GOD QUESTIONS – IS THERE A GOD?
The percentage of people who either believe there is no God, or do not know whether they believe there is a God, is increasing. The Bible assumes God’s existence. But is it plausible for us to believe what the Bible assumes? In this message, we look at some clues that point to God’s existence, beginning with what is all around us.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Sep 15, 2019GOD QUESTIONS – IS THERE A GOD?GOD QUESTIONS – IS THERE A GOD?
The percentage of people who either believe there is no God, or do not know whether they believe there is a God, is increasing. The Bible assumes God’s existence. But is it plausible for us to believe what the Bible assumes? In this message, we look at some clues that point to God’s existence, beginning with what is all around us. - Sep 8, 2019Filled…with LIFEFilled…with LIFE
We live in a world that saps us and drains us at every turn. If it’s not the demanding work schedule, it’s the cost of living. If it’s not the cut-throat competition, it’s the hair-pulling traffic. And if it’s not strife in the news or on social media, it’s strife in our relationships. Isn’t there something that can fill us up rather than wear us down? Yes there is, but it’s not a something, it’s a Someone. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). The enemy wants to destroy your life, but Jesus died to give you life - eternal life! May your life be full in Him. - Sep 1, 2019Filled… with HOPEFilled… with HOPEWe live in a world that saps us and drains us at every turn. If it’s not the demanding work schedule, it’s the cost of living. If it’s not the cut-throat competition, it’s the hair-pulling traffic. And if it’s not strife in the news or on social media, it’s strife in our relationships. Isn’t there something that can fill us up rather than wear us down? Yes there is, but it’s not a something, it’s a Someone. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). We find so much hope in this troubled world through the promises of our Savior Jesus. Come and find refuge in Him.
- Aug 25, 2019Filled…with JOYFilled…with JOYWe live in a world that saps us and drains us at every turn. If it’s not the demanding work schedule, it’s the cost of living. If it’s not the cut-throat competition, it’s the hair-pulling traffic. And if it’s not strife in the news or on social media, it’s strife in our relationships. Isn’t there something that can fill us up rather than wear us down? Yes there is, but it’s not a something, it’s a Someone. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11, ESV). Come and be filled by the joy that only comes through Jesus, the Son of God.
- Aug 18, 2019WatermarkedWatermarked
No doubt you know the date of your birthday. But do you know the day of your second birthday- your spiritual birthday? Your Baptism. If you don't, look it up. That's your assignment today and it is important. - Aug 11, 2019Trusting God – No Matter What!Trusting God – No Matter What!
The Israel king David wrote in Psalm 27:8: “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” (ESV) As forgiven and beloved children of God who come to close to God our gracious Father with faith in our Savior Jesus and through the power of the Spirit our desire is to glorify God and to genuinely bring God pleasure and joy – instead of selfishly seeking God’s “hand” (symbolically) for some kind of spiritual “handout.” We don’t come to a worship service expecting to “get something” but rather to give ourselves, serve with our abilities, and with our hearts, minds and voices praising and thanking God who comes among us to bless us with His presence, acceptance, forgiveness, love and peace! We celebrate God and His victory for us! - Aug 4, 2019Meet God
- Jul 28, 2019Abundance
- Jul 21, 2019Put God FirstPut God First
"This" is all about the joy of giving—it's a complete paradigm shift in talking about giving. Walking through this 3-week series, we'll learn how to move from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. It highlights how generosity and giving are foundational parts of who we are as a Church and as Christians—because of what God did for us, this is what we do. And it begins with putting God first in our lives. This is what we do. - Jul 14, 2019InvolvementInvolvement
God’s people have been rescued! The heavenly Father has “delivered us”—rescued us—from the darkness of sin, death, and the power of the devil. He has “transferred us” into the kingdom of grace in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13). Against the backdrop of God’s great rescue or deliverance, our Scripture Readings point to the redeeming, restoring work of God. We have been set free to serve God in the power and example of Jesus: He seeks, He loves, He saves. - Jul 7, 2019GODGOD
God is God. You’re not. Your favorite (or least-favorite) politician isn’t. Not even Morgan Freeman (of Bruce Almighty fame) can claim that honor. God is God. Cancer isn’t God. Divorce isn’t God. Chronic pain isn’t God. Not even death gets to be God. God is God. And He is all-powerful and utterly unique. “Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:8-11). Oh how blessed we are to know and be known by our Real. Present. God. - Jun 30, 2019PresentPresentWe continue pondering our Real. Present. God. particularly as we encounter Him in the Psalms. Have you ever considered the words of Psalm 139:1 “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” These are either terrifying or comforting words depending on your perspective. If you are hiding from God, His presence might be unnerving but if you are afraid or in danger, then God’s presence is a great comfort. In Psalm 46, God’s presence is offered as a comfort to His people. The image is of God as a refuge - a place of great strength when you are weak and a place of protection and provision when you face persecution or struggle. We thank God for his sweet and comforting presence in our lives!
- Jun 23, 2019Real.Real.Psalm 46:1 sets the stage for our next few weeks: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” In this short verse we encounter our Real. Present. God. Today we will focus on the first word, “Real.” That word has several potential connotations, but we will explore two of them in particular. First - we understand something to be “real” if it is physical, earthly, tangible and actual. This life that we live is real - not fiction and not fantasy. Second - we desire and need “real” relationships - ones that are authentic, candid, honest, frank and vulnerable. We certainly seek that with each other, but especially with our Real. Present. God.
- Jun 16, 2019RLC: ChangingRLC: Changing
In the letter of James, we read, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23-24) When we look at the words of Jesus in the Bible, do we go away unchanged? No. Jesus’ words are life changing! He changes the way we see life, death and our relationship with God. On this Trinity Sunday having been changed by the Son and empowered by the Holy Spirit, may we bring glory to our Father in Heaven as we continue to put the words of Jesus into practice! - Jun 9, 2019RLC: GoingRLC: GoingAs Christians, we have the greatest message of hope in the world. Especially on this Pentecost Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us to go and share the hope that lives in us with the world. When one person declares what Jesus has done for him, it changes the whole community in which he lives. How can we change our neighborhoods, family, and even the world with the message of the gospel?