Renaissance Church

Scott wraps up our Philippians series by highlighting how the generosity of the Philippian church was a fragrant offering to God, showing that giving flows from a right lifestyle and a heart aligned with Him. He reminds us that God can be pleased by our faithful, cheerful, and sacrificial giving, not because of the amount but because of the motive and context of our lives. Scott encourages us to give to God first, plan wisely, and let our generosity reflect Christ in all aspects of life.

The pervasive sense of discontentment with what we have almost fuels the culture around us, but God intends us to live a life characterized by peace and contentment. In this message we unpack what the apostle Paul might mean when he says he has learnt the secret to being content in all circumstances. We discover that the strength to endure anything, both good and bad, comes only through Jesus and by believing and practicing the way of life that Paul has laid out for the church at Philippi throughout his letter. We specifically consider how to cultivate greater contentment through four practices: knowing Jesus, expressing gratitude, living simply and serving others.

Mark explains that when Paul begins with “finally” in the Epistle to the Philippians, he is offering a concluding encouragement for believers to focus their minds on what is true, noble, and pure. He reminds us that how we think shapes how we live, which is why the Christian life involves continually renewing our minds through God's Word. Mark also encourages listeners not to fall into discouragement or perfectionism, but to pursue faithful living with confidence that the God of peace is with us.

A small portion of Scott's sermon was unfortunately not recorded, so the audio begins partway through his message. In this message from the Epistle to the Philippians, Scott reflects on what it means to live as citizens of heaven while following Christ in the present world. He encourages believers to stay rooted in the gospel, stand firm in their faith, and keep their focus on the hope and transformation that Jesus promises.

Philippians 4: 2,3 Whether trivial or more serious, most of us have experienced differences of opinion among people in the churches we have attended. Sometimes we may even find that we are the ones caught up in disagreements. How should we handle these moments when they arise? In just two verses, through both what he does and doesn't do, Paul provides a masterclass in handling conflict within the church as he responds to the dispute between fellow believers, Euodia and Syntyche, in Philippi. In this message we examine how Paul addresses the issue directly instead of avoiding it; how he entreats rather than orders or commands; how he focuses on similarities instead of differences; how he provides practical support instead of isolating; and how he affirms instead of condemning.

Philippians 3:17-4:1In this message from the letter to the Philippians, Mark Skillin explains that the cross not only cleanses believers from sin but also calls them to a life of following Jesus through sacrifice and perseverance. He contrasts genuine discipleship with those who claim faith but live focused only on earthly comfort. Mark reminds us that taking up the cross means enduring suffering with patience and hope, trusting that God is working through it. Even in hardship, Christians live with the confidence that their true citizenship is in heaven and that Christ will one day bring the final victory.

Philippians 3:1-11 In this sermon on Philippians 3:1–11, Mark Skillin explains how Paul could tell believers to rejoice even while he was in prison. Paul warns against putting confidence in religious status, background, or good works, since he once had all of those things but came to see them as nothing compared to knowing Christ. Because Jesus fulfilled the law, God's people are now defined by faith in Him and the new life given through the Spirit. Mark also highlights that following Jesus may bring suffering, but it becomes part of sharing in Christ's life and trusting in the hope of resurrection.

Philippians 2:19-30 In this sermon we look at Philippians 2:19–30, where Paul highlights Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of genuine Christian leadership. Writing from prison, Paul addresses the ongoing challenge of discerning trustworthy spiritual leaders and contrasts outwardly impressive leadership with true servant-hearted ministry. Through these two men, we see that genuine leaders are marked by humility, proven character, sincere concern for others, and a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Christ and his people. The passage encourages believers to develop discernment in who they follow and to honor leaders who reflect the selfless love of Jesus.

