Philippians 2:5-11 “Like Us”

 Message: Philippians 2:5-11 “Like Us”

God loves humanity so much that He becomes like us. This is the amazing gift God offers to the world, revealed through Christ and the Christian faith. When we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating how God demonstrated His amazing love and became human in order to save humanity from itself. The other side of this truth is captured well by St. Athanasius in the 4^th century AD when he declared that “God became like us so that we might become like Him.” Christmas is the celebration of Christ coming into the world as one of us. The name “Christian” means ‘little Christs.’ Our goal as followers of Jesus is to become more like Jesus, not in power, but in character.

 

Luke 2:41-52 “Living & Learning”

Message: Luke 2:41-52 “Living & Learning”

This life had something to teach the Son of God. Jesus spent his first 30 years mainly in a small town, growing and learning about life. Life is about living and learning. We get to take part in deciding how the lessons will shape us.

John 1:1-5, 10-14; Luke 2:4-7 “In the World”

 

Message: John 1:1-5, 10-14; Luke 2:4-7 “In the World”

-In the beginning, God created the world, making order out of chaos. In Christ, God came into the world, entering our chaos as a human being and living among us. In the same way, Christ enters into each of our lives. He enters into our chaos with us.

Teen Challenge Testimonies

 Teen Challenge

Romans 12:17-19 “Leave Room for God”

 Message: Romans 12:17-19 “Leave Room for God”

We’re called to live at peace with others, in as much as it is possible on our part. Sometimes, it just doesn’t seem possible and the healthiest thing we can do is create a safe distance between us and another person. What God doesn’t want you to do is repay evil for evil. There may come a point when it is best to leave a relationship and entrust the other person to God. Even in doing this, you can want God’s very best for them. You can continue to be thankful for the good that once was and continue to hope for the good that will still be in both your futures, even if it is not together.

 

James 1:19-20 “Those People”

Message: James 1:19-20 “Those People”

Due to the growing divisiveness of our society, we are all coming into contact with increasingly opinionated and aggressive people. They may be neighbors, co-workers, social media contacts, or even family members. In this message we will explore how we let go of bitterness and act in kindness and compassion. It is an intentional move toward building others up in place of tearing down. It is the practice of encountering others with the same Grace with which God encounters us. 

Deuteronomy 2 & Joshua 4 “Remembering the Wilderness”

 Message: Deuteronomy 2 & Joshua 4 “Remembering the Wilderness”

 What, in the Western mindset, should have taken Israel only a couple of weeks, took forty years. The goal of Israel’s sojourn in the wilderness wasn’t reaching the Promised Land so much as it was the transformation that took place on the journey. This was the Function of the Wilderness. Rebekah Joy writes, “God does not seem overly concerned with us reaching our desired destination as quickly as possible. The roundabout way, including its delays and detours, is often the transformational path.”

 

James 1:19-20 “Unoffended”

 Message: James 1:19-20 “Unoffended”

In a culture increasingly divided politically and socially, Christians are not immune from becoming ever more easily offended. News, social media, and personal conversation is focusing more and more on our differences rather than what we have in common. This is to be expected between members of secular political parties, but as followers of Jesus Christ, we’re called to engage others differently. It begins with learning how not to be so easily offended. In this first message we will talk about lowering our expectations of others and raising our gratefulness for God’s Grace.  

 

Matthew 4:1-11 "The Rhythms of Becoming"

 Message: Matthew 4:1-11 "The Rhythms of Becoming"

Many of the wilderness experiences mentioned in the bible are drawn out of 40 year or 40 day experiences. The idea is that our change and transformation takes a drawn out period of time. Jesus not only underwent 40 days in the wilderness, but he also made it a habit to withdraw to 'wilderness/deserted places' to spend time with God. This means that as a human being, Jesus developed healthy spiritual life rhythms as he grew in his life with God. We too are invited to create healthy spiritual rhythms in our lives so that we might develop into the fullness of who God is inviting us to become. 

Genesis 21:14-21 & 1 Kings 19:11-15

Message: Genesis 21:14-21 & 1 Kings 19:11-15

 Sometimes, who God has made us and what pursue is at odds with what others want from us. As we grow into the people God has called us to be, we’ll face opposition and even loss. The good news is, we can always be real with God, who always meets us where we are but never abandons us there. Our encounters with God will enable us to encounter the world in authentic ways. In today’s message, as we continue the series “Wealth of the Wilderness,” we’ll look at how Elijah was authentic with God and how Hagar encountered God even as others sent her away. We’ll talk about our own encounters with God and how our authenticity with Him enables us to be authentic with others. Hagar is called to leave those who have rejected her, while Elijah is called to return and engage. 

