Enduring Hardships
May 10, 2022
James begins his letter to people who are enduring hardships of various kinds. He explains to them how hardships can lead to growth, maturity, fullness, which leads to joy. Today we read James 1:2-4.
Is It Really About Faith or Works?
May 4, 2022
Today we introduce our sermon series on the Letter of James. A crucial discussion on this book over the last centuries has centered on whether (and how much) James supports the Apostle Paul's emphasis on "salvation by grace alone". But is that the best approach to understanding James? Join us and find out!
He is risen: it makes a difference!
April 19, 2022
"An event has occurred as a result of which the world is a different place, and human beings have the new possibility to become a different kind of people...” This is how N.T. Wright describes the impact of what happened on Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead. We read selected passages from 1 Corinthians 15.
Christ is our wisdom, justice, purpose and freedom
April 19, 2022
On this Maundy Thursday we read 1 Corinthians 1:30: On the cross Jesus took upon himself what we are not and gave us what He is: wisdom, justice, purpose and freedom.
Can there be Peace?
April 13, 2022
Today is Palm Sunday - Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. This story doesn't happen in a vacuum - all kinds of events immediately precede it. John quotes the prophet Zecharaiah in his commentary on the events of this day, who proclaims that peace will come to the nations. What do you think: does Jesus bring peace?
Chris Rock, Will Smith, Wordle and Consent
April 4, 2022
What do these have to do with Deuteronomy? You might be surprised. Today we finish our series on Deuteronomy by looking at chapter 30, the last part of Moses' sermon to Israel (the final chapters contain a song, some blessings and the report of Moses' death). What - or who - is our real life?
A Jesus-Centered Response to War
March 21, 2022
At the moment of this sermon series, Russia is waging a fierce, aggressive war in Ukraine. In the USA, the "culture wars" are waging. Group is pitted against group, each considering the other the "enemy". Does Deuteronomy offer us a way to respond to these and all wars? We will look at Deuteronomy 20 and ask ourselves that question.
Open Wide Your Hand to the Poor
March 14, 2022
Deuteronomy 15 presents an economy unlike ours. Redistribution of wealth and reparations are imperatives for Israel. What can we learn from that, without saying that we must emulate the Deuteronomic system? Are there echoes of this approach in the New Testament? And where does our final hope lie for our broken world?
Is Your Relationship with God Transactional?
March 9, 2022
Today we look at the blessings and curses that were to be spoken from the mountains Ebal and Gerizim. This ritual was to be done when Israel entered Canaan (and was done - read Joshua 8). The blessings and cursing were a direct result of whether Israel obeyed God or not. Which raises the question: is our relationship with God transactional? If so, doesn't that lead to all kinds of problems? Today we try to present another approach to this text.
Service of Prayer for Ukraine
March 1, 2022
In light of the attack on Ukraine by Vladimir Putin and his army, we are using our service time today (Feb. 27, 2022) as a time of prayer and reflection for Ukraine, Russia, Europe and our world. Please join us and dpray along with us.
