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. 

  

Matthew 2:1-12 “The Glory of Christmas: The Wisemen”

 

Message: Matthew 2:1-12 “The Glory of Christmas: The Wisemen”

This week we’ll watch as Tony, one of the wisemen in our play, sets himself aside to remember that it is Christ who is the center of the Christmas Story. In the same way, we remember that we are not the center of God’s Story, but Jesus is, and our attention and devotion turn toward him!

Luke 2:8-15 “The Shepherd”

Message: Luke 2:8-15 “The Shepherd”

The announcement of the Good News that a Savior has been born was first proclaimed by Angels to shepherds tending flocks in a field. Shepherds were considered lowly compared to others. That God chose to reveal this Good News to them first was to demonstrate that this was Good News for all people. The Gospel and New Testament letters show how this message began with a few, but was always intended to be carried to the whole world. We have been entrusted with carrying this Good News forward to all who need it in our own day and age.

 

Matthew 1:18-25 “Joseph”

Message: Matthew 1:18-25 “Joseph”

It is a recurring theme in the Bible that God chooses the most unlikely people to play the most significant roles in HisStory. Joseph is no exception. We’ll see how Joseph had to work through his fairs and second thoughts about his own role in God’s story. Then we’ll move toward a better understanding of how God has uniquely shaped us to do what only we can do as we take our place in HisStory.