Hope For Uncertainty
December 26, 2010 - Joseph and Mary were living in uncertain times when hope was born. There were the normal uncertainties that come with preparing to be married, but that was nothing compared to the uncertainties of finding room at the Inn, delivering a first child and surviving the murderous attempts of a wicked king.
Being Used By God
December 19, 2010 - Matthew 1:18-24. It seems that most people have a hard time knowing what to do with Joseph and his role in the Divine drama that we call the Christmas story. Why did God choose to use Joseph? What caused him to stand out from all the other Jewish men at the time? Was it just the luck of the draw, or were there character qualities modeled by Joseph that God seeks when He wants to use someone?
Hope For Everyone
December 12, 2010 - Matthew 1 & 9:9-12. Hope was born in the person of Jesus Christ for everyone. God's love is not dependent upon our performance or our ability to keep a set of rules or even a standard of morality. When we look at the people Jesus used and the people He pursued, we begin to understand that God loves everybody, but He won't force Himself on anyone. The Christmas story is about how we can find peace with God.
Hope For A Savior
December 5, 2010 - Luke 2:8-11
Hope was born in the person of Jesus Christ, and hope continues as we experience the saving power of the resurrected Christ. In God's perfect timing, He sent a Savior to rescue us for all eternity, but also to save us from our sin, our habits, our hurts and our hangups. It was good news of great joy at Jesus' birth and it is great news of great joy today!
Hope was born in the person of Jesus Christ, and hope continues as we experience the saving power of the resurrected Christ. In God's perfect timing, He sent a Savior to rescue us for all eternity, but also to save us from our sin, our habits, our hurts and our hangups. It was good news of great joy at Jesus' birth and it is great news of great joy today!
It's More Than YOUR Life
November 28, 2010 - Max Lucado says to "Live in such a way that the world will be glad you did. The charters members of the Jerusalem church, Acts 1:15, were fishermen, some revenue reps, a former street walker, and a converted revolutionary or two. They had no clout. They had few friends at the temple headquarters, and the truth be told, they had nothing more than this...a fire in the belly that changed the world."
Faith Fertilizer: Finances
November 21, 2010 - Luke 9:18-27
Finances are a test and a tool. Jesus said, "Where your money is, there your heart will be also." If you want to know where your heart is, all you have to do is look at where your money is invested. Finances are a tool for leveraging to expand the kingdom of God as we support ministries and missionaries, both here and abroad
Finances are a test and a tool. Jesus said, "Where your money is, there your heart will be also." If you want to know where your heart is, all you have to do is look at where your money is invested. Finances are a tool for leveraging to expand the kingdom of God as we support ministries and missionaries, both here and abroad
Faith Fertilizer: Service
November 14, 2010 - John 12. Our faith grows when we actively engage in a personal ministry to serve people as God leads and God enables. God is calling every Christ follower to serve in and through the ministry of His church. There is no such thing as a non-ministering member of the body of Christ.
Faith Fertilizer: Fiascos
November 7, 2010 - God uses unexpected circumstances in our lives to teach us to trust Him by faith, even when we don't understand. It is in those pivotal, uncontrollable life events that we decide whether we will turn to God in faith, or run from him in despair. It is in the testing of our faith, that God proves Himself faithful and trustworthy.
Faith Fertilizer: Friendship
October 31, 2010 - Hebrews 10:19-25
God wants to teach us to trust Him, to have confidence in Him so that we have a growing and intimate relationship with him. The Bible makes it clear that God uses people in our lives to grow our faith. If we really want to have a growing faith, it becomes a big decision to hang around and build friendships with others who have a growing faith. Christian community is designed by God to be a healthy spiritual environment where everyone is encouraged to step out and grow in the faith, growing a confident and trust based relationship with the God of the universe.
God wants to teach us to trust Him, to have confidence in Him so that we have a growing and intimate relationship with him. The Bible makes it clear that God uses people in our lives to grow our faith. If we really want to have a growing faith, it becomes a big decision to hang around and build friendships with others who have a growing faith. Christian community is designed by God to be a healthy spiritual environment where everyone is encouraged to step out and grow in the faith, growing a confident and trust based relationship with the God of the universe.
