Exploring the dark past of the magi and their role in the incarnation.

Reference text: Matthew 2:1-12

tags: Fall 2010, Matthew

We looked at the meaning behind Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on palm Sunday, and its meaning for us today.

Reference text: Matthew 21:1-21

tags: Matthew, Fall 2010

This message first looks at the topic of fasting through out both the Old and New Testaments and then compares to main perspectives that we can can have when we fast.

Reference text: Leviticus 16:19-21, Matthew 6:16-18

tags: Fall 2010, Leviticus, Matthew

The gospel writer is beckoning us as the reader, to see, to hear, to comprehend, but also and more importantly, to believe in this person Jesus.

Reference text: John 11:1-57

tags: Fall 2010, John

Jesus chose His 12 apostles and later they set up of a form of leadership for the church to follow in the ages to come. Also, today is also the day we recognized two new pastors into our community.

Reference text: Luke 6:12-16

tags: Fall 2010, Luke

What did Jesus say about the end of the world? Well that answer changes depending on who you ask. In this message we look at the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 and examine multiple interpretations of the text. No matter what conclusion we come to we can all agree that Jesus is coming back and that he wants us to alert and faithful while he is gone.

Reference text: Matthew 24

tags: Fall 2010, Matthew

Sometimes a story can say so much more than just passing on information. Jesus spoke in stories. In this teaching we look at one of Jesus' most famous stories, the parable of the sower and the seed.

Reference text: Mark 4:1-20

tags: Fall 2010, Mark

This message talks about what jesus has to say about 2 kinds of people: the hypocrites and the humble.

Reference text: Luke 18:9-14

tags: Fall 2010, Luke

This Sunday we gave an update on our work in Guatemala and Liberia.

tags: Fall 2010

Examining Jesus' example of servanthood, we find a pathway laid out for the lives of disciples.

Reference text: John 13:1-17

tags: John, Fall 2010

In Christ's final "I am" statement of John Jesus declares that he is the true vine. Jesus states that God is the gardener and that we are the branches. Jesus implores his disciples to be connected to the vine the true source for life and ministry.

Reference text: John 15:1-11

tags: Fall 2010, John

Jesus again reveals his mission as he interacts with a woman of questionable morals. He takes the opportunity to teach his disciples the mission for which he came - to seek and save those who were lost.

Reference text: John 4:1-42

tags: Fall 2010, John

Many of us are familiar with Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. Many of us say that we want to help our neighbor in need. The thing that stops us from following most of the time is not a desire to help, but a focus on self. Unfortunately most of us pass our neighbor by because are attention is elsewhere.

Reference text: Luke 10:25-37

tags: Fall 2010, Luke

Jesus reveals his mission to seek and save that which was lost.

Reference text: Matthew 19:1-10

tags: Matthew, Jesus, Fall 2010

The first message in our series, Just Jesus, takes an exploratory look at the life and nature of Jesus Christ.

Reference text: John 1:1-18

tags: Fall 2010, John

Lewis' early years up to the time of his conversion to Christianity detailing the experiences and influences that shaped his journey to faith.

Reference text: "The Most Reluctant Convert" by David C. Downing

tags: Summer 2010, C.S. Lewis

Joel speaks about the life and faith of George Müller, a man who was an inspiration and model of purposeful growth in faith.

Reference text:

tags: Summer 2010, George Müller

The life and legacy of Martin Luther, a revolutionary who ignited the Protestant Reformation. This teaching follows the life of Luther from the time he enters university until his death. Luther responded to four key questions: how are we saved; where does religious authority rest; what is the church; what is the essence of christian living?

Reference text:

tags: Martin Luther, Summer 2010

A brief overview of the life of St. Augustine and a few things we can learn by following his example.

Reference text: Romans 13:13

tags: Summer 2010, Romans

A brief look at the life of George Whitefield, a preacher and revivalist during the Great Awakening.

tags: Summer 2010, George Whitefield

This message explores the visions of the Revolution and how God has been at work this year.

tags: vision

In this teaching we read Peter's final words to the church in Asia Minor. We see the interesting company that Peter had in writing his letter. We also find Peter's purpose in writing the letter: "encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it." This message is a recap of many of things we heard over the course of the semester with an encouragement for us as the church today to stand firm in what we have heard.

Reference text: I Peter 5:12-14

     [12] With the help of Silas,[p] whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
     [13] She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. [14] Greet one another with a kiss of love.
     Peace to all of you who are in Christ.



Question of the week:

• When looking back at Peter's letter, what is one thing that you feel challenged to stand firm in?

Additional references: Acts 15:22; Acts 16:19-24; Acts 13:13: Acts 15:36-40

tags: I Peter, Acts, Spring 2010

In this power packed section Peter gives some final instructions to the believers he's been encouraging over the course of this letter.

Reference text: I Peter 5:5-11

     [5] Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

     "God opposes the proud
          but gives grace to the humble."

     [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
     [8] Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
     [10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.



Question of the week:

• What is your reaction to Mary and Martha?
• What can you take from this?
• "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." --Luke 10:41-42

Additional references: Luke 10:38-42; Ephesians 3:17-19

tags: I Peter, Luke, Ephesians, Spring 2010

Peter is calling the pastors of the churches he's writing to to shepherd the flock following after Jesus' example.

Reference text: I Peter 5:1-5

     [1] To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: [2] Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; [3] not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
     [5] Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

     "God opposes the proud
          but gives grace to the humble."


Question of the week:

• What barriers are there for me to live life in humility towards others?

