Awakening the Power

June 13, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 4:35:41

We love this powerful story of Jesus’ command of the wind and the waves, because we desperately want to know our God can calm the storms in our lives. We are not delusional enough to believe that our life’s threats can be eliminated with a word or a prayer. No, life doesn’t often, if ever, work that way. What people of faith do know is deeper, more reliable than that. God’s presence is that assurance that conquers all the storms in our lives.

How Does Your Garden Grow

June 6, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus speaks of the miraculous nature of growth as illustrated by seed planting. Despite how naturally it happens, how a seed produces is still mysterious. The parables Jesus told were meant to reveal truths beyond the mysteries of farming, however, and this miraculous power extends to God’s kingdom as well. We are called to sow seeds in the kingdom, and our work is filled with powerful potential. It is also inherently mysterious, much like farming.

Against New Birth Control

May 30, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

John 3:1-17

So many of us can relate to Nicodemus, who tries his best to understand Jesus but is confused. It really isn’t surprising that Nicodemus nor we can comprehend what Jesus is saying, because he is communicating a mystery. Being born of the Spirit is a divine initiative that we will never fully grasp. We cannot generate new birth, but perhaps we can learn not to resist it or control it.

Is Our Church Full of Holes?

May 23, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Acts 2:1-21

This dramatic sequence of events marks the birth of the Church, and it has been celebrated since the first century. With the advancements in technology we are able to add dramatic effects to our celebration of Pentecost, but we can hardly rival what is described here. In fact, it would seem that our life as the church is moved by the hope that we might once again emerge with such spiritual power. Maybe what we need is to create some openings.

Loved People, Love

May 16, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

John 15:9-17

If a person is raised or goes through life receiving very little love, chances are they will love very little. As people of faith, we acknowledge what John 15 says – we are to love others as Christ has loved us. If our love is to be measured by the amount of love we’ve received, then we’ve got much love to give.

Vine Ripened

May 9, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Acts 8:26-40

We encounter that scary word “evangelism” as we consider the story of Philip and the Ethiopian convert. Once again it is made abundantly clear that the mark of a Christian disciple is to be obedient to the Spirit. Our proficiency or even desire to share the Good News is not really relevant. Following the Spirit means we must.

Spirit-led

May 2, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Acts 8:26-40

We encounter that scary word “evangelism” as we consider the story of Philip and the Ethiopian convert. Once again it is made abundantly clear that the mark of a Christian disciple is to be obedient to the Spirit. Our proficiency or even desire to share the Good News is not really relevant. Following the Spirit means we must.