Faith Fertilizer: Fidelity
October 24, 2010 - Matthew 6:1-6
Jesus spoke of "acts of righteousness," done in secret, that are an expression of genuine faith. These are things that God expects from us, that are not to be seen by man. These are to be done as an expression of faith, "not by sight." Whether anybody ever knows that we are practicing "acts of righteousness," it does not really matter, because God sees and God will reward. In fact, if we do these "acts of righteousness" to be seen and honored by men, that will be all the honor we will receive.
Jesus spoke of "acts of righteousness," done in secret, that are an expression of genuine faith. These are things that God expects from us, that are not to be seen by man. These are to be done as an expression of faith, "not by sight." Whether anybody ever knows that we are practicing "acts of righteousness," it does not really matter, because God sees and God will reward. In fact, if we do these "acts of righteousness" to be seen and honored by men, that will be all the honor we will receive.
Faith Fertilizer
October 17, 2010 - When Jesus spoke, it was not uncommon that He made people angry. One time people wanted to throw Him off a cliff after a short sermon. Why? Because Jesus didn't just tell people what to believe; He told them how to live and what to do. Jesus' preaching was application oriented, giving people direction on how to actually walk by faith in a way that pleases our Heavenly Father.
Why Am I Not Dead?
October 10, 2010 - From the beginning, God's agenda has been to call to Himself, a people of faith who would worship Him and trust Him in the midst of a sin cursed world. He provided miracles, prophets and the scriptures to give people what they need to develop faith and trust in Him. That trust was violated, leading to a broken fellowship with God, broken by a lack of trust in God who provided that perfect Garden of Eden. Because the relationship was broken through lack of trust, the way back to a right relationship with God comes through trust, through faith in God. There are many things we can do on this earth but only one that brings pleasure to God, and that is living a life of faith.
Hell: Ditching The Diabolical
October 3, 2010 - Matthew 25, Luke 16
It's not popular to talk about hell. It's not surprising that in one survey, 76 percent of the people polled believed in heaven, and only six-percent believed in hell. A lot of people cope with the idea of hell by denying its reality. Some argue that hell is a leftover superstition from the Dark Ages and that we are too enlightened in the twenty-first century to believe in such an antiquated concept. It's definitely not politically correct to believe in and teach hell today. But our job is not to be politically correct, but to be eternally accurate.
It's not popular to talk about hell. It's not surprising that in one survey, 76 percent of the people polled believed in heaven, and only six-percent believed in hell. A lot of people cope with the idea of hell by denying its reality. Some argue that hell is a leftover superstition from the Dark Ages and that we are too enlightened in the twenty-first century to believe in such an antiquated concept. It's definitely not politically correct to believe in and teach hell today. But our job is not to be politically correct, but to be eternally accurate.
Heaven: Anticipating The Incredible
September 26, 2010 - John 14, Revelation 21
Seventy-six percent of people polled believe in heaven. Six percent believe in hell. Does it really matter what we think? God is not looking for counsel on the subject. The Bible is very clear that there are two opposing powers; the kingdom of heaven as opposed to the kingdom of darkness. The choices we make on this earth will determine which of those kingdoms we will enter. Consider God's heaven, a place beyond anything the mind can conceive.
Seventy-six percent of people polled believe in heaven. Six percent believe in hell. Does it really matter what we think? God is not looking for counsel on the subject. The Bible is very clear that there are two opposing powers; the kingdom of heaven as opposed to the kingdom of darkness. The choices we make on this earth will determine which of those kingdoms we will enter. Consider God's heaven, a place beyond anything the mind can conceive.
Will You Be Blindsided?
