God is preparing us for a chance to make a difference in the kingdom through every chapter of our lives, whether we know it or not. This does not mean that if we don’t answer the call, God’s plan will fail. God’s plans are bigger than us. It simply means that we wouldn’t be doing our part as expected, possibly at our own expense. God’s goal will be completed - you can count on that.
Read MorePositive thinking doesn’t happen automatically. Like the other topics we’ve covered in this sermon series, we must choose positive thinking. It is an active trait, not a passive one. Having a positive mindset allows us to see God’s will. Positive thoughts turn into positive insight, which turns into positive action.
Read MoreBy definition, humility is having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance. Having humility doesn’t mean minimizing or apologizing for our God-given talents. It means not placing ourselves above others because of those talents. Humility is not a passive trait. It’s an active choice - a deliberate decision to remain grounded.
Read MoreThis week, we begin a new sermon series, “Better.” We’ll continue to examine the fruits of the Spirit, but now we’ll look at how they can help us better set priorities, manage our relationships, and set expectations. We begin by considering how we set and manage priorities to reach our life goals.
Read MoreAs we heard in last week’s message, we all have stinky things that happen in our lives. Fortunately, God finds a way to use those things as fertilizer. But when those stinky things involve our families, we are impacted particularly hard.
Read MoreWe make resolutions, declarations, and promises that this year will be different. But isn’t it strange how so many of the problems we faced last year - the ones we were going to overcome - are the same ones we’re facing in the new year? Part of it is due to circumstances. Part of it is likely due to hoping for change but not taking action.
Read MoreCursing the fig tree is Jesus’ only miracle of destruction. There are no other miracles documented where he destroys something. But the timing of this story makes the cursing of the fig tree and its ultimate destruction a teaching moment.
Read MoreSorry for the late publication, but we’ve been enjoying a little downtime to celebrate Christmas. This week, we combine the final two messages of our series, Characters of the Nativity, and turn our attention to the two main characters: Mary and Jesus.
Read MoreDespite Joseph’s responsibility in God’s plan, his role in the story is almost secondary. He remains primarily in the background, but his actions speak volumes about his character and faith. Joseph’s obedience, humility, and unwavering sacrificial love make for a powerful witness story.
Read MoreOften, when we think of the story of the birth of Jesus, we focus on the “big three” characters: Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. This week, we turn our focus to the supporting cast. Those characters that had an impact and played a role but weren’t necessarily significant enough to gain top billing.
Read MoreThis week, we begin a four-week Advent series, Characters of the Nativity. In this series, we’ll look at some of the characters in the Christmas story. We start with the angels and will follow with some of the unsung heroes as well as the main characters, Joseph and Mary. We’ll close the series with our Christmas Eve message about Jesus.
Read MoreFor many, gathering around the Thanksgiving table means participating in the time-honored ritual of sharing what we’re thankful for. What a great exercise this is. But isn’t it sad that we only share our gratitude out loud and with one another during a special occasion?
Read MoreVolunteer Appreciation Sunday is not just about acknowledging our volunteers' hard work and commitment. It's also an opportunity for us to consider the deeper meaning of service in the context of our faith.
Read MoreThere is power in speaking scripture. Adam's Road Piano combines a refreshing expression of praise and worship through instrumental piano music with heartfelt recitation of God's Word, to renew faith and enrich hearts with the wonder of God's grace.
Read MoreWhile there are aspects of Communion that cause disagreement, namely the mechanics, our goal in this message is to focus on what is at the core. When we strip away how we celebrate the sacrament, the specific elements used, and who is allowed to preside and participate, it is the table that remains - the Lord’s Table.
Read MoreWith this parable as a backdrop, we will discuss that despite God being so wonderful, kind, gracious, and loving, we sometimes respond to him with anger and offense rather than wonder. It seems strange that we would be offended when God is gracious and kind to others. We question why God is being so generous to them.
Read MoreHave you ever found yourself in a situation where you just had to cry out to the Lord? Have you ever made a wish for something more? All of us, at one time or another, have said a prayer, hoping for the best and hoping for it to come true. In this week’s message, we discuss how we receive the wishes and dreams God has for us and how we can become good stewards of those dreams.
Read MoreThis week, we conclude our two-part series Ripples to Redemption, A Journey from Sin to Salvation. In Part 1, we looked at the collateral damage of sin - the ripple effect - and how the consequences of our sins can affect people we don’t even know. In Part 2, we’ll focus on the idea that despite how far the impact of our transgressions reaches, God will still lead us to redemption and salvation.
Read MoreWe have a tendency to avoid frank and honest conversations about sin, but there really is good news: we have received a clear path to salvation, no matter what sins we have committed in the past or those we might commit in the future.
Read MoreThis week, we conclude our sermon series, Unpacking the Lord’s Prayer. During the past two weeks, we’ve taken a closer look at one of the most well-known passages of scripture. Universally referred to as the Lord’s Prayer, these words are more than just the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. They are a guide to Christian living. Last week, we unpacked the first half of the prayer. This week, we’ll dissect the remainder.
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