The Open Tomb

The tomb is not just empty, it's open.

Ephesians 2: 4-10

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Jesus the Prophet

An Interfaith Dialogue with Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz of Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood NJ and Rev. Michael Smith of Tabernacle UMC. 

What is the role of the prophets and how is Jesus' ministry prophetic in nature?

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retreating to the familiar

When we are afraid, when we do not know the way, and when we have lost our path our natural response is to retreat to the familiar.  When courage asks us to move forward, the familiar woos us back to the place of safety and static.

On a week where the disciples denied, betrayed, and fled, it is not so uncommon for us to remember how they retreat to the older versions of themselves.  I never knew the man - yes it seems that you still really don't.

Where have you retreated?  Don't be shocked if it's a place of familiarity.

Relationships

Mosaic - Relationships

Matthew 27: 57-61

Some begin the journey and others end it with us.  Hear the story of Joseph of Arimathea.

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Resources

Mark 6: 34-44

Mosaic - Resources

What happens when God can take what little we may have and use it for the sake of someone else?  

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Responsibility

John 14: 1-3

Mosaic: Responsibility - We are responsible for one another.  Am I my brother's keeper?  Yes, you are.

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we are the outsiders

In his new book, Deep and Wide, Andy Stanley looks at the mission of the church.  One of the most thought provoking questions asked is, 'who is the church for?'  It is not a shock that in the church today even though we are full aware of why Jesus came - (to seek and save the lost- Luke 9) and those who he came to call - (not the righteous, but sinners- Mark 2), most of the way we do things is for those who are already found.  Our budgets, ministries, programs, or fill in the blank to whatever term your church may use, are all clearly around another mission; keeping those in the church happy.  The most popular Christian book ever sold, other than the Bible, is  The Purpose Driven Life.  It begins by saying - "It's not about you."  How is it that we can "know" this, but not actually practice it?

We have forgotten that it is not about those on the inside or the outside.  For in fact, we are the outsiders.  Let's stop having the conversation around reaching out or going outside of our building.  Let's begin at the source and ask the tough question - why are we doing all of this stuff anyway?  Is it for us or someone else?  Maybe if we can look a little deeper we'll ultimately discover that there are no insiders or outsiders.  We are all the outsiders.

The Outsiders - Needtobreathe

Shortfalls and little sins
Close calls where no one wins
Stand tall but running thin
I'm wearing thin
Oh, why are we keeping score?

'Cause if you're not laughing
Who is laughing now?
I've been wondering if we start sinking
Could we stand our ground?
And through everything we've learned
We've finally come to terms
We are the outsiders
We are the outsiders

Rejection

Mosaic Lenten Series

Rejection - Matthew 9: 9-13

Jesus - the rejected - goes to the rejected, and ultimately creates acceptance for you and me. 

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