Author: Timothy Ensworth

Grace

Grace (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Ephesians 2:4-10
April 8, 2018

Craig Driver, Jo Tefft, Leah Reisinger, Steve Peters.  This is who we are, the people gathered in this particular room at this particular hour, each of us bringing our own stories: stories of finding our way, some of us having an easier time of it, some of us a harder time; stories of making a living and making a life, of falling down and rising up, of gaining and of losing; stories of leaving our mark and of being marked by the people who come into our lives.… Continue reading ...

Terrified

Terrified (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 16:8
April 1, 2018

They went out and ran from the tomb, distressed and terrified.  They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

It would have been easier if they had found what they were looking for.  It would have been easier if they had found the lifeless body of Jesus right where it had been laid just two days before.… Continue reading ...

Filled with alarm

Filled with alarm (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 10:32-34
March 18, 2018

Jesus and his disciples were now on the road going up to Jerusalem.  Jesus was going ahead of the disciples, who were filled with alarm …

Jesus was ahead, ahead of them on the road.  He did not hesitate.  His mind was made up. … Continue reading ...

Still running the race of faith

Still running the race of faith (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Hebrews 12:1-2
Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
March 11, 2018

Happy anniversary!

We are glad to be invited to help you celebrate the 27th anniversary of Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.  We were here two years ago on a Sunday morning to celebrate your 25th anniversary. … Continue reading ...

From the depths

From the depths (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 7:31-27; 8:11-13
March 4, 2018

Sigh …

What is a sigh?  It is a letting go, a release of air, a release of built up pressure.  It might be a release of the pressure of built up anxiety, a sigh of relief: “Whew.”  Or it might be a release of the pressure of disappointed expectations, a sigh of resignation: “Oh, well.” … Continue reading ...

Surprised

Surprised (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 6:1-6
February 25, 2018

Jesus was surprised.  Are you surprised Jesus was surprised?  I mean, after all, isn’t he the Son of God?  Mark says it right at the beginning of his gospel:

This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

And, if Jesus is God’s Son, wouldn’t he know everything? … Continue reading ...

An emotional Jesus

An emotional Jesus (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 3:1-6
February 18, 2018

Are you an emotional person?  I hope you are.

When we use the word “emotional” to describe someone, we often mean it not in a good way.  An “emotional” person is unpredictable, unsteady, flighty, sometimes even out of control.  Out of control because their emotions take over. … Continue reading ...

The church’s one foundation

The church’s one foundation (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 8:27-29, 1 Corinthians 3:9-17
February 11, 2018

I am going to read the scripture lesson once more, and I want you to listen carefully, because there will be a quiz!  You may follow along if you would like on page 1372 in the Good News Bible, because this will be an open book quiz!… Continue reading ...

God and the “gods”

God and the “gods” (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 9:38-41
February 4, 2018

There is no “them.”

Say it with me!  “There is no ‘them.’”  Let the words rest in your mouths.  Let the words rest in your minds.  Let the words rest in your hearts.  There is no “them.”

What does it mean?  It means there is no “us” and “them.” … Continue reading ...