Western Hills Church of Christ, Temple

Grant Perkins, our Preaching Intern, highlights four key practices that kept the early church in Acts focused and steadfast. His message challenges us to align with these same foundational priorities as we pursue being a church on target today.

This message series journeys through the book of Acts, spotlighting powerful moments of faithfulness in the early Church—both the devotion of believers to God and the steadfast faithfulness of God to His people. As we walk through the stories of the early Christians, we'll see how the gospel spread, communities formed, and lives were transformed—all through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Join us as we dive into our new summer series "Steadfast: God's Faithfulness and Ours.  In this message our preaching intern Grant Perkins leads us into the book of Acts.

Church should be a place of healing-but what is it's where you were hurt? Join us for "When Church Hurts," a series about finding hope, healing, and restoration when church wounds instead of welcomes.

Scripture:  John 10:11-13, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, John 17:20-23, Ephesians 4:1-6 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  Scott's message emphasizes that unity in the church is essential for fulfilling God's purpose and requires believers to live in harmony, love, and humility. He draws from Ephesians 4 to stress the importance of maintaining the unity of the Spirit through peace, acknowledging the one body and one Spirit that binds all believers. Unity is portrayed not as uniformity, but as a shared commitment to Christ and His mission, allowing for diversity within the body. From scripture he points to the warning that division and disunity hinder the church's witness and effectiveness, and urges members to guard against pride, selfishness, and gossip. Ultimately, this message calls the church to reflect the unity of the Trinity and be a powerful testimony of God's love to the world.

Church should be a place of healing-but what is it's where you were hurt? Join us for "When Church Hurts," a series about finding hope, healing, and restoration when church wounds instead of welcomes.

Church should be a place of healing-but what is it's where you were hurt? Join us for "When Church Hurts," a series about finding hope, healing, and restoration when church wounds instead of welcomes.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 31 of The Story. The message begins by confronting the common fears and anxieties that grip people today—financial struggles, health worries, relationship pain—and reveals that underneath it all lies the fear of death. Drawing from Revelation, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus, who conquered death and now holds the keys to it, invites us to live without fear because He transforms whatever He passes through. John's vision of Jesus in Revelation contrasts worldly power, like that of the Roman emperor, with the true authority of the Lamb who was slain and now reigns on the throne. The sermon celebrates Easter as the declaration that the tomb is empty, the Lamb reigns, and the story is far from over—it is the beginning of a new creation. Ultimately, the hope of Easter is that Jesus makes all things new, and no matter where we are in our personal story, He offers to rewrite it with grace, victory, and eternal life.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 30 of The Story.

Chris Stephens, Lead Minister of the Avenue G. Church, brings a message from Chapter 29 of The Story.

Scripture:  Acts 1:1-11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Scott reflects on the things we often take for granted, highlighting how we only realize their value when they're suddenly gone, like electricity. He emphasizes the miracle of being present today, worshiping Jesus, which ties into the story of the early church's launch in Acts. Jesus, after His resurrection, teaches His disciples, urging them to wait for the Holy Spirit's power to be His witnesses, not just informed but empowered. Scott challenges the idea that witnessing is for "professional Christians" and encourages everyone to share their personal testimony of what Jesus has done in their lives. Ultimately, the message is that ordinary, imperfect people empowered by the Holy Spirit can carry out Jesus' mission, spreading the gospel through an unbroken chain of witnesses, just as it has reached us today.

Scripture:  Luke 24:13-36 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon emphasizes that the Christian faith is not based on the Bible itself but on a single historical event—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scott stresses that if the resurrection did not happen, then the rest of Christian teachings would not hold significance, but if it did, it validates everything Jesus said and did. The passage from Luke 24 is used to illustrate how the resurrection transformed despair into purpose for Jesus' disciples, particularly the two on the road to Emmaus. The sermon highlights that the resurrection turns disappointment into direction and that Jesus' presence brings peace even in moments of failure and regret. Ultimately, it concludes that our worst moments do not have the final say—Jesus, through his resurrection, does.

