Description:
Pastor Jon Twitchell brings weekly biblically-based sermons to the Cape Elizabeth (Maine) Church of the Nazarene. You're invited to listen in through this podcast. Get more information at www.capenazarene.org.
25 Podcasts:
 1. cecn_2008_06_08_action.mp3 (played 22 times)
2. cecn_2008_06_01_following.mp3 (played 24 times)
3. cecn_2008_05_18_reflecting.mp3 (played 24 times)
4. cecn_2008_05_11_burningbush.mp3 (played 35 times)
5. cecn_2008_05_04_christian.mp3 (played 21 times)
6. cecn_2008_04_27_asking.mp3 (played 22 times)
7. cecn_2008_06_15_father.mp3 (played 30 times)
8. cecn_2008_06_22_firstfruits.mp3 (played 14 times)
9. cecn_2008_06_29_will.mp3 (played 14 times)
10. cecn_2008_07_06_birthright.mp3 (played 14 times)
11. cecn_2008_07_13_ladder.mp3 (played 26 times)
12. cecn_2008_07_20_desperate.mp3 (played 23 times)
13. cecn_2008_07_27_forgiveness.mp3 (played 28 times)
14. cecn_2008_08_03_where.mp3 (played 26 times)
15. cecn_2008_08_17_birdstick.mp3 (played 25 times)
16. cecn_2008_08_24_manger.mp3 (played 10 times)
17. cecn_2008_09_14_covenant.mp3 (played 11 times)
18. cecn_2008_09_07_holyground.mp3 (played 13 times)
19. cecn_2008_09_21_body.mp3 (played 9 times)
20. cecn_2008_10_05_chosen.mp3 (played 1 times)
21. cecn_2008_09_28_temple.mp3 (played 1 times)
22. cecn_2008_11_09_livingwater.mp3 (played 2 times)
23. cecn_2008_11_02_dailybread.mp3 (played 2 times)
24. cecn_2008_10_12_finalmove.mp3 (played 2 times)
25. cecn_2008_11_16_decalogue.mp3 (played 2 times)
Content:
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There's No Such Thing as the Ten Commandments - November 16, 2008
There's No Such Thing as the Ten Commandments
Texts: Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Exodus 19:3-8, 19:18, 20:1-20; 24:3-7, 31:18; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Jeremiah 33:31-34
Pastor Jon offers the surprising fact that the phrase "the Ten Commandments" wasn't in the Bible until the 1590 Geneva Bible. He explores what it means for us to consider that these verses should more appropriately be called "the Ten Words," or "Ten Ideas," or "the Decalogue." He also explores the numbering of the Decalogue, the reason for two tablets, and why they were hidden away in a box. In considering the context surrounding the Decalogue and the Old Covenant, we gain greater understanding of the New Covenant sealed in Jesus' blood.
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Living Water - November 9, 2008
Our Living Water
Texts: Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Matthew 21:23-32; Philippians 2:1-13; Exodus 17:1-7; Ecclesiastes 3:10-11; Isaiah 55:8-9; Numbers 20:6-13
Pastor Jon considers the lessons that we can learn from the "Water from the Rock" stories in Exodus 17 and Numbers 20. Sometimes we miss God's hand at work because we lack an eternal perspective. Sometimes we miss seeing God work because we are focused on the negative things in our lives. And sometimes we miss seeing Him work because we are not prepared for Him to do a new thing, but keep expecting Him to do what He did once before.
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Our Daily Bread - November 2, 2008
Our Daily Bread
Texts: Psalm 105:1-2, 37-45; Matthew 20:1-16; Philippians 1:21-30; Exodus 16:1-30
In looking at the story of the manna in the wilderness, Pastor Jon encourages us to trust in God for our daily needs. By looking at pictures from "The Hungry Planet," Pastor Jon expands our perspective to understand what it might mean to rely on God for daily bread.
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Love Has the Final Move - October 12, 2008
Love Has the Final Move
Texts: Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35; Exodus 14:19-31; Revelation 18:11-16
Juxtaposing the text from Exodus against the various riders in Revelation reminds us that though our back may seem up against a wall, though we may be at the end of our rope, and though it feels like it may be almost over, Love has the final move.
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The Church as the Chosen People of God - October 5, 2008
The Church as the Chosen People of God
Texts: Psalm 24; Exodus 19:1-6; Matthew 5:43-48; I Peter 2:1-11
Today we celebrate 100 years of the Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Jon reminds us that we don't celebrate a denomination, but the movement of God through His people. As the Church, we are part of the chosen people of God--we are His, we are Holy, we are Sent. Or, in terms of our Core Values, we are Christian, we are Holiness, we are Missional.
