Posts by Bob Rhodes

Introduction Welcome to our Advent series, based on Matt Rawle’s book The Redemption of Scrooge, where we explore how God’s grace transforms even the most unlikely among us. As we prepare for Christmas, this series will take us on a journey through themes of redemption, hope, and love. We begin with “Living in God’s Economy.” In our text for this week, Jesus shares the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, a story that challenges our assumptions about fairness and…

Introduction This week, we conclude our Truth-Telling series on Christ the King Sunday. This day marks the end of the liturgical year and invites us to think about the kind of reign Jesus models as our king. In this week’s scripture, Jesus stands before Pilate, the Roman governor, in a moment that contrasts worldly authority with the heavenly kingdom Jesus proclaims. Pilate’s interrogation leads us to a crucial question: “What is truth?” The truth Jesus testifies to is not a…

Introduction As we continue our Truth-Telling series, we’re invited this week to examine a moment when Jesus spoke to his disciples about unsettling times ahead. In what is known as Mark’s “little apocalypse” (Mark 13), Jesus describes events that sound chaotic and fearful—wars, natural disasters, and upheaval—but he also offers a calm reminder: “Do not be alarmed.” This teaching challenges us to look beyond our immediate fears and recognize that God’s presence remains constant, even in difficult times. Jesus encourages…

Introduction We conclude this liturgical year with a new sermon series, Truth Telling. In this series, we will explore familiar Gospel stories where Jesus speaks powerful truths that cut through our rationalizations and pride and demand a reset on our whole lives. This Sunday, we dive into Jesus’ surprising praise for a poor widow who, despite her poverty, gave “all she had to live on.” In a bustling temple court filled with people making donations, Jesus’ attention shifts not to…

Introduction This week, we gather for All Saints Sunday, a time to remember those who have entered life eternal over the past year and reflect on God’s promise of resurrection. Our scripture readings today remind us that God is not distant but makes a home with us. In John 11, we witness Jesus deeply moved by grief as he raises Lazarus, giving a foretaste of the resurrection hope we share in Christ. The passage from Revelation 21 points to the…

Introduction As we conclude our Walking with Jesus series, we explore the story of blind Bartimaeus. This final encounter of the series invites us to see clearly—ourselves, others, and the path ahead. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to cast off what weighs us down and follow Jesus with new vision. Discipleship means letting go of burdens, embracing transformation, and offering prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness as part of our journey of faith. Illustration Video Why this video? This clip…

Introduction As we continue our Walking with Jesus series, we arrive at a memorable moment in Mark 10:35-45 where Jesus teaches about true greatness. James and John seek positions of honor, but Jesus redirects their ambition toward service. Walking with Jesus means learning to lead not by seeking power, but by serving others. This passage challenges us to rethink leadership and reminds us that we find our greatest purpose in serving one another, just as Jesus did. Illustration Video Why…

Introduction Continuing our Walking with Jesus series, we turn to Mark 10:17-31, where Jesus challenges a rich man to release his wealth and follow him. This difficult passage calls us to examine our own relationship with material things, and in this season of stewardship, we’re invited to reflect on how our resources—both financial and otherwise—can be used to further God’s work. As we consider how our legacy is built through generosity, let’s ask ourselves: What are the “riches” we cling…

Introduction As we conclude our Uncommon Wisdom series, we turn to the story of Esther—a powerful narrative of courage, timing, and divine providence. This week, we reflect on Esther’s brave decision to speak out for her people, even at the risk of her own life. Her story invites us to consider the moments when we are called to act with courage and conviction, trusting that God has placed us exactly where we need to be “for such a time as…

Introduction As we continue our Uncommon Wisdom series, this week we turn to a passage that often gets a lot of attention, especially around Mother’s Day—Proverbs 31. But this Sunday, we’re looking at it through a different lens. Proverbs 31 isn’t just a checklist for the perfect wife; it’s a celebration of strength, wisdom, and leadership, particularly from women. This passage describes a woman who is not only a capable and hardworking homemaker but also a shrewd businessperson, a compassionate…

Introduction As we continue our Uncommon Wisdom series, this week we turn our attention to Proverbs 1, where Wisdom is personified as a woman crying out in the streets. She offers a bold, no-nonsense call to those who are lost, urging them to listen and follow her guidance. This passage challenges us to consider what it means to truly hold onto wisdom in our daily lives. In this part of Proverbs, Wisdom doesn’t mince words about the consequences of ignoring…

Introduction This week, we’re exploring the wisdom of Proverbs, specifically looking at how these ancient sayings guide us in making choices. Proverbs offers practical wisdom for everyday living, reminding us that our decisions reflect our values and shape our lives. Think of it like being on a road trip (remember our Advent worship series?) with a trusty compass; we might always not have a turn-by-turn GPS, but we have a sense of direction that helps us navigate life’s complexities. The…