Scripture:  John 13:1-5, John 13:12-17, Matthew 26:26-29, John 19:28-30, Luke 23:46, Matthew 27:51-54,                    Romans 5:8 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon begins with a reflection on pivotal historical events, like the Challenger explosion, that change everything, leading into the central theme—the crucifixion of Jesus as the defining moment of history. Jesus, knowing his impending sacrifice, humbles himself by washing his disciples' feet, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in servanthood. During the Last Supper, he redefines the Passover meal, revealing that he is the ultimate Passover Lamb whose sacrifice will bring deliverance from sin. On the cross, Jesus endures suffering, abandonment, and ultimately declares, "It is finished," signifying the completion of his mission to redeem humanity. The message concludes by emphasizing that Jesus' sacrifice is final and complete, calling believers not just to admire him but to follow his example of love and selfless service.

Scripture:  John 11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  This message emphasizes the central question of faith: "Who is Jesus?" and explores the tension between human suffering and divine timing, illustrating how God's delays are not necessarily denials. The message highlights that Jesus not only performs miracles but also enters into human grief, empathizing with those who suffer. The raising of Lazarus serves as a demonstration of Jesus' power over death and his call to bring people out of despair into new life. Ultimately, the sermon reinforces that Jesus offers not just life after death but transformation and hope in the present.

Scripture:  Luke 15:1-2, Luke 15:3-7, Luke 15:8-10, Luke 15:11-32 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon focuses on the theme of being lost and found, drawing from Luke 15, where Jesus shares three parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—to illustrate God's relentless pursuit of those who are spiritually lost. Scott highlights that God's heart longs for His lost children and that He actively seeks them rather than waiting for them to find Him.  The message challenges believers to align with God's mission of seeking and saving the lost rather than merely enjoying their place in the church. The sermon concludes with a powerful illustration of a mother searching for her lost daughter, paralleling God's unwavering love and desire to bring His children home.

Scripture:  John 1:18, John 1:2-9, John 1:40-42, John 2:7-10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 23 of The Story. The sermon emphasizes how the presence of Jesus transforms lives. It explains that Jesus did not come to introduce a new religion but to fulfill and reveal God's nature, making Him accessible and personal. The message highlights four key aspects of Jesus' ministry: revelation (Jesus reveals God clearly), reconciliation (He bridges the gap between humanity and God), transformation (He changes lives and identities, as seen in Peter's story), and restoration of hope (He brings hope even in hopeless situations, like the woman at the well). The sermon concludes with an encouragement to invite Jesus into one's life, as His presence assures that "the best is yet to come."

Scripture:  John 1:1-5, Luke 1:46-55,  Luke 2:17-20,  Matthew 2:11-12, Matthew 2:16 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon focuses on the transition from God's 400 years of silence to the birth of Jesus, marking the fulfillment of God's promises. Scott compares this moment to the opening of an epic story, using the Gospel of John to highlight Jesus as the divine Word and light that shatters darkness. Key figures such as Mary, the shepherds, and the Magi demonstrate humble responses to Jesus, while Herod represents resistance and fear. The sermon emphasizes that God's promises are always fulfilled, and true understanding of Jesus comes from a posture of humility. It concludes with a call to action, asking the audience how they will respond—through worship, sharing the good news, or resistance.

