dead people's bones
Jesus points out two ways of existing. In one we are filled with living waters that overflow into life. In the other we are like a tomb filled with dead people's bones.
Not recorded.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
dead people's bones
Matthew 23: 27-28 - 23.08.09
dead people's bones
Jesus points out two ways of existing. In one we are filled with living waters that overflow into life. In the other we are like a tomb filled with dead people's bones.
Not recorded.
dead people's bones
Jesus points out two ways of existing. In one we are filled with living waters that overflow into life. In the other we are like a tomb filled with dead people's bones.
Not recorded.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Wrestling
Matthew 15: 21-28 - 09.08.09
Wrestling
In the ancient world, your name was more than just a title, it spoke to the core of who you were. The name of God's chosen people? Israel.
Israel means "wrestles with God."
A teaching about wrestling with God and man.
Download a clip of "Wrestling" from Freechurch.ca
Influences:
The Orthodox Heretic - Peter Rollins (specifically the parable "The Final Trail")
Kester Brewin's parable "Footprints" (http://www.kesterbrewin.com/2009/09/04/winning-a-parable-competition/)
Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome (album)
Being able to be honest with God about things He already knows
Wrestling
In the ancient world, your name was more than just a title, it spoke to the core of who you were. The name of God's chosen people? Israel.
Israel means "wrestles with God."
A teaching about wrestling with God and man.
Download a clip of "Wrestling" from Freechurch.caInfluences:
The Orthodox Heretic - Peter Rollins (specifically the parable "The Final Trail")
Kester Brewin's parable "Footprints" (http://www.kesterbrewin.com/2009/09/04/winning-a-parable-competition/)
Derek Webb - Stockholm Syndrome (album)
Being able to be honest with God about things He already knows
Sunday, August 2, 2009
more like Rome
Matthew 6: 9-10 - 02.08.09
more like Rome
Earth, glory, sin, death, order, chaos, anti-kingdom, redemption, cosmos, escapism, justice, dancing and the reconciliation of all things.
What is Christianity really about?
Download 'more like Rome' from Freedomize.com
Influences
Books:
Surprised by Hope - N.T. Wright (or any of his other work, specifically 'Simply Christian')
The Drama of Scripture - Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
Other:
Mockingbird - Derek Webb (Album)
more like Rome
Earth, glory, sin, death, order, chaos, anti-kingdom, redemption, cosmos, escapism, justice, dancing and the reconciliation of all things.
What is Christianity really about?
Download 'more like Rome' from Freedomize.com
Influences
Books:
Surprised by Hope - N.T. Wright (or any of his other work, specifically 'Simply Christian')
The Drama of Scripture - Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
Other:
Mockingbird - Derek Webb (Album)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
the Rabbi and the Talmidim
Matthew 4 - 14.06.09
the Rabbi and the Talmidim
Jesus calls a bunch of fishermen to leave everything and follow him, and they just do it. No questions, no doubts. They just go. Why?
Not recorded.
Influences:
The Rabbi and the Talmidim - Ray Vanderlaan (http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=2753)
the Rabbi and the Talmidim
Jesus calls a bunch of fishermen to leave everything and follow him, and they just do it. No questions, no doubts. They just go. Why?
Not recorded.Influences:
The Rabbi and the Talmidim - Ray Vanderlaan (http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=2753)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Youth Retreat: Jacked up stories in Judges
The Book of Judges - 16-19.05.09
Jacked up stories in Judges
Note: None of these sermons were recorded. They were preached at both the Elmira Youth Retreat (May 09) and Joy Winter Retreat (Feb 2010)
The Bible is a messy book. You might not know it from ‘Veggie Tales’ and flannel-graph boards, but there is some seriously twisted stuff in our Holy Book! What do we do with it? So often we ignore the stuff in the Bible that makes us uncomfortable, but what if we dealt with it head on? What if we intentionally spent time in the most violent, depraved, jacked-up sections of the Bible? Maybe we will all close the book and never speak of it again… or maybe something beautiful and redemptive will happen in the very place we least expect it!
