Jan 13, 2019
Grace, Truth, and a Fiasco (John 2:1-12)
Social blunders are part of being human. In this passage it was more than a blunder. Running out of wine in the middle of a first century wedding was unheard of, unacceptable, and socially devastating for years. As a guest at this wedding Jesus was not responsible for planning. As the Messiah, he was on God’s timetable. And yet he showed grace in the middle of a fiasco and helped a family save face.
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  • Jan 13, 2019Grace, Truth, and a Fiasco (John 2:1-12)
    Jan 13, 2019
    Grace, Truth, and a Fiasco (John 2:1-12)
    Social blunders are part of being human. In this passage it was more than a blunder. Running out of wine in the middle of a first century wedding was unheard of, unacceptable, and socially devastating for years. As a guest at this wedding Jesus was not responsible for planning. As the Messiah, he was on God’s timetable. And yet he showed grace in the middle of a fiasco and helped a family save face.
  • Jan 6, 2019Grace, Truth, and 2019
    Jan 6, 2019
    Grace, Truth, and 2019
    We are in a new year. That brings with it, new hopes, new promises, and new challenges. As we begin to navigate the unchartered waters of this new year we are going to look to Jesus as our example. Our journey through the Gospel of John over the next few weeks will highlight two perfectly balanced characteristics of Jesus. He was full of “grace and truth” (John 1:14). May we each be people of grace and truth in this new year.
  • Dec 30, 2018Living by Faith in 2019
    Dec 30, 2018
    Living by Faith in 2019
    It is one thing to talk about faith. We can celebrate “heroes of faith.” But what does it really mean to live by faith? Does it mean to sell everything and go to Djibouti? Does it mean to quit one’s job and become a pastor? Maybe. But it can also mean to make simple changes in my lifestyle and learn to listen to God on a daily basis. Living by faith can be very practical.
  • Dec 23, 2018Love That Lasts
    Dec 23, 2018
    Love That Lasts
    Series: Advent 2018
    The word love is possibly the most overused and therefore watered down term in current use. We love everything from pizza, to puppies, to performers, and vacation spots. But love that lasts must be deeper than a preference or an emotional reaction. God tells us that love is bound up in sacrificially putting others first. Love that lasts is neither self-centered nor self-serving. We will consider love that lasts on this last Sunday of Advent.
  • Dec 16, 2018Real Joy (Luke 2:8-11; John 15:9-13)
    Dec 16, 2018
    Real Joy (Luke 2:8-11; John 15:9-13)
    Series: Advent 2018
    “Joy to the World” we sing. The angel said he was bringing, “good news that will cause great joy for all people.” What is joy? Is it just happiness over circumstances that are pleasant. Is it something like that but a bit more? Jesus said that our joy could be full, or complete in John 15:11. How can we get to that point? Today we consider the joy that comes from the promise and purpose of Jesus being born some 2000 years ago. Real joy is possible.
  • Dec 9, 2018Peace on Earth
    Dec 9, 2018
    Peace on Earth
    Series: Advent 2018
    Peace is far more than the absence of conflict. Peace has to do with one’s well being. Peace is when there is harmony in relationship. Peace is not about circumstances but about the heart. Jesus came to bring peace, between God and humanity. Once we have peace with God, we find that we have peace with one another.
  • Dec 2, 2018Hope for All – Isaiah 40
    Dec 2, 2018
    Hope for All – Isaiah 40
    Series: Advent 2018
    Hope. It is a word we use a great deal. Last week children were hoping for a snow day. Parents were hoping for school. We hope our team wins. We have many things that we hope for. But the hope that comes from Jesus is far greater than a wish. Christlike hope is a confident expectation based on the reality of who God is. The birth of Jesus is hope fulfilled, as well as hope for the future.
  • Nov 25, 2018More Than Just One Day A Year
    Nov 25, 2018
    More Than Just One Day A Year
    Being thankful is an important characteristic of one who follows Jesus. Thankfulness is to be part of our daily lives, part of the attitude with which we face the world. As we look at a survey of this mindset in the Bible, we will see it is more than an idealistic way of looking at the world. It is a mindset that will impact every relationship.
  • Nov 18, 2018Remember Your Creator…today
    Nov 18, 2018
    Remember Your Creator…today
    Life is short. That is especially true as one gets older and looks back. The Teacher and the narrator draw similar conclusions after all has been considered. The most important thing is to know and focus on God our creator while we have breath. In fact, the younger the better. Only God gives meaning and purpose to what all to often seems meaningless. Remember your Creator.
  • Nov 11, 2018Living in the Real World (surrounded by fools)
    Nov 11, 2018
    Living in the Real World (surrounded by fools)
    In this life under the sun, reputations are fragile, people ill-equipped end up in leadership positions, and we all take risks. The Teacher looks at all of this with a bit of cynicism and seems to promote a “live and let live” view point. We will let all of scripture guide us as we seek to make sense of these observations.
  • Nov 4, 2018Living on Borrowed Time – Eccl 9
    Nov 4, 2018
    Living on Borrowed Time – Eccl 9
    Believe it or not we are in November. Time is really short. How does the fact that time is short, affect your daily decisions? Do you live in fear or in making the most of the time God has given you today? The fact that we all live on borrowed time should actually energize us to use our time wisely. What is the most important thing you can do for God today?
  • Oct 28, 2018Take note of the signs on the journey of life
    Oct 28, 2018
    Take note of the signs on the journey of life
    Because each human being is created in the image of God, a person, like The Teacher, who looks at life “under the sun” can still make wise observations. In this passage we will draw some practical observations from The Teacher and apply them to twenty-first century living.
  • Oct 21, 2018Living in Paradox – Eccl 7:1-14
    Oct 21, 2018
    Living in Paradox – Eccl 7:1-14
    Consider the following: “the first shall be last;” “to be great you need to be a servant;” “consider it all joy when you face various trials.” These are paradoxical statements that we can find in the Bible. A paradox should make us step back and think about the truth that is being presented. In our passage today we will see several paradoxes that may help us adjust our thinking.
  • Oct 14, 2018Approach with Caution Eccl 5:1-7
    Oct 14, 2018
    Approach with Caution Eccl 5:1-7
    How do you get ready to come to church? Oh yes we all choose our outfit. But what about our mindset? How do we prepare to join with others in turning our focus to God? Besides that, have you ever made a promise to God? Did you keep it? The Teacher reminds us each to take God seriously.
  • Oct 7, 2018The Value of Community (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12)
    Oct 7, 2018
    The Value of Community (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12)
    Our digital age has provided opportunity for more and more people to be isolated. But God did not create us to live in isolation, but to live in community. The Teacher considers the importance of the most basic form of community, two people supporting one another. He leaves us with a mystery as we strive to understand the third strand. Today we will consider the value of community.