September 19, 2010 - Have you ever experienced the horror of being blindsided in a traffic accident? It motivates you to drive more defensively and look in your rear mirror more regularly. Pop quizzes in school can blindside you if you aren't prepared and have neglected your schoolwork. It is not uncommon for people who have been blindsided to wake up in the hospital and say, "how did I get here?" The Bible tells us that there will be people who will be blindsided in the afterlife, thinking that they are destined for heaven, who find themselves in hell, saying, "how did I get here?" The Bible tells us that Satan is actively seeking to blind unbelievers, deceiving them with a false sense of security, that has eternal consequences. This Sunday we dig into Matthew 7:21-23 that speaks of the worst "blindsided" experience of all time. Yet, God has provided us with the best early warning system to guard us from being a victim of Satan's deception. Bring a friend with you as we discuss this critical subject of our faith.
Death: Facing The Inevitable
September 12, 2010 - Job 14:14 Unless Jesus returns soon, we will all face physical death. What we believe about death has an incredible impact on how we live on earth. What does the Bible say about life after death? What happens to my body? Where does my soul go? Is there really a judgment and what is that all about? Are there rewards in heaven? Listen as we dig into the subject of life beyond the grave
Jesus Focused Faith
September 5, 2010 - Luke 6:43-7:10 There are two times in Scripture where Jesus was amazed. Both had to do with faith. One was for the lack of faith and the other was of GREAT faith. God's calls all people to place their faith in Him, to trust that He can do what He has promised. We all go through storms in life and the way we face them is determined by where we place our faith. Will our lives be grounded on the solid rock or the shifting sand?
Jesus Focused Judging?
August 29, 2010 - Luke 6:37-42 "Judge Not Lest You Be Judged?" Haven't we all heard that verse quoted? Often it is quoted by those who are saying "get off my back, I want to do what I want." There are few passages of Scripture that are more well known, and more readily misquoted. Listen as we talk about this essential truth for a healthy church. How do we combat a judgmental and critical spirit while discerning what is right or wrong in each others lives?
Jesus Focused Love
August 22, 2010 - Luke 6:27-36
There are a few messages that are less popular and yet so needed in the church today. What does it mean to love my enemies? What if I don't want to love my enemies? What if I don't have what it takes? What if my enemies don't deserve to be loved? Why does this have any importance in my life? Jesus did not stutter on this subject, and He modeled it with a path of sacrifice and service.
There are a few messages that are less popular and yet so needed in the church today. What does it mean to love my enemies? What if I don't want to love my enemies? What if I don't have what it takes? What if my enemies don't deserve to be loved? Why does this have any importance in my life? Jesus did not stutter on this subject, and He modeled it with a path of sacrifice and service.
How Did I Ever Find Myself Here?
August 15, 2010 - Guest Speaker: Steve Kellar.
We know that God wants us to be who we are, to do what we love to do and are called to do. There is no greater satisfaction and joy than that of doing what we are intended to do. Steve Keller, our NAB Regional Minister, looks at the 'Slips, stumbles, and surprises on the journey of faith with Father Abraham' featuring selected scriptures from the book of Genesis.
We know that God wants us to be who we are, to do what we love to do and are called to do. There is no greater satisfaction and joy than that of doing what we are intended to do. Steve Keller, our NAB Regional Minister, looks at the 'Slips, stumbles, and surprises on the journey of faith with Father Abraham' featuring selected scriptures from the book of Genesis.
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
August 8, 2010 - 
Love is a simple four letter word with two vowels, two consonants, and one really hard concept to live up to. In Mark 12 Jesus said, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus quoted that love commandment without qualification, without limitations, and without boundaries on the love.
Love is a simple four letter word with two vowels, two consonants, and one really hard concept to live up to. In Mark 12 Jesus said, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus quoted that love commandment without qualification, without limitations, and without boundaries on the love.
One Prayer: Love
August 1, 2010 - "LOVE". Four letters, two vowels, and one really hard concept. John 13:34-35, Acts 1:8, and 1 John 4:7-8 tells "Believers" that our community sees what Jesus looks like by looking at us, God's people. I say we should give them a really long, good look. Let's live a life so powerful, so unsettling, so wonderful, so joyous, and so loving, that our lives wouldn't make sense...if our God did not exist.
