Sun, Jul 17, 2022
Duration: 36 mins 20 secs
This verse does not need a title. It shows up on banners, billboards, and signs at sporting events. It speaks of God's love, his gracious invitation to everlasting life, secured through the gift of his Son. It hinges on trust in him. He loves; we trust: this leads to flourishing.
Sun, Dec 19, 2021
Duration: 38 mins 54 secs
Before the Christ was a person, it was a position loaded with anticipation. In Jesus's day, people expected the Christ to be a strong king in the line of David, a holy priest, a prophet; some envisioned two Christs. Regardless, Jesus defied all the expectations becoming a Christ who would suffer for the people to set them free. This secured an eternal relationship with Jesus, whereby we are "in Christ" and he is in us. Indeed, Christ is more than position; he is a person who loves us.
Sun, Dec 12, 2021
Duration: 38 mins 57 secs
What we save shows what we value. We save coupons, Christmas ornaments, plastic grocery bags, and a thousand other things. Each item signifies security, flexibility, utility, or identity. Jesus saved people, all types of people. His salvation is comprehensive, beautiful, and necessary. His title "Savior" is central to the Christmas story.
Sun, Dec 05, 2021
Duration: 41 mins 29 secs
The first name from the nativity is "Immanuel," which means God with us. An angel proclaims this name to Joseph in a dream. He cites a prophecy that God will dwell with his people from Isaiah. This theme of "God with us" reaches back to Genesis, shows up in the OT covenants, and takes a leap forward in the gospels. This sermon provides a theology of "God with us," and a clear invitation to "practice the presence" of Jesus.
Sun, May 09, 2021
Duration: 55 mins 54 secs
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, Dec 13, 2020
Duration: 55 mins 58 secs
God has a Master Plan, which transcends our career satisfaction, physical well-being, financial security, and social lives. He sent Jesus to save us from our sins beginning a rescue plot that would reunite heaven and earth. Jesus was born in an imperfect family line, but his lineage proved God's faithfulness to his promises. God works through imperfect families. God saves us from sins. God keeps his promises. Whether it's Christmas season, springtime, or nine months into a global pandemic, these are truths are core to Christian faith.
Sun, Dec 15, 2019
Duration: 46 mins 31 secs
As we go through the different stages of life, our experience of Christmas changes. Adulthood marks the next stage, full of responsibility, volatility, and thoughtfulness.. In fact, we see Mary model grown up faith in the opening chapters of Luke. In a rare, biblical story dominated by female perspectives, Luke details Mary's response to God's appointment as the mother of the Lord. She remains faithful to God, his law, her husband, and newborn, setting a powerful example for us all to follow. People need good examples in to flourish--so, grown ups, keep living well!
Sun, Feb 18, 2018
Duration: 44 mins 34 secs
Male, Roman citizens in Paul's day were granted more privilege than anyone else in their day. They joined an "honors race" that Paul turned on its head. He encouraged people to reflect the ethic of Jesus: not ascending to the peak of the social ladder, but climbing down to the nadir. Learn how to admit, appreciate, limit, and leverage privilege from the famous Christ Hymn.
Sun, Dec 24, 2017
Satan was the most original Grinch. He is hellbent on stealing joy and destroying all God holds dear. One of his age-old tactics is to accuse God's people. But Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension sent Satan sputtering. God's people have an Advocate, and need not heed Satan's accusations any further.
Sun, Dec 10, 2017
Duration: 46 mins 57 secs
Joseph had an opportunity to stop Christmas from coming. He could have asked for Mary to be stoned. It would have been within his rights, considering she was with child and it was not his. But Joseph resolved for a more merciful decision, putting his role above his reputation. In a shame-sensitive society, his choice was wonderful.
