Denver Community Church

July 29, 2012: Hope in the Lord – Daniel White Hodge

July 22, 2012: Proposing Jesus – Jim Liske

July 15, 2012: Healing Shame – Mike Tucker

July 8, 2012: A Prayer for the City – Jeff Johnson

July 1, 2012: Surfing For God – Michael Cusick

June 24, 2012: It's No Secret – Michael Hidalgo

Throughout the book of Mark Jesus continually told people to “Not say anything.” This is in regard to healings, miracles, or about his true identity as Messiah. The reader of the gospel is forced to wrestle through this seemingly “cryptic” command. Over the centuries scholars and theologians have referred to this theme in the book as the “Markan Secret.”

In the last verses of the book Jesus, who had been crucified, raises from the dead. Three women discover the empty tomb and are greeted by an angel who tells them what has happened. Finally we see the words “go, tell …” At last! Everyone will know who Jesus is … yet Mark finishes his gospel on a devastating note. “They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. 

This is the final statement for us to consider together. Asking ourselves the question – “Will we go and tell?”

June 17, 2012: Love on the Cross – Michael Hidalgo

There is simply no greater act of love in the history of humankind than that of Jesus hanging, bleeding, and dying on a Roman instrument of torture. In many ways we have sanitized the cross, for in many traditions there is no longer a crucifix just a cross. Yes, we must always remember that Sunday follows Friday, but we must also dwell on Friday. For without the death there is no resurrection. 

What if we place Jesus back on the cross? What would that do to our perception of this? What would that do to the way we view Sunday? As beloved sons and daughters we should tremble and the whole community quake when contemplating the cross and the Friday we call good. Brennan Manning suggests that “organized religion has domesticated the crucified Lord of Glory in to a tame theological symbol. He does not disturb our comfortable piety.”

June 10, 2012: Coronation for a King – Dave Neuhausel

Jesus is condemned to die for claiming a title that, in the minds of the Romans, was not his to claim. He was the “King of the Jews.” As such, in a mocking display the Roman guards decided to mock him and coronate him as king.

June 3, 2012: Order in the Court – Michael Hidalgo

Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin and before the Temple authorities. This is more than a passing detail. If the racket they were running was to remain they had to get rid of this rebel named Jesus. This is what Mark tells us the people at the house of Caiaphas wanted to do. He tells the reader that there was nothing in this trial having to do with justice – only ensuring the death of Jesus. 

During this “trial” witnesses attempt to discredit Jesus and find a reason to get rid of him. In the end it seems that Jesus seals his own fate by speaking what the Sanhedrin found to be “blasphemy.” The irony of course is that it was the Sanhedrin that blasphemed by speaking against Jesus – the Son of God.

May 27, 2012: One Kiss – Michael Hidalgo

Did Judas really betray Jesus, or is it at all possible Jesus betrayed Judas?

What if Judas, in an attempt to remain faithful, actually betrayed Christ?