We began this series by looking at John’s overall purpose of revelation. By reading the Gospel of John, and considering the character of Jesus within, we can know God. Over the next three weeks, we will look at the Farewell Discourse in chapters 14-17 to see what John’s Jesus has to say about what it means to be church. Specifically, …
John’s Church, Our Church (Program and Sermon)
Program When I initially planned this series, I did not realize it would start on Trinity Sunday. Probably no one else did, either. I’m sure many don’t know there is a Trinity Sunday. I’m certain that many don’t understand the doctrine of the Trinity. I certainly don’t and I’ve taken half a dozen classes on it. It’s all tied up …
John’s Church, Our Church
When we read the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – it is clear that one of these is not like the others; one of these does not belong. And, hopefully, if you went to four churches, including Church in the Cliff, you would think the same thing. I don’t think this is a coincidence. Maybe it is …
Pentecost (Program and Sermon)
For those who couldn’t be there.
Pentecost
At Pentecost, it is easy to focus on the drama and weirdness, the wind and fire, speaking in tongues. It’s exciting! Unfortunately, it sets up the kinds of questions that dominate conversations about faith in this day and age: Is it really true? Did it really happen? Did it happen this way, with miracles and strange supernatural events? Those questions …
Up, Up, and Away
Acts 1:6- 11 6So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”7He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you …
Celebrate Mardi Gras CITC style!
If you don’t find yourself in New Orleans this year but are in the mood for some Creole cooking, zydeco rythms and eccentric company then come out and celebrate Mardi Gras with Church in the Cliff tonight! 7pm at the Shirleys, 221 S. Edgefield Ave.
Fronagetarstuin
Our lectionary brings us to what is called The Transfiguration, where Jesus transforms into a divine figure on a mountain top to Peter, James and John. Traditionally this story has been understood as a reminder of Jesus’ divine pedigree due to thegrowing disbelief of Jesus as the Son of Man. The timing of this passage, after all, takes place along the journey to Jerusalem where we know Jesus’ fate. …
Healing: Is There Choice?
In the healing narrative recorded in Mark 1:40-45, a man with leprosy says to Jesus, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Jesus does so choose and makes him well. In one of the healing stories in the Gospel of John (5:2-9), Jesus initiates the conversation with a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years, asking him, “Do …
Presentation of Jesus
The scripture (Luke 2:22-40) this week is about expectation and fulfillment of ritual, not to mention prophecy, with multiple characters proclaiming great things about the child Jesus. Wow. This is serious theater, with amazing characters, one of whom hasn’t left the temple in years, and another that tells of a sword that will pierce the soul. Poor Mary and Joseph …