Aug 20, 2017
Seeking Commonality
By: Pastor Keith
Series: (All)
August 20, 2017. In Matthew 15:10-28, Jesus tells the crowds that what goes into people's mouths does not defile them, but what comes out is what defiles them. Pastor Keith preaches on this text, and challenges us to examine how we deal with those around us who may be different from us. How can we seek commonality and begin to bridge the gaps with others in our communities?
*** [Keywords: 2017 Abraham Lincoln Alton Illinois Bible scholars Canaanite women Christ Lutheran Church Confederate statues Crucial Conversations book DNA in common DNA test Father forgive them for they know not what they do Gettysburg Golgotha Gospel Harriet Tubman Jesus died Jesus hung on the cross Jewish rule Matthew 15 Pastor Bill Pyatt Pastor Keith Holste Pastor Mary Hellwig Penny Phoenicia Rahab Rosa Parks Ruth Sidon Susan B. Anthony Tamar Tyre Virginia about 2000 years ago abuzz accentuate differences acts affirmed against odds agree with me and with one another approach approaches toward others arguing as a person as he died authenticity bad portrait based on my history be the people Jesus called us to be better able bite my lip both cried bothering him bridging the gaps bring unity calling came to blows can be learned centuries challenges changed him chapters children's food church council civics comes forward coming from communicate completely ignored her confrontationally congresswomen context costly enterprise crumbs cultures darkness of three hours day when the earth turned dark death dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal deference to Jesus defied laws of the day demonstrations different differently colored skin disciples distance away doesn't come easily doesn't qualify done authentically during that darkness eclipse encounter work enemies evil eye facebook family makeup fears fellow human level female senators finding commonality for our inadequacies foreigner forlorn frenetic gathering gender genealogy give up previous unwillingness goal goes dark goes out of his way great is your faith group ourselves hard fights healed healing of relations heart his blood Canaanite too hold my tongue home hope for yourselves how to avoid how we love with one another how would you describe yourself how you speak with your mouth humble terms hung out in our own skin inclined to forget intense polarity interpret issues not new to our day just to get started kids kneels later times learning curve leaves the area less than three minutes life circumstances lights come back lights turned off like-minded people live and do creative things together live in a time longer look folks in their eyes looked down upon made us one with him making peace master's table meetings mercy mercy on daughter modern human view more open mother nationality negotiate neighbors on my block north not easy to achieve not enemies not friends not like the others not particularly skilled offended offending Pharisees on my street our oneness parted from her parts of the world pays no attention whatsoever peace with ourselves perceive their hearts persistence personality plaintive cry politics praises her faith prescientific times priority pugnacious pulled Jesus aside put on a cross racial sensitivity reach out reach out to others reflects religion respect and appreciation restorative justice risk sake of her daughter scares me scene of many deaths seek commonality self righteous send her away sent to house of Israel separate sermon shoo her away shouting socially engage others society somewhere from there speak stereotype stop to ask each other structured conversation surprised tape my own big mouth shut teasing woman along tell me in your own words tenderly explored terrible incident territory testing her faith that we might be forgiven think and feel those people throw it to the dogs tormented by demon touch his heart truce try to understand unclean uncomfortable in their own skin understanding urge values that are similar views wanted to be neighbors we are all equal week later what they're feeling what you desire what you put in your mouth what you're saying who you are wider national experience willing to learn willingness work work on myself yes you are you are the people you say you are]
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- Aug 20, 2017Seeking Commonality
Aug 20, 2017Seeking CommonalityBy: Pastor KeithSeries: (All)August 20, 2017. In Matthew 15:10-28, Jesus tells the crowds that what goes into people's mouths does not defile them, but what comes out is what defiles them. Pastor Keith preaches on this text, and challenges us to examine how we deal with those around us who may be different from us. How can we seek commonality and begin to bridge the gaps with others in our communities? *** [Keywords: 2017 Abraham Lincoln Alton Illinois Bible scholars Canaanite women Christ Lutheran Church Confederate statues Crucial Conversations book DNA in common DNA test Father forgive them for they know not what they do Gettysburg Golgotha Gospel Harriet Tubman Jesus died Jesus hung on the cross Jewish rule Matthew 15 Pastor Bill Pyatt Pastor Keith Holste Pastor Mary Hellwig Penny Phoenicia Rahab Rosa Parks Ruth Sidon Susan B. Anthony Tamar Tyre Virginia about 2000 years ago abuzz accentuate differences acts affirmed against odds agree with me and with one another approach approaches toward others arguing as a person as he died authenticity bad portrait based on my history be the people Jesus called us to be better able bite my lip both cried bothering him bridging the gaps bring unity calling came to blows can be learned centuries challenges changed