“Restoring Faith: A Good Foundation”Ezra 3:10-13We continue to celebrate the beginning of a new year by beginning a study of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. This is also a story of a new beginning as the Jewish people are given the opportunity to start anew and reestablish themselves in Jerusalem. In this first week…

“Let Us Adore Him: Christmas”Luke 2:1-20Today we hear the story of Jesus’s birth and celebrate God meeting us where we are. Like a candle illuminating a path in the darkness, Jesus is our light, pushing back against the shadows and darkness of the world and what we may be going through. We are called to…

Let Us Adore Him: Joy – December 11, 2022Text: James 5:7-11As Advent continues, we are reminded that it is a season of waiting. James speaks of the importance of patience to a Church that was struggling in its own season of expectation. As his illustration of a farmer suggests, being patient does not only mean…

“Let Us Adore Him: Hope”We begin Advent – a season of anticipation for the coming of Jesus – by focusing on the Hope that He represents. We are reminded that our hope is grounded on the God who has entered into the world and breathed life into Jesus, who was forsaken and forgotten by the…

“Chosen for the Present”2 Thessalonians 2:1-3:5We resume our look at Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica.  At first glance, this chapter appears to be looking forward; however, Pastor Tim suggests that this passage has less to do with an unknown future and more to do with how we live our faith today in…

“Thankful for the Past”2 Thessalonians 1:1-12We begin a short series on 2 Thessalonians, where Paul’s message to the church in Thessalonica speaks to its past, present, and future. Paul’s thankfulness for the church’s faithfulness is paired with a promise of punishment for those who afflict them. Pastor Tim provides the context for this letter and…

“Questions for God”Text: Habakkuk 1:1-3, 2:1-4In a time of uncertainty for the people of God, the prophet Habakkuk asks God bold questions about what appears to be God’s nonresponse to his prayers and the wrongdoing in the world. And yet, Habakkuk does not passively wait for God’s response; instead, he actively looks for what God…

“Stories That Shape Us: 30 Pieces of Silver”Text: Zechariah 11We continue our “Stories That Shape Us” series, looking at Old Testament passages that shape or are recalled in New Testament. This week’s passage from Zechariah is one that would have familiar in the time of Jesus. Zechariah’s rejection of the thirty silver shekel payment given…

Stories That Shape Us: The Abomination – September 18, 2022Text: Daniel 11:31-12:13It is often said that history is “written by the victors.” However, this week we review a passage from the book of Daniel that comes from the perspective of those who have been conquered. Despite descriptions of the desolation of the Temple and battles…

“Stories That Shape Us: Can It Get Any Worse?”Text: Book of JonahThe story of Jonah is a one of downward descent, starting off somewhere well and continually getting worse for him. Despite Jonah’s disobedience and lack of enthusiasm in proclaiming God’s message to the people of Nineveh, God still uses him to initiate the repentance…