“Sure Signs of a Maturing Faith”Text: Philippians 3:15-4:1For the Christian, growth is not optional. Pastor Eric Larsen joins us again this week and talks about what it means to mature in the faith. The mature Christian knows what belongs in their life, and knows what needs to be left behind. The key to maturity is…
“Image of God: Part 1”Text: James 3:9, Genesis 1:24-31;5:1,9:6Scripture tells us again and again that humanity was created in the image of God. Over the next two weeks, Pastor Tim will be talking about this and what it means for us. We have a natural tendency to apply this inwardly to ourselves, but the image…
Letters of God’s Love: 1 John 3:1-24Text: 1 John 3:1-24In today’s passage, John addresses those in the early Church who believed that the way we live our lives does not matter. He asserts that what Christ has done in our life has ongoing implications for who we are to be and how we are to…
Text: Psalm 36The theme of God’s steadfast love has been a defining mark of the relationship between God and His people. Psalm 36 can be seen as both a testimony of what God has seen the psalmist through as well as a prayer asking for help with the concerns of the present day. The hope…
Text: Psalm 72We start the new calendar year by studying Psalm 72, which was a “coronation psalm” used for the leaders of Israel. It expresses a desire and hope for peace and righteousness in the land and uses hyperbolic language which far outlasts what is capable with a single human ruler. In this way, the…
“Changed in the Waiting: Peace”Text: Luke 1:39-55We close this advent season with Mary’s song following her meeting with her relative Elizabeth, who was expecting the child that would become John the Baptist. Mary’s words are both a statement of faith and prophetically tell of how God will raise up those who are oppressed. As we…
“Changed in the Waiting: Love”Text: Luke 3:1-6The second Sunday in this season of Advent focuses on love. Love is not just found in our emotions and feelings, but it can also be a way in which we interact with each other. Advent is a season of waiting, and we remember that even in the midst…
Text: Mark 13:24-37On this Christ the King Sunday, we wrap up our year-long study of the book of Mark. Jesus says to those who follow Him – His disciples then, and us now – to keep watch and be alert. We are called to be future-focused followers and to allow that, and not the fears…
Text: Mark 12:35-44Today’s passage from Mark contains the familiar story of a widow giving her last two coins to the Temple as an act of sacrificial giving. It comes after Jesus warns against those in power who cause injustice by taking advantage of others, including widows and their possessions. The story shows us that there…
Text: Mark 12:1-27In today’s reading from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is recognized as one with integrity and a sense of imparitiality, yet the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with questions of loyality to Rome, the controlling power in the world. In the current day, we are in the midst of a political…