St. Moses Church

The lecture addresses the final theme of Advent: love, in the context of the connection between the manger and the cross. The speaker reflects on their experiences and observations leading up to Christmas, noting how Christmas decorations evoke a sense of warmth and cheer that contrasts with the somber elements often associated with Easter. This distinction is explored in light of the overarching...

In this lecture, Leif explores the profound themes presented in Psalm 23, using the metaphor of God as a shepherd to illustrate the ongoing relationship between the divine and believers. Starting with a recitation of the scripture, he emphasizes the personal nature of David's words—"the Lord is my shepherd"—to highlight that belonging to God is not earned but is instead grounded in covenant love....

In this lecture, we explore the profound narrative of joy as depicted in the biblical passage from Luke 2:8-15, focusing on the remarkable encounter between the shepherds and the angel of the Lord. The session begins with a scriptural reading that sets the stage for discussing the significance of joy within the context of the Advent season. The lecturer recounts personal experiences in the Middle...

This lecture focuses on the theme of peace, particularly within the context of Advent, and its profound significance in our lives and communities. Jill, the speaker, introduces the concept of peace, or the Hebrew term "shalom," as more than just the absence of conflict; it represents a state of flourishing for all creation. She emphasizes the importance of peace during the Advent season, a time of...

This lecture focuses on the theme of hope within the context of Advent, the season of waiting and anticipation leading up to Christmas. It begins with a reading from John 1:17, highlighting the contrast between the law given through Moses and the grace and truth that come through Jesus Christ. The speaker humorously engages the audience, preparing them for a short message during family service, an...

This lecture explores a passage from Colossians 3:18 through 4:1, addressing the complexities of relationships under the lordship of Christ. It begins by emphasizing the closing lines of Paul's letter — "Remember my chains; may God's grace be with you" — as a poignant reminder of the hope and grace that underpin even the most difficult circumstances. The speaker acknowledges the historical misuse...

In this lecture, the speaker begins by reading a passage from Colossians chapter 3, focusing on the transformative power of embracing a new identity in Christ. The discussion centers around the importance of shedding old behaviors and characteristics that are incompatible with this new life and adopting qualities that reflect Christ's teachings. The initial verses emphasize the necessity of renoun...

In this lecture, we explore a passage from Colossians 2:8 to Colossians 3:4, which serves as a vital reminder to Christians about their identities as followers of Christ. The speaker urges the audience to not be swayed by human philosophies and traditions that can lead individuals away from the core teachings of Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that in Christ lies the fullness of God, establishing th...

In this lecture, we explore the themes presented in Colossians 1:24 to 2:7, focusing on the Apostle Paul's message regarding the importance of maintaining a vibrant and active faith. The discussion begins with Paul's expression of joy in the face of suffering, particularly in the context of his ministry to the church. His suffering is tied to his role as a servant of Christ, as he emphasizes the s...

In this episode, we delve into Colossians 1:21-23, exploring the transformative story captured within these verses. The passage opens with a stark reminder of our past—a time when we were enemies of God, distanced from Him by our thoughts and actions. This sense of separation provides a crucial backdrop against which the story of reconciliation through Christ unfolds. By the death of Jesus, we fin...

The lecture focuses on the profound theological implications found in Colossians 1:15-20, where the Apostle Paul asserts the supremacy of Christ in relation to God, creation, and the church. It initiates with a reflection on the centrality of Christ as the visible image of the invisible God, indicating that He existed before all creation and has authority over it. This passage serves as a foundati...

In this lecture, we explore the opening chapter of Paul's letter to the Colossians, focusing on verses 1 through 14. The discussion begins with an acknowledgment of the communal prayers for the Colossian church, emphasizing the Apostle Paul's heartfelt connection to the believers despite never having visited them. The letter illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel, affirming their faith...

