Denver Community Church

In his last teaching as Lead Pastor at Denver Community Church, Michael's final sermon concludes our study of the Book of Luke and invites us to consider the words of Saint Francis, who said “Let us begin again, for until now, we have done nothing.” Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Jesus appears to the disciples much to their shock, fear and disbelief. But he comforts them and reminds them not to fear; he even moves toward them inviting them to touch the wounds if that's what they need. And then, like college student coming home after a semester away he asks for something to eat. This may not be for his benefit, but for their's, because ghosts don't eat food. Once the shock of it all begins to wear off, he begins to teach them telling them they will be the ones to bring this good news to the world.  And it's good news, because in Jesus we see all that was promised and a glimpse of what it to come. In Jesus we have the hope of the reconciliation and unity of all things. It's a work he wants to do and is doing in each of us. A work he is doing in every single place of the mutliverse – from the atomic level upward. And we are invited not only to join him in that work but have that work happen through us. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

When the two travelers reach their destination, they invite this stranger to enjoy a meal with them and stay the night. Apparently, he was not interested at first, because they had to urge him to stay. They prevail and he agrees and they find themselves around a table. In an unexpected move, the stranger takes the place of the host.  He takes the bread, gives thanks, breaks it and gives it to them. Suddenly their eyes, which had been closed, are opened and they recognize him just before he disappears from their sight. What is it about the bread that points to the identity of Jesus? What does this sacred meal we participate in reveal about the Christ? This is what we will explore together. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

We will walk toward the tomb with the women expecting to anoint the body of the crucified Jesus, only to be astonished with them when the they discover the tomb is empty. We will be invited to respond to the question asked of them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” In this, we will consider where we look for life – in places of death or life. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Have you ever had moments when you think it's over? That nothing can ever rise from the dead? Such was the state of mind when they placed Jesus in that tomb. It was a moment devoid of hope, when everything had fallen apart. Who can blame them for thinking this way? The idea of resurrection was not on their minds, at least not in this way. This is why “They went home and prepared the spices and perfumes.” All they could do was honor the dead in the way they always had. All they could do was mourn and grieve as the Sabbath approached. Because nothing would ever be the same. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Just before Jesus breathes his last, he quotes the Psalmist, “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” This Psalm is one that extols the goodness of God; speaking of God's refuge, protection and salvation. What a curious thing. Jesus, at the point of his death after enduring torture and hours on the cross conjures words that point to that? Perhaps there is something worth meditating on here as Jesus, even at death, shows his total trust in God. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Jesus is nailed to the execution stake where passersby hurl insults at him and mock him. Crucifixion was not just the most horrifc forms of execution ever created, it was designed to be humiliating as well. This is why crucifixions were such public affairs. For those who wanted Jesus dead all along, they now had the chance to watch this man - who seemingly attempted to upset the prevailing order – die. But for some reason that was not enough. So they mocked him, laughing in the midst of his suffering. But in the midst of it all, the writer is whispering to us that it is precisely because he is king, because he will rebuild the temple, because he refused to save himself that he is saving others – these are the very reasons he stayed on that cross. This, proclaims the crucified Christ, is what the love of God looks like. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

From the moment Jesus stands in front of Pilate things feel quick and chaotic. Three somewhat significant charges are brought against Jesus. He's subversive, opposes paying taxes and claims to be a king. Pilate does little to address the situation and passes him off to Herod Antipas. Herod Antipas seemingly does less after a brief conversation and sends him back to Pilate. Pilate then tries to rid himself of the trouble by attempting to release him. But nothing seems to work. In the midst of all this, the chief priests are demanding he be put to death.  What seems to be happening here is an intensely political situation. People vying for power, working to ensure they can hold on to what they have and not upset anyone they rule over in order to keep the peace (and their position). And in the midst of all this, right there in the center, stands Jesus. One who barely speaks; one who knows something about power that they all miss. That power is not found by grabbing it, maneuvering for it or contesting for it, rather it is found in giving oneself for others. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

