First Presbyterian Church Muscatine Sermons

Spiritual Discernment

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:22:17 GMT

Spiritual Discernment liberates us from the tyranny of having to make our own decisions. It allows us to participate with God in what God is already doing in the world. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.

Blessed

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:15:07 GMT

Jesus was given the name Jesus which means salvation. So we who carry his name are blessed, not by anything we have done, but through the gift of this child.

Coming Home

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:20:21 GMT

The birth of Jesus means that we are at home with God. So our primary identity is that we are children of God and this is, thank God, not dependent upon us or our actions. God has made us to be at home through the incarnation, God-with-us.

Extravagant Generosity

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:45:07 GMT

Generous giving is the miracle that saves us from the tyranny of having to spend all of our money on ourselves. Generous giving is where the Lord chooses to build the Holy Temple.

Sheep & Goats

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:31:29 GMT

Christ is the Lord of all creation, and that includes your pocketbook. But don't give because you feel guilty, give as a joyful response to the good news that Jesus, and no earthly power, is ruler of all.

Christian Stewardship - Dillon

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:29:47 GMT

Think of the children

Stewardship

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:28:43 GMT

Stewardship Testimony from Al Airola Sunday November 13, 2011. Tithing can be achieved and once it is achieved there is a sense of joy.

God-Given Talents

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:20:14 GMT

Stewardship from a 20-something perspective--we give so that we share our talents rather than burying them.

The Great Congregation

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:32:53 GMT

You are signficant, but not in the way you normally think of yourself.

Beyond Rules

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:24:38 GMT

We know the greatest commandment that Jesus gives, but we actually live our own great commandments. Jesus tells us that our own rules are fine, but we need to move beyond them to love so that our lives may be properly ordered, or hung on the right two hinges: love of God and love of others.

What To Do at Weddings

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:42:09 GMT

What if you threw a party and no one showed up? Or what if people came to the party, what do you expect them to do once they do arrive? Faith is more than showing up, it is about falling in love with the groom and being changed. So wear the wedding robe!

Faithful Fruitful

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 16:44:04 GMT

We are often told "Be Grateful," but this is hard to do unless we understand that everything is a gift. When we do, gratitude becomes the key ingredient to a well-lived life. Gratitude enables us to be faithful and fruitful.

Rock Staff Water

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:39:26 GMT

Lord knows there are always those who will be the "first murmurers," but God is looking for "first followers". First followers are those who help others connect to God. They make God's crazy ideas like drinking water from a rock seem a lot less crazy. Are you with me?

Raining Bread

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:12:05 GMT

The Lord leads people out of slavery in Egypt but they soon find themselves hungry. God teaches them to depend upon their daily bread in the wilderness, rather than the memory of how well they ate as slaves. The result is that the people begin to learn to trust God alone. What daily bread is nourishing you to grow more faithful?

Too Deep for Words

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:27:00 GMT

How best to show love and care for those who are suffering? Preached in the framework of the concept of "future stories," the teaching by Dr. Andrew Lester in his book Hope and Pastoral Care.

The Way of Self-Giving

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 22:16:29 GMT

The story of Abram separating from Lot sets us down the path of self-giving, which we see most in Jesus. In a world that is so divided in politics and religion, the Better Way of Jesus gives us challenge and hope.

The Better Way

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 16:15:26 GMT

Our current political and religoius dialogue has diminished to shouting, standoffs and shootings. But the Word teaches us The Better Way, the command to love our enemies, turn the other cheek and sit and eat with our rivals.

What Is Your Name?

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 22:50:08 GMT

Last in the series Genesis & Human Nature. Part Four "What Is Your Name?" Story of the Tower of Babel. We now see the logical conclusion of the fall from the Garden of Eden. Now people, attempting to make a name for themselves, try to rebuild the garden. Yet their self-centerdness leaves them scattered and unable to communicate with each other. NOTE: prepared Dialogue with manuscripts between Alex and David in 3 parts: What? Why? Who?

What Have You Done?

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:27:37 GMT

Third in series "Genesis & Human Nature," entitled "What Have You Done?" The story of Cain & Abel as we explore what the Bible teaches us about human nature and our relationship with God.

Where Are You?

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:06:28 GMT

Series: Genesis Stories & Human Nature. Part Two: Where Are You? While we are created in the image of God, human nature is to reach beyond our created limits in an effort to be like God. The story of the Garden of Eden is the essential story in understanding human nature. NOTE: This is a dialogue sermon between two preachers. We had no manuscript. Setting: the two of us sitting down at the communion table as if it were Tuesday afternoon in my office, when we sit down and plannout the sermon together. Our planning of the sermon was the sermon itself.

Who Are You?

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:53:38 GMT

First in a Series entitled Genesis & Human Nature. Part One: "Who Are You?" Alex and David have a dialogue (prepared manuscript) exploring what it means to be created in God's image, and what that means for us in our everyday lives.

Brazil Program PRECE

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:00:27 GMT

Testimony by Carol Avendano, guest from Brazil, as she talks about the PRECE program in Brazil. The Presbytery of East Iowa has a relationship with Presbyterians in Brazil and much of our support goes to this vital ministry.

O Rest in the Lord

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:33:22 GMT

Our summer musician Linsy DePooter singing "O Rest in the Lord" from Elijah by Mendelssohn. Offertory Music for Sunday July 10, 2011

Raising the Standard

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 03:48:02 GMT

There is a continunity in the Bible. From Leviticus, to Romans to Jesus we get the message that we are called to be holy, to be Christ-like, to be transformed. Love for God has implications in the real world starting with loving our neighbor as ourselves. So it's not trying to be perfect. Rather, faith is participation in the holiness of God. NOTE: Preached and recorded at Wesley United Methodist Church using their sound equipment for our annual July joint worship service of word and table. July 3, 2011.

