First Mennonite Church May 14, 2017 You Are A Shining Star! Text: Philippians 2:14-18 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church May 7, 2017 The Emptying Attitude of Christ Jesus Philippians 2:5-17 Don’t you know the TV show “Super Nanny”? It’s a show about a British nanny who goes around helping parents who are dealing with extreme behavioral problems of their children. One of the common complaints these parents have is that they … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church April 30, 2017 “Imitating the Attitude of Jesus Christ” Despite my reading the whole of chapter two of Philippians, today I will only use the first five verses for my reflection. I will continue with this passage next Sunday, when I will be closing this series. Philippians 2:1-18 1 If then there is … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church Sunday, April 23 We had as guest speaker Kurt Hildebrand. Kurt was accompanied by his wife, Wilda, young daughter, Akila, and Wilda’s sister. Kurt was Mennonite Central Committee representative in Haiti overseeing the work of reforestation MCC helps support. He shared with us about the positive difference the reforestation project has brought … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church April 16, 2017 The Life-giving presence of Jesus Texts: Mark 16:1-8; Romans 8:11 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church April 9, 2017 Love Not Weakened Even by Betrayal Text John 13:1-35 Today we are having the Lord’s Supper or Communion of the Lord’s Table. It is interesting that the Last Supper account is not found in the Gospel according to John. Although he makes a slight reference to the Last … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church April 2, 2017 Embodying the Presence of Jesus Text: 1John 1:1-3 Many times when I greet Kenny, I say, “Good morning, Kenny; how are you today?” Kenny answers me, “Well, here I am, still taking up space!” The expression “still being here and taking up space” connotes being present, real and visible. … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church March 26, 2017 Called to Be Disciples Text: Luke 9:57-62 Before I go any further, let me say that my every participation in what I do and every word of encouragement or request to participate in ministry to you is motivated by my effort of promoting discipleship. Therefore, although I will be … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church March 19, 2017 Owners of the Kingdom of God Text: 1Samuel 1:1-27; Mark 10:13-16 Hannah was a childless woman who in her desire to become a mother pleaded with the Giver of life—Jehovah God. She pleaded with brokenness of heart and with burning tears she implored the favor of God. And God … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church March 12, 2017 Discipleship: The Task of Speaking Truth in Love Text: Ephesians 4:1-16 Since recently, I have been speaking on two key corporate qualities necessary in the church to carry out the task of discipleship: complete humility and patience towards one another. Yet, I have not addressed the how-to in carrying … [Read more…]