Figs, Love and Coins
These three stories from Mark 11 and 12 might seem unrelated on the surface, but they share a common thread. If we are to bear the fruit of being Christians in our lives, what should that look like? How will it affect the way we treat others and can it even change the way we spend our money and time? When Jesus runs across a fig tree, these questions begin to be answered.
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- Aug 16, 2015Figs, Love and Coins
Figs, Love and CoinsThese three stories from Mark 11 and 12 might seem unrelated on the surface, but they share a common thread. If we are to bear the fruit of being Christians in our lives, what should that look like? How will it affect the way we treat others and can it even change the way we spend our money and time? When Jesus runs across a fig tree, these questions begin to be answered.
- Aug 9, 2015Anger
AngerAs Jesus enters the temple, we see something that we do not see very often from him: anger. We might be uncomfortable with the image, but it would be hard to argue that those tables were turned over without any anger involved. This week we will explore the anger of Jesus and what we can learn from his example about using anger in a positive way.
- Aug 2, 2015The Triumphal Entry
The Triumphal EntryWhen people come to meet the King making his way into Jerusalem, they do not find the grand ceremony they expect. Instead they find Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a young donkey as he continues to challenge their idea of an earthly kingdom.
- Jul 26, 2015A Beautiful Thing
A Beautiful ThingJohn 12 opens with a dinner held in honor of Jesus. Mary decides to honor him further by anointing his feet with expensive perfume. Even the kindest actions can bring about criticism. Learn this week how Jesus turns that criticism around and changes it into encouragement.
- Jul 19, 2015What Must I Do?
What Must I Do?In Luke 18, a rich man approaches Jesus with a very important question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Maybe he was looking for assurance; maybe he was looking for a checklist. The answer he received came as a surprise though, and he reacted out of sadness. This week we talk about how wealth can affect us and the things we hold on to. Most importantly, we are reminded that God can do what does not seem possible.
- Jul 12, 2015Your House
Your HouseZacchaeus had reached a crossroads in life. He was despised by those in his community. He deserved a lot of what people thought. Jesus was coming to his town, and he just hoped to get a glimpse of this amazing teacher. Seeing Jesus was only the beginning of the day that changed his life. Zacchaeus is an example that all of us can change the trajectory of our lives toward God. We just have to take that first step.
- Jul 5, 2015If You Had Been Here
If You Had Been HereThe story of Lazarus is a good reminder that sometimes God does his best work in what seems like the most impossible situations. While Mary and Martha struggled with the fact that Jesus was not there when they needed him the most, they found out that he was about to come through for them in a way they had never imagined. Spend a few minute reliving this incredible story with us.
- Jun 21, 2015The Love of the Father
The Love of the FatherSome of us have great fathers. Some have not-so-great fathers. Some of our fathers are absent. Regardless of our earthly families, we are reminded this week in John 14 that God is a Father who loves us and desires a relationship with us.
- Jun 14, 2015An Unexpected Ending
An Unexpected Ending"Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7) Aside from "Don't judge," it might be one of the most quoted scriptures in our culture today. It is in the middle of an incredible story. A woman who faced sure death found mercy from Jesus, but the story does not end there. God meets us where we are, but he is not content to leave us there.
- Jun 7, 2015God’s Story, Your Story
God’s Story, Your StorySince the beginning, God has been writing a story. We have learned about the characters throughout scripture. We find a great summary of them in Hebrews 11. As chapter 12 begins, Jesus is referred to as the "author and perfecter of our faith." Have you ever considered that God wants you to be part of His story?
- May 31, 2015When Things Get Complicated
When Things Get ComplicatedAs much as we try to live in harmony and show love, sometimes we mess up. What should we do when a brother or sister sins against us? Jesus explains the process in Matthew 18, and it's something we should all put into practice.
- May 24, 2015Forgiveness
ForgivenessSometimes forgiving those that have wronged us is one of the most difficult things we have to do. Even though we understand how much we need forgiveness, we can be slow to give it to others. This week we see that Jesus challenges his disciples to forgive in the same way we hope to receive forgiveness from God.