Ordinary Grace

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:17:48 GMT

We often think of sins, but in Romans Paul speaks of sin, and encourages us live in the way of grace in the everyday, ordinary events of normal life.

Drinking One Spirit

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 19:20:22 GMT

We didn't create church, church was given as a gift to us by the Holy Spirit. So it is not essential that we all agree on the issues of the day. We can disagree and still be church together because we were called to drink of the one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12).

A Spiritual House

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 22 May 2011 19:32:44 GMT

The church has a lot to celebrate because of what God does week after week in our midst. Celebrating helps us in our community formation, so we know more fully who we are: that we have been blessed and that we are a blessing. We are a living stones being built into a spiritual house for God.

Trusting the Promise

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 15 May 2011 19:04:49 GMT

We can know all the right facts, but see none of the meaning. An encounter with the Risen Lord, no matter how brief, shows us to see that the end may may be a new beginning.

Finding Pasture

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 08 May 2011 04:51:01 GMT

Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly. We have to practice this type of LIFE, because it is very different than our normal and initial human responses. Resurrection often puts us at odds with the headlines.

Experiencing the Unexpected

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 06:14:36 GMT

Our tendency to seek security can protect us from life, but the resurrection teaches us that we wil find life in unexpected places. Earthquakes connect us to the ever-present Realm of God.

Just Another Voice in the Crowd

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:11:05 GMT

We read the Passion narrative and find our place between the "Hosannas" of Palm Sunday and the "Alleluias" of Easter.

Your Rod and Your Staff

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:29:53 GMT

We don't have to be scared of the dark. God is with us in the shadow of the valley of death. Even the rod and staff are good news, because without limits and guidance, we wouldn't know where to go.

Journey By Stages

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:17:16 GMT

The journey with God is not just about giving thanks to God when life is good and going the way you like it to go. The journey with God is also about testing and quarreling, because it is in those times that we learn who we are and whose we are.

Lifted Up

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:16:40 GMT

Most of us are like Nicodemus. We long to be lifted up, to feel that we too are full of new life.

The Word of the Lord

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 21:22:41 GMT

When Jesus found himself in the wilderness, his answer was not to try harder. His answer to the tempter was to rely upon the Word Of God. We are not called to churn cream into butter. We are called to be steeped in the Word.

One With God

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:23:52 GMT

Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday. The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain may seem really weird to us, but it is actually our view into what is truly real.

In the Year of our Lord 2050

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 16:06:02 GMT

Part Four of Four in a series "Christianity, Judaism, and Islam." Part Four, "In the Year of Our Lord 2050" explores Christianity in the 21st Century, the challenges and the opportunities. The purpose of the series is that we grow in our Christian faith, even as we encounter other religions.

Islam and the Family Tree

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:41:38 GMT

Part Three of Four of the series "Christianity, Judaism and Islam." Part Three covers the basics of Islam. The purpose of the series is to grow in our Christian faith even as we encounter other religions.

God Is One

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 15:03:08 GMT

Part Two of Four in the series Christian, Judaism and Islam. God is One covers the some basics of Jewish faith. The purpose of the series is to grow in our Christian faith even as we encounter other religions.

The Great Prayer

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:46:08 GMT

Part 1 of 4 of series: Christianity Judaism and Islam. Part One "The Great Prayer" covers the basics of Christianity, as seen in the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving that we do with Communion. The purpose of the series is to grow in our Christian faith even as we encounter other religions.

God's Foolishness and the State of the Church

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:21:12 GMT

Why do birds sing in January? Don't they know how cold it is? Jesus invites us to live the Beatitude Life, a present state of blessedness with a future of hope. God wants us to be fools who sing in winter, because we know spring is coming.

Turning Around

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:10:27 GMT

We get used to standing and looking one way out of habit. But the call from Jesus involves turning around and getting a new perspective.

God's Radical Hospitality

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 23:30:00 GMT

The birth of Jesus opens up a portal so that we can experience the Kingdom of God all around us. It means that God is creating a home for us here on earth, showing us how to do radical hospitality.

Slowing Down

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 23:14:23 GMT

In the middle of some crazy driving during the busy Christmas shopping season, I've learned that God is asking us to slow down so that we may pay attention to what God is already doing in the world. Slow down, perhaps even say no to something, so that we can be free to sing with Mary songs of praise.

Paying Attention

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:56:45 GMT

Advent calls us to pay attention so that we may see Jesus who came as a "light unto the world."

Simple Living Grateful Giving 2 Living Our Praise

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 22:21:52 GMT

Zacchaeus stopped living the lies of "there is not enough" and "more is better" and gave away half of his possessions. Stewardship is the joyous response of giving out of gratitude. It allows us to become the people (and church) that God created us to be.

O God Our Help In Ages Past

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 15:34:12 GMT

Choir singing hymn "O God Our Help in Ages Past" with introduction by character of Isaac Watts, describing his life and origin of the hymn.

Simple Living Grateful Giving

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:22:36 GMT

Our lives are easily cluttered, and this clutter often creeps into holy places, preventing us from being rich toward God. It's not a question of "Is There Enough?" The question is "What do we do with our abundance?"

Jesus' Greatest Hits: Forgiveness

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 03:53:42 GMT

Forgiveness is a scandal because it is not up to us who God loves and who God forgives. Jesus teaches us that it is better to be loved that it is to be right. Stories have the power to change the world, but we have to start in our own front yard and with our own families.

Jesus' Greatest Hits: Hospitality

muscpastor@gmail.com (David Ivie) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:26:58 GMT

Jesus describes what it is like to have everything you ever wanted, but to lack the one thing that you need. Hospitality is not good manners, it is opening your heart to receive a stranger into your life.