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…]
First Mennonite Church March 5, 2017 The Foundation Upon Which Discipleship Can Be Built Text: Colossians 3:12-17 Last Sunday we saw Paul’s list of privileges the church has been given by God because of being in Christ, according to Ephesians. We also got to see the high expectations and responsibilities those privileges impose on the … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church February 26, 2017 “Why Discipleship Matters?” Text: Ephesians 4:1-16 Let me acknowledge from the outset of my presentation for today that I will not be able to go over this whole passage. In fact, I will barely start touching it. I will, however, introduce the theme for today: discipleship in the context … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church February 12, 2017 Christian Conversion: How and What for? Text: Romans 10:5-17 Last Sunday I talked about Christian conversion or in the New Testament language, our “turning” or “returning to the Lord.” I said Christian conversion has four main characteristics: it is centered in Christ Jesus, it involves the supernatural, has eternal … [Read more…]
First Mennonite Church February 5, 2017 “Have Your Returned?” Text: 1Tessalonians 1:2-10 Today and next Sunday, I want to address a topic that is very basic in our experience as followers of Jesus Christ: Christian conversion. As we might know, there are many kinds of conversions. For instance when for one reason or another a … [Read more…]