Pastor Nate brings the message, "A Word that Works” from 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16. When Paul defended his ministry in Thessalonica, he did so by pointing out the changes that happened in the lives of these new Christians. People were changed, not because of Paul's speaking skills, but because they received the Word of God in faith. As believers we can be thankful and confident that God has given His Word to be at work in our lives.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "The Character of a Gospel Witness” from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. One of the greatest blessings that God gives us is the privilege of sharing the Gospel with non-Christians. It's a joyful moment knowing that God is very specifically using that moment for His glory. As we long to practice evangelism more and more, Paul shows us four important lessons for being a Gospel Witness.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Life-Changing" Part 2 from 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10. In the opening chapter of 1 Thessalonians we are seeing the power of the Gospel in the lives of believers. Salvation does bring about change. And, as a church we want to be that change for the glory of God and for encouragement and witness to those around us.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Life-Defining" from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5. This message begins a new sermon series in 1 Thessalonians where the opening verses present defining marks of God's salvation in our lives. When we come to believe the Gospel, God empowers us to live changed lives that please and glorify Him.
Pastor Andy brings a message from the book of Habakkuk. Our view of God is often shaped by our own life and circumstances. The prophet Habakkuk is no different. But when he begins a dialogue with God, God's answers throw Habakkuk into even more confusion. What is God doing? And ultimately, how are believers in God to live in difficult circumstances?
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Give Thanks" from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. With Thanksgiving coming up next week, we are going to take a Sunday to look at passages in the Bible concerning a thankful heart. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Pastor Nate brings the message, "A Grace Giving Widow” from Mark 12:41-44. Money and the economy have been part of the public conversation recently. How are we, the people of God, to think biblically concerning the money that God has entrusted to us? How should we use it for His glory? We’ll explore these questions (and answers) as we look at several passages in the Bible this Sunday.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Jesus: David’s Lord and Son” from Mark 12:35-37. With just two days before His trial starts, Jesus explains that He is both David’s Lord and David’s Son. With Jesus’ identity coming into clearer focus, the audience (including us) must evaluate whether or not our responses to Him are simply religious or genuine worship from the heart.
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?
