​Since the beginning of Acts, we've read and seen how God is taking the Gospel message to those beyond Israel's ethnic borders. Gentiles are part of God's plan as well. But, let's be honest, old practices and prejudices die hard. Even for an Apostle like Peter. Over the next three weeks, we are going to look at how the gospel is for everyone no matter your ethnic background and how we should react when we see people crossing those lines. It's "A Tale of Two Visions" and over the next three [...]

​As a pastor, I get asked to pray for things all the time. And I honestly don't mind - I'm grateful that people are aware that prayer changes things. But, what if the purpose of an answered prayer or a miracle in someone's life wasn't to see them just feel better or beat cancer but instead to draw them closer to God? This week, we will look at a text chronicling two very powerful miracles. But the bigger question is why did they happen? That's what we will look to answer this week as [...]

Have you ever known someone who got really excited about something and then flamed out? Maybe it was a hobby or a new job and they were convinced that this was what they needed to do. But soon enough, they no longer were interested in the hobby, sport or activity and they packed up all their stuff in a box to collect dust. This week, we will see that Saul is a man who not only is changed for the gospel, he is on fire to spread the message as well. Hope to see you and a friend there this Sunday a [...]

One of the things I love the most about our faith is just how scandalous it truly is. The people that God picks to take his message of love and redeption to a lost and dying world are not the people that I would pick. I would pick the all stars but God picks the least likely of people to spread his message. This week, we meet one of the most unlikely people of all but the good news is that if God can use a "Man Named Saul", then he certainly can use any one of us.  02032019_ccc.mp3File S [...]

When was the last time you shared your faith? When was the last time you talked to someone about Jesus? The sad part is for all of us, talking about Jesus is something we don't do with any regularity. There are many reasons for it but for the most part, we are afraid that we will blow it or they will make fun of us. That's why prayer and Scripture are so important.  This week, we will look at the next thing that Philip does after Samaria. And what he does is amazing! Join us this week as we [...]

​We live in a world where it seems that everything is for sale. If the price is right or the offer is good enough, everything is for sale. And while we would never outright say we are trying to buy God's affections, the reality is that many of us behave in such a way that we think we are earning his affections or that we deserve something special from God.This week, the book of Acts brings us to a point where the world's way and Jesus' way clash in a big way. As we meet Simon, we'll see ho [...]

Last week, we learned about Stephen and how he served within the church to meet the needs of a group of widows. Now, you might think that was the extent of it. But it wasn't. Stephen knew that while some might be called to do certain things, everyone in the church is called to share Jesus with others and give an account of what Jesus has done for them when confronted.It is not too much to say that we should all reflect Stephen because Stephen reflected Jesus. How so? Stephen became known for his [...]

​Happy 2019! As we head into the New Year, we are going to pick up our series in the book of Acts. Over the next 14 weeks, we are going to see how the early church went from consisting of mainly Jewish converts to beginning the mission of reaching the nations with the hope of Christ. But before we get there, there is a little matter of some house keeping the early church has to deal with. As an issue pops up that threatens to derail the effectiveness of the early church, the response of th [...]

One of the only things that keeps me going some days is the many promises of God. The fact that He promises so much to us reminds me that I can endure seasons of discouragement and know that they won't last forever. Instead, we have a hope that transcends all of these momentary afflictions. As we end our Christmas series Immanuel, take some time this weekend to join us as we look once again at hope. Our hope isn't a wish or strong desire, it's a quiet confidence that God will fulfill all of [...]

Every year we end our Christmas Eve service with candles and singing Silent Night. It's tradition, to be sure, but it is also symbolic. As daylight is at it's lowest, we stand with candles flickering in darkness to be beacons of hope and light as we share the hope of Jesus with a dark world. I hope you will join us on Christmas Eve at 6 pm as we gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior, the coming of our King and the arrival of God with us, our Immanuel.  12242018_ccc.mp3File Size: 1 [...]