Audio

Overview:  Luke chapter 15 records an exchange between Jesus and some Pharisees who were critical of him because he “…welcomes sinners and eats with them.”    He takes their criticism head-on with three parables, one about a good shepherd finding his lost sheep, another about a woman finding her lost coin, andl one about a  loving father rejoicing over the return of a lost son.  In his message, Jesus communicates his theology of purpose, grace, and joy.  The theme often overlooked in his stories and in modern Christianity is the theology of repentance, the theme that brought the most joy in each story and the action to which he was calling the Pharisees.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Luke 15:11-32 Traditionally the title given to these teachings has been “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” Focusing only on the younger son could lead a disciple to miss the main character and great theology. This sermon explores the participation theater Jesus draws his audience into based on the cultural setting . In the end we have a call to action for the Pharisees in the audience and teachings we can take away about sin, freedom, repentance, grace, and joy in the better named “Parable of the Loving Father.” Link to Sermon Notes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

December 12, 2010 “Daily Bread?” Notes

December 5, 2010 “The Lord’s Prayer” Notes

November 28, 2010 “Purer Motives” Notes

November 21, 2010 “Be Perfect as Your Heavenly Father is Perfect” Notes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

When the Israelites stood at the far side of the Red Sea they had escaped certain death and were delivered to life by the hand of God, but their journey wasn’t over.  The Israelites wandered through the wilderness before reaching their promise, and it wasn’t always pretty.  At times God’s anger burned toward them but in the end both He and they looked back their wanderings with fondness.

The Israelite’s story is our story.  When we stand at the banks of our salvation we have to know that our spiritual journey is not over, it’s only beginning.  We will journey through the wilderness of our lives and like the Israelites, Christian wilderness travelers trust God, need each other, look for God’s glory, and never turn back.  Link to Notes

Exodus 14, Exodus 33, Jeremiah 2:1-2, Psalms 103, Luke 9:23, Matthew 22:36-40, 1 John 1:7, Philippians 3:12-14

Podcast: Play in new window | Download