Additional references: John 13:3-6

tags: I Peter, Spring 2010

Reference text: I Peter 4:12-19

     [12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And,

     "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
          what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
     [19] So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to the faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Question of the week:

• What does the resurrection mean to you, right now, in this moment?

Additional references: John 20:1-20; Philippians 1:29; James 1:2-4

tags: I Peter, John, Philippians, James, Spring 2010

Peter encourages the Christians in Asia Minor as they have spent more than enough time following their earthly desires and that now is the time to live for the will of God. Peter challenges his audience with the brevity of life as well as the impending judgment of God on the living and the dead. Next, Peter proclaims that the end of all things is near, and in light of that certain Christian ethics are to follow.

Reference text: I Peter 4:1-11

     [1] Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. [2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do–living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. [5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

     [7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Questions of the week:

• How would your life look differently if you knew that Jesus was returning by Easter?
• What are some things you would do differently?

Additional references: I Corinthians 3:13, 4:5; Romans 3:11; James 5:8-9; I John 2:18; Revelation 22:16-21

tags: I Peter, I Corinthians, Romans, James, I John, Revelation, Spring 2010

In this difficult-to-understand passage we see the main theme of Jesus' exaltation being the answer for perspective on suffering through persecution. Angels, baptism, Noah, and preaching somehow all make that point.

Reference text: I Peter 3:18-22


     [18] For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, [19] through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison [20] who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, [21] and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also–not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand–with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Questions of the week:

• In what ways does your life run counter to the values of this world?
• In what ways have you had to suffer because of the choices you made to follow Christ?

Additional references: Genesis 6:1-4; Galatians 3:7

tags: Spring 2010, I Peter

Much of our suffering in life can be self-inflicted. Peter gives the Christians in Asia Minor the encouragement that if they are going to suffer, let it be for doing what is right. We can't avoid all suffering; some of it we can and we should, but other suffering we should welcome especially if it is because we are deciding to follow Jesus as Lord.

Reference text: I Peter 3:8-17


     [[8] Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. [10] For,

          “Whoever would love life
               and see good days
          must keep his tongue from evil
               and his lips from deceitful speech.

          [11] He must turn from evil and do good;
               he must seek peace and pursue it.

          [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
               and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
          but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

          [13] Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. [17] It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.


Questions of the week:

• What areas in your life are you struggling at placing Christ as Lord?
• How can the way you live provoke questions from the people around you?
• Do you feel prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have?

Additional references: Matthew 5:43-47; James 3:6

tags: Spring 2010, I Peter, suffering, encouragement

Trying to break down the ways that our Christianity is more influenced by American values than it is by the Kingdom, in this specific section that discusses authority and slavery.

Reference text: I Peter 2:13 - 25


     [13] Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. [16] Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. [17] Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

     [18] Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. [19] For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. [20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

     [22] “He committed no sin,
          and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

[23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. [25] For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Questions of the week:

• Do you think of yourself as an alien and stranger here in America? Why or why not?
• In what ways are you too attached to your identity as an American?

Additional references: Romans 13:1-7

tags: Spring 2010, I Peter, authority, Romans, Christianity

In this text Peter describes the church as aliens and strangers. This message discusses the critical nature of the church properly understanding it's identity and worldview and the implications of how we then approach our lives in this world.

Reference text: I Peter 2:11-17

[11] Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submission to Rulers and Masters

[13] Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. [16] Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. [17] Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Questions of the week:

• How do I feel about God?
• What do I feel that God feels about me?
• How am I married to an American world view versus a Kingdom of God world view?

Additional references: I Peter 1:1, 17; Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:19-20; II Corinthians 5:20; Hebrews 11:13-16; John 15:18-19, 17:14-18; Romans 12:1-2; Acts 4:19,
5:29-31

tags: Spring 2010, I Peter

This section lays out in a very straightforward way the mission of the church. In this message we discuss the background of this section and a challenge to allow God to build us into something useful for His kingdom.

Reference text: I Peter 2:4-10

     [4] As you come to him, the living Stone–rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – [5] you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] For in Scripture it says:

     "See, I lay a stone in Zion,
          a chosen and precious cornerstone,
     and the one who trusts in him
          will never be put to shame."

[7] Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

     "The stone the builders rejected
          has become the capstone," [8] and,
     "A stone that causes men to stumble
          and a rock that makes them fall."

They stumble because they disobey the message–which is also what they were destined for.
     [9] But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10]Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Question of the week: We're a part of a people belonging to God. In what ways am I not living up to that? In what ways am I demonstrating it?

tags: I Peter, Spring 2010, Church

Peter instructs what to do to love people as well as what not to do if you want to love people within the church.

Reference text: I Peter 1:22 - 2:3

[22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For,

     "All men are like grass,
          and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
     the grass withers and the flowers fall,
          [25] but the word of the Lord stands forever."

And this is the word that was preached to you.

[2:1] Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. [2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Additional references: I John 3:16-20; John 12:24; James 1:11; Ephesians 4:22

tags: Spring 2010, I John, I Peter, John, James, Ephesians, Church

Discussing the motivations and necessity of holiness.

Reference text: I Peter 1:13-21

[13] Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” [17] Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

tags: Holiness, I Peter, Spring 2010

This message is about the disconnect between us and the original hearers. And the challenge of bridging that gap.

Reference text: I Peter 1:1-2

[1] Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, [2] who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

tags: Spring 2010

Discovering the secret of contentment and the difficulties in obtaining it.

Reference texts: I Timothy 6:6-10; Philippians 4:11-13

tags: Spring 2010, contentment, I Timothy, Philippians