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, Jul 03, 2022
When asked about the greatest command, Jesus didn't hesitate: "Love God with everything." The source of this teaching was the famous catechesis of ancient Israel, often called the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). The Shema joins a theological statement with a command. It confesses the uniqueness of God and calls for loving him. God is the single greatest reality. Love is our single greatest responsibility. Such faith is formed best in community.
Sun, Sep 26, 2021
Duration: 49 mins 36 secs
King Xerxes ruled over a powerful empire. Persia stretched from Turkey to India to Ethiopia. They had not conquered Athens. Thus, Xerxes remained greedy for more. This is common in an age of excess. There is never enough: power, praise, or material wealth. This opening message in the Esther series will set the historical context, the Age of Excess, in which the story unfolds. The parallels between Esther's world and our excessive age are numerous.
Sun, Oct 20, 2019
Duration: 52 mins 48 secs
After Joshua died a leadership vacuum opened. Worse yet, Israel intermarried with the Canaanites and failed to clear their land of idols. Thus begins the book of Judges, which chronicles God's people descent into false worship and civil warfare. This message will orient us to the book of Judges -- its structure, key players, and major themes -- and the timeless threat of idolatry. God's prohibition of idols (and jealousy) betrayed his desire for his people to live full and free lives. For those interested in a life of delight, they must uproot idols.
Sun, Oct 13, 2019
Duration: 51 mins 11 secs
For those who have made an initial commitment to Jesus, we may remember the moment with vivid details. For other followers, we can remember a retreat, camp, short-term trip, or moment where God broke through for us. Sadly, those moments can be few and far between. And until God breaks through again, we drift through life, overwhelmed by the everyday choices of what to eat, wear, watch, do, and whom to do with! The final words of Joshua are a summons from drifting to rededication. Every day is a chance to say, "God I give my life to you."