The Bible is God’s Word to us, right? And that means the whole thing, doesn’t it?
1) we just call them by different names
God promised to always love, defend, and provide for His people; but what happens when they turn their back on Him? What happens when they grow cold to the one true God and chase around all the others? What happens when we grow cold to the one true God and start chasing around all the others?
2) we’re all left handed
We do a lot to cover up our weakness, don’t we? We dress cool, listen to cool music, wear cool sunglasses, slick back our hair and roll up cigarette carts in our sleeves (no one else?). We all want to be friends with the most popular people; we want to grow up to be famous, to be winners! But the God of the Bible seems to prefer those that are the weaklings, the losers, those on the underside of power… God runs with the underdogs.
3) you don’t get to be Batman
The book of Judges is filled with interesting characters who save the day… so it’s a book of heroes… isn’t it? But what happens when heroes let us down? What happens when we can’t save the day? Who is the real hero of the story?
4) a new deliverer
We get it, we need rescuing: but who will deliver us?
Jacked up stories in Judges
Note: None of these sermons were recorded. They were preached at both the Elmira Youth Retreat (May 09) and Joy Winter Retreat (Feb 2010)
The Bible is a messy book. You might not know it from ‘Veggie Tales’ and flannel-graph boards, but there is some seriously twisted stuff in our Holy Book! What do we do with it? So often we ignore the stuff in the Bible that makes us uncomfortable, but what if we dealt with it head on? What if we intentionally spent time in the most violent, depraved, jacked-up sections of the Bible? Maybe we will all close the book and never speak of it again… or maybe something beautiful and redemptive will happen in the very place we least expect it!
The Bible is God’s Word to us, right? And that means the whole thing, doesn’t it?
1) we just call them by different names
God promised to always love, defend, and provide for His people; but what happens when they turn their back on Him? What happens when they grow cold to the one true God and chase around all the others? What happens when we grow cold to the one true God and start chasing around all the others?
2) we’re all left handed
We do a lot to cover up our weakness, don’t we? We dress cool, listen to cool music, wear cool sunglasses, slick back our hair and roll up cigarette carts in our sleeves (no one else?). We all want to be friends with the most popular people; we want to grow up to be famous, to be winners! But the God of the Bible seems to prefer those that are the weaklings, the losers, those on the underside of power… God runs with the underdogs.
3) you don’t get to be Batman
The book of Judges is filled with interesting characters who save the day… so it’s a book of heroes… isn’t it? But what happens when heroes let us down? What happens when we can’t save the day? Who is the real hero of the story?
4) a new deliverer
We get it, we need rescuing: but who will deliver us?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
jumping into the pool and running around the block
Psalm 137 - 10.05.09
jumping into the pool and running around the block
Tragedy strikes, the walls fall down, Babylon comes, and we find ourselves at the rivers side; sitting, mourning, and wondering 'where is God?' We ask the question 'how can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?' Sometimes suffering takes us into exile, and we wonder what to do with our pain. Maybe the Psalms have something to say about our pain? Maybe God wants us to voice it?
Download 'jumping into the pool and running around the block' from Freedomize.com
Recommendations/Influences
Books:
Out of the Depths: The Psalms Speak For Us Today - Bernard Anderson
The Drama of Scripture - Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, But Nobody Wants To Die - David Crowder and Mike Hogan
Answering God - Eugene Peterson
Other:
Introductions to the Psalms (Heritage Seminary Course) - Dr. David Barker
I Can Feel Your Pain; Sleeper 1972; Where Have You Been?; I Can Feel A Hot One - Manchester Orchestra
Matthew (Nooma) - Rob Bell
jumping into the pool and running around the block
Tragedy strikes, the walls fall down, Babylon comes, and we find ourselves at the rivers side; sitting, mourning, and wondering 'where is God?' We ask the question 'how can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?' Sometimes suffering takes us into exile, and we wonder what to do with our pain. Maybe the Psalms have something to say about our pain? Maybe God wants us to voice it?
