SERMON SERIES

New Destinations by Old Roads :: Starts January 22, 2012

Engaging Spiritual Practices that Lead to Abundant Life

Christians have always practiced ancient ways, “old roads” that lead to life. These ways teach us to practice peace, joy, self-mastery, and justice. The old roads – fasting, contemplative prayer, simplicity, spiritual reading, meditation, solitude, silence, observing the holy days – do for our spirits what exercise does for our bodies or study does for our minds.

These ancient practices are the means by which we prepare for God’s presence in our lives. They are the roads that lead us to hear God’s Spirit and obey Jesus’ commands. As Brian McLaren states, “They are the habits by which our souls grow weighty; actions of the mind, body, and will that close the gap between the character we want to possess and the character we currently have.”

In this series of messages, Michael will introduce us to why the ancient paths need our attention. We’ll look for new destinations of God’s making by traveling the old roads of our faith. Why? Because the newest discoveries and the freshest inspiration can come from the ancient paths Christians have walked for centuries.

MESSAGES

Epiphany Sunday :: Unfinished Products :: Genesis 1:1-5
We see the artistry of God the Creator. Out of the disorder and chaos, comes a beautiful and dynamic portrait of the world, of us. But the artistry of God the Creator leaves room for partnership with imperfect people; you and me who are still in process.

New Years Day :: I'm Surrounded :: Psalm 8
The Psalmist sings a beautiful song recalling the images of creation in Genesis 1. In the midst he finds his place and a deep sense of who he is before God. What would that look like for us today?

Christmas Eve :: Empty-Handed Recipients of a Gracious God :: Isaiah 9:6
It is more blessed to give than to receive. This insight of Jesus might be true. However, though it's true that it might be more blessed to give, it's way more difficult for people like us to receive. The Christmas story is not about how blessed it is to be givers but about how essential it is to see ourselves as receivers.

Advent

Advent 4:  December 18 :: The Advent of Salvation :: Luke 1:26-38

This Sunday we remember the great announcement to Mary that she will bear a son, who will bring the salvation of his people. But it’s a salvation that is not like we think of it – a life after death, or eternal life. It is salvation in concrete, present-life terms, which Mary sings about. Today, we explore what that might mean for us.

Advent 3 :: December 11 :: Fully Human John 1:1-5, 14

The Christmas story in its essence is such a simple and human story about a baby being born under very difficult circumstances. It’s a story about God taking the risk of showing up in the flesh and all that comes with it. The risk that God takes is a risk that we are all called to: the risk of incarnation. It’s the risk of being fully human.

Advent 2 :: December 4 :: Just Like JB :: Mark 1:1-8
Not too many people today remind us of John the Baptist, with his camel’s skin designer clothes and his (healthy?) diet of locust and honey. He’s a wild and wooly character. But in another sense it is so clear that we are to be just like him. He points to one greater than himself. He is the first Christian, in the sense that he is the first who gives witness to Jesus.

Advent 1 :: November 27 :: Waiting While Doing Something Else :: Mark 13:24-37
Americans are fascinated with the cataclysmic end of the world. Whether it’s most recently Harold Camping's revised predictions this year or 88 Reasons Jesus is Returning in 1988, or the Hale-Bopp end-of-the-world Millenial hysteria that ended with the suicides at Ranchero Santa Fe in CA. Why this fascination? Mark’s gospel this morning doesn’t help to mitigate it, with his moon to blood and stars falling to the earth imagery. What did Jesus mean when he said “the Son of Man” will be seen “coming on the clouds?” And what does it call from us his followers in this day and age?