Listen – Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene

Shhh! It’s A Secret Text: Luke 3:15-18, 21-22; Acts 8:14-17; Ephesians 3:1-12 In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul mentions the secrets of God’s plan which were revealed through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Pastor Gloria talks about these secrets and how we are a part of God’s plan when we allow ourselves to be…

Advent #1: “Walk in the Light of the Lord”Text: Isaiah 2:1-5On this Sunday of Hope, we look at the ancient vision given to Isaiah: a world where God’s mountain is the highest, where all nations come to the mountain, where God is the righteous judge over everyone, and where we live in peace in the…

Colossians #6: “Clothed in Christ”Text: Colossians 3:5-17In this sixth message on the letter to the Colossians, Pastor Jon looks at Paul’s image of a wardrobe, suggesting that when we are found in Christ and Christ in us, we are clothed with the attributes and qualities of Christ. This requires a complete wardrobe transformation, putting off…

Colossians #5: “Hidden in Christ”Text: Colossians 3:1-4Pastor Jon continues our exploration of Paul’s letter to the Colossians with a look at the first 4 verses in chapter 3. What does it mean that we are “hidden in Christ?” What does that tell us about the value that God places on his children? Pastor Jon draws…

Colossians #4: “Alive in Christ”Text: Colossians 2:6-23The church in Colossae is being pulled in two directions: by those who would inject pagan practices into Christianity, and by those who would require gentiles to keep the Mosaic law in order to be Christian. Paul encourages the early church to continue to live in Christ, to be…

Colossians #3: “Peace for the World that God so Loves”Text: Colossians 1:19-27As we continue with our study in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we are reminded that God, in Jesus, was reconciling the world to Himself. If the fullness of God is pleased to dwell in Jesus, and if the hope of glory is Christ…

Colossians #2: “Seeing the Invisible”Text: Colossians 1:15-20, 27In this second sermon on the book of Colossians, Pastor Jon explores what it means to have faith in an invisible God. If Christ is the image of the invisible God, then we can trust the manner in which Christ reveals the Divine Nature. He is a faithful…

Colossians #1: “But Wait… There’s More”Text: Colossians 1:1-14We begin a short series on Paul’s letter to the believers in Colossae. Pastor Jon notes that even though the letter is addressed to Christians, Paul prays that they will receive even more of what God has in store for them. The primary goal of the Gospel is…

The Kingdom: Wedding Clothes Text: Matthew 22:1-14 In Matthew 22, Jesus again compares the Kingdom of God to a wedding feast.  As we consider the idea of wedding clothes, we are reminded that it's important to arrive at the feast, "dressed in His righteousness alone."

"The Kingdom: No Excuses" Text: Luke 14:15-24; Luke 9:59-62 In Romans, Paul tells us that all people are "without excuse."  Jesus emphasizes this in the Banquet parable in Luke 14--reminding us that the seats left empty by those who offered excuses will be filled.  While we might immediately understand this parable as a lesson about Gentile inclusion into the Kingdom of God, it is important that we also stop to consider the ways that we might offer excuses, even today.

The Kingdom: Beggars at the Feast Text: 2 Samuel 9:1-11; Romans 8:14-23; Luke 14:7-14 Jesus' advice about table manners is not merely practical social advice, but a lesson with distinctly Christian overtones.  When we consider this parable, we become aware of the ways that the Kingdom of God is structured and ordered. As we join with the other "beggars at the feast," we celebrate our adoption as children of God.

"The Kingdom: The Sower Went Out to Sow" Text: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-32; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; I Corinthians 3:5-9 It was the best of soil, it was the worst of soil.  But regardless of the soil, the sower goes out to sow.  Pastor Jon looks at this parable, and suggests three lessons for us: Tend your soil. Produce fruit. Sow seed. 

The Kingdom: A Pearl of Great Price Text: Matthew 13:44-46; Genesis 29:15-28; Luke 14:26-30 If we are to announce the coming of the Kingdom of God, we ought to know what the Kingdom looks like.  Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of God through parables and teachings.  Today, we look at the parable of the pearl of great price, considering our grateful response to the free gift of God's grace.

"The Kingdom of God has Come Near" - June 30, 2013 Text: Matthew 13:31-33; Hebrews 12:18-29; I Cor 5:18-20 Based on a message by Rev. Jerry Porter (General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene), Pastor Jon explores the promise of Jesus: that the Kingdom of God has come near!  Highlighting stories that were told at Nazarene General Assembly, we are reminded that we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, and that we are the ambassadors of that Kingdom, announcing the Good News to all.

"Connect. Grow. SERVE." Text: Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16 The last of a three-part series, we explore what it means to use the right tools in the hands of the right person for the right job.  The elements of service are so tightly woven into the fabric of the Christian faith that it's essential for every believer to be utilizing their gifts and talents in service to the Master.  To do anything less is to miss out on all that He has for you.  Pastor Jon concludes the message by exploring the relationship between the three core values that we've been discussing: Connect. Grow. Serve.