The Lord's Prayer

What does the Lord’s prayer say, what does it mean, and how can it be used?

>> Scripture Used: Gal 2:15-21 (emphasis verse 20); Matt 6:5-15

The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23 is used so often inside and outside the Church that we almost have a tendency to stop hearing what it actually says. We’re taking an in-depth look at the Psalm to recover an understanding of what it means for us today.
>>Psalm 23; John 8:31-38

• Thinking back to times where you’ve walked “through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, how can you see that God was actually at work in you through that time?

• We’re told that to live faithfully we simply have to follow our Shepherd and abide in his Word; easier said than done. What are some practical ways that you can take steps in your own life to follow and abide?

Five Lessons from the Healing of Blind Bartimaeus

In the story of Jesus’ healing Bartimaeus, we see how we can approach Jesus the same way, and therein lies five lessons from the story of healing: Dependence, perseverance, initiative, honesty, and transformation.

• Scripture Used: Philippians 2:12-18, Mark 10:46-52

Jesus' Identity & Our Identity

Jesus asked his disciples point blank, “Who do YOU say I am?” Peter (for once) answered correctly. Jesus’ identity as Messiah defines our identity as his followers -- are we really willing to take on this identity and the cross it will bring? If so, we will know what true Life really is.

• Luke 9:18-26, Galatians 3:24-4:7

• Meaningful conversation starters: Who do you say Jesus is? What is your identity in light of Jesus' identity? What difference does it make in your daily life when that identity trumps all others?

Trinity Sunday: The Relationship of the Trinity

The Trinity is the expression of a loving relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - and shows how God wants a relationship with us!

• Scripture: John 16:5-15 & Ephesians 3:21-24

Pentecost: Repentance and Rest

A powerful work of the Holy Spirit happens through our repentance. However, is repentance saying sorry, or something more? What is repentance (and what isn’t repentance)? How could a robust theology of repentance make for lasting transformation, versus just a quick apology without lasting change?

• Acts 2:14-41; John 16:4-15; Psalm 32 and 51

Eastertide, V - Holiness or Love?

Sometimes in Christianity it seems like holiness and love for your neighbor are at odds with each other, but are they? What do “holiness” and “love” really mean?

• Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, John 13:31-35

• Meaningful conversation starters: What might it look like in your personal, family, or work life to be “distinctive?”

Eastertide, IV - What it Means to Be a Sheep

In today’s sermon we look at three attributes of those who follow Jesus: honesty about, and self-awareness of our relationship with Him; listening and obeying Jesus’ words; everlasting protection.

• Scripture: John 10:22-30; Rev 7:9-17

Eastertide, III -- Why the Resurrection of Jesus Matters to Us

In today’s sermon we learn what hope is, and what can we learn from Jeremiah, the Psalms and John the Beloved about God’s promises for our future.

• Scripture used: Jeremiah 32:36-41, Psalm 33, John 21:1-14

Eastertide, II -- Why The Resurrection of Jesus Matters to Us

What do we do with the Easter message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? What if Jesus was not actually raised from the dead? What can our response be to the good news of life to the full in the living God?

• Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 and John 20:24-31

Easter Sunday

We can believe in the gospel -- the life, death and resurrection of Jesus -- because of reality, relationships and restoration.  

• 1 Cor 15:1-12; Luke 24:1-49

Walking with Jesus through Hard Times, Part VII -- {Good Friday Homily}

Good Friday is one of the most solemn services remembering and retelling the passion of Jesus Christ’s arrest, torture and crucifixion. In this homily, we will look at the suffering of Christ through the prophetic writings of David in Psalm 22 and Isaiah his book, chapter 53.

• Psalm 22; Psalm 53

Walking with Jesus through Hard Times, Part VI

Jesus was zealous for true worship, in the temple then and in our hearts now. Just as He turned over tables then so His Spirit is like a fire, clearing our hearts and lives of false worship so we can worship the true and living God. Just as Jesus’ zeal consumed Him, so He gives us zeal to serve, love and reach others.

• Scripture used: I Corinthians 3:10-16; Luke 19:41-48

Walking with Jesus through Hard Times, Part V

Some people welcomed Jesus, treating him with love and gratitude.  Some ignored Him. Some abused Him. How do we welcome Jesus into our homes and our lives?  How does my welcome of Jesus reflect in how I welcome others?

• Scripture used: Luke 7:36-52; Psalm 116:8-17

• Meaningful conversation starters: How am I welcoming Jesus into all aspects of my life? How am I welcoming others? If something needs to change, where I do start?

Walking with Jesus Through Hard Times, Part IV

Jesus loves us all, even the hard-hearted, prideful pharisees who opposed him. How are we like them, and how are we called to love others who are similar to them?

• 2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Luke 6:6-11; Luke 7:1-10

Walking with Jesus Through Hard Times, Part III

Jesus instructs us to live and love in a way that is not only counter-cultural, but supra-human. It involves forsaking what the world values, and going past forgiveness to a radical self-abasement. How can we live and love like this? Listen and learn!

• Colossians 3:1-15; Luke 6:20-36    

Walking with Jesus through Hard Times, Part II: Jesus Returns Home

Jesus’ return home brought incredible conflict, rejection and even attempted murder! What can we learn from what Jesus went through?

• Scripture Used: Heb 12:1-14; Luke 4:14-30

Walking with Jesus through Hard Times: In the Wilderness

Why did Jesus’ begin his ministry with 40 days of fasting and testing in the wilderness, and what can we learn about who Jesus is from this experience? How does Jesus’ time in the wilderness affect us when we find ourselves in periods of “wilderness wandering” throughout our lives?

Scriptures used: Genesis 3:1-10; Luke 4:1-15; Romans 8:14-17

Trusting in God's Word, Part VI: The Clarity, Necessity and Sufficiency of Scripture

Is Scripture clear enough for us to understand God? Is it necessary for knowing God and maintaining our spiritual lives? Is it sufficient for obeying Him and receiving the guidance we need? This sermon will address these questions and more.

• Scripture Used: Deuteronomy 4:1-10; Matthew 13:1-9;18-23

Trusting in God's Word, Part V: The Inerrancy of Scripture

What do we mean when we say that Scripture is inerrant? What are many of the reasons people feel that the bible cannot be trusted and ways we can respond to these concerns?

• Scripture used: 1 Thess 2:1-13; John 5:30-47