Complete Surrender to Christ the King – November 26, 2006

“Complete Surrender to Christ the King” Texts: Hebrews 12:1-2; John 18:28-40 Eric Liddell, also known as The Flying Scotsman, helps us understand what it means to orient our lives around the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ dialogue with Pontius Pilate reminds us that His Kingdom is not one of swords or spears, but a spiritual Kingdom…

The Marathon of Faith – November 19, 2006

“The Marathon of Faith” Texts: Hebrews 11-12:2; Psalm 73:24-28; Mark 13:1-8 The author of Hebrews exhorts his readers to hold fast and to follow hard after Christ as we run this great marathon of faith. Christianity is not something that we can take up when it is convenient, but an all-consuming obsession that leaves time…

The Requirements of the New Covenant – November 12, 2006

“The Requirements of the New Covenant” Texts: Hebrews 10:11-24; Ruth 3:1-4:17; Mark 12:35-44 Hebrews chapter 10 provides some snapshots of ways in which the New Covenant has different requirements than the Old Covenant. While the Old Covenant was structured on lists and laws, the New Covenant is based upon the Law of Love. We give…

The Old and New Covenants – November 5, 2006

“The Old and New Covenants” Texts: Genesis 15; Hebrews 9:1-15; Mark 12:28-34 By looking more closely at the covenant traditions of the ancient culture, Pastor Jon highlights more ways in which the author of Hebrews demonstrates that the New Covenant is greater than and fulfills the Old Covenant. We learn that when Jesus gives His…

Salvation Full and Free – October 29, 2006

“Salvation Full and Free” Texts: Genesis 14; Hebrews 7; Mark 10:46-52 The author of Hebrews spends a great deal of energy comparing Jesus to the Old Testament character of Melchizedek. Not only is Jesus similar to Melchizedek, but Melchizeded is greater than Levi and the Levitical priests. The logical argument provided by Hebrews helped the…

Finding Jesus Through Suffering – October 22, 2006

“Finding Jesus Through Suffering” Texts: Mark 10:35-38; Hebrews 1:9-10; Isaiah 53:3-12; Genesis 3:17-19Job 38:1-7, 34-41; Romans 8:17; Matthew 25:35-40 The Problem of Evil asks “How can evil co-exist in a universe with an all-good, all-powerful God?” Pastor Jon Twitchell looks at this difficult problem, drawing from the doctrine of free will, the tarnishing of creation…

Of Campaigns and Callings – October 15, 2006

“Of Campaigns and Callings” Texts: Mark 10:13-45; Hebrews 5:1-10; Philippians 2:1-11 Twenty-first century political campaigns in the United States seem to be a far cry from the intentions of the founding fathers of our country. And yet, the aspirations for titles and positions go back in history. Every organization with people seems to have a…

What’s Your Perspective? – October 8, 2006

“What’s Your Perspective?” Texts: Job 1:13-21, 19:25; Mark 10:17-31; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-16 Contrasting Job with the Rich Young Ruler forces us to consider the priorities in our own life. Our ability to face the inevitable losses and tragedy in life is determined by our perspective on life. By setting our sights on things above,…

The Exact Representation of God’s Being – October 1, 2006

“The Exact Representation of God’s Being” Texts: I Corinthians 13:2; Hebrews 1:1-14, 2:5-12 The author of Hebrews states that Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, and the exact representation of His being. In a world where God’s message is so often drowned out by the noise around us, it is good to be reminded…