Sermon Series, News Cris Escher Sermon Series, News Cris Escher

Tripple H: Head, Heart, Hands (Teaching Series)

Jesus is standing on the shore calling Peter and the other disciples to follow him. He says, "Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Jesus, in this one phrase, is calling them into stewardship in God’s Kingdom, calling them in head, heart, and hands.


Jesus is standing on the shore calling Peter and the other disciples to follow him. He says, "Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Jesus, in this one phrase, is calling them into stewardship in God’s Kingdom, calling them in head, heart, and hands. 

Reading Plan
Read around the readings for Sunday

  • 10/23/22

    • Jeremiah 16:14-18
      1 Corinthians 1:1-10
      Matthew 4:17-25

  • 10/30/22

    • Deu 6:1-9
      Colossians 1:15-23
      John 10:7-18

  • 11/6/22

    • Hosea 2:16-23
      Galatians 5:16-26
      Matthew 6:19-34

  • 11/13/22

    • Micah 6:6-8
      2 Corinthians 5:14-20
      Matthew 10:5-15

  • 11/20/22

    • Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
      Ephesians 1:15-23
      Matthew 25:31-46

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[Sunday] Christ the King Sunday 2022
[Sunday] Christ the King Sunday 2022

Just as Christ is “the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end,” at the close of every liturgical year, we look forward with a renewed hope in Christ’s coming again in glory to reign as Lord forever. In the same way, we look forward to our own resurrection and the time of a new earth — an earth that is no longer broken by sin and groaning. Christ will come again in glory just as surely as He came the first time — when He was born. So we have “transition” at the end of the “long green season” into the Advent season, the new beginning of the liturgical year.

[Sunday] The Kingdom is at Hand - Triple H
[Sunday] The Kingdom is at Hand - Triple H

Jesus, who called his disciples, now sends them on their first mission trip, to tell that the kingdom of God is at hand. Is that threatening language from Jesus a clue that we better shape up, or is it a promise of hope for all those who feel like a sheep without a shepherd?

[Sunday] Cares of the Heart - Triple H
[Sunday] Cares of the Heart - Triple H

For all those whose hearts have been hurt, to those who have been thrown away and told you don’t belong here, we see that Jesus comes into the midst of them to change and heal hearts.

[Sunday] Use Your Head - Triple H - Reformation
[Sunday] Use Your Head - Triple H - Reformation

Whether we are as dense as Derek Zoolander or as smart as Stephen Hawking, we can all have the same problem: a lack of being curious and a neglect of learning the voice of the Good Shepherd. But as we engage the voice, we will find our actions and activities will sound like the Good Shepherd.

[Sunday] Head, Heart, Hands - Triple H
[Sunday] Head, Heart, Hands - Triple H

Stewardship is a process of growing in your head, heart, and hands. Following Jesus helps us learn how to be a disciple in all parts of our life.

Tripple H: Head, Heart, Hands (Teaching Series)
Tripple H: Head, Heart, Hands (Teaching Series)

Jesus is standing on the shore calling Peter and the other disciples to follow him. He says, "Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Jesus, in this one phrase, is calling them into stewardship in God’s Kingdom, calling them in head, heart, and hands.


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Sermon Series Cris Escher Sermon Series Cris Escher

Being Challenge! New Series in September

The most important target to hit as a disciple of Jesus is BEING in a relationship with Him.

The most important target to hit as a disciple of Jesus is BEING in a relationship with Him.

We know what it’s like to have the desire to grow in our relationship with God and yet feel stagnant. Being Challenge leads readers to a stronger relationship with God through simple challenges that focus on the 5 keystone habits of Jesus: community, scripture, prayer, solitude and church.

  • September 11 Intro

    • Day 1: Tuesday

  • September 18

    • Commit to Community Day 6

  • September 25

    • Study Scripture Day 13

  • October 2

    • Prioritize Prayer Day 20

  • October 9

    • Seek Solitude Day 27

  • October 16

    • Choose Church Day 34

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[Sunday] Choose Church - Being Challenge
[Sunday] Choose Church - Being Challenge

Choosing church brings consistency into our lives. And the consistency that it brings is the good news of Jesus into your lives. The church is the consistent place where the good news of Jesus is proclaimed.

[Sunday] Seek Solitude - Being Challenge
[Sunday] Seek Solitude - Being Challenge

It seems like the church just wants doers, people who will do things for God, which is good, but we also need to be people who abide with the creator, who sit in sabbath knowing God does enough for us.

[Sunday] Prioritizing Prayer - Being Challenge
[Sunday] Prioritizing Prayer - Being Challenge

Praying to God gives us direction in a confusing world. That means it helps me on the inside. It doesn’t only help internally but also externally because it spills over into this world. And what goes into the world has an amazing chance of changing it.

September 11th we are starting the Being Challenge.

Red Letter Challenge is a dynamic 40-day experience that helps people more effectively follow Jesus Christ!

  • Practice the Habits of Jesus

  • Find Joy in Relationship with God

  • Discover Purpose Being with God

Purchase the Workbook

  • Grabe a Workbook.

    • The books can be shared but feel free to grab what you need

  • The church has ordered some Being books.

    • The books cost the church 25$ Per Book

    • As with everything if 25$ is too much please take one.

  • Both Amazon and RLC both are selling the book

    • both links are included.

      • Amazon may be faster,

      • RLC will be cheaper.

Buy the Book on Amazon

Buy the book on Red Letter challenge Site

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Sermon Series, News Cris Escher Sermon Series, News Cris Escher

Missio dei: The Heart of God (Teaching Series)

From the beginning, God has been sending his spirit out to bring life and beauty in the universe. It's a great sending. In this sending, we can see the heart of God as we join in with God’s mission.

From the beginning, God has been sending his spirit out to bring life and beauty in the universe. It's a great sending. In this sending, we can see the heart of God as we join in with God’s mission.

Here is the amazon link for the book we are using.

Reading Plan
Read around the readings for Sunday

  • 7/24/22

    • Acts 2:14a 22-321
      Peter 1:3-9
      John 20:16-24

  • 7/31/22

    • Malachi 3:1-5
      Hebrews 3:1-6
      Matthew 16:13-20

  • 8/7/22

    • Numbers 21:5-9
      1 Corinthians 1:18-25
      John 12:27-36

  • 8/14/22

    • Isaiah 61:1-4
      Galatians 4:4-7
      Luke 4:16-24

  • 8/21/22

    • Isaiah 40:1-5
      Hebrews 10:11-18
      John 1:29-348

  • /28/22

    • Isaiah 53:4-12
      1 John 4:9-16
      John 8:21-30

  • 9/4/22

    • Psalm 103:8-19
      2 Corinthians 5:11-21
      John 14:1-6

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[Sunday] The Staff- Missio Dei
[Sunday] The Staff- Missio Dei

God came into the world not in power but as a baby born in poverty. When God set his people apart, he did not find a powerful ruler but a man who had no son. When God looked for a new king, he picked the one that was left in the field. And when God was asked how "How will they know I came from you?" He said, "Bring your staff, Moses."

