How to Save a Life

July 13, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 10:25-37

We are back in very familiar territory, hearing the story of the Good Samaritan as we have many times before. Is it possible to hear this story with new ears? We know this story of help coming from a very unexpected source was a shock to its first hearers. The Samaritan emerges as a lifesaver, and it is important for contemporary disciples to consider how.

Free to Be Slaves

July 6, 2025

Gary Willis

 Galatians 5:1, 13-25

In the time of year we celebrate national freedom, we hear about our freedom in Christ. There seems to be something different about the way Paul describes being free. In fact, the Bible doesn’t seem interested in the same freedom we tend to celebrate as a divine right.

Is That All Jesus Wants?

June 29, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 9:51-62

Setting his face to his destiny in Jerusalem, Jesus encounters both rejection and those who want to follow him. He seems quite demanding, showing little patience for anything other than radical discipleship. Jesus seems to want all or nothing from those who would follow him.

Exorcising Demons

June 22, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 8:26-39

Evil forces have chained a man to isolation and ostracism, living (if you could call it that) among the tombs. Jesus encounters the man who calls himself Legion while traveling outside of his normal territory. Neither the distance nor the depth of this man’s pain can hinder the healing of Jesus.

Prayer for Dummies

June 15, 2025

Gary Willis

 Romans 8:14-27

The Apostle Paul says we don’t know how to pray. Although prayer is the most common and ordinary manifestation of faith and spirituality, our experience tells us that Paul is likely correct. Luckily for us, God builds in some assistance for our prayer life incompetency. 

All the Right Ingredients

June 8, 2025

Gary Willis

 Acts 2:1-20

On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit blew through the gathering where the disciples were creating quite a disturbance. It seemed all the right elements were in place for the Spirit to make its grand debut. Certainly, we would like to see God’s Spirit at work among us again. Can we put together all the right ingredients?

Not Left Alone

May 25, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 14:22-29

At the last supper, Jesus continued to prepare his disciples for when he would no longer be with them. He promises them the Spirit, an advocate, who will teach them and give them truth and strength. Through the Spirit, Jesus would always be with them.

Do Tell

May 18, 2025

Gary Willis

 Acts 11:1-18

Peter is led by a vision to do something he never expected to do – share Christ’s salvation with Gentiles. God won’t let the gospel message be limited nor will God allow it to be kept to ourselves. Sharing the good news has never been optional for disciples of Jesus.

When the Saints Go Marching In

May 11, 2025

Gary Willis

 Revelation 7:9-17

In the book of Revelation’s grand vision of the heavenly throne, there is no doubt who has arranged this final gathering. All authority rests with the Lamb, Jesus Christ, and those invited are beyond numbering. It seems as though almost everybody could be there.

Following Jesus Beyond Easter

May 4, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 21:1-19

We have moved past Easter, and like the disciples we have resumed our routines of ordinary life. On this day on which we celebrate Confirmation of our youths and Holy Communion, we remember that Jesus did not cease inserting the transformation of resurrection into our normalcy.

Belief Rx

April 27, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 20:19-31

The medical field has been forced to come to grips with the healing power of the human psyche. Statistics support the power of hope and belief to aid our bodies and certainly our minds in overcoming negative effects. Jesus provides the prescription the disciples need to heal their disbelief. That prescription is still available.

A Belief Encounter

April 20, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 20:1-18

John’s version of the resurrection features the extended experience of Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus. We follow her through her tears of grief, her angelic encounter, her mistaken identity and the final revelation of the risen Christ. For Mary, belief required a progressive movement. Our journey toward belief likely does as well.

Rock Music

April 13, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 19:28-44

Jesus makes his final entrance into Jerusalem to cheering crowds singing his praises. Previous uprisings are undoubtedly on the minds of the religious leaders as they plead with Jesus to quiet the throngs of people. Jesus responds by claiming the stones would shout if the people didn’t. If even the stones have a message, then can we be silent?

Extravagant Outpouring

April 6, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 12:1-8

Just prior to Passover, Jesus is welcomed once again to Bethany, where he recently raised Lazarus from the dead. While Lazarus is dining with Jesus, and Martha is busy serving the meal, Mary begins anointing the feet of Jesus with costly perfume. While Judas calls attention to the wastefulness, Jesus, as he has done before, sides with Mary. Her extravagance will not be condemned by Jesus.

