We generally prepare for Christmas by decorating our homes, attending parties, eating too much, and opening gifts. We entertain pleasant thoughts of a placid baby in an idyllic rural setting on a calm night. But for John the Baptist, Jesus’ coming triggered an radically different response. He called people to repent. He said, “…after me comes one … [Read more...]
New Sermon Series: Amazing Grace (Advent 2017)
We all have things in our past that we are ashamed of. We might even think that our baggage causes God to look at us with some measure of disdain. But the genealogy of Jesus reminds us that God delights in rescuing desperate sinners. Join us this Advent season for these amazing stories of grace, or catch up with the podcast or video stream. … [Read more...]
When Opposition Threatens, Esther 3, Advent 2014
Introduction Text: Esther 3 – Haman plots to eliminate the Jewish people, and King Ahasuerus agrees, not realizing he is also sentencing Queen Esther to death as well. Exile Israel had been divided and weakened until even the southern tribes were taken into exile to Babylon. Babylon was unrivaled in wealth and power. Mordecai and Esther … [Read more...]
When Sin Gets in the Way, Genesis 38, Advent 2014
Introduction Text: Genesis 38 – Judah and his sons sin by avoiding their responsibilities as kinsmen redeemers. Tamar acts out in faith and God preserves the line of the Redeemer through her and Judah. A Stark Contrast Judah He was marked by greed and selfishness. He showed disregard for God's commands. His sons were notoriously … [Read more...]
God’s Waiting Room, Genesis 12-17, Advent 2014
Introduction: Waiting Stinks Text: Genesis 12-17 – Abram must wait nearly 100 years for God to fulfill his promise to begin making him a great nation. The thread of redemption seems thin here. The "narrowing" of Genesis Beginning at Genesis 11 demonstrates the significance of the Abraham narrative in God's redemptive plan. Abraham faced … [Read more...]