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Sun, May 16, 2021
Sexual identity has become a central aspect of cultural changes in the past few decades. Not only has society broadened its sexual ethic and expanded its definition of marriage and family, evangelical Christians have wrestled to understand and welcome openly gay believers like they understand and welcome those whose lives are colored by alcoholism, anxiety, greed, and pornography. In short, the balance of grace and truth is challenging. This sermon provides a brief history of the LGBTQ ascendance, key terms, a look at key texts about gay sexual practice, and four postures for responding like Jesus.
Sun, May 09, 2021
The topic of gender identity has taken our world by storm. It especially affects the younger generation, who has seen a meteoric rise in trans-labels. State laws and recent executive moves have helped cement transgender identity into everyday life. So how should Christians respond? Well, simply put, with compassion and conviction. This sermon defines terms, outlines social implications, and looks at Genesis and Jesus to reaffirm the good, orderly, essential creation of male and female. It also accounts for gender identities that don't fit. Four biblical insights and Christians postures conclude the message.
Sun, May 02, 2021
Controversial topics are legion these days. Race. Gender. Sexuality. Diet. Pick one. Share your opinion. Then hold your breath. You've probably offended someone. You've probably been offended. We're living in a culture of extremes. Fortunately, the New Testament provides examples and insights on how to face controversy with compassion. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 is a great model for maintaining unity amid diversity, which is worth the difficulty because it is inviting to others.
Sun, Apr 25, 2021
Duration: 44 mins 52 secs
The blessing is not just our pursuit (e.g., Jacob) or purpose (e.g., Abram). The blessing is our practice. God wants us to speak good words, prayers of peace and prosperity, over others. As high priest of Israel, Aaron did this in Numbers 6:24-26. The responsibility is extended to believers today; we serve as a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet. 2:9). Blessing is a word of hope or permission, free of condemnation, and signified with a physical touch. Today we will bless be blessed.
Sun, Apr 18, 2021
Duration: 47 mins 42 secs
No attempt to be original with the title line for the sermon. We will, however, explain its roots in Abram's story (Genesis 12:1-3). Abram embraced his call as a blessed man; he returned the favor by blessing others. His life--on the move, intending to mend, and aiming to multiply--provides a wonderful example for how to live with purpose. Indeed, we are blessed to be a blessing.
Sun, Apr 11, 2021
Duration: 48 mins 18 secs
Jacob is no hero. In fact, he was more of a schemer, trickster, and ambitious figure from the Old Testament. But when he faces a major bind, he realizes what he needs more than anything else is God's blessing. This message opens a three-part series on the pursuit, purpose, and practice of blessing. As Jacob learned after a night of wrestling, God's blessing is his greatest aim.
Sun, Mar 28, 2021
Duration: 43 mins 53 secs
Several Psalms point toward the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Psalm 118 plays a pivotal role in Jesus's Passion Week. The crowd sings it when he enters Jerusalem. He quotes when he tells a story. The disciples sing it after the Passover meal. This Psalm provides three dominant metaphors for God's people. We are exiles, pilgrims, and rejects. This describes the experience of many Christians in our secular age. Fortunately, these images do not get the last word. We are also redeemed by the rejected Savior. In this we rejoice.
Sun, Mar 21, 2021
Duration: 34 mins 11 secs
Pastor Tim talks with Monica and Jesse about their relationship to Jesus. We often speak about it being "personal," well, this was an opportunity for different persons to discuss what that looks like. They have great things to say.
Sun, Mar 14, 2021
Duration: 46 mins 17 secs
The Sermon on the Mount closes with three appeals to live what Jesus preached. He's not looking for cognitive assent but commitment. And here's the good news: when we follow him, we flourish. We'll nuance this a bit. Flourishing does not mean life absent of suffering. It does, however, mean a foundation that gives us confidence as we face today's trials and tomorrow's judgment. Our task now is paying attention to the direction of our life, our instructors, our motives, and our foundation. Or, simply, we pay attention to Jesus, following what he says.
Sun, Mar 07, 2021
Duration: 49 mins 22 secs
Jesus said, "Do not judge," This is one of his most famous statements. A second, "Do unto other as you want them to do unto you," bookends the ethical teaching in the sermon on the mount. This message looks at Jesus's cascading maxims, arguing for a life of self-reflection. Before engaging the world in evangelism, we are wise to examine ourselves. Knowing our faults, sins, and failures helps us build an empathetic connection to others.
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