[Sunday] The Reset - Missio Dei
[Sunday] The Reset - Missio Dei

The head Pharisee yelled at the guard for not capturing Jesus, “Has the whole world gone after Him?" Frustrated, this head Pharisee desperately needed a win, but not just a win; winning was his entire goal, and that goal blinded him to the heart of God in the world. We are no different. We need a reset.

[Sunday] Look & See - Missio Dei
[Sunday] Look & See - Missio Dei

We stepped out of the car all awestruck at what we were looking at. Even though all were already looking, we still encouraged each other to look and see. This is how John tells his story of hope for the creation.

[Sunday] Famous Expectations - Missio Dei
[Sunday] Famous Expectations - Missio Dei

We can sure be nasty when our expectations are not met. But would you throw someone off a cliff if they failed to meet your famous expectations? Let's see how God creates a new creation outside of our famous expectations.

[Sunday] Feather In The Wind - Missio Dei
[Sunday] Feather In The Wind - Missio Dei

It seems like chaos as Jesus is arrested. It’s like He’s a feather in the wind, being blown around into beatings and shame with a crown of thorns placed on his head. But what if the wind is not chaos but more like a cloud in the wilderness?

[Sunday] Constant Christmas - Missio Dei
[Sunday] Constant Christmas - Missio Dei

Just like our favorite gifts we have received at Christmas, God's gift of the Messiah is a better gift than Peter could ever have imagined.

[Sunday] I Am Sending - Missio Dei
[Sunday] I Am Sending - Missio Dei

Jesus breathes that same spirit that hovered over the waters of creation, that same breath that animated and bright life into Adam's nostrils, that same wind that hit the church and put all over us that same mission of bringing life and beauty to everywhere we go.

Missio dei: The Heart of God (Teaching Series)
Missio dei: The Heart of God (Teaching Series)

From the beginning, God has been sending his spirit out to bring life and beauty in the universe. It's a great sending. In this sending, we can see the heart of God as we join in with God’s mission.

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Sermon Series, News Cris Escher Sermon Series, News Cris Escher

Richer: Finding Meaning in our Favorite Verse (Teaching Series)

There are many Bible verses that are so loved by the church. Over the centuries, these verses have been encouraging and equipping the church in its walking with the Lord. So let's dive deep into these beloved verses to gain an even richer love and understanding.

There are many Bible verses that are so loved by the church. Over the centuries, these verses have been encouraging and equipping the church in its walking with the Lord. So let's dive deep into these beloved verses to gain an even richer love and understanding.

Reading Plan

  • July 3rd 22
    John 3:16

    • John 2-3

  • July 10th 22
    1 Peter 3:15

    • 1 Peter 3

  • July 17th 22
    2 Corinthians 12:9

    • 2 Corinthians 12

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[Sunday] 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Richer
[Sunday] 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Richer

What do you mean power is made perfect in weakness? Perhaps it has something to do with the man who saw the third heaven.

[Sunday] 1 Peter 3:15 - Richer
[Sunday] 1 Peter 3:15 - Richer

This super popular verse used mostly for evangelism actually has more in common with Daniel and the lion's den than telling your neighbors about Christ. Let's make it richer.

[Sunday] John 3:16 - Richer
[Sunday] John 3:16 - Richer

For God so loved the world that he gave… It’s such a humbling verse for us, and yet we receive so much comfort from it. God is saving us and is saving the world. This gives us comfort that we can stop trying to be the saviors of ourselves and our neighbors and find rest in our Lord.

Richer: Finding Meaning in our Favorite Verse (Teaching Series)
Richer: Finding Meaning in our Favorite Verse (Teaching Series)

There are many Bible verses that are so loved by the church. Over the centuries, these verses have been encouraging and equipping the church in its walking with the Lord. So let's dive deep into these beloved verses to gain an even richer love and understanding.

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Sermon Series, News Cris Escher Sermon Series, News Cris Escher

In All Things (Teaching Series)

While sitting in prison, the apostle Paul receives word of a new church. He pens a letter of encouragement, filled with love and songs, about how Jesus the Christ is in all things. This is a reminder that the Christian story encompasses all things. Nothing -- and no one -- is left out.

While sitting in prison, the apostle Paul receives word of a new church. He pens a letter of encouragement, filled with love and songs, about how Jesus the Christ is in all things. This is a reminder that the Christian story encompasses all things. Nothing -- and no one -- is left out.

Reading Plan

  • May 29th 22 -
    Creator of All things -

    • Genesis 1, Colossians 1:1-20

  • June 5th 22 -
    Redeemer of All Things -

    • Colossians 1:19-28, Luke 23:33-43

  • June 12th 22 -
    Lord of All things

    • Colossians 2, Luke 15

  • June 19th 22
    Servant of All Things -

    • Colossians 3:12-Ch4, John 13

  • June 26th -
    Restorer of all things -

    • Colossians 3:1-11, Matthew 8

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[Sunday] Christ In All Things - In All Things
[Sunday] Christ In All Things - In All Things

Paul, in prison, writes a letter of encouragement to the church, a letter that does not say Christ is just in what you do, but rather Christ is in all things. So we are confident that he is here to help. We're encouraged to live in peace, knowing that God is on our side.

[Sunday] Good In All Things - In All Things
[Sunday] Good In All Things - In All Things

We desire to live the good life which will ultimately land us in the good place. But in our search for the good place, we may find ourselves not fulfilled as our lust for desires goes unmet. Maybe true fulfillment can be found in death and resurrection.

[Sunday] Forward In All Things - In All Things
[Sunday] Forward In All Things - In All Things

When I moved, I placed everything in a huge moving truck and rolled my car onto a small trailer. This taught me a simple lesson in life, one we see here in the Bible: always be moving forward.

[Sunday] Hope In All Things - In All Things
[Sunday] Hope In All Things - In All Things

When looking for hope, we often try to find it in other gods and gospels, but the Holy Spirit is always calling us back to the one that can truly save us. See why Jesus matters.

[Sunday] Song of All Things - In All Things
[Sunday] Song of All Things - In All Things

Beginning his letter of encouragement, Paul leans into the history of the scriptures, using the language of song to convey something bigger than can be realized with just mere words. With the prophets, the psalms, and even the first five books behind him, he weaves encouragement the only way a song can.

In All Things (Teaching Series)
In All Things (Teaching Series)

While sitting in prison, the apostle Paul receives word of a new church. He pens a letter of encouragement, filled with love and songs, about how Jesus the Christ is in all things. This is a reminder that the Christian story encompasses all things. Nothing -- and no one -- is left out.

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Sermon Series, News Cris Escher Sermon Series, News Cris Escher

Spiritual Conversations (Teaching Series)

When it comes to evangelism, we have real fear of giving offense or being rejected. This fear creates barriers for many Christians when it comes to talking about their faith. Many people have said when spiritual conversations happened previously, it only created tensions and arguments. What I have seen is when we meld our faith with grace and good news, it will become a joy to have spiritual conversations, because it is indeed good news.

