Divine Encounters: “On the Road” Text: Luke 24:13-35 As we walk on the ordinary roads of life, we learn to have our eyes and ears open that we might see Jesus. As we look at this traditional Easter text, we consider the ways that Jesus is revealed to us: in the ordinariness of life, in…
Divine Encounters: Jacob’s Ladder Text: Genesis 28:10-22 Recognizing that Jacob did nothing deserving of this divine encounter, we would do well to remember that this is not “Jacob’s Ladder,” but “God’s Ladder.” This story reminds us that God’s grace reaches out to us at our lowest point, inviting us to respond in worship and devotion.
Divine Encounters: “At the Feet of the Master” Text: Luke 10:38-42 The story of Mary and Martha isn’t only about who will peel the potatoes or chop the onion. This is a story about discipleship, about sitting at the feet of the Master, and about fixing our eyes on Jesus. This story invites us to…
“This is How We Know” Text: I John 5:6-13 “How do we know the truth about God? Which testimonies about God are reliable and trustworthy? As we conclude our journey through First John, we consider the importance of the doctrine of the incarnation, and understanding how Jesus perfectly reveals the God of Abraham, Isaac, and…
No Fear Text: I John 4:7-21 Proceeding from the understanding that love is the essential core attribute of God’s nature, Pastor Jon explores what it means to be people of love. How is our moral development shaped by the understanding that perfect love drives out fear? Do our evangelistic methods reflect this message? Lastly, how…
Misunderstood I John 3:1-7 As Christians, we are bound to be misunderstood like Christ was misunderstood. We can only confidently live the misunderstood life if our identity is deeply rooted in the life of Christ and the hope of being like Christ. As people who are bound to be misunderstood, we should take great care…
“To Know Christ Personally” Text: John 20;1-18 Like Mary Magdalene, we often fail to recognize Jesus. Overcome by grief, vision clouded with tears, or simply because of misplaced expectations, we don’t see Jesus until we hear him call us by name. As we consider the good news of Easter, we are reminded that there is…
“More than a Glimpse” Text: John 12:20-33 What does it mean to see Jesus? What does it mean to REALLY see Jesus? What does it mean to know Christ personally? When some Greeks wanted to see Jesus, he said that the hour had come for him to be glorified. But this is not the sort…
“Daring to be Foolish” Text:John 2:13-22 Shane Ross brings this morning’s message from John 2. Imagine the surprise of the disciples as Jesus did something completely unexpected in the temple. We must always be open to God’s leading, and for Jesus to do new and unexpected things in our comfortable lives. Jesus often interrupts our…
“Connected in the Wilderness” Text: Mark 1:9-15 As we enter the season of Lent, we consider what it means to follow in the footsteps of Christ and to know Christ personally. As we follow Christ, we will necessarily spend time in the wilderness. Our connection to God and to the people of God is what allows…