In this sermon from Luke chapter 1, we explore how God works through both doubt and faith to accomplish His purposes. Zechariah’s initial struggle to believe the angel’s promise highlights the challenge of trusting God when circumstances seem impossible.  In contrast, Mary’s humble and trusting response, strengthened through deep friendship with Elizabeth, shows us what it looks like to trust God even in the midst of uncertainty. In the end, two songs become the high points of this chapter as we learn that the key to being people of faith is looking to and leaning on the faithfulness of the Lord.

In this message, we will explore Matthew’s introduction of Jesus and how this seemingly boring list of names reveals the highly anticipated news of Messiah’s arrival.  Looking carefully, we’ll see that Matthew’s genealogy not only grounds Jesus in the covenantal story of Israel but also invites outsiders in by highlighting some unexpected and even scandalous stories from the Old Testament.  In the end, we too will be invited into the adventure, not just as readers, but as people who can receive this heavenly king and allow His story to define ours.

As we enter the Christmas season, it is important for us to take a moment and pause the busyness, silence all the noise, and reflect on the glorious fact that Jesus left his heavenly throne to come into this world to rescue us from death. When we think about that night, the sanctity and the splendor of Jesus coming to earth in human flesh, we realize that what happened on that holy and divine night has the power to transform lives and heal the entire world. As a result, our hearts will rejoice and will continue to be amazed by the miracle of Christmas.

Chapter 13 finds Nehemiah entering his last year as governor of Judah. The book closes with a not so happily ever after as we find the Israelites compromising on their commitments, and struggling to live a lifestyle that enabled them to walk in holiness with community integrity. In this sermon, we’ll explore not only what the restoration of holiness and integrity looks like for them but for us as well. Remembering that even in the Not so Happily Ever After God’s desire is for restoration and the only way to “happily ever after” is through the pursuit of holiness.

In Nehemiah chapters 10-12, we witness the Israelites’ renewed desire to live as God’s distinct people. They take intentional steps to strengthen this commitment: formally committing together, honoring those who have made sacrifices, and celebrating all that God has done as they dedicate the wall to Him. Through these actions, they model how to retain a godly identity over the long haul, showing us how to build resilience and dedication into our faith as we seek to live for Jesus today.

Nehemiah 7-9 explores how God calls His people to move from rebuilding walls to rebuilding hearts. It’s the transition from physical work to the spiritual work needed for the Israelites to rediscover their identity and recommit to God through worship, confession, and covenant celebration. This act of renewal is not about earning God’s favor but a heartfelt response to His faithfulness. Our message this week challenges us to live as a covenant people today, distinct from the world around us in the right ways. This distinction centers on the power of gathering together for worship and allowing the Word of God to transform our hearts, humble confession & remembering and celebrating God’s faithfulness in the midst of our failures. When we commit to rebuilding together we know God can and will help us become Hid people who shine brightly in this world.

The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls was not unnoticed or unchallenged. Nehemiah had to lead his people through mockery, threats, schemes, and traps. Most insidious of all, it wasn’t just Jerusalem’s walls that were in cinders, but so was the commitment to God’s justice and mercy. How can Nehemiah’s governance inform how we can tackle today’s challenges? How should we engage in government now? Most importantly, how can Nehemiah’s life of prayer help us live faithfully in anxious political times?

This week’s sermon follows Nehemiah’s initial steps as he arrives in Jerusalem and begins leading the people to rebuild the city walls. It’s a message about not only getting started but getting started well, as we move towards our places of rebuilding with intentionality, purpose, and a clear strategy.

In Nehemiah 2:1-10, we witness a profound journey that begins with fear, moves through prayer, and leads to courageous action against overwhelming opposition. In this sermon, we discussed the truths in our lives that demand our attention and talked about how, through God’s power, we can (re)build our lives, communities, and church.