Posts by Bob Rhodes (Page 3)

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…

Introduction We continue our post-Easter sermon series exploring “The Power of Words.” This week, we remember the common conflict-avoidance of never talking about politics or religion by exploring both! As our denomination gathers at General Conference in Charlotte, NC, important matters are addressed by this international decision-making body. How we address one another even in these high-impact situations can say a lot about who we are. Illustration Video Use this link to watch our illustration video (this version can’t be…

Introduction We continue our post-Easter sermon series exploring “The Power of Words.” This week, we look at our families–whether those are families of origin, chosen families, church families, or some combination. Sometimes our family members know just how to push our buttons, and we are then faced with how to respond. Sometimes we are so comfortable with a family member that we don’t filter our words before speaking them. Our choices matter, our words matter, in how we treat and…

Introduction We conclude our Lenten sermon series based on the book The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, journeying day by day through Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem. As we journey in Worship the entirety of Holy Week, we will begin with the waving of palms and conclude in silence. As we look at Palm and Passion Sunday, we revisit our full Lenten journey. Illustration Video Video Discussion Questions Mark 15:1-15 (CEB) 1At daybreak, the chief priests—with…

Introduction We continue our Lenten sermon series based on the book The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, journeying day by day through Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem. We are quickly moving to the end of the week, and therefore closer to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. Each day has been building, and this day we arrive at Jesus’ most profound teaching at the last supper. But that’s not the end of the day… Illustration Video…

Introduction We continue our Lenten sermon series based on the book The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, journeying day by day through Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem. This week we move to Tuesday and an expanse of texts from the middle of the 11th chapter all the way through the end of the 13th chapter. Roughly two-thirds of this section shows Jesus in conflict with the religious leaders in the temple, where Jesus is continually challenged…

Introduction We continue our Lenten sermon series based on the book The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, journeying day by day through Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem. This week we move to Monday, the day that Jesus turns over the tables in the temple. Known as a “cleansing” of the temple, Jesus’ motives and intentions have been widely explored in countless sermons and papers. This story is framed by a narrative about a fig tree, something…