In this pastoral talk on “2026 Aims", Pastor Scott encourages us not to shy away from resolutions but to see them as meaningful goals that help us live intentionally for God. Reflecting on the quiet of winter as a time for evaluation, he challenges believers to consider how they use their limited capacity of time, energy, and resources, urging them to “declutter” their lives so there is room for what matters most. He then shares ten spiritual aims for the year: being filled with Scripture, deepening devotion to prayer, praying with others, practicing regular fasting, reading spiritually rich books, growing in generosity, showing greater hospitality, living missionally by loving and serving others, committing deeply to the local church, and continually remembering with gratitude what Christ has done. Through these goals, he calls Christians to aim high in their spiritual lives, trusting that through the Holy Spirit God has already given them everything needed for a life of faithfulness.

In this interactive Christmas sermon, Vicky Griffiths invites the children gathered at the front of the church to help open a table full of wrapped gifts, each one revealing a deeper truth about the Christmas story. As the eight gifts are opened, such as a a scroll of prophecy or a light-up star, Vicky reflects on how God's plan unfolded through real history, unlikely people, and humble circumstances. Each object points to who Jesus is: the promised Messiah, the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the world, and a King whose peace stands in contrast to the power of empires. The sermon culminates in the realization that these gifts are not meant for one character in the story, but for all of us. “For unto us a child is born” (Isaiah 9:6).

In this message, we explore the breathtaking truth at the center of Christmas: God became human and dwelt among us. Walking through John 1:1–18, we linger on the mystery of the incarnation and what it means that Jesus fully entered the human experience—our weakness, suffering, sorrow, and joy. Far from being distant or unrelatable, Jesus is the God who understands, sympathizes, and draws near in our pain. Because God is with us, we are invited to approach him with confidence, honesty, and hope.

In this sermon, guest speaker Dr. Mike Caparelli explores empathy as a defining attribute of God, revealed most clearly through the Incarnation. Rather than putting humanity “in its place,” God chose to put Himself in our place—crossing the greatest possible gap between heaven and earth. Drawing from John 4 and Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman, the message highlights three expressions of Christlike empathy: emotional empathy that feels what others feel, cognitive empathy that understands how others think, and practical empathy that perceives underlying needs rather than merely reacting to behavior. Jesus models how empathy builds trust, interrupts harm, and opens the door to transformation by addressing thirst beneath brokenness. In a world marked by division, distance, and growing indifference, this sermon calls the church to embody the mindset of Christ—crossing aisles, bridging gaps, and allowing empathy to be a powerful force for healing, connection, and redemption. The service closes out with a communion reflection from Pastor Scott about the gospel, followed by an original song written and sung by worship leader Brynn Carley.

In this message from Philippians 2:12–18, Pastor Scott explores what it means to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” by taking seriously the transforming work God is doing within us. Using vivid illustrations, he invites us to see God as the master architect renovating our lives—and calls us to cooperate with Him rather than resist. The sermon also challenges us to reject grumbling, cultivate gratitude, and live with a consistent, wholehearted obedience that makes us shine like stars in a dark world. Ultimately, we are reminded that our faithful witness, even when costly, becomes a joyful offering to God.

On November 15, 2025, our beloved Jackie Plante went home to be with the Lord. Pastor Scott shares about the way she loved and ministered to people even in her final hours in the hospital.  The good news is that Christ followers can mourn Jackie's passing with grounded hope. To process this as a community, Pastor Scott preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, reflecting on what happens when a believer dies—how our earthly bodies, like tents, give way to an eternal home crafted by God Himself. What is mortal is ultimately “swallowed up by life.” Scripture assures us that believers pass immediately into the presence of Christ, clothed with a body fashioned by Him. With that confidence, we live—and die—with unshakable courage and hope. 

Philippians 2:5-11 We all want to make something of our lives—but what if the path upward actually begins by going down? In this message from Philippians 2:5–11, we see Jesus, who had every right to stay above it all, choosing instead to stoop low and serve. His humility not only reveals God's heart but shows us a different way to be human.

Philippians 2:1–5 This message calls us to love with the same humility and selflessness that Christ displayed. Paul's words in Philippians 2 remind us that nothing is more beautiful than a life poured out in love for others. True Christlike love doesn't come naturally—it's cultivated through daily choices to serve rather than be served. As we consider the example of Jesus, we're invited to let His mindset shape how we relate to one another, our church community, and even other churches in our city.

