“Finding a Crack”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

MAY 13, 2012

Preparation Scripture: Acts 10: 44-48

It sometimes seems a hopeless task to influence others to join us in our journey with Christ. In this sermon, Kevin describes the power of the smallest influence. A tree seedling finds nourishment in the crack of a barren rock eventually growing and multiplying into a forest. Such is the pervasive power of God. When we allow our energy and influence to serve others we know not the outcome. We may sometimes be surprised to find our numbers growing, and as Kevin describes... “We All Go Down to the River”.

https://soundimages.box.com/s/d20c9bbc101644faa980

 "Wind of the Spirit" 

https://soundimages.box.com/s/acffd8a4c3b7feb39e60

“The Resurrection on DVD”

Rev. Lucinda Gorman

Cinda reminds us that the Resurrection is described with variations by Matthew, Mark and Luke. She compares this to alternate editing choices made in movie presentations. We can benefit by reading all versions to get a broader perspective on the complete details. She helps us understand these details and meaning, explaining that the life of Jesus fulfilled a prophecy by Isaiah as quoted in the book of Mark. She explains that part of the prophecy gives our marching orders for fulfillment in our own lives.

Listen to this intellectually stimulating message as Cinda explains the total meaning of our joining Jesus in Galilee. Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/7bea826f2c8cb9c38b89

Here's the link to the offertory piece "My Next Breath" (running time 3:37).

https://soundimages.box.com/s/f30bdd59fe88b0a706d2

"The Planned Arrival"

Rev. Kevin Murphy

APRIL 1, 2012

Preparation Scriptures: Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29, Mark 11: 1-11

Kevin invites us to consider the purpose that Jesus had in mind when he planned for his arrival into Jerusalem riding on a colt, an event that we know as Palm Sunday. He feels that it was to give the crowds and us an opportunity to express love. 

Like any relationship, the first blush of love is an important bonding experience. As any relationship becomes strained by responsibilities and other hardships, it is this first blush of love that makes it all worthwhile. 

In many ways our relationship with Christ is much the same. If we are to serve him, it may at times seem inconvenient. But if we truly love him, it won’t seem like a burden at all. 

This vision of Christ, dressed in white, riding into Jerusalem on an innocent colt, while being cheered by a vast crown strewing his path with palms couldn’t be better orchestrated for preparing our hearts to love this man and all that he represents. 

Click the following to hear the live sermon in all its detail:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/0110002603b851f3cad1

Click the following for the choir singing "Behold the King":

https://soundimages.box.com/s/4b9d715c43d51df25f02

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE:

http://northwest-church.org/

“The New Deal”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

MARCH 25, 2012

Preparation Scripture: Psalm 119: 9-16, Hebrews 5: 5-10, John 12: 20-33

Kevin invites us to consider the meaning of “GLORY”.

Glory is often associated with “light”. Light is a curious thing. You cannot see light. You can only see the results of light as it reflects off an object. As you witness a beam of light you are seeing its reflection off millions of dust particles. Without reflectors light has no effect  and can serve no useful purpose.

The Glory of God, like light, can serve no purpose without reflectors. As Christians following Jesus Christ we are those reflectors. The world, unable to see the Glory of God, can see his effect on our lives as we follow the teachings of his Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Listen as Kevin reminds us of several myths while challenging us to reflect on the truths. Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/20df61afb70ddcf70706

Click to hear "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked".

https://soundimages.box.com/s/a88c9675c76d20b9cfc4

Visit our new website 

Northwest-Church.org

"Grumbling Along the Way"

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Preparation Scripture: 
Numbers 24: 1-9, Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22, John 3: 14-21

Kevin opens this sermon with an amusing description of a childhood trip to Florida with his brothers and parents on a hot summer day in 1966. He relates their long periods of boring discomfort and whining, on this trip, with similar experiences of the Jews as they crossed the desert with Moses on their long journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Listen as Kevin gives a vivid description of this Biblical Journey while pointing out that their grumbling occurred because of their lack of trust in the promises of God. Click the following to hear the complete sermon relating this experience to our lives.

https://soundimages.box.com/s/37383498187ef0e3b24d

Click to hear the Celebration Singers "God So Loved the World"

https://soundimages.box.com/s/22f847bfa32c66783982

“Better Than GPS”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Preparation Scripture:  
Exodus 20: 1-17, Psalm 19: 7-14, Matthew 5: 17-20

In this sermon Kevin explores our use of The Holy Bible and The Ten Commandments as our guides to following the path of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Listen as he humorously suggest that these guides might be compared to guides from our earthly parents laced with various threats should we fail to obey.

