Pointing People to the Cross
Heb 11:6-22 This Father's Day perhaps as a dad you're thinking about the family God has given you. And as your life goes on you may start to think about your legacy. Want to know the best legacy you can leave behind for your kids? - A faithful dependence upon God. So, what does faith lived throughout a lifetime look like? And how can we pass it on to our kids? We consider that this week for a special Father's Day Message.
Rev 12:1-6 Pictures and symbols are everywhere around us. We might see a sun symbol and know that it is referring to brightness. Or we might say that a dessert is "heaven." We know that means it's so good it's like heaven. Today God is going to give us some pictures that point toward future events. So, who is this woman, child, and dragon? We consider that this week as we continue our study in Revelation.
Rev 11:14-19 Throughout history there have been many different types of governments. Whether it's a democracy, a democratic republic, a dictatorship, etc, they all have their problems. And do you know why that is? - Because all governments are led by people. And people are sinful. But there is one ruler coming who is without sin - The man Christ Jesus. So, who is the one true Ruler? And how will He establish His kingdom? We consider those questions as Pastor Sam continues his study in Revelation.
2 Peter 3:11-18 We've considered false teachers, the origin of the Scriptures, and the reason for God's delay of His judgment as we've studied 2 Peter. But we're not done yet! As we conclude our study we read of the promises that God has made regarding Jesus' second coming, God's destruction of the earth, and even the world to come. Listen as Pastor Andrew finishes this wonderful letter from Peter.
Rev 11:1-13 As we continue our study in Revelation we come to chapter 11 and we read of two witnesses. Who are these witnesses? And what does their testimony have to do with God and His purposes? They are even breathing fire and coming back to life! Why is God telling us about these individuals? We consider that and much more this week!
2 Peter 3:9-10 Last week we considered some of God's qualities, such as His holiness, His timing, etc. This week we consider His sovereignty. Listen as Pastor Andrew continues His study in 2 Peter.
Rev 10 In Rev 10 we see a pretty sad prophecy of how God brings bitterness in His judgment, but yet He also brings sweet comfort to His children. How do these things both seem to coexist? We consider that question as Pastor Sam continues his study in Revelation.
2 Peter 3:1-8 This week we consider some of God's attributes and how critical it is for us to know God. Although many of these qualities are a terror to the unbeliever, they are a comfort to His children. Listen as Pastor Andrew continues his study in 2 Peter.
1 Samuel 1:3-28 For a special Mother's Day message we consider one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible - the account of Hannah and her example to us.
2 Peter 2:18-22 This week we conclude our study of false teachers. We consider what truly makes them disgusting to God and to His church.
Heb 10:1-18 As you think about the term religion, you may initially find yourself on the outside looking in. Religion has become somewhat of a divisive term over the years. You have those who are outside of religion feeling somewhat antagonistic toward the religious. And you have those within faith groups trying to making a distinction between religion and a relationship with God. But there's no doubt that everyone is in some way trying to make sense of the world around them and most, if not all, eventually have to consider the question of whether there is a God. But there's something that makes Jesus so very different from all of the religion around us, and even the religion that we concoct to make ourselves feel better. So, why exactly is Jesus different, and even better, than the religion around us?
2 Peter 2:10-17 We continue to examine the characteristics of those who would come into the church to deceive and lure away God's children. What is it that makes them so evil? We consider their depravity this evening, and also the importance of the church recognizing and addressing these wolves.
Rev 8-9 Stubbornness is a quality that many of see in ourselves, or perhaps in the lives of our family members! Unfortunately, being stubborn often leads to pain and destruction. In this sobering portion of the book of Revelation we see God's judgment being poured out. And yet, people will still refuse to repent in that terrible day! We are currently living during a time of God's mercy. So, as we look at God's judgment on sin, let's thoughtfully consider whether we too are failing to submit to God.
2 Peter 2:4-10 As we continue our study in 2 Peter we look again at false teachers and the promise from God that they are doomed. What does it mean for God to say that about these people? And is there any comfort for the church in hearing this? We consider those questions this week as Pastor Andrew continues his series in 2 Peter.
Matt 28:1-20 There are subjects that we may feel are irrelevant to us. Perhaps you remember a subject in school that was uninteresting to you, or there is a sport that you don't care to watch. Have you given much thought to the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Perhaps that too seems irrelevant to you. However, it is certainly not, and we will consider that today on this special resurrection Sunday.
Phil 2:8 As we prepare for Easter Sunday we take a moment to consider all that the Lord Jesus has endured for us, and all that was necessary before He rose from the dead.
