Matthew 6:25-34. This is the first in a four-part series about being the best we can be in life- we talked about being the best in 2008 but the things we talk about would do us well in the whole of our lives. Using Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as a leaping off point- he is the consummate “live-in-the-moment” kind of character, we talked about God’s desire for s to be able to be in this moment and to choose carefully the things that will fill the moments.
This message was the pre-series launch to bring focus on how God would want us to live on 2008. I used a clip from the movie To End All Wars to speak about the importance of hope as it helps us move forward. Take a listen to this message…
Mark 10:17-31. Jesus is confronted by a young man who has done everything right- following the commandments al his life. The young man asks what is next, what must he do to take it to the next level and Jesus responds by inviting him to sell everything and come follow Jesus. Using a clip from The Bourne Ultimatum, we talked about the choices we make and the next steps we might be called to take.
Mark 10:13-16. This story of Jesus receiving children brought to him in spite of his disciples’ objections is an opportunity to look at the ways we so easily choose to exclude others and how uncomfortable we are in being dependent on anyone (including God!) for anything.
Erika brings a message of grace and love instead of judgment to an age-old passage about divorce from Mark. I am sorry for the delay in posting- I am playing catch up on the rest of the messages- they’ll be up soon!
I am borrowing from the words of a friend when I say Change is good. In the past year Saint James has seen many changes. Saying goodbye to one Assistant Pastor, hello to another, welcoming a new sister congregation, and finally getting started with the renovation. The process of getting plans and permits in order started a long time ago, but today I had the joy of starting to pack up things from upstairs to be stored downstairs in preparation for the construction. Just like houses and people, churches need the extra care of being spruced up from time to time too. I hope that you will continue to join us in prayer as we begin this next change at Saint James and we have high hopes that it will be a good one.
Mark 10:13-16. Jesus disciples are sending away/protecting Jesus from children when Jesus discovers it and invites them over. As I spent time with this passage, I have come to wonder about how often we try to limit access to Jesus to others. Who have I decided, have other Christians decided, in a variety of ways are undeserving of Jesus time? The disciples thought they knew who ought to get in and who ought not to get in and Jesus upsets that plan… What is the Jesus-plan for who has access to him and what makes us think we get to override whatever appears to his plan? Just some early/intermediate thoughts on the Bible passage for this week…Â
