Posts by Bob Rhodes (Page 3)

This week we begin a new 6-week series called Unity in Diversity: The Beauty of The United Methodist Church. Through these coming weeks, we will explore the rich history and theology that we share as United Methodists. This first Sunday, we kick off this series in the perfect way: by welcoming new members into the congregation of La Jolla United Methodist Church! Some new members are Confirmands who are professing their faith; some are transferring their membership from other congregations;…

This week and next, we will remain in the Revised Common Lectionary before moving into our next series. This Second Sunday after Pentecost includes texts that remind us that God’s presence and call can rarely be described as expected or ordinary. (Side note: this season is often called “ordinary time” because it is a long season counted by ordinal numbers, not because it is common or uneventful.) Abram isn’t young when God calls him to leave everything he knows. Matthew…

As we prepare for this Sunday, we look forward to the celebration of Pentecost! This week’s message will explore two New Testament texts. Through the imagery of fire and the act of breathing, we will consider the theme of inspiration and empowerment, stirring our hearts to make a positive impact on our communities and the world around us. In Acts 2, we witness the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, where the disciples were filled…

As we prepare for the upcoming Sunday worship service, we eagerly anticipate the celebration of Ascension Sunday. This special occasion invites us to delve into the theme of “Anticipation” and explore its significance in our spiritual journey. Our focal point will be found opening verses of the book of Acts. In this text, we encounter the disciples in a moment of profound transition as Jesus ascends to heaven, promising the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Through this passage, we are…

We conclude our series “1/2 Truths” where every week we have explored and analyzed a common Christian phrase. Last week we considered the phrase “God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It,” and this week we move on to the phrase “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.” Like many of the other phrases we’ve explored, this one seems great on its surface. Of course we should love those who sin! Indeed, Paul reminds us that we all fall short…

The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. While Palm Sunday is still a week away, this Sunday we focus on Jesus’ final week and final teachings. At the conclusion of this week’s text, Jesus…

The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. This week’s text shows Jesus interacting with a particular marginalized community. Skin diseases like the one described in the text below had special rules in the Jewish…

The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. We continue our series in consideration of the treatment of women in ancient culture and how—even though we have made progress in our current time—we still have…

The season of Lent is essential in Christmas tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Adam Hamilton. As we begin exploring the Gospel of Luke, we may see right away that the author brings a particular focus. Reading his introduction and the initial retelling of…

In the weeks after Christmas, we are in the season of Epiphany. This begins with the arrival of the Magi which we consider the first glimpse of God’s incarnation to the world. This week concludes this series as we enter into the season of Lent. This week is Transfiguration Sunday. This is an important time in Jesus’ ministry as he—as the saying goes—turns his face to Jerusalem. Jesus begins to focus his time and energy on his final teachings and…