U-turns Permitted

Behind the Beast

Today we look at Revelation 12. Last week we saw the two beasts of empire and propaganda. Now we will see what Revelation tells us about the story behind the story - the cosmic struggle behind the earthly political power struggles. Hopefully we will be conforted and emboldened.

The Beast: Power and Propaganda

We look today at Revelation 13: the two beasts that form the central image of Revelation. When we understand what these are, we can understand the rest of the book.

The Beginning and the End

Today we start a new series for the fall of 2018 on the book of Revelation. Not as a map about when and how the world will end.
Rather, we will read it as a “prophetic critique of imperial idolatry (civil religion) and injustice (military, economic, political and religious oppression), and specifically Rome’s imperial idolatry and injustice.” We will explore how in our time we should wrestle with “matters of allegiance, idolatry, violence, witness and worship.”

Dealing with Reality

Today we close off our summer series on 1 Samuel. We'll be reading 2 Samuel 1, which describes the tragic death of Saul and Jonathan and David's brokenhearted mourning for them and Israel. The Bible does not avoid disaster. It confronts us with the pain life can bring, either by circumstance or our own doing. But there is always a glimpse of hope, if we will choose to see it. To watch the video that was used in the sermon, click here.

Dealing with Difficult People

Today we look at 1 Samuel 25, the story of the fool Nabal, his beautiful, intelligent wife Abigail, and David, who has anger management issues. In Abigail we will see more than a skilled conflict negotiator.

Friends

Today we look at the story of the friendship between David and Saul's son, the crown prince, Jonathan. Jonathan took off his royal robe and laid down his weapons to befriend and help David. This is what Jesus did for us, and this gives us the power to befirend each other in real ways.

God Looks at the Heart

Today we look at David's anointment as new king of Israel, and his first real test in the battle with Goliath. This story is not primarily a story about an underdog who wins against his giant (so get your rear end in gear and your chin up!) but how each of us faces the challenges life brings us.

The Righteous Will Live By Faith

This sermon is based on Romans 1:16-17, and is part pf a memorial service held for one of our long-time faithful members, who went to be with his Lord in the week before the sermon. His name is Ken, so when you hear that name that is the person to whom is being referred.

Character Counts

Today we look at 1 Samuel 15, the story of how Saul lost his kingship. We will also talk about God's commands in the Old Testament to utterly destroy enemy tribes. What should we do with those awful passages? Note: After we discussed that topic, we sang together the song "Fairest Lord Jesus" in order to worship Jesus. That has been cut out of the recording.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

This sermon is based on 1 Samuel 9-11, Saul's anointing and appointing as king, and his first battle which established his credibility before the people. The question of God's sovereignty stands central - the God who is behind all events, yet the room for personal choices for good and for bad. Note: the microphone battery cut off about two minutes before the end of the sermon. Apologies for that.