January 2023
Continue Living The Gospel
Try to carve out some time to read chapter three of 2nd Timothy before you listen to this message. That’s the passage that we’ll be studying together on Sunday. True to form, Paul will continue his final letter with his characteristic, laser-like focus on the Gospel. If the message of chapter 1 was “guard the […]
A Solider, An Athlete, And A Farmer
In the first chapter of Paul’s last letter (2 Timothy) he talked about the importance of guarding the Gospel that has been entrusted to us. Then, in the second chapter, which we will be studying this coming Sunday, Paul will go on to talk about some of the costs and sacrifices that followers of Jesus […]
Paul’s Last Will and Testament
The book of 2 Timothy was Paul’s last and final letter. It was most likely written shortly before he was martyred in Rome. There is evidence from within the letter itself that Paul knew the end was near even as he wrote to his young friend, Timothy. For example, in chapter 4 he said, “For […]
Making All Things New
The word “new” is one of God’s favorite ways of describing His work in the world. NEW commandment (John 13:34) NEW covenant (Luke 22:20). NEW creation (2 Corinthians 15:17). NEW heavens and a NEW earth (Isaiah 65:17). NEW spirit (Ezekiel 11:19). NEW song (Isaiah 42:10). He is the God who is “making all things new.” […]
December 2022
Christ’s Journey To Earth
Of all the unexpected visitations that occur in the Christmas story by far the most unexpected is that of Jesus Himself. His coming into the world was unanticipated by most and misunderstood by nearly all. The profound mystery of the incarnation (That’s a five-dollar word meaning that Jesus became a human being like one of […]
The Magi’s Journey
In this message we be consider the story of the wise men found in Matthew 2:1-12. The Christmas story is not the only place in the Bible where we bump into this mysterious caste of foreign priests known as the Magi. For example, they are mentioned in the Old Testament books of Daniel and Esther […]
The Shepherd’s Journey
I wonder how the shepherds announced themselves when they arrived outside the place where Jesus had been born. Was their arrival in the night as loud and surprising as the angel’s had been? I wonder if they barged right in or did they “hallooo” from the street? Maybe they approached with reverential trepidation, quiet and […]
Mary and Joseph’s Journey
The Christmas story is one of the most well-known and beloved portions of scripture in the Bible. Perhaps the mention of the Christmas story conjures for you images of camel-riding wise men pointing toward a distant star, or a very pregnant Mary riding on a donkey being led by Joseph, or awe-filled shepherds surprised by […]
November 2022
Courage For When Our Fears Come True
Have you ever asked the question, “Why does God let bad things happen?” As I get to know people and hear their stories, I become aware that this question, when it is asked, is not posed by philosophers sitting in ivory towers who just like debating interesting ideas. This is a burning question on many […]
Courge For Mission
We’ll be looking to the life of Gideon in the Bible to find some helpful insights on how we can find the courage necessary for Christian mission. You’ll find the story of Gideon, an unlikely and somewhat reluctant, hero in chapters 6-8 of the Old Testament book of Judges.