The Experience of God's Presence

We are in the season of Epiphany.  The name of the season is self-explanatory.   It is that season in the life of the church when we celebrate moments of "epiphany" in the ministry of Jesus.  These are moments when his divine nature is disclosed and his disciples and followers are challenged to revise their understanding of him.  They understand that – in Jesus of Nazareth – God is present in a very profound and powerful way.  Like nobody else.

And, of course, when they know who Jesus truly is, it changes how they understand themselves.  The apostle Paul puts it this way:  we are new creations.

So . . . how does one have an epiphany?  One thing is clear, you cannot manufacture them.  However they come, it is not by our own efforts.  However, I believe that we can open ourselves to them.  This openness is a basic posture of the Christian faith. 

I encourage you to read the scriptures and quietly reflect upon them before each Sunday.  After all, being open to the Word of God is crucial to the epiphany of Jesus.   Then come to worship and experience the richness of the Gospel.  Who knows what might happen?

January 8      "Beloved" Mark 1:4-11 ~ The sermon will focus on the consequences of being beloved by God.

January 15      "Come and See"  John 1:43-51 ~ Sometimes we have to get up off of our butts and check out what God has to offer us.

January 22      "Made"  Mark 1:14-20 ~ Experiencing God means that we allow the creator to – once again – create us.  Is God "working" on you?  Are you being remade?

January 29      "Confrontation"  Mark 1:21-28 ~ Very often the most powerful experiences of God occur in the context of confronting evil.