In Mark 12:28, an old-time teacher of the law asked Jesus which one of all the commandments was the most important to follow. Jesus mentioned two commandments, one from Deuteronomy 6:5, and the other from Leviticus 19:18. Both had to do with love.
In Mark 12:28, an old-time teacher of the law asked Jesus which one of all the commandments was the most important to follow. Jesus mentioned two commandments, one from Deuteronomy 6:5, and the other from Leviticus 19:18. Both had to do with love.
Happiness and Heartbreak
July 25, 2010 - Luke 6:17-26 Jesus spoke of happiness and heartbreak on a level that is not of this world. Jesus revealed to his followers that happiness is solidly grounded, not in the circumstances of this world, but in the security and joy that comes from the heart of God. Ultimate heartbreak is for those who have no hope and have no connection to the God who breathes hope to a lost world.
World Class Draft Picks
July 18, 2010 - Luke 6: 12-16. What was Jesus thinking when He chose unschooled and ordinary men to be His closest companions and essential leaders for the church at His departure? Somehow these men were used to turn the world upside right. What was Jesus looking for when He chose the twelve?
You!
July 11, 2010 - You! The shocking message of the Bible continues to be that God has chosen the least suspecting of all vessels to do His greatest work. What you are at this particular moment in your life is irrelevant. Who you are is likewise irrelevant. What counts most is what and who you are willing to become.
Deep Cycle Trickle Charge Rest
June 27, 2010 - Luke 6:1-11 Jesus is not the great "burner outer in the sky" Who assigns tasks that lead to empty tanks, and empty hearts. Jesus said that His burden is light and well fitting. How do we find the balance of doing the work that the Lord assigns, balanced with rest that protects from burnout? Join us Sunday as we consider how God's Word tells us to achieve that balance in our lives.
Triumphing Traditionalism
June 20, 2010 - Luke 5:33-39 Jesus spoke of the need for new wine skins as He spoke to the religious leaders of the day. There is a subtle temptation for all of us to settle for the status quo and become complacent, keep things the same for the sake of security and comfort. So, how do we face the challenges that come with ongoing change? Are we willing to step out of the boat and trust the Lord?
Life-Changing Faith
June 13, 2010 - When someone is down for the count, what a blessing to have friends who will take that person to Jesus. We will be learning some life impacting principles that motivate us to care for one another in a way that can change our worlds for good. Because of the faith of the four, a man with no hope but a future limited to a mat, was transformed and healed by the miracle worker Jesus. Listen in as we learn that the physical healing, as great as it was, was simply a sign pointing to something far greater that Jesus did internally for the man confined to the mat.
Why Being Skunked Is A Good Thing
June 6, 2010 - Luke 5:1-11 No one wants to return from a fishing trip having to say, "we were skunked." But God can use "skunk" times in life to teach us life-changing principles. You might be "skunked" in looking for work, or in relationships, or in finances. God often teaches us more in these "skunk" seasons of life than in times of prosperity. Lets look at the deeper life lessons that Jesus teaches us when things are not going as planned.
The Spirit Who Fills
May 30, 2010 - Ephesians 5:14-21 What does it mean to be filled and empowered by God's Holy Spirit? This is a command from God, so it is something that we need in fulfilling God's will for our lives.
The Spirit Who Gives Power
May 23, 2010 - What do you do during a power failure? That unexpected reality can quickly remind us of how dependent we have become on electricity. Electricity has the power to cool our homes and cook our food. It can freeze water, give us light at night and run our computers so we can stay connected. Where would we be without electricity?
There is another power source that is more important than electricity, and it is the power of God that flows through the Spirit of God. Join us this week as we dig into God's word and uncover God's timeless truth about His never ending source of power that is available to all Christ followers.
There is another power source that is more important than electricity, and it is the power of God that flows through the Spirit of God. Join us this week as we dig into God's word and uncover God's timeless truth about His never ending source of power that is available to all Christ followers.
