“Seeking the God who Sees”Text: John 1:43-51Hagar.  Samuel.  Nathaniel.  We are reminded that we are seeking the God who sees–the God who sought us before we knew enough to seek after Him.  The God who saw Hagar by the spring in the desert is the same God who called out to Samuel in the middle…

“New Years: What are you Waiting For?”Text: Luke 2:22-38Pastor Jon concludes our Advent and Christmas series with a look at the accounts of Anna and Simeon. After considering their patient faithfulness, we are invited to consider the ways in which others have demonstrated those qualities to us, and the ways we can be a Simeon…

“Advent (#4): The Promise Draws Near”Text: Luke 1:5-25, 57-79Imagine… if you could only speak one sentence, once a year!  Talk about choosing your words wisely!? How would you choose what to say, if you could only speak one sentence, once a year?  How would you economize your words?  What priorities would drive your communication?  What would…

“Advent (#3): Fixing our Eyes – December 11, 2011”Text: Hebrews 11:1-2, 32-40; 12:1-3It seems that the great stories in the Bible are the ones where God intervenes—where new life is brought forth out of barrenness… where the blind see… the deaf hear… the mute shout… and the lame leap for joy. But what happens when…

“Advent (#2): In the Meantime – December 4, 2011”Text:  Genesis 29-30As we look at the story of Jacob being tricked by his uncle, we learn about waiting.  One of our Advent lessons today is that we wait like Jacob waited… we live out our lives—working for the Kingdom of God… because of our love for…

“Advent (#1): Waiting for the Promise”Text: Genesis 11-21This Advent season, Pastor Jon tells stories about people who had to wait.  As we hear these stories, we identify with them, because each of us is waiting for God to break in upon our circumstances, to heal our brokenness, and to fully redeem our lives. We look…

“Paul (#16): Finishing the Race”Text: Acts 27-28Pastor Jon concludes our 16-week study on Paul’s life by looking at his final journey to Rome.  Even though Luke doesn’t give us the details of the end of Paul’s life, we can infer that he finished well.  Preaching and writing while in prison, Paul made the most of…

“Paul (#15): Appealing to a Higher Court”Text: Acts 22:22-26:32In broad strokes, Pastor Jon retells some of the stories related to Paul’s arrests, trials, and imprisonments.  Even as Paul continues to appeal to Caesar, we recognize that ultimately we appeal, not to the courts of men, but to an even Higher Authority.

“Paul (#14): Thy Will Be Done – November 6, 2011”Text: Acts 21-22In looking at this chapter of Paul’s life, Pastor Jon suggests that sin is when you put yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge.  Even as Paul set his direction toward Jerusalem, some Godly people were attempting to convince him…

“Paul (#13): Famous Last Words” Text: Acts 20:13-38In this farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, we recognize the same urgency that was driving Paul as he preached through the night in Troas.  As we read the sermon, we get a glimpse into Paul’s heart, and discover the qualities of humility, integrity, and faithfulness.