September 3, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Who’s Calling?”
Sermon: sermon
Our scripture tells of Moses’ encounter with God in the wilderness of Midian. Having fled for his life from Egypt, Moses has married and begun a family in a new land. He is tending his father in law’s sheep in the mountains when an unusual sight catches his attention – a bush is burning, but not burning up. As he moves in to look closer, he hears a voice. It turns out that God has something new for Moses to do with his life. Exodus 3:1-15 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Who’s Calling?”
Scripture: scripture
September 10, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “No Offense!”
Sermon: sermon
In this week’s gospel Jesus discusses how to handle broken relationships within the community of faith. He is speaking to the disciples, but it seems that his intended audience is the church – a community which actually does not yet exist. Jesus assumes that Christians, even those who have offended each other, will be pure in motive and objective in dealing with such matters. Even so, he offers a way to move forward when things do not go smoothly. Matthew 18:15-20 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “No Offense!”
Scripture: scripture
September 17, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Math Is Hard”
Sermon: sermon
Our gospel for this Sunday speaks to one of the toughest issues we face in life – forgiveness. Peter wants Jesus to tell him how far we have to go – exactly how many times do we forgive someone? Jesus answers his question, but gives Peter a number which seems impossibly large. Then he tells a parable in which the lack of forgiveness has dire consequences. Matthew 18:21–35 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Math Is Hard.”
Scripture: scripture
September 24, 2023 – Jonathan Chute, “Equal Pay?!”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s gospel is one of the most upsetting of Jesus’ parables. Over the years it has bothered literally millions of Christians, possibly including you. It is the story of a man whose generosity toward some of his workers creates jealousy and anger on the part of others who – despite their objections – were treated completely fairly. Jesus is not offering advice about how to treat workers. Rather, he shows how different God’s ways are from our expectations. Matthew 20:1-16 is the text for Jonathan’s sermon, “Equal Pay?!”
Scripture: scripture
