Ambassador Presbyterian

A Treasure of Grace - Ephesians: Grace in Christ

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is written to remind us of the abundant riches of God’s grace in Christ given to his church and how that wealth should be manifest in our walk and witness as God’s people in this world. In this series, we delve deeper into blessings of God’s grace in Christ and what it means to walk in that grace together as his people.

Ephesians 1:1-3 - A Treasure of Grace
Many of us know what we have in our bank account down to the nearest penny.  But few of us truly understand or comprehend the wealth of blessings we possess as a result of God’s grace to us in Christ Jesus.  Here we begin a series of messages in the book of Ephesians, a clear and concise treatment of the vast treasure of grace in the gospel which God bestows on us in Christ.  We take an overview of this great treasury of grace before we dive deeper into the details of what it is and what difference it makes in the weeks ahead.  

What's Your Mindset?

Have you thought lately about your mindset toward your brothers and sisters in Christ? As we look at Philippians 2:1-11 we'll look at two contrasting mindsets toward others and how Jesus invites you to approach others. Rev. Josh Grimm brings us an update from Queens University in Charlotte, NC, and shares the Word of God with us. 

Resurrection Hope! Psalm 23 The Lord, Our Shepherd

Psalm 23:6; 1 Peter 1:3-9

Psalm 23 ends on a note of enduring hope.  The providing, protecting, preserving care of the Lord as our Shepherd leads to a life-long experience of his goodness and mercy for us, and the assured hope of dwelling securely in his presence for eternity.  Such hope is secured for us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep and took it up again that we might experience God's mercy and know the security of his presence and provision for eternity.  Celebrate Easter as we consider the resurrection hope that we have in our Savior and Shepherd, Jesus Christ.  

A Table Prepared: Psalm 23 The Lord, Our Shepherd

Pastor Harvey shares a Maundy Thursday message as he continues in the Psalm 23 series. 

Your King is Coming, Humble - Psalm 23: The Lord, Our Shepherd

Psalm 23:5b & Matthew 20:17- 21:11 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Like David, Jesus is the Shepherd-King, the long-expected, true Shepherd-King anointed to restore the Kingdom of God and pour out the cup of blessing. But he comes ... unexpectedly. His triumph will be humiliation; his anointing, for burial; his cup, of suffering - a cup we too will drink if we hope in the glory of his everlasting Kingdom. Let us see, and wonder, at this king Jesus' entry into power, and follow him.

 

When Hurting Helps - Psalm 23:The Lord, Our Shepherd

Psalm 23:4; Hebrews 12:3-11

Rarely do we associate trials, suffering, or pain as something that is actually good for us. When we want to help someone, our first instinct is usually to try and alleviate the struggle or ease the pain they are going through, and that is what we desire from God. Yet, the truth is, in many cases, the best thing we can do for someone we love is to allow or even induce some pain that will actually protect and help them. Such is the case with the shepherd leading his sheep, particular through difficult or dangerous places, and such is the case with the comforting discipline of our heavenly Father for his children. Here we look at the gracious discipline of the Lord, our Shepherd, and consider when hurting actually helps.   

 

Through Dark Valleys- Psalm 23: The Lord, Our Shepherd

Psalm 23:4; Matthew 10:16-33

At times the difficulties and dangers of life may press in hard and overshadow and threaten us in such a way that we may think and feel that the Lord has left us in the dark valley on our own, and fear can become overwhelming. But the good Shepherd purposefully leads his sheep through dark and dangerous places in order to bring them to greener pastures, and His protecting presence means we need not fear. Join us as we continue our series in Psalm 23 and consider Jesus' promise to be with us through life’s dark valleys and including death itself. 

On the Right Path - Psalm 23: The Lord, Our Shepherd

Psalm 23:3; Luke 15:1-7

In today's world of GPS and mapping apps on our phones and cars, we've gotten used to a voice quickly correcting us when we get off course and guiding us back to the right route to our intended destination. But such guidance is often not so quick or so clear when it comes to being on the right path in life and we are not always so quick to follow. That is unless you know the right voice to listen to and the right directions to trust.  Such is the promise of the Lord, our Shepherd, who goes after his lost or straying sheep and leads them back to the right path, the path of righteousness that leads to life.  

The Place of True Rest - Psalm 23: The Lord, Our Shepherd

Psalm 23:2; Matthew 11:25-30

Rest and refreshment. The words speak to a deep longing and great need of every soul. And while we may have fleeting moments of both in our lives at various times and in various ways, ongoing, soul-satisfying, timeless rest remains elusive.  Unless there is One willing and able to lead us to the place where true, eternal rest and refreshment are found. That is what the Lord, our Shepherd promises to his sheep, and what Jesus the good Shepherd himself provides to all who will come to him.  We continue to consider the shepherding care of our Lord, Jesus who himself is where we find true rest for our souls.    

No Want, No Worries (Psalm 23: The Lord, Our Shepherd)

Psalm 23:1; Matthew 6:25-34

We wake up every day with desires, needs, and fears which, even if we're not fully aware, call for our attention and direct our actions. Though these things may be legitimate, the focus on what we lack and therefore long for can begin to exercise inordinate control over our hearts and lead to growing discontent. True contentment and satisfaction are not found in having everything you want, but in knowing the One who knows and promises to provide everything that you need. Only in the care of the Lord as our Shepherd can we truly say, "I shall not want." Join us for our second message in the series on "The Lord, Our Shepherd"