Starting with Moses, and we explore a few people from the Scriptures who struggle with unmet expectations.

Reference text: Numbers 20:1-12; Luke 7:18-23

tags: Spring 2011, Numbers, Luke

The Israelites came to the waters at Marah, and there God met their bitterness with His healing power. He wants to reveal Himself to us as He reveals to us the things that are in our hearts.

Reference text: Exodus 15:22-27

tags: Exodus, Spring 2011

Sometimes the most appropriate response is to break out in song. We explore how song and story work together.

Reference text: Exodus 15:1-21

tags: Exodus, Spring 2011

In this message we examine the 10th and final plague against Egypt. This was the most severe plague, raising challenging questions for us of God's kindness and mercy mixed with His wrath. We explore these questions and and see the foreshadowing of a Father who has sacrificed his own firstborn as an act of kindness and mercy and justice for His creation.

Reference text: Exodus 11:1-13:16

tags: Exodus, Spring 2011

This message examines Moses' experience in meeting with God and what God reveals about His plans for Israel and nature.

Reference text: Exodus 3:1-22

tags: Spring 2011, Exodus

God is writing a bigger story even when we can't see it. This message gives some background for the context of the book of Exodus.

Reference text: Exodus 1:1-14

tags: Spring 2011, Exodus

This message focuses on several passages from the Bible about reproof and correction. A way to love one another is to be involved in helping to guide each other's lives when we get off track.

tags: Spring 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God's plan of advancing His kingdom through church planting.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: Church, Fall 2009, Matthew

Standing on the edge of the unknown God's people are brought to what is most important.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: community, worship, Brokenness, Fall 2009, Matthew

Moving to honoring god with a tithe and beyond.

Main points

1. Moving toward the tithe and beyond keeps the spirit of an Old Testament Principle (Matthew 14:15-17; Numbers 18:20-21; I Corinthians 9:13-14; Galatians 6:6; I Timothy 5:18)
2. Moving toward the tithe and beyond honors the Creator as Owner of All (Psalm 24:1)
3. Moving toward the tithe and beyond puts a governor on Ever-Expanding Spending
4. God's way of bringing about Good Deeds (II Corinthians 9:8; Titus 2:14; II Corinthians 9:11)
5. Giving a tithe and beyond is God's Way of Providing for You (II Corinthians 9:6; Malachi 3:10)

tags: giving, Fall 2009, Matthew, Numbers, I Corinthians, Galatians, I Timothy, Psalm, II Corinthians, Titus, Malachi

Understanding the true meaning of these words from the Bible as they elate to Kingdom living.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: Holiness, Fall 2009, Matthew

Understanding the third person of the Trinity, and learning how to allow Him to have greater control of our lives.

Reference texts:
His work Glorifies Christ - John 16:14
Convicts - John 16:8-11
Illuminates, Teaches - John 16:12-15
Provides power to witness - Acts 1:8
Will give eternal life - Romans 8:11
Leads and Guides - Romans 8:14
Assures - Romans 8:16
Prays for us - Romans 8:26
Gives spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11
Produces fruit - Galatians 5:22-23
Directs - Acts 20:22
Warns - Acts 20:23
Comforts - Acts 9:31
Regenerates - John 3:5-8
Sanctifies - 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Seals - Ephesians 1:13, 14
Instructs - John 14:25, 26
Testifies about Jesus - John 15:26

tags: Holy Spirit, Fall 2009, John, Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Galatians, II Thessalonians, Ephesians

Baptism and communion are two of the most important rituals in the Christian faith. Pastor Neil takes a look at where these rituals began and the significance behind them.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: Baptism, Communion, Fall 2009, Matthew

Neil discusses the many aspects of evangelism and how you can evangelize in your every day interactions with other people. Listen as Neil shares some practical advice in becoming better at sharing your faith with those around you.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: Evangelism, Fall 2009, Matthew

Pastor Neil discusses the characteristics that makes someone a Christian. These may be things that we tend to glance over but we should think about them more often.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: Christianity, Fall 2009, Matthew

Pastor Neil talks about the importance of Jesus' life not only in Biblical times but in how we live our lives today. His words, actions, and unconditional love are the foundation of our faith and our beliefs.

Reference texts: Matthew 28:18-20

tags: Jesus, Fall 2009, Matthew