"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.

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"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.

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“You want me to do WHAT?"

Rev. Kevin Murphy

FEBRUARY 12, 2012

Listen to the following to find out.

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“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.

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