Pastor Nate brings the message, "God-Honoring Relationships” -Part 2 from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22. Jesus is coming back someday, and it is our privileged task to be ready to meet Him when He returns. In our second-to-last sermon in 1 Thessalonians, we will see how the Bible guides us into an honorable relationship with God that prepares us to meet Him.
Our Men’s BUILD Conference speaker, Matt Emadi, brings the message, “The Meaning, Message, and Motive for Evangelism” from Romans 1:1-6.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "God-Honoring Relationships” from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15. Relationships can be hard. Yet, they are rewarding when we follow God's word. In our study this week we will look at God's plan for 2 unique relationships in the church: 1) the relationship between pastors and congregation; and, 2) the relationship between members and... members.
Sunday Morning...Pastor Nate brings the message, "Great Expectation" from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. Christians live with the expectation that God will complete both a final judgment for those who oppose Him and a final salvation for those who believe in Him. This event will be the ultimate Day of the Lord. In light of that day, live with both anticipation and encouragement that God will save His people through it.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Hope for Grieving Christians” from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. A life-giving benefit in salvation is that Jesus will bring about a great reunion for all His people. When He returns, all Christians (past and present) will be brought together. Imagine what it will be like to be reunited with Christian friends and family members and always be with the Lord!
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Love God, Love Your Neighbor” from Mark 12:28-34. When Jesus was asked by a scribe what the greatest commandment was, He basically answered, :”Love God.” But then, Jesus kept right on talking and shared the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor.” Why do you think Jesus was compelled to put these two commandments together?
Pastor Nate brings the message, "The Challenge from the Sadducees" from Mark 12:18-27. With just three days before He goes to the cross, Jesus is facing public attacks from His opponents. However, in His magnificent wisdom, Jesus uses these occasions to not only silence His critics, but also explain truth in extremely helpful ways. This particular attack from the Sadducees opens the door for Jesus to teach on the encouraging nature of eternal life.
In this message we study Mark 11 in which we see Jesus’ first three days in Jerusalem. In this chapter Mark unpacks Jesus’ identity, His judgment, and His authority. Situated in the middle of these descriptions Jesus urges us to have faith in God. It’s as though Jesus says, “If you see me, not institutional religion, you will be able to believe.”
Have you considered Jesus’ emotion toward yourself? Jesus’ emotion comes up subtly yet regularly in the Gospel of Mark. This week we see Jesus’ mercy (or pity) toward a blind beggar who believes. As you identify with the beggar in the story, you will see a personal aspect of Jesus that encourages you to love Him more.
Pastor Tom Siefert brings the message, "God Only Wise." We live in a world that often appears chaotic, so even the experiences of our personal lives can seem pointless and random. The reality is that everything in the world and our lives is being guided by the wisdom of God. This gives us hope when things are confusing. Despite how it looks, God is working everything toward the design He has ordained.
Those confused disciples. James and John had the gall to ask Jesus for positions of greatness in His kingdom. They wanted to be respected and admired by everyone. It sounds similar to Satan’s temptation to Adam and Eve: “You will be like gods.” But, once again, Jesus lifts their eyes and our eyes to God’s perspective of greatness found in the Gospel.
In Mark 10:13-31 we find a contrast between children and a rich young man. The children willingly receive the kingdom of God with simple, no-strings-attached faith. Yet the young man, deeply invested in his riches has a hard time letting go. Throughout the story, Mark keeps our eye on Jesus who leads us through the challenge of receiving the kingdom of God.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Jesus Above All." In Mark 9:1-13, we see the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and a voice from heaven declaring Him to be the Beloved Son. Clearly, Jesus' exalted status is being proclaimed, but it's Peter who unknowingly says that Jesus is on par with Elijah and Moses. How often do we fail to see Jesus' glory and then place Him right alongside (or below) other good things?
Pastor Andy brings the message, "Identity and Mission" from Mark 8:27-9:1. Mark 8:29 is the watershed moment of the gospel: Peter confesses Jesus is the Messiah. The disciples finally understand Jesus' identity. Immediately, Jesus begins to reveal his mission. With the disciples, we will begin to see Jesus' identity and mission as inseparable. And his identity and mission have ramifications on the cost of discipleship.
Pastor Luke brings the message, "The Power of the Church" from Acts 12. There are times when it seems like the church will be snuffed out like a struggling flame, or that the oppression and persecution will grow to a point when the darkness will overcome it. Yet, we are reminded in Acts 12 that the power of the church does not rest in the people of the church, but in the object of their faith.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Jesus, the Messiah" from Mark 8:1-30. In this week's sermon we see Jesus asking His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" It's a question that must be answered by everyone. Some think Jesus was a good man. Others say He was a prophet. But what does God say about the identity of Jesus? And, How does His identity affect your life?
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Jesus Goes to the Gentiles" from Mark 7:24-30. In Mark's Gospel we have seen the good news spreading around Galilee with crowds attending Jesus' ministry. But in our next passage we see the Gospel launching into Gentile territory and bringing salvation to the nations. There is a picture of hope as the gospel will be a blessing to the world.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "What Defiles a Person." The passage of study for Sunday's sermon comes from Mark 7:1-23 where the Pharisees and scribes escalate their attack on Jesus by pointing out what they think is sin. Yet, Jesus responds by properly turning the tables and showing them that their authority for defining sin is wrong. In the end, this reminds us that we all need a Messiah to save us from our sin.