- May 17, 2015Only Jesus
Only JesusWhen Jesus took Peter, James and John on the mountain in Matthew 17, they did not expect what they were about to witness. As Jesus' appearance changed before their eyes, Moses and Elijah appeared there with him. But soon enough, all the focus would be on the one we need to listen to. See his glory in this week's message. We also had a special guest this week. Artist, Daniel Adams, drew along with the sermon.
- May 10, 2015Women of Deliverance
Women of DeliveranceWomen play an important role in scripture. In the early part of the book of Exodus, the Hebrew midwives and the mother of Moses act in faith to preserve the lives of Hebrew babies and bring about the freedom of God's people.
- May 3, 2015To Be My Disciples
To Be My DisciplesBeing a follower of Jesus requires sacrifice. Following Peter's confession, he learns that being a disciple does not always go according to the pattern he has in mind. It's a lesson we sometimes need to be reminded of too.
- Apr 26, 2015You Are the Messiah
You Are the MessiahWell into his ministry on Earth, there was still a lot of confusion about who Jesus was. In Matthew 16, he asked his disciples who people thought that he was and who they thought he was. Peter's response is the foundation of our beliefs. Who do we say that Jesus is, and how do we let the world around us know?
- Apr 19, 2015Don’t Say a Word
Don’t Say a WordIn Mark 7 two people in need of healing encounter Jesus. Their lives are forever changed, yet he tells the second one not to say a word about it. Could you keep quiet? God sent his Son into the world, and our lives are forever changed. How can we keep quiet?
- Apr 12, 2015Jesus Feeds the 5000
Jesus Feeds the 5000On a day when he just wanted to get away, the crowds had different ideas. In this story from Matthew 14, Jesus sets his own needs aside and does the impossible for others. Could he still accomplish the impossible in our lives?
- Apr 5, 2015He Is Risen
He Is RisenThis Easter Sunday we look at the most important event of the gospel story, the resurrection of Jesus. Because he overcame death, we can look forward to rising with him. When the tomb was found empty, everything changed. Get caught in the wonder of that great story again.
- Mar 29, 2015On Trial
On TrialFollowing his arrest, Jesus was questioned by Annas, Caiaphas and Pilate. In this lesson from John 20 and Matthew 26, we will look at these events and see what can be learned about Jesus and His accusers.
- Mar 22, 2015Calming the Storm
Calming the StormIn Matthew 8 the disciples were on a boat on the Sea of Galilee with Jesus. A strong storm came up quickly. The only calm to be found on the boat was Jesus who was sleeping peacefully. When the disciples went to Him for help, He calmed the storm itself. There will be storms in our lives. Do we look to the Prince of Peace to calm them?
- Mar 15, 2015Do You See?
Do You See?At a dinner gathering in Luke 7, a woman described as "a sinner" washes the feet of Jesus. Even though everyone must notice, He asks the question, "Do you see this woman?" I wonder if they see anything else. What grabs your attention in life? What are you looking for?
- Mar 8, 2015Go Tell John
Go Tell JohnWe jump back into our series on the Life of Jesus this week with the lesson from Luke 7. John the Baptist is in prison and wrestling with doubt, so he sends his disciples to find reassurance from Jesus. God understands that we have doubts, and he wants us to find that same kind of reassurance.
- Mar 1, 2015I Will Treasure Church Membership As a Gift
I Will Treasure Church Membership As a GiftWhat is the best gift you have ever received? God give us something even greater: the gift of salvation. Along with that gift, He gave us the church. Do you think of church membership as a gift? Maybe it's time to think again. This is the last in a series of six lessons based on the book, I Am a Church Member, by Thom Rainer.
- Feb 22, 2015I Will Lead My Family to Be Healthy Church Members
I Will Lead My Family to Be Healthy Church MembersThe church is a family. God has a lot to say in Ephesians about how families should interact. Some of those same guidelines can apply to the church as well. What kind of church members are we encouraging our families to be? This is the fifth in a series of six lessons based on the book, I Am a Church Member, by Thom Rainer.