Scriptures:  Ezra 7:8-10, Malachi  4:4-5, Luke 24:7, John1:1 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon focuses on the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the theme of renewal through the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi. It highlights how God used the pagan King Artaxerxes to fulfill His promise by allowing the Jewish people to return and rebuild their temple and city, showing God's faithfulness. The message stresses the importance of being in alignment with God's word, as seen in Ezra's dedication to studying, living, and teaching scripture, which kept God's hand upon him. The sermon warns against merely outward renewal, emphasizing that true transformation comes from internal renewal through God's word. Ultimately, it points to Jesus as the final Word of God, fulfilling the scriptures and offering lasting renewal and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Scripture:  Esther 4:14-16,Esther 6:6-10, Esther 9:20-22, Galatians 3:13, Philippians 2:6-11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon focuses on the story of Esther and how God's providence works even when He seems silent. It highlights the key characters—King Xerxes, Esther, Mordecai, and Haman—and the unfolding drama of Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, which is ultimately overturned through Esther's courage and divine intervention. Scott emphasizes three key takeaways: God's silence does not mean His absence, the importance of having wise counsel like Mordecai, and the danger of settling for a "shadow mission" rather than God's true purpose. Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people mirrors Christ's sacrifice, as Jesus stepped down from glory to save humanity. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own divine opportunities and to use them for God's purpose rather than personal comfort.

Scriptures:  Ezra 1:1-4, Ezra 4:24, Haggai 1:2-9, Haggai 2:6-7, John 2:19-21, Ephesians 2:19-22 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  This sermon focuses on the concept of completing the work God has started in us, drawing parallels to the Israelites rebuilding the temple under Ezra and Haggai's leadership. It highlights how the people initially began rebuilding the temple with enthusiasm but were distracted by opposition and personal priorities, leaving God's work unfinished for years. Scott connects this to modern life, urging us to reflect on what God has called us to do but left incomplete, whether in our faith journey, relationships, or ministries. The temple's significance is traced from a physical structure to Jesus, who represents God's ultimate presence and atonement, and finally to believers as the spiritual temple, carrying God's presence to the world. Scott closes with a call to refocus on God's agenda, resist distractions, and trust in His promise to complete the good work He began in us.

Scripture:  Daniel 1:1-6, Daniel 1:8, Daniel 2:14, Daniel 3:16-18, Isaiah 43:2, Daniel 6:5, Daniel 8:10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon focuses on living faithfully as Christians in a culture that feels foreign or opposed to God's values, using the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon as an example. It emphasizes four key tips: maintain hope and trust in God's word, resist bitterness, remain respectful even in challenging circumstances, and develop a consistent prayer life. The sermon illustrates these points with stories of Daniel and his friends standing firm in their faith, refusing to bow to cultural pressures, and showing integrity, even when faced with dire consequences. The central reminder is that this world is not our true home; believers are ambassadors of God's kingdom in a foreign land. Ultimately, the message encourages reliance on God's presence during trials and trust in His guidance for living faithfully in any circumstance.

Scripture:  Jeremiah 2:13, Lamentations 3:22-24, Ezekiel 37:11-14,  Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon emphasizes the faithfulness of God even in challenging and dark seasons of life. It recounts the story of the Israelites during their exile, focusing on the messages of the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The central theme is that God's discipline is not meant to punish but to restore and transform, shaping character over comfort. Despite their rebellion and suffering, the sermon underscores that God's love and mercy are constant, with new opportunities for hope and renewal each day. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reflect on whether Jesus is enough for them, inviting them to find hope and restoration in Him even during trials.

Scripture:  Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:6-8, 1 Peter 2:4-10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon emphasizes the enduring relevance of the church in 2025, built on an unshakable foundation—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. It highlights the church's unstoppable mission to make and grow disciples, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Scott talks about personal experiences, societal challenges, and biblical principles to argue that the church remains a vital community for spreading hope, love, and truth in a world often plagued by uncertainty. Through initiatives like "Vision 5," the church engages in outreach, diversity, and new church planting efforts, reinforcing its role as a beacon of light. Finally, the message calls for trust in God's power to accomplish the seemingly impossible, urging the church to live boldly and faithfully as His chosen people.   4o

Scripture:  1 Kings 16:29-33, 1 Kings 17:1,  1 Kings 18:16-26, 1 Kings 18:30-39, John 14:6 Speaker:  Scott Seela Summary: The sermon centers on the story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, emphasizing the need for decisive faith in God. It begins by highlighting Israel's wavering between worshiping God and Baal, which Elijah calls out as dangerous indecision. Through a dramatic showdown, Elijah proves God's sovereignty when fire from heaven consumes his water-drenched offering, while Baal's prophets receive no response. The sermon draws a parallel to modern life, urging believers to reject false gods like wealth, pleasure, or status, which cannot fulfill or save. Ultimately, it emphasizes that Jesus is the only way to true life, calling for complete devotion to Him alone.