When it comes to evangelism, we have real fear of giving offense or being rejected. This fear creates barriers for many Christians when it comes to talking about their faith. Many people have said when spiritual conversations happened previously, it only created tensions and arguments. What I have seen is when we meld our faith with grace and good news, it will become a joy to have spiritual conversations, because it is indeed good news.

Reading Plan

  • April 24th 22 -
    How will they hear -

    • Romans 10 - 11:6

  • May 1st 22 -
    Why We Stopped Talking -

    • Luke 22:54-62 , Ezekiel 34:11-17, Colossians 4:2-6

  • May 8th 22 -
    Beautiful Conversations-

    • Isaiah 52

  • May 15th 22 -
    Egar Conversationist -

    • Ephesians 5-6

  • May 22nd 22 -
    Everyday Conversations -

    • Acts 4, 1 Peter 3:13-21

LHM
(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Book which inspired this series.

Featured
[Sunday] Gentleness & Respect - Spiritual Conversations
[Sunday] Gentleness & Respect - Spiritual Conversations

Peter sat up from writing the last paragraph and thought about all the times he was difficult to Jesus. He had put his foot in his mouth so many times. He even denied the Lord on that cold day when everything changed. But Peter's heart filled with warmth when he remembered how Jesus treated him when he rose: with gentleness and respect.

[Sunday] Eager - Spiritual Conversations
[Sunday] Eager - Spiritual Conversations

The armor of God sometimes seems like it's something we daily put on to fight our way through the culture. However, when we look at what Paul was actually saying, it's something that signals our readiness and eagerness to show the love of our God in Christ Jesus our lord.

[Sunday] Shattered Beautiful - Spiritual Conversations
[Sunday] Shattered Beautiful - Spiritual Conversations

The residents of Winchester stare despondently as all the stained glass lay shattered all over the ground, shattered like the homes and lives of God’s people in Babylon, shattered like our lives when things have not worked out. But wait, look, there's a runner from the mountains with good news of grace and peace on their breath.

[Sunday] Why We Stopped Talking - Spiritual Conversations
[Sunday] Why We Stopped Talking - Spiritual Conversations

Over the years, we have sold the faith in a way which has left us damaged, fearful, and mute. Perhaps, the Good Shepherd can gather us all in fields of abundance, heal our wounds, and give us voices of hope.

[Sunday] How Will They Hear - Spiritual Conversations
[Sunday] How Will They Hear - Spiritual Conversations

God’s people were saved from slavery - incredible news! God created them to be a blessing to all the nations in the world. But right before the captivity, they were only interested in what God could do for them. Those gentile outsiders were not good enough for what they had. To this, the prophet asks them, and us, “How will they hear?”

Spiritual Conversations (Teaching Series)
Spiritual Conversations (Teaching Series)

When it comes to evangelism, we have real fear of giving offense or being rejected. This fear creates barriers for many Christians when it comes to talking about their faith. Many people have said when spiritual conversations happened previously, it only created tensions and arguments. What I have seen is when we meld our faith with grace and good news, it will become a joy to have spiritual conversations, because it is indeed good news.

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Sermon Series, News Cris Escher Sermon Series, News Cris Escher

Seeing is not Believing

A Deep Dive into the Passion of the Gospel of Mark

Seeing is Not Believing:  A Deep Dive into the Passion of the Gospel of Mark

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4-6-22 Wednesday - How Do You Like Me Now
4-6-22 Wednesday - How Do You Like Me Now

How Do you Like Me Now - A Deep Dive into the Passion of Christ in Mark

3-30-22 Wednesday - Running Shame
3-30-22 Wednesday - Running Shame

Running Shame - A Deep Dive into the Passion of Christ in Mark

3-23-22 Wednesday - Weakness
3-23-22 Wednesday - Weakness

Weakness - A Deep Dive into the Passion of Christ in Mark

3-16-22 Wednesday - Seeing in the Dark
3-16-22 Wednesday - Seeing in the Dark

Seeing in the Dark - A Deep Dive into the Passion of Christ in Mark

3-9-22 Wednesday - Seeing is Not Believing
3-9-22 Wednesday - Seeing is Not Believing

A Deep Dive into the Passion of Christ in Mark

[Ash Wednesday] 2022 Live Stream
[Ash Wednesday] 2022 Live Stream

Ash Wednesday we ponder the question of how we got here. What have we done to ourselves. This day invites us to sit in dust and ashes and seek repentance.

Seeing is not Believing
Seeing is not Believing

A Deep Dive into the Passion of the Gospel of Mark

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Sermon Series, News Cris Escher Sermon Series, News Cris Escher

Revealing True Power: The Gospel of Mark

Mark begins his Gospel showing his full intent, “This is the beginning of good news of Jesus, the Son of God.” This declaration of Jesus as the Son of God still deconstructs our own wants and dreams for power, from our feckless notions of political power, to the notions of us who want to gain power from religious dogma, to our own personal wants for notoriety and importance. Mark's Gospel reveals true power as we follow Jesus to the cross, revealing the good news of a life reborn of freedom.

Mark begins his Gospel showing his full intent, “This is the beginning of good news of Jesus, the Son of God.” This declaration of Jesus as the Son of God still deconstructs our own wants and dreams for power, from our feckless notions of political power, to the notions of us who want to gain power from religious dogma, to our own personal wants for notoriety and importance. Mark's Gospel reveals true power as we follow Jesus to the cross, revealing the good news of a life reborn of freedom.

 
 
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[Sunday] Mark 16 | Amazed Easter - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 16 | Amazed Easter - Revealing True Power

There are clues and breadcrumbs which God has left us so we can see the resurrection today. We see it when our faces light up with a glory of amazement that can only be told about over and over.

Good Friday | The Passion of True Power
Good Friday | The Passion of True Power

The Passion of Jesus the Christ in Mark

Maundy Thursday | Unraveled - Revealing True Power
Maundy Thursday | Unraveled - Revealing True Power

Sometimes life just seems to unravel before our eyes. Maybe we need a savior who will unravel the creation to get us back.

[Sunday] Mark 15 | Coronation - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 15 | Coronation - Revealing True Power

Jesus rides into Jerusalem looking strangely like a ride of power from years ago. As Jesus continues to walk to the cross, he takes a path that resembles so many parades of power and prestige from those seeking crowns of glory. Come see the coronation of true power.

[Sunday] Mark 14 | Pride & Power - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 14 | Pride & Power - Revealing True Power

Our pride and search for power can blind us to the realities of our life. It can cause us to call evil good and good evil. It can even cause us to kill and destroy the things we love. This week we see how our pride is destroying Jesus.

[Sunday] Mark 13 | Stacking Bricks - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 13 | Stacking Bricks - Revealing True Power

Look at these huge buildings. Look at how high these bricks are stacked. The disciples walked into Jerusalem amazed at the splendor and power of these buildings. But like all temporal powers, they will be thrown down. In those days, if our trust is in how high the bricks are stacked, then our trust will be thrown down as well.

