Sun, May 21, 2023
We cannot cruise too long in life. Eventually we come to a construction zone. These are places of divine testing. Difficult circumstances reveal what is within us. Are we fearful or faithful? Honest or deceptive? Abraham ran into a construction zone in Canaan when famine struck. He escaped to Egypt but not his fear of dying. This construction zone exposed his false self and God's faithfulness. And it shows us that faith finds the way through, not the way out.
Sun, May 14, 2023
Duration: 45 mins 36 secs
The journey of faith begins with a launch. We all have a point where we respond to God's call. God called Abram to go from Haran. Jesus called the disciples to "come and follow." The invitation is a summons from what is familiar. Too often we settle, which stunts our growth, so God sends us into unfamiliar territory. We must look and listen for these launch points if we want our faith to continue flourishing.
Sun, Feb 05, 2023
Change is challenging. We like our routines. We get stuck in our ways. Predictable is comfortable. However, God invites us to change. The living and true God wants our full allegiance, which means rooting out idols and serving his purposes. This opening sermon in the new series will provide background to Thessalonians, Paul's gratitude for good work, good news, and good examples. And it will inspire a call to change that could turn the world upside down!
Sun, Jan 29, 2023
Duration: 43 mins 54 secs
In our late modern age, we are led to believe life revolves around me. My story matters most. I am unique, glorious, a god. Sadly, this narrative echoes from the great fall of Eden, where Adam and Eve chose their glory over God's. This sermon from Pastor Kip Cone (Winona Lake Grace) will counter this ancient lie with a call to live for God's glory since, in fact, he is the author and main character of it.
Sun, Jan 15, 2023
Duration: 47 mins 36 secs
"You be you. Express yourself. Find your inner shine." These are common exhortations in our age where the individual reigns supreme. They are also at odds with life "in Christ," where our real ID comes from our relationship to God. Jesus made a way for us to join God's family. To be "in Christ" is to be a beloved child of God. Our real ID is eternal; it will outlast any earthly status. We'll talk about it today and hear from a panel on the subject.
Sun, Nov 27, 2022
Duration: 41 mins 56 secs
We see evil all around us. We see it if we look within us. Evil is pervasive. But it does have a divine expiration date. Zechariah learns in his final three visions that God will take care of evil. He will banish it, cover it, prevent it from taking over the earth. He is in control. This is encouraging news to Zechariah and should be for us.
Sun, Nov 13, 2022
In Zechariah's second and third visions, God shows the prophet the future of Jerusalem. The old days of displacement will be replaced with a new day of worship. God will open the city's gates, widen its borders, and welcome worshippers from all directions. More importantly, God will remove Israel's enemies, her guilt, and dwell in her midst. This is the way God works: old losses are fertile grounds for new beginnings.
Sun, Nov 06, 2022
Duration: 41 mins 14 secs
Zechariah opens his book with an invitation: Return to God. His summons home depicts God as merciful, compassionate, and longsuffering. The portrait frames the remainder of the book, full of visions and oracles. From the outset, Zechariah sees God on the move. His protection is real: he patrols the earth. His promises will prevail: he will rebuild Jerusalem. Thus, God's reliability and activity should inspire his people to get unstuck and make a move.
Sun, Oct 30, 2022
Duration: 39 mins 52 secs
Zephaniah looks forward. Way forward. He describes God's coming kingdom on some far-off day. It will be a fearless future: no more lies, pride, shame, or false worship. It will be a festive future: God's joyful presence will be palpable. The imagery is inviting and inspired. It should give us hope for our fearless and festive future.
Sun, Oct 23, 2022
Duration: 42 mins 45 secs
In the Information Age, we do not have to look far to see people failing. Politicians lie. Athletes cheat. Actors abuse. CEOs intimidate. And it's not just THOSE leaders in the world who are guilty. Abuse, scandal, and deception dwell within the church. Every month another spiritual leader falls from grace. We can wag our fingers, shake our heads, and join the chorus of critics. Or we can look inward at our own wayward hearts. We too walk a perilous path. We must check it for pitfalls.
