Exclusive: Opening Cans of Worms

2015.11.22 - Kevin Makins - Three Important (& Annoying) Parts of Discipleship

Exclusive: Opening Cans of Worms

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

(Oh boy, lots of bible in this one…) - Deuteronomy 7, Luke 6, Amos 3, 5, 9, Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 5, Matthew 23

As we close off this sermon series we look at yet ANOTHER idea that is straight up offensive to us, and that we’ve all been hurt by: exclusion.

But the idea of exclusivity is actually a pretty robust theological theme in the bible. From beginning to end there is language that we would describe as… GASP!… exclusive?!

What do we do with this language? Is God for some, and not for others? Are all religions more or less the same? Should we ever be exclusive in our relationships or our commitments?

What does exclusivity have to do with the Christian faith?

Here is Kevin’s best attempt to kick off the conversation this week as we talk about how being a disciple is exclusive, and why that is both good and annoying!

Submissive: Freeing Ourselves

2015.11.15 - Alison Witt - Three Important (& Annoying) Parts of Discipleship

Submissive: Freeing Ourselves

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

Philippians 2

Oooh. Submission! That’s not a word that is very popular in our culture. But what is the good news in submission?

Alison Witt shares her own story of discipleship, how submission has helped her become more like Christ, and clarifies what submission is, and is not.

Good stuff!

Costly: The Kingdom of God is For Babies

2015.11.08 - Kevin Makins - Three Important (& Annoying) Parts of Discipleship

Costly: The Kingdom of God is for Babies

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

Luke 18:15-30

Jesus was asked by rich ruler “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

His response? “Sell everything you have, give it to the poor, then come and follow me.”

Which is… a little uncomfortable for all of us wealthy Westerners.

If we’re going to follow Jesus it will cost us everything, but we will receive something more. We will receive something that has been with us from our very first breathe.

Participation: Saved FROM Something, FOR Something

2015.11.01 - Kevin Makins - Our Weird Church
Participation: Saved From Something, For Something

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

Beginning with the relationship between “Heaven” and “Earth” and ending with a story about salad-dressing-baby-blessing, this sermon looks at what it means to be active participants WITH God.

Because we aren’t just saved FROM something, we are saved FOR something: we are saved to partner with God in the Ongoing Resurrection and Reconciliation of All Things!

That’s some GOOD NEWS right there!

Side note from Kevin (Pastor at EC): At the end of the gathering I got to give these ribbons to everyone in the church, who lined up one by one and received them. I said to them, and I say to you readers now:

“______ it is my honour to present to you this participation ribbon. May you continue to partner with God in the Ongoing Resurrection and Reconciliation of All Things!”

Some people are still wearing them! May you remember you are a participant, and may you find joy in that partnership.

ADDITIONALLY I mention some slides in the sermon, calling them “Circle Theology”, but you can’t necessarily visualize them easily, so the slides are all posted below for your viewing pleasure and aid!