9/25/11 – Jonathan Chute – “Says Who?”
Sermon – Says Who?
Matthew 21: 23-32. Some local religious leaders see Jesus as a bit of a troublemaker. Hoping to discredit him, they ask who he thinks has given him the authority to say and do what he does. Rather than answer directly, Jesus tells them a story of two brothers, one of whom says he will do what his father asks, but doesn’t, while the other refuses to help at first, but then does do what was asked. According to Jesus it is one thing to say the right thing, and another to do it.
Scripture – Matthew 21: 23-32
9/18/11 – Jonathan Chute – “Fair’s Fair”
Sermon – Fair’s Fair
Matthew 20: 1-16. This week’s gospel includes one of the most irritating of Jesus’ parables. He tells of a man whose generosity toward some (but not all) of his workers creates jealousy and anger. One group received exactly what they agreed to as a fair wage for the day. But when they see others receiving the same pay for less work, they can’t stand it. Jesus wants to show that God’s grace operates differently from our ideas of justice and equality.
Scripture – Matthew 20: 1-16
9/11/11 – Jonathan Chute – “All That Counts”
Sermon – All That Counts
Romans 14: 1-12. In his letter to the Romans, Paul offers a range of advice to the Christians there. Members of the church are looking down on each other. Paul says that there is only one standard that means anything – only God is in position to judge our actions. That is really the only thing that matters.
Scripture – Romans 14: 1-12
9/04/11 – Jonathan Chute – “By Heart”
Sermon – By Heart
Exodus 12: 1-14. Passover was the basis of Jesus’ sharing the Last Supper with his disciples. Both events are repeated and remembered by communities of faith as central to our ongoing life. We weren’t there for the first of these celebrations, but still we are encouraged to “remember” them.
Scripture – Exodus 12: 1-14