[Sunday] Mark 12 | Widows' Homes - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 12 | Widows' Homes - Revealing True Power

They make a show of it: their long prayers, their fancy clothes, and their questions that are only meant to trap. It seems like all the show is just for them. But look past the show and see the almost invisible giving everything she has. Perhaps then we will see the kingdom of God.

[Sunday] Mark 11 | Throw This Mountain - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 11 | Throw This Mountain - Revealing True Power

If only you have enough faith, you can throw this mountain into the sea. But it would also take an immense amount of faith to throw all that we hold dear away and say God is all I need.

[Sunday] Mark 10 | Amazing Ask - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 10 | Amazing Ask - Revealing True Power

The new student threw up his hand yet again, into the view of the increasingly frustrated teacher. The teacher marveled that the questions were not questions at all but merely statements to show off the intelligence of the new student.

[Sunday] Mark 9 | Greatness - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 9 | Greatness - Revealing True Power

Welcome a little child, and you welcome Jesus himself. Easy! But what if it does not mean what we think it does? And what does this have to do with the disciples arguing about being great?

[Sunday] Mark 8-9 | Knowing Christ - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 8-9 | Knowing Christ - Revealing True Power

Why can’t the disciples cast out that demon? They have seen Jesus heal people. They have seen the lame walk and the blind see. They have even heard the voice of God blessing his son Jesus. They know who Jesus is. He is the Christ, and yet we struggle.

[Sunday] Mark 7-8 | 4,000 Crumbs - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 7-8 | 4,000 Crumbs - Revealing True Power

The religious leaders clutched their pearls at the sight of Jesus' disciples eating without washing their hands. What is this, Covid? Or is it strict religious devotion which has left so many feeling lost and alone, wanting satisfaction?

[Sunday] Mark 6 | Hearts & Loaves - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 6 | Hearts & Loaves - Revealing True Power

The disciples look straight at Jesus and yet all they see is a ghost on the water. The newly freed people of God stuck in the wilderness long to return to their oppressors in Egypt. It seems even the best of us lose heart during tenuous times. But Jesus looks back at our fearful faces, saying, “Take heart, and remember the loaves.”

[Sunday] Mark 4-5 | Bad Soil Good - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 4-5 | Bad Soil Good - Revealing True Power

Bless your heart, Jesus, but this is just all bad soil. The waves were too much. The man was filled with too many demons. There is no way she could be close to God with all her problems. And that little girl just died. But where the soil is bad, Jesus seems to turn it good.

[Sunday] Mark 3-4 | Seeds & Trees - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 3-4 | Seeds & Trees - Revealing True Power

What does God and His kingdom look like? When Jesus is asked this simple question, He does not give us pictures of great military battles in the sky, or with thinking of answers to difficult questions. No, He said it is like seeds and trees.

[Sunday] Mark 2-3 | Bringing Down the House - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 2-3 | Bringing Down the House - Revealing True Power

Jesus is surrounded. People are everywhere pushing in, wanting to hear a fresh word of good news, wanting Him to heal their hurts. Some are even there blocking others just to catch Jesus in a slip of the tongue. But when some bring down the roof to be restored, others attempt to use the opportunity to bring down the entire house on Jesus.

[Sunday] Mark 1 | Let's Go! - Revealing True Power
[Sunday] Mark 1 | Let's Go! - Revealing True Power

The Heavens are ripped open, hurling God’s grace and power into the world. The sick are healed! The demons are cast out! He speaks new life into God's message! He doesn’t even fall to temptation. He is the one -- Good News at last! Let’s go!

Revealing True Power: The Gospel of Mark
Revealing True Power: The Gospel of Mark

Mark begins his Gospel showing his full intent, “This is the beginning of good news of Jesus, the Son of God.” This declaration of Jesus as the Son of God still deconstructs our own wants and dreams for power, from our feckless notions of political power, to the notions of us who want to gain power from religious dogma, to our own personal wants for notoriety and importance. Mark's Gospel reveals true power as we follow Jesus to the cross, revealing the good news of a life reborn of freedom.

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Sermon Series Cris Escher Sermon Series Cris Escher

Await: Daily Gifts From a Loving Father

Remember being little and excitedly waiting for Christmas to come. As we await the coming messiah, its like we are moving on a grand advent calendar moving closer to the coming Christ. But waiting is hard and can feel like there is nothing good for us. In that struggle of waiting God leaves us daily gifts, a foretaste of what is to come.

Remember being little and excitedly waiting for Christmas to come. As we await the coming messiah, its like we are moving on a grand advent calendar moving closer to the coming Christ. But waiting is hard and can feel like there is nothing good for us. In that struggle of waiting God leaves us daily gifts, a foretaste of what is to come.

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[Sunday] Await Epiphany
[Sunday] Await Epiphany

The Prophet Isaiah is getting us ready for the king’s coming, not just a Jewish king but a wonderful counselor, almighty God, and Prince of Peace.

[Sunday] Await Holy Night
[Sunday] Await Holy Night

“Oh Holy Night” is a loved Christmas carol that speaks of the magi in more than one way.

Christmas Day Service 2021
Christmas Day Service 2021

How beautiful upon the mountains of those whose feet bring good news. On Christmas, we see the world with renewed vision and with gladness as the hope of the world has been born.

Christmas Eve Service 2021
Christmas Eve Service 2021

The angles Startled the poor shepherds with heavenly songs of Glory to God in the Heights. This is how you will know that God has come. You will find a baby poor and in a manger. This changed everything and left the shepherds joyfully singing the song of heaven with breathy human voices.

[Sunday] Await the Empty Tomb
[Sunday] Await the Empty Tomb

“He will swallow up death forever," pronounces the prophet Isaiah as he looks across the future, seeing the shroud which is holding all the creation down. Those words from the prophet ring out with a sure hope as we look inside the empty tomb.

[Sunday] Await the Christmas Ham
[Sunday] Await the Christmas Ham

Oh the humble Christmas ham. It’s easier to cook than a turkey, but it's still tasty. In the nation of Israel the ham would never have been accepted as a gift. And yet the glory of the “ham nations” was given at the birth of the Hebrew messiah.

[Sunday] Await the Nativity
[Sunday] Await the Nativity

The prophet Isaiah is warning us of our proclivity to build foundations upon the power of Babylon rather than the kingdom of God. The gift of the nativity is the place where the world's power structures are completely upended and the original creation is put back to rights.

[Sunday] Await the Ornament
[Sunday] Await the Ornament

The beginning of advent can be a rough time for a young boy. All hyped up from the fun of Thanksgiving, school can be a reality check making him feel like Christmas will never come. For the children of Israel, a bloviating Assyrian makes very real threats, causing them to doubt if the Father is really there. However, a loving father gives us gifts to sustain us until Christmas morning.

Await: Daily Gifts From a Loving Father
Await: Daily Gifts From a Loving Father

Remember being little and excitedly waiting for Christmas to come. As we await the coming messiah, its like we are moving on a grand advent calendar moving closer to the coming Christ. But waiting is hard and can feel like there is nothing good for us. In that struggle of waiting God leaves us daily gifts, a foretaste of what is to come.