Scripture:  Isaiah 6:1-8, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 53:1-5 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon begins with a story illustrating how we often mistake provision for the provider, setting the stage for the central message: God's sovereignty and presence amidst uncertainty and darkness. Drawing from Isaiah 6, it emphasizes that while earthly powers and securities may falter, God remains "high and exalted," in control, and present in the midst of life's chaos. The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, foretelling Emmanuel, "God with us," reinforces the Christmas message of God stepping into humanity's mess, embodying love and healing. Isaiah's vision reveals God's holiness and our need for cleansing, symbolizing how God calls and cleanses those He chooses, offering redemption and purpose. Ultimately, the sermon ties the Christmas story to God's profound love, bringing healing and hope into our brokenness, epitomized in the advent of Christ.

Scripture:  1Kings 12:1-14, 1 Kings 12:25-31, Ephesians 2:14-16 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon, "Going Dark," explores themes of insecurity, division, and redemption through the story of two kings, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, from 1 Kings. It highlights how their insecurities and failure to seek God's guidance led to a divided kingdom and spiritual darkness, illustrating the dangers of leading from insecurity rather than confidence in God. Scott draws parallels to modern life, urging individuals to seek godly counsel, avoid idolatry by reducing God to a single characteristic, and recognize how personal insecurities can affect leadership. The message culminates in the hope of Jesus as the "better King," who reconciles humanity, bringing light and unity where there was once darkness and division. The sermon concludes with a call for personal reflection, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of Christ's sacrificial love as the ultimate unifier.

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 1 Kings 4:29-34, James 1:5, Proverbs 1:7, 1 Kings 11:1-4, Hebrews 12:1 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon emphasizes the journey of wisdom and obedience to God, using the story of Solomon as a central theme. It explores how Solomon, despite his initial humility and prayer for a "listening heart," eventually fell into disobedience, influenced by distractions and external pressures. The message underscores that true wisdom begins with submission to God's will and the acknowledgment that human understanding is limited. Solomon's rise and fall illustrate the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience throughout life. The sermon concludes by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of wisdom and a perfect King, encouraging believers to seek God's wisdom daily and to finish their spiritual race strong, regardless of scars or challenges.

Scripture:  2 Samuel 11-12 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon discusses King David's downfall, emphasizing the perils of unchecked sin and the need for repentance. David's story, involving Bathsheba and Uriah, illustrates how sin begins subtly but can grow into significant consequences when left unaddressed. The speaker draws parallels to modern struggles, highlighting the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness rather than hiding or rationalizing it. Nathan's confrontation with David serves as a reminder of the necessity of accountability and openness to correction. Ultimately, the sermon underscores God's transformative grace, offering not only forgiveness but a renewed heart through Christ, who bore the consequences of humanity's sins on the cross.

Scripture:  1 Samuel 17 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 11 of THE STORY. The sermon revolves around the story of David and Goliath as a metaphor for faith, courage, and trust in God during life's battles. Scott emphasizes that every battle we face, no matter how daunting, is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His faithfulness, as seen in David's trust in God despite overwhelming odds. David's victory is not just about courage but about reliance on God's past faithfulness to face present challenges, inspiring others to trust in God as well. The ultimate message compares David to Jesus, identifying Jesus as the "Shepherd King" who faces and defeats the greatest enemies—sin and death—on behalf of humanity. Seeing Jesus as the source of victory in our life's battles and sharing our faith stories is inspiring and uplifting to others as all of us seek to trust God completely.

