Grantham Church Podcast

Sermon Title: Discovering CommunityScripture Reading: Luke 7:36-50, Acts 2:46, 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 Jesus once received an invitation to have dinner at the home of a Pharisee, a religious leader who prided himself in being separate from sinners. The guests were expecting good food, pleasurable company, and some stimulating conversation with the edgy rabbi from Nazareth. But when a notorious sinner showed up uninvited, things got really awkward. In the second message of our series, Pastor David challenges us to see the way God does, so we can discover Christ at the table.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: Discovering GraceScripture Reading: Luke 5:27-32 Sharing a meal with someone is about much more than the food. The table can be a place of hostility or hospitality, argument or acceptance. In the first message of our summer series, Pastor Melissa Lowther helps us discover how Jesus uses the table as a place of grace. But we might be surprised by the guest list.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: Dealing with DifferencesScripture Reading: John 4:4–30 Jesus' disciples were astonished when they found him talking with a woman at a well in Samaria. Pious Jews did not associate with Samaritans, nor would they talk with any woman in public, especially one of dubious morality. Although Jesus had little in common with her, he overcame their differences of gender, ethnicity, and faith. Rich Stuebing will help us to see how Jesus dealt with these barriers and suggest how we can overcome similar barriers in our own divided society.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: The Gift of GraceScripture Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9 Grace is a gift from God that cannot be earned or purchased. It is the good news that lies at the very heart of the gospel that we proclaim. Even greater is to know that grace is not just for ourselves. The grace of God doesn't give us freedom to live for ourselves. In The Gift of Grace, Todd Allen reminds us how the grace of God gives us freedom to live for someone and something much greater than ourselves—that someone called Jesus and that something called the Kingdom of God.Worship Resources:service videosmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: The Peace of God for the People of GodScripture Reading: Matthew 5:9; John 14:27; Philippians 4:4-9 Jesus said that he gives peace to his disciples that the world cannot give—the peace of God. The Apostle Paul said that this peace is a “fruit of the Spirit” that all followers of Christ can experience and express in their life. And he once wrote about this peace of God, which he said, “transcends all understanding,” from a prison cell! In The Peace of God for the People of God, Pastor David shares how we can know the peace of God for ourselves and then share that peace with an anxious world.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: The Deep Well of a Centered ChurchScripture Reading: John 1:14-17; 4:10-14; 8:1-11; Romans 6:15-18; Galatians 6:1-2 A church that operates according to the grace and truth of Jesus is neither bounded nor fuzzy in its thinking and practice. Instead, a real Christ-centered congregation understands that God accepts us as we are but loves us too much to leave us that way. In The Deep Well of a Centered Church, Pastor David shares what it looks like to transcend the bounded-fuzzy continuum so we might discover the Spirit's power to transform our lives and shape the church's gospel witness to the world.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: The Meager Fruit of a Fuzzy ChurchScripture Reading: Matthew 3:8; 1 Corinthians 6:12-13; Galatians 5:13-25; 6:1-10 Paul preached freedom to the bounded Galatians and boundaries to the fuzzy Corinthians. That's because Jesus came to us full of grace and truth, and he says that we are to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. But unfortunately, some well-intentioned disciples are moving from one extreme to the other. In The Meager Fruit of a Fuzzy Church, Pastor David shares how the gospel challenges the fuzzy practice of community that is fueled by secular ideas of tolerance, individualism, and relativism.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: The Meager Fruit of a Fuzzy ChurchScripture Reading: Matthew 3:8; 1 Corinthians 6:12-13; Galatians 5:13-25; 6:1-10 Paul preached freedom to the bounded Galatians and boundaries to the fuzzy Corinthians. That's because Jesus came to us full of grace and truth, and he says that we are to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. But unfortunately, some well-intentioned disciples are moving from one extreme to the other. In The Meager Fruit of a Fuzzy Church, Pastor David shares how the gospel challenges the fuzzy practice of community that is fueled by secular ideas of tolerance, individualism, and relativism.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: The Shriveled Fruit of a Bounded ChurchScripture Reading: Acts 15:1-21; Galatians 1:6-12; 2:19-21; 3:1-3, 19-29; 4:8-9, 17-20 Paul preached a gospel for everyone. It was a simple message about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul told the Galatians that God was creating a new family that included everyone who responded in faith, all because of the saving grace of Christ. But then this message was undermined by Jewish Christian “agitators” obsessed with the Law and line-drawing. In The Shriveled Fruit of a Bounded Church, Pastor David shares how the gospel challenges the bounded practice of community.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: The Shriveled Fruit of a Bounded ChurchScripture Reading: Acts 15:1-21; Galatians 1:6-12; 2:19-21; 3:1-3, 19-29; 4:8-9, 17-20 Paul preached a gospel for everyone. It was a simple message about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul told the Galatians that God was creating a new family that included everyone who responded in faith, all because of the saving grace of Christ. But then this message was undermined by Jewish Christian “agitators” obsessed with the Law and line-drawing. In The Shriveled Fruit of a Bounded Church, Pastor David shares how the gospel challenges the bounded practice of community.