June 5, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “Never Enough”
Sermon: sermon
Over the next few Sundays we will be following the adventures of the prophet Elijah, who had the misfortune to serve during the reign of Ahab, one of Israel’s most notorious kings. This week the prophet travels to a dry and barren land. He has had to flee Israel for his life, after angering the king with his opposition. There is a drought affecting the whole area, but God has promised to provide. A widow there will feed him, according to the word of the Lord. It does not sound very hopeful. Widows were among the poorest of the poor, even when times were good. She has a child to feed as well. She and her son are down to their last few grains of wheat, and their last drops of oil. Elijah is a stranger in a strange land. Why should she do anything to help him? But the prophet assures the widow that if she will feed him first, the Lord will provide. What has she got to lose? Jonathan’s sermon, “Never Enough”, draws from 1 Kings 17:8-16.
Scripture: scripture
June 12, 2016 – April Herron – “Question and Answer”
Sermon: sermon
Our scriptural reflections will be focused on another chapter in the story of Elijah, who brings us the reminder that the act of dedicating our lives to God carries no guarantees for an easy life. Elijah was so inspired by his faith that he became a spokesperson for God. In this role, he was sometimes the bringer of unpopular news. He warned of drought and famine, which correlated with much suffering. He insisted that those who worked against God could not survive. He was determined to call his people to faithfulness. Eventually, he found himself embroiled in a power struggle with Queen Jezebel that threatened his life. He reached a point of such fear and discouragement that he was ready to give up. Thinking only of escape, he ran into the wilderness to hide. We will listen in on Elijah’s conversation with God as we read 1 Kings 19:1-15. April’s sermon title is, “Question and Answer.”
Scripture: scripture
June 19, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “The Cost”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s scripture is one of the more troubling tales in all of the Bible. As the story begins, Ahab the king is feeling sad. He wants to have a larger garden. But Naboth, the owner of vineyard next door, won’t sell. Jezebel, the king’s wife, has a plan. As she sees it, her husband is failing to act like a king. She takes charge of the situation.and delivers the vineyard to Ahab. The cost of the deal will be the death of Naboth. But it’s a price she’s willing to pay. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is 1 Kings 21:1-16, and his title is “The Cost.”
Scripture: scripture
June 26, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “The Road Ahead”
Sermon: sermon
This week our gospel includes a number of things Jesus says along the road to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples still seem unclear about the mission. On they way he meets others who say they want to come with him – but who have other pressing priorities. Jesus makes clear that being a disciple is not for everyone. The journey ahead will require their full attention. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Luke 9:51-62, and his title is “The Road Ahead.”
Scripture: scripture