In this lecture, Pastor Ken Shigematsu explores the deep and complex emotions surrounding shame and the transformative power of God's love. He begins by reflecting on his early experiences in ministry, connecting his journey to the teachings of the Bible. Ken shares a personal anecdote about the recurring dreams he has experienced, revealing a subconscious fear of inadequacy, which he identifies a...

In this lecture, we explore the profound insights found within Romans 5:1-5, where the Apostle Paul discusses the themes of justification by faith, peace with God, and enduring hope through trials. The session begins with a reading of the scripture, establishing the foundation for a deep dive into the transformative journey that faith engenders in believers. The emphasis is placed on how, through...

This lecture focuses on the concept of holiness, emphasizing its importance in the Christian faith through a detailed examination of 1 Peter 1:13-16 and its historical context. The speaker begins by highlighting the call to holiness, urging the audience to prepare their minds for action and to exercise self-control, underlining that their lives should reflect obedience as “God's obedient children....

The lecture begins with a reading from the Gospel of Luke, specifically chapter 14, verses 16-24, which introduces a parable about a great feast. Within the parable, Jesus likens God's invitation to His kingdom to a grand banquet, where many initially invited make excuses for not attending. The narrative unfolds to reveal the host's frustration and his subsequent decision to invite the marginalize...

In this lecture, we explore Romans 12:1-2, focusing on the call to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, aligning our lives with God's mercy and will. The discussion initiates with a prayer, setting a reflective tone as participants are invited to engage with the message of transformation through the renewing of their minds. This theme becomes the bedrock for a comprehensive examination of cultur...

In this lecture, the speaker delves into Ephesians chapter 5, verses 25 through 32, emphasizing the profound relationship between marriage and the love of Christ for the church. The lesson begins with an examination of the call for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, illustrating that this sacrificial love is intertwined with theological and existential reflections on hypocris...

The lecture explores the intricate themes of celibacy, desire, and the concept of spiritual family within the Christian tradition, addressing the multifaceted historical and cultural contexts in which these concepts have emerged. The speaker begins by acknowledging the discomfort surrounding discussions of singleness, sex, marriage, and family, inviting attendees to engage with these complex topic...

This lecture begins by addressing the upcoming series on singleness, sex, marriage, and family, expressing a mix of anticipation and trepidation about the reception of such topics among the audience. The speaker acknowledges the sensitive nature of the content and the challenging cultural landscape that informs contemporary discussions about these themes. Drawing on personal experiences and shifts...

In this lecture, Sam from St. Moe's addresses the importance of serving within the context of a Christian community as part of a five-part summer series focused on the habit of community. He emphasizes that service is deeply rooted in one's identity in Christ and highlights the model of Jesus as the ultimate shepherd who serves, seeks, heals, and restores. This session serves as a continuation of...

In this lecture, the speaker concludes a five-week series focused on two central Christian habits: community gathering and serving one another. Emphasizing the significance of these practices, they argue that gathering as a community is indeed a discipline that fosters connection and support within the faith. The session highlights the pressing issue of isolation in contemporary society, particula...

In this episode, I explore the transformative nature of servant leadership, drawing on experiences from my recent work with junior crew leaders at VBS. The overwhelming involvement from the church community was inspiring and reminded me of the profound teachings of Jesus on service. Jesus not only taught about serving others but embodied it throughout his ministry, presenting the ultimate example...

In this lecture, Ellie Talley explores the complex relationship between technology, community, and isolation, launching the discussion by referencing a scene from *Modern Family*. The scenario highlights a family's profound disconnection despite their technical ability to communicate, illustrating a paradox where increased connectivity can lead to emotional and relational alienation. Throughout th...

In today’s episode, I delve into Colossians chapter 3, verses 8 through 15, where the scripture prompts us to shed harmful behaviors such as anger, malice, and slander, and instead adopt a new nature that embodies love and peace. Drawing upon the profound truths within this passage, I explore both the personal and communal implications of our Christian identity in Christ, particularly in a time ma...