Christ Church Jerusalem

We are now in the Pentecost season and we’re celebrating the very Person who creates, sustains, and renews all of life. Sadly, many of us think of the Holy Spirit as an abstract power largely there for our blessing or equipping. But more than just being the source of gifts, it is through that Spirit that we are given the indwelling Presence of divine (eternal) life that we share with the Father and the Son. When Jesus talks about this indwelling He connects this reality to love, preventing us from treating our relationship with Him and with one another as something for our own benefit. And just as the Holy Spirit continually renews the creation He will continually renew us. Our readings today point the way to respond to that invitation.

The festival of Shavuot (Pentecost, lit. weeks) celebrates one of the most glorious events in Scripture – God’s revelation at Sinai. Once we grasp that glory is the tangible manifestation of God’s presence and goodness, we gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings in John’s gospel, where he promises to share His glory with us. This is not a mystical experience that falls out of the sky but it comes when we imitate Him in love and unity.

There is an unceasing human longing to return to Eden, and in virtually every generation since our expulsion we have hoped to regain a paradise lost. Yet our ultimate destination is not a garden, but a city – the New Jerusalem. The imagery of this place where God will finally dwell with his people is of a garden-city, dazzling with precious jewels, healing trees, and a crystal clear river flowing over pure gold. We may be tempted to think of this like a fairy-tale, except that Paul reminds us of all that we’ve already received in the Holy Spirit – and it’s just a downpayment of glorious things to come. (Eph. 1)

Secular historian Tom Holland has shown how the Christian revolution and its concept of sacrificial love has changed our world – so much so that we tend to take it for granted. Yet while love remains central to our lives and culture, it is often misunderstood and distorted. Jesus commands his friends to love one another as he loved them, and in John's gospel we see how it's practical and concrete: Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman; his provision at the wedding at Cana; how he deals with Judas, and more ... Passages in Deuteronomy help us understand Jesus’ biblical concept of love and reject the way our modern culture distorts and practices “love."

Love for Jesus as a prerequisite for a life of peace and serenity and as the basis for service in the kingdom of God that is acceptable to God.

Love for Jesus as a prerequisite for a life of peace and serenity and as the basis for service in the kingdom of God that is acceptable to God.

Peter and Paul stand as shocking examples of grace—one denied Christ, the other persecuted Him. Yet Jesus comes to both not with condemnation, but with a call: “Follow me.” Peter is restored with a meal and a mission: “Feed my sheep.” Saul, struck blind, is given new sight and sent to proclaim the very name he tried to destroy. Their stories remind us: God doesn't call the worthy—He calls the willing. And following Jesus means not escaping suffering, but sharing in it for the sake of the gospel.

Peter’s sermon at Caesarea proclaimed the reality of the Resurrection that should shape culture, politics and everyday life. That message is just as relevant for us today as we face many of the same issues. We have a high calling to live in the light and power of the Resurrection and carry the Good News of God to the world.

Holy Saturday Eve Service 2025 | Rev. John Arnold by Christ Church Jerusalem

Good Friday Message 2025

Luke is the only Gospel that reports Jesus weeping over Jerusalem upon his triumphal entry. In that account, Jesus warns that the city he loves is rushing towards a self-inflicted disaster. Often we assume Jerusalem was judged because of Jesus’ crucifixion. But Jesus explains that Jerusalem not only failed to recognize the “time of God’s visitation”, but also did not know what made for peace – putting his teachings into practice. For much of Church history we have vilified the Jewish people for “rejecting Jesus” without asking if we, in essence, do the same. Do we fail to take the words of Jesus seriously? Do we fail to notice when God comes to us in renewal or judgment? We also need to remember that the same Jesus who wept when he foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem also prophesied that a day of restoration was coming!

Joshua meets a person outside the walls of Jericho. This person has him remove sandals and bow. In this message we look at who this is and why his holiness changes us.

On God’s pathway we take one step of obedience at a time and only after reaching the destination are we able to look back and see how it all was connected. A burning bush (a call) was God’s response to a cry for deliverance. God’s plan involved the man Moses who had learned key lessons while shepherding in the desert for 40 years. There is no time wasted in God’s kingdom- long waiting is essential for transformation and preparation. Sometimes God will send us deliverance in unusual ways when we cry out and we need to be watchful and discerning so we don’t miss it or reject it.

Part 2 - When God gives Jesus Identity as Gods son and significance as being pleasing, Satan sets about questioning Jesus identity and earning his significance.

When God gives Jesus Identity as Gods son and significance as being pleasing, Satan sets about questioning Jesus identity and earning his significance.

The Transfiguration is not only about seeing Jesus changed but how we become changed when we truly see him. Luke shows us why and how this happens to Peter and to us.

The two Witnesses | Revelation 11 with Phil Morrow by Christ Church Jerusalem

in the face of darkness and despair, Paul gives us a message of hope by talking about Death’s defeat and how through this truth we can face anything!

Agabus & Many Others | Acts 8-21 with Phil Morrow by Christ Church Jerusalem

Our Gospel passage highlights the role of the Spirit in the ministry of Jesus in both prophetic utterance and the working of miracles. These Scriptures challenge us to examine the true nature of prophecy and the dangers to those who exercise the gifts of the Spirit while ignoring Jesus’ teaching.