Episodes
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Why Join the Church?
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
We live in a low commitment culture where people are generally hesitant to officially join or commit to anything. Sometimes this is out of a growing distrust of institutions or authority, but often it is out of a fear that we might miss out on something better. We like to keep our options open. The same can be true in the church. Why should we be members of a particular church? Isn't the church bigger and more diverse than just one particular group? Isn't "membership" in the universal body of Christ what counts? Does the Bible even have anything to say about becoming a committed member of a local church? These are valid questions and are particularly relevant in a society increasingly committed to low-commitment. Join us Sunday as we continue in our series of message on the church and see what God's word says about "why join the church."
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Why Gather as the Church?
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Passage: Acts 2:42-47
If you've ever been to a large athletic event, a rally for some cause, or just seen a large crowd gathering and wondered "what's up," you know that gathering in person with others is much different than just watching something on a screen or reading about something in an article. The effect of being physically present changes all kinds of things. Covid only magnified that. God created his church to be a gathered people, and the nature and function of the church as his body necessitates that we come together as members of one body, as brothers and sisters in one family. Yet, many today would question the need or priority of the church coming together at a particular time and place. This Sunday we'll continue in our series "Why the Church?" to see what God's word says about why we should gather as the church. Come gather with us!!!
Monday Apr 15, 2024
What is the Church?
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22
According to recent research, we are currently experiencing in America a huge shift away from church involvement, a “great dechurching” across the spectrum of Christianity. Most of us know or have family or friends who for some reason or other have left the church. We live in an age and a culture that increasingly questions the significance and relevance of the church, and the events of recent years, along with advances in technology, have even led some believers to question basic assumptions about the church. Over the next several weeks we will seek to address a few of those questions from God’s word in hopes of encouraging our confidence in and commitment to the body of Christ into which God has called us, as well as help us better reach out in grace and love to those who may wonder, “Why the Church?”
Saturday Jan 13, 2024
Suffering Reversed, Fortunes Restored
Saturday Jan 13, 2024
Saturday Jan 13, 2024
In some ways it is fitting that we transition into the season of Advent with our final message from the book of Job. Chapter 42 of Job not only gives us a happy ending where Job's suffering is reversed and his fortune restored, but it gives us a glorious picture of the gospel and the reconciliation and restoration that Jesus came to earth to bring through his own suffering, death and resurrection. The conclusion of Job gives us a living parable of the hope that is to be found in Jesus, who perfectly satisfies God's justice and secures God's mercy for sinners like you and me. Join us Sunday as we conclude our study of Job in anticipation of the advent of One greater than Job, our Lord Jesus.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
A Savior is Born
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Passage: Luke 2:1-21
Luke's account of Jesus' birth contrasts the extraordinary power and providence of God to bring about the rather ordinary and humble arrival of his own Son. God moves in the heart and reign of the most powerful earthly king to properly prepare the time and place for the birth of the King of kings. And he appears to a most distrusted and despised group of shepherds, to be the first to greet the arrival of the Good Shepherd and to proclaim the good news of great joy. Join us this Sunday as we continue our advent series in Luke's gospel and rejoice with the shepherds that unto us a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
A Servant is Blessed
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Passage: Luke 1:26-45
It makes sense that when God breaks his silence of 400 years, he would do so to a priest in the temple at Jerusalem. But the angel Gabriel's next visit is a bit surprising. He appears to a young, engaged virgin, in a small town called Nazareth, and announces that she will give birth to the Son of God. This news which from a human perspective would be distressing, from a divine perspective is truly a blessing, not only for Mary who believes God's promise and submits to his will, but for all who do the same and rejoice in God their Savior. Join us Sunday as we continue in Luke's account of Jesus' birth and see that a servant is blessed.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
A Silence is Broken
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Passage: Luke 1:5-25; 57-66
After over 400 years of waiting without any word from the Lord through his prophets to his people, the silence is broken in an angel's appearance to an elderly priest named Zechariah. The news the angel brings is a shocking surprise that is first received with unbelief, but is later revealed with great joy and blessing as God prepares the way for an even greater revelation and Word to his people.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Wisdom from a Young Man
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Passage: Job 32-37
Having given the closing arguments in his claim of unjust suffering, we now wait to see how God will respond to Job. But first, seemingly out of nowhere a young man named Elihu appears to give his opinion on the matter. Biblical scholars are widely split on Elihu's contribution to this story, but one thing is certain, he has a lot to say, and if we listen carefully, we will find that there is wisdom in his words, wisdom that paves the way to hearing from the One who is true Wisdom and Righteousness. Join us Sunday as we hear surprising wisdom from a young man.
Sunday Nov 26, 2023
Closing Arguments
Sunday Nov 26, 2023
Sunday Nov 26, 2023
Passage: Job 29-31
In a trial, the closing arguments are the final summation of all that's been presented in the case, and is given to persuade the jury and the judge of the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Job having received and refuted the accusations of his friends, now takes up his final defense and gives his closing arguments against his unjust suffering and pain. His summation ends with a plea that God would hear and answer his claim to righteousness and justice. In his closing arguments, we see a foreshadowing of the case that is made on our behalf, by our advocate and redeemer, Jesus Christ Join us Sunday as we look at Job's closing arguments before he finds himself standing before Almighty God.