FIRST WORDS

This week we recognize the feast of St. Bartholomew and reflect on the examples of looking up to role models in the faith and the importance of sacrificial living for the sake of others.

Pastor Matt continues to work through the Gospel of Luke chapter 12 and discusses what should be causing divisions.

Pastor Matt reflects on Luke 12 and how our view of God can influence the way we navigate the world.

Pastor Matt does a deep dive on Genesis 19 and discusses Sodom and Gomorrah. Content Warning: This text and message talk about rape and sexual violence.

Pastor Matt reflects on the back half of Genesis 18 and the conversation that Abraham has with God as they look out over Sodom and the nearby cities.

This week rounds out the chapter of Luke 10 as we meditate on the implications of Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus into their home.

Pastor Matt, who was recovering from a cold and sounds worse than he was, meditates on the parable of the good Samaritan.

Pastor Matt reflects on the words of Luke 10 and when we should kick dust off our feet.

This week we take a look at 1 Kings 18 and 19 and compare two "mountain top" experiences that Elijah has. A correction for this sermon : Pastor Matt comments that 40 is a symbol for testing motifs, but 40 is actually used in connection with exile motifs. Thank you to Sarah Salzberg for pointing out that mistake.

Pastor Matt reflects on Isaiah 65 and considers why it is a good text to kick off the season of Pentecost.

Pastor Matt reflects on the Apostles' Creed to explain why it is something we still use in our churches today, how it can be helpful for instruction, and how it can encourage and foster a deeper dive into Scripture and our understanding of God.

Pastor Matt reflects on Genesis 11 and the tower of Babel.

This very long episode contains both Pastor Matt's final message on Revelation (which ends around 21:30) as well as a time for congregants to share questions or observations with Matt's responses. Due to our recording/editing abilities, the questions/observations aren't given into a microphone so there are quieter parts of the recording.

Pastor Matt reflects on the Revelation of Jesus chapters 19 and 20 which depicts the final battle between Jesus and those that would sow chaos in God's good creation.

We dive into the fourth part of our six part Revelation series and look at chapters 17 and 18, considering how John uses the image of Babylon, where we might see Babylon today, and what people of faith can do to oppose Babylon when we see it.

Pastor Matt reflects on Revelation 7 and what it means to be in the army of the lamb.

Picking up where we left off last week, Matt covers the text he hoped to get to last week and also covers chapter 5.

Pastor Matt gives an introduction to the book of Revelation, which will be the focus for messages over the next several weeks.

Pastor Matt reflects on Luke's telling of the resurrection and what it means to be Easter people.

Pastor Matt reflects on the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and invites participants to consider what kind of king Jesus is.

Pastor Matt reflects on the parable of the two sons (often called the prodigal son).

This week we jump from the end of Luke 13 to the beginning and see the sense of urgency that Jesus communicates about the coming Kingdom and our need to conform to his mission.

Pastor Matt reflects on the end of Luke chapter 13 and encourages participants to consider their desires and how they align with the desires of God.

Pastor Matt reflects on the season of Lent and encourages congregants to consider focusing on a virtue during this lenten season. This message has a large question and response time with the congregation that has been left in full, but we do not have the ability to mic/record congregational participation.

Pastor Matt reflects on the theme of the Exodus in Jesus's life and ministry.