmist draws our attention to God being our refuge and strength and ever present help in times of trouble. Regarding God’s faithfulness in your story, what might the Spirit be calling to your memory in the midst of your present circumstances?

• Upon reflection of the promises in Psalm 46, in what way do you sense the Spirit of God inviting you to a new perspective and response to your circumstances?

Proper 28 (Trinitytide)

In Luke 17:11-19 we find the story of the one grateful leper who was healed and returned to thank Jesus while 9 others did not. How are can we sometimes be like the ungrateful 9? How can we become more like the grateful 1? How can we "train our brains" and our hearts and minds for gratitude to God?

Guest Preacher: Pastor Jeff Jantzi

Scripture passage: Luke 17:11-19

Proper 27 (Trinitytide)

When we feel paralyzed and burdened beyond what we can conceivably bear, we can know that God invites us to cry out with feelings that we’d rather not express. Not only that, but God hears and deeply cares. This week we will engage with Psalm 17. An honest, brutal and brooding psalm that reminds us to find our refuge and trust in God.

Scripture passage: Psalm 17

Respond:

• David opens his prayer with self-examination. James teaches that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, Peter calls for respect and consideration of your spouse so your prayers would not be hindered. This Psalm is a challenge to live a life worthy of God’s call. Have you considered how our sin and habits relate to how we engage God in prayer?

• To remember is a key theme in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. The act of remembering is still a key component of faith today. Regarding God’s faithfulness in your story, what might the Spirit be calling to your memory in the midst of your present circumstances?