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4-6-2025Will DyerThe message reflects on the story of Mary and Judas from John 12:1-8, contrasting their actions and motivations. ​ Mary is portrayed as a model of devotion, risking social norms and personal cost to worship Jesus by anointing his feet with expensive perfume and wiping them with her hair, symbolizing her deep love and commitment. ​ In contrast, Judas is depicted as a tragic figure who followed Jesus for selfish reasons, initially hoping for a violent revolution and later for personal gain. ​ The message challenges readers to examine their own motivations for following Jesus, emphasizing that true faith is not about personal benefit but about being in the presence of Jesus and aligning with his teachings. ​ The goal of faith, as exemplified by Mary, is to wholeheartedly seek Jesus for who he is, not for what one might gain. ​

April 2 2025

The discussion focused on the latter chapters of the Book of Acts, highlighting Paul’s journey to Jerusalem despite repeated warnings of persecution. ​ Paul’s unwavering commitment to the gospel, even at great personal cost, was emphasized as a model of faithfulness. Will Dyer contrasted modern Western Christianity’s focus on prosperity with Paul’s willingness to suffer for his mission. Key themes included the challenges of proclaiming the gospel in a changing cultural landscape, the importance of embracing God’s timing, and the need for churches to avoid inward-focused preservation and instead boldly embrace God’s movement. The session also touched on Paul’s interactions with Jewish and Roman authorities, his imprisonment in Caesarea, and his proclamation of the resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope. Will Dyer encouraged the audience to reflect on their own faithfulness and passion for the gospel.

3-30-2025

Will Dyer

The message is reflecting on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-32. ​ It emphasizes the themes of grace, forgiveness, and the unconditional love of God. ​ Will Dyer. discusses how both the younger and older sons represent different aspects of human nature and our relationship with God. ​ The younger son symbolizes those who stray and return, while the older son represents those who follow rules but struggle with accepting grace for others. ​ The sermon challenges listeners to consider their own attitudes and encourages them to embrace the inclusive love and celebration that God offers to all, regardless of their past. ​ The message concludes with an invitation to communion, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's love and grace in our lives. ​

3-26-2025

The study discusses Acts chapter seventeen verses sixteen through thirty-four, focusing on Paul's speech in Athens before the Areopagus. ​ Will Dyer explains that Paul's speech was not merely a philosophical conversation but a legal defense against the accusation of introducing foreign divinities, which could lead to his execution. ​ Paul uses the altar to the unknown God to argue that he is not introducing new gods but explaining the true nature of the God they already acknowledge in ignorance. ​ The discussion highlights the pervasive idolatry in ancient Athens and draws parallels to modern-day idolatry, such as the worship of money, sexuality, and power. Will Dyer emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the idols in our own lives and understanding the nearness of God and His promise to restore the world through Jesus' resurrection.

March 23, 2025

Will Dyer

The message focuses on the concept of repentance as central to the teachings of Jesus. Will Dyer reflects on the historical context of Luke 13:1-9, where Jesus calls for repentance in response to the violent actions of Pilate against Galileans. ​ The sermon emphasizes that repentance is not merely about confessing sins for the afterlife but involves a profound change in mindset and direction in one's current life. ​ Will Dyer critiques the modern tendency to view God as a cosmic therapist catering to personal desires, urging the congregation to realign their priorities and ask what God wants from them rather than what they want from God. ​ The call to repentance is presented as an invitation to embody the true gospel of Jesus, live into the fullness of God's creation, and become the people God intends them to be. ​

3-16-2025

Will Dyer

The message reflects on the second week of Lent, focusing on Jesus' journey to the cross and the significance of his ministry. ​ It discusses a passage from Luke 13:31-35, where Jesus is warned by Pharisees that Herod wants to kill him. ​ Jesus responds by calling Herod a "fox," indicating a fake or fraud, and asserts his commitment to continue his work. ​ The message delves into the historical context of Herod Antipas, his background, and his role as a puppet ruler of Rome. ​ It highlights the revolutionary nature of Jesus' ministry, which challenged the status quo and offered an alternative way of living. ​ Will Dyer emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus' kingdom, which is not from this world but is for this world, and encourages readers to reflect during Lent on their own lives and choices, urging them to follow Jesus' path to abundant life. ​

3-12-2025

Will Dyer

The Challenge of Acts by N.T. Wright

The meeting focused on discussing Acts 17 through 20, highlighting the theological and political issues raised by Paul's central message. ​ The discussion emphasized the tension between Paul's proclamation of Jesus as the true king, which challenged the authority of Caesar, and the resulting opposition and riots. ​ The group examined Paul's experiences in Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus, noting how his teachings stirred controversy among Jews and Romans. ​ In Thessalonica, Paul faced charges of declaring another king, Jesus, which threatened the Roman order. ​ In Corinth, Paul was accused of teaching illegal worship practices, but the Roman governor Gallio dismissed the charges, granting Christians a religious exemption. This led to complacency among the Corinthian church. ​ The discussion concluded with reflections on the implications of these historical contexts for contemporary Christian practice, particularly the need to balance political engagement with ultimate allegiance to Jesus.

3-9-2025

Will Dyer

The sermon discusses the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness, emphasizing that these temptations—appetite, attention, and ambition—are similar to those we encounter in our lives. ​ The primary temptation for Jesus was to doubt his identity as God's son, a challenge that resonates with us today. ​ Will Dyer stresses the importance of knowing our identity as children of God, which is rooted not in our actions but in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. ​ By understanding and embracing this identity, we can resist the temptations of Satan and live well. ​ The sermon calls for introspection and a reaffirmation of our identity in Christ, urging listeners to remember that they are beloved children of God. ​

2-26-2024

Will Dyer

The Challenge of Acts by N.T. Wright

The discussion focuses on Acts chapters 13 through 16, particularly the persecution of Paul and the early church, rooted in historical and sociopolitical contexts. ​ Will Dyer highlights a significant shift in religious trends in America, noting a recent Pew Research study showing a halt in the decline of religious faith, with a slight uptick among late millennials. ​ Will Dyer explains Paul's mission, emphasizing that his teachings about Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel led to conflicts with both Jewish and Roman authorities. ​ The cultural framework of the first century, where Jews had a religious exemption from sacrificing to Roman gods, is crucial to understanding the hostility Paul faced. The Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 is highlighted as a pivotal moment, officially welcoming Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring them to follow Jewish law, thus expanding the church's inclusivity.

2-23-2025

Matthew 15:29-39

Will Dyer

The sermon emphasizes the concept of God's abundant generosity, contrasting it with the common human mindset of scarcity. ​ Using the story from Matthew 15, where Jesus feeds 4,000 people with seven loaves and a few fish, Will Dyer illustrates how Jesus views the world as filled with God's limitless grace and resources. ​ The disciples, despite witnessing Jesus' miracles, still default to a scarcity mindset, suggesting to send the crowd away. ​ The sermon challenges listeners to adopt Jesus' perspective of abundance, both in their personal lives and as a community, and to trust in God's provision. ​ The message concludes with an invitation to partake in communion, symbolizing the abundant generosity of God. ​