3 in 1

March 30, 2025

Gary Willis

 Philippians 3:4b-14

While imprisoned, the Apostle Paul writes a letter of encouragement to the church in Philippi. He urges the followers of Christ to imitate him, as he strives to imitate Christ. Disciples are to make every effort not to be diverted and diligently follow the path on which Jesus leads them.

Repentance Hope

March 23, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 13:1-9

While inquisitors question Jesus about where to place blame when tragedy occurs, Jesus issues a warning about our need of repentance. His parable of the fig tree reminds us that we have been given the merciful gift of time, but our purpose is to bear fruit.

Desire and Limits

March 16, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 13:31-35

 Jesus is warned about the threat to his life from King Herod. In response, he offers a prophet’s lament in which he both predicts his future death and expresses his desire for God’s wayward people to turn and receive his love. Is there a limit to this mother hen’s love?

Extreme Makeover

March 2, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 9:28-43a

The Transfiguration is a glimpse of the transcendence of Jesus. He glows on the mountain in the presence of Moses and Elijah. The disciples beheld his glory, if only for a moment, but they can’t seem to express the impact of this event either through word or deed. Can we embody the transformation Christ offers to our lives?

Winners and Losers

February 23, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 6:37-38

These teachings are not ambiguous in the Bible. We all know that Jesus taught us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek and forgive. We also live in a world that doesn’t play by these rules. Whom are the winners, and whom are the losers? It all depends on whose game you’re in.

Fishing with Jesus

February 9, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 5:1-11

Much to the surprise of his future disciples, Jesus produces a miraculous catch of fish, all because these fishermen are obedient to Jesus’ direction to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. It is clear this is just a prelude, as Jesus then calls these men to follow him and to become fishers of people. It is also clear that this summons is being made to all his disciples, then and now.

Too Much Love

February 2, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 4:21-30

 When Jesus clarifies his prophetic teaching in his hometown, the crowd turns violent. How dare he declare the Lord’s favor to be extended to foreigners instead of to God’s chosen! That seems to be too much for the hometown folks to accept.

To Whom Are You Referring?

January 26, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 4:14-21

Jesus returns to Nazareth where everyone knows him. As he reads in the synagogue from the words of the prophet Isaiah, Jesus proclaims the fulfillment of the good news for the poor, the captive, the blind and the oppressed. Good for them! Wait, about whom is Jesus speaking?

The ‘Irie’ of Discipleship

January 19, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 1:35-42

Upon seeing Jesus again, John the Baptizer tells his disciples that Jesus is the Lamb of God. Following the progression as two of John’s disciples are drawn to become followers of Jesus, we see the very steps in becoming a disciple. It appears to be an easy path for these first converts, so why does discipleship seem so difficult for us?

Finding Your Place in the Field

January 12, 2025

Vicki Parrish

 Isaiah 52:7

Blinding Expectations

January 5, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

The people wondered if John the Baptizer could be the Messiah sent by God. Why? Was it because he was loud and flamboyant or because he challenged power? John denied this identification, but what gave them the idea it could be him? Did they see in John, and not in Jesus, what they were expecting?

Tweenager Faith

December 29, 2024

Gary Willis

 Luke 2:41-52

Because of Jesus’ ministry, his death and resurrection, we tend to forget that he grew up in a family. Luke’s gospel gives us the only glimpse into the childhood life of Jesus, but this brief encounter tells us a few important things about families, faith and how we are shaped by both.

Upside Down Christmas

December 22, 2024

Gary Willis

 Luke 1:39-55

For the most part, we celebrate an extremely romanticized version of the Christmas story. What we see correctly as a miraculous incarnation of the divine was also a very disruptive event for those immediately involved and for the world. Mary’s song we know as the Magnificat is not merely a joyful reaction, but it is a searing commentary on how Jesus’ birth would turn the world upside down.

Doing Advent

December 15, 2024

Gary Willis

 Luke 3:7-18

John was baptizing in the Jordan preaching repentance. Persons from all walks of life came to be baptized, and each one asked, “What must we do?” It is a good question for those who have been baptized and are looking for the kingdom of God. John provides some good answers for us all.

Introducing Jesus

December 8, 2024

Gary Willis

 Luke 3:1-6

We have seen many introductions given for keynote speakers or personalities, some of which have been done well, and some not so well. John the Baptizer has the role of introducing Jesus, and yet most of us find John’s words and style to be more of an assault than an invitation to the One who is coming. Does John get it wrong, or does he know what we really need?