Exodus 3:1-3; 1 Kings 19:1-9 “Eyes to See, Ears to Hear”

 

Message: Exodus 3:1-3; 1 Kings 19:1-9 “Eyes to See, Ears to Hear”

 Both Moses & Elijah spent time in the wilderness. Though hundreds of years apart, they had a shared experience at Mt. Horeb. Moses’ wilderness experience gave him eyes to see God showing up unexpectedly. Elijah’s time in the wilderness gave him ears to hear God’s still, small voice. Our wilderness experiences help us to develop eyes to see and ears to hear God as well. 

 

John 13:1-17 "A Sacrificial Life"

Primary text:  John 13:1-17 "A Sacrificial Life"

A sacrificial life flows out of a transformed life.  Genuinely loving others flows from the security of knowing our identity in Christ (John 13:3-4, Jesus knew who he was, SO he washed the feet of his disciples).  This is one of the rewards of a fulfilled soul… the ability to love well.   

Exodus 16:1-3 “Engage the Process”

 Message: Exodus 16:1-3 “Engage the Process”

When we find ourselves in difficult circumstances we often only focus on the way out those difficulties. It took the Hebrews forty years of wilderness journey to get from Egypt to the Promised Land. The only thing they wished for was to either begin their new and better life in the Land of milk and honey, or just return to Egypt. The wilderness is not where they wanted to be, but it is where they needed to be. Perhaps what took so long is that they resisted the one thing God wanted them to do: Engage the Process. In this message we’ll begin shifting our thinking from simply wanting a way out toward meeting God within our difficult circumstances.

John 15:1-17 "Nurturing the Life We Crave"

John 15:1-17 "Nurturing the Life We Crave

The relationship with God we crave can’t be manufactured, it must be nurtured.  Growing fruit is the job of the Holy Spirit (not me); we need only to stay connected to the source of life and allow the fruit to grow.  The fruit of the Spirit is not evidenced by what I DO, it is evidenced by who I AM.  There is a mutuality of God in me and me in God - an intertwining of life -  which yields a sweetness that fills a craving that can’t be satisfied by any other source.

1 Corinthians 2:7-12 "Secret Wisdom"

1 Corinthians 2:7-12 "Secret Wisdom"

Through the Holy Spirit, God invites us to share the secrets of intimacy with him.  These secrets are relational, a deep knowing of another.  God wants to know us, as much as he wants us to know him.  Our connection to this deeper wisdom, this intimacy, is the Holy Spirit. 

 

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 “Creating Communion”

 Message: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 “Creating Communion”

 Many of the Jewish believers in Jerusalem rejected the inclusion of gentile believers who were uncircumcised and didn’t observe Jewish Law and traditions. Paul leads the gentile churches in a response of love, taking up a gentile collection for the poor in the Jerusalem Church. This demonstration of love revealed the gentile Christian’s acceptance of Jewish believers and sincere desire to be in unity with them. Yet, it also maintained the conviction that gentiles were indeed God’s children without having to become Jewish. As followers of Christ, we too can practice tangibly loving those who reject us and seek genuine unity without compromising our convictions.

2 Samuel 24:1-17 “In God We Trust”

Message: 2 Samuel 24:1-17 “In God We Trust”

Why does God punish Israel for taking a census to determine how large and strong their military could be? It is because Israel’s future depended on their placing trust in God not men. In the same way, those who live by faith must continually choose live by faith and not schemes of men. We often place our trust in convention rather than Covenant Relationship with God. We must continually return God as our center and hope. The future depends on it.

  

2 Samuel 19 & 23, “Last Words”

Message: 2 Samuel 19 & 23, “Last Words”

In this message, we’ll be looking at the lives of two men that are coming to close. We are reminded that our own lives will have a culmination. Two things are important as we enter into the final phase of life. First, that we accept its reality. Second, that we remember what matters most. It is good to think of both of these ahead of time, so that we are prepared to move toward the end of this life with purpose and grace.

