Listen – Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene

Ashes to Fire #2: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem" Text: Luke 13:31-35 As Jesus moves steadfastly toward Jerusalem, he does so fearlessly, knowing that the timing if his death is entirely in the hands of the Father.  Lamenting the broken systems and lost people in Jerusalem, Jesus continues to make intentional decisions which lead to his arrest and execution.  And yet, we still get a sense for the Father-heart of God, as Jesus longs to gather under his wings the very people who will seek to do him harm.  In a reversal of our English idiom about the fox guarding the hen house, here we see the hen walking straight into the lair of the fox.

Ashes to Fire #1: "Wilderness Survival Guide" Luke 4:1-14 As we begin our wilderness adventure with Jesus, we consider the ways in which His identity formed the foundation from which He faced temptation.  Jesus knew who He was, whose He was, and Who went with Him.  In the same manner, as dearly loved children of God, we survive the wilderness by being firmly rooted in our identity and the knowledge that the Holy Spirit goes with us.

"Transfiguration: Going Back Down the Mountain" Text: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Concluding the Season After Epiphany, the Transfiguration reminds us that we meet God in order to be transformed; that we go up the mountain in order to return to the valley; and that we enjoy the privilege of a personal relationship with God.  As we go back down the mountain into the valley, we are to be the representation of God--ambassadors to the world.

"Missio Dei" Text: Luke 5:1-11 Jesus invites Peter, James and John to partner with Him in fulfilling the Mission of God.  It is the same call that is issued to every follower of Jesus, and yet we have often been content to sit back and wait for the world to come to us.  We are reminded of the response of Isaiah: "Here am I, send me."

"Epiphany: Pursuing the Revelation of Christ" Text: Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 While much of our traditions about the Magi are based in speculation and legend, we can make some educated guesses about their journey and the sacrifices that they made.  These educated guesses help us determine some lessons that we can learn from the Wise Men in our pursuit of Jesus.

"The Year of Jubilee" Text: Luke 4:14-21 In proclaiming the Year of the Lord's Favor, Jesus doesn't seem to be talking about land ownership and freedom for slaves as much as He is talking about spiritual poverty & blindness, and setting people free from the law of sin and death.  In a move that angers His listeners, Jesus extends this Year of Jubilee to all people, not just the Jews.  What would it mean to press the "giant reset button" on your life?  What does it mean to truly understand that your future is not controlled by your past?

"Discipline of Celebration" Text: John 2:1-11 Jesus continues to demonstrate obedience and submission as His mother asks Him to perform His first miracle at the wedding in Cana. In turning water into wine, Jesus not only reminds us that He has power over the material elements in this world, but that He is the full embodiment of the God who celebrates with His children. Jesus doesn't cut any corners, but turns the water into the best wine imaginable, reminding us that we can bring the ordinary "stuff" of our lives to be transformed into something extra-ordinary for God's glory.

"Voluntary Submission in the Kingdom of God" Text: Philippians 2:1-11; Luke 3:15-22 Pastor Jon looks at the Baptism of our Lord through the lens of the Kenosis hymn found in Philippians 2.  By considering Baptism as a voluntary act of submission, we recognize that in order to live into our baptism will entail great risk as we subvert the kingdoms of this world.

Family Resemblances (#4): "Love" Text: I Corinthians 13 And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love.  But the greatest of these is Love. - I Cor 13:13.  Pastor Jon concludes our Advent Series with a look at what it means to be shaped by Godly Love. Paul tells us that nothing else that we do will last, and even the good things that we do are fruitless if not for Love.  How will they know you are a Christian?  What token will you give?  What sign will you show?

Family Resemblances (#3): Joy Text: Psalm 126, Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-13 Exploring the tension between Advent Hope and our present circustances, Pastor Jon identifies the need for Joy and Contentment.  Even as we know it's acceptable to "sow in tears," we rejoice that Christ identified with those tears, that the Light of the World came down into darkness, and that He walks with us even through the valley.

Family Resemblances (#2): "Peace" Text: Matthew 5:38-48; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 During this second week of Advent, Pastor Jon explores what it means to reflect the life of the Prince of Peace.  Jesus not only came to bring a message of peace on earth, but came in a manner consistent with that message. What does it mean for you to be an ambassador of God's Peace this Christmas season?

Family Resemblances (#1): Hope Text: Zechariah 9:9-12 This Advent, Pastor Jon looks at some of the "Family Resemblances" that ought to be found in the family of Christ-followers.  We begin our series with a look at what it means to be a "prisoner of hope."  Christ-followers ought not be characterized by hand-wringing and head-shaking, but with a calm assurance that Christ is bringing about His Kingdom in all of its fullness.

"Christ the King: Consider the Cost" Text: Luke 14:25-35 Christ the King Sunday is an annual reminder that Christ is to be lord of our lives throughout the year.  Pastor Jon looks at some of the hard teachings of Jesus as he journeys toward Jerusalem and the cross.  Have you considered the cost of discipleship?  The invitation is given to all, but the costs of being a subject in the Kingdom are great.

All for What? Text: Mark 13:1-8 In the second of this two-part message on Mark 12:38 - 13:8, Pastor Jon further explores what it must have meant for the widow to tragically give her two last coins for a failed system that was condemned for destruction.  We are reminded to make sure that we give of ourselves to the things that will last--the things of the Kingdom of God.  While buildings and programs may be useful tools to build the kingdom, they are only a means to an end.  The kingdoms of this world will pass away, and all that will remain is the Kingdom of God.

Giving All Mark 12:38-44 Placing this passage in its broader context helps us to understand that the primary message wasn't about the widow's sacrificial giving, but about the exploitation by the Pharisees.  Pastor Jon takes a closer look at this passage, suggesting that churches and religious institutions have used these verses in precisely the ways that Jesus is condemning.  "Giving All" is about more than just money.