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Forgive and Give

God gave His one and only Son so that we might be forgiven. This core idea of the Christian faith seems to permeate Paul’s words as he works to reconcile the relationship with the Corinthians. A generous spirit is one that heals people. It's amazing to think of how a generous spirit in all ways, especially our money, could heal and give good news to so many.

God gave His one and only Son so that we might be forgiven. This core idea of the Christian faith seems to permeate Paul’s words as he works to reconcile the relationship with the Corinthians. A generous spirit is one that heals people. It's amazing to think of how a generous spirit in all ways, especially our money, could heal and give good news to so many.

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[Sunday] Christ the King Sunday 2021
[Sunday] Christ the King Sunday 2021

Just as Christ is “the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end,” at the close of every liturgical year, we look forward with a renewed hope in Christ’s coming again in glory to reign as Lord forever. In the same way, we look forward to our own resurrection and the time of a new earth — an earth that is no longer broken by sin and groaning. Christ will come again in glory just as surely as He came the first time — when He was born. So we have “transition” at the end of the “long green season” into the Advent Season, the new beginning of the liturgical year.

[Sunday] Strong Weakness - Forgive & Give
[Sunday] Strong Weakness - Forgive & Give

So much of our capital time and money is spent trying to make ourselves look strong, to give us something to boast about. This makes it where we spend all that capital on ourselves. But when we look through the cross of Christ, it softens our hearts, and we can boast in our weakness.

[Sunday] Cheerfully Generous - Forgive & Give
[Sunday] Cheerfully Generous - Forgive & Give

We are reminded to look at the Macedonians, how they had nothing and yet were generous. We’re to look to Paul and see how he had nothing yet lived a generous life. Most of all, look to Jesus, who gave it all up for you so that you might be rich. May we have the same spirit of generosity.

[Sunday] Generous Creation - Forgive & Give
[Sunday] Generous Creation - Forgive & Give

We are a new creation who has seen the amazing generosity of the Father though the Son. Let us go with new generosity into all the world, giving good news.

[Sunday] Ordinary Jars - Forgive & Give
[Sunday] Ordinary Jars - Forgive & Give

Can you remember birthdays and Christmases past? All the presents wrapped in beautiful paper - well, except the ones wrapped in old newspaper. Which one is the better gift? Perhaps it's the one that is just ordinary.

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Say What!? Thats Not In The Bible

There are many phrases that we think are good and Christian; however, they are not actually found in Scripture at all. So we are looking at some of those phrases and exclaiming, “Say What?! That's not in the Bible.”

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There are many phrases that we think are good and Christian; however, they are not actually found in Scripture at all. So we are looking at some of those phrases and exclaiming, “Say What?! That's not in the Bible.”

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[Sunday] Love The Sinner Hate The Sin - Say What
[Sunday] Love The Sinner Hate The Sin - Say What

Planks and pearls - we embrace some, and others we throw away. It seems to absolutely love the sinner, we must keep the pearl and remove the plank.

[Sunday] To Thine Own Self Be True - Say What
[Sunday] To Thine Own Self Be True - Say What

This famous Shakespeare quote has gotten a modern, extremely selfish, makeover. Lets talk about Christ’s salvation for the world and the expectation to follow likewise.

[Sunday] God Works In Mysterious Ways - Say What
[Sunday] God Works In Mysterious Ways - Say What

This famous Christian phrase has its origins in a little-known song writer who was always dealing with depression and mantel illness. When our lives are not going the way that we would like we are able to say phrases like this as an expression of deep hope.

[Sunday] Devil Made Me Do It - Say What
[Sunday] Devil Made Me Do It - Say What

Are we the Baddies? Oh the problem of blaming the devil or anything else for our troubles. It takes the very essence away from the Christian.

[Sunday] - Say What?! Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
[Sunday] - Say What?! Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

This phrase makes some wonder, “Is clean living how I get close to God?” Is cleanliness even the goal? The cross did not seem very clean, and yet that is how He washed us all.

[Sunday] - Say What?! God Gains Another Angel
[Sunday] - Say What?! God Gains Another Angel

What happens when you die? That is such a hard question, but what we do know is that God has made you in his image, and even when we die we will still be with him in his image.

[Sunday] - Say What?! God Help Those who Help Themselves
[Sunday] - Say What?! God Help Those who Help Themselves

When does God begin to help us? What does it mean to be in need? The apostle Paul understands what it means to have a lot or a little. But through it all, he is content because God is helping him all the way.

[Sunday] - Say What?! God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle
[Sunday] - Say What?! God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle

When someone we love or know faces some kind of distress or trouble, we often, in an attempt to comfort them, say, “Don’t worry. God won’t give you more than you can handle.” But that is a heavy yoke to give someone when Jesus’ yoke is easy, and His burden in light.

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Red Letter Challenge! New Series in August

By putting God's words literally into practice, you will find the life God has made for you!

By putting God's words literally into practice, you will find the life God has made for you!

  • August 15th Intro

    • Day 1: Tuesday

  • August 22nd

    • Being Day 6

  • August 29th

    • Forgiving Day 13

  • September 5th

    • Serving Day 20

  • September 12th

    • Giving Day 27

  • September 19th

    • Going Day 34

August 15th we are starting the Red Letter Challenge.

Red Letter Challenge is a dynamic 40-day experience that helps people more effectively follow Jesus Christ!

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The RLC is unique because it takes Christ’s literal words and gives you practical daily challenges based on those words.  The RLC will give you targets to shoot for to help you measure how you are practically following after Him.  RLC believes that Jesus followers want to be the best Jesus followers that we can be not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us!

Do you have what it takes to really follow Jesus?  To truly do what He said?
I believe you do!

The RLC will help you:

1)     Have a deeper relationship with Jesus.

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2)     Receive God’s forgiveness in your life and give grace to others.

3)     Give you a greater heart of service.

4)     Help you become more generous.

5)     Give you confidence to speak about what Jesus has done in your life.

Ready to take the challenge?

 

Purchase the Workbook

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  • RLC Recommends 1 Book per person,

    • This is best case however the book is expensive, and I believe it can be shared.

  • The church has ordered some RLC books.

    • The books cost the church 24$ Per Book

    • As with everything if 24$ is too much please take one.

  • Both Amazon and RLC both are selling the book

    • both links are included.

      • Amazon may be faster,

      • RLC will be cheaper.

Buy the Book on Amazon

Buy the book on Red Letter challenge Site

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Ordinary Sinners

Adam & Eve, Noah, David, and so many more -- These people are constantly talked about in the Scriptures, not because they are perfect or holy but because God works “thru” ordinary sinners.

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Adam & Eve, Noah, David, and so many more -- These people are constantly talked about in the Scriptures, not because they are perfect or holy but because God works “thru” ordinary sinners.

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[Sunday] Peter - Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Peter - Ordinary Sinners

We see the story of Peter and experience the smell of charcoal on a beach while Jesus is cooking fish. We see that Jesus restores us where we have failed, and from there, He sends us out to where He is already working.

