God is always trying to get our attention, through "good cops" and "bad cops," through prophets and friends. Let's try to speak the truth to one another, and be open to hearing it. Also, a short story about a swan.
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Why is it so awkward and uncomfortable to talk about our faith? Especially with those who are not Christians!
In this very interactive sermon we share reflections on this awkwardness, and what it might look like for us to own our faith in a genuine way.
ALSO it includes the tightest 5 minute comedy set by Eucharist Comedian-in-Residence (ok, he just is a part of the church and hilarious) Zak McDonald. It's seriously very funny and very good.
Everyone is getting into it!
2014.11.09 - Kevin Makins - The Sign of Jonah
Jonah Epilogue: The Scapegoated God
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Jonah was called to preach to the first empire the world had ever seen. The early Christians also existed under an empire: the Roman Empire. And it’s a small group of Christians, meeting in Rome (in the belly of the beast) that Paul declares: I am not ashamed of the gospel.
What is the good news of Jesus? How does it end hostility between segregated groups? And why does it matter that Jesus was nailed to a cross?
***ALL THIS AND MORE! In the shocking conclusion to The Sign of Jonah!***
2014.09.29 - Kevin Makins - The Sign of Jonah
Prophet Pagans, Pathetic Prophet
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The author of Jonah is making subtle commentary in the book. See if you can find it!
Also, Kevin tells a story about the worst spiritual retreat he ever had. Worst. Spiritual. Retreat. Ever.
2014.05.04 - Kevin Makins - So What?
Evangelism: Why Does Good News Sound So Bad?
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Mark 1, Matthew 4, 28, Luke 10
Evangelism is when a Christian tells someone about Jesus with the goal of converting them. When I say “evangelism” or “convert” or “repent”, what do you think of?
Do you think of love, and grace, and hospitality, and mutuality? Or do you think of OTHER things?
Like soap-boxes, and protests, and debates, and arguments, and judgement, and fear, and hellfire?
The message of Jesus is supposed to be good news! How did good news start to sound so bad?
And here is the real question: is there a way to reclaim this good news?
Music is led by Aaron Craig and starts 55 minutes in.
2013.12.15 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Cindy Stover
EVANGELISM REMIXED / ADVENT JOY
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Cindy talks about one of the most important, and potentially uncomfortable, aspects of the Christian faith: talking about it.
The text:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Targum written and read by Katherine McLean
