​As we approach a new year, many of us take stock of our lives. We ask ourselves questions about where we would like to change and what we'd like to do in the new year. I thought it was funny that Amazon already started advertising workout clothes and fitness trackers on the day after Christmas just to get a jump on things!As important as it is to take stock of your waistline or bottom line, it is even more important to take stock of your relationship with God. Where have we grown cold or [...]

On Christmas Eve, we gathered as Christians have throughout the generations to worship our King and Savior as we remember His birth. As we conclude our Christmas Unwrapped series we will explore the end goal of the gifts of love, joy, peace and hope. Is a simple thank you enough or does Jesus expect more from us? 12242017_christmaseve_ccc.mp3File Size: 10850 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]

​There is a story of a Kindergarten Christmas Program where the students were to sing a song called "Christmas Love". In addition to singing the song, students were to hold up the letters to spell the song title. Each letter of the song title was to be held up when the students sang the Christmas Song. As they did, one youngster held the "M" upside down. It wasn't until they got to the end of the song that they realized the "mistake" was a powerful reminder of Christmas - "CHRISTWASLOVE" h [...]

​If you have been around me and my preaching, you know how much I love to talk about joy. So, when we consider that there is one whole Sunday in Advent that we dedicate to joy, you can probably guess how I feel about that. But, there was a time that I didn't feel joyful about Christmas. In fact, I actually hated Christmas and all it has become. But to hear that story, you'll have to listen to this week's podcast. 12172017_ccc.mp3File Size: 21143 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]

I read an article the other day that mentions domestic violence incidents increase between Christmas and New Year's Day. Last year the Chicago Tribune reported that 61 people were shot over the Christmas holiday weekend and 11 of them died. It would seem that in our country, at least, we forgot the memo that Christmas is all about Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards men.Yet, one of the things we find as we unwrap Christmas is that Christmas is a gift of peace. Not just between man and God, but t [...]

​What are you hoping for this Christmas? Maybe you are hoping for a new gadget or a toy. Maybe you are hoping for something more serious like a miraculous healing or a new job. Maybe you're just hoping that everyone will get along at all the family gatherings this year. Whatever it is, we all tend to have a lot of hopes for this time of year.Because of this, when we read a word like hope in the Bible, we tend to assign it a similar meaning as we use it culturally. Thus, our hopes are nothi [...]

​As the calendar turns to late November, we know that not only is Thanksgiving here but Christmas is soon to follow! With all that it entails culturally, it is easy to forget what it means to us spiritually. I have always thought it appropriate that Jesus came as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. Jesus is the best gift, so it only makes sense that he is wrapped up for us on Christmas. The gifts that Jesus brings to us are to numerous to count, but this year we will look at 6 of the [...]

Somehow this one slipped by, but supposedly September 23rd was to be the end of the world. Or not. Maybe it was in October. Or not. An author and numerologist claimed based on an interpretation of our passage this week that the world was going to end a couple of months ago. Or not.Now, I can't speak for you, but I'm still here and doing what Jesus told me to. I'm not sure what the fascination of end of the world sorts of things, but I can't help but wonder why everyone is so consumed with prepar [...]

​When I worked at Wells Fargo, I remember the annual training we took in order to make sure we understood the signs of elder abuse. The said truth is that many people try to take advantage of the elderly, and widows in particular, in order to have a financial gain. As Christians, we need to stand up for those who are weak and vulnerable in our society. If we don't, we may get everything else right, but our offerings to God are not acceptable to Him. I hope you can join us this Sunday [...]

​As we continue to explore the last week of Jesus' life before the cross, we have seen time after time after time those in authority try and trap Jesus. This week's message is no different. Except the great lengths that they go to in order to finally trap Jesus have finally reached the absurd level. However, many times in order to reject Jesus, we go to equally absurd lengths. I hope you can join us this Sunday as we explore "Life in Christ" and see how the main thing isn't always the [...]