Messages
June 2020
Social Justice and Oppression Through the Eyes of the Minor Prophets: Habakkuk
Cris kicks off our series on how the Minor Prophets spoke of Social Justice and oppression by exploring Habakkuk. We see how prayer is key when we are not sure what to do. We also examine the wresting match Habakkuk has with God over oppression and justice.
Examining the Song of Plagues (Psalm 91), Part 2
Psalm 91 is associated with times of trouble and heartache. So in the current tine of heartache and trouble we one again turn to this scripture for meaning. This week, we examine the second part of the psalm. We discuss interpretations of the big statements about divine protection found in the psalm. We close with the notion when we face trouble or evil, we will not face it alone. The promises of God and the blood of Christ will go with us whatever comes against us.
Examining the Song of Plagues (Psalm 91), Part 1
Psalm 91 is associated with times of trouble and heartache. So in the current time of heartache and trouble we once again turn to this scripture for meaning. This week, we examine the first few verses of the psalm. There we see just what it means to have the peace that comes from being under the wing of God.
May 2020
Guided Meditative Prayer Walk
Join us for a time of reflection and prayer. We are all feeling a little screen tired so instead of watching an online sermon, this morning I want us to go outside and spend some time with God. In this guide, I will lead you through some of the psalms and encourage you to use your 5 sense to engage with the wonderful world our God has created.
Theology & Theater – The Martian
We finish up our ‘Theology & Theater’ series by looking at the 2015 movie The Martian. We look at the movie through the lens of the Good Shepard parable (Luke 15:1-7). In the movie, a diverse set of people must come together to rescue Matt Damon (yet again!). This is reflective of the Body of Christ, and how to most impactfully do Kingdom work, we need the help and support of our fellow Christians.
Jesse’ Intro to ‘The Martian’
As part of our ‘Theater and Theology’ series, we will be talking about the movie The Martian. Instead, of a commentary, here are some of my introductory reflections on a few of the film’s themes.
Four of the main themes I saw running through the movie were:
1) Redemption
2) The coming together of community (think of the Body of Christ)
3) When we feel alone, are we actually alone?
4) This may be the most expensive retelling of ‘the lost sheep parable’ ever!
Let me know what you saw in this movie!
Theology & Theater – Frozen II
Our ‘Theology and Theater’ movie for this week is Frozen II. We discuss just what it looks like to do the ‘next right thing’ as Christians; and how sometimes not knowing God’s full plan for us can actually be a good thing. We examine Psalm 119:82-87, 105 to see how taking things a single step at a time can be the best way to move forward. Spoilers for frozen II 5:40-7:24.
April 2020
Theater & Theology Movie Commentary – Frozen II
Here is our audio commentary for the third movie in our Theology & Theater series: Frozen II. For more information on the series or RiverTree as a whole, please see our website: https://www.rivertreecc.org/
Theology & Theater – X-Men: Days of Future Past
In the second week of our Theology & Theater series, we examine the movie X-men: Days of Future Past. We look at this movie through the lens of justice vs grace. Mystique is faced with a choice where the consequences spiral out far wider than she knows. We too are often faced with choices daily. Therefore, we should seek guidance from the words of Christ in Luke 6:31-37 and seek to “Be Merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Audio Commentary for X-men: Days of Future Past
Here is our audio commentary for X-men: Days of Future Past. For this commentary, I watched the theatrical cut of the file (i.e. NOT the Rouge Cut). This is part of our sermon series ‘Theology & Theater.’ Content warning: there is a little nudity (you see Hugh Jackman’s butt) and there are a few swear words.
Subscribe to sermon Podcast RSS
Subscribe to iTunes podcast.