[Sunday] Paul- Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Paul- Ordinary Sinners

Saul sees his job as one of purity. He is trying to hunt down this new strand of idolatry, those followers of Jesus (this so called “The Way”) and imprison them. His job is done so well that those in “The Way” have left Jerusalem and have begun spreading to the ends of the earth. His job is not done yet; he chases them to Damascus to imprison them. However, as he is pursuing purity, he discovers that their spreading has already happened.

[Sunday] Nehemiah - Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Nehemiah - Ordinary Sinners

Nehemiah feels a burden, a burden to rebuild his city, God’s city. He cries out to God and goes down to Jerusalem and begins an incredible adventure of wall building and shaping people into Godly servants. But this book asks a difficult question, “What if Nehemiah’s plans don’t work out the way he hopes?”

[Sunday] David - Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] David - Ordinary Sinners

The level of messeanic expectation runs thick through the story of David, which can drive us to believe David was more holy than he actually was. However, when we look beyond the story of his infidelity we see someone who fell and was just an ordinary sinner who leads us to the messiah.

[Sunday] Saul - Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Saul - Ordinary Sinners

He started out with such promise. Tall and handsome, the new king would be a servant of God and the people. But this cautionary tale would not end well as we see him fall into the tradition of his people and do what is right in his own eyes.

[Sunday] Samson - Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Samson - Ordinary Sinners

Samson is the famous story of God’s gladiator who constantly shows his incredible acts of strength and will to the glory of God. Or is all this done for Samson’s own glory?

[Sunday] Rahab- Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Rahab- Ordinary Sinners

When God asked Joshua and his people to take the city of Jericho, he did not ask them to be like the incredible gladiators from the past. No, he asked them to be like Rahab the prostitute.

[Sunday] Moses - Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Moses - Ordinary Sinners

Let my people go! So many other acts of righteousness by Moses, so he was something special, right? But why is he not allowed in the promised land after hitting a rock?

[Sunday] Noah - Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Noah - Ordinary Sinners

Have you ever wondered how great the world would be if all those “badies” would just go away? Well, it already happened once, and God chose the only one righteous to continue the line. But what happens when that does not work?

[Sunday] Adam & Eve - Ordinary Sinners
[Sunday] Adam & Eve - Ordinary Sinners

Why in the world did Adam and Eve mess everything up for us? The Garden of Eden seemed so nice, and we would be there right now if it were not for them. Or would we?

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Entrusted - Paul's Final Letter to Timothy

This is the message I’ve been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It’s also the cause of all this trouble I’m in. But I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground, the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what He’s trusted me to do right to the end. Now, go with the faith; you have been entrusted into all the world.

This is the message I’ve been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It’s also the cause of all this trouble I’m in. But I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground, the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what He’s trusted me to do right to the end. Now, go with the faith; you have been entrusted into all the world.

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[Sunday] Itching Ears - Entrusted
[Sunday] Itching Ears - Entrusted

With so many folks all around listening and believing so many toxic ideas and untruths, it can seem like the world is just heading to the bad place. But, what if it is me that stretches my itching ears?

[Sunday] Physically Empty - Entrusted
[Sunday] Physically Empty - Entrusted

Those hurtful empty words only bring hurt and harm. They are only shouted to puff up and look important. But we see the words of the Creator bring about physical life and grace to the whole creation.

[Sunday] Corners Cut - Entrusted
[Sunday] Corners Cut - Entrusted

Backed up against the wall seeming no other way out, it's tempting to cut corners, to make the task easier, to get to the goal faster. But Paul is encouraging us to remember the faith we have been entrusted with, to follow it though and not cut corners.

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Rise - Hope in the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus was an event that surprised the earliest followers of Jesus and forced them to rethink everything they thought they knew about Jesus, themselves, and the world. They believed that the risen Jesus inaugurated God’s new creation, making it possible to become new and different kinds of humans in every aspect of our lives.

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The resurrection of Jesus was an event that surprised the earliest followers of Jesus and forced them to rethink everything they thought they knew about Jesus, themselves, and the world. They believed that the risen Jesus inaugurated God’s new creation, making it possible to become new and different kinds of humans in every aspect of our lives.

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[Sunday] Hope Shapes Us - Rise
[Sunday] Hope Shapes Us - Rise

If your house was about to be destroyed, would you clean it? Would you fix the leaky faucet? Would you take care of it. Perhaps our care of creation follows when our hope is in its destruction. But the resurrection gives a new hope, not in destruction, but in a restorative God who's making all things new again.

[Sunday] Live Resurrection - Rise
[Sunday] Live Resurrection - Rise

So what will we look like in the resurrection? We can look at Jesus for some hints. But what bearing does that have on us today? Actually, it has a lot because, if we think all this will be thrown away like trash, then we may treat it as trash. But what if this body is eternal?

[Sunday] Groans & Glory - Rise
[Sunday] Groans & Glory - Rise

“Ack!” said Cathy. “Ugg!” said all the others when another situation comes up that is frustrating beyond words. But Jesus comes into those groans and helps us see glory is being produced through them.

[Sunday] Precious Trials - Rise
[Sunday] Precious Trials - Rise

Gold, a precious metal, becomes more so when it goes through the refiner's fire. Peter also went through the fire as he denied his own savior. But Jesus restored Peter, giving him the eyes to see how his suffering connected to Jesus'.

[Sunday] Road to Seeing - Rise
[Sunday] Road to Seeing - Rise

They were dejected, “We thought that Jesus was going to take over the world, but the world ended up taking him.” They said to this stranger they met on the road. But who is that Stranger and how can this trip down the road give us eyes to see.

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All Nations

All throughout the Gospels people’s nationalities are mentioned. Why are the gospel writers spending precious ink telling us where some of these people are from? Perhaps, their nationality is part of the story and shows us another part of God’s love for all people.

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New Sermon Series for Lent.

All throughout the Gospels people’s nationalities are mentioned. Why are the gospel writers spending precious ink telling us where some of these people are from? Perhaps, their nationality is part of the story and shows us another part of God’s love for all people.

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[Sunday] Easter - All Nations - 21'
[Sunday] Easter - All Nations - 21'

Christ is Risen! Peter falls asleep and sees a vision where Jesus declares all food clean. Yea! Pulled Pork for everyone. Living in the resurrection Glory! But as Peter answers the door he realizes that it was never about the food.

Good Friday - All Nations - 21'
Good Friday - All Nations - 21'

We Walk through the Passion of Jesus the Christ as he is raised in his glory

Maundy Thursday - All Nations - 21'
Maundy Thursday - All Nations - 21'

John 12:46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

[Sunday] Palm Bracket - All Nations
[Sunday] Palm Bracket - All Nations

He raised Lazarus from the dead? I think this is the Messiah. Do you think he is the one who will finally kick out the Romans from the holy city? If he can raise the dead, then he can do anything I think he should do. I am expecting a miracle.

