Joshua & Women

Sermon Texts:

Joshua 15:13-19

Joshua 17:1-6

Joshua chapters 13-21 centers on the issue of land allocation and is probably one of the most boring parts of the Bible. However, we look at two particular stories within this section and see how they relate to the status of women in the ancient near east. What we find is another instance in Joshua where a boundary has been broken down.

Ephesians Again

Sermon Text

Ephesians 1:3-10

Ephesians 3:14-4:3

Typically Ephesians is divided into chapters 1-3 which is about the mission of God and 4-6 which is the mission of the church. Instead of viewing these sections as distinct, we study the transition from chapter 3 to 4 and see how they are in fact linked. The mission of God in the world as remembered leads to worship which leads to a new understanding which drives us to a new way of living in the world. Specifically we will focus on the abundance of a gracious and generous God and see this as an example of the purpose of worship.

We also see how Paul explains to the Ephesians and us that we are now part of the story and if we get the story then it will only make sense to live our lives in a way consistent with that story. This will necessarily include a new set of virtues that will set forth a counter vision to the broken world that surround us.

Easter 2022

Sermon Text:

Colossians 1:15-20

Colossians 2:9-15

This sermon looks at the Easter story through the symbolism of the cross. Why did Jesus have to die on a cross? What did the cross symbolize in the Roman world? What does the cross symbolize to a victim? What does the cross symbolize to an oppressor? If victory comes through a cross, then how does that change how we view success?