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 …
Angels among Us (Sermon and Program)
Program Sermon: Says Who? Introduction So far in this series on angels, we have seen them bring news from God, both good and bad. They bring news of life and hope where there was only death and despair. They bring the two-edged sword of judgment: good for the righteous; bad for the wicked. Sometimes, they bring us news we would …
A Marginal Life
The rabbit-hole that is the Internet seldom leads anywhere of value. However, in tracing the conflict between the Vatican and the American nuns of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), I was fortunate to find the speech by Laurie Brink that is at the center of the controversy. In it, she attempts to describe options for those who are …
Old Man Marquis Tells a Story…
About the start of the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, a nice little chunk of green space just up the road. It’s great to be in a church with people who care about the environment and improving our city and neighborhood. Thanks, David!
Angels among Us
After we completed our first sermons in preaching class, the question that most desperately needed to be answered for many was: How do you deal with nerves? Dr. McKenzie’s answer was a bit of a surprise: “When you stand up here, you presume to speak the word of God, so a certain amount of nervousness is appropriate. Fear of God …