Know that the LORD is God 11/21/17

Psalm 100 helps us with our response to God. This message probes thanksgiving, and how pure worship of God sometimes requires our doing absolutely nothing!

Test God with Your Money 6/25/17

This is a message about $$. I address all the following questions:

Why is God and the church so interested in YOUR money?

What is God’s plan for the use of the money you give?

What happens to YOU when you give to God?

How can you test the presence of God in your life, and find a relationship with God, through giving money?

What type of blessing does the Lord promise when you give money?

God's Family 5/14/17

On Mother’s Day Rebecca took us to a most intimate moment between Jesus and his mother, as Jesus addresses Mary from the cross in John’s Gospel. We hear about the exemplary care Jesus shows to his mother, about Jesus’ radical redefinition of family by calling you his brothers and sisters, and about how you can feel the guidance of God as a mothering influence through following Scripture’s teaching.

Baptism Is Branding and Purposing 5/7/17

In this message I talk about baptism as branding and purposing.

PURPOSING: Jesus did not only show a way of life based on a radical love for others… He also asked us to join his movement. When those he was training asked if they should send away a large crowd so they could go grab some dinner, Jesus’ response was, “They don’t need to go away. You feed them.”

“You feed them” becomes a mantra for any body of believers (a church).

BRANDING: Pretty much anyone you talk with will say that the loving image Jesus represents is attractive to them. Jesus was a main culprit in sowing this image. He liked using the image of shepherding, and calling himself the “Good Shepherd.”

You are the would-be sheep of his flock, who he would brand with faith in his grace, and who he would lead to abundant life now and forevermore.

Doubt 4/23/17

The theme of this sermon is our doubt. No matter if we're talking the big doubts (Does God even exist?), or the more "trivial" brand (Does God care if the Dodgers win?)...

We look at doubt as not something to hide. We look at the many ways the people of faith managed the potential for doubt in the bible.

For Christ & His Kingdom Alone 4/16/17

There are many reasons to be in a church, and they are all bad and degenerative if it is not this: For Christ and His Kingdom.

In this Resurrection Morning (Easter) sermon we concentrate on the many reasons that we may have to participate in a community of faith. They will ALL hurt what God has brought us together to do and be IF the main reason is not acknowledged. We are together for Christ and his Kingdom.

When anyone weaves their life in and out of our community of faith they need to have the sense that we are only together because of Christ and his Kingdom. We may do any variety of things together: music, serve, eat, Bible study, play, etc. Yet we are doing all things in Jesus' name.

And when the problems within the church inevitable arise, we make it even more the clearer in that moment that we nevertheless continue to live in community for Christ and His Kingdom.

Who's Team Are you On? 4/9/17

you have been cut from the team--the team that seeks this world's goals. In the crucifixion of Jesus, Scripture tells that you as well have been crucified, and along with the sinful passions and desires we may entertain. 

In this message I share on the challenges, benefits, and realities for you now that your sinful passions and desires have been crucified