Download 'jumping into the pool and running around the block' from Freedomize.comRecommendations/Influences
Books:
Out of the Depths: The Psalms Speak For Us Today - Bernard Anderson
The Drama of Scripture - Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven, But Nobody Wants To Die - David Crowder and Mike Hogan
Answering God - Eugene Peterson
Other:
Introductions to the Psalms (Heritage Seminary Course) - Dr. David Barker
I Can Feel Your Pain; Sleeper 1972; Where Have You Been?; I Can Feel A Hot One - Manchester Orchestra
Matthew (Nooma) - Rob Bell
Sunday, May 3, 2009
you only have I known
Amos 1-3 - 03.05.09
you only have I known
Subversive, edgy, out-spoken, poetic. At a time when Israel was comfortable with the 'status-quo' it was the prophets who stood up, gave voice to the way things were, and pointed to the way they should be.
'Prophecy is the voice that God has lent to the silent agony, a voice to the plundered poor, to the profaned riches of the world. It is a form of living, a crossing point of God and man. God is raging in the prophet's words.'
Who are the prophets today? What do they say to us? What is raging in our words?
Download 'you only have i known' from Freedomize.com
What you can't hear:
Near the end of the sermon, after Joy spoke of her sister's piece, a video played showing its display and construction. The other thing you can't hear (much) is the technical errors!
Recommendations/Influences
Books:
The Prophets - Abraham Heschel
Wall and Peace - Banksy
The Drama of Scripture - Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
Jesus Wants to Save Christians - Rob Bell and Don Golden
An Introduction to the Old Testament - Tremper Longman III
Other:
She Must and Shall Go Free; Mockingbird (Albums) - Derek Webb
Of Plastic Circumstance - Rose Broadbent (http://ofplasticcircumstance.com/)
The Old Prince (Album) - Shad K.
you only have I known
Subversive, edgy, out-spoken, poetic. At a time when Israel was comfortable with the 'status-quo' it was the prophets who stood up, gave voice to the way things were, and pointed to the way they should be.
'Prophecy is the voice that God has lent to the silent agony, a voice to the plundered poor, to the profaned riches of the world. It is a form of living, a crossing point of God and man. God is raging in the prophet's words.'
Who are the prophets today? What do they say to us? What is raging in our words?
Download 'you only have i known' from Freedomize.comWhat you can't hear:
Near the end of the sermon, after Joy spoke of her sister's piece, a video played showing its display and construction. The other thing you can't hear (much) is the technical errors!
Recommendations/Influences
Books:
The Prophets - Abraham Heschel
Wall and Peace - Banksy
The Drama of Scripture - Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
Jesus Wants to Save Christians - Rob Bell and Don Golden
An Introduction to the Old Testament - Tremper Longman III
Other:
She Must and Shall Go Free; Mockingbird (Albums) - Derek Webb
Of Plastic Circumstance - Rose Broadbent (http://ofplasticcircumstance.com/)
The Old Prince (Album) - Shad K.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
no more heroes
Judges 6-8 - 15.03.09
no more heroes
It is in Israel's darkest times that they realize the most profound truths. In their darkest time God raises up for them a deliverer, but will he forget who raised him up? Will Israel remember who the hero of the story is?
Link not available
Recommendations/Influences
Books:
Judges: Such a Great Salvation - Davis Dale Ralph
NIV Application Commentary: Judges - K. Lawson Younger
Word Biblical Commentary: Judges - Trent Butler
Other:
Watchmen (Comic Book) - Allan Moore
Judges (McMaster Divinity School Course) - Dr. Keith Bodner
no more heroes
It is in Israel's darkest times that they realize the most profound truths. In their darkest time God raises up for them a deliverer, but will he forget who raised him up? Will Israel remember who the hero of the story is?