2 Samuel 19:31-39

2 Samuel 23:1-7 

2 Samuel 22:1-6 “The Wars We Wage”

 Message: 2 Samuel 22:1-6 “The Wars We Wage”

God has come forth from his throne and mounted upon the wings of the cherubim, to come forward to rescue you from all that wages war against your soul. There is a spirit of fear, pride, and greed at work in the wider world. It is constantly wooing us, but it seeks to steal rather than give life. In addition, we are often our own worst enemy. But even when we are faithless, God is faithful. God is for you, not against you. He rescues us because he delights in us.

 

2 Samuel 16:5-14 “Life is Teaching Us”

 Message: 2 Samuel 16:5-14 “Life is Teaching Us”

As David was fleeing from Jerusalem, a man named Shimei met him along the way, curing him and throwing stones at him. David chooses not to retaliate. Later, in chapter 19, we see Shimei again and he is a transformed person. We don’t always have to punish someone or repay them for what they did to us. Most often, it is life itself that teaches us the lessons we need to learn. These lessons are often understood in retrospect, as we look back. Trust the process. Commit both your life and the life of others to God’s overarching care. You can be confident that ‘Life is Teaching Us’.

2 Samuel 15:1-12 “Unresolved Issues”

Message: 2 Samuel 15:1-12 “Unresolved Issues”

In this passage, David’s son Absalom attempts to take over the kingship from his father. David had ignored the threat of Absalom to his own detriment. Our “Unresolved Issues” often grow when they are not attended to. Are there unresolved boundary issues between you and someone else? Are there unresolved issues in your walk with God? Tending to them now will save you greater hurt later.

 

  

2 Corinthians 6:2 "Now"

Chris Zinchuck will be our guest speaker this Sunday. 

Message: 2 Corinthians 6:2  "Now"

As we look at the state of the world around us, NOW is the time to encounter the world and the people we meet, for Christ. 

  

2 Samuel 12 & 14 “Self-Awareness”

 Message: 2 Samuel 12 & 14 “Self-Awareness”

These stories demonstrate how David’s perspective was changed only when he was able to see through another lens. He could not see the circumstances clearly when he was emotionally tied to them or part of the problem. But when he could view it from a 3^rd person perspective, he was able to discern more clearly. In this lesson, we’ll learn some keys to self-awareness and transformation.

 

2 Samuel 9:1-8 “Risking Reconciliation”

 Message: 2 Samuel 9:1-8 “Risking Reconciliation”

Society’s way of dealing with threats is to eliminate them. Following God, rather than the ways of men, David does something unprecedented: He loves his enemy/rival. Rather than protect himself, he chooses vulnerable love. This is exactly what God chooses in sending Jesus to live among humanity as a human being. It is also how Jesus invites his followers to engage people in the world and in their lives. Are we ready to take a risk toward reconciliation?

 

2 Samuel 7:1-17 “A House Established”

Message:2 Samuel 7:1-17 “A House Established”

When we encounter God and realize that he is the source of our lives, we have a desire to give back to him. God appreciates this desire, but above all else, he wants us to know that He also has a desire for us. His desire is to establish us and continue a formative work in our lives. David desires to build a house for God. God responds by revealing to David that He is building a future for David. That ‘House’ culminates in the person of Christ, the descendant of David who becomes eternal ‘King.’ God ultimately establishes His “House” in Christ. We celebrate this fulfilled promise every time we celebrate Communion.

  

2 Samuel 6:1-15 “When Tragedy Strikes”

Message Title: 2 Samuel 6:1-15 “When Tragedy Strikes”

 In this passage, it seems like everything is finally going right for both David and Israel. But in the midst of celebrating, a tragedy strikes. David finds himself questioning everything he knows about life with God. He goes through a time of being angry with God. He doesn’t receive any real answer for the tragedy, but as life goes on he sees that God is still good and he chooses to continue walking with this God he cannot fully wrap his mind around.

  

2 Samuel 5:1-10 “God’s Slow Work”

Message: 2 Samuel 5:1-10 “God’s Slow Work”

The Prophet/priest/judge Samuel anointed David as King over Israel when he was about 15 years old. It would take 15yrs before David would actually become king over the nation. This reminds us that God’s promises and work are slow process. The primary goal of life is our formation, not our comfort. It is for us to learn to trust God’s slow, often invisible process.