The trial begins with Jesus being asked if he is the Messiah; which means to be a king. And it's right there from the very beginning that we see this group wants Jesus to be guilty, not just in their eyes, but in the eyes of Rome. Because there could only be one king, Caesar. To claim kingship in the empire was seditious and called for execution. But Jesus gives them more, he is not just an ordinary king, he is one he will be seated with God in the life to come. This is a claim of the highest kingship one could imagine. His rule and reign is both political and spiritual. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Coming face to face with what we are capable of is often more than we can bear. This is the story of Peter. Hours before he declared his allegiance to Jesus even to the point of death. It's possible this is what Peter wanted to believe was true about him. But then, when faced with scrutiny and questions and speculation, what was true came spilling out of Peter. Denial, not just once but three times. In denying Jesus, he was confronted with the denial that lurked in his heart. Of course, this is not the end of the story … because in the days after the resurrection, Jesus reminded Peter of who he really was, even in the midst of his most egregious mistake.  Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Jesus' revolution was like nothing the world had ever seen. It was a revolution of love. At his arrest, some seemed to believe this was going to turn violent. And in one moment it did, when a disciple struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. But Jesus' response was different. He pointed to the fact that he was always with them, teaching and in the place of worship. These words suggest tenderness in the heart of Jesus. Something the authorities miss. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Luke gives us a startling picture of how agonizing Jesus' decision was to obey. He was in the place of the “olive press” – a place where olives were pressed and crushed. Jesus is compared to an olive being pressed and crushed with the oil being squeezed out of it.  Often, we abandon the humanity of Jesus and his agony in submitting to his God's will. This was not an easy prayer to pray, but it was one that Jesus prayed in faith. Luke shows us that no matter how difficult the decision we, through God, have the power to do it, even if, like the disciples, we at times fall asleep. Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Many agree that Jesus espouses a nonviolent ethic; instructing us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Which is why his instruction here has the power to be confusing. However, Jesus does not stop there. He quotes the prophet Isaiah saying, “And he was numbered with the transgressors …” Which is to say that there is a connection in his mind between using the sword and transgressions. The disciples have two swords, which for Jesus is enough to fulfill the prophecy and justify the Jewish authorities accusing him of being a rebel leader.  Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Just after Jesus serves the disciples, they embroil themselves in a debate about who is the greatest among them – obviously missing the point. Jesus' response is to instruct them that the Kingdom way is about serving not being served. And it is in the serving that greatness is found. While it may be easy to roll our eyes at the disciples, who are eternally dull, we may do well to consider how we often pursue being served first and foremost.  Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

The meal that is recorded here is a meal that the Church has celebrated for 2,000 years. Some have called it “The Lord's Supper,” others “Holy Communion,” and most traditionally “Eucharist.” But what does it all mean? Many recognize that it is represents the Body and the Blood of Jesus which was broken and poured out for us, but what should the people of God know? The meal that Jesus celebrated with his disciples was the traditional Seder meal in which he brought new meaning to the elements of the dinner. Like the Seder the people of God are commanded to “do this in remembrance” of Jesus. We will ask, “What are we remembering?” “Why is the meal so central to all streams in the historic, orthodox church?” We will dive deep into the historic underpinnings of this meal and explore why some traditions forbid all those who are not “one of them” from participating in this meal. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Judas is known for one thing: betrayal. He's an awful character in the Gospels; one who was Satan incarnate. While we assume we know his motives for betraying Jesus, perhaps we can take a step back from our assumptions. Did Judas really want Jesus dead? Or did he just miss Jesus' message, which led him to do the unthinkable?= Some recognize that Judas may well have been connected to the Zealots; those who wanted a violent revolution. If this is the case, is it possible Judas was trying to foment rebellion by getting Jesus arrested? Maybe if this happened, he and others would take up arms against their oppressor. Of course, we know the end of the story. That's not what happened. Worse yet, he missed another message of Jesus: forgiveness and restoration. He missed it all. How often do we, like Judas, miss the message and heart of Jesus? Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

