“Empty Tomb, Full Hearts”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

APRIL 24, 2011

Preparation Scriptures: Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24, Colossians 3: 1-4, Matthew 28: 1-10

This sermon recalls the realization that Christ had risen from the grave after his Crucifixion. This event became not only a turning point for Christ, but for us as well. If one believes that Christ has risen then there is every reason to relax priorities and celebrate his promise for life everlasting.

“You ask me how I know he lives
... He lives within my heart.” 

Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, the Sermon for this week is not available for downloading from VIEWPOINTS.

The entire service is available on cassette in the Church Library.

“HOSANNA”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

APRIL 17, 2011

Preparation Scripture: Psalter ~ 118: 1-2, 19-29 and Matthew 21: 1-11

“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, 

your King is coming to you,

Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,

A colt, the foal of a donkey.”

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem seated upon a donkey, he was met by great multitudes ... crying out: 

“Hosanna to the Son of David!

‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!”

In this sermon, Kevin explains that this large gathering was not so much a celebration of the arrival of Jesus, but rather a protest against the oppressive powers of the Roman rulers who controlled their lives. Their participation was an act of bravery under the eyes of Roman Centurions policing this region around Jerusalem. Their chants were not only praises of adoration for their Christ, but a statement of recognition of Jesus as their King and Savior. 

(Greek translation for hosh (i) ‘åhnnå is SAVE, PRAY !) 

Listen as Kevin explores the questions: how Jesus would save them and what he would save them from. 

To listen to this sermon

a cassette is available in the Church Library

“Breathing Life”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

APRIL 10, 2011

Preparation Scriptures: Ezekiel 37: 1-14, Psalm 130, and John 11: 1-45

The name Ezekiel translates “God Strengthens”.

Ezekiel was a prophet to God’s great vision for the future of Israel. Although he served well, his mission was difficult, falling upon a stubborn and rebellious nation ... and he died quite  disappointed at the progress. But Ezekiel’s death was a metaphor for what was to become the future of Israel ... and the hope achieved by God’s life giving power.

This sermon continues to deliver a message of hope, even in our darkest hour. Listen as Kevin explains that our future, as God only knows, is filled with his promise to transform even death itself into life. 

To listen to this sermon

a cassette is available in the Church Library

"Seeing as God Sees"

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Preparation Scriptures: 1st Samuel 16: 1-13, Psalm 23, and John 9: 1-41

This sermon explores one of our five miraculous senses... that of sight.

We have all heard the story of Jesus restoring sight to the blind beggar.We each have our own interpretation of its meaning. Some consider the blind beggar's blindness a penalty for his sins or those of his parents. Some consider the restoration of his sight as a miracle and proof of the divinity of Jesus. Others consider the act a sin against laws forbidding works of any kind on the Sabbath.

Most stories of events in the life of Jesus, are parables with multiple layers of meaning.

Perhaps God is offering us the opportunity to learn that what we think we see is not always a complete understanding of a situation. Our senses are our antenna for gathering information. We can sometimes gain focus or concentration by minimizing stimuli or noise. The handicapped can often be a source for greater breakthroughs to new sights, sounds and understanding. The more we know about form, color, texture, reflection, lighting ...the more we see. The more we know about sound, pitch, tempo, rythm ... the more we hear.

Jesus tells us that if we think we fully comprehend, we are yet blind. Should we continue pursuing new ways of understanding? Kevin tells us the impossible may become improbable or even the truth. Listen for the word of God.
Click the following:
http://cms.screamingbob.com/PWDA/files/150/Kevin%20Murphy_Seeing%20as%20God%20Sees.mp3?wosid=ApPynLA8NZ6WnMvJ9N3Hog