Dr. Mike McCormick

Today is the final Sunday for 2025. In an effort to reflect on the past year and renew our devotion entering a new year, we take a closer look into one of the closing portions of the book of Hebrews. All followers of Christ should ask themselves this question: Does Jesus make a difference in the way I live? He should. Scripture text is Hebrews 13:7-17.

Today is the fourth and final Sunday of the Advent season, just four days before Christmas. We think about the joy that is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord. The worship choir presented a musical representation of the gospel message, followed by a brief message from Matthew 1:18-25. The preaching portion of the service is included here.

Today we celebrate week three of the Advent season where the focus is on love. One of the primary ways to demonstrate love for the Lord is through quality time. We can grow in our relationships with Christ by spending time in His presence. We should be spending time in prayer. We should be spending time reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God. In this way we can "sit at the feet of Jesus" just as Mary did in our text for today. Scripture text is Luke 10:38-42.

Today is the second Sunday of the Advent season and the emphasis is on peace. It has been said that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ. It follows, then, that we should be seeking Christ as our source of peace in the world. John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. Scripture text is John 1:19-34.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent for 2025. Where can you find hope in the world? We look to the Old Testament prophet Isaiah to point us toward Christ, the Messiah. Jesus is the only source of true hope, both then and now. Scripture text is Isaiah 9:1-7.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. False teachers had infiltrated the assembly of God's people, but they have now departed, effectively demonstrating they never truly belonged to the family. The Apostle John explains further the potential damage that is done by those who preach a Jesus not consistent with the Scriptures. He also explains the precious promises of God in Christ for all believe and abide in Him. Scripture text is 1 John 2:18-27.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the first of John's three letters. The Apostle identifies three distinct groups of people in his audience: newer believers, older believers, and maturing believers. Each group receives aspects of the larger truth, reminding them of their identity in Christ Jesus. They are all then admonished to focus their affections squarely on the Savior King rather than on the world and its temporary treasures. Scripture text is 1 John 2:12-17.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. There are ways to know for sure if you are really in Christ and if you have really come to know him. Today's text tells us about two hallmarks of the Christian faith: obedience to the word of God and love for our brothers. These two characteristics are clear indicators of abiding unity with Christ. Scripture text is 1 John 2:3-11.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. Honesty is truly the best policy, but many times we find it all to easy to be dishonest or deceptive. The Bible tells us about a gospel message we must share, a curse of sin we must address, and a righteous Savior we must embrace. We must understand these things if we are to "walk in the light as He Himself is in the light." Scripture text is 1 John 1:5 - 2:2.

Today we begin a new sermon series as we study the book of 1 John. The Apostle John was used by God to write five books in the New Testament. He wrote the gospel that bears his name, he wrote three general epistles, and he was also given the Revelation as he was exiled on the Isle of Patmos. The letters of John have a clear connection with John's gospel in this way: the gospel was written that we would "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in his name" (John 20:31). The letters were written "to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). In other words, we need to believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah sent from God and we should have assurance of the salvation found only in Christ. Scripture text is 1 John 1:1-4.