Mark 11:1-11 As we think of Palm Sunday we would certainly remember the palm and the donkey. Perhaps you don't even attend church, but you recall this account from an old Sunday school classroom. We can really get lost in the minutia of the event though. These people were claiming that Jesus was king! But here's the most important question: "was Jesus really their King?" It's the same question we need to ask ourselves today: “Does Jesus rule your life?”
2 Peter 2:1-3 Peter has been leading up to this important topic in his letter - false teachers. What does a false teacher look like though? And why are they so dangerous? We consider those questions this week as we continue our study in the book of 2 Peter.
Rev 7:1-17 This week we look to the Lamb of God as we see God's plan for His covenant people.
2 Peter 1:19-21 This week as we continue our study in 2 Peter we look at the importance of knowing that the Scriptures were given to us by God. Peter tells us that the Holy Spirit moved men as they wrote the Scriptures. But what does that really mean? We consider that and much more as we look at the topic of God's Word.
Rev 6:1-17 Do you know anyone that con predict the weather next march? Or even next month? Or maybe even next week!? We can laugh about the difficulty of weather forecasts, but the truth is that no one knows the future, except God. So what has God revealed to us about the future? And what does it mean for you and I? We consider those questions as we continue our study in Revelation.
2 Peter 1:12:18 Why should we trust the Bible? Wasn't it just written by a bunch of old people? Why should I trust them? Well, it certainly was written many years ago! But many of its writers were first person eyewitnesses! So, if we want to learn about Jesus, it would behoove us to listen to the people that observed Him. Tonight we consider the veracity of Scripture as we listen to one of Jesus' closest followers.
Rev 5:1-14 This week we consider why Jesus is worthy of our worship. We know that in heaven all will worship Jesus as He deserves. But why is He deserving of this worship? And why is no other person worthy? We consider that question this week as we continue our study in the book of Revelation.
2 Peter 1:8-11 When you have a goal in mind, work isn't so bad is it? It still takes effort. It takes work. But you know it's worth it in the end. Well, the same is true of our spiritual life. It's not easy to live for Jesus, but it's totally worth it when we're looking forward to our reward. So, what is that reward? We consider that this week as Pastor Andrew continues his study in 2 Peter.
Rev 4:1-11 In Revelation chapter 4 we see a strange and maybe even frightful scene. As God's throne is revealed there is tremendous power and might that is revealed. And yet, in the midst of that we can see God's grace and the call to worship. Listen this week as we consider God's throne and our response.
2 Peter 1:5-7 Sanctification is one of those words that perhaps you've heard many times, but never completely understood. It's easy to reference and not really know what it looks like in your own life. However, if you've been a Christian for more than a few weeks you've probably come to understand that while there is great joy in following Jesus, it's not always easy. It takes hard work and perseverance. So, in what ways is God calling you to understand this work in your daily life? We consider that as we continue our study in 2 Peter.
Rev 3:14-22 This week we look at what Jesus calls the church that is “lukewarm.” Perhaps you've heard of this term before as it applies to spiritual things. However, do you know what it means? And do you know what makes a church lukewarm toward Jesus? It takes some careful self-examination. Thankfully Jesus helps us to diagnose the problem and gives us the cure to being lukewarm. Listen this week as we continue our study in Revelation.
We don't like to tell ourselves ‘no,' do we? It's pretty natural for us to say ‘yes' to ourselves because of our desire to please ourselves. Yet, Jesus' message was to take up your cross and follow Him. So, what does it look like to deny yourself, or to say ‘no' to yourself. Listen this week as we learn about the spiritual discipline of saying ‘no.'
Rev 3:7-13 What does it mean to be faithful? Well certainly we could think of being faithful to someone else in terms of their own will power. However, what Jesus is telling us is that a faithful church is faithful because of the One they serve, not because they try hard. So, would Jesus see you as one of His faithful ones?
2 Peter 1:1-4 As we begin this letter from Peter we get to witness the marvelous transformation that took place in Peter's life to take him from being a simple fisherman to becoming a godly man that is full of wisdom. Peter's desire for us is to know God and His truths in the most intimate way possible. But how do we do that? Do we just learn more information from the Bible? We answer those questions as Pastor Andrew begins a new series in 2nd Peter.
Rev 3:1-6 What does it mean to be dead? We could all probably come up with some different definitions. However, when it comes to the church there is only One person who can make the diagnosis of whether a church is alive or dead - the Lord Jesus. So, how is your church doing? And is there any coming back from death? Listen this week as we answer those questions and continue our study in the book of revelation.
James 5:16-20 We conclude our study in the book of James by looking at more areas of our lives where we must direct our attention away from ourselves. We consider confessing our sins to each other, praying with a humble stance, and finally seeking those who are wandering.
Rev 2:18-29 This week we consider the church of Thyatira. This church was corrupt according to Jesus. What does a corrupt church look like? Don't we all struggle with sin in the church? And who is this Jezebel that is referenced? We consider those questions and much more this week as we continue our study in the book of Revelation.