Guest speaker Pastor Emily Cordon Drainville from Sanctuary Church shares how God is stirring renewal in the Church through prayer and bold witness. Drawing from Acts 4:23–31, she teaches that there is no revival without resistance—and that spiritual pressure reveals what's really inside us. The early church prayed not for safety but for boldness, and Emily encourages us to do the same—to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that the renewal happening inside the Church fuels mission beyond its walls. After the message, the church gets in small circles to discuss these questions:  Describe what you imagine it felt like to be in the prayer room that was shaken.  How did being in this prayer meeting change their perspective about what was happening in their lives? Instead of asking God to keep them safe, they asked for boldness to keep sharing about Jesus. What could being “bold” for Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit  look like in your life? 

Philippians 1:12–30 What if the very things meant to silence faith actually make it stronger? In this message, Pastor Scott unpacks how Paul's imprisonment—and even the selfish motives of others—became unexpected catalysts for the spread of the gospel. Drawing from Paul's deep joy amid suffering, we're reminded that God can use opposition, hardship, and even death itself to move His purposes forward. This message invites us to see our own trials through the same lens of unstoppable joy.

Philippians 1:1-11 This message reflects on Paul's warm affection for the church in Philippi and uses his prayer as a model for how Renaissance Church should pray in this season of renewed corporate prayer. It emphasizes that prayer must be more than activity—it must align with God's will, flow from a right understanding of His character, and be supported by a righteous life. This is a call to the church to abound in a love grounded deeply in truth in order to be a radiant witness in the world that brings glory and praise to God.

How do you prepare to get ready for an influx of new believers as a result of prayer? This week, guest speaker Tim Zulker—executive director of New England Urban Church Planting and longtime mentor to leaders across Rhode Island—shared a message from Ephesians 4:1–16 about preparing for revival through unity and maturity in Christ. He reminded us that the gospel follows a specific pattern—what Christ has done first, and then how we respond. Following the pattern can we live lives worthy of our calling. A unified and growing church, marked by humility, gentleness, and love, is the best preparation for new believers God will bring. Tim urged us to reject cultural divisiveness, pursue reconciliation, and use our gifts to build up the body—because the local church is the most important thing happening on earth.

In this sermon on prayer and revival, Vicky Griffiths encourages us to rethink how we approach God. Drawing from Luke 11, the teaching emphasizes bold, persistent, and shamelessly audacious prayer—asking, seeking, and knocking until we see results. Jesus models a relationship with a loving Father, assuring us that God delights in giving good gifts, especially the ultimate gift: the Holy Spirit. Through stories—from the disciples learning to pray, to a personal family tale of tending tomato plants—the sermon highlights that persistence in prayer, fueled by love and faith, develops patience, humility, and trust. The message closes with a call to reflect, share, and pray together, putting persistence into action in our own spiritual journeys. Here are two discussion questions that the congregation answered in small groups after the sermon: Reflect on how you feel about prayer. 1. Is there something that's encouraged you recently? 2. Is there an area where you are feeling resistance?

In this message on Prayer and Revival, Pastor Scott reminds us that revival isn't just emotional hype but a move of God that awakens us to His presence and reshapes everyday life. Looking at examples like the Moravian prayer movement and Isaiah's vision of God's holiness, he shows how revival begins with repentance, brokenness, and a fresh awareness of God. Scott challenges us to ask, “What is my assignment?”—whether that's foster care, refugee ministry, local service or whatever—and to increase our prayer intensity because some strongholds only break through prayer and fasting. With unusual hunger for God rising in our region, the call is clear: contend in prayer, push back darkness, and build a lifestyle of prayer that fuels lasting transformation.

