Listen – Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene

"Connect. GROW. Serve" Text: 2 Peter 1:3-8 If we are truly connected to God, then it stands to reason that we will grow.  But Peter indicates that we can't simply sit back and expect this growth to occur, but that we must "make every effort" to add to our faith.  We also realize that we don't reach a point of "arrival" but that we have these things in "increasing measure."  All of this for the purpose of being effective and productive in the Kingdom of God.

"CONNECT. Grow. Serve." Text: Romans 5:6-11 What is "The Church"?  The first in a three-week series, we explore our core values and mission.  Using the biblical images of a vine, the body, and a building, Pastor Jon explores what it means to be reconciled to God and to help others connect with God.  Prior to the sermon, the congregation watched this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_4u8TRorUw

"Glory in our Sufferings" Text: Romans 5:1-5 Pastor Jon considers the themes of honor and shame, which were two of the guiding criteria in the ancient cultures. The Apostle Paul challenges to not "fit in" with the dominant culture, but to glory in our sufferings... and to know that our hope will not put us to shame.

Ashes to Fire #14: "It's a Family Thing" Text: Romans 8:9-17 The celebration of Pentecost is truly "A Family Thing," as nobody else celebrates this holiday quite like Christians.  Pastor Jon explores the themes of family resemblances, family brokenness, and family restoration in this concluding sermon in the Ashes to Fire series.

Ashes to Fire #13: "A Great High Priest" Text: John 17:20-26 In looking at this portion of the "High Priestly Prayer of Jesus," we are reminded that on the night Jesus was betrayed, He prayed for US.  The contents of that prayer inform the way in which we ought to live together as the Church, and the mission that we ought to be engaged in.  We are also reminded that Jesus continues to pray for us as He is seated at the right-hand of the Throne of God.

Ashes to Fire #12: "Not Afraid" Text: John 14:23-29 The Holy Spirit.  Peace.  Be Not Afraid.  These promises of Jesus are so intertwined that it's hard to tell where one ends and the next begins.  When we truly understand the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, made available to all people for all time, then we will walk in peace, and never be afraid.  We know that "never once did we ever walk alone."

Ashes to Fire #11: "Love Like Jesus" Text: John 13:31-35 In light of the New Covenant established on the night that Jesus was betrayed, we need to take a serious look at the New Commandment given by Jesus - to love others as Jesus loves us.  This sort of love is to be the defining hallmark of the Christ-follower, for the world will know that we are Christians because of our love.  In this sermon, Pastor Jon explores what this love looks like, and how it is lived out in the new covenant community.

Ashes to Fire #10: "In the Arms of the Shepherd" Text: I Thessalonians 5:1-11; John 10:22-30; Psalm 46 Following the tragic events of this week, Pastor Jon considers the "illusion of security" that we sometimes cling to.  The texts today remind us that we can't find "peace and safety" in our government, economy, military, or anything else in this world which is bound to fail.  When all else fails, we are reminded that the Good Shepherd will shelter us, and that no one can snatch us out of His hand.

Ashes to Fire #9: "Under Construction" Text: John 21:1-19 We recognize that we are often like Jesus' disciples: even if we don't deny Him like Peter, or betray Him like Judas, we are often like the others - silent, doubting, confused, scattered, and afraid.  And like the seven disciples in today's lesson, we sometimes return to "business as usual" - the familiar and comfortable routines we knew before we met Jesus.  Today's sermon reminds us that Jesus lovingly pursues us, even though we're still under construction.

Annual Meeting: "Now Thank We All Our God" Text: I Corinthians 3:5-9; Luke 17:11-19 Before we rush ahead into the "New Thing" that God is doing, it's important to return to the Savior, praising Him for what He has done, is doing, and is going to do.  In his Annual Report, Pastor Jon highlights some of the great things that have happened this year, reminding us that this is not the story of any one pastor, board member, teacher, or member; but the story of God Himself.  He will build His church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it (Mt. 16:18).

Ashes to Fire 7: "Breaking the Chains" Text: I Corinthians 15:20-26; Isaiah 65:17-25; Luke 24:1-12 Pastor Jon explores the imagery of bondage throughout scripture and literature, considering the ways in which Christ breaks the chains of injustice, sin, and death.  Easter reminds us that Christ has already defeated the last enemy, death itself.  In so doing, we can be confident that all other enemies are defeated and all other chains are broken.

Ashes to Fire #6: "Not a Rock" Text: Luke 19:28-40 As we explore the themes of the Triumphal Entry, we are confronted with the question of whether we accept Jesus on His terms, or attempt to define Him to meet our own expectations.  Did the "Hosannas" fade because the road was too tough... the cross too difficult... or because Jesus wasn't who they expected Him to be?  As disciples, it is our job to praise God regardless of the circumstances.  If we remain silent, then the rocks will cry out.

Ashes to Fire #5: Prodigal Mary John 12:1-11 In a Gospel Lesson full of literary devices, we consider the ways in which Mary's lavish gift helps us to give of ourselves fully to our Lord.  Our extravagant worship should always be in response to our understanding that God has given everything for us.

Ashes to Fire #4: "Embraced by Grace" Text: Luke 15:1-2, 11-32 Victor Hugo provides a powerful way to look at the characters in today's Gospel lesson.  From Les Miserables, the characters of Javert and Valjean help us to understand the lives of the elder and younger son in the parable of the Prodigal Son.  One has been forever changed after being embraced by grace, while the other is bound by rules and legalism.  As we remember our own encounter with God's grace, we are reminded to extend that same embrace to others--that they might somehow catch a taste of the transforming grace of God.

Ashes to Fire #3: "Keep Short Accounts" Text: Luke 13:1-9 When tragedy strikes, there is no shortage of "Christian spokespeople" prepared to declare that the tragedy was somehow indicative of God's judgment on a particular person or group of people.  And yet, when people ask Jesus about tragic events, he (politely and tactfully) tells them to MYOB - Mind Your Own Business.  In this message, Pastor Jon considers the ways in which we ought to primarily be concerned about nurturing our own spiritual growth, keeping short accounts with God and with others.