Imagine what it must have been like to witness the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. What did those many wide eyes see? What did their ears hear? God's empowering presence, coming upon the people, fulfilled many generations of Messianic prophecy and even the words of Jesus Himself. It really must have been something...
It's starting to get real. Jesus is telling his disciples all about what it means - and what it will take - to follow Him. Are they ready, willing, and able to begin an adventure like this?
Jesus has now appeared three times to his disciples since having been raised from the dead. They know him. They trust him. They love him. Jesus is preparing them to go out into the world, and in the spirit of reconciliation, draw others in to follow the Messiah.
We're picking back up the "50 Days of Easter" series that takes us from Jesus' resurrection to His ascension into heaven. The disciples get a surprise visitor - that encounter has a life changing effect on those followers of Jesus. How has that same encounter changed your life?
Can you look back and see the faith of your mother? Your grandmother? Maybe it's a long history of faith stretching back to their own mothers and grandmothers, instilling in you a sincere and deep faith in the LORD. What a beautiful gift.
Christ is Risen! The message series “50 Days of Easter” will explore the time after Jesus' resurrection until His ascension into heaven.
A dramatic presentation of the Gospel of John by Steve Wilent. *used with permission Steve Wilent is a professional actor and storyteller. He is a published author and has taught workshops on acting, writing, improvisation and creativity. He has traveled with his ministry, performing and teaching all across the country as well as internationally. He enjoys the outdoors as well as music, theatre, films, good books and great food! With a grin, he will proudly tell you that he has performed with Bl...
Three days of deep sorrow and fear. People were plagued by uncertainty and disbelief…their LORD was dead. But in those early morning hours on the third day, the tomb was a busy place. Those who loved Jesus had gathered near and the large stone covering the entrance was moved. Jesus’ body was no longer there, but it wouldn’t be long before someone realized where he went.
Mary & Martha... their brother Lazarus. They were all called out of the darkness, albeit in vastly different ways, into the presence of the Messiah. Because of what Christ has done on the cross, one day we too will be called out of our present darkness into His glorious light!
Our heavenly Father knows our daily needs - food & water, clothing, shelter. But can we trust Him for the deeper, more profound insecurities in life? We don't need to ask "to whom shall we go?" because we've placed our trust in the One who has given us eternal life.
"Do you want to get well?" It's the question Jesus asked the man at the pool of Bethesda who had been paralyzed for 38 years. What is your answer? Do YOU want to get well?
Face to face is where life is found and fear is defeated.
Jesus is the Giver of real life and joy to all who believe in Him .
The life of this party wasn't the DJ or the bridesmaid who had one drink too many. At this party, the revelation of Jesus' character, and His desire to meet the needs of these people at this time, was on display. Wine in abundance and joy for living out lives with Him.
"Who cares?" If someone came up to you, or in conversation, expressed that point of view and felt their contribution was being utterly overlooked, could your name be given?
One of the greatest things about a church service is being together, in one place, lifting our hearts in worship to a Holy, Sovereign and WORTHY God. His presence in our midst inspires all blessing and honor and glory be given to Him.
It might be a coffee shop or a neighborhood lunch counter where eating a meal together becomes a sacred act, taking place around the Lord's table. It didn't take place in church, but don't you wish it had?
The Book. That's where it all starts.
"I am not myself by myself" - Eugene Peterson. Two years of isolation and separation has amplified our deep need to live in relationship with one another. We are going to do that this year. Eugene Peterson was right - we are not ourselves by ourselves.
As followers of Jesus and as members of His church, how we treat and value one other should be a direct reflection of how God sees us - as equal parts of His family. He does not view anyone through a lens of partiality, but rather sees us for what we truly are: created in His image, each of us equal and valuable.
Epiphany - what exactly is it? It is the continuing revelation that Jesus is the Son of God. May the following be true for you and your household this year: 20 + C + M + B + 22 Christus Mansionem Benedicat
Yes, it still Christmas. The good news of Jesus' birth is still on our lips and we are celebrating with great joy!
"O come let us adore him." That phrase takes on a more significant meaning, coming from the faraway hills at the request of a host of angels. Just come, indeed.
The birth of Jesus was an event of history changing, miracle making and life altering proportion. It changed everything. We can only imagine what it was like for those who were there.
The birth of Jesus was an event of history changing, miracle making and life altering proportion. It changed everything. Every thing. We can only imagine what it was like for those who were there.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart ...and be thankful. During this season of Thanksgiving, may we all feel the peace of our gracious Lord in our hearts and in our homes and in turn, be thankful for our many blessings.
As our fall b.l.e.s.s. series comes to a close, a bit of an object lesson comes to mind. An experienced angler wades down into a shallow river, hoping to catch 'the big one'. The right pole... the appropriate line and lure, right? He came prepared. When we invest in those around us and display the gospel to them in our words and actions, we do so possessing every tool we will ever need. God has given all of them to us.
Living out the gospel requires boldness. Be ready with the truth - don't keep quiet or be subdued about it. Will you stand on a stage and proclaim it or will you hide, never emerging from your safe shelter?
We do not carry the responsibility of someone's 'yes' or 'no'. The message is the same either way. Our part is to live simply, serve others and share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who want to hear.
Imagine seeing every person, in every circumstance, through the eyes of Jesus. That annoying solicitor at your front door or on the other end of the phone is suddenly someone working a thankless third job to provide for a family. The short-tempered grocery clerk who was too rough with your carton of eggs quickly becomes a brand new dad whose newborn is still in the hospital with an undiagnosed illness. Jesus sees it all... sees US ALL... for what we truly are; His creation, His workmanship, His ...
