Too Many Kings
The Christmas story includes numerous kings, with only one who rules over them all. In this message we look at how these men of power respond to the King sent by God and how we might respond to Him either like the magi who bow and worship or like King Herod who is disturbed and attacks. King of Our Castles Today we look at another group of “unlikely characters” who appear in the Christmas story. But first, let me ask…
Lowly Shepherds
The proclamation of the birth of Jesus was not first made to kings or religious elites, but to those outside the community – a group of shepherds watching their sheep at night. This important piece of the Christmas story teaches us that God’s heart has always been for the outsiders, and it still is today. BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS Today we’ll talk about the “unlikely characters” who received the very first proclamation of the birth of Jesus. Other than those in the…
Zechariah and Elizabeth
While Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration, for many it is a reminder of all the disappointments and unmet expectations of another year. In fact, that’s the exact feeling of the unlikely characters who open the story of Jesus’ birth. Rather than beginning with Jesus, the Gospel of Luke opens with a focus on an old couple who was unable to have children. But why? People Can Surprise You We start our new Christmas series today by…
Seek Godly Wisdom
When we think of valuable things, we often think of items with a monetary value. But the the book of Proverbs teaches us that wisdom is much more valuable than gold or silver. Wisdom offers a life of happiness and blessings as a result of wise choices made over a lifetime. Message The Thanksgiving season is here, and some of you may be facing delicate situations that leave you baffled as to how to proceed. Maybe you’re invited to activities…
The Kingdom of Heaven is a Treasure
Jesus teaches via two parables that much more valuable than any earthly treasure is our ability to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven. Like treasure hunters, when we realize the immense value of the Kingdom of Heaven, we should be willing to give all that we have to make sure we are a part of the kingdom. Message Continuing our series on “Treasure,” we’ll focus today on the pursuit of treasure – the HUNT. It’s one thing to HAVE treasure, but…
Financial Management
Compared to the rest of the world, all of us are rich. As such, we need to think about our wealth the way God wants us to – not being arrogant, trusting in God and not in our money, and especially, being generous. Because we worship a generous God, He wants all of us to be generous in every occasion. And as we trust him and give to others, he will faithfully give back to us, that we may never…
Earthly vs Heavenly Treasure
In a materialistic world trying to turn our attention to all the new, shiny, faster, and better items which promise us a better, happier, more fulfilling life, Jesus calls us to something completely different. Rather than storing up the earthly treasure the world is selling, he tells us to store up heavenly treasure which pays an everlasting reward. Message Today we start a new series to see what the Bible says about “Treasure.” We don’t talk a lot about treasure…
Stop Assuming the Worst
So often we find ourselves upset with somebody because of unspoken cues we noticed and then we tell ourselves a story about that person’s motives and beliefs. Pretty soon these assumptions drive an unnecessary wedge in our relationships. In the book of Joshua we see a situation just like this almost start a civil war between the tribes of Israel. In this message we take a look at how they resolved the conflict and the pattern we should follow. Message…
Relational Boundaries
Every relationship is has a moment where one person offends or hurts another. The question is, how do people move forward after the relationship is damaged? Often people ignore the hurt and let it fester, lash out with revenge, or go and tell the other person they are owed an apology. But the Bible tells us that we have to choose a different option: forgiveness. And we are supposed to forgive regardless how how grievous the sin, how many times…
Offense and Forgiveness
Every relationship is has a moment where one person offends or hurts another. The question is, how do people move forward after the relationship is damaged? Often people ignore the hurt and let it fester, lash out with revenge, or go and tell the other person they are owed an apology. But the Bible tells us that we have to choose a different option: forgiveness. And we are supposed to forgive regardless how how grievous the sin, how many times…