The Spirit Who Gives Gifts
May 16, 2010 - The Holy Spirit
A recent study indicated that 87 % of the Christians surveyed did not know what spiritual gift they had received from God. The Bible says that everyone has at least one and it commands us not to be ignorant when it comes to these gifts. If you are a bit shaky in knowing your gift from God or if you could use more clarity as you serve, you don't want to miss this week's message.
A recent study indicated that 87 % of the Christians surveyed did not know what spiritual gift they had received from God. The Bible says that everyone has at least one and it commands us not to be ignorant when it comes to these gifts. If you are a bit shaky in knowing your gift from God or if you could use more clarity as you serve, you don't want to miss this week's message.
The Spirit Who Produces Fruit
May 9, 2010 - Galations 5 - God's Holy Spirit -
There is fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit of God. This fruit of the Spirit flows out of God's Spirit, who is the source of the fruit. Like a giant tree, the Holy Spirit is the singular root that produces a wide variety of fruits to enjoy.
There is fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit of God. This fruit of the Spirit flows out of God's Spirit, who is the source of the fruit. Like a giant tree, the Holy Spirit is the singular root that produces a wide variety of fruits to enjoy.
The Person and Presence of God's Spirit
May 2, 2010 - The Holy Spirit was given as someone who would be greater for God's church than the physically present Jesus Christ. It is the presence and power of God's Holy Spirit that sets Christians apart from every other person on planet earth.
Uncompromising Purpose
April 25 2010 - Luke 4:42-44 Jesus' life and ministry on earth could be best described as "focused." He knew why He came to earth and what He was sent to accomplish. He finished the work He was given and now we have been entrusted to complete the task.
Jesus, Amazing in Word and Deed
April 18, 2010 - Luke 4:31-41 Jesus' ministry involved meeting the needs of those around him. Some involved sickness and disease, while others needed to be set free from spiritual bondage.
Uncompromising Obedience
April 11, 2010 - When Jesus' ministry was launched, his first step was to enter the waters of baptism. Why does God initiate His people into the family of believers by getting wet? Isn't that a little weird? What is the purpose of baptism? Why did Jesus need to be baptized, since He was sinless?
Victor On A Donkey
March 28, 2010 - The Incomparable
Luke 19:28-40 In preparation for Easter, we fast forward to a time when Jesus' ministry on earth was coming to a close. He was headed for Jerusalem and His appointment with the cross. Before Jesus' final humiliation, He enters the city, receiving appropriate praise, adoration and worship for bringing heaven to earth.
Luke 19:28-40 In preparation for Easter, we fast forward to a time when Jesus' ministry on earth was coming to a close. He was headed for Jerusalem and His appointment with the cross. Before Jesus' final humiliation, He enters the city, receiving appropriate praise, adoration and worship for bringing heaven to earth.
Incomparable Mission
March 21, 2010 - The Incomparable
Jesus lays out the agenda for his ministry. He quotes Scripture to reveal his purpose that has been communicated by the prophets for centuries. He speaks the truth and many instantly became angry. What did Jesus say about God's love that was so offensive?
Jesus lays out the agenda for his ministry. He quotes Scripture to reveal his purpose that has been communicated by the prophets for centuries. He speaks the truth and many instantly became angry. What did Jesus say about God's love that was so offensive?
Winning The Battle of Temptaion
March 14, 2010 - The Incomparable. Luke 4:1-13
Jesus can sympathize in our struggles with temptation because He came in the flesh and experienced everything that we battle... yet without sin. This epic conflict in the wilderness provides the backdrop of God's timeless method for winning the war against the evil one and His evil henchmen.
Jesus can sympathize in our struggles with temptation because He came in the flesh and experienced everything that we battle... yet without sin. This epic conflict in the wilderness provides the backdrop of God's timeless method for winning the war against the evil one and His evil henchmen.
Why Jesus Came In The Flesh
February 28, 2010 - Luke 2. Some have proposed that Jesus was only a ghost without a physical body when he walked this planet. But Jesus came and took on real flesh and blood for a reason. Don't assume that this topic is only for heady theologians. Everything Jesus did, and is doing, for you and me is tied to His sinless humanity. Join us Sunday as we study why Jesus' life in the "flesh" is a non-negotiable truth of the Christian faith.
