Petaluma Christian Church
By Petaluma Christian Church
Petaluma Christian ChurchApr 04, 2022
Hannah's Prayer for Wisdom (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
When praying for wisdom, look out for God's 3rd way that both demolishes rival gods and makes Him your security.
the cross of instant gratification (Mark 9:42-50)
Jesus bore Gehenna for us so that we'd have to endure only the peripheral heat -- and added bonus: that peripheral heat produces in us a saltiness by which we can influence the world.
the cross of inner circles (Mark 9:38-41, 10:13-16)
seeking Jesus with whomever else comes along for the journey.
the cross of significance (Mark 9:30-37)
less is more - both for you and for them.
the cross of what's precious (Mark 9:14-29)
No one experiences the preciousness of Jesus like those who surrender to him what's most precious to them.
real power for real crosses (Mark 9:1-13)
don't let even the best moment, the best story of your life remain your only story.
religion rejects real crosses (Mark 8:31-38)
the cross is not meant to fit us but to move us.
Who do you say that I am? (Mark 8:27-30)
Is Jesus your Christ - the one who did right so you could get right?
grace in desolate places (Mark 8:1-21)
if you assume you'd welcome grace, you may want to think again.
the messenger's mirror (Mark 7:31-37, 8:22-26)
God speaks and acts as a mirror so I'll see myself clearly.
belief beyond borders (Mark 7:24-30)
moving toward a humble, happy, self-forgetful faith.
when your rules rule (Mark 7:1-23)
Everyone has a governing rule for life - but it can't deliver what it promises.
If God passed by, would you recognize him? (Mark 6:45-56)
A spiritual inquiry.
the messenger's balance (Mark 6:30-47)
striking a genuine work/rest, care for others/self-care balance.
the messengers (Mark 6:1-30)
God's messengers keep speaking when they trust a more certain reward.
spaces for trust to grow (Mark 5:21-43)
Step out into the space God's created for your trust to grow.
the complexity of evil (Mark 5:1-20)
spiritual evil is often viewed as simple or primitive and "nowadays we know better."
The Bible presents a more complex understanding of evil...and how it might be addressed.
a fear that leads to faith (Mark 4:35-41)
Jesus leads us through fear to make faith possible.
Kingdom Samples (Mark 4:21-34)
Parables about a lamp, a measure, a harvest, and a mustard bush. What do they have in common? Surprising goodness designed to lead us back to Jesus for more.
Why don't I get it? (Mark 4:1-20)
In this parable we see the factor that distinguishes getting Jesus from not getting him.
Jesus alone: my home (Mark 3:13-35)
Jesus embodies the ideal home not only because he loves but because he values.
Jesus alone for generosity (Mark 2:23-3:6)
Jesus’ generous eye for our sabbath rest.
Jesus alone for worship (Mark 2:18-22)
making sense of a marriage party, an article of clothing, and a wine accessory.
God condescends: the greater miracle (Mark 2:13-17)
In Jesus, God condescends lower still.
forgiveness: the greater miracle (Mark 2:1-12)
Why am I here? Why am I listening to this?
Jesus helps us figure out why it is we came to hear from him in the first place and gives us a precious gift in response.
obedience: the greater miracle (Mark 1:40-45, 3:7-12)
We talk honestly about the significant obstacles to obedience that happen to show up in these passages.
a whole person (Mark 1:32-39)
What does is mean to be truly whole? Jesus shows us.
Following Jesus without the fine print (Mark 1:16-20)
Jesus' call offers what the world does not.
Kingdom Come (Mark 1:14-15)
Risk living like God's Kingdom can break through any time, any place to right some wrong.
A God-giving Reign (Mark 1:1-13)
Jesus announces His reign as supremely generous.
a community song (Psalm 133)
3 reasons to seek life from community that comes from above.
a song of presence (Psalm 132)
God's presence produces a self-forgetful joy.
a song of pruning (Psalm 131)
The best time for maintenance is often when we have momentum on our side.
a redemption song (Psalm 130)
Forgiveness is needed, certain, immediate - and best of all: It works.
a song of perseverance (Psalm 129)
Emotional wisdom for persevering through affliction.
a song of prosperity (Psalm 128)
Real prosperity is outward-facing.
a work song (Psalm 127)
Partnering with God for income-earning and family-raising work that lasts.
Shrewd: Jesus' Money Manager (Luke 16:1-13)
The surprising quality Jesus looks for to manage his money well.
a song of joy (Psalm 126)
More risk > More whoops.
a song of security (Psalm 125)
God puts in us a little weakness, sprinkles into our lives some wickedness, limits our contributions because he cares about our souls.
a song of reflection (Psalm 124)
Reflect through the depths of pain to display the heights of Help.
An incomplete song (Psalm 123)
What to do with and how to pray through hostility.
a song of gathering (Psalm 122)
How gathering doubles up God's already good gifts.
A song of trust (Psalm 121)
Transitioning from anxiety to trust.
A song of strangers (Psalm 120)
A song for those who feel worn down by the constant war of words in this strange and alien world.
Waiting for Suffering to End (James 5: 7-11)
How to wait well.
The Lord's Supper (1 Cor 11, 1 Cor 10, Matthew 26)
A delivery vehicle for heavenly gifts.
LIFE (Romans 5:6-21)
The good man through his good act leads us back to the good tree - the tree of life.
OPINIONS (Romans 14:1-12)
Unless their views are anti-Christ, welcome the Christ in every Christian.
LOVE (Romans 12:9-21)
In every interaction, we add or subtract a piece of wholeness to another.