What Does Easter Mean To You?
Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus, his coming to new life and leaving the empty tomb behind. But more than a single event, Easter impacts our lives in the here and now and for all eternity. In this Easter message, Pastor Ryan discusses why everything had to happen this way, and what the resurrection proves about Jesus and about our eternity. Easter Today is Easter. Because of that, both here and at nearly every other church in the world, church…
Temple of God
The very presence of God no longer resides in any special location on this earth, but the Bible tells us that instead the church, the gathering of Jesus’ followers, makes up his home on this earth. So rather than going to where God dwells, God has chosen to dwell among his people. This truth is what makes the church sacred and holy to God. Temple Today we conclude our series on the church, the Ekklesia, the gathered people of God.…
Christ is the Light
Dr. Hirschy shares all the ways that Jesus is like a candle: led by the Holy spirit and offering light to our dark world.
Bride of Christ
Weddings are a beautiful ceremony of commitment and joy. They demonstrate the passionate love relationship between the bride and the groom. So when the Bible teaches that Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is the bride and the two will be united on the last day at the wedding supper of the lamb, we should take note of all the implications.
Body of Christ
Nobody is supposed to follow Jesus alone. You need the church body and the church body needs you. The Body of Christ needs each part working properly. When each of us is doing our part, the whole body grows. You grow spiritually. We grow stronger as a church. Together we make a greater impact for our Head, Jesus Christ.
Family of God
The church is often referred to as the family of God which sounds sweet, but is actually a significant analogy with deep implications. If the church is a family, then how we treat one another, how we deal with conflict, and how we help and support each other should all look differently than if we are only a collection of Christians who gather in a building on Sundays. The “Family Church” Model As we continue our series on the Ekklesia,…
The Gathered Church
When people hear the word “CHURCH” they often think of a building they go to or the service they attend. But the Greek word that we translate as “church” actually points to the people who gather. We don’t GO to church but we ARE the church. And this mindset shift has massive impacts for how involved a person in with their church. Jesus expects his followers to be participants and not spectators in their local church! Ekklesia = The Gathering…
The Lost Art of Sabbath
We live in a world that tells us we need to always be producing. But God made us and knows that we need rest. Knowing we would never stop working, God commanded that we stop our work every 7 days and give him our time and attention. You would think we would all rejoice with the break, but it forces us to trust that God will provide for us even if we aren’t producing for ourselves. The Israelites First Rest…
The Lost Art of Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual discipline God offers us as a way to connect more closely and intimately with Him. It’s an opportunity to show him how serious we truly are about this issue in our life. So try adding fasting to the ways you connect with God and watch how that hunger in your stomach turns your senses towards complete dependance on Him. From Feasting to Fasting Last week we looked at the Spiritual Discipline of Celebration, and I have…
The Lost Art of Celebration
Many believe the Christian life is one of somber and serious quiet time with God. And while that is true for some of the spiritual disciplines, it has to be balanced with the joyous discipline of celebration. Jesus was a partier, and we should follow his example of demonstrating what God-honoring celebration looks and feels like. Not So Serious Today we continue to look at the spiritual disciplines that help deepen our relationship with God, but today’s discipline is very…