First Mennonite Church January 24, 2016 The Tongue, Small But Dangerous Text: James 3:1-12 Someone said it could be about 90 percent of butchers only have 90 percent of their fingers. That is because butchers work in a hazardous environment. Every tool they use is razor-sharp, but butchers cannot do otherwise without their sharp knives, … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church January 17, 2016 Consider It Pure Joy Text: James: 1:1-5 Beginning today and for the next couple of Sundays, I will take the Letter of James for a new series of Bible study. As we will see, James presents a wide range of topics on practical aspect of the Christian faith. But … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church January 10, 2016 On Being Ambassadors for Christ Texts: Matthew 28:16-20; Isaiah 52:7 At the end of the gospel according to Matthew we find, what is called, “The Great Commission.” This passage is at the heart of the church’s mission to spread the good news of salvation. This text inspires, guides, and … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church January 3, 2016 Knowing Christ Jesus: The Ultimate Resolution Philippians 3:1-11; Micah 6:6-8 In our Old Testament passage the prophet Micah challenged Ancient Israel with this soul-searching question: “With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high”? The reason Micah asked this question was to lead … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church December 20, 2015 What Child Is This? Text: John 1:1-18; Isaiah 9:6, 7 Today, I want us to reflect on John 1, verses 1-18 and two verses in Isaiah, chapter 9, verses 6 and 7. Today is our Christmas worship service. Christmas means the Christ Festival or the celebration of the Christ, … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church December 13, 2015 Where is the King? Text: Matthew 2:1-12 Christmas plays have made of this passage a familiar one, at least the most obvious part of the story. Every Christmas we have, with much delight, enjoyed watching our children bringing to life an integrated version of the birth story of Jesus. … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church December 6, 2015 Christmas: A Difficult Calling for Mary Luke 2:26-38 Mary, a girl living in shadows anonymity suddenly came under the spotlight of world history. For you see, since the people of Israel settled in the Land of Canaan, young men and young women had engaged, gotten married and have had … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church November 29, 2015 Do Not Be Afraid Text: Luke 2:1-20 Advent begins today, according to the church year or liturgical calendar. Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas. Advent recalls the time of waiting and expectation before the birth of Jesus Christ. Although we all know that Jesus has been born so … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church November 22, 2015 Gratitude: Fruit of Inner Contentment Text: Philippians 2:12-18 Today, the church where I grew up in in Belize is having their “Thanksgiving” worship service this afternoon. It is a version Thanksgiving Day celebration that missionaries took down there, I suspect. This type of worship service is only held in … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church November 15, 2015 “I Have Something to Tell You” Text: Luke 7:36-50 As we begin to prepare ourselves for the festivities and everything that comes with Thanksgiving Day, I want for us to start by meditating on this passage. To express gratitude is what is intended on Thanksgiving Day. Luke 7, verses … [Read more…]