Sermons from April 2023
Knowing the Active Presence of God
Exodus 33:1-16
We were made for the active presence of God and to walk in the ways of God, that we might be distinct among all the peoples of the earth. It turns out that the presence of God is perhaps the central motif in all of scripture, and we cannot know the active presence of God in our lives if we are inattentive to the ways of God. The two go together. It is both the active presence and the ways of God that make us distinct from the world around us. So, we should be appropriately “desperate” to know God’s presence. Join us this Sunday as we hear from George Guthrie, professor of New Testament, Regent College (Vancouver, British Columbia).
Bringing Many Sons and Daughters to Glory
The eternal Son, radiance of God’s glory, left the realms of glory to become human. After his death and resurrection he returned to God’s glory, where he is crowned with glory and honor. But God’s desire is to bring many sons and daughters to glory, following the path pioneered by the Son. Many family histories have skeletons in the closet, people who have brought shame rather than honor. Most of us have our own shame. But Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters, or to have us, his younger siblings, tag along behind him. But we do need to keep him in sight.
But We See Jesus
Hebrews 2:5-9
We have just celebrated Good Friday and Easter Sunday, remembering Jesus Christ, “crucified, dead and buried… On the third day he rose again from the dead,” as we confess in the Apostles’ Creed. But there is more: “he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.” We tend to forget Ascension Day, but it is a vital part of the story of Jesus. We return to the Book of Hebrews to consider Jesus, who was made low to be human like us, and subsequently exalted as the one true human into God’s presence.
Everything Has Changed
Matthew 28:1-10
He has risen… He has risen indeed! Something happened that first Easter that makes all the difference in the world. Something happened on that first Easter that brought a new reality into our world. Something happened that first Easter that had never happened before, and it changed everything. Join us this Easter Sunday as we explore the resurrection account from Matthew’s Gospel and “see” how everything has changed.
Listening to Jesus Pray For Us #4
John 17
This Sunday, we return to John 17 for the fourth and last time. I invite you once again to put your head on Jesus’ heart and listen to Jesus pray… for you. This week, as we come to the end of the prayer, we will begin with verse 24 where Jesus prays, “I desire,” or more literally, “I will.” This is the only place in the Gospel record where Jesus says “I will” to the Father! And, what does he “will”? Join us this Sunday to find out (hint: it will take your breath away!).