Preacher Paul's Blogs

 No Bystander Effect for Jesus This Sunday I'll be preaching from Mark 1:21-28 and discussing Jesus' refusal to be a passive bystander in the face of human suffering and spiritual oppression. We see Jesus immediately intervene to rebuke and drive out a demon afflicting a man attending his teaching at the Capernaum synagogue. Jesus wastes no time showing mercy, even though the disturbing scene shocked the crowd. I'll talk about how Jesus models compassionate intervention for his followers rather than apathetic inaction. We'll explore the problematic "bystander effect" and how Scripture calls us to aid those in need. Just as Jesus confronted the evils of sickness and spiritual oppression head-on rather than ignoring them, so too we are called to follow in his footsteps. As we prepare our hearts for worship this Sunday, here are some questions to ponder: Who in your community needs someone to intervene with compassion and support right now? Wh...

 Leaving our Nets Behind This Sunday I'll be preaching from Mark 1:14-20.  This is the passage where Jesus calls his first disciples. We'll explore how Simon, Andrew, James, and John responded so radically to Christ's invitation to follow him, leaving behind their careers, livelihoods and even family. What was it about Jesus that so captivated them? As we enter a new year, I believe that God is still calling ordinary people like you and me to leave lesser securities behind and embrace fuller life in Christ. What "nets" in your life might God be asking you to lay down in 2024 to follow Jesus more completely? As you study this text, listen for how God may be prompting you to new horizons of faith, purpose, or intimacy with God. Let's fix our eyes on Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, finding fresh courage to step out of the boat with him in the year ahead. I look forward to exploring this passage together on Sunday! Blessings, Pastor Paul  

  Called and Claimed: Living from Our Baptismal Identity This Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday and during the service we will renew our baptismal vows.   My sermon will be from Mark 1:4-11. This passage contains a profound paradox.   Jesus identifies wholly with sinners through a baptism of repentance even while God powerfully affirms Jesus' identity as his beloved and delightful Son. In his baptism, Jesus foreshadows his ultimate redemptive work on the cross. In the sermon, we'll explore the themes of identification and solidarity that emerge from Jesus' baptism. We'll also reflect on how our baptismal identity as grace-filled children of God shapes how we live. As you read and reflect on this Scripture text this week, consider these questions:      Why did Jesus choose to be baptized?      What might his baptism teach me about God's grace?     How can I live more fully into my identities as God's beloved yet obedient child...

  The Journey of the Magi: A Symbol of Our Spiritual Quest This Sunday I'll be preaching on the familiar story of the Magi from Matthew 2:1-12. However, my message will explore some new dimensions around their long, arduous journey seeking Jesus. I'm going to look at how the Magi can become a metaphor for our own spiritual quests in life. We all hunger for deeper meaning and connection with God. This often requires effort and overcoming struggles along the way. Just as the star led the Magi through unknown lands to Jesus, God provides us guiding lights to keep pursuing him. My sermon will highlight three main ideas: the diligence required in seeking God, attending to God's guidance through "stars" of insight, and offering our gifts fully once we draw close to Jesus. The Magi never gave up through their difficult travels. They followed the star closely to reach their destination. And upon arriving, they laid down their most valuable possessions in worship of Ch...

  Dear Church Family: Happy New Year!   Today is the start of new possibilities. It can be a time for change. As an avid reader, I often feel a touch of sadness when I finish a good book that has kept me captivated. But that sadness is quickly replaced by the joy of starting a fresh new book, full of possibility and promise. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 we read that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." This scripture gently reminds us that each moment, each day, and each year is a part of God's divine timing.   As we flip the calendar to 2024, let’s think of it as beginning a new book. We have just finished writing the story of 2023, and now we embark on a blank slate. The open pages of 2024 lie before us, waiting to be filled. God has given us this precious gift of a new year. Let us receive it with open and grateful hearts, seeking positive ways to write our next chapter. There will undoubtedly be challenges in the year ahead...