In part two of our Prayer and Revival series, we focus on how to keep the fire of prayer burning once God has lit it in our hearts. We look at the importance of abiding in God's love—rejecting condemnation and coming boldly to Him even when we feel weak or unworthy. We also talk about the need to persevere through struggle, since distractions, disappointments, and spiritual resistance often try to quench our prayer life. This message is a call to keep seeking God no matter what we feel, trusting Him to use every trial to deepen our fire and draw us closer to Him.

This sermon launches a three-week series on Prayer and Revival, calling the church to pursue a deeper, Spirit-filled life. Scott explains that revival is not hype or a planned event but an extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit that awakens people to God, brings repentance, and fills believers with fresh zeal. He gives three appeals: Believe – be awakened to God's eagerness to pour out His Spirit and refuse to settle for spiritual mediocrity; Weep – see the Church and world from God's perspective, allowing holy sorrow to fuel prayer; and Consecrate – deal ruthlessly with sin and remove distractions that crowd out devotion. Without prayerful consecration, we remain spiritually dry and ineffective. The message calls the church to reorient life around the pursuit of God, making prayer, fasting, and devotion top priorities, preparing for a fresh move of the Spirit in this generation.

2 Samuel 23 In this sermon, we explore what it means to “fight the good fight of faith,” not against people, but against the spiritual forces of evil, pursuing the fullness of God in our lives. Drawing from 2 Samuel 23:8-12, we see how David's mighty men exemplified tenacity, perseverance, and loyalty—even in private, unseen moments—and how these qualities are essential for spiritual growth and impact. The message challenges us to remain steadfast in trials, resist distraction, and unite as a community, trusting that God empowers us to overcome and bring revival, influence our generation, and take hold of the abundant promises of His kingdom.

In this message from Ezekiel 24, we're reminded of the weighty call of the prophets and the surpassing greatness of God's glory. Ezekiel's ministry was marked by extraordinary suffering—his very life became a series of signs pointing God's people back to Him. The most striking moment came when God told Ezekiel that his wife, “the delight of [his] eyes,” would be taken from him, and that he was not to grieve in the usual way. This became a vivid picture for Israel, showing that just as Ezekiel lost what was most precious, the people too would lose the temple—the “delight of their eyes”—because they had loved the gifts of God more than God Himself. Mark Skillin's sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we treasure God above all else, or do we allow His good gifts to eclipse our worship of Him?

Looking at Hebrews 10:19–25, guest speaker Nick Fatato reminds us that because of Jesus' sacrifice, we have full access to God's presence—not by anything we've done, but by His blood. This truth calls us to live with intention: to draw near to God, hold firmly to our hope in Christ, spur one another on toward love and good deeds, stay rooted in the church community, and offer daily encouragement to others. In a world that often pulls us toward selfishness or despair, the resurrection makes us “prisoners of hope,” confident that every trial is temporary and our eternity with Christ is secure. Nick Fatato serves as superintendent of the Assemblies of God ministry network in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and works globally with Live Dead—a missionary movement focused on planting churches among unreached people groups in challenging and often dangerous regions. He and his wife, Gina, have also been long-time mentors to Pastor Scott and Tiffany.

2 Samuel 16 In this week's message, Pastor Scott walks us through the painful moment in 2 Samuel 16 when David, broken and weeping, is cursed and attacked by Shimei. Though falsely accused and humiliated, David refuses to retaliate, modeling meekness and trust in God's sovereignty. Instead of lashing out in anger or defending his reputation, David accepts that even unjust suffering can be used by God for redemptive purposes. Pastor Scott challenges us to consider our own “Shimei moments” — those times when we're hurt, misunderstood, or slandered — and to respond not with bitterness, but with forgiveness, humility, and dependence on the Lord. Meekness is not weakness; it is power surrendered in trust to God. Like David, we too can find refreshment in God's presence, even when wounded. As Colossians reminds us, we are called to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us.

