6/28/09 – Jonathan Chute – “Double Crossing”
Sermon – Double Crossing
Mark 5:21-43. Early in his ministry Jesus crossed back and forth, from one side to the other of the Sea of Galilee. He has spent some time among the gentiles and in this week’s gospel now returns to his own people. It is as though he wants to be clear that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. He heals people on both sides of the deepest cultural division of his day. And in both communities he makes the point that there are always people who have been left out by others. It is with them that he will share his gifts of healing and hope.
Scripture – Mark 5:21-43
Fathers Day
6/21/09 – Jonathan Chute – “Greater Than the Storm”
Sermon – Greater Than the Storm
Mark 4:35-41. In this week’s gospel Jesus and the disciples travel to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. A storm catches their boat on the way and the disciples call out to Jesus – who is sleeping! – for help. After he silences the wind and calms the raging sea, they discover an even better reason to be afraid. They ask each other – if Jesus can command the wind and waves, then who IS he?
Scripture – Mark 4:35-41
6/14/09 – Jonathan Chute – “Less Is More”
Sermon – Less Is More
Mark 4:26-38. This week we get to listen in as Jesus shares two of his briefest parables. Both portray the kingdom of God as something LESS than we might expect. In the first, the kingdom grows up like a plant, pretty much on its own – without a lot of human help. Even the one who planted the seed does not understand what is going on under the ground. In the second, Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that starts out small, but when it grows up becomes a giant . . . well, bush. Like most of us, his hearers had other, grander expectations. We’d rather see the kingdom of God in large, capital letters, and big bright lights. That way no one would miss it. If we were in charge, we’d take it to the next level. But Jesus encourages us that it grows even without our help. How could this be???
Scripture – Mark 4:26-38
6/7/09 – John Kwan – “No One Can”
Sermon – No One Can
In Sunday’s text, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus to strike up a conversation with him. He recognizes Jesus’ authority and is willing to listen to him, but Nicodemus still has questions and is unwilling to recognize Jesus’ authority publicly. So, he comes to Jesus by night in the hopes of getting his questions answered.
Scripture – Nicodemus, a Pharisee
