On Sunday we talked about how when the accuser threatens us we respond with the blood of the lamb. As we connect our lives to the truths of the gospel we find a profound and unshakeable hope. ...
This church was known for suffering. Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrh, a flagrant perfume used in burial. Many believe that this church represents the martyrs of all the ages and the sweet-smelling fragrance of their faithfulness until death. There was no rebuke for this church and because they were faithful until death, their lampstand has never been removed. Christianity has never completely left this city. It is the only one of the seven cities still in flourishing condition....
What do we know about Ephesus? Paul spent between two to three years teaching in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10). In his farewell letter to the Ephesian elders, he gives a clear warning to look out for "savage wolves" and men who would speak "perverse things.” Ephesus was once considered the most important Greek city and the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. There were 14 temples dedicated to idolatrous pagan gods, but none rivaled the Temple of Artemis, the Greek goddess who was heartily worshiped by the Roman Empire during this time. ...
Want to learn more about Revelation? It’s a rich, beautiful, powerful book. Here are a few places to start in your journey in addition to our sermons on Sunday mornings and your study in Community Groups. ...
Why are we meeting off-site for Easter? Because we are one church, singing one song, about one Savior. ...
We understand that the church Jesus was building was a people for Himself. Sin created a chasm between us and a holy God. By God’s grace, that chasm has been closed! We’ve been justified by Christ’s death on the cross and are now part of His church because when God sees us, He sees Jesus’ righteousness. Our identity now becomes one who is a citizen of the Kingdom of God. The way we live must align with what God has called us to. Let’s take a look at how we live as members of Jesus’ church....
The news about Ukraine and Russia has been inescapable. The first war of this scale in decades. Many calls to prayer but…how are we to pray? What are we to pray for? ...
At the end of Ruth Chapter 3, it seems the stars are aligning for Boaz to redeem Ruth. Then Boaz says, “yet there is a redeemer nearer than I” and it seems a new character is going to swoop in and redeem Ruth. Chapter 3 leaves us on the edge of our seats wondering how things will play out for Ruth. Will Ruth be redeemed by this new character? What about Boaz? Today we are going to study how the kindness of God comes through a person, through Ruth’s redeemer. ...
In chapter 2, Ruth meets Boaz and the tides start to turn for Naomi and her view of God’s kindness. Up to this point, we noticed the work ethic displayed by Ruth. Her physical strength was not the only thing that was noticed by others. ...
The kindness of God is the theme that threads throughout the book of Ruth. We find ourselves during the time of the Judges where all did “what was right in their own eyes”. Chapter one introduces us to a family who leaves Bethlehem for Moab in search of food during a famine. Tragically the father and two sons die and we are now focused on two specific characters: Naomi and Ruth. Chapter one displays the kindness of God through an unlikely character, a Moabite woman named Ruth. Despite Naomi’s circumstances, God’s kindness can often be displayed in the mundane and routine places of life. Chapter two introduces a new character whom we can learn a lot from in our lives today. Let’s begin!...
[Updated below] This Christmas season we want to serve a community in need with physical nourishment and spiritual help. Fill up a shoebox and join us! Just a little sacrifice on the part of our church community can have a huge impact on a violence-ravaged community in Mexico. ...
Keep ReadingLooking for a quick rundown of all our holiday events this December? Check out this easy to scan list of opportunities to serve, give, and celebrate. ...
Keep ReadingThree reflections on three decades of history and our foundation as a church: Jesus is our foundation, our foundation is sure, and from this foundation we advance ...
Keep ReadingThis past Sunday we had the unique joy of celebrating our history as a church and ordaining another elder. Here are some ways you can pray for us this month in light of this special day. ...
Keep ReadingWe want to recommend a great free resource to go along with our summer message series on Discipleship: a free eBook and website called "Multiply." The Multiply eBook is designed as a simple resource that you can use to begin making disciples and there are tons of videos and other information to go along with it....
Keep ReadingJoin us for one of our neighborhood parties this weekend or invite a friend. They're happening Saturday at Loretto Park and Sunday in the church backyard!...
Keep ReadingLet's face it: outside of work we live most of our lives within the four walls of our homes. Our most precious and important relationships are often within those walls. We make most our our decisions about money, possessions, time, and priorities in the home. This month we'll look at how the gospel transforms our lives by transforming our homes. ...
Keep ReadingWe're already halfway through Easter Week, don't waste it! Here are four quick ideas for how to get the most out of this week. ...
Keep ReadingWondering whether to come to the Peacemaking Women Conference? Here are a few reasons -- ranging from spiritual to practical -- we think you should join us....
Keep ReadingSunday we covered Ephesians 5:18 on Paul's command to be filled with the Spirit. Want to learn more about the Spirit's work? Here are some great places to start. ...
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