Denver Community Church

June 16, 2024: The One About Love - Ashlee Eiland

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

June 9, 2024: You Gotta Have Faith - Michael Hidalgo

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

June 2, 2024: Now and Then - Jonathan Merritt

Luke has spent the last couple chapters of his book recounting primarily parables that deal with a specific subject matter from a number of angles. We the hypocrisy of selective compassion under the guise of Sabbath law (14.1-6); a parable about choosing exaltation or humility (14.7-11); another parable about a banquet that the rich miss out on because of the distraction of their lives, but which happens anyway (14.16-24); a collection of brief parables about knowing the cost of one’s actions and choices or the exercising of wisdom (14.24-35); then an entire chapter dedicated to the extravagant celebration of lost being found and the distant being brought near (15); followed by a parable asking us to identify which master we really serve (16.1-14); and finally a parable where we see a man who demonstrates what has been amiss in all these other examples…there is something described as a “chasm set in place” that keeps him from entering plenty, beauty and peace (16.26).

Jesus gives us picture after picture of this very thing. Whether related to money or status or acceptance, it seems that some are in a place to take hold of this Kingdom of Heaven while, for others, this Kingdom seems wholly beyond their grasp. They won’t grasp the Kingdom, but it seems as if they all are grasping for something…and their lack of wisdom means they can’t seem to see that while they pursue, serve and death grip this other thing they have no room to take hold of the life they really seek (Phil 2 – Jesus didn’t grasp).

Richard Rohr says that most people will not ever give themselves over to the kind of death of discipleship that Jesus talks about because we simply cannot die to two things: our sense of separateness and our sense of superiority. Here, a rich man, even in death cannot let go, refuses to die, and insists on the very separation that he is condemned to. There is a chasm, but is it one God has set in place or us? Is it possible that, like CS Lewis suggests, God condemns people only insofar as he gives us what we want. If a Kingdom is truly for everyone then those who cannot stand to include all and share freely will find themselves excluded by their own sense of separation and superiority. There is no room for superiority in compassion.

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

May 26, 2024: Until ____ Do Us Part - Hannah Thom

The topic of divorce is one that has been hotly debated for years. Some say you can, others say you can only if, and still others say “never.” If we look at the words of Jesus he seems to be quite strict. The debate of divorce existed in Jesus’ day too. One side said, “If your wife burns the toast you can divorce her.” The other side said, “Only in the case of marital unfaithfulness.”

When we see other accounts of Jesus’ teaching he too leaves room for unfaithfulness. But what does that mean? We will explore this complex issue not by examining divorce – but examining the implications of marriage and all that entails.

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

May 19, 2024: The Virtue of a Good Swindle - Michael Hidalgo

In 16.1-15, we find one the most bizarre parables out there. A dishonest man is praised by Jesus. What are we to make of it? Some have said this is Jesus’ way of encouraging his disciples to act and behave in an unethical manner. But this would obviously go against everything else Jesus taught. Perhaps if we understand two perspectives in the parable it will help.

First, the viewpoint of the master toward the shrewd manager. There is nothing about the master that affirms, appreciated or admires the actions of the steward. If anything, he denounces his actions. But he recognizes the manager’s wisdom, which raises the question, “What was he so wise about?” And that question leads us to the viewpoint of the manager.

The manager had just dodged a bullet. As one who stole, his master could have done many things to him. From prison to selling his family into slavery there were multiple options. However, the master does none of that. Rather, he has mercy, which informs the manager. His actions after he is fired reflect his attitude toward the master. He can engage in risky behavior because he is confident in the goodness of the master. 

Do we have this same viewpoint as God? Of course, we are not to be those who sin so grace may abound, but are we those who trust more in God’s mercy than our goodness?

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

May 12, 2024: The Joy of Being Lost - Hannah Thom

The stories in Luke 15.1-32 are about the joy that comes with something that was lost being found. And the joy lies in the heart of the one who found it; the shepherd finding his sheep, the woman finding her home, and the father embracing his son. What was lost has been found, let’s celebrate. This points toward something that all of us should hold close: that Jesus is walking around looking everywhere, that he has a broom and is sweeping the house, he’s waiting and watching for his kids to head back home. All because he wants to celebrate.

Maybe the question these stories pose is whether we actually believe that to be true. A second question is, do we recognize we just might be lost? Because if we believe we are found, no finding is necessary and there is no party to be had.

May 5, 2024: The Beginning of a New Beginning - Michael Hidalgo

Lead Pastor Michael Hidalgo reads a heartfelt letter to the people of Denver Community Church, announcing his transition off of staff over the next 13 months. To view more information about our 13-month succession planning process, click here.

April 28 2024: A Meal for Everyone - Paula Williams

Meals were far more than simple “get-togethers” in Jesus’ day. They meant connection, identification and even went as far as meaning approval of the other. It is at a meal with some religious folks that Jesus tells a stunning parable about the inclusiveness of God’s heart. And what other story to tell at a meal than a story about a meal?

Jesus’ story tells a story about a king hosting a banquet and those who end up at the table are not those who everyone expected at the table. More than that, those who are supposed to be at the table are no longer welcome at the table.

This story reflects Jesus’ ministry while he was on earth. Always eating and spending time with the wrong people as a way of showing people that all are welcome at God’s table. This is not how we typically think. We often think about who is allowed at God’s table and we leave that decision up to our standards and regulations. Perhaps we need to ask – how big is God’s table?

April 21 2024: Is This Seat Taken? - Michael Hidalgo

In this teaching, we discuss our insatiable desire for more in contrast with Jesus’ exhortation to pursue less.  There is a subtle image Luke deals here about this man who is suffering, whose particular illness was associated with craving and desire. When he is healed, Jesus then speaks about the craving for status and prestige that exists among those left at the table: the pursuit of this sort of thing will only end in humiliation. Jesus says that instead one should seek the low places, the humble places, and at the same time have a high view of others who are often relegated to the low places by those in places of status. This is where the values of the Kingdom begin to show. It is upside down compared to the values of the prevailing culture about working our way to the top.

NOTE: The audio during the first 30 seconds is distorted due to a capture issue on our end. At just after 30 seconds, you will receive clearer audio. 

April 14 2024: A Lament for Everyone - Hannah Thom

The Pharisees, often seen as opponents of Jesus give him a warning about a mutual enemy, Herod Anitpas. He apparently wants Jesus dead. Jesus’ reply is not one of flattery, referring to him as a fox. In rabbinic literature, the fox was a contrast to the mighty lion, connected to deception and preying on the “chicks” to which Jesus refers. Jesus stands firm declaring what he is called to do, come what may. 

His resolve then gives way to sorrow as he cries out, “ … how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate.” This cry echoes the words found on the lips of Hecuba in the work of Euripides penned some 500 years before. A cry of lament upon seeing the city of Troy destroyed. This points toward the prophetic word Jesus speaks, his understanding that Jerusalem, like Troy will be destroyed. And Jesus’ response? Sorrow for all of those who call Jerusalem home. 

In our current cultural moment, “speaking truth to power” often comes with an edge. This in contrast with the heart we see in Jesus – one that is broken and heavy for others. Maybe this is the picture we need to grapple with asking ourselves if we have sorrow for others in the manner and the way Jesus did.