Link not availableRecommendations/Influences
Books:
Judges: Such a Great Salvation - Davis Dale Ralph
NIV Application Commentary: Judges - K. Lawson Younger
Word Biblical Commentary: Judges - Trent Butler
Other:
Watchmen (Comic Book) - Allan Moore
Judges (McMaster Divinity School Course) - Dr. Keith Bodner
Sunday, March 8, 2009
the walls fall down
Numbers 13 and Joshua 6 - 08.03.09
the walls fall down
In the face of incredible promise and overwhelming challenge... Israel has a decision to make. Do they trust God and claim the land they have been promised? Or do they doubt, fear, and return to Egypt? Do they trust in horses and chariots, or the God that has been leading them?
Do they really believe that God can be trusted? Do we really believe that God can be trusted?
Download 'the walls fall down' from Freedomize.com
What you can't hear:
During the sermon, starting from the mention of walking around the walls, members of the band, one by one, began to stand up and walk around the sanctuary. Once the finished the lap they would take their place up front. When all six band members had circled and sat, I began my walk around the edge for the final part of the sermon. Upon reaching the front and shouting 'the walls fall down...' the band exploded into a celebratory song and led us in the worship of the God we trust.
Recommendations/Influences
Books:
Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals - Dr. William Webb (deals with the idea of God's ethical ideal, or potty training... if you don't get it, listen to the sermon)
NICOT: Joshua - Martin Woudstra
the walls fall down
In the face of incredible promise and overwhelming challenge... Israel has a decision to make. Do they trust God and claim the land they have been promised? Or do they doubt, fear, and return to Egypt? Do they trust in horses and chariots, or the God that has been leading them?
Do they really believe that God can be trusted? Do we really believe that God can be trusted?
Download 'the walls fall down' from Freedomize.comWhat you can't hear:
During the sermon, starting from the mention of walking around the walls, members of the band, one by one, began to stand up and walk around the sanctuary. Once the finished the lap they would take their place up front. When all six band members had circled and sat, I began my walk around the edge for the final part of the sermon. Upon reaching the front and shouting 'the walls fall down...' the band exploded into a celebratory song and led us in the worship of the God we trust.
Recommendations/Influences
Books:
Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals - Dr. William Webb (deals with the idea of God's ethical ideal, or potty training... if you don't get it, listen to the sermon)
NICOT: Joshua - Martin Woudstra
Sunday, February 15, 2009
the new exodus
Exodus 3 & 12 - 15.02.09
the new exodus
Egypt starts as an empire, but becomes a metaphor:
Egypt is a place where things are more important then people
Egypt is a place where people are treated as machines
Egypt is a place concerned with making a name for itself
Egypt is a place where motivation comes from violence
Egypt is a place where people are stuck in slavery
Egypt is a place where humanity is separated from the God who created them
And Egypt is a place that we all recognize is alive and well today, isn’t it
Maybe some of us need to leave Egypt?
Download 'the new exodus' from Freedomize.com
What you can't hear:
At the end of the sermon we literally packed up our stuff and performed out own exodus out of the building. We walked as a congregation a few blocks to another church building where we had an elaborate, beautiful 'love-feast'. The love-feast was a seven course meal made by our church's small groups and consisted of eating, laughing, talking, singing, praising, and baptizing! It was a holy and sacred evening!
Recommendations/Influences
Other:
Eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, praising, hugging, praying, baptizing...
the new exodus
Egypt starts as an empire, but becomes a metaphor:
Egypt is a place where things are more important then people
Egypt is a place where people are treated as machines
Egypt is a place concerned with making a name for itself
Egypt is a place where motivation comes from violence
Egypt is a place where people are stuck in slavery
Egypt is a place where humanity is separated from the God who created them
And Egypt is a place that we all recognize is alive and well today, isn’t it
Maybe some of us need to leave Egypt?
