This summer, we turn our attention to the words the Holy Spirit spoke through Peter in his first letter. The central theme is remaining faithful through suffering, but also included are powerful words describing God’s incredible gift of salvation as well as challenges as to how we are to live in response to God’s mercy.

     Every now and then, we get a great opportunity: Someone asks us about our faith or why we believe what we do about any range of subjects. Do you value those opportunities or are you nervous and unsure of what to say? In a time where almost anything related to faith or Biblical teaching is being called into question, it is more important than ever that we can confidently answer questions about what we believe and why. 

     The goal for this series is to look at some questions swirling in our culture and strengthen our preparation to humbly explain and defend our faith with conviction, gentleness and respect. 

     Jesus was born a little over 2,000 years ago, right? But did he exist before then? In Colossians 1:16, Paul states that "by Him all things were created," so he certainly existed before His human arrival in Bethlehem. In this series, we will look for Jesus in the Old Testament. Does He appear there? Do other people, events, or objects point to Him?

     When speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus said, "You diligently study the Scriptures [Old Testament] because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me." Our desire is to discover those scriptures that testify about Jesus with a goal of deepening our understanding and worship of Jesus!

As we begin this new year with all of the uncertainties, hopes and fears, there has never been a better time to revisit what is to be at the core of the heart and mind of every follower of Christ: Love for Him. Jesus warned the church in Ephesus to repent, because they had left their first love. It is so critical in this season to be moving towards Jesus and rediscovering our first love.

Before ascending from earth back to heaven, Jesus left "marching orders" with the church: make disciples. His small band of followers was faithful in carrying His message on from there, and His church expands across the globe today. How are we, the church in America, or as individuals obeying His command? Do we know what discipleship really is?

In this series we will look at this simple command and ways we can walk in greater obedience to this command.

Times of difficulty, challenge, sickness, disruption, uncertainty, fear or conflict can stop us in our tracks and cause us to wonder what is happening. What if every one of those things is present, all at the same time, across the entire globe? Hello 2020. This year began with much optimism and hopes for clear vision, but has brought challenges and uncertainties not seen in our lifetimes.

What is God saying through this unprecedented time? What challenges face the church, or what challenges in our society are spilling into the church? What can we learn? How can we be strengthened? These sermons are an attempt to ask the relevant questions (and hopefully learn some answers) in this unusual time.