The Kingdom of God has Come Near – June 30, 2013

“The Kingdom of God has Come Near” – June 30, 2013Text: Matthew 13:31-33; Hebrews 12:18-29; I Cor 5:18-20 Based on a message by Rev. Jerry Porter (General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene), Pastor Jon explores the promise of Jesus: that the Kingdom of God has come near!  Highlighting stories that were told at…

Connect. Grow. SERVE. – June 16, 2013

“Connect. Grow. SERVE.”Text: Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16The last of a three-part series, we explore what it means to use the right tools in the hands of the right person for the right job.  The elements of service are so tightly woven into the fabric of the Christian faith that it’s essential for every believer to be…

Connect. GROW. Serve – June 9, 2013

“Connect. GROW. Serve”Text: 2 Peter 1:3-8If we are truly connected to God, then it stands to reason that we will grow.  But Peter indicates that we can’t simply sit back and expect this growth to occur, but that we must “make every effort” to add to our faith.  We also realize that we don’t reach…

CONNECT. Grow. Serve. – June 2, 2013

“CONNECT. Grow. Serve.”Text: Romans 5:6-11What is “The Church”?  The first in a three-week series, we explore our core values and mission.  Using the biblical images of a vine, the body, and a building, Pastor Jon explores what it means to be reconciled to God and to help others connect with God.  Prior to the sermon,…

Glory in our Sufferings – May 26, 2013

“Glory in our Sufferings”Text: Romans 5:1-5Pastor Jon considers the themes of honor and shame, which were two of the guiding criteria in the ancient cultures. The Apostle Paul challenges to not “fit in” with the dominant culture, but to glory in our sufferings… and to know that our hope will not put us to shame.

Ashes to Fire #14: "It’s a Family Thing" – May 19, 2013

Ashes to Fire #14: “It’s a Family Thing”Text: Romans 8:9-17The celebration of Pentecost is truly “A Family Thing,” as nobody else celebrates this holiday quite like Christians.  Pastor Jon explores the themes of family resemblances, family brokenness, and family restoration in this concluding sermon in the Ashes to Fire series.

Ashes to Fire #13: "A Great High Priest" – May 12, 2013

Ashes to Fire #13: “A Great High Priest”Text: John 17:20-26In looking at this portion of the “High Priestly Prayer of Jesus,” we are reminded that on the night Jesus was betrayed, He prayed for US.  The contents of that prayer inform the way in which we ought to live together as the Church, and the…

Ashes to Fire #12: "Not Afraid" – May 5, 2013

Ashes to Fire #12: “Not Afraid”Text: John 14:23-29The Holy Spirit.  Peace.  Be Not Afraid.  These promises of Jesus are so intertwined that it’s hard to tell where one ends and the next begins.  When we truly understand the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, made available to all people for all time, then we…

Ashes to Fire #11: "Love Like Jesus" – April 28, 2013

Ashes to Fire #11: “Love Like Jesus”Text: John 13:31-35In light of the New Covenant established on the night that Jesus was betrayed, we need to take a serious look at the New Commandment given by Jesus – to love others as Jesus loves us.  This sort of love is to be the defining hallmark of…

Ashes to Fire #10: In the Arms of the Shepherd – April 21, 2013

Ashes to Fire #10: “In the Arms of the Shepherd”Text: I Thessalonians 5:1-11; John 10:22-30; Psalm 46Following the tragic events of this week, Pastor Jon considers the “illusion of security” that we sometimes cling to.  The texts today remind us that we can’t find “peace and safety” in our government, economy, military, or anything else…