Download 'the new exodus' from Freedomize.comWhat you can't hear:
At the end of the sermon we literally packed up our stuff and performed out own exodus out of the building. We walked as a congregation a few blocks to another church building where we had an elaborate, beautiful 'love-feast'. The love-feast was a seven course meal made by our church's small groups and consisted of eating, laughing, talking, singing, praising, and baptizing! It was a holy and sacred evening!
Recommendations/Influences
Other:
Eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, praising, hugging, praying, baptizing...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
may i be ripped limb from limb
Gen 12 & 15 - 01.02.09
may i be ripped limb from limb
The church has a difficult calling, the call to be God's hand's and feet, to be His body in the world... what if we fail? Who does the burden fall on? An agreement has been made, a covenant, but who is the God on the other side? That will make all the difference...
Download 'may i be ripped limb from limb' from Freedomize.com
What you can't hear:
Near the end of the sermon, when talking about the covenant ceremony being lay out, I walked down the center aisle, treating it as the aisle Abram made. If you are the imaginative type, you could see a little more clearly what it looked like for Abram to cut these animals in half, aware of what this covenant might cost him. One person later said "I could smell the blood of the animals; hear it sticking to his sandals." Awesome!
may i be ripped limb from limb
The church has a difficult calling, the call to be God's hand's and feet, to be His body in the world... what if we fail? Who does the burden fall on? An agreement has been made, a covenant, but who is the God on the other side? That will make all the difference...
Download 'may i be ripped limb from limb' from Freedomize.com
What you can't hear:
Near the end of the sermon, when talking about the covenant ceremony being lay out, I walked down the center aisle, treating it as the aisle Abram made. If you are the imaginative type, you could see a little more clearly what it looked like for Abram to cut these animals in half, aware of what this covenant might cost him. One person later said "I could smell the blood of the animals; hear it sticking to his sandals." Awesome!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
garden.field.tower
Genesis 3-4, 11 - 25.01.09
garden.field.tower
Sin is on the move, out to pervert everything good that God has made, turning Kingdom to anti-Kingdom. It moves from a garden, to a field, to a tower; and cheapens, perverts, and destroys everything along the way. What does this mean for us? Can we fight back? Can we move from a tower, to a field, to a garden?
Download 'garden.field.tower.' from Freedomize.com
What you can't hear:
Well, you can hear it a bit this time! Around the 17 minute mark there is a fight in the congregation... a planned fight, but a fight none-the-less! In an attempt to show people just how harsh and real the pain of sin can be, when talking about the man and the woman's relationship we had a mock fight between a man and a woman in our congregation! They both have history in acting, and it showed... a little too well. Their fight was apparently too accurate for a few people, who then spent the rest of the service praying for the couple that got in a fight! At the end of the sermon the couple came in for communion together, which was beautiful and moving, but apparently a few people still missed it, resulting in us needing to make an announcement about it the next week! Lesson learned. That said, at least the image will never leave your head!
garden.field.tower
Sin is on the move, out to pervert everything good that God has made, turning Kingdom to anti-Kingdom. It moves from a garden, to a field, to a tower; and cheapens, perverts, and destroys everything along the way. What does this mean for us? Can we fight back? Can we move from a tower, to a field, to a garden?
Download 'garden.field.tower.' from Freedomize.comWhat you can't hear:
Well, you can hear it a bit this time! Around the 17 minute mark there is a fight in the congregation... a planned fight, but a fight none-the-less! In an attempt to show people just how harsh and real the pain of sin can be, when talking about the man and the woman's relationship we had a mock fight between a man and a woman in our congregation! They both have history in acting, and it showed... a little too well. Their fight was apparently too accurate for a few people, who then spent the rest of the service praying for the couple that got in a fight! At the end of the sermon the couple came in for communion together, which was beautiful and moving, but apparently a few people still missed it, resulting in us needing to make an announcement about it the next week! Lesson learned. That said, at least the image will never leave your head!
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