One-Word Check-In

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, but what was it specifically that brought Lazarus to life? Pastor Kristie explores how resurrection worked with Lazarus and how it can work for us. 

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector remind us the importance of humility when we come to God in prayer. We must humble ourselves before God lifts us out of the shadows.

In the parable of the Persistent Widow, she gets justice by badgering the judge. What is Jesus teaching in this parable about prayer? Is he saying that we should badger God until our prayers are answered? 

"A great chasm has been fixed" (Luke 16:26). In the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Jesus teaches about a great chasm between the rich and the poor.  Is there any way to cross the chasm if it is fixed? 

In the Parable of the Dishonest Manager, he is praised for being shrewd. Is being shrewd a good thing? What was Jesus trying to teach in this parable about shrewdness?

Jesus goes to a certain place to pray. Do you have a certain place or do you think it's a certain place within you? Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of persistence in prayer. If we don't ask, we won't receive. 

In our first episode of Season 2, we explore the well-known parable of The Good Samaritan and who is our neighbor. A man fell into the hands of robbers, but how many robbers are in this story? Do we sometimes have the hands of robbers? Or do we offer our neighbors mercy and compassion? 

Paul says in two verses that women are to keep silent in the church. Which churches was he referring to? Does the Patriarchy still rule churches in the 21st century? And what did Jesus have to say about women in the church?

John 8:31-47 is not covered in the lectionary calendar and is certainly not a favorite to preach on. It's actually very difficult passage to hear. Yet, Pastor Kristie addresses John's anti-Semitism and the concept of the devil, and somehow weaves in the importance of resembling Christ. 

The 5th week of the sermon series, "The Difficult Words of Jesus," based on the book by AJ Levine, brings us to tackle the topic of hell. The Gospel of Matthew describes it as Outer Darkness. What is Outer Darkness? What's the purpose of hell? Is there a literal hell? Pastor Kristie explores these questions as she admits that this one will stretch our theology. 

Jesus uses the word "slave" in the difficult verse, Mark 10:44. Does this metaphor work today as a post-modern people? 

Jesus tells a rich man to "sell what he owns," but how can we read this passage today? Does Jesus ask all followers to "sell what they own" and enter into a life of poverty? Pastor Kristie introduces different ways of reading this difficult passage.

Pastor Kristie explores Psalm 42, a psalm of lament, and how important lament is in creating an authentic faith. 

Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving that gives thanks to God for deliverance from difficult situations. Where do you connect with this scripture? Where do you find yourself in this scripture? 

Disciples are called to be one with Christ as the Father and Son are one. When we are unified with Christ in our hearts and with each other, we reflect the true nature of God. Then, God sends us out to share this unity with the world. Where are you being sent?

Jesus prays for his disciples and for the world, the ones who oppose him. He prays that they will be one in him, like the Father and Son are one. When we are one like the Father and Son, their infinite love will seep out of us, and that is how the world will believe. The ones who oppose God's goodness will stop opposing it when they experience God's love through us. May we all be one in Christ.&nb...

As Easter People, we are disciples of Jesus Christ. How is that different for us in the 21st century than in 1st century Jewish culture? The term "disciple" is not very popular today, but Jesus still calls disciples to carry on his message of love. 

In the passage in Acts, we see the Spirit's leading of Paul to Philippi, where he meets Lydia and a group of women worshipping God by a river. This chance encounter makes us explore the interaction between human and divine, obedience and guidance, longing and grace. 

In John 13:31-35, Jesus calls his disciples "little children." Why would an adult call other adults little children? 

What does it mean to be a witness? As witnesses of the resurrection, the apostles were called to tell the truth about Jesus no matter what consequences they would face. 

In this post-resurrection appearance, Jesus invites Peter to follow him once again. What does it mean to you to follow Jesus?

Do Easter People doubt? Are they consumed by fear? Pastor Kristie begins this 6-week sermon series to explore what it means to be Easter People even when we are consumed with fear and riddled with doubt. 

When Jesus appears to the disciples, not even locked or shut doors prevent Jesus from reaching them. When he comes to them, Jesus brings them peace, a calling, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the gift of forgiveness. Do you have locked or shut doors to an area of your life? What gifts do you need from Jesus?

When the women told the apostles that Jesus' body was not in the tomb, that he had risen, they thought it was "an idle tale" (Luke 24:11). It was not until they experienced the Resurrection for themselves, when they saw Jesus with their own eyes, that they believed the idle tale was real. Many think the resurrection is still an idle tale until they experience for themselves the Risen Lord.  &...

Upon Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, a multitude of disciples declare: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" Naming another king besides Caesar could bring deadly consequences, so some of the Pharisees ask Jesus to order the disciples to be silent. Jesus said, "If these were silent, the stones would shout out" (Luke 19:30). What does that mean? How could a stone shout out?