  

2 Samuel 1:17– 2:7 “Mourning what Wasn’t, Accepting what Is”

Message: 2 Samuel 1:17– 2:7 “Mourning what Wasn’t, Accepting what Is”

As we begin 2 Samuel, we will watch David mourn over the loss of Saul and Jonathan and all that could have been if Saul had chosen differently. Then we’ll witness him move forward into the life that he is now called to. The same is true of many of the hopes we might have had for our lives and those we love. There are some things that did not turn out as we had hoped. We can and must mourn the loss of those possibilities. Yet, we must also accept and embrace the life we are now called to live.

  

John 8:1-11 “Interrupting Violence” Part 2

Message: John 8:1-11 “Interrupting Violence” Part 2

In today’s passage we see Jesus interrupt violence by stepping in and redirecting the attention of some religious leaders who were ready to kill a woman. Their issue had little to do with the woman, so Jesus distracts them and redirects their attention. What are some ways we can ‘interrupt violence?’ that we encounter in the lives of others? 

1 Samuel 16-31 “Interrupting Violence”

Message: 1Samuel 16-31 “Interrupting Violence”

As we come to the conclusion of the Book of 1 Samuel, we see a theme of people, from Saul to the Amalekites, perpetrating violence against the innocent. This week we’re going to deal with the difficult issue of removing ourselves from the abuse of others and how to assist others who are being abused in the contexts of physical and racial violence. 

1 Samuel 25 “Meaningful Memorials”

 

Message: 1 Samuel 25 “Meaningful Memorials”

This chapter begins with the death of Samuel, a judge, prophet, and priest. We’re also introduced to another man who gets a ‘dishonorable mention,’ Nabal. Nabal also dies. The memory of the way these two men lived their lives couldn’t be further apart. One is remembered for his life of devotion to God. The other is remembered for a life centered upon himself. How we want to be remembered may help determine how we live our lives.

1 Samuel 22 & 24 “Of Mice and Men”

 

Message: 1 Samuel 22 & 24 “Of Mice and Men”

This week we will learn from David about loving our enemies, letting God be judge, and trusting Him with the ultimate outcomes of our circumstances. Saul tries to control circumstances, while David learns to trust in God’s plan and timing.

I Samuel 17:1-11, 16 "Where was David’s Mom?"

Message: Where was David’s Mom?

David is rather young when he steps up to face his Giant. You’ve got to wonder where his mother was when he volunteered for this fight. At some point, we all have to leave the safety of home and face our giants. But as David reminds us, we do not face them alone. God goes before us and is with us in the face of all adversity. 

Luke 11:40-56 “Believe: Jairus’ Daughter”

Message: Luke 11:40-56 “Believe: Jairus’ Daughter”

Jesus, became less so that we might become more. Not only did he become human and walk among us, he was also intentional about seeing the individual’s as he walked from one place to another. In this story, we’ll see how Jesus greeted ‘distractions’ as ‘encounters.’ Those others easily overlooked, were people Jesus took time to see and be attentive to. Jesus believed in what the Father was doing in another’s life and he took time to both notice and encounter the individual.

  

John 11:1-46 “Believe: Mary & Martha”

Message: John 11:1-46 “Believe: Mary & Martha”

When Lazarus is seriously ill, Mary & Martha call on Jesus, but he doesn’t show up to fix everything. During their darkest hour, when Lazarus dies, they wonder where he is. He has not forgotten or forsaken them. In fact, they come to a much deeper realization of who he is on the other side of this darkness.

  

Matthew 27 & John 18-20 “Believe: Pontius Pilate”

Message: Matthew 27 & John 18-20 “Believe: Pontius Pilate”

Each of us is faced with a decision about who Jesus is and what kind of claim he has on our lives. There are so many forces at work that work against our acceptance of the Lordship and divinity if Jesus. We often forfeit everlasting peace for fleeting comfort or ambitions. In this message we will highlight Pontius Pilate’s encounter with Jesus and his wrestling between what he saw in Christ and his compromises with the world around him. We’ll also take a look at how these decisions face each and every one of us.

  

Mark 15:8-39 “Believe: The Soldier”

 

Message: Mark 15:8-39 “Believe: The Soldier”

Last week we began an Easter season series called “Believe.” In this series, starting with Thomas, we’re looking at the testimony of six different New Testament people and the stories of how they came to “Believe.” This week, we’ll look at the story of a soldier, a Roman Centurion, who was skilled in breaking people. Unfortunately, we all have experience in breaking people. But the Centurion saw something in Jesus that contrasted so vividly with his own life, he became a broken man who recognized his need for healing. He saw the divinity of Jesus hidden within his humanity. What if our recognizing our own brokenness helps us see God’s goodness all the more clearly?  