Pastor Scott's message illustrates the radical kindness of God through the story of David and Mephibosheth. Though Mephibosheth was a disabled descendant of Saul—the very king who had persecuted David—David sought him out to show “the kindness of God” for the sake of Jonathan, David's covenant friend. Mephibosheth, living in obscurity and shame in Lo-debar, was completely unworthy and incapable of earning favor, yet David restores his family's land and seats him permanently at the royal table, treating him like a son. This act of grace mirrors the gospel: we too were broken, spiritually crippled, far from God, and without hope—yet God, in Christ, sought us, forgave us, adopted us, and seated us at His table. Just as Mephibosheth received undeserved favor, we are called to receive the kindness of God and live in the joy and intimacy of His household. The message concluded with a time of response and prayer, inviting everyone to receive God's lavish grace.

This sermon from Mark Skillin explores the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, drawing from Matthew 4. Just after His baptism and the declaration of His identity as God's beloved Son, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert to be tested by the devil. The sermon connects Jesus' testing with Israel's wilderness journey and with our own seasons of struggle. Where Israel failed, Jesus is faithful. And where we are tempted to satisfy ourselves, demand signs from God, or take shortcuts to glory, Jesus shows us a better way—one of humility, trust, and obedience. Most importantly, we are reminded that Jesus didn't just model how to resist temptation; He overcame it for us. In Christ, we are not alone in the wilderness. He is the faithful Son who succeeded where we fall short—and now offers us His strength, His Word, and His Spirit to endure every trial.

This message from Pastor Scott challenges listeners to reflect on a core spiritual question: Is God pleased with my life? Using the story of David transporting the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6), he highlights how sincere intentions and emotional worship are not enough if they're disconnected from obedience. When Uzzah touches the Ark to steady it and is struck dead, it reveals the seriousness of disregarding God's clear commands. David initially responds with anger and fear but, after time in reflection, repents and brings the Ark to Jerusalem in the proper way. The result is joyful worship rooted in reverence. The sermon challenges believers to examine their lives, align with God's Word in every area, and depend daily on His grace, emphasizing that obedience—empowered by the Spirit—is the true pathway to God's pleasure and blessing.

This sermon unpacks the powerful account of David and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail courageously intervenes in David's path of rage and revenge after an insult from the foolish Nabal. Drawing from his own testimony, Pastor Scott likens Abigail's intervention to a spiritual roadblock—much like the people who stepped into his life to rescue him from destruction. The message challenges listeners to recognize when others are on destructive paths and to be willing, like Abigail, to boldly and lovingly intervene. Her humility, wisdom, and bravery not only save lives but also redirect David back toward God's purposes. We're reminded that while not every intervention succeeds, some do—and they are worth it.

1 Samuel 3 Teaching leader Vicky Griffiths explores the story of young Samuel and how he learned to hear God's voice—a journey that invites all of us, no matter our age, to do the same. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of others, God still speaks today. We discuss how to tune in to His voice amidst the noise, the importance of obedience and positioning our hearts to listen, and the encouragement that hearing God isn't reserved for prophets—it's a promise for everyone filled with His Spirit.

Pastor Scott unpacks the story of David and Goliath as more than a boy-versus-giant tale—it's a blueprint for faith under pressure, showing how David endured his brothers' contempt, Saul's doubts, and Goliath's mockery by relying on God's Spirit and the lessons learned in secret battles with lions and bears. We'll explore how that same Spirit equips us to face our own “giants” (and the enemy behind them), not with our strength but in the name of the Lord, and why walking in obedience and alignment with Christ renders the devil powerless.

Joel and Adrienne Charest have come alongside local churches in Mozambique for many years. Joel visited with Renaissance Church and highlighted their work in evangelistic soccer outreaches, children's ministry, water well building, and church planting, despite frequent terrorist attacks and persecution. In this message Joel recounts stories on suffering and miracles, encouraging us to step out in faith when God calls us to act, not because it's easy, but because it's where His power is made perfect. When we step into uncertainty, He shows up — and what we offer, He multiplies.

