December 24 Sermon: Now Disclosed
This week, we explore three key themes: Disclosure (Jesus revealing God's story), Depth (the universal reach of the gospel), and Doxology (praising God for His saving work). We see how Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding and living in accordance with God's message.
December 17 Evening Meditation: On Them Has Light Shone
As we planned the service for this evening. There were a lot of factors that we considered over the time and the conversations about what we were gonna do this evening actually started more than a year ago. We knew that we wanted to do something with candlelight, some sort of candlelight service. What we would do with the service we weren't sure about. We had some ideas. Should we have the children sing at the service? Do we have the choir sing? What kind of candles do we want to have? Probably the smartest thing we did was we decided to order the candles in February so we wouldn't be competing with other people with them for October and November.
Devotions: Hold Fast
Day 1:
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Devotional: Today, let's focus on living a Gospel-centered life. Reflect on the words of Paul in this passage - to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. How can you apply these teachings in your everyday life? Remember, these actions are the will of God for us. How can you bring a spirit of rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude into your day?
December 17 Sermon: Hold Fast
As we find ourselves now in the third Sunday in Advent, we once again see another passage of Scripture that has us looking at a passage of the suggestion of impending judgment. Now it doesn't have some of the stronger language of judgment Not the language of judgment we even saw in Isaiah 61, as we were reading from the Old Testament today, but definitely not some of the stronger language that we saw in the previous weeks. But we do find this implication of the coming judgment of the Lord Jesus Christ, because the Apostle Paul prays that God might keep the people of God blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Devotions: What Sort of People Ought You to Be?
Day 1:
Reading: 2 Peter 3:1-7
Devotional: Reflect on Peter's words about the scoffers who question the return of Jesus. Like them, do you find yourself impatient for the second coming of Christ, questioning why suffering and injustice persist? Spend some time in prayer asking God for the patience to trust His perfect timing. Remember, He is outside of time, not bound by our limited understanding.
December 10 Sermon: What Sort of People Ought You to Be?
On the second Sunday of Advent, we reflect on impatience in a fast-paced world and contemplate our waiting for the return of Jesus. We dig into 2 Peter 3:8–9, which addresses the delay of Jesus' return, emphasizes God's patience, and calls us to live in purity and readiness for the promised new heaven and new earth. As we delve into Peter's message, we are reminded to consider God's patience as an opportunity for repentance and faithful living each day.
Devotions: Keep Awake
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Mark 13:1-8
Devotional: Today, reflect on Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the temple. His prophetic words came to pass, demonstrating the authority and inspiration of the New Testament. The anticipation and preparation for this event draw parallels to our anticipation for the second coming of Jesus. How can you better prepare and anticipate for Jesus' return?
December 3 Sermon: Keep Awake
Advent serves as a time of anticipation, alertness, and assurance as we look forward to the second coming of Jesus. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we are called to keep awake and focus on our call to a holy life and prioritize eternal matters over worldly distractions.
What is Advent?
As we dive into the rhythm of the holiday season, there's a gem often tucked away in the busyness of the Christmas season. Most people have heard of Advent, but what exactly is Advent? It's more than a calendar countdown to Christmas; it's a soul-stirring journey of anticipation and hope.
December 20 Sermon: Made Known
News travels fast, doesn’t it? There are all kinds of ways that information can reach us these days and most of it is instant but even with our multifaceted forms of communication the truthfulness of what we are hearing can still be in doubt. In fact, we often receive some news and we are apprehensive to pass it on because we aren’t sure if it is true. You may get some information from multiple sources but you are still hesitant to share the news.
December 13 Sermon: He is Faithful
One of the draws of sports are the moments when the issue is in doubt and someone has to step up in a big moment. We love to see the clutch three pointer, the single to drive in that runner on second in the bottom of the ninth, and the long field goal that splits the uprights as time expires. If you are like me though you’ve been burnt before. The person at the plate has struck out and ended the game. The kicker that was reliable all season misses a chip shot field goal in the playoffs, and that last second shot hits off the back of the rim and bounces away as the buzzer sounds. As painful as some of those moments can be I think we like the tension that it creates.