You Are Going to Die... Don't Be Afraid - "He Descended to the Dead"

1 Peter 3, Ephesians 4, Revelation 1

A sermon about how Jesus broke down death's gates and plundered it for all it's worth.

Two Books Referenced this Week, Click Below to View Amazon Page

Art Featured in Sermon on "The Harrowing of Hell"

HARROWING OF HELL - Circa 1503-4

DESCENT INTO HELL - Circa 1495-1504

CHRIST IN LIMBO - 1575

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? - "Was Crucified Under Pontius Pilate, Was Crucified, Died, and Was Buried"

Luke 23
October 23 2016

Was the cross cosmic child abuse? Or appeasing the wrath and violence of a distant God? Could God not forgive sinners without someone dying? Why the need for so much blood?

I know from talking with people over the years that the crucifixion is a major stumbling block for some people when it comes to following Jesus.

If you are a person who's always found the death of Jesus confusing at best or troubling and disturbing at worst, this sermon is for you. Because it's actually really beautiful and good news that Jesus was murdered... and I am aware how weird and morbid that sounds.

ART: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/jones-sanctus-christus-de-capel-y-ffin-t03677

"But Virgins Don't Have BABIES!" - "Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary"

Luke 1
October 16 2016

So let's dive right into the strangeness: what do logical, rational, modern people do with a virgin having a baby? And what does Mary teach us about being Jesus-people?

The church in our neighbourhood has a parade for Mary and it's pretty intense and awesome and odd.

Pondering the Paradox - "Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord"

John 1, Philippians 2
October 9 2016

Here's where things start getting really unique: was Jesus just a good moral teacher and prophet, or was he something more? 

The early Christians made the largest claim possible about Jesus: that he showed us GOD. 

Also, his name wasn't really Jesus... 

A link to Brad Jersak's incredible children's book "Jesus Showed Us" - buy a million copies for every kid you know: http://www.bradjersak.com/component/ecwid/#!/Jesus-Showed-Us/p/72249160