him chapters children's food church council civics comes forward coming from communicate completely ignored her confrontationally congresswomen context costly enterprise crumbs cultures darkness of three hours day when the earth turned dark death dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal deference to Jesus defied laws of the day demonstrations different differently colored skin disciples distance away doesn't come easily doesn't qualify done authentically during that darkness eclipse encounter work enemies evil eye facebook family makeup fears fellow human level female senators finding commonality for our inadequacies foreigner forlorn frenetic gathering gender genealogy give up previous unwillingness goal goes dark goes out of his way great is your faith group ourselves hard fights healed healing of relations heart his blood Canaanite too hold my tongue home hope for yourselves how to avoid how we love with one another how would you describe yourself how you speak with your mouth humble terms hung out in our own skin inclined to forget intense polarity interpret issues not new to our day just to get started kids kneels later times learning curve leaves the area less than three minutes life circumstances lights come back lights turned off like-minded people live and do creative things together live in a time longer look folks in their eyes looked down upon made us one with him making peace master's table meetings mercy mercy on daughter modern human view more open mother nationality negotiate neighbors on my block north not easy to achieve not enemies not friends not like the others not particularly skilled offended offending Pharisees on my street our oneness parted from her parts of the world pays no attention whatsoever peace with ourselves perceive their hearts persistence personality plaintive cry politics praises her faith prescientific times priority pugnacious pulled Jesus aside put on a cross racial sensitivity reach out reach out to others reflects religion respect and appreciation restorative justice risk sake of her daughter scares me scene of many deaths seek commonality self righteous send her away sent to house of Israel separate sermon shoo her away shouting socially engage others society somewhere from there speak stereotype stop to ask each other structured conversation surprised tape my own big mouth shut teasing woman along tell me in your own words tenderly explored terrible incident territory testing her faith that we might be forgiven think and feel those people throw it to the dogs tormented by demon touch his heart truce try to understand unclean uncomfortable in their own skin understanding urge values that are similar views wanted to be neighbors we are all equal week later what they're feeling what you desire what you put in your mouth what you're saying who you are wider national experience willing to learn willingness work work on myself yes you are you are the people you say you are]
- Aug 13, 2017This Boat Was Meant To Sail
Aug 13, 2017This Boat Was Meant To SailBy: Tom SchoenherrSeries: (All)August 13, 2017. Guest Pastor Tom Schoenherr preaches on the Gospel story, from Matthew 14, in which Peter gets out of the boat and walks on water to Jesus. "Come," says Jesus. "Don't be afraid. I am with you." We tend to believe today that Jesus keeps us safe and secure, from fear and all the challenges in ourselves and in the world around us. But we're all in this boat together, and Jesus is bidding us to get out and come, into those places of doubt and danger in our lives. *** [Keywords: 2017 Barb's mother Charlottesville, VA Christ Lutheran Church Christ's love God's children Gospel Greek I am with you I'm with you Jesus Christ is already there Jesus says come Jesus' hand was not there Lord's table Matthew 14 Peter had doubts Peter needed help Sunday morning This Boat Was Meant to Sail Tom Schoenherr accept addictions all my people all of your people all the challenges baptism be safe be the presence of God be there for one another be there to hold her began to understand blood transfusions brothers and sisters but they sink can't avoid them can't go backward care about care for one another children of God choice we've made come come together command me connected connects us with one another cultures dangerous waves deal with didn't know different colors different cultures difficult problems disappear under the water disease doctor's office don't be afraid don't need to be afraid doubting doubts and concerns end of her life even then everything is going to be okay extend your life face facing our Lord faith faith in Jesus fearful follow him followers of Christ forgive forgiving forward gathered here together gift of Holy Spirit go out into deep water going into troubled disturbed places going through good choice good news hard even to get here have to live with he is already there he says come headed healing help us hold onto that promise holding onto us hope in our lives if it is you illness in the waves in these waters in this world into the pain into the storms into the world invites us to come out of the boat involved in mission just a little bit keep us safe and secure keeps holding onto promise kindergarten knowing last months of her life laughter leave you in the water lifestyles lift them up lifted him up lifts him up listing to this side live in this world look at Jesus looking at Jesus loss of loved one love and life we miss deeply loved ones are lost made us his own means ship or boat midst of the storm miracle drugs nave never meant to be tied up to dock next thing to come no happy endings nose above the water not alone not easy