Giving Back to God

Pastor Russ Belmont, Calvary Baptist Church (Concord)

God provides everything needed to produce good fruit. Look at the vineyard the landowner (God) prepares for the tenant farmer: he provides protection, production equipment and security to produce good fruit. It is comforting to know that God has a plan and purpose for our lives.

By Whose Authority?

Pastor Kevin Murphy, Saint Matthew Lutheran Church (Walnut Creek)

As Jesus’ Passion rapidly approaches, this scene becomes all the more important because we see all three factions, which made up the Jewish ruling Council coming to Jesus to ask him the “authority question.” They are asking the question because there is no greater authority than their own, and they have not authorized Jesus to do what he is doing, especially healing on the Sabbath – their primary concern!

Real Faith, Real Conversation

Pastor Jim Shields, Sanctuary (Concord)

It’s easy for Jesus to say, “Have faith in God.” He and the Father are one. In the most real sense, He is God. Of course, we are supposed to have faith in God. And I do.

How the Tables Have Turned!

Rev. M. Sylvia O. Vásquez, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Walnut Creek)

The image of Jesus weeping for Jerusalem is so compelling. The Prince of Peace is exhorting us to change “business as usual.” He tells us that if we would only read the signs we would save ourselves from destruction. He says that his house (referring to the Temple) is a house of prayer, but the ambience of the Temple has lost its focus, the mission of the Temple is obscured by all the surrounding activity.

Week 7 // Invitation & Challenge

“OUT” asks questions about your impact and contribution in the world. What inspires you, moves you, demands a response from you? Where do you want to touch the world? Where do you want to serve humanity? Whom do you want to see meet with God?

Consider the places where you are called to touch your world. On what are you motivated to spend time and energy? Do you work or study? Who are your friends that aren’t Christians? Where do you meet socially with those outside of church? Where are you involved with those outside of the church? What are your hobbies? The answers to these questions are an invitation to mission.

With whom do you engage in the world? What do you do to connect with the world? How do you connect with the world? Where do you engage with the world?

KAIROS

Artist: Lori Butler

Kairos, is a moment of time loaded with opportunity. It is a time God brings us to where choice and change debuts. (Mark 1:14-15)

Lori’s representation of the iconic 1963 image of John Jr. saluting his father’s casket reminds of many things. Perhaps we can find a reminder the Kingdom is at hand—if we will set our eyes to see. Heavenly Father is present in every moment and in significant moments Father sets before us a way to live as it is in heaven if we will but repent (think differently) and believe (live different) the Good News..

Our Father who is in heaven, may we honor your authority in our lives. May we choose in the kairos moments of this day, to live out on earth Your values just as King Jesus demonstrated, just as it is done in heaven!

Hymns of the Cross Medley

CLASSIC

The Old Rugged Cross
by George Bennard, 1873-1958
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
by Elizabeth Clephane 1830-1869
Near the Cross
by Fanny J. Crosby 1820-1915

This medley performed by the Acoustix

Peter

CURRENT

T. Kyllonen

Performed by Urban D

Healed by Faith

Dr. Dan Helix, Senior Pastor, Awakenings Christian Church (Concord)

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” Wow, do you get that? He stops for the lowliest of all of us, a beggar, one who was helpless. How often have we felt that same way when life’s challenges are bigger than we are. So often I tell people that they will receive strength when they can finally and honestly say “God, this is bigger than I am, but nothing is to big (or small) for You. Please, You take it.”

Walking in Power

Pastor Dean Honnette, Hope Center Covenant Church (Pleasant Hill)

Jesus had just told His disciples He was going to suffer and die. Evidently, James and John couldn’t process that idea because the next thing they do is ask to be the ones to sit on His right and His left in His glory. They wanted the place of power. They were looking for more power.