Room for Only One

December 1, 2024

Gary Willis

 Luke 21:25-36

In this apocalyptic description in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus refers to his return and final judgment. It is a warning and encouragement for the faithful to remain so, even to the end. It is clear that God’s coming will bring a new world, but not until the old one is gone.

Coronation

November 24, 2024

Gary Willis

 John 18:33-37

Historically, peoples and nations have more often preferred kings to other forms of government. Israel also became swept up in such desire. When Jesus arrives he is heralded as the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, but the world rejected his kingship. How about you? Who will be your king?

Be Ye Kind

November 10, 2024

Donna Greene

 Galatians 5:22-26

No More Questions

November 3, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 12:28-34

The Scribe who encounters Jesus seems impressed by Jesus. In fact, he expresses his agreement with Jesus, whose wisdom has silenced all his questioners. Jesus says this scribe is “not far from the kingdom,” which leaves us with one question: “What gets us all the way there?”

Blind Injustice

October 27, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 10:46-52

The story of blind Bartimaeus is certainly a story of healing, but it doesn’t begin that way. It starts as an occasion for social oppression. While attempts are made to hush the blind man, Jesus responds in a wonderfully intimate way, making this so much more than a mere healing story.

On Our Behalf

October 20, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Hebrews 4:14-5:1-10

The writer of Hebrews uses the metaphor of “priest” to define the role of Christ. He is our divine advocate. We are modern people of faith who have evolved from animal sacrifices to a “priesthood of all believers,” in which we have direct access to God. Do we really still need a priest?

Upright Living

October 13, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 10:17-36

The rich, young man seemed to be genuinely seeking assurance of his upright living, and Jesus genuinely loved him. However, the blameless man went away sadly – his fallen countenance becoming a contrasting image to the unfettered, upright life Jesus was offering him.

Married and Children

October 6, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 10:2-16

When Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders regarding his position on divorce, he has some harsh words. Then, in a seemingly unrelated act, Jesus takes children in his arms to bless them, explaining that becoming like a child is the only way to the kingdom. Obviously, there is something adults can learn from a child. 

Stumbling Blocks

September 29, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 9:38-50

The disciples encounter a stranger performing healing actions in the name of Jesus, and they are confused. Up until then they assumed they had a monopoly on this Jesus movement. Jesus sets them straight, and then he points out real obstacles that should concern us all.

Value Judgment

September 22, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 9:30-37

The disciples are caught debating what place each of them deserves in the hierarchy of Christ’s kingdom, and we assume this involves their perceived value each has or will provide to Jesus. Jesus reveals a different measure of value altogether. 

Cross Road

September 15, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 8:27-38

Most of the time Jesus speaks in parables in the gospels. Even though his stories were often an indictment to us and to the first hearers, the pithy stories seemed more palatable. Not today. Jesus speaks plainly and forcefully to define the requirements of following him. There is a cross involved.

Opened Ears and Loosened Tongues

September 8, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 7:24-37

It is somewhat ironic that Jesus often healed persons and then told them to keep it quiet. No one seemed to listen to Jesus, though, as news of his miraculous deeds spread beyond his control. It seems that we do a better job today of keeping the good news to ourselves.

Cleanliness Next to Godliness

September 1, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 7:1-23

We’ve always heard the phrase, “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Although the religious leaders seem to be echoing that sentiment as they chastise Jesus and his disciples for not ritually cleansing properly before meals, Jesus reveals the errors in their notions of Godliness.

God Armor

August 25, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Ephesians 6:10-20

The Apostle Paul urges followers of Christ to put on the armor of God, preparing themselves for life as a battle against evil. Paul writes these words from prison, so the conflict is real for him. Whether it seems real to us or not, being clothed with God is essential.

Signs

August 18, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 John 6:24-35

The crowd, whom Jesus miraculously fed by multiplying the meager supply, has followed Jesus across the sea. Jesus knows they are following him for the free lunch. They ask for a sign like Moses have given the Hebrews in the wilderness, but Jesus offers them a very different manna.

There Must Be a Better Way

August 11, 2024

Charlotte Birdwell

 Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2

How Were You Born?

August 4, 2024

Rev. Willis Dear

 John 3:1-10

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and teacher of Hebrew Scriptures and leader in the Hebrew Sanhedrin, the Hebrew ruling body, wanted to know why Jesus said, “You must be born again” to describe the changes that a person of faith must experience to be a follower of Jesus, not just a believer. What kind of changes need to be made? What is the difference between believing and following Jesus?