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The Church as the Temple of God - September 28, 2008
The Church as the Temple of God
Texts: Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12; I Kings 8:23-30; John 2:13-22; Ephesians 2:19-22; I Peter 2:4-5; I Corinthians 3:16-17
The third in a four-part series celebrating the Centennial of the Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Jon looks at what it means to be Living Stones built in the Temple of God. We understand that the we don't invite God into our presence, but thank Him for inviting us into His presence. We realize that the church is not the building, but the people, and that we are not the inhabitants, but the stones that make up the structure. The purpose of the structure is to give glory to God.
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The Church as the Body of Christ - September 21, 2008
The Church as the Body of Christ
Texts: Psalm 108:1-5; Exodus 18:13-24; John 15:1-13; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
The second in a four-part series celebrating the Centennial of the Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Jon looks at what it means to be a one part of a unified body. In particular, we discuss the tension between unity and diversity, and the needs of the one vs. the needs of the many.
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The Church as Covenant Community - September 14, 2008
The Church as Covenant Community
Texts: Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 22:36-40; 2 Corinthians 3:4-18
The first in a four-part series leading up to the Centennial of the Church of the Nazarene, this sermon also fell on our Homecoming Weekend at the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene. We consider what it means to be part of the Covenant Community of Faith, the people called out by God to accomplish a specific purpose. What did this mean for Israel? What did it mean for the Early Church? What did it mean for Nazarenes 100 years ago? And what does it mean for our local church today?
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Standing on Holy Ground - September 7, 2008
Standing on Holy Ground
Texts: Revelation 21:1-4; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28; Exodus 3:1-15
Pastor Jon takes a look at the narrative of Moses and the Burning Bush, asking if the church comes together expecting God to speak to us. Are we prepared for worship? Are we expecting God to transform us? Or do we simply gather to see the bush, hoping that it doesn't burst into flames and actually expect something of us.
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Of Baskets and Mangers - August 24, 2008
Of Baskets and Mangers
Texts: Psalm 124; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20; Exodus 1:8-2:10
Pastor Jon discusses ways that we can be agents of the Kingdom of life and hope, by committing faithful acts of subversion against the kingdom of power, death, and oppression. Oskar Schindler, Shiphrah & Puah, and Pharaoh's daughter are presented as examples of how we might be beacons of hope and light in the midst of darkness.
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Laying Down Your Birdstick - August 17, 2008
Laying Down Your Birdstick
Texts: Psalm 133; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28; Genesis 45:1-15
Pastor Jon continues the exploration of the Joseph narrative, looking specifically at the way in which he offered grace and forgiveness to his brothers when they came to Egypt looking for grain. Even in the deepest moments of our lives, we are to reflect the nature of God--offering grace and forgiveness to everyone we know.
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Where is God? - August 3, 2008
Where is God
Texts: Psalm 105:1-4; Matthew 14:22-33; Romans 10:5-15; Genesis 37:12-36; Romans 8:28
Pastor Jon explores the story of Joseph and his brothers, noting that nowhere in Genesis 37:12-36 are we able to find mention of God. And yet, as the Joseph narrative comes to a conclusion, Joseph is able to affirm that God's hand was at work in everything, in order that many lives might be saved.
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Forgiveness: Seeing the Face of God - July 27, 2008
Forgiveness: Seeing the Face of God
Texts: Psalm 17:6-8; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21; Genesis 32-33
Pastor Jon looks at the narrative of Jacob's return to Esau, as found in Genesis 32-33. As we read the text, we try to imagine that we are reading it for the first time, hoping to learn the lessons that Jacob may have learned as he discovered the meaning of forgiveness in the face of his very own brother.
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Desperate for God - July 20, 2008
God's Ladder
Texts: Psalm 105:1-8; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52; Romans 8:26-39; Genesis 29:14b-30, Revelation 2:4-5
Jacob's great love for Rachel is evidenced by his glad service to his Uncle Laban. The many years of labor seemed like only a few days. Pastor Jon looks at our relationship with God, and suggests ways to recover "our first love."
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God's Ladder - July 13, 2008
God's Ladder
Texts: Psalm 139:1-12; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43; Romans 8:12-25; Genesis 28:10-22
Often called the story of "Jacob's Ladder," Pastor Jon asks us to consider who it was that built the ladder between heaven and earth. When we remember that we are completely unable to reach out to heaven on our own, we recognize how essential it was that God was willing to reach out to us, to call our name, and to come to us.
