In the Fight

Today's message came from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. Paul purpose is to attempt to answer the "when" of the Lord's return, but it becomes something more than that. The discussion turns into an exhortation to be ready, precisely because we don't know when. But, the timing is irrelevant when we live as though He could come at any time.

Sermon, February 7

When Christ Returns

So we're discussing what happens to those who die, and those who remain behind. It's a perplexing question for many because of the uncertainties involved. We all want to know what's beyond that door of death. But for the Christian, there is hope, hope of eternal life. Some of the specifics regarding that hope and the events that are to come are the subject of our passage today.

Sermon, January 31

Loving One Another

Since people are so perfect, it's easy to love one another, isn't it? Actually, we all know that to show love to people can be hard, particularly when there is strife, difficulty, pride, and all the other emotions and conditions that go along with the human experience. But, within the church, we are called to love one another more and more, and to live out our lives in good testimony to the world around us. That's what our passage was about in this sermon.

Sermon, January 24

When in Rome...

You might not want to do as the Romans do! In our text today, Paul urges the Thessalonians to pursue sanctification, to live lives that are pleasing to God. Specifically, he speaks to them about sexual immorality, which is still applicable to us in our culture today.

Sermon, January 17

The growth of a church

There's a lot of stuff in chapter 3, but it all seemed to fit so nicely together that it seemed a shame to cut it up. So, we covered the whole chapter today, and I think the theme (in some ways) is growing through trials. Hopefully it makes sense, and there's plenty of applications to pick from!

Sermon, January 10

The Ups and Downs of Christianity

Sometimes we tend to look at Bible people as bigger-than-life, superheroes who never had the problems that we lowly people do. But that romantic view of things really isn't accurate. They struggled with persecution, unanswered prayers, discouragement, and more. But as I talked about in this message, it's how we go through those ups and downs. Paul chose to focus on the people, on their salvation and subsequent growth. Today's passage deals with Paul's relation to the Thessalonians and these very issues.

Oh, and one more thing: Happy New Year!

Sermon, January 03

For the New Year

With 2010 just around the corner, I was thinking about how we look at the new year as a fresh start and a chance to renew commitments or challenge ourselves to do the things that we want or need to do. Hopefully this message serves as a jumping-off point for a Christian perspective on the year ahead.

Sermon, December 27