The Parable of the Forgiving King
In response to Peter’s question on forgiveness, Jesus tells a parable to illustrate the great debt that has been paid on our behalf. When we realize this extreme grace and allow it to penetrate our hearts it transforms us and enable us to forgive our brothers and sisters in an ongoing way. For the follower of Christ, forgiveness is not quantitative but rather qualitative.
Speaker: Mike Steele
Ideal Church
When you think of the word “church” what comes to mind? For many, it’s words that describe pain, hurt, or disappointment. Many of us bear wounds and scars from those we call “brothers and sister”, but why? Didn’t Jesus have something different in mind?
Speaker: Mike Steele
A Crumb From the Master’s Table
Jesus teaches his disciples that the mercies of God are not bound by their theology or tradition.
Speaker: Mike Steele
The “Idea” of Church
What is the most resilient parasite? Bacteria? A virus? An intestinal worm? An idea. Resilient… highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it’s almost impossible to eradicate. An idea that is fully formed – fully understood – that sticks; right in there somewhere.
A single idea from the human mind can build cities. an idea can transform the world and rewrite all the rules.
Serving Out of Compassion: The Divine Invitation
Compassion and the feeding of the 5000.
Speaker: Michael Catlett
The Subversive Kingdom
Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed uses a very provocative symbol. He uses a symbol of shame. A mustard bush is closer to that of a weed than it is to wheat. Why?
Matthew 13:3-9; Matthew 13:24-33; Matthew 13:44-48
Speaker: Mike Steele
The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds
In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, Jesus teaches us in parables about what he called, “the kingdom of heaven.” He has told his disciples that the kingdom has come near — that God’s reign has broken in to this time and space. So, maybe it would be natural for them (and us) to ask, “If the kingdom is here, why is there still evil in the world?” In telling the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds, Jesus addresses this issue.
Matthew 13:24-30; Matthew 13:36-43
Speaker: Wayne Cox
Parables: Why?
Sometimes, it seems like Jesus’ greatest desire is not to pass out the right answers but rather to prick the imagination and to tease out even more questions. Surely, Jesus could have found a more effective mode of explaining his message … unless explaining was not his chief goal.
Text: Matthew 13:1-23
Speaker: Wayne Cox
Palm Sunday 2011
In the celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, there is an unmistakable political statement being made. Jesus is King, and Caesar is not!
When Christians confess, “Jesus is Lord,” we are saying, “The position has been filled, fully and forever — no other candidates need apply.” Jesus, and not any earthly ruler, nor any power or principality, is Lord of all that is. This is the story of Palm Sunday. Anything that would vie for our allegiance — whether it’s entertainment, family, money, patriotism, or self! – must be seen as a usurper to God’s rightful reign in our lives.
Text: Matthew 21:1-11
Speaker: Wayne Cox