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Trading Your Birthright - July 6, 2008
Trading Your Birthright
Texts: Psalm 119:105-112; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Romans 8:1-11, 25-30; Genesis 25:19-34; John 6:22-27; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:6-8, 8:15-17
The Jacob & Esau narrative reminds us of Adam & Eve, and how they traded the greatest birthright of all, being made in the Image of God. As Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve, we too have all traded our birthrights, and yet God seeks to redeem us and welcome us to His Table.
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The Will of God - June 29, 2008
The Will of God
Texts: Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30; Genesis 24
This week we continue our look at the Patriarchs, and their journey with God. Pastor Jon walks through Genesis chapter 24, the longest chapter in Genesis, and explores what it means to discern and follow the will of God.
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The Principle of Firstfruits - June 22, 2008
The Principle of Firstfruits
Texts: Psalm 89:1-4; Matthew 10:40-42; Romans 6:12-23; Genesis 22:1-14; Joshua 6:26; I Kings 16:34; I Kings 17:13-16
Pastor Jon offers a personal look at the reasons why he gives to God, in hopes that we might find more meaning in our giving. As we give to God, we should consider the biblical principal of Firstfruits--as demonstrated by the city of Jericho, the widow at Zarephath, and the offering of Isaac by Abraham. These stories remind us that God is the owner of everything, and that He is faithful to provide for His children.
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Father to the Fatherless - June 15, 2008
Father to the Fatherless
Texts: Psalm 86:8-10; Genesis 21:8-21; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 10:24-39; Psalm 68:4-6
On this Fathers Day, Pastor Jon looks at the way in which God is a Father to Ishmael after he was disowned by his own biological father, Abraham. If the church is the hands and feet of Christ, then we too ought to reflect the Father-heart of God as we care for those around us who may feel fatherless. May we also be reminded that God is our Father, and that He cares for us more than lilies and sparrows!
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Faith & Action - June 8, 2008
Faith & Action
Texts: Psalm 116:1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:8; Romans 5:1-8; Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7; James 1:22-25, 2:14-18
In this portion of the Abraham narrative, we see Abraham and Sarah receiving a promise that requires their participation and activity. While we must trust God and believe in His promises, that trust ought to also inform and shape our actions. We are to live in a manner consistent with the promises that God has given to us.
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Following the Call of God - June 1, 2008
Following the Call of God
Texts: Psalm 33:1-12; Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:3-13, 18-26
Join us this summer as we journey through the book of Genesis, focusing on the patriarchs who heard God's voice and responded. This week, we look at Abram (Abraham), and how he responded to God's call to go to an unknown land. May we follow God wherever He leads us, and may also live the way that God would want us to live.
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Trinity Sunday: Reflecting God - May 18, 2008
Trinity Sunday: Reflecting God
Texts: Psalm 8; Genesis 1; John 1; Matthew 28:16-20
On Trinity Sunday, Pastor Jon looks at the practical implications of the doctrine of the Trinity for us as individuals and as a congregation. What does a church look like when it reflects the very nature of the Triune-God? It is a holy community of love, pouring itself out for each other--and also for the world around it.
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God's Burning Bush - May 11, 2008
God's Burning Bush
Texts: Psalm 104:24-30; John 20:19-23; Acts 2:1-21; Numbers 11:24-30; I Corinthians 12:4-13
Pastor Jon looks at Pentecost through the lens of the life of Moses, and his desire the the Spirit of the LORD would come upon all people, and that they would prophesy. This desire is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the believers became "God's Burning Bushes" speaking forth His words to those who came to watch.
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Bearing the Name 'Christian' - May 4, 2008
Bearing the Name 'Christian'
Texts: Psalm 68:32-35; Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75; Acts 1:6-14; I Peter 4:12-16, 5:6-9; Philippians 3:10-11
The Name "Christian" probably had its origins as a derogatory way for pagans to refer to the followers of "The Way." Peter encourages his readers to not be ashamed of the Name, but to bear it well. This sermon explores what it means for 2008 Followers of Jesus to bear the Name "Christian."
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Are They Asking? - April 27, 2008
Are They Asking?
Texts: Psalm 66:16-20; John 14:15-21; Acts 17:22-31; I Peter 2:9-12, 3:13-22; Romans 12:1-2
Peter tells us to "always be prepared to give an answer for the reason for the hope that is within us." We ought to be able to clearly explain our faith and how it has made a difference in our lives in a brief and compelling way. But we must also explore the question, "Are they asking?" And if not, "why not?" May we live such good lives that people are compelled to ask us the reason for the hope that we have.
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