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Maybe Nonresistance IS Enough
Are there times that we are called to absorb evil on behalf of others? Are we to resist evil? Much of Anabaptist history focused on non-resistance — even to evil. How does that contrast with our current expectation of nonviolent resistance? On September 27th, Bob Nolty brought those questions, as well as stories of nonresistance.…
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#blackboyjoy
On September 20th, Jason Smith continued a series on the fruit of the spirit. He references Galatians 5:14-27 — and weaves together his introduction to the art of Kehinde Wiley and his inclusion of art outsiders in his portraiture, the life of Paul and his inclusion of outsiders in Galatia and an invitation to the…
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The Fruit of the Spirit: Love
On September 13th, Tim Reardon began a series on the fruit of the spirit. He references Galatians 5:22-26 and 1 John 4:7-12. Paul is upset within the letter. He is addressing groups of people who have adopted practices designed to create hierarchies, and to divide — to exert power over one another. Tim’s words are…
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Reconciliation and the Cross
Tim references the 2 Corinthians passage as one that talks about a reconciliation that goes to the cross. A reconciliation that unmasks rather than props up the powers of violence and crucifixion. It lays bare the injustice and evil of the violence that supports them. Why then does the cross point to reconciliation? We see…
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Reconciliation with Others
Tim Reardon continues our theme of Reconciliation in relation to other people in response to the text of 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2. Tim sees in this passage a grand vision of reconciliation — one that calls us to love and by love — but also calls us to justice. Reconciliation is a beautiful but difficult concept.…
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Reconciliation with Creation
Rob Muthiah continues our theme of Reconciliation in response to the creation and Romans 8:18-25. Rob talks about the importance of air, water and soil in creation, and our need to reconcile our relationship with them in today’s environment. Beyond that, he demonstrates how reconciliation with Christ requires us to face the inherent racism tied…
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Reconciliation with Ourselves
Melissa Hofstetter continues our theme of Reconciliation with the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19: 1-10. She unlocks some of the language that tells us more about Zacchaeus from his name, and that plays on the applications of the idea of stature. Melissa weaves the story for us, and leads us into reflection on how…
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Reconciliation with God
This Sunday, we began a four-part series on reconciliation, a value important to Mennonites, but also one that can be understood in many differing ways and often times misused. Tim offers up our first sermon in the series with a discussion of reconciliation with God, where he discusses the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke…
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God is Bigger than Death
Diving into Romans 8:26-39, Joe Bautista paints a detailed history of Rome at the time of Paul’s letter, as well as Paul’s history given in previous verses. In the last half of Chapter 8 of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, Paul encourages the readers of his letter that the Spirit intercedes for them and that…
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Why I Am a Mennonite: Radical Imagination, Part 2
Tim Reardon’s sermon this week follows on the heels of his sermon on Radical Imagination two weeks ago: our call to completion in the love of God of Matthew 5:48. This love is, and emanates from, God. We are loved, meant to be loved, and return fully into that love. We do not know love…
Pasadena Mennonite Church 