Tag: grace
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“Living with ‘Wait and See’”
Theme: Although we live in uncertain times, we can always be certain of God’s grace. Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43 (NRSV): He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the…
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“Gracious Giving”
Theme: God provides us abundant love so that we might give it graciously. Mark 2:1-12 (NRSV): When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking…
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“The Treasure Within”
Theme: Through the presence of Christ, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are transformed from within, and included at God’s Table, despite our fragile ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7; Luke 14:16-24 (NRSV): For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in…
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“You’re Invited!”
Theme: Christ welcomes us in to lighten our load and ease our burdens, offering us a simpler way of life in Christ, who accepts us as we are. Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (NRSV): ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another, “We played…
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“Come to Church: Free Gift!”
Theme: Despite our flawed human condition, God loves us and wants us back, releasing us from what keeps us away, through the free gift of God’s grace given to us through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:6-8;12-17;19-21 (NRSV): For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone…
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“Lent’s Lavish Love”
Theme: God’s extravagant grace means all of us are loved and included, made right where we go wrong, and given a chance to flourish in the community of Christ. John 12:1-8 (NRSV): Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave…
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“Anger, Action and the McWhopper”
Theme: We are warned not to be hearers of God’s word who forget to follow it, but rather be doers of God’s work in the world, and be blessed by doing. James 1:17-27 (NRSV): Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom…
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“Taking God as Granted”
Theme: God calls us to obedient discipleship, but when we fail and seek our way back to God’s path, God graciously forgives us, restores us, and invites us back into God’s Kingdom, feeding us at the Lord’s Table, so that we might find strength enough to try again. Matthew 21:33-46 (NRSV): ‘Listen to another parable.…
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“Faith Walk”
Theme: God’s Revelation to us through Christ encourages us to have Faith in Jesus and his saving grace that we can find in the worshipping community we call church even in turbulent times. Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV): Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he…
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“Pay Day!”
Theme: The wages of sin are death; our free gift of faith by God’s grace through Jesus Christ is joy. Romans 6:12-23 (NRSV): Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to…