“Believe: Thomas” John 20:19-20, 24-29

 Message: “Believe: Thomas” John 20:19-20, 24-29

This Sunday we will begin a new, five week, Easter Series called “Believe” that will look at the lives of six NT biblical characters, beginning this week with Thomas. Thomas is often known for ‘doubting’ the resurrection of Jesus. In this message we’ll look at what fosters ‘belief’ in people; what causes doubt; and the amazing, patient love of God toward those who doubt, which is the same kind of patient love we’re called to have toward others.

 

1 Samuel 16:1-13 “The Heart of the Matter”

Message: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 “The Heart of the Matter”

When God chooses David, it is not based on superficial or physical considerations, but is a matter of the heart. David is someone who has a good heart. God knows everything else will follow.

  

1 Samuel 15:7-14 “Two Sides of the Story”

 Message: 1 Samuel 15:7-14 “Two Sides of the Story”

1 Samuel 12:1-5, 20-25 “A Life Well Lived”

 Message: 1 Samuel 12:1-5, 20-25 “A Life Well Lived”

This week’s text brings us toward the end of Samuel’s life and ministry. Samuel’s life isn’t just a personal matter, but an example for Israel of what it looks like to live one’s life unto God. Samuel served as a priest, judge, and prophet. Nonetheless, it is not his opinion that was the greatest testimony and challenge to the Israelites, but his example. A lot of people today want people to follow their opinions, but the real question is whether or not they should follow our example.

 

1 Samuel 8:1-9 “Looking for a King”

Message: 1 Samuel 8:1-9 “Looking for a King” 

What is it you are seeking? Where are the places you are seeking it?

1 Samuel 7:2-6 “Understanding Confession”

 

Message: 1 Samuel 7:2-6 “Understanding Confession”

As the Ark makes its way back to the Israelites, we begin to see the role and results of confession. The Philistines provide a guilt offering. The Israelites confess their faults and seek to realign their lives. Not only does this bring them peace, but God begins to restore to them what they had lost. In this message, we’ll learn about the role of confession in our lives.

1 Samuel 5 “Doomed Dual Allegiances”

Message: 1 Samuel 5 “Doomed Dual Allegiances”

Our series continues as we follow the lost Ark. The Philistines make the mistake of thinking God is just another god to be worshipped alongside their other idols. But in this chapter, we learn that God is not willing to be placed alongside our other agendas. His agenda is meant to be our agenda and all personal agendas are to be carefully questioned. Jesus later reveals that our false idols go beyond images made out of metal, stone, or wood. 

1 Samuel 4:1-11 “The Lost Ark”

Message: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 “The Lost Ark”

Our God is a relational God who does not pretend or take sides unconditionally. While he is always ‘for’ us, he does not protect us from the natural consequences of our actions when we need to be more responsible with how we are living our lives. Consequences are there to ‘wake us up’ so that we live true and authentic lives before God and others. God wants us to be our best self and while is gracious, he does not play pretend. Israel will learn this the hard way as they place their trust in the presence of God, represented by the Ark of the Covenant, but fail to maintain their relationship with God.

  

1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-21 “Hearing the Voice of God”

 

Message: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-21 “Hearing the Voice of God”

Hearing the voice of God is essential to our lives with God, with others, and in the world. It begins with responding to God’s call, but continues to develop as we grow in our life with God in the world. Samuel is an example of this, while Eli is an example of what happens when you disregard God’s voice.

 

1 Samuel 2:1-11 “Hannah’s Prayer”

Message: 1 Samuel 2:1-11 “Hannah’s Prayer”

In this message we're going to look at a theme that occurs throughout the bible, beginning with Merriam's song, narrowing in on Hannah's prayer, and moving forward to the New Testament where we hear Mary's Magnificat. There is a theme connecting all of these similar prayer songs that reveals something essential about the heart of God as it concerns the mistreated. 

  

1 Samuel 1:20-28 “Giving Back to God what God Gave to You”

Message:1 Samuel 1:20-28 “Giving Back to God what God Gave to You”

Hannah receives a son after living a long time without being able to conceive. The shock is that she offers her son back to God. Samuel becomes a priest, prophet, and judge in Israel. God gives us incredible gifts, but the secret is that gifts from God are meant to be returned to him in love and service for the purposes of the Kingdom of God.