A King's Ransom

July 28, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 2 Samuel 11:1-15

David is thought to be Israel’s greatest king, but he commits a sin that is worthy of the greatest condemnation. How is David redeemed? The cost of sin may be great, but God’s grace proves to be greater still.

An Inside-out Job

July 21, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 6:30-44

Returning from being sent out on a mission by Jesus, the disciples are then invited to go apart for rest. They could not, however, escape the hungry crowd of human need that pursued them. This scripture reveals a movement back and forth between active service and faithful replenishing.

Butting Heads

July 14, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 6:14-29

The story of John the Baptist having been beheaded by Herod provides two images that stand in stark contrast: corrupt power and unwavering righteousness. The two opposing forces inevitably meet in conflict and even violence. Such a clash is a call to choose whom we will serve.

Dusty Feet

July 7, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 6:1-13

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus returns home to Nazareth where he is well known. This fact becomes an obstacle to those in his hometown, who struggle to believe his message. The visit provides an occasion for his disciples to receive a teaching moment learned from an apparent failure.

About Face in a Crowd

June 30, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 5:21-43

Two more healing stories are shared here in the Gospel of Mark – one is on the agenda, and one is not. Jesus is on his way to heal the daughter of a desperate leader of the synagogue, but an equally desperate woman emerges from the crowd and causes a diversion. She is a face in the crowd no more.

Storm Questions

June 23, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 4:35-41

Like the disciples sailing on the Galilean Sea, storms will come to every life bringing fear. There are also times in our lives when it seems God is absent or sleeping, causing us to wonder about God’s care. In our gospel story, it is the storm that is silent in the end.

Inefficient Sufficiency

June 16, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 4:26-34

Jesus compares the kingdom of God to seeds being planted and sprouting. Gardening is a process that involves both predictable nurturing and mysterious nature. Jesus says an abundant harvest comes from very small beginnings, and growth happens with time apart from our control. Still, we are called to plant.

Why Settle for a King?

June 9, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 1 Samuel 8:1-22

A series of “Judges” had provided leadership for the Hebrews from the time they emerged from the wilderness, but there came a time when the people requested a king to reign over them. While they were warned about their preference, they wanted to be like other nations. God, however, had set Israel apart to be different.

Shepherd in Pursuit

June 2, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Psalm 23

The beloved 23rd Psalm has been a companion to countless individuals who draw comfort from scripture, and a welcome partner to those who grieve. This shepherd’s song is, however, much more than a passive warm blanket for our souls. There is an active confidence being offered in Psalm 23.

High Winds Aloft

May 26, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 John 3:1-17

We may spend much energy trying to avoid unpredictability. We have narrowed down the few surprises we actually enjoy in life and are much more comfortable knowing in advance. Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Spirit is like the wind, so our efforts at security may impede the unpredictable work of God.

GASA

May 19, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Before Jesus ascended, He promised to send an advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be the supporting, divine presence in our lives. Pentecost Sunday marks the arrival of that God Appointed Special Advocate. In our daily lives there are times when we acknowledge our need for a mediator. Most assuredly, we need the intercession God provides through the work of the Holy Spirit as well.

The Land of Misfit Mothers

May 12, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 1 John 4:7-21

Love is a messy and sacrificial endeavor that no human can ever expect to always “get right.” The perfect love of Jesus is our example, but it is lived out in relationship to imperfect people. Even great mothers don’t always do everything right. Today we celebrate those who faithfully strive to love, even if it means bending a lot.

Winning the War of the Worlds

May 5, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 1 John 5:1-6

There is no greater victory than that of Jesus defeating death. We who trust him can celebrate that we need not fear the end, for we have eternal life. That is fantastic, but our greatest fears tend to be experienced here in this life. How can we live victorious in the here and now?

Faith Without the Fruit

April 28, 2024

Nicholaus Cummins

 Matthew 21:18-22

Followers of Jesus believe that there is power in faith, and we would all love the power to move mountains. Jesus promised us that if we believe we can accomplish anything, but our doubt gets in the way at times. Perhaps there is a way through doubt that even enhances our faith.

Sheep Guardians

April 21, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 John 10:11-18

Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, who unlike the hireling will lay down his life to protect the sheep. For the Church to be the Body of Christ means that we must consider how we will address the threats to God’s flock, for the wolves of evil certainly still endanger Christ’s sheep.

