Acts of Courage | ACTS
I wouldn’t consider myself a true student of American history, but even I am familiar with Samuel Adams and The Sons of Liberty instigating the Boston Tea Party. Americans took courage from their act and three years later, our Declaration of Independence from England was born. Historians describe such an act as civil disobedience. Well, if there is such a similar act in the New Testament, it’s found in Acts 5.
Hurricane Force Winds | ACTS
Have you ever been in a hurricane? I have, just once. It was an experience I will never forget. The howling winds which blew sheets of rain sideways is an image captured in my mind which illustrates the potential power of nature, and of God. It was the wind of His Holy Spirit which was powerfully blowing through Jerusalem in the first century – through the Church of Jesus Christ.
Unparalleled Wonder and Excitement | ACTS
I had the joy and privilege of being there for the birth of my children. Those are definitely two of the most joyous days of my life (and I’ve never been so proud of my wife!). There’s just an unparalleled wonder and excitement about a birthday – welcoming new life into this world. Well, this Sunday we get to witness the birthday of the Church in Acts 2, and it too is a day filled with wonder and excitement.
Totalitarianism | Hot Summer Topics 2021
People of my generation and older remember that significant moment in world history when the Berlin Wall fell. It symbolized the end of tyranny and oppression by communist regimes and their totalitarian ideologies…or so we thought. Over the past few decades, there are several indications that our own great nation has moved more in that direction. So, what is the threat and how do we respond as followers of Jesus?
Critical Race Theory | Hot Summer Topics 2021
If you watch the news at all, then you’ve certainly heard about Critical Race Theory. It’s definitely a “hot topic” in our culture right now. And, unfortunately, it seems to be causing even further division (even in the Church). So, what is “CRT”? What’s good about it? And, what’s not good about it? What does the Bible have to say about it?
What’s Your Story? | His Word, My Story 2021
We have received encouraging feedback from many of you regarding the messages from our pastors around Scriptures that have had a meaningful impact in their personal walks with God. In the same spirit, we will also share a couple of passages this Sunday that have had tremendous significance in the course of our lives. Our hope is that this series encourages you to allow God to write your story according to the truths and help offered in His Word.
A Hidden Treasure | The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…
When my daughter was young, we bought her a metal detector. She wanted to search for treasures buried underneath our property (she came up empty, unfortunately). I think there’s something inside of us that gets stirred up when we think about discovering treasure. It’s the stuff of dreams, and of movies. It also makes for a great parable
Sound Travels | The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…
Back in my younger years, I loved to windsurf. Riding over the ocean waves was exhilarating! One day however, after falling into the frigid Atlantic Ocean, I learned a valuable lesson: sound travels much better over water. Everyone back on the beach was able to hear what I said – and it wasn’t… holy.
In Matthew 13, Jesus creates a similar scene where everyone on the beach is able to hear His words, and… well, they’re holy. Those holy words, wrapped up into a parable, are what we get to unpack.
The Stuff of Legends | Fear Not
I love sunrises and sunsets. They’re glorious… and there’s a rhythm to them – a fixed cadence that God established on the fourth day of creation. If that 24-hour cycle were ever to be interrupted, that would be the stuff of legends… and Joshua chapter 10 is the stuff of legends. I’m excited to share this true story with you and how it still impacts us as God’s people today.
“There’s No Way!” | Fear Not
Several years ago, our staff went on a retreat. As part of our team-building exercise, we did a challenge course. When we were presented with the final challenge (crossing from one platform to another on a wire), I think we all said, “There’s no way!” But eventually, through faith and teamwork, we made it.
Over 3,000 years ago, the people of God faced a major challenge – crossing the Jordan River (in the spring!). I’m sure at first many of them said, “There’s no way!” But God made a way and – through faith and teamwork – they made it across. This true story still speaks words of faith and hope to us who believe today.
