Advent (#3): Fixing our Eyes – December 11, 2011

“Advent (#3): Fixing our Eyes – December 11, 2011”Text: Hebrews 11:1-2, 32-40; 12:1-3It seems that the great stories in the Bible are the ones where God intervenes—where new life is brought forth out of barrenness… where the blind see… the deaf hear… the mute shout… and the lame leap for joy. But what happens when…

Advent (#2): In the Meantime – December 4, 2011

“Advent (#2): In the Meantime – December 4, 2011”Text:  Genesis 29-30As we look at the story of Jacob being tricked by his uncle, we learn about waiting.  One of our Advent lessons today is that we wait like Jacob waited… we live out our lives—working for the Kingdom of God… because of our love for…

Advent (#1): Waiting for the Promise – November 27, 2011

“Advent (#1): Waiting for the Promise”Text: Genesis 11-21This Advent season, Pastor Jon tells stories about people who had to wait.  As we hear these stories, we identify with them, because each of us is waiting for God to break in upon our circumstances, to heal our brokenness, and to fully redeem our lives. We look…

Paul (#16): Finishing the Race – November 20, 2011

“Paul (#16): Finishing the Race”Text: Acts 27-28Pastor Jon concludes our 16-week study on Paul’s life by looking at his final journey to Rome.  Even though Luke doesn’t give us the details of the end of Paul’s life, we can infer that he finished well.  Preaching and writing while in prison, Paul made the most of…

Paul (#14): Thy Will Be Done – November 6, 2011

“Paul (#14): Thy Will Be Done – November 6, 2011”Text: Acts 21-22In looking at this chapter of Paul’s life, Pastor Jon suggests that sin is when you put yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge.  Even as Paul set his direction toward Jerusalem, some Godly people were attempting to convince him…

Paul (#13): Famous Last Words – October 23, 2011

“Paul (#13): Famous Last Words” Text: Acts 20:13-38In this farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, we recognize the same urgency that was driving Paul as he preached through the night in Troas.  As we read the sermon, we get a glimpse into Paul’s heart, and discover the qualities of humility, integrity, and faithfulness.

Paul (#11): Partnering in the Gospel – October 2, 2011

“Paul (#11): Partnering in the Gospel”Text: Acts 18:1-28The Kingdom of God really is a partnership… a team event.  It’s not just about Paul being a “Lone Ranger,” but about Paul playing his part on God’s team.  And in this case, God tells Paul that His team is even bigger than Paul can see.  And that…

Paul (#10): Greatly Distressed – September 25, 2011

“Paul (#10): Greatly Distressed”Text: Acts 17:16-34The phrase “greatly distressed” is used quite a few times in scripture–often indicating a distress at sin, idolatry, or a situation that seemed beyond hope.  And yet, sometimes we get “greatly distressed” about things that probably shouldn’t receive that much of our attention.  Even as Paul is “greatly distressed” at…