The Resurrection

After-path

April 14, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Acts 2:32-42

With the celebration of Easter Sunday’s passing, we are left to grapple with how our lives should be conformed to a new reality. The Apostles had to go through this conversion process after encountering the risen Jesus. At Pentecost those who had not witnessed his rising were invited to participate in the resurrection existence. That same path to life in Christ is offered to us.

Deep Breathing

April 7, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 John 20:19-23

Although later in May we will celebrate Pentecost as the coming of the Spirit upon the church, John’s gospel records how Jesus breathed his spirit upon the disciples earlier. John’s encounter bears little resemblance to the Pentecostal experience reported in Acts 2, but in that single breath of the resurrected Lord we are re-created and offered the promise of new life.

Is That Your Final Answer?

March 31, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 16:1-8

The Gospel of Mark’s treatment of the resurrection is a bit different from the other gospels. The earliest known manuscripts ended before Jesus appeared to the disciples. We are given a glimpse, a snapshot of a moment in time, where we see a very human, authentic reaction to the empty tomb – fear.

Embracing the Unexpected

March 24, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 11:1-11

The Sunday before Easter has always been shared by the emphases on the triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the passion week that is to come. The cross is certainly not what is expected when Jesus rides into Jerusalem to cheers. Yet, it is the cross that has endured as the ultimate blessing.

Good Things In Heavy Packages

March 17, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 John 12:20-33

When Philip and Andrew approach Jesus on behalf of some Greeks who want to meet Jesus, the disciples find Jesus has weightier matters on his mind. Jesus signals the urgency of the great destiny before him, but he is also burdened by it. A voice from heaven leaves no doubt that the struggle ahead will be worth it.

Groping in the Dark

March 10, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 John 3:14-21

In this encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus, we notice the darkness, both literal and figuratively. Jesus is the Light, and yet Nicodemus fumbles his way in the darkness. Is this just one man’s search, or is it a potential ray of light aimed at a people of darkness?

Beyond Rules

March 3, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Exodus 20:1-17

For the Hebrew children of God, the Ten Commandments formed the foundation for community life for centuries. They have instructed our values and shaped our own laws. But how relevant are they now? Maybe our answer is dependent on why they were given and what we understand about the God who gives us commands.

The Way of the Cross

February 25, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 8:31-38

Even though Peter understands Jesus is the Messiah, he clearly misunderstands the road Jesus must take. Maybe it is because Peter understands who Jesus is that he cannot comprehend such a path. As Peter discovers, following Jesus means we don’t get to choose the road and it does involve a cross.

Building Up Our Immunity

February 18, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 1:9-15

The writer of the Gospel of Mark doesn’t go into detail about the temptations Jesus endured following his baptism by John. We can find greater detail in the other gospels, but it is clear in all of them that this is a time of preparation on Jesus’ part. Like Jesus, we would do well to prepare as well, which is what Lent is all about.

Preserving the Passed

February 11, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 9:2-9

This is a mountaintop experience we celebrate each year. We like capturing the high moments of our lives and our world, and we’ve been doing just that ever since video recording devices have been invented. In an age when we seem to record everything, are we really preserving and transmitting what matters in our faith lives.

Whose Side Is God on Anyway?

February 4, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Jonah is chosen by God to deliver a prophetic call to repentance to the people of Nineveh. Jonah proves to be a rebellious servant with all-too-human characteristics. This is not uncommon for God, to choose flawed vessels, nor is it uncharacteristic of that God to redeem those whom we have written off.

Abundance & Accountability

January 28, 2024

Charlotte Birdwell

 Matthew 13:1-9

Selling Good News

January 21, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

 Mark 1:14-20

Jesus begins his ministry by calling fishermen to follow him and become his disciples. He tells them he will make them “fish for people.” From the beginning Jesus opened a business intended to teach ordinary people to “catch” people with the news of the gospel. In case anyone has forgotten, we are enrolled in this school and our job is sales.

Caller ID

January 14, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

  1 Samuel 3:1-10

Eli is the experienced priest, and Samuel is just a boy apprentice. God is creating a generational shift, not speaking to the older leader, but to the young, unwitting servant. Eli is being bypassed, except it is he who provides some guidance to the boy, preparing him to take his place in God’s story.

The Word Is Getting Out

January 7, 2024

Rev. Gary Willis

  Matthew 2:1-12

A baby’s birth in Bethlehem would have gone unnoticed by the world, but word about Jesus’ birth could not be contained. Shepherds were told by angels; a star stirred foreign astrologists; news was leaked to the king. Word has begun to spread, which is, of course, the intent of God’s message.