Lenten Journey

This coming Sunday begins the sermon series that is based on Adam Hamilton’s book 24 Hours That Changed the World.  We will begin on Thursday evening following sunset and meeting in the upper room.  Our bible study will begin for both group next Wednesday at 6:30.  After next week we will be meeting Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 and Wednesday at 6:30.

The first sermon will be on the upper room.  Throughout the series I will be following the path of Jesus.  We will then go in greater depth in the bible study.  I hope to video the sermons for those who will not be near a radio to listen.  I will try to get copies for those who wish to see the services.  stay tuned.

Passing the mantle

Tomorrow I will be focusing on what it means to pass the mantle of leadership and discipleship.  The main scripture comes from 2 Kings 2:1-14.  The story of Elijah and Elisha regarding the passing of the inheritance of prophecy.  There is a parallel with the gospel story of Jesus and the transfiguration found in Mark 9.  Also the parallel with Moses and Joshua in Deuteronomy passing the leadership to the next generation.  Today we also face the need to pass the mantle of leadership and discipleship to a new transition in our churches.  As the churches begin to face the post-modern age, we need to allow the emergence of the new Christianity which honors the stories and scripture but can emphasize the leadership of the new generation.
It should be interesting time for us to give our mantle of leadership to those who follow.  Maybe that is what being transfigured is all about.

February 16 Thursday

It seems that has been forever since I have written anything on my blog.  I decided that I needed to put some ideas down so that I can begin the process of preparation for Lent which starts next Wednesday.  This Lent season I will be preaching on the 24 Hours that Changed the World.  This will pair up with Adam Hamilton’s Bible study of the same name.  We will be starting on Thursday after sun set and end on Friday before sun set.  We will then celebrate Easter morning and the empty tomb.

Until then, I will be preaching on the transfiguration this Sunday.  I am going to use the lectionary passage from 2 Kings 2:1-12.  The story of Elijah and Elisha is insightful for me about what it means to pass the mantle of responsibility.  With the transfiguration story found in the synoptic gospels, we see this passage.  Appearing with Jesus are Moses and Elijah.  Moses the one to whom God gave the Torah and his inherited prophet Elijah were two of the most important spokespersons for Israel. Jesus has inherited that responsibility and more.  Yet, also present were the three disciples.  Now they are also called upon to take up the mantle following the resurrection and Pentecost.  Now we are called to take up the mantle.  I believe that this is a wonderful reminder as we enter into the Lenten season.