Ambassador Presbyterian

Gospel Influencers

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 \

In today's world, those with enough followers on social media are often labeled as "influencers" and paid to steer their followers towards a certain product or point of view by virtue of their endorsement. Jesus is the greatest influencer in all of history, and those who follow him become gospel influencers themselves by virtue of the powerful change and testimony of their lives. But that influence is not towards products or perspectives that promise a better life, but towards a person, indeed the Person, who promises life itself: the true and living God. In his letter, Paul gives thanks for the gospel influence of the Thessalonian church. Join us Sunday as we continue in our study of 1st Thessalonians and seek as individuals and as a church to better understand and live as gospel influencers in our community and culture today.

The Power of the Gospel

Why the Sacraments of the Church?

Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

In marriage, a husband and wife mark the promises they make to one another with visible symbols. The ring signifies their union to one another and identifies that union to others. Each year, they may remember, celebrate and reaffirm that union with an anniversary date or meal. God gave his church two important outward symbols of his covenant of grace to redeem his people through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus. The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper signify Christ and the benefits of his grace, mark our interest in and union with him, and set us apart from the world as belonging to him. But they are more than just symbols, they are means by which God continues to minister his grace and strengthen his body, the church. Join us this Sunday we continue in our series on the church and consider the question "Why the Sacraments?"

Why Join the Church?

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."

Why Gather as the Church?

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!!!

What is the Church?

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?”

Suffering Reversed, Fortunes Restored

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.

Christmas Eve: Word and Song

A Savior is Born

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.

A Servant is Blessed

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.