Month: August 2018

Sermon:           “The Unseen Neighbor”

Theme:            Those who have grown in faith and become wise will see those who are suffering and in need in their midst.

Purpose:          The congregation will begin to seek to set aside personal issues so as to see the neighbors in need.

Scriptures:       Romans 12:9-21          The Marks of a true Christian – love and forgiveness.

Luke 16:19-31 The Rich man and Lazarus, the knowledge of God means noticing our neighbors.

Questions:

What is God’s expectation for our compassion and care for people who are less fortunate than ourselves? What difference does sympathy and generosity play in our relationship with God and with one another? Can we be healthy Christians if we don’t care about the needs of others? What does it mean to “extend hospitality to strangers?” What happens to us spiritually if we don’t develop the ability to be compassionate to others?  What happens if we deepen our ability to care for others without fear or anxiousness about our own needs?

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Sermon:           “But My Neighbor is a …..”

Theme:            Faithfulness to Christ calls us to see Christ in our neighbor’s heart rather than judge his or her behaviors.

Purpose:          The congregation will seek to let go of judgments of others.

Scriptures:       Colossians 3:12-17      Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

John 4:5-42     Jesus and the woman of Samaria at the well.

Questions:

How does God call us to relate to those who have suffered humiliation and discrimination in their community? How do we find ways to show Christ’s love to people who have been condemned or suffered shame? In what ways does God call us to be people of grace and acceptance? What difference will it make to the world when we practice this Christ-like love and compassion? How do we become people who stand out in the world for our ability to bring healing and hope?

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Sermon:           “Do Not Judge the Neighbors”

Theme:            We are called to be people who practice love and acceptance, showing the grace and mercy of God.

Purpose:          The congregation will focus on acceptance of those who are different.

Scriptures:       Colossians 3:1-11        There is no longer Greek nor Jew, slave nor free, set your mind on the things that are above.

Matthew 7:1-5            Do not judge so that you will not be judged.

Questions:

What does holding grudges and prejudices end up costing us emotionally and spiritually? What happens to our relationship with God If we hold onto thoughts of judgment and condemnation? What is the cost to our fellowship together if we support suspicion, hostility, and bitterness? How do we learn to be people who are free from intolerance and condemnation of others? What leads us to practicing “wrath, malice and slander?” What leads us to focus on the things that divide us? In what ways can we be healed as we serve to bring healing to our communities?

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Sermon:           Salty Neighbors

Theme:            We are called to focus on being Christ’s loving presence in the world.

Purpose:          The congregation will seek to find ways that they can be active, making a difference in the world.

Scriptures:       Colossians 2:8-17        Do not get caught up in philosophies or arguments, but know that you are forgiven through the death of Christ.

Matthew 5:13-16        You are the light of the world, you are the salt of the earth.

Questions:

How can we be the “salt” that preserves and prevents decay in the community? What do we need to do in order to not become caught up in ideology or debates, but instead focus on doing things that bring hope and healing in the world? What causes neighbors to become divided or hostile towards each other? What are the vulnerabilities that cause people to become focused on insignificant differences rather than finding places of common hope and concern? How do we focus on developing the fullness of Christ’s wisdom?

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