James 5:12-15 As we approach the end of our study in James we see a number of ways that we can be tempted to turn inward. It is just so easy for us to be focused on self and James reminds us that real faith is not focused on self. It is humbly focused on God. Join as we see some ways that God call us to turn our eyes upon Him.
Rev 2:12-17 Compromise is usually a word we associate with a positive connotation. However, there are things that are so critical that we ought to never compromise. This week we look at a church that had compromised on things that they should have held fast. So, what is really important to God? We consider that this week as we continue our study in the book of Revelation.
James 5:7-12 This week we consider the virtue of patience. Patience is really something that we can all struggle with at different stages of our lives. It is not always natural for us to have great patience. And the more pressure that surrounds us, the more patience is required. But what does it really look like for a Christian to have patience? Are we talking about being patient while our food is cooking? Or patience when our package hasn't arrived in the mail? No. There's a much greater way to test how we're doing with patience - How we treat one another in the church. Listen this week as we consider why patience is so critical to our faith, and why its absence may indicate that we need to be saved.
Heb 9:11-28 Christ must die. That seems like such a strange thing to say. Why would God have to die? Wasn't there any other way? Listen this week as we answer those questions and remember His sacrifice.
James 5:1-6 What does it mean to be rich? Are you rich? And how do riches affect our affection for God? We consider that and more as we continue our study in the book of James.
Rev 2:8-11 Persecution, troubles, trials. These are some words that we probably don't want to hear. However, for the Christian they're undoubtedly unavoidable. Jesus spoke at length about these topics. So, it's important for us to think about these things and to consider how God wants us to respond to them. Listen this week as we continue our study in the book of revelation.
James 4:13-17 Did you buy anything this week? Did you make any plans to travel? Did you know that even mundane decisions can reflect whether you are a prideful person? Well God is looking to help us examine our own hearts as we consider the topic of pride this week. Join us as Pastor Andrew continues his study in the book of James.
Rev 2:1-7 Marriage is supposed to be a beautiful example of love and unity. A healthy marriage is a wonderful thing to see. Do you want to know what makes a marriage look ugly though? - A loveless marriage. Love is really the foundation for this God-given institution. Want to know what else desperately requires love? The church. What happens though when love is absent from the church? Today we'll look at the church of Ephesus as we continue our study in the book of revelation.
James 4:11-12 When you think about other Christians, what are your feelings toward them? Or perhaps a better question is, what do you say about other Christians when they're not around? This week James is going to address the issue of gossip and slander. Listen as Pastor Andrew addresses the important issue of not speaking evil in the church.
Rev 1:1-20 If you have children you know what it's like to get your kids to listen to you. Sometimes they can simply become distracted, but other times they just don't pay attention to the counsel they receive. It doesn't stop at childhood though, does it? Many wives would attest to the desire for husbands who listen better! We really spend much of our lives learning how to listen. So, as we begin this wonderful book of Revelation we are really faced with this question from Jesus - "Will you listen to me?"
1 Tim 4:1-11 Discipline isn't a word most of us get excited to hear, is it? We usually associate it with doing things wrong and getting punished. However, God's Word tells us that there is joy in discipline for the Christian. How can that be? We consider that this week as Pastor Sam reminds us of this important truth.
Rom 8:1-11 Last week we thought about the internal battle that each Christian faces with the flesh. This week we consider how the Lord Jesus has already won that battle for us, and what He has given us to continue to battle the flesh - a new heart and the Spirit of God.
Rom 7:13-25 Have you ever thought about why it's so hard to keep the promises you make to yourself? Certainly the new year can remind you of that. What is it within us that wars against us (especially when it comes to spiritual things)? We consider that question today and also the solution to our struggles as Pastor Andrew begins a special 2-part series.
Luke 2:1-20 When we're young we often don't know which stories are worth telling. Children will tell stories about very ordinary events with the hopes that everyone will experience the same level of excitement as they have. In Luke 2 we really do hear a story that is worth telling, and worth spreading. So, what have you done with this glorious message?
Luke 1:39-56 Where does real joy come from? This time of year we might think of gifts, lights, experiences, etc. However, we all know that as soon as the lights come down and the wrapping paper gets thrown away that kind of joy goes away with it. So, where can we find real, lasting joy? We read in Luke's gospel that real joy comes through simple faith.
James 4:7-10 How do you think about getting to know and love God better? Do you get close to Him when you experience an intense emotion during a worship song? Or is when you finish your Bible-In-A-Year plan? What does the Bible really have to say about intimacy with God, and what might that reflect about your relationship with Him? We consider that and more as Pastor Andrew continues his study in the book of James.
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