Jesus resurrection is a historic reality and so much more. After rising He ascended and sent the Holy Spirit. So, today and every day is an opportunity to enter the story of Resurrection by living in the presence and power of the Living Jesus through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit.
Sermons by Dean Wertz (Page 17)
Has God ever worked differently than you expected? Expectations were high in the the crowd, Jewish leadership, Roman officials and Jesus’ disciples on Palm Sunday. Yet, it was on this day that Jesus revealed that He is King. A Lord different than expected and better than imagined.
In Bethany Martha serves Jesus, Lazarus eats with Jesus, Mary anoints Jesus, Judas critiques Mary and John writes to tell it all. Why would Jesus take time to be with such a complicated group on His way into Jerusalem’s Hosannas, hate, trial and crucifixion? Maybe this story is more than a positive example of extravagant worship in the presence of greed. Maybe we all have something to learn about the guest and His love in that home and ours.
Today’s message of hope comes in two courses. From the parable of the Prodigal Son we are reminded of God’s desire and plan for us to live with Him. The second course, delivered after communion, presents the vision for our church to offer more hope in Jesus’ name to more people in Denver and beyond. Trigger warning: This second phase includes a challenge to the Hope family to give sacrificially beyond our ongoing offerings toward our 2-month Expand Hope campaign. May God bless you as you are encouraged to both seize and extend the hope of Christ to others.
Today is the first Sunday of Lent, a 40 day journey with Christ and His Church toward Holy Week. We begin with the famous conflict in the wilderness between Jesus and Satan. Why did Satan try to tempt Jesus? How did Jesus prevail? Behold the secret of the Son of God to become more like Him and love Him more!
Since God loves all nations, He summons us to love our neighbors across the street and around the world.
If God is loving why does the Bible also warn of His wrath and judgment? How can these two portrayals of God co-exist? The response of Nineveh’s king to Jonah’s message of judgment followed by God’s response to the king provides a portrayal of grace, the relationship between and reason for God’s love and justice.
Did you know that God has a vision for the world, and He wants you to be a part of it? He is making it known that Jesus is Lord of all. This good news is going to our neighbors, city, nation and eventually, to very ethnic group in the world. Why did God “hurl a great storm” at, and then “appoint a great fish” for Jonah? Maybe He really is committed to having His people see, savor AND share His glory across the street and around the world!
God will be exalted among the nations, so He demonstrates His grace by transforming fearful Mediterranean sailors into worshipers. Beyond the storm, God used Jonah’s rebellion in an unexpected way, to bring glory to His name and mariners to Himself. Have you responded to the Lord’s revelation of Himself to you? If not, will you? And, join His worshipers around the globe in calling out to the Lord, to the praise of His glorious grace!
God’s vision is to see people from all ethnicities glorify Him and for His people to join Him in this central venture. Yet, sometimes we all struggle to embrace the apparent sacrifice required to pursue God’s plan for global glory. How does God respond when His people reject His vision? In Jonah chapter 1, we discover that God pursues His people to train us to unite with Him in His mission for the world.