Sun, Jul 16, 2023
Duration: 42 mins 46 secs
All good things come to an end. Abraham's journey -- launch, construction zones, dark nights, milestones, and detours -- reaches it final chapters. He buries his beloved bride Sarah. He finds a bride for his beloved son Isaac. He expands his family through a second marriage. Then he dies, and his sons bury him beside Sarah in the family tomb. None of us can escape death. It is the final destination. We can deny it, fear it, or face it with hope knowing it is only the beginning of eternal life with God.
Sun, Mar 19, 2023
Duration: 43 mins 25 secs
Loss is inevitable in this life. The longer we live the more we lose. Grief is the natural response to these losses. It is especially good to grieve when a loved one dies. However, grief must not last forever. Christians have hope in everlasting life, resurrection, and reunion with our loved ones in Christ. This sermon will encourage us to grieve well and hope better.
Sun, Oct 09, 2022
Duration: 39 mins 44 secs
We can hope for a raise, traffic-free commute to work, or clear bill of health. These hopes are not based upon biblical promises but wishful thinking. According to Hebrews, hope is rooted in the promises of God and anchored in Jesus. God's faithfulness in the past guarantees his faithfulness in the future. He promises forgiveness, justice, His presence, and coming kingdom. Placing our hope in the wrong things leads to disappointment and despair. We must place our hope in Christ; he will not let us down.
Sun, Sep 04, 2022
Duration: 37 mins 18 secs
Paul was in prison. Alone. It wasn't his first time but was bound to be his last time. He had fought his fight and run his race. In his final correspondence with his beloved protege, Timothy, he requests his presence. In the meantime, the Lord stood by him and strengthened him. Even in our loneliest moments, the Lord stands by us. He gives us insight. He empowers us.
Sun, Nov 29, 2020
Duration: 45 mins 52 secs
God knows us intimately. From conception to final breath, he intends good for us. He authored a beautiful, complex, and fragile conception process. He grants us dignity as image-bearers for all of our determined days. The psalmist reflects on these weighty realities in vv. 13-18, proclaiming he is "fearfully and wonderfully made." The poetry accords with what science has revealed about DNA, brain function, and fetal development. Human life is a gift--a public and personal good that points us to God.
Sun, Jul 26, 2020
Duration: 43 mins 57 secs
After resisting God, Jonah realized the futility of his plan. He accepted his fate and went overboard. While sinking to the bottom of the sea, sensing the nearness of death, he cried out to God. His prayer blended well-known lines and images from the Psalms. Broken Jonah repented; savior God repented. This chapter demonstrates the remorse we feel as we look at death. It invites us to redirect our hearts to God to find grace and freedom. (NOTE: Audio quality a bit tinny due to recording issues.)
Mon, Jul 06, 2020
Duration: 40 mins 26 secs
We will all die. A day will come when we breathe our last breath. This can be horrifying: spiritually, physically, socially, and emotionally. Our culture has tried to deny death. Too many people die alone. But death can also be clarifying. Our purpose, people, and God's mercy come to light. Jesus experienced the horror and clarity of death. He died on the Cross for the sins of the world. His last breath teaches us the practice of "release."
Sun, Jan 26, 2020
Duration: 49 mins 32 secs
John writes his second letter to the first church of seven. The church in Smyrna is living under pressure--poverty, slander, imprisonment, and threat of death. Jesus warned his followers there will be a cost. This lovely church heard a loud and clear message from the Risen Lord: Fear Not. No matter the trial, Jesus would uphold them. This promise has proven true for the earliest martyrs and today's persecuted church. And it's true as we face financial, physical, and social pressures of our own.
Sun, Dec 22, 2019
Duration: 45 mins 33 secs
As we go through the different stages of life, our experience of Christmas changes. Senior years mark the final stage, full of changing roles, relationships, and losses. However, senior years are not without joy. In fact, the faithfulness, beauty, and goodness of God come into focus as we draw near to our death. Both Simeon and Anna model a seasoned faith, full of gratitude in their waning season. They are a model to us in any season of our lives to look for the goodness of God.
Sun, Nov 10, 2019
Duration: 49 mins 14 secs
Some people have a harder lot in life than others. Job is among the most famous biblical sufferers. But there is another, less often discussed sufferer. Her name is Naomi, and we read her story of dramatic status change, mounting losses, and waiting on God. Fortunately for Naomi, God showed up in the kindness of her daughter-in-law who shared her burden. God's kindness still shows up today through human kindness.
