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!...
Questioning the Kindness of God in Difficult Moments Download a PDF version of this study here. I. Context Discussion: What was Israel like when the judges ruled? It came about in the days when the judges governed In Israel this was a lawless time. There was no central authority. They had no king and no government. A circle of deliverance followed by disobedience ...
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Have you always wanted a way to represent the church with a shirt? Well now's your chance!...
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In Romans 12, Paul echoes Jesus’ teachings and exhortations on Christian life and character from Matthew 5-7. And in Romans 13, he reinforces Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:13-17, of God’s sovereign and preeminent rule over and in, human government....
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On Sunday, our Worship Team will be leading us through arrangements of Psalms 150, 34, 130, and 103. A few of the songs will be new to the church so we've created a playlist with the music so that you can become familiar with it before Sunday....
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I think I realized I might have a problem when the producer of a well-known show on MSNBC left a voicemail for our church trying to get me on the show that night. In 2016 I never would have said that I was too political, or that politics was an idol for me, or that politics had too great a place in my mind and heart. But that phone call, and what it brought out of me, c...
Keep Reading Pastor Ricky has identified 7 characteristics of the church in the city of Antioch, found in Acts 11-14, that are essential to building a church that is able to expand, grow, identify, and train leaders in order to advance the gospel into its community....
Keep Reading In 12 very short verses, with great skill and precision, Jesus summarizes God’s dealings and redemptive plan with His people... past, present, and future. ...
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The account of Bartimaeus' healing is one that not only clearly reveals our Lord's power but also magnifies His character. In the previous verses in Mark 10, we find Jesus continuing to steadfastly 'march' to Jerusalem. In Luke 9, we read that he set His face to go to Jerusalem, knowing that there He would give His life by dying a horrible death for the sins of the world....
Keep Reading As you read through these selected scriptures allow the Holy Spirit to impact your heart with the truth that all of these commands are walked out in fellowship, in community with one another. God's will, His plan is for us to be discovering His truth together. ...
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