This sermon delves into the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22, emphasizing Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promises even when asked to sacrifice his son. Drawing from Hebrews 11 and James 2, the message shows that Abraham's faith was not blind but reasoned and deeply rooted in God's character—trusting that God could raise the dead if necessary. It also reveals how this story foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus, with Isaac as a type of Christ and the ram as a symbol of substitution. Ultimately, Mark Skillin in this sermon challenges listeners to live out the Christian faith that not only believes but acts, trusting God's goodness even when His ways are mysterious.

In this episode, we explore the story of God rejecting Saul and choosing David as the next king of Israel, found in 1 Samuel 16. We walk through Samuel's fear, God's surprising instruction, and the powerful moment when David, the overlooked youngest son tending sheep, is chosen and anointed. The key message centers on how God does not look at outward appearances but sees the heart. We reflect on how this applies to us—reminding listeners that God values faithfulness in hidden places and uses those with a surrendered heart for significant Kingdom purposes, even if they feel overlooked or unqualified.

This final part of the Spirit series explores how to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit—not just as a one-time event, but as a daily reality. Drawing from Scripture and practical illustrations, we look at how sin and distraction can block the Spirit's flow, why a lukewarm heart is so dangerous, and how true spiritual power is marked by love. Pastor Scott covers three practices to help us be continuously filled by the Holy Spirit: aligning your life with God's will, waiting on Him with expectancy, and giving away to others the love and power we receive from the Holy Spirit. This message is a call to go beyond spiritual routine and become a life set ablaze by the presence of God.

In this sermon, we dive into the vital work of the Holy Spirit—regenerating our lives, transforming our hearts, enabling deep prayer, and giving us boldness and assurance of salvation. The Spirit pours out God's love in our hearts (Romans 5). The Spirit empowers us to live out Christlike love, endure suffering with joy, and understand spiritual truths. We don't need to try to manufacture these qualities on our own; in fact, these things are impossible to do without the Holy Spirit. A key to the Christian life is learning how to yield to the Spirit's work in our lives.

This sermon launches a three-part series on the Holy Spirit by addressing why we need to be filled with Him. Pastor Scott highlights the confusion and extremes often associated with the Spirit—some churches downplay His role, while others overemphasize emotional or dramatic manifestations. Yet the Holy Spirit is not merely a force or influence, but God Himself—the third person of the Trinity. Scripture shows that the Spirit teaches, comforts, convicts, empowers, and enables believers to live the Christian life. Without the Spirit, such a life is not merely difficult but impossible. This message corrects common misunderstandings and calls the church to actively seek the Spirit, recognizing Him as essential to living a life that truly honors God.

Luke 24: 1 - 35 What if Jesus is closer than you think—even when you feel most abandoned? On Easter Sunday, we looked at two disillusioned disciples on the road to Emmaus, and how the risen Jesus met them in their confusion, not their certainty. As he walked with them and opened the Scriptures, their hearts began to burn with fresh hope. This message invites you to see how God often shows up in the questions, not just the answers.

This sermon, based on Luke 19:28–48, explores the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Just days before His crucifixion, Jesus enters the city on a donkey in fulfillment of prophecy, declaring Himself King, but not the kind of political or military leader many expected. Instead, He embodies peace and humility. The crowd's celebration contrasts with Jesus' deep sorrow as He weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting that the people do not recognize the peace He offers or the significance of His coming. Jesus then drives out the shop vendors in the temple, asserting His authority. This passage gives us a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of Jesus' character, calling listeners to see Jesus for who He truly is and to respond with authentic worship.

Luke 14: 1 - 24 Jesus is invited to dine at the house of a leader of Pharisees, only to disrupt the evening. It was the Sabbath, and a man with dropsy approaches Jesus for healing—something the religious leaders around the table would've considered forbidden work. Jesus heals the man anyway, stunning the dinner guests. He then addresses the guests with two banquet parables designed to expose their pride and self-righteousness.  This message compels each listener to reflect personally: have you truly humbled yourself before God? Do you presume you're secure in God's kingdom, or do you recognize your deep spiritual need and your dependence on His grace?