Why is Jesus the Only God?
February 21 -The Incomparable God. Luke 1.
There is nothing more important than having an accurate understanding of who Jesus is, why he came and how He is uniquely set apart from every other religious leader who ever walked this planet. There is much confusion today over the person of Jesus, so we are launching a new series of messages entitled, "The Incomparable" on the non-negotiable truths about Jesus.
There is nothing more important than having an accurate understanding of who Jesus is, why he came and how He is uniquely set apart from every other religious leader who ever walked this planet. There is much confusion today over the person of Jesus, so we are launching a new series of messages entitled, "The Incomparable" on the non-negotiable truths about Jesus.
The Homecoming
February 14, 2010 - Luke 15. When Jesus spoke to the serious minded Pharisees and religious Scribes, he told three stories about things that were lost. In all three stories, when the item was found the story ended with a party and celebration. In fact the stories teach us about what causes parties to break out in heaven. This is a message of hope and joy as we celebrate God's extravagant and lavish love that is expressed to everyone.
The Ultimate Comeback
Feb. 7, 2007 - Luke 15. There is a lost sheep and the shepherd inconveniences himself to go out in the dark of night to find that one lost sheep. There is a lost coin and the woman lights a lamp and relentlessly sweeps the house to find that one coin. There is a lost son and the father stays home and waits for his return. Why didn't the father go out after his son? Why was it important for the Prodigal Son to come to his senses, on his own, first? Find out this Sunday!
This is the ultimate comeback story that gives hope for us all as God is waiting, no matter where we have been, for us to come back to Him. The good news is that He will always receive us in a first class fashion when we turn from our sin. Join us Sunday as we consider God's process of repentance as we love the Prodigals in our lives and invite them to God's eternal party.
This is the ultimate comeback story that gives hope for us all as God is waiting, no matter where we have been, for us to come back to Him. The good news is that He will always receive us in a first class fashion when we turn from our sin. Join us Sunday as we consider God's process of repentance as we love the Prodigals in our lives and invite them to God's eternal party.
What Do You Need To Be Happy?
Jan. 31, 2010 - What does it take for you to be happy? The younger brother thought that materialism and self expression would lead to happiness. The older brother took the route of moral-ism and self-righteousness. Neither found happiness on their own. The source of happiness was available all the time in the provision and presence of their loving father.
The Runaways
Jan. 24, 2010 - Luke 15:11-32
There is not just one "Prodigal Son", but two "Prodigal Sons" in this story. One selfishly spent all he had on wild living, but the older brother was just as sick and selfish and it was revealed in a more subtle way. This week we see the "prodigal" nature that battles within.
There is not just one "Prodigal Son", but two "Prodigal Sons" in this story. One selfishly spent all he had on wild living, but the older brother was just as sick and selfish and it was revealed in a more subtle way. This week we see the "prodigal" nature that battles within.
The Prodigal God
Jan. 17, 2009 - This Sunday we begin a new series of messages on the extravagant love of God. What explains God's heart for those who are lost? What explains God's heart for those who are caught up in self sufficiency, self righteousness and legalism? This series is about recovering the heart of the Christian faith. You won't want to miss one week of this life altering series.
Unstoppable Faith
Jan. 10, 2010 - 2 Corinthians 4
What has the potential for stopping you in your tracks as a Christian? What caused Paul to weather the storms of life while staying the course for Christ? Learn about how God takes cracked pots and fills them with His power, for His glory.
What has the potential for stopping you in your tracks as a Christian? What caused Paul to weather the storms of life while staying the course for Christ? Learn about how God takes cracked pots and fills them with His power, for His glory.
Unstoppable Glory
Jan. 3, 2010 - God has a glory that is all surpassing, ever increasing and lasts forever. when we tap into that glory, life will never be the same. we are made for the glory of God, but we have nothing in ourselves to generate that glory.
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