Isaiah 35:1-10 “Joy Will Overtake Them”

Message: Isaiah 35:1-10 “Joy Will Overtake Them”

As we light the third Advent candle, we celebrate the theme of ‘Joy.’ The Candle is pink, representing the sunrise of the dawn of a new day. This is what Isaiah points to in our passage today. He speaks to those in exile in Babylon of a Way being made through the wilderness which will lead them safely to Zion and God’s promised future for them. We share in this promise with the exiles, looking forward to a future defined by Joy.

Isaiah 11:1-10 “The Poor and Needy”

Message: Isaiah 11:1-10 “The Poor and Needy”

This week’s Advent Theme is ‘Peace’. Isaiah envisions a coming day when ‘A shoot shall come out of the stump of Jesse.” This advent message reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of a promise. With the coming of Jesus comes the beginning of a great redemption and restoration promises to turn the world right-side-up. Are we sure we want this kind of world? This will be a world where the wolf and lamb live in peace with one another. Are we ready to see the redemption of our enemies rather than the retribution of our enemies? This is the kind of peace Christ offers us. What areas of your own life need peace and renewing?

Isaiah 2:1-5 "Envisioning God's Future"

Message: Isaiah 2:1-5 "Envisioning God's Future"

We begin this new season of Advent by envisioning the hope of God's future for humanity. In this broken world, having hope takes both faith and courage. Isaiah presents a vivid picture of God's future for us in this passage. We must not only envision it, but walk toward it. 

Exodus 20:18-21 “Draw Nearer”

Message: Exodus 20:18-21 “Draw Nearer”

When God visited the Israelites on Mt. Sinai, this was the beginning of God drawing near to humanity and the beginning of the reversal of the separation that began after the Fall. The people are called to draw nearer to God at the foot of the mountain, but they choose to stay at a distance. God came down from heaven again in Jesus Christ, in a way that we no longer need to fear drawing nearer to Him. The question is, are you staying at a distance or drawing nearer?

Judges 16:4-22 “Samson & Delilah”

Message: Judges 16:4-22 “Samson& Delilah”

The opening chapters of Genesis tell us that it is not good for man to be alone. Humans need human companionship. But when we begin looking for someone or something, rather than God, to make us complete and whole, our whole world comes tumbling down. It is in Christ alone that we find our identity. Anytime we seek our fulfillment from someone or something else, we can expect to be disappointed. But when we find our fulfillment in God, it brings life and health to our relationships with others.

John 18:28-40 “Lessons from the Land: Jerusalem”

Message: John18:28-40 “Lessons from the Land: Jerusalem”

We all have to make choices. Pontius Pilate did not believe Jesus deserved death, but he chose what was easiest to appease the crowd. Jesus would have liked to avoid a painful death, but he chose to follow God’s path to the cross knowing that it would ultimately bring about the redemption and joy of the world. These two choices are ever before each one of us.

Matt 21:23-32 “Lessons from the Land: The Temple”

Message: Matt 21:23-32 “Lessonsfrom the Land: The Temple”

After Jesus enters Jerusalem to the acclamations of the crowds, he enters the Temple and cleanses it. The religious leaders ask him by what authority he does this. In this message we’ll talk about the Temple, Jesus’ claim to replace the Temple, and our new identity as God’s Temple. How are Jesus’ followers called to be different from the religious leaders Jesus challenged in the Temple?