Mon, 29 January 2007
Scripture Focus: Luke 4:14-21 The first thing Jesus does after his trial in the wilderness was to go to the temple to worship and there he read the scripture. Jesus reveals himself as the one that the prophet spoke of in Isaiah 61. We learn that his words are powerful and that he teaches with authority, even for those who don't know him. First
things for followers of Jesus are worship, scripture reading and prayer.
Last week I focused on worship. On this day we will focus on the
practice of reading scripture and praying�habits that build a real
faith for real life. Through the reading of scripture we know
God more fully. Prayer gives us a way of speaking to God and makes
us more aware of God's presence and power.
Direct download: 2007-01-28_Pastor-Scott-Hackler_Love-God-Enough-To-Know-God.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 11:48am CDT |
Sun, 14 January 2007
Scripture Focus: John 2:1-11 John 2:1-11 is part of a larger section in the Gospel of John that has come to be known as "The Book of Signs." It runs from the middle of chapter 1 all the way through the end of chapter 12 and is full of interactions between Jesus and groups and individuals that all point to the bigger, wider, grander coming of the Kingdom of God. The last verse in this section--verse 11--adds even more intensity to the story as the wedding at Cana begins both Jesus' public ministry in general and his demonstration of miraculous signs in particular. "Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him." Jesus'
signs reveal his glory. We will use the idea of signs to think
about our identity as followers of Jesus. As Jesus becomes known
by what he does in these signs, our identity is made known in what we
do. Our actions are also signs that reveal who we are. We will begin to unfold the adult discipleship theme described by the acronym L.I.F.E.
Direct download: 2007-01-14_Pastor-Scott-Hackler_Signs-of-Life.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 3:53pm CDT |
Sun, 7 January 2007
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 We begin a new year with expectation. We think about what has happened in our past and we hope for change. We wonder what will unfold before us. The people in the reading from Luke had the same feelings. What unfolded before them is God's love in the person of Jesus.Jesus' identity is revealed through John's prophetic words and then by a voice from heaven. He comes with power to judge (fire). It sounds threatening, and yet we discover that his judgment is filled with mercy and love. It is that judgment that shapes us and gives us identity. In our baptism that judgment is made known. Like Jesus, we are assured that we are known fully, treasured deeply, loved completely. We are identified with Christ in baptism. God comes to us and says to us, "You are my child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Direct download: 2007-01-07_Pastor-Scott-Hackler_Pursuing-LIFE_Life-Identity.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 11:01am CDT |
Mon, 1 January 2007
Leftovers - whether you love them or throw them away - they are a part of our daily lives! The same is true for Christmas. Our culture would have us believe everything is done and over with once December 25th passes and all the presents are opened. But after all the rush of December, there are Christmas leftovers... What are they? What remains after Christmas Day? As Christians we need to realize there are some significant gifts which remain with us and the most important one is the baby who will grow to be our Savior. Will we lose Him as we throw away the wrappings and bows? Will He be boxed away with all the decorations? Will he be relegated to the back, lower shelf of the refrigerator until some future day? This weekend as we look to the wise men and their gifts - the late-comers to the Christmas party - we will see the magnificence of the gifts left for us even after Christmas is "over"
Direct download: 2006-12-30_Pastor-Jane-Jebsen_Livin-on-Leftovers.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 1:14am CDT |