answers not fun not pleasant nothing more we can do on the way ourselves out of the water place of danger place where we are gathered places in our lives pray questioning questions races reaches down really religions remember who we are sent sermon share my love sit still slide so alone so many fears standing in the boat starts to sink stay in the boat step out of boat stories storm storms in our lives stormy waters struggle with faith struggles tend to believe the Great I Am the Great Physician those days are past threatens times of need toward Jesus troubled world trust God's promise trusted trusting walk out with you walked into school walking across the water walking on top of waves walking on water water of baptism water of life way it used to be we doubt we feel distant we have doubts we need help we want to come out we're all in this boat together we're in the boat what about those times where are we going where is it sailing where we are going white supremacists work on them world around us]
- Aug 6, 2017The Good Life
Aug 6, 2017The Good LifeBy: Pastor PennySeries: (All)August 6, 2017. Pastor Penny preaches today on the Gospel story of Jesus feeding the multitude. His disciples saw only a deserted place, but Jesus saw something different. He had compassion on the people, wanted to give them the good life. What do we see when we look at the less prosperous areas in our communities? Can we see these places like Jesus did, as opportunities for sharing the good life? *** [Keywords: 1500 people 1970s 2017 A Place Worth Saving Barnes Bread for the World Central West End Christ Lutheran Church Ferguson Fullerton NE God has blessed these people too Gospel Jesus Jesus' power Jewish Matthew Nebraska Pastor Penny Holste Roman government Second Presbyterian St. Louis Wash U Washington University Medical Center all were fed appearances ask ourselves banded together beloved children of God bleak bless boarded houses bread and fish came from crowd bring for healing built buy clothes buy food cared enough to ask Jesus to die carried miles challenging us chance to live forgiven children choices choose to believe miracle church every Sunday churches clean it up closest town 40 miles away comforts compassion on them contrast core of caring people created in image of God crime cross state line cut back dark death dedicated grandmother deserted place determined worker didn't believe didn't know director David Beckmann disciples documentary don't think drive through poorest parts ease emboldened empowered even more important experience fame fears feed themselves filled filling their pews first attempt food stamps get food for themselves get to his job getting involved going places good equals wealth got to know people grandchildren great strides greater than that grew up in city had the power then has the power now have to believe help ourselves help rejuvinate community helping hand hopeful hospitality was the norm hospitals hours on bus human rights issues illnesses interesting thing to say into their hearts knowledge lecture series on world hunger left-over food listen to our politicians little bit of food little help from us live there again looked at that crowd looked so falling apart lot of need love love too much made it a point medical attention members miracle more than 5000 people motley group moved west national budget no doctor no health spa no movie theaters no prosperity open their baskets outcome of miracle people can help themselves people took care of each other perfect world possibilities poverty power power to give life pretty dismal provide raise him to life relieve them religious institutions relocated right and left safe place saw something different scholars send these people away sermon share should they stay or move sign so little to work with split the congregation started in decline starving in Africa stayed story about sharing strength take situation taught them thanking God the good life they will heal themselves thriving community through eyes too happy took a vote transition truly two grocery stores two restaurants two very oppressive institutions values of city values of their world very good place to raise children vices voted to leave voted to stay walk the streets wanted to feed them we don't see we have nothing what really is the good life? what they do have with a little help with some help words disciples used]
- Jul 30, 2017The Merchant of Pearls
Jul 30, 2017The Merchant of PearlsBy: Pastor PennySeries: (All)July 30, 2017. We can often be overwhelmed by challenges right in front of us. But God has a way of taking something that looks hopeless and making it great. In her sermon today, Pastor Penny preaches on the Parable of the Pearl from Matthew 13. She says sometimes being obsessed with taking great risks is good, when it's in service to the Kingdom of God. *** [Keywords: 100 loaves of bread 1400 20 2017 50 pounds of flour American socialite Denver God can use our obsessions God could still use them God did it God gave them a new mission God uses all of us God-given Jesus is that merchant Jesus was obsessed with his mission Jesus' life and death and resurrection Kingdom of God Margaret Brown Muny New York City Pastor Penny Holste Pat Keifert Saturday night Titanic Unsinkable Molly Brown actions had a risk all survivors all the fish angels another ship area bank loan basement beautiful building beautiful valley big enough for birds to be sheltered in it books bread brought their children build hospital buy a field buying house carpet was stained ceiling child care session child literacy congregation future congregation that was dying crayon drawings on walls