Posts by Bob Rhodes (Page 2)

Introduction We are nearing the conclusion of our Worship with Rejoicing series. As we come to the end of a worship service, we often hear the words of benediction—a sending forth, a blessing. But what does it mean to be blessed as we go back into the world? The passage from 1 Kings today recounts the transition of leadership from King David to Solomon, a pivotal moment where wisdom, guidance, and blessing were deeply sought. Solomon’s request for wisdom is…

Introduction As we near the end of our Worship with Rejoicing series, we turn our focus to the “Prayers of the People.” In our scripture passage, we encounter David in a moment of deep sorrow as he learns of the death of his son Absalom. This passage reveals the profound emotions that prayer can express—anguish, grief, and the weight of intercession. It reminds us that prayer is not just about the words we speak but also about the deep cries…

Introduction In week 4 of our Worship with Rejoicing series, we step into a powerful narrative from the story of King David that reveals the weight and impact of God’s word in our lives. Following last week’s difficult text about David and Bathsheba, the King is confronted by the prophet Nathan. In the narrative, we witness a moment of deep conviction and repentance that underscores the transformative power of acknowledging our failures and seeking forgiveness. The prophet’s confrontation with David…

Introduction The call to confession is a vital part of our worship service, inviting us to come before God with honesty and humility. It’s a time to acknowledge our shortcomings and seek God’s forgiveness and grace. In 2 Samuel 11:1-15, we encounter one of the most well-known and troubling stories of King David’s life. David’s actions, leading to the adultery with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband Uriah, reveal the depths of human weakness and the necessity of…

Introduction The call to worship is an invitation to come before God with hearts open and ready to experience God’s presence. It is a moment that transitions us from our everyday lives into a sacred space where we can connect with the Divine. In 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, we see King David, settled in his palace, expressing a desire to build a house for God. This passage highlights the importance of intentionality and reverence in our approach to worship. As we…

Introduction Worship is the heartbeat of our faith community. It’s a time when we gather to celebrate, reflect, and connect with God and each other. In the story of King David, we find a powerful example of what it means to gather for worship. As the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem, David leads the people in joyous celebration, dancing before the Lord with all his might. This scene captures the essence of worship as a communal and…

Introduction In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments of profound strength and times of deep weakness. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, shares a personal testimony of his own struggles and the divine strength that sustains him. He speaks of a “thorn in the flesh”—a persistent challenge that he pleaded with God to remove. Yet, God’s response was not to take away the struggle, but to provide grace sufficient to draw him nearer to…

Introduction This week we begin a new sermon series inviting us to explore how we live open-heartedly in a risky world and at a contentious time. Many of us experience life as a tapestry, woven with threads of both sorrow and joy. In this week’s text, Paul describes his experiences of enduring hardship while rejoicing in God’s grace. We might see this as Paul holding these two very real experiences in tension with one another. The passage challenges us to…

Introduction As we have journeyed through our series on Seeking God, we’ve marveled at God’s awe-inspiring presence and celebrated God’s boundless creativity. This week, we look at another profound aspect of God’s nature: God’s perfect love. Psalm 138 is a hymn of thanksgiving, highlighting God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. As we consider these verses, we may be reminded that God’s love is not only vast and encompassing but also deeply personal and transformative. It is a love that meets us…

Introduction As we continue our series on Seeking God, we explore Psalm 139 which beautifully captures the omniscience and omnipresence of God, portraying a Creator who knows us intimately and is with us constantly. This Psalm invites us to marvel at the intricacy and intentionality with which we are made, highlighting the divine artistry involved in our creation. As we prayerfully consider these verses, we are called to recognize and celebrate the creative power of God today, in our lives…

Introduction We are beginning the longest season of the Christian Year, the Sundays after Pentecost (sometimes called Ordinary Time). But perhaps this season is where our faith gets put to the test. From Advent through Pentecost Sunday, we are walking with Jesus, learning, growing, and inviting alongside him; observing and listening as he makes his earthly journey. Then on Pentecost, the church takes the stage and seeks to live out all that has been learned as we show the world…

Introduction This is Pentecost Sunday! In the Christian tradition, this is sometimes celebrated as the birthday of the universal church. This Sunday we will explore how the gift of the Holy Spirit inspires us to new life, new ministry, new ways of being community and the church! Illustration Video Video Discussion Questions Ezekiel 37:1-14 (CEB) 1The Lord’s power overcame me, and while I was in the Lord’s spirit, he led me out and set me down in the middle of…