Scripture:  1 Samuel 1:1-20; 1 Samuel 8:4-7; 1 Samuel 8:10-18 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  This sermon explores themes of prayer, faith, and waiting on God through the story of Hannah in the Bible. Hannah, who longed for a child, persistently prayed to God even as years passed without an answer, demonstrating the importance of leaning into God rather than giving up when prayers seem unanswered. Scott encourages listeners to hold onto faith and embrace God's peace while waiting for His provision, emphasizing that peace can come even before answers do. The sermon also contrasts Hannah's faithful waiting with Israel's demand for an earthly king, illustrating how wanting immediate answers in our lives can lead to unintended consequences. Ultimately, the message urges believers to stay close to God during periods of waiting, trusting in His presence and the Holy Spirit's intercession in times of need.

Scripture:  Book of Ruth Speaker:  Scott Seela Summary: The sermon is a retelling of the story of Ruth, highlighting her loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and her faith in God. When Naomi loses her husband and sons in Moab, she decides to return to Bethlehem, and Ruth pledges to stay by her side, adopting Naomi's people and God. In Bethlehem, Ruth meets Boaz, who notices her dedication and eventually fulfills the role of "guardian redeemer," ensuring Ruth and Naomi's welfare by marrying Ruth. The story emphasizes living out faith in daily life, like Boaz, who acts with integrity and kindness in a selfish world. Ultimately, Boaz and Ruth's faithfulness leads to a legacy culminating in King David, reminding listeners to honor God through everyday acts, trusting that their impact will be seen, if not now, then in eternity.

Scripture:  Judges 2:10-16, Judges 10:16, Judges 2:10, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Judges 21:25, Romans 5:8 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon emphasizes the cycle of Israel's rebellion, repentance, and deliverance in the Book of Judges. It begins by illustrating how Israel repeatedly turns away from God, faces oppression, and then cries out for rescue, only to fall back into idolatry once a judge dies. Scott warns that neglecting God's instructions can lead to decay and emphasizes the importance of passing faith to the next generation. He draws a parallel to modern-day idolatry, urging believers to put their hope in Jesus rather than political systems or personal idols. The sermon concludes by affirming Jesus as the ultimate, perfect judge who breaks this cycle by shedding His own blood for our deliverance.

Scripture:  Joshua 3:1-9; Joshua 3:15-16; Proverbs3:5-6; Matthew  6:33; Philippians 4:6-7; Joshua 1:6; Joshua 2:9-11; Romans 8:37-39 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon focuses on the theme of stepping out in faith to claim the promises of God. Scott begins by telling the story of a man who lost access to his cryptocurrency, using it as a metaphor for how we sometimes struggle to access what God has promised us. The sermon is centered around the Israelites entering the Promised Land in the book of Joshua, emphasizing that while God promised them the land, they had to take action, such as crossing the Jordan River and conquering Jericho, to claim it. The concept of "walking out the premise" is introduced, which means that in order to receive God's promises, we must take steps of faith. Scott also highlights Rahab's faith and how she grasped God's promise, leading to her significant role in biblical history, and concludes by encouraging listeners to trust in God's promises and be courageous in their battles.

Scripture:  Numbers 11:4-6;Numbers 14:2-4;Numbers 14:26-35;Numbers 21:4-9;    John 3:14-15 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: As the Israelites continue their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, they face a time of wandering and complaining. Their frustrations are very much like our own when we take a family road trip. The grumbling begins soon after the departure. The Israelites grumbled despite God's provision of numerous blessings like the manna from heaven. They forgot as we often do that God not only delivers us from something (like the Israelites slavery in Egypt) but also into something greater, though this process often involves difficult "wilderness" periods of preparation and transformation. Our decision must be to trust in God's plan, even when the journey feels long or challenging. God forms and prepares His people through hardships. Our response to our difficulties is to remind ourselves that we have received the greatest gift, redemption through Jesus remembering that he succeeded in the wilderness where humanity often fails.

