Colville United Church of Christ Sermons

God says in Isaiah that "I am about to do a new thing." Problem is that our attitude often blocks us from seeing this "new thing" and accepting it. Example: Judas has his own attitude and expectations which makes him critical of Mary's anointing of Jesus in John's Gospel. We may not go on to betray Jesus, like Judas but often we are critical and rejecting of ways that we are not used to. The Lenten journey means a new attitude ready for a new thing to happen in our midst. Sacred Text: Isaiah 43:16-21 John 12:1-8 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/03eq7i75fqpfzn8/19-0407%20Isaiah%2043%2016-21%20Luke%2012%201-8%20Mike.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A16-21%2C+John+12%3A1-8&version=NRSV

We continue on the 40 day Lenten Journey for follower of Jesus. In the nitty gritty of life, we wonder what we or someone else has done to deserve such suffering. In the wake of two Parkland survivor suicides, we know the grim truth of what serious games go on inside of us. As Jesus is confronted with this in Luke's Gospel today, we see him pivot to the image of the Fig Tree and the gardener to give us another perspective and help us on the journey. Sacred Text: Luke 13:1-9 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/96ange7rlnkwkas/19-0324%20Luke%2013%201-9%20Liz.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13%3A1-9&version=NRSV

Jesus reminds us of the of the great 40 year journey of the People of Israel to the Promised Land by beginning his public ministry with a 40 day retreat in the wilderness. This retreats, deep meditations, into ourselves are hard and take courage. As we begin Lent, we are invited into this type of retreat throughout the 40 days any way we can. It may take courage but it will also be a transforming experience. Sacred Text: Luke 4:1-13 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/wudrn1c2k34mpve/19-0310%20Luke%204%201-13%20Ginny.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A1-13&version=NRSV

It makes sense that Transfiguration Sunday comes on the eve of the Lenten Season. That trip to the mountain with Jesus for Peter, James, and John is a reminder that God is calling us to continue on the journey. The Law (Moses) & Prophets (Elijah)have been relied on for a long time but now Jesus will lead us on a journey into something new. This Lenten season invites us to be open to the change that might happen on the spiritual journey. Sacred Text: Luke 9:28-43 (Audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/wix4yv8jrihukqp/19-0303%20Luke%209%2028-43%20Karen.mp3?dl=0 (Text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A28-43&version=NRSV

"Love Your Enemies" - great ideal in a perfect world. Yet it is seemly not practical. For most real situations in our lives, this just will not work to solve any problems. Clearly it is foolishness on the international stage. Imagine how week the U.S. will look if we try to love our enemies. This is how we act even when we say we believe Jesus. This sermon tries to lead us to see this solution of Jesus as the only one with a chance of success. Sacred Text: Luke 6:27-38 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/6irnwr0qo2hks29/19-0224%20Luke%206%2027-38.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A27-38&version=NRSV