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: The God of the CenterScripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-18; Luke 15:1-2, 11-31; Colossians 1:15-20 Jesus proclaimed the gospel of salvation to all who believed. He embodied that good news, and then gave his church the task of doing the same. So, the local church is his idea. He wants us to form worshipping communities of disciples who actively pursue him and point others to the God who looks like Jesus. In The God of the Center, Pastor David shares how our concept of God, and our understanding of the gospel, will determine the sort of community and culture that exists in the church.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: The God of the CenterScripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-18; Luke 15:1-2, 11-31; Colossians 1:15-20 Jesus proclaimed the gospel of salvation to all who believed. He embodied that good news, and then gave his church the task of doing the same. So, the local church is his idea. He wants us to form worshipping communities of disciples who actively pursue him and point others to the God who looks like Jesus. In The God of the Center, Pastor David shares how our concept of God, and our understanding of the gospel, will determine the sort of community and culture that exists in the church.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: Being a Household of FaithScripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Proverbs 22:6; Matthew 19:13-14 The Apostle Paul once wrote that no matter what we think or do in this life, the most important thing—the only thing that counts—is faith expressing itself in love. If we fail to love, all our good deeds amount to nothing. Therefore, as disciples of Jesus, we must live in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. In Love Like Jesus, Pastor David shares how our capacity to love is dependent upon our portrait of God, our own personal experience of his love, and our willingness to deny our flesh.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: Being a Household of FaithScripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Proverbs 22:6; Matthew 19:13-14 The Apostle Paul once wrote that no matter what we think or do in this life, the most important thing—the only thing that counts—is faith expressing itself in love. If we fail to love, all our good deeds amount to nothing. Therefore, as disciples of Jesus, we must live in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. In Love Like Jesus, Pastor David shares how our capacity to love is dependent upon our portrait of God, our own personal experience of his love, and our willingness to deny our flesh.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: Love like JesusScripture Reading: Mark 8:34-35, John 13:34-35, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 4:16-17 The Apostle Paul once wrote that no matter what we think or do in this life, the most important thing—the only thing that counts—is faith expressing itself in love. If we fail to love, all our good deeds amount to nothing. Therefore, as disciples of Jesus, we must live in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. In Love Like Jesus, Pastor David shares how our capacity to love is dependent upon our portrait of God, our own personal experience of his love, and our willingness to deny our flesh.Worship Resources:service video**sermon slidessmall group questions **Please note: We had some technical difficulties with our livestream on Sunday, so the service video linked starts at the sermon and includes the rest of the service. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Sermon Title: Love like JesusScripture Reading: Mark 8:34-35, John 13:34-35, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 4:16-17 The Apostle Paul once wrote that no matter what we think or do in this life, the most important thing—the only thing that counts—is faith expressing itself in love. If we fail to love, all our good deeds amount to nothing. Therefore, as disciples of Jesus, we must live in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. In Love Like Jesus, Pastor David shares how our capacity to love is dependent upon our portrait of God, our own personal experience of his love, and our willingness to deny our flesh.Worship Resources:service video**sermon slidessmall group questions **Please note: We had some technical difficulties with our livestream on Sunday, so the service video linked starts at the sermon and includes the rest of the service. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Sermon Title: Jesus the Healer Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 4:23-24, 9:35-38; James 5:13-16 The gospel writers tell us that the ministry of Jesus not only consisted of him teaching and proclaiming the good news about the Kingdom of God, but it also involved him performing miracles and healing various kinds of sickness and disease. In Jesus the Healer, Pastor David challenges the dominate “anti-supernatural” narrative of Western society and invites us to see and experience Christ as the source of all healing.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: Jesus the HealerScripture Reading: Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 4:23-24, 9:35-38; James 5:13-16 The gospel writers tell us that the ministry of Jesus not only consisted of him teaching and proclaiming the good news about the Kingdom of God, but it also involved him performing miracles and healing various kinds of sickness and disease. In Jesus the Healer, Pastor David challenges the dominate “anti-supernatural” narrative of Western society and invites us to see and experience Christ as the source of all healing.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group questions

