Listen – Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene

E100 #6 - "Consecrate Yourselves" Text: Joshua 3:1-13 By exploring several texts, Pastor Jon considers the themes of preparation and consecration.  We considered the possiblity that we may not see God's hand at work because we are not properly prepared to encounter an Almighty and Holy God.

E100 #5: "God Remembers" Text: Exodus 3 As we explore the narrative of the Exodus, we are encouraged with the reminder that God remembers His children, even though they appear to have forgotten Him.

E100 #4: "Higher Ways" Text: Genesis 45:3-8; 50:15-21 The story of Joseph reminds us that God will keep his promise to his people, and that He watches over those of integrity and faithfulness.  At the same time, we're reminded that our current situations may not make much sense until we can look back and see God's hand at work.  After all, God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

E100 #3: "Promises, Promises" Text: Genesis 22:1-19 Abraham gives us an example of someone who was willing to trust that God would keep His promises.  Despite Abraham's spotty history at keeping the covenant, we recognize that he was willing to offer Isaac back as the firstfruits of the promise.  The principle of firstfruits is a reminder that God is the rightful owner of all that we are and claim to possess.

E100 #2: "Living Stones" Text: Genesis 11:1-9 As we begin our journey through the Grand Narrative of Scripture, we explore what it means to be created in the Image of God, and how humanity has continued to live out a tarnished reflection of that Image. This week, Pastor Jon looks at the Tower of Babel, exploring the nature of the particular sin which led to the building of the tower. Instead of building a tower to our own glory, we are exhorted by the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism - that "the chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever."

E100 #1: "A Peculiar Story: The Story that Shapes Us" Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Join us on the E100 Challenge, as we journey through 100 Essential Bible Lessons this summer.  Today, Pastor Jon introduces the series, and shares about the ways that the people of God are shaped by the Story of God.  We explore what it means to read the Bible formationally instead of informationally.  Learn more about our journey through E100 at http://e100capenazarene.blogspot.com.

"A Peculiar Companion" Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14 On Pentecost, we are reminded that Christ came not only so we could have eternal life, but that we could have abundant life in the here and now. Pastor Jon takes a look at Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, and reminds us that God desires to breathe His Spirit into our lives, even though we may feel cut off and dried up.

"A Peculiar Commission" Text: Acts 1:1-11 The last words of Jesus to the disciples were a commission to be witnesses to the whole world.  That commission has been handed down from disciple to disciple to disciple, until it has reached you.  What sort of a witness are you?  Who is depending on you to be the next link in the chain so they can come to know Christ?

"A Peculiar Condition" Text: John 17:6-19 In the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, recorded in John 17, we discover that Jesus not only prays for the disciples, but he prays for us as well! In this prayer, we also learn of our peculiar condition--to be in the world but not of it. As subjects in the Kingdom of God, we must be careful of the "Caesars" that would demand our allegiance, and instead make sure that our identity is found in Christ alone.

"A Peculiar Commandment" Text: John 15:9-17 Pastor Jon continues to unpack what it means to be "A Peculiar People" by looking at some of Jesus' teachings.  This week we explore the "New Commandment" that Jesus gives the disciples on the night he was betrayed.  As we discover what it means to "love as Jesus loved," we learn that this is a very specific commandment, calling us to be shaped by the cross of Christ.

"A Peculiar Connection" Text: John 15:1-8 Jesus teaches that if we are connected to the vine, we will bear fruit. Pastor Jon explores this peculiar connection, highlighting some of the lessons we can learn from the grapevine, and what it means to talk about "Abiding in Christ."

"A Peculiar Commitment" Text: John 10:1-18 As we understand what it means to follow the Good Shepherd, we are challenged by the knowledge that He has a peculiar commitment to the sheep... and calls us to have a peculiar commitment to Him and to each other.

"Annual Meeting: A Peculiar People" Text: I Peter 2:4-12 At our Annual Meeting we give thanks to God for the year we have completed and we look forward into the future, anticipating what He might choose to do in and through us. Join us as we celebrate the God who is making "All Things New," and hear the ways in which the people of the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene are "A Peculiar People."

"Easter: The Great Reversal" Text: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Jon suggests that the truth of the matter is revealed to us on Good Friday…. all of creation is hushed on Black Saturday, holding its collective breath… and on Resurrection morning, Jesus breathes out this word: BUT.　 And the Great Reversal begins. Sins are forgiven. Addictions are broken.　 Marriages are restored. Hope is renewed.　 Purpose is discovered.　 And death itself begins to work backward.

Lent (#6): "Not a Fan" Text: Mark 1:1-11 On this Palm Sunday, Pastor Jon reminds us that Jesus doesn’t call us to be fans.  He calls us to be followers.  He calls us to be disciples.  He calls us to make an unwavering commitment to follow Him wherever He goes… even to the cross.