Zacchaeus was a tax collector in Jericho who became very rich from exploiting people's finances. One day Jesus passed through Jericho, and Zaccheus did everything he could to see Jesus, even climbing a tree because he was too short to see him in the crowds. Then Jesus calls up to Zacchaeus to come down from the tree because Jesus planned to come to his house, and while the crowd is shocked Jesus would go to the house of a “sinner,” Zacchaeus responds with saying he will give half of everything he owns to the poor. Church leader Vicky Griffiths helps us in this message to understand the significance of this interaction. It seems like Zacchaeus is seeking Jesus, but really Jesus is seeking him. This message is also part of Family Sunday and is designed for grade school kids to listen in, too.

While Jesus is teaching in the temple, religious leaders drag a woman into the space who had committed adultery. The leaders' aim is not justice; rather they use her to provoke Jesus to say something that would get him in trouble. But what Jesus says puts the religious leaders in their place, and he protects the woman, offers her mercy, and calls her to live a new life: “Go, and from now on sin no more.” Today when we read this story from John 8:1 - 11, maybe we see ourselves in the story as the religious leaders, but many of us can relate to the Woman. Each one of us has sinned against God's ways, and each one of us needs God's forgiveness. This message is for anyone who is struggling with guilt or shame and needs to drink in the mercy of Jesus that ushers people into a new life.

Genesis 15 The covenant God makes with Abraham in Genesis 15 sets up the entire Bible narrative for human redemption. God promises that Abraham's descendants will be countless and that his offspring will bless all the nations forever. Even though Abraham is old in age and has no children, he responds with belief, and Abraham's faith equates to righteousness in God's eyes. Church leader Mark Skillin unpacks why belief matters to God so much. Mark also points out the ways Jesus will, 2000 years later, fulfill promises made in this covenant, and where we are today, eagerly waiting for the the rest of God's promises to be fulfilled. Listen in for a deeper understanding of our faith in God and God's faithfulness to us.

Genesis 11: 1 - 9 When God saw people build a tower and he confused their languages and scattered them over the earth, it wasn't because building cities are bad or making a name for ourselves is dishonorable; rather, God cares about the motives behind our actions and for us to obey His will. In that moment, humans were not filling the earth as God commanded, so God scattered them Himself. Studying the tower of Babel narrative, Pastor Scott shares what it means to follow the will of God.

Genesis 4 Cain, filled with anger against his brother Abel, murders him. God doles out both justice and mercy onto Cain in response t0 sin. This passage outlines the mess that humans have made in giving in to sin, as it festers, grows, and drives us into restless wandering. This passage also shows God's character, in light of human evil. RenKids teacher Reid Megathlin shares teaching points prepared by Scott Axtmann about the Genesis narrative of Cain and Abel.

Luke 5: 17 - 26 It's the 1st century AD. The people of God hold high expectations for a Messianic King to arrive at any moment. Prophecies foresaw this to happen around that time. Then Jesus enters the synagogue, and a new reality bursts upon the scene: “The Kingdom of God is near!” he preaches. And people react. Some reject, some doubt, and some drop everything to follow this Jesus. A few men even break through the roof of a crowded place to lower down a paralyzed man right to him. Here, Jesus sees their faith and forgives their sins. Then, he instructs the paralytic to walk, and the man picks up his mat and walks home. Who but the Messiah could heal AND forgive sins? This message from Mark Skillin will give you a deeper understanding of the kingdom of God, of the beauty of faith embodied, and why Jesus is the Messianic King who is worthy to rule the world.

Good stories often introduce the most important characters at the beginning of the narrative. The opening chapters of Genesis set the stage for the entire biblical narrative, casting who God is and how humans came to be. Listen in as Pastor Scott walks through the layers of Genesis 1 - 3.

2 Kings 4: 1 - 7 Told in 2 Kings, a widow is about to lose her sons to slavery if her debt is not paid, but through a miracle God multiples one jar of oil into many jars of oil, in order for her to sell them and pay off the debt. Teaching leader Vicky Griffiths shares how we can see God's power and presence increase through small things. Imagine what we can see God do when we trust Him.