Sermon Title: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Scripture Reading: Psalm 139, 1 Corinthians 12 The Psalmist tells us that we were 'knit together in our mother's womb', and that we are 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' Further, the Apostle Paul indicates that we (individually and collectively) are a part of the body of Christ...from those with specific gifts, to those who 'seem to be weaker.' In Fearfully & Wonderfully Made, Dr. Doug Curry reminds us of the importance of hospitality and belonging - in our families, our communities, and to the body of Christ. No one is indispensable!Worship Resources: service video

Sermon Title: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Scripture Reading: Psalm 139, 1 Corinthians 12 The Psalmist tells us that we were 'knit together in our mother's womb', and that we are 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' Further, the Apostle Paul indicates that we (individually and collectively) are a part of the body of Christ, from those with specific gifts, to those who 'seem to be weaker.' In Fearfully & Wonderfully Made, Doug Curry reminds us of the importance of hospitality and belonging—in our families, our communities, and to the body of Christ. No one is indispensable!Worship Resources: service video

Sermon Title: Passing on Peace Scripture Reading: John 14:27 The cross, the resurrection, and peace. The risen Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Let's unwrap some of the mysteries of Jesus' transferable parting gift: Peace. In Passing on the Peace, Hyacinth Stevens invites us to be peacemakers in the way of Christ.Worship Resources: service video

Sermon Title: Passing on Peace Scripture Reading: John 14:27 The cross, the resurrection, and peace. The risen Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Let's unwrap some of the mysteries of Jesus' transferable parting gift: Peace. In Passing on the Peace, Hyacinth Stevens invites us to be peacemakers in the way of Christ.Worship Resources: service video

Sermon Title: Let Us Go Over To The Other Side Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41 Before he was the president of Moscow Evangelical Christian Seminary in Russia, Alexander “Sasha” Tsutserov was a KGB agent within the Soviet Union. The KGB is responsible for the destruction of thousands of church buildings and the deaths of even more Christian ministers and pastors. Sasha is now on a mission to replenish what was lost by raising up disciples and church-planters across Russia. In his message, Let Us Go Over to the Other Side, Sasha invites us to reflect on the ministry of Jesus and our responsibility to reach others for the sake of the Kingdom. Worship Resources: service video small group discussion questions

Sermon Title: Let Us Go Over To The Other Side Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41 Before he was the president of Moscow Evangelical Christian Seminary in Russia, Alexander “Sasha” Tsutserov was a KGB agent within the Soviet Union. The KGB is responsible for the destruction of thousands of church buildings and the deaths of even more Christian ministers and pastors. Sasha is now on a mission to replenish what was lost by raising up disciples and church-planters across Russia. In his message, Let Us Go Over to the Other Side, Sasha invites us to reflect on the ministry of Jesus and our responsibility to reach others for the sake of the Kingdom. Worship Resources: service video small group discussion questions

