Front Porch

February 19, 2012 • Category: State of the Church

Whatever happened to the front porch in American culture? Front porches used to be everywhere –- an open invitation for friends and neighbors to have a seat and share a bit of life. Now the emphasis has shifted to patios and decks on the back of our homes –- invitation only –- for those rare occasions when our schedule permits socializing. Is that how life’s supposed to be? Is that what makes us happy?

Today’s scripture: Luke 10:38-42

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Remember Me

February 12, 2012 • Category: State of the Church

In our annual “State of the Church sermon,” we’ll talk about how we’re doing as a church community in living up to the legacy Jesus gave us, and what lies ahead.

Today’s scripture: Luke 22:14-20, 28-30

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How Change Happens

February 5, 2012 • Category: Christian Life

This sermon explores a story of remarkable change buried deep in the Old Testament. The story tells how a group of people determined to exact revenge underwent a complete change of heart and ended up tending to the needs to their former enemies. What caused such a remarkable transformation? And how can we learn to create that kind of change in our families, workplaces, and communities?

Today’s scripture: 2 Chronicles 28:1-15

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Unremarkably Remarkable

January 29, 2012 • Category: Christian Life

Have you had your 15 minutes of fame? Probably not — most of us never will. We live; we die, and this great big world barely even notices.

This sermon looks at someone in the Bible who lived like us — obscure, anything but famous. Yet, in God’s eyes, he lived very well. From his example, we’ll gain insight about “the meaning of it all.”

Today’s scripture: 2 Chronicles 27:1-9

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They Did What?!

January 22, 2012 • Category: Christian Life

We’re exploring one of those Bible stories that makes you cringe, but also makes you think deeply about important questions like: Are all religions created equal? And, if not, what should we do about it?

Today’s scripture: 2 Chronicles 14:1-8

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He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

January 15, 2012 • Category: Knowing God/Relationship with God

Sometimes we feel really disconnected from God. Some of us have always felt that way. We hear others talk about their “close personal walk with God,” and they seem like aliens. Why can’t I feel that way? What’s wrong with me?

This sermon examines the one essential prerequisite for feeling close to God. It’s not what you think!

Today’s scripture: Psalm 63:1-8

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Dark Shadows

January 8, 2012 • Category: Prayer

We have good intentions about a consistent prayer life. Then life happens. Time gets squeezed. We think we have things under control on our own. But do we really?

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

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Another Lap Around The Sun

January 1, 2012 • Category: Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth

Listen, reflect, and begin the New Year with spiritual focus. Here are some tools for self-evaluation and some practical examples to serve as points of comparison. Get ready to live 2012 to its fullest!

Today’s scripture: Mark 8:34-38

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Christmas Remembrances

December 25, 2011 • Category: Christmas

Walk with us as we retrace the Christmas story and apply it to our own lives through personal Christmas reflections.

Today’s scripture: Luke 1:39-56, and Luke 2:1-7

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When Christmas Really Began

December 18, 2011 • Category: Christmas

Suppose we told you that somewhere around 1800 B.C. the seed that ultimately grew into Christmas was first planted. Would you have any idea what we’re talking about? We’ll explore the roots of Christmas and, in the process, learn much about life and God.

Today’s scripture: Genesis 49:1-2, 8-12

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Lights, Camera, Action!

December 11, 2011 • Category: Christmas

As Christmas approaches, another year of life draws to a close, and a new one will soon begin. Yawn. Here we go again. Why should I care? What’s the meaning of life?

Today’s scripture: Luke 2:8-20

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Speak Easy

December 4, 2011 • Category: 1 Peter

Words come easy. We think something, so we speak it, rarely considering the potential impact. Everybody does it.

Yet the words we speak have enormous power to shape reality – and to shape our own life experience.

Today’s scripture: I Peter 1:22, 2:1, 2:17, 4:7-11, 5:5

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Waiting…

November 27, 2011 • Category: Christian Life

It’s one of the hardest things to do. Yet if done right, waiting can also be one of the most powerful things we do. This sermon takes a look at two Bible characters who show us how to wait well.

Today’s scripture: Luke 2:22-33, 36-38

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