Philadelphia: Through Open Doors – February 11, 2007

“Philadelphia: Through Open Doors” Text: Revelation 3:7-13 Pastor Jon continues our study on the letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation with a look at the letter to the believers in Philadelphia. While Jesus knows that they are a church with “little strength,” He places an open door in front of them that nobody can…

Thyatira: When Salt Loses Its Saltiness- January 28, 2007

“Thyatira: When Salt Loses Its Saltiness” Texts: Revelation 2:18-29 Pastor Ken Wish helps the modern-day church negotiate the waters of tolerance and plurality that are so prevalent in our culture today. Jesus reminds the believers in Thyatira to hold fast to the truth, not compromising their faith in the face of teachings of tolerance and…

Pergamum: Accept No Counterfeits – January 21, 2007

“Pergamum: Accept No Counterfeits” Texts: Revelation 2:12-17, I Corinthians 13, Numbers 22-25:3 & 31:16, Hebrews 4:12-13 Pastor Jon Twitchell continues our journey through the Seven Churches of Revelation with a look at the cultural and religious practices in Pergamum. By looking at the cults of Demeter, Dionysus, and Aesculapius, we can better understand the cryptic…

Smyrna: Hold Fast to Your Faith – January 14, 2007

“Smyrna: Hold Fast to Your Faith” Texts: Revelation 2:8-11 Pastor Ken Wish continues this seven week series on church health based on the letters to the seven churches of Revelation. By looking at the letter to the believers in Smyrna we find encouragement to hold fast despite persecution or tribulation.

Ephesus: Remember Your First Love – January 7, 2007

“Ephesus: Remember Your First Love” Texts: Revelation 1; Revelation 2:1-7 Pastor Jon begins a seven week series on church health based on the letters to the seven churches of Revelation. During this first week of the series, he looks at the letter to the believers in Ephesus and explores what it may have meant that…

Never Alone – December 31, 2006

“Never Alone” Texts: John 1:1-14; Hebrews 1:1-8; Matthew 1:23 While Christmas is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” for many it is truly the loneliest. Author Taylor Caldwell writes that the meaning of Christmas is that “we are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world…

The Little Drummer Boy – December 24, 2006

“The Legend of the Little Drummer Boy” Texts: Matthew 2; Mark 12:41-44 Not a traditional sermon, this fictional retelling of The Legend of the Little Drummer Boy (written by Pastor Jon in 2003) helps us imagine how the character of the Little Drummer Boy might have interacted with real biblical characters. While the story is…

Jumping for Joy – December 17, 2006

“Jumping for Joy” Texts: Luke 1:26-55 True joy is found, not in circumstances and surroundings, but in a deep and abiding knowledge of God and our role in His Kingdom. Pastor Jon looks at Mary, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist (as an infant) to see what we can learn about this deep joy which is…

Messiah Brings Shalom – December 10, 2006

“Messiah Brings Shalom” Texts: Luke 3:1-18; Malachi 3:1-4 In our world of dischord and war, it seems odd to speak of the “Peace of Christ.” When we hear the message of John the Baptist, it sounds less like a message of peace and good news, but one of judgment. And yet, true shalom is only…