Sermons

The New Areopagus

May 21, 2017  | ,

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When the Apostle Paul reached Athens he explored the city, preached in the Synagogue, and then in the marketplace.  He carefully explored the objects of their religious symbols and concluded that they were very sincere in their quest for the divine.   Like Socrates, Paul was accused by some of proclaiming foreign deities.  Socrates lost his life after loosing his arguments at the Areopagus.  Paul left alive with some philosophers begging to "hear him again about this."  We face a new Areopagus today.  There are many in our world who are spiritual but not religious.  They seek an unknown god and if we care deeply about what matters to them we can find ways to speak the good news in meaningful ways.

AKA Living Stones

May 14, 2017  | 

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We are called living stones.  Stones can be used to build up  and they can be used to tear down and hurt others.  Stones can be thrown and they can build bridges.  They were also used to guide the way.  Travelers built Carin's to mark a path or the best way through.  These piles of stone are also meant to mark a special place.  We see them in the middle of the Willamette when we cross the walking bridges.  This morning's sermon explores what it means to be the living stones mentioned in the text this morning.

Beginnings

May 7, 2017  | 

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On Anniversary Sunday we look at the story of the beginning of the church and look back at the beginnings and heritage of Central Presbyterian Church.  The same Spirit which animated the life of the early church leads us to live the Gospel in ways that are recognizable in the story of the early church.

Recognizing Jesus

April 30, 2017  | 

https://youtu.be/zZqa_zak6eQ

 

For many of us Easter already seems like it is miles away.  The disciples on the Road to Emmaus were only three days out from the crucifixion and they already didn't recognize Jesus when he began walking on the road with them.  How do we recognize where the risen Christ is present in our lives?

Unfortunately the last part of the Sermon did not record.  Here is the text of the last couple of sentences:  " The words of a sermon cannot deliver life abundant or recognition of the living Lord.  Life in the Risen Lord is opened to us only thorough the actions of repentance and mercy. So, I hope the text this morning inspires you to be a witness to the risen Christ.  Then resurrection and life will be with you now in this life and into the next."