Scripture: Exodus 24:8;Exodus 25:8;Genesis 34:6-7;Exodus 34:10;Exodus 34:14;Exodus 40:34-35;John 1:14;I Corinthians 3:16;Ephesians 1:13-14 Speaker:  Justin Hammond, Youth Minister Summary:  Justin Hammond, Youth Minister, brings a message from Chapter 5 of THE STORY. This message is focused on the theme of God's presence and faithfulness, using the narrative of the Israelites in Exodus as a foundation. It begins by reflecting on the journey of the Israelites, especially in Exodus 24-25, and how God made a covenant with them through Moses, despite their lack of prior faithfulness or action. God is faithful even in the face of the Israelites' failure. After their idol worship, God still promises to dwell with them, symbolized by the construction of the Tabernacle. Justin relates this to the New Testament, where God's presence is manifested in the form of Jesus Christ, and later, the Holy Spirit, which now dwells in believers. Justin encourages patience and trust in God's timing and knowing that God is always present, even if His actions are not immediately clear.

Scripture:  Exodus 2:7-10, Exodus 3:13-14, Exodus 5:2, Exodus 6:6-8, Exodus 4:22-23, Exodus 12:12-13, Exodus 7:12, I Corinthians 5:7, Ephesians 1:7 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon reflects on the identity of God and His power to deliver His people, focusing on the story of Moses and the Exodus. It begins by addressing the question, "Who is God?" and explains that God consistently reveals Himself through His actions, as seen in Joseph's story and later in Moses' life. Moses is delivered from his own self-doubt and then tasked with delivering the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. The sermon emphasizes how God's miracles, including the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, answered Pharaoh's challenge, "Who is the Lord?" Finally, the sermon connects the Exodus to Jesus' sacrifice, portraying Christ as the ultimate Passover Lamb, bringing redemption and deliverance to all.

Series:  THE STORY:  The Lord is With You Scripture:  Genesis 39:17-20; Genesis 40:23; Genesis 50:15-21;                    Genesis 50:24-26; Hebrews 11:22 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis and draws lessons from his experiences of betrayal, adversity, and faithfulness. You will notice that even when Joseph faced great hardships—being sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten—God was with him. One key point is that being in God's will often takes us outside of our comfort zones, and like Joseph, we are called to maintain integrity and use our gifts even in difficult and obscure circumstances. The sermon emphasizes that we can grow old without becoming angry, and that God can turn our trials into blessings for others, as seen in Joseph's role in saving many lives. Finally, it encourages hope by reminding listeners that this life is not the end and that God's promises will ultimately be fulfilled, just as Joseph believed in the eventual Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.

Series:  THE STORY Scripture:  Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:1-6; Romans 4:18-25; Genesis 22:13-14 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: In this message, the story of the life of Abraham is told with a focus on understanding how its various parts are interconnected and ultimately point to Jesus. The narrative highlights Abraham's journey, starting with God's promise to him and his wife, Sarah, to have a child despite their old age, leading to the birth of Isaac. Abraham demonstrates the importance of faith and obedience, even when God's commands, such as the call to sacrifice of Isaac, seem incomprehensible.  In this message we find encouragement to trust in God's provision, drawing parallels between Abraham's story and the sacrifice of Jesus, portraying the theme of God using imperfect people to fulfill His greater purpose.

Series:  THE STORY Scripture: Genesis 1-3 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Scott discusses the beginning of the biblical story from Genesis, focusing on themes of creation, the goodness of God's world, and humanity's fall from grace due to sin. Key questions addressed are the origins of humanity, the purpose of existence, and why the world is flawed. The sermon also emphasizes that God's ultimate plan is to restore creation through salvation, as symbolized by the cross.