The sermon is filled with interesting and revealing detail about this journey for Christ throughout each year of our lives, with these guides serving as our compass or GPS.

Click the following to hear the live sermon:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/y0khld123otpbdvhmz5v

Click the following to hear the Celebration Singers “Come Follow Me”:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/3tpei4ksbqt8j7ql9eqz

Click to hear the Lakeside Youth sing, “The Prince of Peace”:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/ff3rl1bdrqfu84ja2qbg

"There's More to the Journey"

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Preparation Scripture: Psalm 22: 23-31, Mark 8: 31-38

In this sermon Reverend Murphy uses his acting skills to portray the impressions of the disciples experiences with Christ. The disciples are then asked “who do the multitudes say that I am?”  They are then asked, “who do you say that I am?”

Peter’s reply is that Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus then proceeded to tell them what it means to follow him. Click the following to hear Kevin explain where our interesting journey following Christ as disciples leads us.

https://soundimages.box.com/s/ct1uatb4hul9rfe20txj

Click the following for our choir singing the beautiful "No Turning Back"

https://soundimages.box.com/s/368823vbg2f2cbk82ozb

"The Pilgrim's Journey"

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Preparation Scripture: Genesis 9: 8-17, Psalm 25: 1-10, Mark 1:9-15

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

As Jesus became baptized, you would expect a celebration as he was now recognized as the Beloved Son of God. But he, instead, was driven out of any sort of comfort zone and into the wilderness where he endured various forms of hardship for the next 40 days.

In this sermon Kevin challenges us to a similar experience. Instead of focusing on making the Church a more inviting comfort zone, we need to also focus on moving out of this comfort zone in order to bring aid and comfort to others through a variety of mission activities in our community and beyond. Although Jesus faced these challenges alone, we do not. Whatever the challenge on this journey, we have our God at our side. Together with God we should expect success as we are directed on this journey with him.

Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/xx6zfsv67mhrq0c2q31y

"Talking or Listening?"

Rev. Kevin Waters ~ Visiting Minister

Preparation Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

Kevin explains the meaning of the following scripture in great detail. We should learn to listen to every detail of God's instructions.

9:2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Click the following: 

https://soundimages.box.com/s/ztv2if6gtxl4i0q12jhi

“You want me to do WHAT?"

Rev. Kevin Murphy

FEBRUARY 12, 2012

Listen to the following to find out.

Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/t3snn6zyk98uv5jk2931

“The Gospel, Free of Charge”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Preparation  Scripture: Isaiah 40: 20-31, Mark 1: 29-39, 1st Corinthians 9: 16-23

"The Gospel, Free of Charge" takes a look at what happens when we drain the power of the Gospel by making it free from Christ's charge to us. ~ Kevin Murphy

Today we honor our Scouting Programs which we help support by making our facility and grounds available for meetings and activities. Several of the Scouts participated in the Worship Service. 

Kevin, himself a Scout as a youth, explored the purpose of Scouting and the benefits it offers for others. (help other people at all times) Perhaps the Scout himself becomes the primary beneficiary in terms of character building, skill building, and acquiring a lifelong group of many caring companions. Rank and Merit Badges are honorable achievements, but the personal and interpersonal development they reflect are invaluable.

Kevin then draws a similar parallel with our church life. In many ways, a successful church is like a business. It must attract a congregation and deliver a worthwhile and interesting experience, not only for the congregation but by the congregation, in terms of reaching out with mission work for others. But unlike a business, we give and receive these benefits free of charge, while developing character with a church family of lifelong caring companions.

Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/qb4t9fnqblrtaqe09a9t

“Idol Worship”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Kevin demonstrates that congregations are as diverse today as they were in Paul’s day. Paul’s message to the Corinthians was that they not let their differences become divisions. In those days Idols were prevalent and present everywhere. Paul taught that instead of worshiping these many worthless Idols representing every sort of God, they should recognize the one God represented by our Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

In todays world symbolic Idols stills exist in many forms. In this sermon Kevin explores examples which were once taboos but now accepted practices within our religion. He encourages us to coexist with opinions that we may not understand or ever be ready to accept. We are all on a journey with Christ. Some are just starting to learn the meaning of faith based on the expressed knowledge of others both past and present. Others are absorbing first hand much of this same knowledge which they are now sharing. 

No one has a complete understanding of the infinite knowledge of a total truth of our God and the Universe in which we live. One of our gifts is the intelligence to work independently and in teams from past and present generations to discover more of God’s blessings and the responsibilities they entail. 

Kevin encourages us to accept new information and knowledge as confirmation of our own beliefs. As a child, we instinctively trust our mothers. As a community we should also learn to trust and strengthen our love for all, even those of diverse opinions. Ideology and Idolatry are less important than our loving relationship as Christians.

Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/088m39xuh03p9b2n7551

"The Passing of this Present World"

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Did Paul mean for us to literally give up all our present worldly ambitions to succeed and provide ourselves and family a comfortable existence on earth? 

Kevin explores the reality of pledging one’s life to Christ by setting proper priorities exercised in a way that promotes harmony and benefits to all mankind. Christ is our Redeemer. As Christians we can gratefully pledge to assist him in achieving his vision while continuing to contribute to society in various productive ways.

Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/4rtjpmkbosatuhu2axqx

“Tingling Ears”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Preparation Scriptures: 1st Samuel 3: 1-20, Psalm 139: 1-6, & John 1: 43-51

Monday, January 16 is a day commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Like Samuel, Martin was a prophet for our time. Most known for his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, his mission was of much broader scope. He wanted to make an effort to correct the causes for what he considered the three evils... POVERTY, RACISM & MILITARISM. Efforts to do this made conditions uncomfortable for the status-quo. Pursuing this mission was very difficult requiring a brave and determined soul. Staying the course eventually cost Martin his life. 

Although much has been accomplished since his death in 1968, there remains many needs for improvement on all three fronts. Perhaps evil will always exist. In this sermon, Kevin encourages us to recognize injustice, even when we may personally benefit from it. Be willing to listen to God and his purpose and have the courage to express your disagreement with its existence. With God’s help, we can understand and serve his purpose through all things, even when doing so is uncomfortable or unpopular.

Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/kklybgiel6dyzjlnuubf

“Where is the Child”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Preparation Scripture: Isaiah 60: 1-6, Psalm 72: 10-19, Mathew 2: 1-12

As the Christmas Season, with all the decor and music, fades from our daily lives, we are left with the most significant memory of its meaning. The Christ child in the manger with Mary, Joseph, the Angels, Wise Men and farm animals. This Nativity scene signifies the greatest gift of all ... the gift from God of his Son, Jesus Christ.

When the three Kings approached King Herod with the question... “Where is the Child?”, they interrupted a very celebratory time of bountiful good fortune with a potential threat to existing control and power by a new Lord God of Israel.

In this sermon, Kevin explores the significance of minor details while reminding us that Jesus has delivered so much enlightenment to our understanding of our God and the Universe. We can liken this enlightenment to light itself often symbolized by candles. As we become enlightened, it is only natural that we share our understanding. Letting our little light shine effects how we interact each day of our life ... a form of social networking at its best.  

Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/ohx4ejnno6uibtdg6yd1

"The Time is Fulfilled"

Rev. Cinda Gorman

J A N U A R Y  1,  2 0 1 2

The first day of the NEW Year, 2012 

... a time for a fresh start ... of promises to be fulfilled.

Cinda reflects on the BIRTH OF JESUS, as promised, in the fullness of time as was set by God. Her eloquent sermon and prayer encourages us to rejoice in the majesty and mystery of this world while coming to know God as we rededicate to fulfilling our promises to him. Click the following:

https://soundimages.box.com/s/ha30p2vvpne9ye34ikhs