Loving the Light
Our lives consist of “being” and “doing.” And in the balance of the two, many of us tend to lean much more heavily toward “doing.” Jesus teaches Nicodemus in the gospel of John that we are called to “do truth” and to “come to the light” so that we can realize all that we do and all that we are is (about being) in God. LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "Loving the Light"WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Mar 8, 2020Loving the Light
Loving the LightOur lives consist of “being” and “doing.” And in the balance of the two, many of us tend to lean much more heavily toward “doing.” Jesus teaches Nicodemus in the gospel of John that we are called to “do truth” and to “come to the light” so that we can realize all that we do and all that we are is (about being) in God. LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "Loving the Light"
- Mar 1, 2020The Good Wine
The Good Wine
As we go through life, we find that its first half is very different from its second half. The good news of the gospel encourages us to find grace in falling, failing, and dying. We find that God uses all of these to bring new life, the unveiling of heaven on earth. LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "The Good Wine"
- Feb 23, 2020Calling Leaving Following
Calling Leaving Following
God is calling each of us to be and to do something unique and special. Our first response is to leave behind what once seemed so important to us, to truly put God first in our lives, and let everything else fall into its proper place. Lastly, we follow. And we follow in a way that does not focus on our destination, but instead pays close attention to the One who is on this journey with us. LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "Calling, Leaving, Following" - Feb 16, 2020Three Temptations
Three Temptations
The temptations to be successful, to be right, and to be in control are real. Our temptations are usually to do something good, instead of to do what God wants for us, in order to be whole. Like Jesus, let us be led by the Spirit into places where we can be fully convinced of God’s will for our lives. And let us ask God for the courage to follow Christ’s example, fully giving of ourselves that we may have life and life more abundant. LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "The Three Temptations" -
- Feb 9, 2020Repentance and Holy Spirit Fire
Repentance and Holy Spirit Fire
Women pastors. Some churches have them, and some don't. What is behind our doing things the way we have always done them or deciding to make a change? What role does the Bible play in our decisions? The scripture lesson for this week is about baptism and transformation. Going from what we were to what we are becoming in Christ. LISTEN to Sunday Sermon "Repentance and Holy Spirit Fire." - Feb 2, 2020Coming of Age
Coming of Age
Being emotionally mature is required if we are to be spiritually mature. God wants to grow our hearts and our spirits. Let us follow Jesus’ example, by growing in wisdom, love, and purpose. LISTEN to Sunday's sermon "Coming of Age"
- Jan 26, 2020Out of Egypt
Out of Egypt
If we feel we are living in “Egypt,” maybe there is something there for us. Not only may God have us in a safe place, but God may also be fulfilling something in our lives. Let us be grateful for God’s voice and presence that leads us and guides us and remains always with us as we are led into and come “out of Egypt.” LISTEN to Sunday Sermon "Out of Egypt" -
- Jan 19, 2020Law & Spirit (Effort & Surrender)
Law & Spirit (Effort & Surrender)
In the story of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, we see examples of effort and surrender (Law and Spirit). We need both. Naturally, it seems, surrender is the more challenging of the two for us to successfully incorporate into our lives. Let us make sure to make an effort...and make the effort to let go (surrender). So that we, like Jesus, can "grow and become strong, filled with wisdom and the favor of God upon us." LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "Law and Spirit (Effort and Surrender)"
- Jan 12, 2020Heaven & Earth
Heaven & Earth
Throughout the ages, God has invited us to ponder the mysteries of who he is, of what he has created, of heaven and earth, and of our place in it all. As we are awed by the story of Christ’s birth, of God dwelling with us and in us, let us have the faith and courage to see that in him we can find our life, in heaven on earth. LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "Heaven and Earth"
- Dec 22, 2019Many in this City
Many in this City
Let us recognize, like Silas and Timothy, that there are many in this city who are God’s people. Let’s be open to listen to others so that others may listen to us. Let’s not be afraid. Let’s speak up. And let us be forever grateful that God is with us. LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "Many in this City" - Dec 15, 2019Faith Kidz Christmas
Faith Kidz Christmas
Luke 2 tells us, "As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. 'Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.' They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed." LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon by Faith Youth, Brandon Burford: "First to Know" - Dec 8, 2019That’s Unexpected
That’s Unexpected
Like Paul and Silas, let’s carry the joyful song of God with us wherever we go, let’s not forget that though life may not feel that great at times...life is still amazingly wonderful, let’s remember that adversity can bring the miracle of new life, let’s not assume what’s going on in people’s lives but remember that we can know for sure the Holy Spirit is hard at work, and let’s hold fast to the unstoppable, miraculous, life-changing Good News...because it’s worth it! LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "That's Unexpected" - Nov 24, 2019Preventions
Preventions
We all experience challenges and obstacles in life, things preventing us from fully engaging in and enjoying abundant life. Even when it comes to the Gospel, the good news about the presence of God in our lives, we find ourselves prevented from experiencing all its blessings. Let us find encouragement in the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch, that no matter what prevents us from the experiencing the power of the Gospel...the power of the Holy Spirit, our capacity to respond, and the joy of a new life in God is far more powerful than any challenge, obstacle, or prevention we may face. LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon: "Preventions" - Nov 17, 2019Stiff-Necked
Stiff-Necked
We don’t want to be stiff-necked. In pain. Unaware. Unchanging. We want to be what God wants us to be. Healed and whole. Experiencing his abundance. Being transformed into his likeness. Let us instead be grateful and positive, living fully in the moment, here and now. And let’s be willing and courageous to try something new. Knowing that when we are strong and flexible, following the Holy Spirit, we can, like Stephen, see the glory of God at work in our lives. LISTEN to Sunday's sermon "Stiff-Necked" - Nov 10, 2019Power or Piety
Power or Piety
We are a people power and of piety. We can influence others for good. We can have reverence for God and can be devoted to God’s ways. And we are a people with faith. Expecting that God will do what we expect God will do. But if we truly want what God wants for us: life and life abundant, “perfect” health and wholeness beyond what we could ask or imagine, we must have a different type of faith. A faith that can make a life-long beggar to walk into God’s presence leaping and praising God. We must have a faith that is not our own, tied to our own expectations, but a faith that comes to us “through Jesus.” LISTEN to Sunday's Sermon "Power and Piety"