December 20, 2009 AM
Near Enough to Receive #4
Dave MarttunenAudio On the surface it seems like a waste. The miraculous power of the Messiah harnessed to make wine out of water. Is that the point? Does God enter our world to fill our bellies, or add what’s missing? Beneath the surface the miracle has deeper meaning. This is the Messiah’s first supper. It’s the last supper that holds our attention because it follows after all that Jesus has done. But if we join the party at the first supper and listen, watch and reflect on it as the first supper, we will see Jesus, the light of the world, uses his power to initiate a new order, to deliver on an age old promise, and to birth hope for all who are willing to follow Him. Jesus is the party maker who brings new life to those who trust Him. Today, Pastor Dave Marttunen continues his series, "Near Enough to Receive" part 4, "The First Supper", based on the opening chapters of John's gospel.
Dec 13, 2009 AM
Near Enough to Receive #3
Dave MarttunenAudio How much time does it take to make a decision? Any decision? Some people, let’s call them fast decision makers, form their choices in moments. A fast decision maker will decide to buy, sell, invest or vacation at the blink of an eye. Other people, let’s call them slow decision makers, form their decisions, well, slowly. They calculate, consult, reflect and review as part of making a choice. Is one way better or worse? It depends on context. Everyone knows the two folk sayings— “he who hesitates is lost” which is balanced by “haste makes waste”. How much time, and what is needed in that time, for people to decide to follow Jesus? Jesus himself provides us with insight. Today’s Bible passage in John shows us Jesus recruiting followers as he starts his mission. Surprisingly, he gives time, information and himself to people making up their minds. This is the third message in our December Series, “Near Enough to Receive”.
Dec 6, 2009 AM
Near Enough to Receive # 2
Dave MarttunenAudio An eye witness usually describes events in two ways: what they saw or what happened (the facts) and how the incident affected them (the experience). An incident is often more than an event. It is an event with affect. News interviewers frequently ask an eye witness questions that define or reinforce both the facts and the experience of the facts. As viewers we want to hear both; what happened and how it affected those who encountered the event. Today we will learn that John the Baptist was changed by the person he describes as the Lamb of God. John is a witness who not only sees, or encounters events, but he is also affected by them. John tells others around him that Jesus is the Light, and this light changes those who receive it. Today, in part two of our series „Near Enough to Receive‟, we will review what it means for us to be a witness for Jesus.
