Dec 15, 2024
2024 Christmas Program
Series: (All)
2024 Christmas Music Program
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  • Dec 15, 20242024 Christmas Program
    Dec 15, 2024
    2024 Christmas Program
    Series: (All)
    2024 Christmas Music Program
  • Dec 8, 2024Away With the Manger
    Dec 8, 2024
    Away With the Manger
    Series: (All)
    Luke 2:8-12
    The manger, referring to the feeding trough in which Mary’s newborn child was laid, played a relatively minor role in the Savior’s birth.  And yet, it represents for us the humble nature of the incarnation, and also the kind of Messiah Jesus came to be.  But why is it that some people, even among those who love to celebrate the holiday of Christmas, prefer to do it without acknowledging the full gospel message?
    • For some, the incarnation seems an insult to their intelligence.
    • For some, the incarnation is an affront to their ideals.
    • For some, the incarnation poses a challenge to their authority.
    Will you try to celebrate Christmas without the Christ of scripture, or will you open your heart to the fullness of the “good news of great joy?”
  • Dec 1, 2024Great Expectations
    Dec 1, 2024
    Great Expectations
    Series: (All)
    Isaiah 9:2-7 Many centuries before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, His coming was foretold by the prophet Isaiah.  Great expectations were certainly set for the One who would bring hope to a shattered land and a broken people.  He is still the all-sufficient hope even for us today. He is our . . .
    • Wonderful Counselor
    • Mighty God
    • Everlasting Father
    • Prince of Peace
  • Nov 24, 2024Dining with Jesus at Simon’s House
    Nov 24, 2024
    Dining with Jesus at Simon’s House
    Luke 7:36-50 This story from the Gospel of Luke uses the setting of a dinner party at the home of Simon the Pharisee to illustrate a clear contrast between those who truly love Jesus and those who don’t.  Jesus’ short parable reveals what it is that fills our hearts with eternal gratitude.
    • Our gratitude is based on an acknowledgement of debt.
    • Our gratitude is based on the realization that we are unable to pay.
    • Our gratitude is grounded in our faith in a loving God who accepts us, forgives us, transforms us, and offers His eternal salvation to us—because He loves us!
    Jesus is The Messiah Worthy of Our Gratitude!
  • Nov 17, 2024Dining with Jesus at Emmaus
    Nov 17, 2024
    Dining with Jesus at Emmaus
    Luke 24:13-35 Those who loved and followed Jesus were at an all-time emotional low after his crucifixion and burial.  Even after his resurrection, there was much confusion and lack of faith.  But Jesus is the risen Lord who loves to reveal himself!  On the road to Emmaus, Jesus walked and talked with two of his disciples, but it was not until he broke bread with them that they truly recognized him.
    • While always in our midst, Jesus often goes unrecognized.  (24:13-16)
    • The result of our ignorance is discouragement.  (17-24)
    • Jesus gives us insight into his Heavenly Father’s message.  (25-27)
    • The more we commune with Jesus, the more of himself he reveals.  (28-32)
    • When Jesus reveals himself, there is always a message to share. (33-35)
    Jesus is The Messiah Who Reveals!
  • Nov 10, 2024Dining with Jesus at a Pharisee’s House
    Nov 10, 2024
    Dining with Jesus at a Pharisee’s House
    Luke 14:1-24 - Jesus used the occasion of eating at a Pharisee’s house to share some important lessons about the ways of the Heavenly Father.
    • God prioritizes people over traditions. (14:1-6)
    • God humbles the prideful and exalts the humble. (14:7-11)
    • God rewards those who give without thought of repayment. (14:12-14)
    • God welcomes into the Kingdom those who gladly accept His invitation. (14:15-24)
    Jesus is the Messiah Who Teaches the ways of God.
  • Nov 3, 2024Dining with Jesus in the Upper Room
    Nov 3, 2024
    Dining with Jesus in the Upper Room
    Matthew 26:17-30 Just before his betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus sat with his disciples in the upper room for the Passover meal.  As they ate together, he gave them bread and wine which would become an eternal reminder that he is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
    • The meal was a reminder of something PAST.
    • The meal was a declaration of something PRESENT.
    • The meal was a promise of something FUTURE.
    By observing the Passover and instituting the Lord’s Supper, Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah Who Saves!
  • Oct 27, 2024Dining with Jesus in a Remote Place
    Oct 27, 2024
    Dining with Jesus in a Remote Place
    Matthew 14:13-21 After the death of John the Baptist, Jesus took his disciples with him for some private time away from the crowds.  When people from the towns found where they were, thousands flocked to be healed and to hear Jesus preach.  As the day ended, Jesus called on his disciples to feed them.  How could that be accomplished with only five loaves and two fish?
    • Never underestimate what Jesus can do for a needy world.
    • Never underestimate what Jesus can do with meager resources.
    • Never underestimate what Jesus can do with obedient followers.
    On this occasion when Jesus shared a meal with the masses, he taught a valuable lesson about himself.  He is the Messiah who abundantly provides for the needs of the people he loves.  We can always trust him to provide for us!
  • Oct 20, 2024Dining with Jesus at Matthew’s House
    Oct 20, 2024
    Dining with Jesus at Matthew’s House
    Luke 5:27-32 In the coming weeks, we will be looking at times when the gospels tell us that Jesus sat down to have a meal, or even to take part in a banquet.  Who was He with, and what does it teach us about His mission as God’s Messiah? We begin early in Jesus’ ministry as He was calling together His band of disciples.  Matthew the tax collector seemed an unlikely choice, but immediately upon being called, he invited Jesus to his house to celebrate with his friends.
    • An Invitation (verse 27)
    • A Redirection (verse 28)
    • A Celebration (verse 29)
    • An Objection (verse 30)
    • A Clarification (verse 31-32)
    We learn an important lesson about Jesus.  He is the Messiah who welcomes!  There is certainly a place at his table for us.
  • Oct 13, 2024Unloving Attitudes
    Oct 13, 2024
    Unloving Attitudes
    1 Corinthians 13:1-13 After sharing about spiritual gifts in chapter 12, the Apostle Paul focuses on the importance of agape love as the motivation for all that we do. He first lists five important gifts and actions that are useless without love:
    • Eloquence
    • Knowledge
    • Faith
    • Generosity
    • Sacrifice
    He then provides a beautiful description of what Christ-like love truly is:
    • Love is patient and kind.
    • Love does not envy, boast or act out of pride.
    • Love is not rude or selfish.
    • Love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs.
    • Love doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
    • Love protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.
    Nothing is more important or longer lasting than the love of God revealed to us in Jesus and planted in our hearts.  Allow it to guide every thought, word & action!