Gary Walter

Gal. 5:16-26, Matt. 13:31-33 In community there is a natural accountability. That's why Jesus sent the disciples out two by two to go "to every town and place where he himself intended to go." From the first generations of Christians to the earliest Methodists to the youngest generations of faithful Christians today, we mature in our faith by learning together in community.

Isaiah 6:1-8 How many of us come to worship expecting the unexpected? How many of us say, "Well, I'm entering the house of the Lord. Anything can happen"? We have things planned out, ordered, and rehearsed; and there is nothing wrong with that. But sometimes the holy breaks in, and all of a sudden we are dealing not with our plans or priorities but with the One who stands above us and beyond us and we know is with us.

Romans 12:9-21 Jesus practiced Radical Hospitality throughout his ministry. While Jesus rightfully could have claimed some kind of special status, he neither sought such unique privilege nor treated some in a more preferred way than others. Jesus did not shun the homes of the less desirable of society. He associated with people whom the status quo ignored. He even welcomed children who, in that culture, were often considered a nuisance. Jesus showed hospitality for all, which was a reflection of the centrality of his mission: that he had come to die for all.

Matthew 28:16-20

2 Samuel 18:28-33

Ezekiel 37:1-10

Luke 24:13-35 When we love we see Jesus. When we love our neighbor and when we love God with all that we have then we begin to see Jesus in our lives. It does not happen overnight, sometimes it takes a lifetime, but the goal is to work a little each day and to each and every day become more like Christ.

Mark 16:1-8 Easter is the day when God surprised everyone. When He raised Jesus Christ from the grave he showed us that life could be different. But it would be a life that we would live by faith. We must be willing to believe the message of Resurrection with our full heart.

Mark 11:1-19 In our lives Jesus calls us to descend into servanthood. Jesus told his disciples one day, "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever lose his life for me and for the gospel will save it." (Mark 8:35)

Mark 9:33-50 What we see in this passage are two understandings of greatness. The two very different versions of greatness cause tension within us. I would define these two understandings of greatness as Personal Success and Personal Significance. Personal success is using our skill, ability, competence, caring, giftedness to benefit ourselves. Personal significance is using your skill, ability, competence, caring, giftedness to benefit others.