Scripture:  Luke 24:13-27 (The post-resurrection account of Jesus's encounter with two men on the road to Emmaus.) Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: NOTE:  Due to technical issues we were unable to record the entire message.  At the 11:46 point in the recording, we lost the                                    stream.  There will be a bit of silence before the second part of the recording begins.  In the second section, Scott                                        discusses the text, Luke 24:13-27.  We apologize for the inconvenience.   This is an invitation to explore the Bible's story, emphasizing that it's an epic narrative rather than just a set of rules or history. You will have opportunities to dive deeper, including a class on campus called "The Beginner's Guide to the Story" and another initiative called "Beyond the Sermon." Scott reflects on how he received his first Bible as a child, and how his understanding of it has evolved over time. He describes the Bible as a unified story about Jesus, even though it spans many centuries and contains diverse books and characters. He encourages everyone to engage deeply with Scripture and to connect their personal stories to the larger narrative of Jesus. The ultimate goal is to be with Jesus, become like Him, and live out His teachings.  

Scripture:  Matthew 16:18 Speaker:  Chris Stephens, Lead Minister, Avenue G Church of Christ Summary: In this sermon, the Chris reflects on the nature and purpose of the church, focusing on Matthew 16:18. He emphasizes that the church is not merely a building or a social club but a "called-out" group intended to influence the world positively. By using the term "eklesia," Jesus indicates that the church is a community meant to be active and impactful, breaking down barriers and confronting societal issues. His emphasis is that the church's strength lies in its foundation on Jesus as the Messiah, and it is designed to withstand challenges and continue its mission regardless of worldly obstacles. Ultimately, he encourages believers to actively embody the church's mission in all aspects of their lives, influencing the world through their faith and actions wherever they go day by day.

Think about the responsibilities you have encountered throughout life, starting from small tasks to significant roles.  Each of these emphasize the importance of taking responsibilities seriously.  Particularly think about the responsibility given by Jesus to his disciples which includes each of us to spread the gospel.  This mission, entrusted by Jesus, is not just about living a good life but also about actively speaking and sharing the message of Jesus with others.  Pray for opportunities to share your faith, build trust with others, and invite people into the Christian community. Finally, take this responsibility with passion, knowing that Jesus is always with you in this mission.

Scripture:  Mark 15:25-41 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary: Death is the ultimate interruption in life, affecting both the short-term and long-term, often leaving people disoriented and angry.  Even Jesus was not exempt from the interruption of death, as seen in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection are detailed. The key message is that Jesus's resurrection turns death from a permanent interruption into a temporary one, offering hope to believers. You will find encouragement by holding onto the reality of Jesus's victory over death, especially when faced with our own experiences of loss.

Scripture:  Mark 10:46-52 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This message emphasizes the importance of seeking not just restoration but true transformation in life, using the story of Jesus healing the blind man Bartimaeus from Mark 10.  Bartimaeus' healing symbolizes both physical sight and spiritual insight, illustrating a deeper need for change and commitment to follow Jesus. True discipleship requires embracing the transformative power of following Jesus fully, even if it leads to hardship. The message concludes with a prayer for boldness and clarity to follow Jesus wherever He leads.

Scripture:  Mark 10:13-16 Speaker:  Callaghan Mitchell, Summer Intern Summary: In this message, Callaghan discusses a biblical passage where Jesus is interrupted while teaching, highlighting how Jesus welcomed children despite cultural norms that undervalued them. He emphasizes that Jesus values those who come to Him like children, with nothing to offer and without hesitation. He encourages the congregation to examine their own attitudes, whether they lean towards pride or unworthiness, and to approach Jesus with a childlike heart. Then He concludes with a call to avoid judgmental behavior and to embrace grace, remembering that "the ground at the foot of the cross is level."

