First Mennonite Church November 5, 2023 Suffering for Doing Right Text: 1 Peter 3:8-22 In the section before our passage for today, Peter addresses the appropriateness of Christian relationships with the larger society and household relationships within the context and times of his readers. He pleads with slaves to obey their masters, something we are … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church October 29, 2023 Newborn Babies and Living Stones Text: 1 Peter 2:2-10 Last Sunday, I said that the letter of First Peter was used for baptismal services. Therefore, within the scope of counsel and directives Peter’s letter gives, are those for new and all believers, regardless of how long they have been … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church October 22, 2023 Born into a Living Hope Text: 1Peter 1:3-9 In Acts of the Apostles, chapter two, verse nine, we are told that among those who witnessed the events on Pentecost Day were Jews from Pontus, Cappadocia, and Asia. The one who addressed the crowds, explaining to them the source and … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church October 15, 2023 Is Christ Really in Me? Text: 2Corinthians 13:5-10 (NIV) 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church October 8, 2023 Communion: A Remembrance to Imitate Text: Luke 22:14-23 Today, we are celebrating Communion. This Christian ritual is grounded on the meal Jesus ate with his disciples, just some hours prior to his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. We do not know if Jesus had celebrated the two previous Passover meals … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church October 1, 2023 The Incomparable Riches of God’s Grace Texts: 2Corinthians 6:1-2, Ephesians 2:1-10 As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor, I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[a] I tell you, now is … [Read more…]
September 24, 2023 A Reconciled and Reconciling People Text: 2Corinthians 5:1-21 This week, I was speaking with a friend. His job does not demand much physical activity. It is more “brain work,” per se. Recently, he found out that his shoulders needed strengthening. So, he is taking physical therapy to recover his thorough physical well-being. … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church September 17, 2023 We Do Not Lose Heart! Text: 2Corinthians 4:1-18 “So we do not lose heart.” This opening statement in our passage speaks volumes about everything in life. Why? Because there is a world of things that can easily make any person lose heart, hope, confidence, and optimism. Just take a … [Read more…]