Denver Community Church

March 4, 2012: Positive Negativity – Michael Hidalgo

Paul once said that he was “not ashamed of the gospel.” This is simply another way of saying, “I confess …” He can do this because he realizes that there is no shame in the truth because as he says, “Hope does not put to shame.” Paul is telling those who listen – not that “he isn’t embarrassed to share the gospel with other people.” He is stating emphatically that “with the gospel he will not be put to shame.” This is because of the power of the gospel. 

All of this means one thing: for the Christian there is no place for shame. This is why Jesus is never ashamed to call humans his brothers. When God looks at us he is not disappointed, ashamed, embarrassed – he can’t be because he took that shame with him to the cross. 

February 26, 2012: Jon Gettings

What happens when you have hidden shame, guilt, and sin in your life?

February 22, 2012: Ash Wednesday – Michael Hidalgo

February 19, 2012: A Vision for DCC – Michael Hidalgo

There is something about religion that is almost competitive. We all seem to want to appear good, right, attractive, and “holy” in our own way. This is often the result of submitting ourselves to “group think” or accepted collective thinking. 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

February 12, 2012: David's Son – Michael Hidalgo

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.

February 5, 2012: The Greatest – Michael Hidalgo

Central to the Jewish people is the prayer/confession found in Deuteronomy 6 called the shema – from the Hebrew word “hear.” This is the first word of the prayer. By saying this, one was “taking on the Kingdom of heaven.” Taking on the Kingdom is the foundational and first step toward living the commandments. This is why Jesus’ reply reflects that the shema is the most important command. In living out this command we submit ourselves to the rule and reign of God – which as Jesus knew is the basis for obedience to all the commandments.

January 29, 2012: Redeeming Our Work – Brian Gray

January 22, 2012: Living Dead – Michael Hidalgo

How are we to understand resurrection?

January 15, 2012: Images – Michael Hidalgo

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. 

January 8, 2012: Taking the Vineyard Back – Michael Hidalgo

This parable of Jesus cuts to the core of his reason for coming to earth. He points out that those who are in leadership are perpetrating a system of utter corruption. They are like wolves who are destroying the sheep. Like greedy tenants who are unwilling to give up the vineyard that was never their anyway. 

Jesus “steps into the pulpit” as a prophet. In referencing the “vineyard” he is speaking openly about the people of Israel (Isa 5). The tenants then are the ones responsible for it, and they are the ones that will be dealt with. Throughout the prophets there are messages from God telling the corrupt / oppressive leaders they will be judge. Jesus says, “Now is the time.”