There is something about religion that tempts us to appear good, right, attractive, and “holy” in our own way. This is often the result of submitting ourselves to outward performance and putting on a show for others. This is what Jesus points out about the “religious” in his day. As soon as the words leave his lips, an illustration happens right in front of them. Two offerings: one big but small and one small but big. Many immediately want to contrast this woman's faithfulness in giving all she had. And we should, for Jesus points to her faith. But some suggest a dark side to this story given Jesus' declaration about the religious “devouring widows' houses.” There is a sense that there is something wrong with the system of religion that leads her to act this way.  Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Spiritual Formation Pastor Hannah Thom leads us through an exploration of Luke 21:5-38. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Imagine telling and retelling a story that you knew nothing about. This is more than talking about the good ‘ol days. This is telling a story about a legendary king named David. Yet as you talked about him you felt the breath of the Romans over your shoulder.  At the same time, you had to tell these stories, because you knew that one day a son of David would come, and things would be like they used to be.   Jesus asks a question as to whether or not the Messiah would in fact be the Son of David.  He seems to say no.  Not in the sense of one who is descended from David, but more so in the sense that the Messiah would not be like David – a warrior king who was known for being a “man of blood.”  Jesus quotes this Psalm pointing out that he in fact is David's Lord.  He is not just different, he is greater.

Advent promises Immanuel. God with us. Which means we never really wait at all. We only need to pay attention. How will our perspective change if we recognize the promise of Advent is a reminder that God has been with us all along?   Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Months before Jesus was born, John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. It was then that Zechariah broke into a song, extolling the God who remembers. They had not only been waiting for the birth of a child, but like all those in their day, had been waiting for God to deliver them from their oppressors. And there may be a little play on words here as Zechariah means, “God remembers.” Indeed, God did. The wait, it seemed, was over.  In this teaching, we explore the idea that God remembers us … and this is the promise of Advent. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

God is not slow in keeping his promise, claims Peter. Of course, we can comment that God's conception of time and ours are two vastly different things. True. But Peter points toward God's heart and desire for us. That we would be those who change our minds (repent) and turn toward God. It seems that in some way, God is on the move, God is responding all the time. The question is whether or not we see it. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

There is a lot said in the Hebrew Scriptures about waiting on God. The word is qava and it expresses anticipation, hope, expectancy. And that this exactly what the season of Advent is about. It is a time when we wait expectantly, where in the midst of everything, we muster the courage and conviction to say, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.” Together we will explore introduce and explore the idea of waiting on God, and the discipline that is requires. A discipline into which we are invited in the Advent Season. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

There is a lot said in the Hebrew Scriptures about waiting on God. The word is qava and it expresses anticipation, hope, expectancy. And that this exactly what the season of Advent is about. It is a time when we wait expectantly, where in the midst of everything, we muster the courage and conviction to say, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.” Together we will explore introduce and explore the idea of waiting on God, and the discipline that is requires. A discipline into which we are invited in the Advent Season.   Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

This is one of the more ridiculous things you can think of, the Sadducees imagine they have invented the ultimate hypothetical situation. It's based on the Levirate law found in Deuteronomy 25. It served both economic and spiritual purposes. Either way, if this did happen then who is married to the widow in the life to come? Jesus' reply has several layers to it.  What he suggests is that one day we will all be full alive, just as we all are with God right now. This is why he is the God of the dead, but the God of the living. This has the power to reorient the way we live our lives now – from God's point of view. That all things are already alive. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

What is a “Jesus” response to rulers in our world? Especially governments we disagree with? How do we live an integrated life with dedication to the Kingdom? For so long tradition has taught that this passage suggests to us a “split” way of looking at life. It has been commonly understood to refer to politics and religion as two separate spheres. These verses have historically been used by monarchs and governments to demand full loyalty to them – for they are to “render to Caesar what is Caesar's.” However, when we read this story in context Jesus is by no means making any commentary about the way one approaches their specific government. Rather Jesus seems to be saying that “everything belongs to God” which means then, that nothing really belongs to Caesar.  Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

