Denver Community Church

January 19, 2025: It’s Not the Show You Think It Is - Michael Hidalgo

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

January 12, 2025: Our Eternal Hope - Hannah Thom

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

January 5, 2025: Who is Who and Why Am I Asking? - Paula Williams

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.

December 24, 2024: Christmas Eve // There is No Waiting - Michael Hidalgo

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

December 22, 2024: Advent: How Long O Lord? // When God Remembers

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

December 15, 2024: Neither Fast Nor Slow - Hannah Thom

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

December 8, 2024: I’m Waiting for You - Michael Hidalgo

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

December 1, 2024: I’m Waiting for You - Cassie Lynch

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

November 24, 2024: That’s Quite a Scenario - Hannah Thom

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

November 17, 2024: It Does Not Belong to Him - Michael Hidalgo

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