9/29/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Eyes Wide Shut”
Sermon – Eyes Wide Shut
Luke 16: 19-31. The gospel for this Sunday tells the story of two men from very different circumstances who live almost within arm’s reach. It shows us a vivid picture of the gulf which can separate us from each other in this life, and how our relationships here on earth may carry over to eternity.
Scripture – Luke 16: 19-31
9/22/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Any Questions?”
Sermon – Any Questions?
Luke 16: 1-13. This week’s gospel is one of the oddest of Jesus’ parables. A rich man learns that his manager has been squandering his property and fires him. Then, the fired manager seeks to make friends elsewhere by settling the debts of those who owe the rich man money for way less than was owed. We think that he will be punished, but Jesus turns the story in a direction we would never expect.
Scripture – Luke 16: 1-13
9/15/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Finding Joy”
Sermon – Finding Joy
Luke 15: 1-10. This week’s gospel includes two of Jesus’ most joyful parables – the lost sheep and the lost coin. The shepherd risks everything to find his lost sheep, and a woman searches relentlessly for a lost coin, and each rejoices with full heart when the lost is found. Jesus tells us that their joy is like that of God, who celebrates when those who are lost have been found.
Scripture – Luke 15: 1-10
9/08/13 – Jonathan Chute – “Informed Consent”
Sermon – Informed Consent
Luke 14: 25-33. This week, in words that sound hard – even harsh – Jesus makes it clear that there is a price to be paid for genuine faithfulness. Jesus knows that the things of God are precious and valuable, and worth the effort and the risk.
Scripture – Luke 14: 25-33
9/01/13 – Jonathan Chute – “House Rules”
Sermon – House Rules
Luke 14: 1, 7-14. The gospel for this week finds Jesus at the home of a religious leader, where he has been invited for dinner. As the time for the meal arrives, it seems that the guests are jockeying 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, where honor goes along with humility, rather than competition.
Scripture – Luke 14: 1, 7-14