Scripture:  Mark 10:17-22 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary: In this message,Grant discusses the theme of "inconvenient truths" and how they impact our lives, particularly focusing on the story from Mark 10:17-22. He explains that inconvenient truths are those realities that make our lives more difficult or uncomfortable, using personal examples to illustrate this concept. Grant highlights the story of a wealthy man who approaches Jesus, seeking eternal life, and is told to sell all his possessions and follow Jesus, which he finds difficult to accept. The message emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the things in our lives that interrupt our relationship with Jesus, whether it be wealth, career goals, or hobbies. Grant's challenge is to look at our own lives and through prayer ask to discover and overcome these interruptions, emphasizing the ultimate goal of following Jesus wholeheartedly.

Scripture:  Mark 8:22-38 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The message explores the concept of life's interruptions and their profound impact on our perspectives and actions. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical narratives, Scott highlights how unexpected events, like the assassination of JFK or the Challenger explosion, leave lasting marks on individuals. The focus then shifts to Mark 8, where Jesus heals a blind man in two stages, illustrating a deeper lesson on spiritual perception and understanding. Peter's reaction to Jesus' prediction of his suffering and death is examined, emphasizing the difficulty of aligning personal expectations with divine purposes. Ultimately, the message calls for a committed discipleship that embraces sacrifice and service, encapsulated in the story of William Borden, who lived by the principles of "No Reserve, No Retreat, No Regret."

Scripture:  Mark 5:21-34 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary: This message highlights Jesus' deliberate action to see and acknowledge the unseen, drawing a parallel to the need for individuals to do the same in their communities. Grant encourages the congregation to make intentional efforts to see and acknowledge those who feel invisible, whether at work, school, church, or other places. Following Jesus example, we must be willing to welcome interruptions in our routines to make others feel seen and valued. The call to action is  to identify someone in your life who feels unseen and to make a deliberate effort to acknowledge and connect with them. This will require prayer to have boldness and awareness to carry this out, but the reward of seeing the transformative impact of making others feel seen is truly a blessing for your life.

Scripture:  Mark 6:30-44 Speaker:  Grant Perkins, Preaching Intern Summary: The sermon begins with Grant reflecting on his experience as a fraternity chaplain, highlighting the challenge of fulfilling promises due to various constraints like time and resources. The central theme is the tendency to use "I don't have enough" as an excuse to avoid stepping into needs and ministry opportunities. The message draws a parallel with the story from Mark 6:30-44, where Jesus feeds 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, emphasizing that Jesus's provision redefines what's possible. The disciples' initial doubt is contrasted with Jesus's ability to provide abundantly. The message encourages believers to trust in Jesus's provision and not let perceived shortages hinder their willingness to serve and meet needs, urging them to embrace ministry opportunities boldly and rely on Jesus to provide.    

Scripture:  Mark 5:1-20 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The "Interrupted" series continues, focusing on how Jesus handles interruptions by going to places others avoid. Using the story from Mark 5, where Jesus heals a demon-possessed man in a graveyard, the sermon illustrates how Jesus willingly enters dark and scary places to bring redemption and renewal. Note that Jesus redeems our past, renews our strength and mind, and restores our identity, even when we feel overwhelmed by our sins and failures. The story demonstrates that no matter how dire our circumstances, Jesus has the power to transform our lives.  The application for us is to let Jesus interrupt our lives and make all things new, with the hope and renewal that Jesus offers.

Scripture:  Mark 4:35-41 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary: The speaker shares a personal story about his family's experience with fostering a child named David, who was eventually moved to an unsafe placement despite their prayers. This event led him to grapple with the notion of unanswered prayers and feeling abandoned by God. He relates this to the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4, where the disciples, in their fear, doubted Jesus' care and ability. The sermon emphasizes that fear often interrupts faith, leading us to believe that Jesus either doesn't care or isn't able to help. However, the true lesson is that Jesus cares and is able, regardless of whether every storm is calmed. The speaker concludes by encouraging the congregation to remain faithful and obedient, using their past experiences and the reality of eternity to strengthen their faith amidst fear.