In this week's teaching with Jonathan Merritt, we explore John 2:1-11. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Just like the many who welcomed Jesus as King, so we welcome Jesus into our world, often forgetting he wants to welcome us into his. When will we give up on our way of doing things and remember, we cling to the hope that it has all been done! “Behold, I make all things new …” This is the promise that we cling to, uttered from the mouth of God. The question is will our life be found in Jesus? You see there are two realities we can cling to. The reality of God – that is happening right here and right now. One that transcends being proven and can only be trusted. Or we can default to the reality we can create.  And honestly, when we look at our world we have to ask, how well has humanity done in creating our reality? Our new world? This was what was at stake during the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. Some wanted Jesus to be this or that – they made him in their image to suit their vision of the world. They trusted in themselves. Yet Jesus came to invite others to trust in the world he has created and sustained.  Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Jesus goes wild in the temple. But given its sheer size, this was likely nothing more than a small skirmish off the side of the larger area. One that many barely noticed. And when he was done with his outburst, those buying and selling and exchanging money likely righted their booths and tables and kept on doing their thing.  What can get lost in all of this is the only words Jesus spoke, but they were not his words. They were the words of the prophet Jeremiah. In a tactic often employed by rabbis, Jesus quotes part of a verse as a reference to the larger context. Here, he quotes from Jeremiah 7 which is a full scale condemnation of those who practice evil, and still claim to worship God. It seems this is the one thing Jesus cannot tolerate is hypocrisy. Of course, we all do it, it's just whether we are willing to admit it. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

No one knows the future. We pretend as though we do: we make plans, schedule things in the distant future and spend time before we are ever granted it. This may be because the greatest terror for humans is not having a future. Perhaps this is why Jesus told his followers not to worry about the times and dates that God has set in place for us. This has the power to lead us to the place of nihilism, if we stop to consider we really don't know. Does it even matter? Of course, it matters. While Jesus was short on specifics, there is a picture of restoration that we are invited to consider. That though the temple was torn down, it will be rebuilt in three days. Even when we cannot go back, even when everything is ending … just wait that means something new is happening. Something that will outlive us. A future that is pulling us forward. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Something has ended … a plan, a strategy, a road map, a story, but what has been birthed is not yet clear. This is liminal space. It is the moment when we have not fully crossed the threshold into the new world, but stand over it with one foot in the world that has ended and the other foot in the world that is to come. Perhaps the best we can do is look back as a way of looking at the present and as a way of looking forward. In this, we just might find how to occupy this middle place in a healthy way and remain open to whatever may come. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Anytime the end of something arrives there is a sense that's things are over as we knew them. And while they may be true, the end of something also signals something new is on the horizon. Which is to say, anytime we face an ending or the end of something, that means it's the first step toward something new being born. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Jesus tells a parable about a master giving money to his servants. Too often we approach this from our modern, capitalistic, Western viewpoint. But the hint that this is not about money is found on the lips of the master when he returns … he praises his servants for being “faithful” not successful. These are two wildly different things and it would do us well to pay attention to this for a moment. To invest the master's money while he is gone seeking to become king is a vote of confidence the master will return as king. To bury the money until the master returns reflects a belief the master may not return as king, and it's best to wait it out and see what happens. The difference between the faithful and wicked servants is their belief and trust in the king. Which raises a question for the hearer of this story … “How are we using the gifts given to us?” Do our lives and the time we spend reflect our confidence in our king? Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

The famous children's song betrays the scandal behind the story of Zacchaeus. He was not just a “wee little man …” He was a corrupt businessman working on behalf of the Roman Empire. He exploited the poor, and furthered the oppression of Rome. And then Jesus, a “friend of sinners” and a “companion to the poor” wants to hang with him? Imagine what the poor may have thought. We are quick to point out how Jesus hung out with the “down-and-outers”, but what do we make of Jesus who hangs out with the “up-and-outers”. Too often the “other” are those who are different from us. But what if we are, in fact, the other? What if we have become so blind to who we are we are unable to see that Jesus crossed lines to hang out with people like us too – not just those who are not like us? Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

In this teaching, Lead Pastor Michael Hidalgo considers how Luke plays with the idea of sight- what it means to see Jesus for who he is, and how Jesus seeks to bring healing to everyone. In a moment of almost comic relief, Luke tells a story in which a blind fellow knows who Jesus is. He cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Several people responded by rebuking him and telling him to be quiet. Though they could see, they apparently were blind. No matter what they said, he would not keep quiet. So he kept shouting. It is then that Jesus stops the traffic and approaches the man who tells Jesus he wants to see. Of course, in some ways he already does. Jesus, having compassion, heals the man but he also heals the crowd to. As Luke writes with a 1st Century wink and a nod, “When all the people saw it, they also praised God.” Apparently, in the end, everyone truly sees. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

