8/29/10 – Jonathan Chute – “Grace at the Table”
Sermon – Grace at the Table
Luke 14: 1, 7-14. This week’s gospel finds Jesus going to dinner at the home of a local religious leader. When the guests jockey for the places of honor around the table, Jesus uses their behavior as an opportunity to paint a different picture of life in the kingdom of God.
Scripture – Luke 14: 1, 7-14
8/22/10 – John Kwan – “Sierra Service Project Reflections”
Sermon – Sierra Service Project Reflections
Jeremiah 1: 4-10. When God calls Jeremiah, he questions God’s call. Jeremiah is aware of what the call means and what it will demand of him. He also knows that it is a heavy burden to carry and wants to be free of the responsibility. But God doesn’t take “no” for an answer, and we see how God responds to Jeremiah’s reservations.
Scripture – Jeremiah 1: 4-10
8/15/10 – John Kwan – “A Heritage of Faith”
Sermon – A Heritage of Faith
Hebrews 11: 29 – 12: 2. In this week’s text, the author recollects moments in Israel’s past triumphs and tragedies, pointing to the one unifying thread . . . that God commended the people for their faithfulness through both victory and defeat. This passage concludes with an encouraging word that the journey of faith is not traveled alone, but with all those who have come before.
Scripture – Hebrews 11: 29 – 12: 2
8/08/10 – Jonathan Chute – “A Distant Promise”
Sermon – A Distant Promise
Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews likens faith to a journey, and reminds us that we are not the first to travel to places unknown. Abraham and Sarah set off from home, relying on the promise of God, and although it was never completely fulfilled during their lifetime, still they trusted in the One who made the promise. Like them, while we cannot see where God is leading us, we travel in good company.
Scripture – Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16
8/01/10 – Jonathan Chute – “Possession”
Sermon – Possession
Luke 12: 13-21. This week’s gospel addresses the question of needs and wants, and how easy it is to get them turned around in our minds. Jesus tells a parable about a man who suddenly has too much but thinks he needs more. He is confusing wants and needs, so instead of acting with generosity to his neighbors, he comes to be possessed by his possessions.
Scripture – Luke 12: 13-21