God’s first declaration in the book of Malachi is that he loves his people. His people argue, even with that. God reminds them how he loved them. On communion Sunday, we look at God’s love and remember the ways he has shown his love to us. sermon: The Wisdom of God (Romans 5:6-8) with Pastor… Read More »The Wisdom of God (March 2, 2025)
Christians can be defined by many characteristics. Those outside of the church have their own assumptions about what defines a Christian. Yet Jesus is very clear about what the aim of a disciple really, and by extension his church as a whole. We’ll explore what it is and what are the ramifications if that aim… Read More »The Mark of a Disciple and of the Church (February 23, 2025)
Malachi was written to a discouraged people. Their discouragement led to apathetic, lazy and even corrupt worship, and it led to many people abandoning the covenant relationship with God. About 80 years earlier the new temple in Jerusalem was completed, and the everyone who was there celebrated with joy. The temple was not only their… Read More »Hear the Word of the Lord (February 16, 2025)
I (David) remember “discovering” the 12 books in the Old Testament called the Minor Prophets. Most commentators say, “minor prophets with major points.” I’ve studied and loved the last of them, Malachi. God had a lot to say to his people then — about 400 years before Jesus’ birth — and most of what he… Read More »Malachi-Introduction (February 9, 2025)
sermon: Calling (Kletos) (1 Corinthians 1:1-9) with Pastor Lin Ying Liu
Join us for our 105th anniversary as we “remember, reflect, refocus” (1 Chronicles 16:8-12). Special guest speaker: Rev. Johnny Dalisay
The Greek word Kenosis means “to empty”. Jesus emptied himself of the rights and privileges of being God, to serve us, his beloved people. Philippians 2:7 and Mark 10:45 describe his attitudes; attitudes we are to adopt and live by. This has significant implication on how we live, how we treat ourselves, how we treat our friends,… Read More »Kenosis (January 19, 2025)
When we read Paul’s words, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation,” we recognize that we are in a special time; the time of grace. God is outside of chronological time, but involves himself with humanity within time. His activity now represents our opportunity to receive… Read More »Kairos, God’s time (January 12, 2025)
In this series, we’ll look at three Greek words and biblical concepts: Koinonia, (community), Kiros (God’s view of ‘the times’) and Kenosis (emptying oneself for others.) Koinonia appears in classical Greek philosophy as the ideal relationship to be sought after, sometimes described as “the fellowship of life.” Plato wrote about “a golden age” – happiness,… Read More »Koinonia (January 5, 2025)
This is, of course, the traditional Sunday to reflect on what has happened in our community over the last year. A lot has happened: comings and goings, celebrations and griefs, baptisms and burials, heart elations and deflations… As we consider what has happened, and we consider what might come in the next year, we need… Read More »God is at Work (December 29, 2024)