crossroads crumbling dark damp place dealing one on one describe destitute different tendency difficult situation disbanded do good things do the judging docked drive end is life-giving end of age ever right to have obsession family members farmers feed 100 people few weeks fields fix it forced into boat fragile fulfill it gain access to things they needed gave up everything give them credit for good or bad good purposes grew mold half hour service hard to imagine have hope help other people help out high proportion of young children and single parents hit iceberg human rights ideas that are very good ideas we just can't stand in their wills including his life insulation hanging in strips judgement juvenile court systems kind heart last group of parables leaven leavening lifeboats little pack of yeast little uncomfortable long marriage lot of trouble make it good make it great make it into something great merchant of pearls moral or immoral more dependable reason mostly elderly mountain of work much more complicated mustard plant mustard seed becomes shrub never done before new debt not at all obnoxious weed on that location one big net one pearl optimist overwhelmed by challenges right in front of us own repairs parents parents came passion patience pay off people who are tainted philanthropist play politically bigoted politician promoting race or gender really about Jesus realtor remained good friends rescue boats resuced right in front of you risky sell that building sells everything he owns sensed hunger for the Word separated sermon set up a fund sizing it up small and tainted small seed of possibility soup kitchens still had a mission strained studies church life and growth symbol for corruption take care of them take great risks take some risks take something hopeless take them in take what is small take what is tainted tendency to label people we don't know personally third parable this country and elsewhere this is fun timely message times that we take great risks tragedy transform this place treasure hunter true character trustworthy or not use her wealth ushering everyone else very active person volunteer child care service we are tainted at times we are the pearl of great value we're all saved what is that pearl whole new congregation born women and children women getting the vote youth]
- Jul 23, 2017Life With God Will Prevail
Jul 23, 2017Life With God Will PrevailBy: Pastor KeithSeries: (All)July 23, 2017. Pastor Keith preaches today on Matthew 13:24-43. Why is there tension in the world? Even Christian congregations are seldom at peace. There is the temptation for us to judge and divide, to decide who is in and who is out. But in Jesus' Parable of the Weeds, we are taught that it is God who will sort out the good seeds from the bad. God does not want us to suffer. Our tragedies are not part of God's plan. Sometimes it may be hard to keep up hope. But no matter how powerful our enemies seem, we must remember that life with God will prevail. *** [Keywords: 2017 Biblical Joshua Biblical story Brent Wood Christian congregations Epistles Exodus Friday God doesn't send bad things God doesn't send us more than we can bear God intended God is for the good God is in charge God suffers with them all God was killed in the form of Jesus God works for good in all things God's intention God's way will prevail Gospel Jerusalem Jesus Jewish authorities Jews in Babylon Joshua Wood Karen Wood Life With God Will Prevail Matthew 13:24-43 Moses Parable of the Tares Parable of the Weeds Pastor Keith Holste Paul Roman act against injustice act of God actions acts of judgement addiction robs loved one of full life anticipate any way shape or form anyone in need apocalyptic arrested back biting back stabbing bad things around us baptism baptized into the faith baptizing blame God bodies body of Jesus book of Daniel book of Revelation brokenness cancer returns care for neighbor challenges children of Isreal chose this name city of Jericho code language communities congregations corners correct things country deeds of goodness defeat depression sets in depth of evil and death desertion devil died on cross direction we can move with doesn't plant the weeds doesn't want evil for us doesn't want us to suffer don't worry draw us in emperor encapsulated encouraged evil force out there evil will be destroyed fight our battles forces gather us general idea goodness and will of God will prevail greatest weapon hands of God hard to keep the faith hard to keep up hope hole dug households how we can trust God insiders internal or external challenges is God with us judge and divide killed by Romans leads us in directions leave us humble life cut short life with God will prevail lions in den literature live with disruptions long long story loves us made the whole world make them wonder meaning more to think about most evil thing happened mounted and killed on a cross not alone oppressors our corner of the world our tragedies aren't part of God's plan outsiders parables part of God's plan part of fellowship piece of wood place our faith plan for world planting seeds of evil plants only the good seeds point of the parable powerful enemy promise reality of sin redeeming the world redemption resurrected life resurrection on Easter sake of good seldom completely at peace sermon sets us free shine like the sun sign of the cross signs of evil some tension in community sorting sowing stories or poems struggle suffered the height sufferings support those in need symbolized take heart take responsibility tease our minds temptation thousands or millions of refugees times are hard times are tough tough to be Christians trouble with one another trust it all to God turns back on those in need untimely death war we don't have everything figured out we're not first ones weed seeds who should be in who should be out with God in Jesus on cross won't know it's talking about them words of wisdom work against evil world of good and beauty]
- Jul 16, 2017Focus on the Sower
Jul 16, 2017Focus on the SowerBy: Pastor PennySeries: (All)July 16, 2017. In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable to help his followers understand why many people rejected his teachings. The sower in the story spreads seeds on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil. Pastor Penny wants us to focus on the sower in her sermon today. He was wasteful, foolish, and a risk-taker -- like parents are out of love for their children, and like God is with us. *** [Keywords: 2017 Bible class Bible study God showers us with gifts Gospel Greek family Heavenly parent Jesus Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-9 My Big Fat Greek Wedding movie Pastor Penny Holste Toula accept our love all at once all four kinds of soil asks us to repent begins in this life boisterous Greek family brings us joy business of life buy something cares of the world cast off not long after chairman of congregation child wants come to take teaching positions created beautiful world culture clash describes deserve our love didn't come dinner did not go well disposal early in the morning encroaching on that time every Sunday excited experience the Kingdom of God extended Greek family extends throughout eternity fiancée focus on the sower following through foolish four ways from another state gift from God given of the Spirit go to counseling good soil grateful great spiritual growth have coffee with lonely person hearts are like rocky soil help Jesus' followers understand immigrants impatient integral to congregation invited them to come joy of the Kingdom kept coming like what parents do looking at other people love as God loves love lavishly loving cultures loving us lures of wealth man off his back many people rejected his words more money to charity or church more responsibility more than what happens after we die most superior lifestyle neither was superior new couple in church nice quiet intimate evening not a good farmer not enough money not enough time not the one opportunities originally intended our hearts are open parables parents are wasteful out of love parents meet path patronize new store people may not want our love persist picture of God picture of Kingdom potty train prejudiced promise our family promotion prophets push away those fears quiet polite proper people quiet time receive word seed in different ways resentful risk-taker seed dies seed falls on our hearts seed never puts down roots seed takes root seeds take root sends us amazing experiences sent us son to die sermon seven different stories small town smile on face so glad he came so is God some people in his day rejected his teachings speaking in Greek spend less time at work start a good thing start to feel uncomfortable stones stubborn take risks thanked him that's not the point thorns thorny tone of irritation umpteenth invitation understand beautiful concept understand it upgrading our electronics was irritated waste food waste money waste time watched for them way of life way of living we become more like the farmer we pray we resist we stop we quit whenever we do something loving for someone else whether they receive it]
- Jul 9, 2017Rest For Your Souls
Jul 9, 2017Rest For Your SoulsBy: Pastor PennySeries: (All)July 9, 2017. We all carry burdens. Life can seem wearisome, especially in this time when we all seem so polarized, sorting ourselves into like-minded groups and listening only to those with whom we agree. In her sermon today, Pastor Penny preaches on Matthew 11:25-30. Jesus offers rest for our souls, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. *** [Keywords: 2017 Cascade Mountains God created perfect world God gives the truth to infants God in the flesh God working Gospel Grunewald Guild I do dance I do laugh I know that you are weary I wanted to die I will give you rest Jesus of Nazareth John the Baptist Keith Lutheran Mark Matthew 11:25-30 Pastor Penny Holste Roman Catholic brother The Big Sort book Washington State across the country admit we need God all Democrats support abortion all Republicans are against gun control all birds have wings all cats purr all winter long another child art and faith come together art teacher in Philadelphia as good as our lives are back at home beautiful picture believed they knew the truth bore the cross for us bowl of potatoes and onions burdensome came back with broken heart catch a plane challenges change the burdens checklist close to his mother come to grips come to me community of Christians artists community surrounded supported him condemned could not heal his grief on his own deal with grief devastated did not see did not want to leave her didn't listen to each other director drove hours do dishes doctors appointments don't have to be in contol finally the tears came found real rest four grown children freed us to be loved and to love his world get up in the morning go to work got a message got on bus grandparents handed over to God harmony with God and one another has taken vows have the answers he cried for his own loss he let God in heard her words heart remained broken hopefully we are those people hurts husband and wife in that moment injustices and pain of the world inviting us just started to talk just stood justice and peace know they are dependent learn to talk like