Thanks-Living

November 22, 2020

Rev. Gary Willis

1 Thessalonians 5:15-19

Ephesians 5:15-20

We are often preoccupied with the notion of giving thanks “for” something. If thanksgiving is contingent on our circumstances, we are scratching the surface of what Paul advocates for believers. We are to be thankful people, living with joy in all circumstances.

Buried Treasure

November 15, 2020

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 25:14-30

The Parable of the Talents, often used on stewardship occasions, is not exclusively about money. Most scriptures about money are not only about money. The real issue is revealed in the rather amazing contract made here and the divergent reactions to it. To be deemed “good and faithful servants,” is to be judged by what we have done with what we have been given. Since we all have been given much, much is required.

Emergence Preparedness

November 8, 2020

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 25:1-13

The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids seems to be a proverbial lesson in being prepared. As with other stories in this section of Matthew, the stakes of entering the kingdom couldn’t be higher. The lesson we will highlight is defining what it means to be prepared. We are to be ready for the emergence of God’s Spirit at all times now.

Blessed Are the Sensitive

November 1, 2020

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 23:1-12

Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus redefines success, proclaiming that greatness is not achieved by the standards of the world. Our greatest saints knew this. They, Like Jesus, defined life by servanthood. The Beatitudes echo this upending of the world’s values. The key that’s often missed is the interconnected, relational focus of greatness in God’s kingdom.