In his last teaching as Lead Pastor at Denver Community Church, Michael’s final sermon concludes our study of the Book of Luke and invites us to consider the words of Saint Francis, who said “Let us begin again, for until now, we have done nothing.” Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVg…

Jesus appears to the disciples much to their shock, fear and disbelief. But he comforts them and reminds them not to fear; he even moves toward them inviting them to touch the wounds if that’s what they need. And then, like college student coming home after a semester away he asks for something to eat. This may not be for his benefit, but for their…

When the two travelers reach their destination, they invite this stranger to enjoy a meal with them and stay the night. Apparently, he was not interested at first, because they had to urge him to stay. They prevail and he agrees and they find themselves around a table. In an unexpected move, the stranger takes the place of the host. He takes the br…

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppעל ידי Denver Community Church

We will walk toward the tomb with the women expecting to anoint the body of the crucified Jesus, only to be astonished with them when the they discover the tomb is empty. We will be invited to respond to the question asked of them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” In this, we will consider where we look for life – in places of death…

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppעל ידי Denver Community Church

Have you ever had moments when you think it’s over? That nothing can ever rise from the dead? Such was the state of mind when they placed Jesus in that tomb. It was a moment devoid of hope, when everything had fallen apart. Who can blame them for thinking this way? The idea of resurrection was not on their minds, at least not in this way. This is w…

Just before Jesus breathes his last, he quotes the Psalmist, “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” This Psalm is one that extols the goodness of God; speaking of God’s refuge, protection and salvation. What a curious thing. Jesus, at the point of his death after enduring torture and hours on the cross conjures words that point to that? Perhaps the…

Jesus is nailed to the execution stake where passersby hurl insults at him and mock him. Crucifixion was not just the most horrifc forms of execution ever created, it was designed to be humiliating as well. This is why crucifixions were such public affairs. For those who wanted Jesus dead all along, they now had the chance to watch this man - who s…

From the moment Jesus stands in front of Pilate things feel quick and chaotic. Three somewhat significant charges are brought against Jesus. He’s subversive, opposes paying taxes and claims to be a king. Pilate does little to address the situation and passes him off to Herod Antipas. Herod Antipas seemingly does less after a brief conversation and …

The trial begins with Jesus being asked if he is the Messiah; which means to be a king. And it’s right there from the very beginning that we see this group wants Jesus to be guilty, not just in their eyes, but in the eyes of Rome. Because there could only be one king, Caesar. To claim kingship in the empire was seditious and called for execution. B…

Coming face to face with what we are capable of is often more than we can bear. This is the story of Peter. Hours before he declared his allegiance to Jesus even to the point of death. It’s possible this is what Peter wanted to believe was true about him. But then, when faced with scrutiny and questions and speculation, what was true came spilling …

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppעל ידי Denver Community Church

Jesus’ revolution was like nothing the world had ever seen. It was a revolution of love. At his arrest, some seemed to believe this was going to turn violent. And in one moment it did, when a disciple struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. But Jesus’ response was different. He pointed to the fact that he was always with them, t…

Luke gives us a startling picture of how agonizing Jesus’ decision was to obey. He was in the place of the “olive press” – a place where olives were pressed and crushed. Jesus is compared to an olive being pressed and crushed with the oil being squeezed out of it. Often, we abandon the humanity of Jesus and his agony in submitting to his God’s will…

Many agree that Jesus espouses a nonviolent ethic; instructing us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Which is why his instruction here has the power to be confusing. However, Jesus does not stop there. He quotes the prophet Isaiah saying, “And he was numbered with the transgressors …” Which is to say that there is a connection…

Just after Jesus serves the disciples, they embroil themselves in a debate about who is the greatest among them – obviously missing the point. Jesus’ response is to instruct them that the Kingdom way is about serving not being served. And it is in the serving that greatness is found. While it may be easy to roll our eyes at the disciples, who are e…

The meal that is recorded here is a meal that the Church has celebrated for 2,000 years. Some have called it “The Lord’s Supper,” others “Holy Communion,” and most traditionally “Eucharist.” But what does it all mean? Many recognize that it is represents the Body and the Blood of Jesus which was broken and poured out for us, but what should the peo…

Judas is known for one thing: betrayal. He’s an awful character in the Gospels; one who was Satan incarnate. While we assume we know his motives for betraying Jesus, perhaps we can take a step back from our assumptions. Did Judas really want Jesus dead? Or did he just miss Jesus’ message, which led him to do the unthinkable?= Some recognize that Ju…

There is something about religion that tempts us to appear good, right, attractive, and “holy” in our own way. This is often the result of submitting ourselves to outward performance and putting on a show for others. This is what Jesus points out about the “religious” in his day. As soon as the words leave his lips, an illustration happens right in…

Spiritual Formation Pastor Hannah Thom leads us through an exploration of Luke 21:5-38. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hppעל ידי Denver Community Church

Imagine telling and retelling a story that you knew nothing about. This is more than talking about the good ‘ol days. This is telling a story about a legendary king named David. Yet as you talked about him you felt the breath of the Romans over your shoulder. At the same time, you had to tell these stories, because you knew that one day a son of Da…

Advent promises Immanuel. God with us. Which means we never really wait at all. We only need to pay attention. How will our perspective change if we recognize the promise of Advent is a reminder that God has been with us all along? Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch…

Months before Jesus was born, John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. It was then that Zechariah broke into a song, extolling the God who remembers. They had not only been waiting for the birth of a child, but like all those in their day, had been waiting for God to deliver them from their oppressors. And there may be a little play on words here …

God is not slow in keeping his promise, claims Peter. Of course, we can comment that God’s conception of time and ours are two vastly different things. True. But Peter points toward God’s heart and desire for us. That we would be those who change our minds (repent) and turn toward God. It seems that in some way, God is on the move, God is respondin…