Mosaic Wadsworth with Pastor Adam Barton

Week 5 of the sermon series "The Table," Pastor Adam explores the significance of the table in Jesus' ministry and its symbolic importance in building relationships and fostering community. This message dives into the biblical story of Jesus at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), where he performs his first miracle by turning water into wine. This act prevents a social disaster and underscores several key themes: Jesus' responsiveness to human needs, the importance of faith and obedience, and the transformative power of Jesus’ miracles. The sermon concludes by encouraging us to bring even their smallest troubles to Jesus, trust in his provisions, and recognize the deeper spiritual implications of Jesus' actions.

In week four of The Table, Pastor Adam stresses that often there is a gap between who we think we are and who we really are, which can lead to dissatisfaction and pain. Drawing from the biblical story of Mary and Martha, the sermon explores how our actions are deeply influenced by our perceived identities. Martha, distracted and stressed over her duties, contrasts with Mary, who is commended for choosing to listen to Jesus, representing the peace that comes from knowing one's true identity in Christ. The sermon concludes by encouraging the congregation to embrace their identity as defined by God, not by societal standards or personal achievements, highlighting the freedom and stability that comes from this understanding.

In week three of The Table, Pastor Adam delves into the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19 to illustrate the profound human need for acceptance and belonging, emphasizing the role of Christians in fulfilling this need for others. The sermon highlights how Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by his community, demonstrates unconditional love and acceptance. By inviting himself to Zacchaeus' home, Jesus not only acknowledges him but also prompts a transformative change in Zacchaeus, who commits his life to Jesus and to rectifying his wrongs. Adam challenges the congregation to emulate Jesus' example by engaging with those who are different or marginalized, stressing that acceptance often precedes belief and that Christians should lead with love without conditions.

This sermon explores the transformative power of forgiveness and its impact on love, gratitude, and judgment. Pastor Adam uses the biblical story from Luke 7:36-50, where a sinful woman anoints Jesus's feet at a Pharisee's house. The sermon highlights the contrast between the Pharisee's lack of hospitality and the woman's extravagant display of repentance and love. The key message is that understanding and accepting forgiveness can increase our capacity for love, enhance our gratitude, and decrease our judgmental attitudes. Adam emphasizes that often, the issue isn't the absence of love or gratitude, but a lack of awareness of the forgiveness we have received. The sermon concludes by encouraging the congregation to reflect on their own experiences of forgiveness and to embody this understanding in their interactions with others.

In his sermon, "Transparency at the Table," Pastor Adam uses the symbolic power of the dining table. He draws parallels to biblical stories, highlighting the honesty of sinners before Jesus. He discusses the concept of sin and the need for genuine confession without comparison or excuses. Highlighting the consequences of hiding sins, Pastor Adam stresses the importance of honesty for relational health and personal growth. He encourages the congregation to confess sins, emphasizing Jesus' understanding and sacrifice for forgiveness. The sermon closes with a call to prayer for confession and healing, promoting openness with God to go back to the table.