The Forgotten God
Troubles and trials might discourage us from worshipping if we decide to blame our misfortunes on God. On the other hand, when we're financially secure, feelings of self-satisfaction can draw our focus away from God toward material comforts. Either way, we're distracted from the One who loves, protects, and provides all good things for us. Isaiah reminds us of the risks of forgetting about God. Join us to learn more about that, as well as ways we can always keep our worship focused on Jesus -- in good times and in bad.
Topics: God's Presence, Knowing God, Trusting God
The Branch
This week, we dive into Isaiah's messianic prophecies and discover that Jesus is perfectly pictured there -- full of hope, peace, and security. How does this vision of the Messiah call us to live? How does it call us to worship? Are you hungry for more of what God seems so willing to do among us? Then check out this message.
Encounter
This Sunday, we'll invite you into deep-end worship as we encounter Isaiah's vision and God's presence together. We'll watch Isaiah fall to his knees in the presence of God's glory, and we'll learn that worship is so much more than good songs and a decent teaching. It is Encounter. It invites His glory into our reality. See you in worship!
Topics: Encounter
Worthless Worship
The book of Isaiah is often called "The Fifth Gospel." Long before Jesus walked the earth, Isaiah envisioned His presence among us with deep longing. In the language of prophetic poetry, he paints a vivid picture of the coming Messiah, then teaches us how to worship Him so that He is honored and His Kingdom is advanced. This week, we'll begin our summer journey through Isaiah with a special focus on what he teaches us about worship. It's a great time to reboot, rethink, and be spiritually rejuvenated.
Topics: worship
Jude
This week, Christopher is our preacher and Jude is the book. Jude urges us to defend the Gospel and to remember the words of the apostles. He also sends us a sober warning about the consequence of forgetting who we are in Christ and trading truth for a lie. Join us Sunday and be inspired!
3 John
I've been reading a book called Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History. It is an eye-opening look at how Christians have acted through the ages. As the title suggests, it hasn't all been bad. There are saints in our family tree -- people who love deeply and suffer patiently and act selflessly. Our tribe is rife with those folks. But they are not all of us. There are also bullies among us, from crusaders, to slaveholders, to molesters, to hypocrites. We are not perfect people. Not by a long shot. This Sunday, we'll look at a bully and a saint in John's third letter to the Church, and we'll be inspired to consider how our own attitudes and actions help or hurt the cause of Christ in the world. We'll try together to get to the heart of the issue as we let the issues get to the heart of us. I don't know if I'm as "excited" about this message as I am ready for it. It is an important conversation for the Church and for our church. ~ Carolyn
Topics: Relationship
2 John
This week, we're proving the title of this series. Some of the shortest books in the Bible still carry big messages, and 2 John is one of those books. In just five paragraphs, he sums up the marching orders of every follower of Jesus: Walk in love, and walk in truth. This Sunday, we'll talk about how to hold those thoughts in tension so we can fully comprehend the magnificent, holy love of God. We will also celebrate our seniors (high school and beyond), so come ready to offer some blessings to folks on their way to big things.
Topics: Love
1 John
Having grown up in a house full of boys, I know too well that one person's fun is another person's "hey! that's not funny!" All of us tend to define the world according to our own preferences and through our own filters (which means it is pretty amazing we agree on anything, right?). John understood our psychology. and in his first letter to the early church, wants Christians to hear that there are actually some things we can all agree on -- like the love of God, the centrality of Jesus, and the need for fellowship. When we can agree on the big things, it sure makes the rest of it easier. That's the big message this Sunday, and I'm very excited to be with you in worship and the Word! ~ Carolyn
Topics: Centrality of Jesus, Incarnation, Love of God
2 Peter
2 Peter is a culmination of all Peter's teachings packed into three short chapters. It's full of passion and conviction and laced all the way through with an upward call ... to grow up, listen up, and stand up. Come! Hear Peter's heart for the church he lived and died for as he shares his greatest hope for all of us.
Topics: Relationship, Theology, Truth
