10/4/15 – Jonathan Chute – “The Patience of Job?”
Sermon: Sermon
The scripture tells just a small part of the story of Job, a righteous man who experiences terrible suffering. As the story begins, God and Satan have a discussion about Job’s virtue. While the Lord remarks on Job’s faithfulness and integrity, Satan is convinced that, under the right circumstances, Job will curse God. Despite all that he goes through, Job never gives up his faith. But that doesn’t mean that he accepted what happened to him. When his friends try to justify or explain his suffering, Job cries out. He yells at God. And when he’s done yelling, God silences the friends and declares that Job has spoken the truth. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Job 1:1 and 2:1-10, and his title is “The Patience of Job?”
Scripture: Scripture
10/11/15 – Earl Butler – “The Little Giant”
Sermon: Sermon
The two scripture readings embody the idea of mentorship. Jesus established that pattern with the disciples and they are now passing it along to many more. 1 Peter 5:1-5 shares a number of details on how to mentor. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 is a shorter, but very specific direction for mentoring. We welcome our Lay Leader Earl Butler as our guest speaker and his sermon is titled “The Little Giant.”
Scripture: Scripture
10/18/15 – Jonathan Chute – “Unconscious”
Sermon: Sermon
The gospel finds two of the disciples asking Jesus for the seats of honor in the heavenly kingdom. When the other disciples hear about it they become angry at James and John. Jesus uses the occasion to teach them all that the path to greatness in God’s kingdom is the path of service, and not of self. Though they have spent much time with Jesus on the road, it seems the disciples still have a ways to go. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Mark 10:35-45, and his title is “Unconscious.”
Scripture: Scripture
10/25/15 – Jonathan Chute – “Leaping for Joy”
Sermon: Sermon
The gospel reading is the story of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. The last recorded miracle of Jesus’ life takes place by the side of the road near Jericho. When Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is passing by he calls out loudly. Others in the crowd try to silence him. But the blind man cries out even more loudly. Jesus notices his persistence and calls him to come forward. Bartimaeus leaps at the invitation. After his sight is restored Jesus tells him to go… his faith has made him well. But Bartimaeus chooses a different path. Once a beggar, he has become a disciple. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Mark 10:46-52, and his title is “Leaping for Joy.”
Scripture: Scripture