[Sunday] What Who - All Nations
[Sunday] What Who - All Nations

The man asked Jesus the same question many have asked throughout time. What do I have to do to get to heaven? Jesus tells us a story about a man who was beaten and robbed and the outcast who cared for him. Turning our questions of what to who?

[Sunday] Who Carried - All Nations
[Sunday] Who Carried - All Nations

Jesus says all through the gospel to take up your cross. He was going to die but rise again and we should take up his cross. But after he was arrested, all his friends and followers were nowhere to be found to take up his cross. So then who carried it?

[Sunday] Painted Apart - All Nations
[Sunday] Painted Apart - All Nations

Look at the stark separation, a clear delineation showing clear cultural lines of separation between people. But Jesus crosses this separation to bring healing, not just to the servant, but to all nations.

[Sunday] Crumbs and Crosses - All Nations
[Sunday] Crumbs and Crosses - All Nations

She is unworthy but is wanting something from Jesus. Will she fight for what she wants, or will she show us that the kingdom of God is made up of mustard seeds, crumbs, and crosses?

[Sunday] Blessed Curse - All Nations
[Sunday] Blessed Curse - All Nations

They came to the new world to live the dream, to get away from all that would hold them down, away from all the sinful people who would drag us to hell. But what happens when a cross shows up in the middle of your dream?

[Ash Wednesday] 2021 Live Stream
[Ash Wednesday] 2021 Live Stream

Ash Wednesday we ponder the question of how we got here. What have we done to outselves. This day invites us to sit in dust and ashes and seek repentance.

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All Nations - The Diversity of the Gospel

All throughout the Gospels, people’s nationalities are mentioned. Why are the gospel writers spending precious ink telling us where some of these people are from? Perhaps, their nationality is part of the story and shows us another part of God’s love for all nations.

All Nations logo trans.png

All throughout the Gospels, people’s nationalities are mentioned. Why are the gospel writers spending precious ink telling us where some of these people are from? Perhaps, their nationality is part of the story and shows us another part of God’s love for all nations.

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[Sunday] Easter - All Nations - 21'
[Sunday] Easter - All Nations - 21'

Christ is Risen! Peter falls asleep and sees a vision where Jesus declares all food clean. Yea! Pulled Pork for everyone. Living in the resurrection Glory! But as Peter answers the door he realizes that it was never about the food.

Good Friday - All Nations - 21'
Good Friday - All Nations - 21'

We Walk through the Passion of Jesus the Christ as he is raised in his glory

Maundy Thursday - All Nations - 21'
Maundy Thursday - All Nations - 21'

John 12:46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

[Sunday] Palm Bracket - All Nations
[Sunday] Palm Bracket - All Nations

He raised Lazarus from the dead? I think this is the Messiah. Do you think he is the one who will finally kick out the Romans from the holy city? If he can raise the dead, then he can do anything I think he should do. I am expecting a miracle.

[Sunday] What Who - All Nations
[Sunday] What Who - All Nations

The man asked Jesus the same question many have asked throughout time. What do I have to do to get to heaven? Jesus tells us a story about a man who was beaten and robbed and the outcast who cared for him. Turning our questions of what to who?

[Sunday] Who Carried - All Nations
[Sunday] Who Carried - All Nations

Jesus says all through the gospel to take up your cross. He was going to die but rise again and we should take up his cross. But after he was arrested, all his friends and followers were nowhere to be found to take up his cross. So then who carried it?

[Sunday] Painted Apart - All Nations
[Sunday] Painted Apart - All Nations

Look at the stark separation, a clear delineation showing clear cultural lines of separation between people. But Jesus crosses this separation to bring healing, not just to the servant, but to all nations.

[Sunday] Crumbs and Crosses - All Nations
[Sunday] Crumbs and Crosses - All Nations

She is unworthy but is wanting something from Jesus. Will she fight for what she wants, or will she show us that the kingdom of God is made up of mustard seeds, crumbs, and crosses?

[Sunday] Blessed Curse - All Nations
[Sunday] Blessed Curse - All Nations

They came to the new world to live the dream, to get away from all that would hold them down, away from all the sinful people who would drag us to hell. But what happens when a cross shows up in the middle of your dream?

[Ash Wednesday] 2021 Live Stream
[Ash Wednesday] 2021 Live Stream

Ash Wednesday we ponder the question of how we got here. What have we done to outselves. This day invites us to sit in dust and ashes and seek repentance.

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Faith & Family Dysfunction - Working our Way Through Biblical Dysfunction

Anxiety, pitting our family and friends against each other, group think, and bitterness. These all take life away from us and can cause us to live in despair. But when we look through the main story of scripture we see a family who is extremely dysfunctional, and yet God never leaves them and we know them as the patriarchs

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Anxiety, pitting our family and friends against each other, group think, and bitterness. These all take life away from us and can cause us to live in despair. But when we look through the main story of scripture we see a family who is extremely dysfunctional, and yet God never leaves them and we know them as the patriarchs

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[Sunday] Breaking Dysfunction - Faith and Family Dysfunction
[Sunday] Breaking Dysfunction - Faith and Family Dysfunction

There is always forgiveness. But what happens when someone does something so bad that it's impossible to forget. How do you break that hurt that distrust. Joseph’s brothers try to kill him and he was taken from his family for the rest of his life. How do they break the dysfunction?

[Sunday] Self Differentiation- Faith and Family Dysfunction
[Sunday] Self Differentiation- Faith and Family Dysfunction

If you are in Christ; your identity is not in what you’ve done, how you feel, or how others think of you. These things do not define you. Your identity is made in the image and likeness of God. Because of Jesus’ work on the cross, God sees you as His precious child, holy and dearly loved. Receive your identity, instead of trying to achieve it.

[Sunday] Bitterness - Faith and Family Dysfunction
[Sunday] Bitterness - Faith and Family Dysfunction

Jacob was always a fighter. He fought for everything and left an angry wake behind him. But when he was left all alone, his bitterness and the thought of sure death just around the corner, he was able to get relief from the bitterness and havoc.

[Sunday] Triangles - Faith and Family Dysfunction
[Sunday] Triangles - Faith and Family Dysfunction

Remember that time when you asked your mom for something and she denied your request? Then you went straight to your dad and asked him. Yeah, that's making a triangle. It’s bad, but we do that all the time, and yet it needs to stop.

[Sunday] Named Anxiety - Faith and Family Dysfunction
[Sunday] Named Anxiety - Faith and Family Dysfunction

Abraham looks at God's promises to him and tries to make them happen for himself. Oh, the havoc caused by not trusting God and who you really are! But God still brings peace with his promises.

[Sunday] No Excuses - Faith and Family Dysfunction
[Sunday] No Excuses - Faith and Family Dysfunction

Anxiety, pitting our family and friends against each other, group think, and bitterness - these all take life away from us and can cause us to live in despair. But when we look through the main story of Scripture, we see a family that is extremely dysfunctional, and yet God never leaves them, and we know them as the patriarchs.