children like-minded groups listen to radio little boy loved ones make lunches meadow might seem doesn't fit us minds were shut missed mistakes moa more conservative more liberal more open lifestyle mostly listening mother close to death mother contracted leukemia my burden is light my yoke is easy never dance again never laugh again never seen you so tight not a day goes by not at ease not doing nothing not married not ordained offering open newspaper open to the voice of God opponents more extreme other losses besides his mother paced back and forth painted painter people like children really rest recreated the world refugees religious leaders remembered care rote rustic same field screens sermon seventh day of creation shared story sharing she insisted shut them out six months old he died so polarized in our country sorted ourselves sources of news spend hours in car starvation stayed strict lifestyle summer survey take children to classes teaches us then God rested theory think about him every day third summer thought about his words threw himself true false question turn TV on turned to infants use the word all war wary we agree with what he would look like now wise and intelligent people with daughter and her family with mother when she died work at home work in the yard you are carrying heavy burdens young parents]
- Jul 2, 2017Welcome
Jul 2, 2017WelcomeBy: Tom SchoenherrSeries: (All)July 2, 2017. Guest pastor Tom Schoenherr shares with us today a poem he wrote to go along with the Gospel reading from Matthew 10:40. "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." Sometimes we are not the ones welcoming, but we're the ones being welcomed. How does it feel to be welcomed? *** [Keywords: 2017 Gospel I'm not in charge Jesus Christ Matthew 10:40 Thomas Tom Schoenherr accept people as they are afflict all that keeps me bound in fear all the same to me at your table lord bear with me believe in someone stronger betrayals and regrets bleeding body and blood shed for me breakable breakableness breathe a new spirit in me brittle caress caverns of my mind and heart come to you Jesus comes alongside of us coming up the road community of love complex and complicated than my fears and doubts connect with it connected to Christ could it be cringe crushable cry to be known deep in my being dependence on you lord depending on others depths of my fears and pain difficult time disciples does not rhyme drawn into community draws us to the table embrace facebook page failures are many fear and prejudice fear of rejection fearful heart fears too extensive feel very vulnerable for all of us for all the world for each of us for whoever forgiving fragile frail getting at here give me hope again good enough for welcoming grudges heal me heal my broken life how does it feel is it you again knock know me learned let go let my vulnerability show letting others know like me locked doors locked room of fear long for connection love me made whole midst of being welcomed more than a name no one will know not berated or condemned not even God not so much welcoming not weak but strong oft too deep to be shared okay to feel vulnerable old Russian Orthodox monk out of control pain and death and new life painful peace poem prime minister promise is true promise of eternal life prostitute refreshing drink of cold water in the heat of the day reject me resting and trusting in the promise of God revealing my insides run to save yourself scares me secrets see through my outward confidence strength and smile segregated and apart send me out sermon set me free set the agenda shattered so delicate so many questions someone else is welcoming me speak to me stand at whoever's door stranger those who open their doors too apparent touch your wounds unlock the doors of my life very free verse wait waiting at the door walks through the door with us walls want to be in control ways that relate we are sent to do the same we're the ones being welcomed welcoming God the father welcoming Jesus welcoming others who I really am whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me whoever welcomes you welcomes me wondering]
- Jun 25, 2017Truth To Power
Jun 25, 2017Truth To PowerBy: Pastor KeithSeries: (All)June 25, 2017. When you're trying to spread a message to people who might disagree with you, how can do you do it effectively? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has some pretty severe things to say. Following him would have taken courage and faith. Pastor Keith's sermon today is on thinking outside the box, living the faith and sharing the message, even when it's not always easy. *** [Keywords: 2017 75 years Antioch Christian causes Christians put in jail Egypt God values us God's support Great Persecution Holy Land I'm right India Jerusalem Jesus knew Jewish John Luke Matthew 10:24-39 Pastor Keith Holste Roman Syria abuse accumulation of wealth and power alternative view always necessary apostle Paul astounded authorities better way big question marks bottom line bringing about change building community building relationship by my action calling followers challenge closeness contentious time context conversation cost him his life costly created and loved by God crown of creation demand demand high price demands of Jesus didn't receive very well directives disregard early Christianity encounters we have encouraging followers of Jesus even when not easy expect resistance facilitate fall back fall short filter follow Jesus forgiveness full meaning of Gospel future get across point of view good of the world great courage and faith hairs on our head hard to believe anyone followed Jesus hard to tell the