Preparing for "Living with Authority" | Sermon for November 24, 2024
November 24, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • John 18:33–38
"The truth is out there", was the slogan of the popular TV show, The X-Files. The truth in case of this week's passage is the source of disagreement between Pilate and Jesus. Pilate believes that the truth is a "what" while Jesus knows that truth is a "who", namely himself. Our search for the truth eventually points to Jesus who gives life meaning and wholeness unto salvation.
Preparing for "Jesus Is the Way" | Sermon for November 17, 2024
November 17, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • John 14:1–7
Jesus speaks a word of peace and grace in the midst of troubling times. Conflicts seem near and far today as they were in Jesus' time. The fact that He is, "the way, and the truth, and the life" give us hope for the future.
Preparing for "This Is a Life-Line" | Sermon for November 10, 2024
November 10, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • John 15:1–11
At the center of Christian living is Jesus, our source and giver of life. As Jesus prepared his followers for his death and resurrection, he makes clear that a connection with him is vital for their lives. We, too, must make the same choice each day: to stay connected to only source of true life, Jesus.
Preparing for "Untie Your Faith" | Sermon for November 3, 2024
November 3, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • John 11:32–44
People of faith often talk about how they are different or transformed because of their faith. When times of testing come, however, that faith may not be as important as it seems. This is especially true when we face death. Too often, we face the reality of death in the same way the world does. In this week's episode, Jesus challenges us to a new kind of faith, especially in the face of death.
Preparing for "Caring About What Matters" | Sermon for October 27, 2024
October 20, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • John 9:1–12
When something amazing happens, we often first ask how it happened. During a difficult season for us or others we often ask what caused things to be this way. What get's lost here is caring in the moment. In this week's episode Jesus helps us to stay focused on caring for the person right in front of us.
Preparing for "To Protect and Serve" | Sermon for October 20, 2024
October 20, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • John 10:7–18
Feeling and knowing we are safe is important. When this is true, we have confidence to live in new ways. Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that they have this through his death and resurrection. This week's episode highlights Jesus' role as our protector and our provider.
Preparing for "Jesus Saves the World" | Sermon for October 13, 2024
October 13, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Luke 7:1–17
One never knows where faith will be found. Sometimes we find it unexpectedly present and other times we must bring a faith where there is none. Either way, we can have confidence that God is doing a new work. This week's episode explores how faith is discovered in remarkable ways!
Preparing for "The Seattle Christian" | Sermon for October 6, 2024
October 6, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Matthew 10:16–23
As 21st century American Christians, it is hard to relate to being a persecuted Christian. Jesus tells us that we are being sent out like, "lambs in the midst of wolves." What chance do Christians have in a hostile world? This week's episode explores the teaching Jesus gave his followers for just such a time.
Preparing for "Gathered to Go" | Sermon for September 8, 2024
September 8, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Genesis 12:1–8
The people of God have always been on the move. Since the days of Abram, God invites people to look outward rather than just inward. All of this is still a choice. Like Abram had to decide to "go", so do we.
Program Note: Passages will be taking a break and will return on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Preparing for "The Labor of Life & Love" | Sermon for September 1, 2024
September 1, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Ecclesiastes 12
What matters in life? In many ways, the book of Ecclesiastes exists to tell us what DOES NOT matter in life. The closing chapter of Ecclesiastes invites us to wonder about the right kind of question we need to ask about life.
Preparing for "Planning for Reckless Abandon" | Sermon for August 25, 2024
August 25, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Ecclesiastes 11:1–6
You have likely heard someone say, "We are waiting until just the right time." You may have also heard someone say, "Here today and gone tomorrow." Opportunity seems to strike at a time when we are not always ready for it. Do we wait or go? This week's episode explores the importance of trust in God as we decide to wait or to go.
Preparing for "Enjoying Life" | Sermon for August 18, 2024
August 18, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Ecclesiastes 9:7–12
Enjoying life can be difficult for some. There are many who hold a sense of guilt, obligation, or some other duty which keeps them from experiencing the enjoyment of life today. Being too goal-driven can lead us far away from enjoyment with our nose to the grindstone. This week's episode explores how God calls us to enjoy life while always being aware of what really matters most.
Preparing for "Live and Let Die" | Sermon for August 11, 2024
August 11, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Ecclesiastes 7:1–14
Talking about death is hard. Most of us steer clear of the topic and only touch upon it when required. Is there wisdom for us to gain in a conversation about dying? Is there a good death? What lessons can we take from others to deepen our life of faith? This week's episode explores the tough topic of death and dying. The good news is that there is a hope for wisdom and life through death.
Preparing for "How to Choose Joy" | Sermon for August 4, 2024
August 4, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Ecclesiastes 5:10–20
Joy is less of an emotion and more of a choice. When we choose to live our life only for ourselves and those who benefit us, we find ourselves in an endless cycle of greed. It is a joyless way of life. When we make the choice for joy we can find a way toward true enJOYment and gratitude.
Preparing for "People Power" | Sermon for July 28, 2024
July 28, 2024 • Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown • Ecclesiastes 4:7–16
The choice to be together or "go it alone" is one we face now more than ever. The isolation of pandemic may have led us to believe that isolation is better for us. God's wisdom is filled with encouragement to find joy in shared work, support, and protection. This week's episode explores how a "cord of three strands is not easily broken."