Sermon Title: All Things Are Possible | Easter Sunday 2022Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:26; John 20:1-18, 24-29; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Dead is dead. Even in the first century, the disciples understood that nobody survives a Roman crucifixion. Therefore, what happened next was totally unexpected and deeply challenging to the disciples. It was bewildering and shockingly magnificent! It reframed everything. On this Easter Sunday morning, Pastor David shares how the resurrection of Jesus invites us to move from the certainty of “that's the way things are” to the unsettling openness that God can do the impossible. Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: All Things Are Possible | Easter Sunday 2022Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:26; John 20:1-18, 24-29; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Dead is dead. Even in the first century, the disciples understood that nobody survives a Roman crucifixion. Therefore, what happened next was totally unexpected and deeply challenging to the disciples. It was bewildering and shockingly magnificent! It reframed everything. On this Easter Sunday morning, Pastor David shares how the resurrection of Jesus invites us to move from the certainty of “that's the way things are” to the unsettling openness that God can do the impossible. Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Power Over to Power Under/With/ForScripture Reading: Mark 10:25-45; Luke 19:28-40; John 19:10-11; 1 Corinthians 1:18 The final week in the life of Christ began with palm branches and a bit of political theater. While Pilate parades into Jerusalem from the west on a stallion with soldiers and an imperial procession, Jesus of Nazareth rides in from the east on a humble donkey to chants of “Hosanna!” from a crowd longing for freedom. In this final message of our Lenten series, Pastor David shares how the last days of Jesus reveal God's power through serving and sacrifice, which we are to emulate as his disciples.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questionsPalm Sunday art

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Power Over to Power Under/With/ForScripture Reading: Mark 10:25-45; Luke 19:28-40; John 19:10-11; 1 Corinthians 1:18 The final week in the life of Christ began with palm branches and a bit of political theater. While Pilate parades into Jerusalem from the west on a stallion with soldiers and an imperial procession, Jesus of Nazareth rides in from the east on a humble donkey to chants of “Hosanna!” from a crowd longing for freedom. In this final message of our Lenten series, Pastor David shares how the last days of Jesus reveal God's power through serving and sacrifice, which we are to emulate as his disciples.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questionsPalm Sunday art

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Scarcity to AbundanceScripture Reading: Exodus 16:1-31; Luke 9:1-6, 10-17; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 It was in the wilderness that God addressed the scarcity mindset that Israel had learned as slaves in Egypt. He needed to free them from this bondage if they were going to trust in him and receive his abundant provision. And then it's in the feeding of the five thousand that we see Jesus as the source of God's endless supply of resources, as he calls us to view the world through his eyes. In this fifth message of our Lenten series, Pastor David invites us to believe in God's power to provide.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Scarcity to AbundanceScripture Reading: Exodus 16:1-31; Luke 9:1-6, 10-17; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 It was in the wilderness that God addressed the scarcity mindset that Israel had learned as slaves in Egypt. He needed to free them from this bondage if they were going to trust in him and receive his abundant provision. And then it's in the feeding of the five thousand that we see Jesus as the source of God's endless supply of resources, as he calls us to view the world through his eyes. In this fifth message of our Lenten series, Pastor David invites us to believe in God's power to provide.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Exceptionalism to InclusionScripture Reading: Hosea 6:6; Luke 5:27-32, 15:1-32; Romans 2:1-5 As we seek God's higher ways, we discover that the restoration of “sinners” and of sinful society comes through a radical embodiment of the gospel of grace and a kindness that leads to repentance, rather than withholding our love and acceptance or excluding people from the community. In this fourth message of our Lenten series, Pastor David calls us to move away from the conditions that create exceptionalism, so that we might welcome and include everyone into the Kingdom.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Exceptionalism to InclusionScripture Reading: Hosea 6:6; Luke 5:27-32, 15:1-32; Romans 2:1-5 As we seek God's higher ways, we discover that the restoration of “sinners” and of sinful society comes through a radical embodiment of the gospel of grace and a kindness that leads to repentance, rather than withholding our love and acceptance or excluding people from the community. In this fourth message of our Lenten series, Pastor David calls us to move away from the conditions that create exceptionalism, so that we might welcome and include everyone into the Kingdom.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Earning to ReceivingScripture Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9; Matthew 20:1-16; Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 2:1-10 The New Testament is clear that we cannot earn our salvation or gain access into the Kingdom of God by our good works. We do not merit the Lord's love and favor. Instead, it is all a gift that we simply receive from a good and gracious God. In this third message of our Lenten series, Pastor David invites us to receive the scandalous grace of Jesus so that we might live by faith and extend his grace to others.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Earning to ReceivingScripture Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9; Matthew 20:1-16; Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 2:1-10 The New Testament is clear that we cannot earn our salvation or gain access into the Kingdom of God by our good works. We do not merit the Lord's love and favor. Instead, it is all a gift that we simply receive from a good and gracious God. In this third message of our Lenten series, Pastor David invites us to receive the scandalous grace of Jesus so that we might live by faith and extend his grace to others.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Fear to CompassionScripture Reading: Nehemiah 9:16-21; Psalm 27; Matthew 9:35-38; 1 John 4:17-18 The Scriptures tell us that we were created by a forgiving God who is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. We see this most clearly in the person of Christ, who invites us to know his love and to freely share his compassion with others. But if we're going to embrace his higher way, we cannot live in fear. In this second message of our Lenten series, Pastor David invites us to move from operating out of fear to living with compassion for all those whom Jesus loves.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Security to GenerosityScripture Reading: Nehemiah 9:16-21; Psalm 27; Matthew 9:35-38; 1 John 4:17-18 The Scriptures tell us that we were created by a forgiving God who is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. We see this most clearly in the person of Christ, who invites us to know his love and to freely share his compassion with others. But if we're going to embrace his higher way, we cannot live in fear. In this second message of our Lenten series, Pastor David invites us to move from operating out of fear to living with compassion for all those whom Jesus loves.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: From Security to GenerosityScripture Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9; Luke 4:1-13, 10:25-37; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 The prophet Isaiah wrote that God's ways are higher than our ways. Jesus brought this into sharp focus in his temptations, through his life and teachings, and in how he gave his life to defeat sin and death. Clearly, we must change our thinking and trade our ways for his ways if we want to truly be free. In this first message of our Lenten series, Seeking God's Ways, Pastor David invites us to move from prioritizing our security to living with generosity toward our neighbors and enemies. Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: Seeking God's Ways | Lent 2022Sermon Title: From Security to GenerosityScripture Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9; Luke 4:1-13, 10:25-37; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 The prophet Isaiah wrote that God's ways are higher than our ways. Jesus brought this into sharp focus in his temptations, through his life and teachings, and in how he gave his life to defeat sin and death. Clearly, we must change our thinking and trade our ways for his ways if we want to truly be free. In this first message of our Lenten series, Seeking God's Ways, Pastor David invites us to move from prioritizing our security to living with generosity toward our neighbors and enemies. Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: From Glory to Glory | Transfiguration Sunday 2022Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:29-35; Luke 9:28-36; 2 Cor 3:12-4:2; Hebrews 6:1-3 The transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most neglected gospel stories within Western Christianity. While a surface reading of the story might seem strange and confusing, we can't afford to miss its significance and the implications it has for Christ's identity, his supremacy over all things, and for our own spiritual growth. Listen as Pastor David invites us to believe in Christ and move from glory to glory in our faith.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: From Glory to Glory | Transfiguration Sunday 2022Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:29-35; Luke 9:28-36; 2 Cor 3:12-4:2; Hebrews 6:1-3 The transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most neglected gospel stories within Western Christianity. While a surface reading of the story might seem strange and confusing, we can't afford to miss its significance and the implications it has for Christ's identity, his supremacy over all things, and for our own spiritual growth. Listen as Pastor David invites us to believe in Christ and move from glory to glory in our faith.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: Here I AmScripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 40:6-8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Acts 9:10-18 Several times in the Bible we read of where God spoke to his followers, and then they responded with a submissive phrase that revealed a willingness and a desire to obey his word: “Here I am.” These simple words reflect a heart that is set on pleasing God and surrendering to his wisdom and will, no matter the risk or the cost. Listen as Pastor David invites us to trust our loving God and seek his plan for our lives.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: Here I AmScripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 40:6-8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Acts 9:10-18 Several times in the Bible we read of where God spoke to his followers, and then they responded with a submissive phrase that revealed a willingness and a desire to obey his word: “Here I am.” These simple words reflect a heart that is set on pleasing God and surrendering to his wisdom and will, no matter the risk or the cost. Listen as Pastor David invites us to trust our loving God and seek his plan for our lives.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: Passing the TestScripture Reading: Genesis 22:1-18; Matthew 26:42; Romans 8:28; James 1:2-4, 12  Life is full of trials that test our faith. We live in a broken world and not everything is as God intends. Bad things happen and challenges come. But ultimately, God wants to bring good out of our trials and for us to see them as opportunities to deepen our faith in him. Listen as Pastor David encourages us to view our trials as tests that God uses to increase our awareness of his love, faithfulness, and provision.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Title: Passing the TestScripture Reading: Genesis 22:1-18; Matthew 26:42; Romans 8:28; James 1:2-4, 12  Life is full of trials that test our faith. We live in a broken world and not everything is as God intends. Bad things happen and challenges come. But ultimately, God wants to bring good out of our trials and for us to see them as opportunities to deepen our faith in him. Listen as Pastor David encourages us to view our trials as tests that God uses to increase our awareness of his love, faithfulness, and provision.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: FoundationsSermon Title: The Call to RelationshipsScripture Reading: Genesis 1:26; Colossians 1:15-23; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21 The Bible says that God, who is communal in nature, created us in his image to know him and experience his divine goodness in others. Unfortunately, human sin—like a virus—disrupts and destroys his good purposes. Therefore, God's desire is that through Christ and the relationships that are possible in the local church, we would be reconciled to God and each other. Listen as Pastor David invites us into the intimate and personal spaces where we let others in on our journey with Jesus.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: FoundationsSermon Title: The Call to RelationshipsScripture Reading: Genesis 1:26; Colossians 1:15-23; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21 The Bible says that God, who is communal in nature, created us in his image to know him and experience his divine goodness in others. Unfortunately, human sin—like a virus—disrupts and destroys his good purposes. Therefore, God's desire is that through Christ and the relationships that are possible in the local church, we would be reconciled to God and each other. Listen as Pastor David invites us into the intimate and personal spaces where we let others in on our journey with Jesus.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidessmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: FoundationsSermon Title: The Call to ScriptureScripture Reading: 2 Kings 22:1-13; Psalm 119:1-16; John 5:39-40; Hebrews 4:12 While it certainly requires interpretation and communal discernment, faithful disciples believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and authoritative—a trustworthy guide for faith and practice today. Therefore, we should engage with the Scriptures. But as Jesus said, our study and reading of it should lead us to know him, or we're missing the point. Listen as Pastor David shares how we can read the Scripture to know God, help us to hear his voice, and experience the abiding presence of Christ.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidesPray As You Go appLectio 365 and Lectio For Families appsmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: FoundationsSermon Title: The Call to ScriptureScripture Reading: 2 Kings 22:1-13; Psalm 119:1-16; John 5:39-40; Hebrews 4:12 While it certainly requires interpretation and communal discernment, faithful disciples believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and authoritative—a trustworthy guide for faith and practice today. Therefore, we should engage with the Scriptures. But as Jesus said, our study and reading of it should lead us to know him, or we're missing the point. Listen as Pastor David shares how we can read the Scripture to know God, help us to hear his voice, and experience the abiding presence of Christ.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidesPray As You Go appLectio 365 and Lectio For Families appsmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: FoundationsSermon Title: The Call to PrayerScripture Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 46:10; Matthew 6:5-13 When we answer the call to discipleship, we commit to some basic spiritual practices and religious routines that help orient our hearts to God and allow us to hear his voice. Prayer is the primary way by which we abide in the Lord, experience his presence and power, discern his will, and stay rooted in his love. In The Call to Prayer, Pastor David invites us to develop a conversational relationship with God.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidesPray as You Go appLectio 365 and Lectio for Families appsmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: FoundationsSermon Title: The Call to PrayerScripture Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 46:10; Matthew 6:5-13 When we answer the call to discipleship, we commit to some basic spiritual practices and religious routines that help orient our hearts to God and allow us to hear his voice. Prayer is the primary way by which we abide in the Lord, experience his presence and power, discern his will, and stay rooted in his love. In The Call to Prayer, Pastor David invites us to develop a conversational relationship with God.Worship Resources:service videosermon slidesPray as You Go appLectio 365 and Lectio for Families appsmall group discussion questions

Sermon Series: FoundationsSermon Title: The Call to DiscipleshipScripture Reading: Luke 9:23-25, 57-62 As we begin a new series that seeks to address the spiritual foundations of our life in Christ, we're challenged to respond to the call of Jesus: “Follow me!” But when Jesus calls us to be his disciples, it's a bid (as Dietrich Bonhoeffer states) to “come and die.” Listen as Pastor Melissa shares how the grace that Jesus extends to us isn't meant to be an add-on to our lives, but an invitation to lay our lives down. And in so doing, to find true life in him.Worship Resources:service videosmall group discussion questions