truth hate help people think higher power hope hopeful graceful side how is this a way to love like Jesus loved how we approach things human beings are not expendable human system hurt our gains idea incur resistance indifference individual inside the box kept listening anyway laxity of faith life changing life is well lived life or death decision live by another standard living certain ways longevity losing track of teachings love of creation loving words major things message can be heard message was compromised more complex picture more friendly most effective way motivates need to move needs ignored new life is ours also normal economics not most effective not most important thing not natural human way not the way not to be exploited not to press message not well received objective one of four Gospels of Jesus our own country outside the box pawns peace and contentment people of God physical persecution plans we make plentiful powerful interest powers of the world pretty severe things promise pushback quality of love radical action received new life refused entry regular power structure religious character resisted sake of all same promise is for us self-serving sensitivity sermon served by what I'm doing share message of way of Jesus sharing small and ordinary things small group so intertwined social structures someone with whom we disagree sparrows speaking the truth speaking up for someone status quo strategy subjects of government suggestions for change take advantage of taken advantage of teachings of Jesus telling people off things we choose to do those who seek their lives for his sake will gain it those who seek their own lives will lose them to be a follower tough to be a Christian truth about himself truth telling truth to power very hard to hear way of world around them was not right way to describe Jesus we have that life weakening in the faith well-being what's in it for me what's in this for the sake of the world words not always easy to hear world needs to be reminded world view worldly values you're doing it wrong you're wrong]
- Jun 18, 2017Harassed and Helpless
Jun 18, 2017Harassed and HelplessBy: Pastor PennySeries: (All)June 18, 2017. Pastor Penny's message today is about the sense of urgency Jesus had in his mission to bring Good News to those who were harassed and helpless. Who would Jesus see as harassed and helpless today? What would he see in us? We can be good at hiding our problems even though we too suffer, from doubt, guilt, loneliness, or fear. But we don't hide our fears from God. He loves us, just as we are. *** [Keywords: 2017 Adam and Eve Americans Apple Communion Episcopal bishop of South Sudan Father's Day God loves you God loves you as you are God's love alone Gospel He looks at us with compassion He loves us He sees us I will be with you Jesus' message Keith Matthew Papua New Guinea Pastor Penny Holste Romans Western world Wonder Woman movie action figures to play with another kind of a service apostles based on cartoon begging us believing bring message bring on ourselves cancer car accident care about situation carried them through Great Depression carry that message centerpiece of ministry challenges chasubles children church door cleaning job closets full of clothes collecting junk metal come visit us come yourselves computers death and resurrection disciples don't take anything eat what they eat economic system embarrassed enough to protect them eradicate evil everyone else lived in huts everything crashed everything's fine extra clothes failures farmers fear fed people fighting all the way to church forgiving love garages full of cars gathered to be missionaries get that message out give us harassed and helpless hard for us to share hard to be a parent healed people hears can be breaking heart attack hospitalized how do we break through how does she pay the bills however meager in our world today in spite of messiness in the eyes of God income instruction jewel in crown just a thought life after death life after graduation life after retirement lift that burden limited memory liturgy live on verge of financial disaster livelihood living the message they were speaking living with crash ever since loneliness looked out over crowds loss of loved one low paid nearby drug store neighbors next life no education beyond high school occupied off-putting old one for them only nice house in village only one byte our lives never crash our society own religious leaders parents part time people we work with people who are sent out people who come to our door for help person you hope to be person you should be person you want to be power of accompaniment praise and potluck pretty good at pretending refrigerators full of food removed all the guilt ride to grocery store robes saw in their eyes self doubt sense of guilt sense of urgency sermon shoes so many who suffer silently squirrels staff to ward off robbers start another worship service station stay with the people story of the Garden of Eden strange requirements stroke surroundings sustained beyond all hardship taxed heavily teaching temporary blessings the Good News of the kingdom the harvest is ready thoughtful thousand dollars to reach them toddler tomatoes are ripe trust God with our future trusting God for everything two thousand dollars uncomfortable understanding lifestyle urgent value depending on lifestyle very close friends victimized walking alongside way we worship is a little strange we are harassed we don't hide our fears from God we hide our problems we were in good hands what will we do what's going on in lives withheld love of God working poor works two jobs wracked by loneliness]