In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus restored the intimacy, justice and imagination that were lost in the garden of Eden.

Many of us live with anxiety, frustration and fear because we don’t see how big Jesus is. Mark’s Gospel, though, reports on an event that can help give us a more accurate view of who Jesus is based on what we see in his disciples’ failure, a father’s fight for his son, and Jesus’ focused response.

Download the bulletin that goes along with this sermon’s worship service.

The incarnation is the story of the most drastic immigration the world has ever known. Jesus came to us (and became like us) in order to liberate, mediate for us and cooperate with us and with his father. Where do we see his work in these areas being done around us now, in this city, during this Christmas season?

Download the bulletin that goes along with this sermon’s worship service.

Joseph built up Egypt’s storehouses so that he would be able to give away what they stored up. Opening all of Egypt’s storehouses during a famine was the culmination of much of Joseph’s life up to that point, and it wouldn’t have been possible had God not given him the opportunity to develop wisdom and character.

Unfortunately, this week’s sermon is not available in audio format because of a technical difficulty. We hope to have a detailed summary or a transcript available next week, but in the mean time, download the bulletin that goes along with this sermon’s worship service.

Growing in your faith and character is a joint venture: It takes God working in you through the Holy Spirit, and it takes you acting on the freedom God has given to you. What does growth look like? What hope do we have for freedom to grow? And where do we get the assurance of that freedom?

Download the bulletin that goes along with this sermon’s worship service.

The Holy Spirit is what gives life to Jesus’ presence and power, and the historic arrival of the Holy Spirit (on a day that the church traditionally calls Pentecost) is as important to the Christian life as the arrival of Jesus. Without the Holy Spirit, we would struggle to live the Christian life of our own power, but with it, we have the power and resources to live out the story of the gospel while inviting those of other cultures and backgrounds to join us.

Download the bulletin that goes along with this sermon’s worship service.

Obviously, none of us were physically present when Christ was crucified two thousand years ago. But on Good Friday, we took the time to reflect on the fact that, while we weren’t there physically, our lots are cast with those who drove Christ to the cross. And when Jesus prayed for their forgiveness, he was praying for ours, too.

With the hustle and bustle of Christmas a week behind us and a new year stretching out before us, it’s a convenient moment to reflect on the central realities of the gospel, which provides us with a new life and a new view before calling us to share that gift with those around us.

You can now download the bulletin for the worship service that goes with this sermon.

Note that there is no discussion guide this week. Instead, please learn more about Winter Term and sign up for a class.