“Paul (#4): To the Jews and then to the Gentiles”Text: Acts 13:13-52Like a wildfire spreading uncontrollably in the forest, Paul’s missionary work begins to spread–and not just to the Jews. Instead, it begins popping up in the least expected places: among the gentiles. Despite persecution and opposition, Paul and Barnabus continue to take the Name…
“Paul (#1): Never the Same Again” Text: Acts 9:1-19aWe begin a new journey, studying the life of Paul as recorded in the book of Acts. We begin with a look at Paul’s conversion experience, and reminder that Christ and the Church are so inseparable that to persecute one is to persecute the other. Paul’s life…
“Discovering Jesus in the church” Text: Acts 2:1-21Pastor Jon concludes our Easter series on “Discovering Jesus” with this Pentecost message. As God’s Spirit came down over the Church, we are reminded of similar events in the Old Testament: creation, the giving of the law, and the dedication of the temple. In the Church, God reveals…
“Discovering Jesus in Scripture” Text: Luke 24:44-53On Ascension Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus showed the disciples that He is revealed in Scripture: the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (writings). Pastor Jon talks about a proper understanding of scripture, and how we are to read all of scripture through the lens of the person…
“Discovering the Father through the Son” Text: John 14:1-14As Christians, we don’t worship a nebulous, nameless God… the god that is often invoked by our pledge, on our money, or during a civic prayer. We worship the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We don’t have to guess what God is like, because the Father…
“Discovering Jesus in the Flock” Text: John 10:1-12Continuing in our series this Easter season, Pastor Jon looks at this familiar passage from John, considering that we also discover Jesus in community, and that the Good Shepherd desires to bring the sheep into the fold. As we live in relationship with one another, we discover Christ…
“Discovering Jesus on the Road” Text: Luke 24:13-35If we look closely at the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we may recognize ourselves on the road–unable to recognize the answers that are before our own eyes. Through this account, Luke reminds us that we can discover Jesus in the ordinariness of life… on the road……
“Seeing is Believing” Text: John 20:19-31Pastor Jon explores the familiar story of “Doubting” Thomas against the backdrop of the commonly-stated belief, “seeing is believing.” Our faith is not simply an examination of the evidence provided, neither is it merely mental assent to a series of doctrines or propositional statements. Ultimately faith requires that we believe,…
“Annual Meeting: All Things New” Texts: Various, including: Ephesians 5;, Isaiah 6:1-3, 9:2, 26:19, 43:16-21; Revelation 21:1-5Together, we celebrate the God who is making all things new, breathing new life into this congregation, and building His Kingdom. As Pastor Jon looks back over the past year, he highlights several victories, and considers the ways that…
“Easter: Jesus Calls You by Name” Text: John 20:1-18On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Jon talks about the importance of our names… and how God knows us and calls us by name. It was when Jesus called Mary’s name in the garden that she recognized him. How will you respond when he calls you by name?