The disciples still seem so dull. Jesus tells them about his impending death and all they can dwell upon is what places of power they will have in the kingdom of heaven. They want to be sure that their name will be remembered.  Jesus tells them that it is in his death that he will be exalted. Jesus teaches them that the pursuit of the Kingdom is not about getting ahead, but about dying. In his case, the cup that has been given to him is one of suffering and death. Clearly his kingdom is from another world – where as citizens we are those who serve. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

There is nothing wrong with being rich; it is what can happen to those who acquire wealth that is Jesus' focus in Luke 18:18-30: that we can become slaves to it.  Instead of owning it – it can own us. This is the reminder that God gives to his people in Deuteronomy 8 when he warns them never to think that they have created their wealth, but to remember that God is the one who has given it to them.  In this story we meet a young, wealthy, influential person who lacks one thing – the ability to walk away from his money. In his exchange with Jesus, we see that Jesus loves him. He is not mad, he does not roll his eyes, he does not condemn, rather he loves. He tells the man to give it all away – why? Because you can't enter the kingdom with all sorts of attachments, which asks the question, “How many times do we walk away from the loving gaze of Jesus?” Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Jesus says that "anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  And yet we make our faith journey about maturity, collection of knowledge, mental assent, moving through the stages of faith.  We are unable to live our faith with the wonder, awe, and imagination of a child.  We are unable to view and approach God with this perspective and with this posture.  But, what does it mean to live in this way?   Does it mean not learning and growing in our understanding of God...staying simple, naive, and immature?  No, it is all about understanding our relationship to and with God. Understanding we are first and foremost His children and that we are in a relationship, not a fact gathering, learn all you can, knowledge-based interaction.  What does our faith journey look like if we do this?  And how can we continue to approach God in relationship with a child's lens while living constantly wooed by the kingdoms of this world?  We'll explore these ideas.  Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

We live in a culture that has placed “being right” on the top of the list of important things for us. Being right about politics, about religion, about cultural issues … we are so intense about this we can even lose sight of the true conversation at hand. And so we have Jesus speaking to those who are “confident in their own rightness.” He tells them a story … The trick with this story is the one who says, “I am wrong” is actually the one who is right. And this is the difficulty for the hearer. All of us are wrong, in some way, shape or form. Whether it's the way we live our lives, the things we think, say or do … we all must cry out for mercy. To do this takes humility and a faith strong enough to say “I may be wrong.” How would our world look if we were those who held “our own rightness” loosely? What would it be like if we were those who fell to the ground, beat our breast and spoke boldly of our failure and need for mercy? Perhaps this kind of action would be transformational, not just for us, but for those who experienced this kind of person. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Guest teacher  Kent Dobson leads us in exploring the parable of the sower. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Guest teacher Paula Williams leads us in exploring the parable of the prodigal son.   Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Guest teacher Michelle Cazas leads us in an exploration of the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Guest teacher Cassie Lynch leads us in an exploration of Matthew 13:45-46. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Spiritual Formation Pastor Hannah Thom explores the parable of the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18 Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Ten lepers yell to Jesus. There are all sorts of reasons they are likely “at a distance” most of which are found in the Law and its attending rules to ensure the disease does not spread. This time, Jesus does not seem to draw closer. Rather he gives them a command in keeping with the religious norms of his day, “Go show yourself to the priest …” And they do. On the way all of them are healed of their leprosy, exactly how, no one knows. This is what prompts one of them to not only disobey Jesus' clear command, but to flaunt it by running back to Jesus, throwing himself on the ground and giving thanks. It turns out, while the others are healed and likely reintegrated into the life of society, only one finds salvation. That being the one who was disobedient. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Jesus speaks in serious tones about sin – both the commission of and forgiveness of – as he should. Both subjects he addresses are serious business. The first is a warning, the second is an admonition. What seems puzzling is how they fit together at all. Maybe this can be discovered in the response of the disciples when they ask Jesus, “Increase our faith!” They recognize what is common to the human condition; that we do cause others to stumble – even the innocent ones – and often find forgiveness next to impossible. Perhaps both are only available when faith is given us. Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp