Preaching for a Change

If you are a Christian, the Bible describes you as a soldier engaged in an intense spiritual warfare against Satan and the forces of darkness. Thankfully, the LORD has given you all that is necessary for you to win those skirmishes against the enemy. He has provided you with power, protection, and even His very presence. What actions are required on your part? How can you and your local church continue to march forward with spiritual success? ~Farewell Sermon, Pastor Ryan Day

If you are a Christian, the Bible describes you as a soldier engaged in an intense spiritual warfare against Satan and the forces of darkness. Thankfully, the LORD has given you all that is necessary for you to win those skirmishes against the enemy. He has provided you with power, protection, and even His very presence. What actions are required on your part? How can you and your local church continue to march forward with spiritual success? ~Farewell Sermon, Pastor Ryan Day

Since the controversial Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, pro-abortion advocates have offered up many ongoing arguments for why abortion should remain legal.  As Christians, we need to understand the most popular arguments and know how to answer them with sound logic and the authoritative truth of God's Word.  What are three of the most popular arguments used to support abortion?  How can we answer them wisely, and overturn them?  ~Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2020 

Since the controversial Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, pro-abortion advocates have offered up many ongoing arguments for why abortion should remain legal.  As Christians, we need to understand the most popular arguments and know how to answer them with sound logic and the authoritative truth of God's Word.  What are three of the most popular arguments used to support abortion?  How can we answer them wisely, and overturn them?  ~Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2020 

Advertising experts and marketing gurus know that "A picture is worth a thousand words".  Showing a vivid picture to consumers can help them understand and buy-into a product.  In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul uses three "word pictures" to describe the Church-- and every believer's place in it.  What are three important 'word pictures' of the Church, and what significance do they hold for every believer today?

Advertising experts and marketing gurus know that "A picture is worth a thousand words".  Showing a vivid picture to consumers can help them understand and buy-into a product.  In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul uses three "word pictures" to describe the Church-- and every believer's place in it.  What are three important 'word pictures' of the Church, and what significance do they hold for every believer today?

Many needy children and families in Beaver County, PA will experience a tremendous Christmas, thanks to some anonymous donors who stepped up with gifts totaling more than $15,000 dollars.  Incredibly, these donors insisted that their gifts remain 100% anonymous.  In Luke 2, we learn that blue-collar shepherds-- working the night shift-- were the first people on the planet to hear and share the good news of Jesus' arrival.  Incredibly, these shepherds remain 100% anonymous to us, yet their obedience and evangelistic zeal lives on.  What valuable insights can we learn from these shepherds?  What kind of work can God do among working-class people?  ~Blue Collar Christmas, Part 3

Many needy children and families in Beaver County, PA will experience a tremendous Christmas, thanks to some anonymous donors who stepped up with gifts totaling more than $15,000 dollars.  Incredibly, these donors insisted that their gifts remain 100% anonymous.  In Luke 2, we learn that blue-collar shepherds-- working the night shift-- were the first people on the planet to hear and share the good news of Jesus' arrival.  Incredibly, these shepherds remain 100% anonymous to us, yet their obedience and evangelistic zeal lives on.  What valuable insights can we learn from these shepherds?  What kind of work can God do among working-class people?  ~Blue Collar Christmas, Part 3

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the number of women becoming electricians, plumbers, truck drivers, and mechanics reached its highest level in 25 years. Millions of men and women are embracing skilled jobs-- believing that their availability opens the door to possibility. In Luke 1, we meet an ordinary girl named Mary-- whom God used in an extraordinary way because of her humble devotion and willing heart. What valuable insights can we learn from Mary? What does she teach us about the connection between our availability and God's possibility? ~Blue Collar Christmas, Part 2

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the number of women becoming electricians, plumbers, truck drivers, and mechanics reached its highest level in 25 years. Millions of men and women are embracing skilled jobs-- believing that their availability opens the door to possibility. In Luke 1, we meet an ordinary girl named Mary-- whom God used in an extraordinary way because of her humble devotion and willing heart. What valuable insights can we learn from Mary? What does she teach us about the connection between our availability and God's possibility? ~Blue Collar Christmas, Part 2

Mike Rowe is on a mission to re-awaken America to the importance of blue-collar jobs and a skilled labor force.  Blue-collar people are such a valuable part of what makes America great!  In the nativity narratives, God decided to use blue-collar, ordinary people like Joseph, Mary, and shepherds to play a major part in His salvation story.  As we take a deeper look at Matthew 1, why was Joseph the carpenter the right man for the job? Why would God choose him to be Jesus' earthly dad? What can we learn and apply from Joseph's life to our own lives in the present?  ~Blue Collar Christmas, Part 1 

Mike Rowe is on a mission to re-awaken America to the importance of blue-collar jobs and a skilled labor force.  Blue-collar people are such a valuable part of what makes America great!  In the nativity narratives, God decided to use blue-collar, ordinary people like Joseph, Mary, and shepherds to play a major part in His salvation story.  As we take a deeper look at Matthew 1, why was Joseph the carpenter the right man for the job? Why would God choose him to be Jesus' earthly dad? What can we learn and apply from Joseph's life to our own lives in the present?  ~Blue Collar Christmas, Part 1 

Sometimes even the most mature Christians forget about the incredible power of God that is always working in us, through us, and for us.  In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul celebrates God's awesome power by stepping upwards through a "staircase of praise".  Why is God so worthy to receive our praise and thanksgiving?  What is it about His power that should strengthen us with encouragement each day?  ~Thanksgiving Message 2019 

Sometimes even the most mature Christians forget about the incredible power of God that is always working in us, through us, and for us.  In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul celebrates God's awesome power by stepping upwards through a "staircase of praise".  Why is God so worthy to receive our praise and thanksgiving?  What is it about His power that should strengthen us with encouragement each day?  ~Thanksgiving Message 2019 

Anna Talbott McPherson produced pain-staking portraits made up of thousands of words that are scripted, shaded, and colored in exactly the right way to form a single image. In a similar way, the Church declares just "one gospel", but God uses all our various personalities and unique styles to share Jesus with the world. What are six evangelistic styles we observe in the New Testament? What is your unique style? How can you be confident in sharing Jesus? Prepare to be encouraged!

Anna Talbott McPherson produced pain-staking portraits made up of thousands of words that are scripted, shaded, and colored in exactly the right way to form a single image. In a similar way, the Church declares just "one gospel", but God uses all our various personalities and unique styles to share Jesus with the world. What are six evangelistic styles we observe in the New Testament? What is your unique style? How can you be confident in sharing Jesus? Prepare to be encouraged!

Jane Helser is an National Football League legend. For over 50 years, she stitched together the famous Wilson footballs used by the league.  In September, Jane got a real surprise when her favorite quarterback Peyton Manning showed up in her dining room. For the longest while, she didn't even realize he was there!  In Luke 24, the risen Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and they had no idea it was Him.  What encouraging truths did Jesus reveal to them?  What relevant lessons can we learn from this event for our Christian lives today?  ~Face to Face, Conclusion 

Jane Helser is an National Football League legend. For over 50 years, she stitched together the famous Wilson footballs used by the league.  In September, Jane got a real surprise when her favorite quarterback Peyton Manning showed up in her dining room. For the longest while, she didn't even realize he was there!  In Luke 24, the risen Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and they had no idea it was Him.  What encouraging truths did Jesus reveal to them?  What relevant lessons can we learn from this event for our Christian lives today?  ~Face to Face, Conclusion 

World War 1 was one of the most brutal wars this planet has ever seen. Both sides were battling for victory, and the conflict was intense. In Luke 20, we read about the intense verbal battle that Jesus was engaged in when a group of religious elites challenged Him on His authority. How did this battle unfold? What do we learn about Christ's authority-- and what valuable applications can we make to our own lives today? ~Face to Face, Part 7

World War 1 was one of the most brutal wars this planet has ever seen. Both sides were battling for victory, and the conflict was intense. In Luke 20, we read about the intense verbal battle that Jesus was engaged in when a group of religious elites challenged Him on His authority. How did this battle unfold? What do we learn about Christ's authority-- and what valuable applications can we make to our own lives today? ~Face to Face, Part 7

Michael Franzese was a millionaire mob-boss, when he was finally convicted and sent to prison. But life changed forever as Michael met Jesus Christ there in the pages of Scripture.  In Luke 19, Jesus transforms the life of another rich and notorious swindler named Zacchaeus.  What four surprises unfold in this text, one after another?  What do we learn about Jesus' heartbeat for outsiders and outcasts-- and what relevant lessons can we apply to our own lives?  ~Face to Face, Part 6

Michael Franzese was a millionaire mob-boss, when he was finally convicted and sent to prison. But life changed forever as Michael met Jesus Christ there in the pages of Scripture.  In Luke 19, Jesus transforms the life of another rich and notorious swindler named Zacchaeus.  What four surprises unfold in this text, one after another?  What do we learn about Jesus' heartbeat for outsiders and outcasts-- and what relevant lessons can we apply to our own lives?  ~Face to Face, Part 6

It's hard to imagine someone meeting Jesus and going away in a worse condition than they came. But that is exactly what happened to a rich, young ruler in Luke 18.  How did this happen?  What shocking truths and spiritual insights did Jesus reveal to this man?  Where did this man go wrong, and what valuable insights can we uncover for our own day?  Why is it so important to come to Christ with "empty hands"?  ~Face to Face, Part 5  

It's hard to imagine someone meeting Jesus and going away in a worse condition than they came. But that is exactly what happened to a rich, young ruler in Luke 18.  How did this happen?  What shocking truths and spiritual insights did Jesus reveal to this man?  Where did this man go wrong, and what valuable insights can we uncover for our own day?  Why is it so important to come to Christ with "empty hands"?  ~Face to Face, Part 5  

Fred and Barney. Lucy and Ricky. Laurel and Hardy. Brooks and Dunn. American popular history is filled with iconic duos. But the Bible has them too. In Luke 10, we meet two sisters who came face-to-face with Jesus: Mary and Martha. But this meeting was more than just a special meal. In this text, Jesus unleashes profound truths about Christian discipleship. What three key insights does Jesus reveal here about being His disciple? ~Face to Face, Part 4

Fred and Barney. Lucy and Ricky. Laurel and Hardy. Brooks and Dunn. American popular history is filled with iconic duos. But the Bible has them too. In Luke 10, we meet two sisters who came face-to-face with Jesus: Mary and Martha. But this meeting was more than just a special meal. In this text, Jesus unleashes profound truths about Christian discipleship. What three key insights does Jesus reveal here about being His disciple? ~Face to Face, Part 4

Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities" opens with a famous contrast: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."  When a notoriously sinful woman interrupts a dinner party to pay tribute to Jesus in Luke 7, a number of stark contrasts play out in that event.  What contrasts burst forth from this shocking meal?  What spiritual insights does Jesus unleash in this setting?  What relevant lessons can we learn for our Christian lives today? ~Face to Face, Part 3 

Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities" opens with a famous contrast: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."  When a notoriously sinful woman interrupts a dinner party to pay tribute to Jesus in Luke 7, a number of stark contrasts play out in that event.  What contrasts burst forth from this shocking meal?  What spiritual insights does Jesus unleash in this setting?  What relevant lessons can we learn for our Christian lives today? ~Face to Face, Part 3 

When insulin was perfected in 1922, many diabetic hospital wards were transformed from places of death and sorrow to joy and hopefulness. In Luke 7, Jesus performs a similar transformation when he interrupts a funeral and resurrects a man back to life. What does this incredible event teach us about Jesus? What relevant insights and applications can we make from this text to our lives in the present? ~Face to Face, Part 2

When insulin was perfected in 1922, many diabetic hospital wards were transformed from places of death and sorrow to joy and hopefulness. In Luke 7, Jesus performs a similar transformation when he interrupts a funeral and resurrects a man back to life. What does this incredible event teach us about Jesus? What relevant insights and applications can we make from this text to our lives in the present? ~Face to Face, Part 2

Harry Pincus will never forget the day he met Babe Ruth in 1934. In a similar way, Peter and his fishing partners would never forget the day that Jesus nearly capsized two boats with a supernatural catch of fish. That was the day Jesus called them to full-time discipleship as "fishers of men". What typically happens when someone meets Jesus? What does this amazing text teach us about the qualifications for discipleship? Prepare to be encouraged! ~Face to Face, Part 1

Harry Pincus will never forget the day he met Babe Ruth in 1934. In a similar way, Peter and his fishing partners would never forget the day that Jesus nearly capsized two boats with a supernatural catch of fish. That was the day Jesus called them to full-time discipleship as "fishers of men". What typically happens when someone meets Jesus? What does this amazing text teach us about the qualifications for discipleship? Prepare to be encouraged! ~Face to Face, Part 1

Sooner or later we're all going to meet a guy like Chuck-- who not only declines every church invitation, but who always has something negative to say about the organized Church. In today's secular world there are a number of popular misconceptions about the Church that people continue to believe. What are some of the biggest misconceptions, and how do we answer with the truth? ~Back to Church Sunday 2019

Sooner or later we're all going to meet a guy like Chuck-- who not only declines every church invitation, but who always has something negative to say about the organized Church. In today's secular world there are a number of popular misconceptions about the Church that people continue to believe. What are some of the biggest misconceptions, and how do we answer with the truth? ~Back to Church Sunday 2019

After his assassination in 1865, we learned what was in Abraham Lincoln's pockets. Surprisingly, he carried some worn-out newspaper clippings that spoke positively about his character and person. Lincoln read these often to find confidence! In 1 John 5, the Apostle John gave his readers confidence by reminding them of five certainties they could build their lives on. What truths give Christians unshakable certainty in an uncertain world? ~1 John Exposition, Conclusion

After his assassination in 1865, we learned what was in Abraham Lincoln's pockets. Surprisingly, he carried some worn-out newspaper clippings that spoke positively about his character and person. Lincoln read these often to find confidence! In 1 John 5, the Apostle John gave his readers confidence by reminding them of five certainties they could build their lives on. What truths give Christians unshakable certainty in an uncertain world? ~1 John Exposition, Conclusion

"Self-Improvement" and "Self-Help" is a 10 billion dollar industry in the United States today. Millions of Americans are looking for books, resources, apps, seminars, and life coaches that can help them live a happy, healthy, and successful life. In 1 John chapter 5, the apostle John writes about the "not so secret" secrets that make for a victorious Christian life. What do you need to be victorious-- to be an 'overcomer' -- in the real world? ~1 John Exposition, Part 12

"Self-Improvement" and "Self-Help" is a 10 billion dollar industry in the United States today. Millions of Americans are looking for books, resources, apps, seminars, and life coaches that can help them live a happy, healthy, and successful life. In 1 John chapter 5, the apostle John writes about the "not so secret" secrets that make for a victorious Christian life. What do you need to be victorious-- to be an 'overcomer' -- in the real world? ~1 John Exposition, Part 12

44-year-old Tina Turner shocked the music industry when her 1984 song "What's Love Got To Do With It" went to Number #1 on the charts. But the song is actually a little jaded and cynical on the topic of love. Sadly, some Christians react the same way. They wish we could just "do" church and Christianity without all this talk about love. In 1 John 4, the apostle explains six powerful reasons why your Christian life and local church should pulsate with genuine love. ~Exposition of 1 John, Part 11

44-year-old Tina Turner shocked the music industry when her 1984 song "What's Love Got To Do With It" went to Number #1 on the charts. But the song is actually a little jaded and cynical on the topic of love. Sadly, some Christians react the same way. They wish we could just "do" church and Christianity without all this talk about love. In 1 John 4, the apostle explains six powerful reasons why your Christian life and local church should pulsate with genuine love. ~Exposition of 1 John, Part 11

We live in a world that is swirling with deceptive spiritual ideas and damaging doctrines.  In some cases, people can be sidetracked into error for decades-- some even for eternity.  In 1 John chapter four, John gives Christians a powerful warning about fighting spiritual deception.  What positive steps can Christians take to protect themselves from false ideas and destructive beliefs?  What kind of discernment do we need? How do we test things to separate the true from the false?  ~Exposition of 1 John, part 10 

We live in a world that is swirling with deceptive spiritual ideas and damaging doctrines.  In some cases, people can be sidetracked into error for decades-- some even for eternity.  In 1 John chapter four, John gives Christians a powerful warning about fighting spiritual deception.  What positive steps can Christians take to protect themselves from false ideas and destructive beliefs?  What kind of discernment do we need? How do we test things to separate the true from the false?  ~Exposition of 1 John, part 10 

Authentic Christianity isn't ultimately revealed by your church attendance, the Bible you carry, or the kindness you show to strangers. Jesus taught that practical, heartfelt love for fellow Christians is one of the hallmarks of true faith. In 1 John chapter three, John gives three reasons why true believers love like this. Why is love among Christians so critically important? How does love prove the genuineness of your Christian faith? ~Exposition of 1 John, Part 9

Authentic Christianity isn't ultimately revealed by your church attendance, the Bible you carry, or the kindness you show to strangers. Jesus taught that practical, heartfelt love for fellow Christians is one of the hallmarks of true faith. In 1 John chapter three, John gives three reasons why true believers love like this. Why is love among Christians so critically important? How does love prove the genuineness of your Christian faith? ~Exposition of 1 John, Part 9

**GUEST SPEAKER**   On Sunday morning, August 4th-- Andy Tritt preached from James 2 in a message that challenged us to live out our Christian faith in everyday life.  How was this powerful principle lived out in the life of the prostitute Rahab-- and what significance does it have to our lives right now?  What should our everyday lives look like since God has changed us?

**GUEST SPEAKER**   On Sunday morning, August 4th-- Andy Tritt preached from James 2 in a message that challenged us to live out our Christian faith in everyday life.  How was this powerful principle lived out in the life of the prostitute Rahab-- and what significance does it have to our lives right now?  What should our everyday lives look like since God has changed us?

**GUEST SPEAKER** In this Sunday morning message from Loring Schultz, we discover the tremendous significance of the seven churches that Jesus addressed in Revelation 2-3.  In what ways do these seven churches reflect the various churches of Christian history-- as well as today?  What valuable lessons should our churches learn and apply from this biblical text to ourselves the present day?

**GUEST SPEAKER** In this Sunday morning message from Loring Schultz, we discover the tremendous significance of the seven churches that Jesus addressed in Revelation 2-3.  In what ways do these seven churches reflect the various churches of Christian history-- as well as today?  What valuable lessons should our churches learn and apply from this biblical text to ourselves the present day?

Just like sons and daughters will often demonstrate the same voice inflections, facial gestures, or body language of their parents-- so true Christians will demonstrate holy lives that reflect their holy God. As we examine this section of 1 John 2, what will it look like when you truly belong to God's family?  What kind of behaviors prove that you belong? ~Exposition of 1 John, part 8

Just like sons and daughters will often demonstrate the same voice inflections, facial gestures, or body language of their parents-- so true Christians will demonstrate holy lives that reflect their holy God. As we examine this section of 1 John 2, what will it look like when you truly belong to God’s family?  What kind of behaviors prove that you belong? ~Exposition of 1 John, part 8

Nothing is more discouraging than friends who exploit relationships for money or business purposes. When that happens, we must resist the sales pitch and stand firm that friendship isn't about money. In 1 John 2, the Apostle John advises Christians to "resist" the advances of false teachers, and to "stand firm" in the truth of Jesus. Even in our day, false teachers and dangerous heresies abound. Why are false teachers so dangerous, and what should we do when we encounter them? ~Exposition of 1 John, part 7