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The Standard Sermon Series

The Ten Commandments have long been the standard to which we judge how we should live. But how many do we have to keep so that we can stay on God’s good side? Is it one or five? I mean, some of these are easy, like don’t murder. I haven’t broken that yet. However, when we look deeper at the commandments, we see a deeper standard for our lives.

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The Ten Commandments have long been the standard to which we judge how we should live. But how many do we have to keep so that we can stay on God’s good side? Is it one or five? I mean, some of these are easy, like don’t muder. I haven’t broken that yet. However, when we look deeper at the commandments, we see a deeper standard for our lives.

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[Sunday] Sneaky Snakes - The Standard - 9,10th Commandment
[Sunday] Sneaky Snakes - The Standard - 9,10th Commandment

It's so scandalous and sneaky when we feign righteousness before everyone but secretly wish them poor fortune.

[Sunday] Little Judges - The Standard - 8th Commandment
[Sunday] Little Judges - The Standard - 8th Commandment

Look, there's another one. Little judges are everywhere, working so hard to put people in their place. Perhaps Jesus knew what he was talking about when he said get the plank out of your own eye first.

[Sunday] Give Life - The Standard - 567 Commandment
[Sunday] Give Life - The Standard - 567 Commandment

Don’t kill, commit adultery, or steal. Every one of these takes life from our neighbor. But as people of the creator, we can take the creation spirit and give life to our neighbor, their spouse, and things.

[Sunday] Well For You - The Standard - 4 Commandment
[Sunday] Well For You - The Standard - 4 Commandment

Do this, and it will go well for you. It's a promise, but often it's hard for us to keep.

[Sunday] Slow Down - The Standard - 2&3 Commandment
[Sunday] Slow Down - The Standard - 2&3 Commandment

Rush, rush rush, running around in every direction. Perhaps our vision of God can be clearer when we slow down and remember Jesus.

[Sunday] Fear Love & Trust - The Standard - 1st Commandment
[Sunday] Fear Love & Trust - The Standard - 1st Commandment

We are getting just a taste of the love of God here at the end of Romans. While we all are worried about what people are tasting or not, we see that God’s love flows to each of us. Let go with God’s flow.

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God's Greater Story [Romans] Sermon Series

Paul in Romans is not speaking of a belief that is only for himself, a personal theology or a record of his personal spiritual journey. Paul is speaking of God and God’s work among his people, a saving work that includes all nations and that extends throughout all time. Paul’s words of faith are not for himself alone but for all peoples. Paul tells the Romans and us God’s greater story.

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Paul in Romans is not speaking of a belief that is only for himself, a personal theology or a record of his personal spiritual journey. Paul is speaking of God and God’s work among his people, a saving work that includes all nations and that extends throughout all time. Paul’s words of faith are not for himself alone but for all peoples. Paul tells the Romans and us God’s greater story.

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[Sunday] Just a Taste - God's Greater Story - Romans 14
[Sunday] Just a Taste - God's Greater Story - Romans 14

We are getting just a taste of the love of God here at the end of Romans. While we all are worried about what people are tasting or not, we see that God’s love flows to each of us. Let go with God’s flow.

[Sunday] Under Roman Roads - God's Greater Story - Romans 13
[Sunday] Under Roman Roads - God's Greater Story - Romans 13

There they were, placing another Christian friend in the catacombs under the roads of Rome. They were facing persecution from all sides, and things looked bleak. They then looked at the new painting on the wall. It was Jesus the savant of all, encouraging them, too, to be servants of all.

[Sunday] Molded - God's Greater Story - Romans 12
[Sunday] Molded - God's Greater Story - Romans 12

The power of the world is chiseled in stone, but the power of God is molded in flesh and blood. Let us pray we don’t seek our hope in cold, chiseled stone, but may the Spirit guide and mold us to be servants of God’s creation.

[Sunday] Loving - God's Greater Story - Romans 11 + 12
[Sunday] Loving - God's Greater Story - Romans 11 + 12

Special Guest Victor Belton.
How Great and Wonderful is our God who takes our burden away so we can love those around us.

[Sunday] Grafted- God's Greater Story - Romans 11
[Sunday] Grafted- God's Greater Story - Romans 11

The story is backwards. Usually the stump is wild and the grafted branches are the good, fruit-bearing kind. But here, the wild branches (usually less fruitful) are the ones which have been grafted in. Paul is telling us, the wild ones, to be humble because we have been grafted into the original tree of promise.

[Sunday] Perspective - God's Greater Story - Romans 10
[Sunday] Perspective - God's Greater Story - Romans 10

Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John of the Cross was almost completely destroyed when a man claimed it desecrated Christ and His image. What would enrage someone to destroy a work of art like that? Was it someone hostile to the faith? Nope, it was a matter of perspective.

[Sunday] Humble Servant - God's Greater Story - Romans 9
[Sunday] Humble Servant - God's Greater Story - Romans 9

Why are God’s original people, who are in the line of their father Israel, being left behind? This is an extremely hard question, and I think we find the answer, not in the search for power, but in being a humble servant.

[Sunday] Overwhelm - God's Greater Story - Romans 8:31-39
[Sunday] Overwhelm - God's Greater Story - Romans 8:31-39

The world just feels overwhelming. From the virus, politics, and loss of security it can feel like it is just too much. That right there is what the author Paul wants us to see, that no matter what, God's love is just as overwhelming, but in a good way.

[Sunday] Stuck in the Stone - God's Greater Story - Romans 8b
[Sunday] Stuck in the Stone - God's Greater Story - Romans 8b

Have you ever felt stuck? Stuck inside because of a virus? Stuck at a job? Stuck in a relationship? Many times we groan because we are yearning for freedom from the stone we are stuck in. What can we look to for true freedom?

[Sunday] Slave to Son- God's Greater Story - Romans 8
[Sunday] Slave to Son- God's Greater Story - Romans 8

Paul makes a curious point prior to chapter 8 here. He says we are no longer a slave to sin but a slave to Christ. But where is the freedom in that? It sounds like we have exchanged one slavery for another, but that was just a stopgap point. For Paul keeps moving forward and says we are not a slave to have been made into a child of God.

[Sunday] Deliverance- God's Greater Story - Romans 7
[Sunday] Deliverance- God's Greater Story - Romans 7

Life can be full of struggle. In the midst of such struggle we are trying to figure out how we should act that would be the best. But many times we end up doing and participating in the very things we hate. Who will deliver us from this struggle?

[Sunday] - Resurrection of Van Gogh- God's Greater Story - Romans 7
[Sunday] - Resurrection of Van Gogh- God's Greater Story - Romans 7

The famous artist is troubled. Stuck in an asylum for over a year, all he can do is paint what he can see. One day his brother sends him a picture from Rembrandt, of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Van Gogh sees life once again. 

[Sunday] - Reflection - God's Greater Story - Romans 6
[Sunday] - Reflection - God's Greater Story - Romans 6

When we are looking at participating in a greater story, we usually desire to neglect and hide our weaknesses. However, we see that we are baptized into Christ’s death and participate in his resurrection. Wait, what? Baptized into death? How is this the greater story?

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