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LENT 2017: The Compassion of the Lord
March 5- April 2, 2017
Lent 5 - April 2, 2017
"Compassion: Mercy Received, Mercy Given"
Scripture: Luke 18:31 - 19:10
When we read the Bible, it is always important to remember we are reading a translation. Biblical translators are very concerned about being 'true' to the 'original' texts, but often their agenda shows through. Sometimes, just the words themselves reflect back to us our own prejudices and agendas we were unaware of. These stand in the way of understanding God's mercy and what Christ is trying to show us about compassion.
Enjoy the PDF and audio!
Grace and peace to all! Pastor Seth
"Compassion: Mercy Received, Mercy Given"
Scripture: Luke 18:31 - 19:10
When we read the Bible, it is always important to remember we are reading a translation. Biblical translators are very concerned about being 'true' to the 'original' texts, but often their agenda shows through. Sometimes, just the words themselves reflect back to us our own prejudices and agendas we were unaware of. These stand in the way of understanding God's mercy and what Christ is trying to show us about compassion.
Enjoy the PDF and audio!
Grace and peace to all! Pastor Seth
Lent 4 - March 26, 2017
"Compassion: Justice as Liberation"
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
God's judgment is something mainline churches don't talk about much at all. But there is a way to talk about judgment that makes Biblical sense - God's judgment is always for the liberation of others. Our parable today gives us a model to bridge the chasm and choose God's liberation.
You can read the PDF above, or listen below.
Peace! Pastor Seth
"Compassion: Justice as Liberation"
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
God's judgment is something mainline churches don't talk about much at all. But there is a way to talk about judgment that makes Biblical sense - God's judgment is always for the liberation of others. Our parable today gives us a model to bridge the chasm and choose God's liberation.
You can read the PDF above, or listen below.
Peace! Pastor Seth
Lent 3 - March 19, 2017
"Compassion: Nothing + Loss = Rejoicing in Heaven"
Scripture: Luke 15:1-32
Loss is hard. It is probably the hardest thing about being human. Today, Jesus presents us with 3 parables about great loss. The loss is very real, but the solutions and outcomes of the loss are pretty outrageous. There may be a very good reason for that.
Sermon is available in PDF above and audio below.
Peace!
Pastor Seth
"Compassion: Nothing + Loss = Rejoicing in Heaven"
Scripture: Luke 15:1-32
Loss is hard. It is probably the hardest thing about being human. Today, Jesus presents us with 3 parables about great loss. The loss is very real, but the solutions and outcomes of the loss are pretty outrageous. There may be a very good reason for that.
Sermon is available in PDF above and audio below.
Peace!
Pastor Seth
Lent 2 - March 12, 2017
"Compassion: Mourning for Change"
Scripture: Luke 13:1-9, 31-35
In our exploration of compassion, we learn from Jesus three aspects that make up being compassionate in a Christ-like way: Repentance that leads to clarity and different perspectives, Patience that leads to new life, and Tolerance that leads to respect and care. Jesus frames these aspects in relationship to disasters and accidents, change that is slower than we expect or want, and people who are unchanging and entrenched systems of dysfunction. All of these are aspects, also, of sin, and Jesus' first approach toward all of the people involved is compassion.
Unfortunately, I did not record this sermon, but the PDF is above.
Peace to all! Pastor Seth
"Compassion: Mourning for Change"
Scripture: Luke 13:1-9, 31-35
In our exploration of compassion, we learn from Jesus three aspects that make up being compassionate in a Christ-like way: Repentance that leads to clarity and different perspectives, Patience that leads to new life, and Tolerance that leads to respect and care. Jesus frames these aspects in relationship to disasters and accidents, change that is slower than we expect or want, and people who are unchanging and entrenched systems of dysfunction. All of these are aspects, also, of sin, and Jesus' first approach toward all of the people involved is compassion.
Unfortunately, I did not record this sermon, but the PDF is above.
Peace to all! Pastor Seth
Lent 1 - March 5, 2017
"Compassion: Strangers and Enemies"
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent, which is a time of reflection, prayer, repentance, and seeking understanding. This year, we will be exploring Compassion and the ways in which God calls us to act compassionately toward our neighbor. Today, we look at the very familiar story of "The Good Samaritan". The lawyer, who is seeking clarification of the Law, asks Jesus a direct question: "Who is my neighbor?". The Gospel says the lawyer was "seeking to justify himself". What does it mean to 'self-justify' and what happens when we do that?
Outline is above; audio below.
Peace! Pastor Seth
"Compassion: Strangers and Enemies"
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent, which is a time of reflection, prayer, repentance, and seeking understanding. This year, we will be exploring Compassion and the ways in which God calls us to act compassionately toward our neighbor. Today, we look at the very familiar story of "The Good Samaritan". The lawyer, who is seeking clarification of the Law, asks Jesus a direct question: "Who is my neighbor?". The Gospel says the lawyer was "seeking to justify himself". What does it mean to 'self-justify' and what happens when we do that?
Outline is above; audio below.
Peace! Pastor Seth