After searing prophecies against the surrounding nations, Amos turns his attention to God’s judgment on His own people in the northern kingdom of Israel. Of specific concern for God is a call to true justice within the public square as a reflection of His own justice in the covenant. Though judgment will come, God promises a remnant will be restored.

The prophet Joel is concerned with the coming of the day of the Lord, which is pictured like a plague of locusts descending upon the land. In the midst of this call to repentance, Joel simultaneously points to the outpouring of God’s Spirit upon His people.

After the story of Hosea’s wife, the remaining portion of Hosea’s prophecy is an extended charge against Israel for failing the covenant, God’s just judgment against them, and God’s promise of restoration through His faithful love.

God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer. Their three children and the resulting family difficulties become an enacted parable of God’s relationship with his straying people, specifically the northern kingdom of Israel. In the midst of this we see a picture of God’s unchanging love for His people.

This message will be an introduction to the Minor Prophets, including chronological and geographical background, overview of the message, and how they fit into our faith as Christians today.

A sermon for the end of the year, rooted in spiritual practices we find in the Psalms.

3 Practices for Looking Back:
Psalm 136 - Giving Thanks to God
Psalm 13 - Lament
Psalm 51 - Repentance (Confession & Turning Away)

3 Practices for Looking Ahead:
Psalm 63 - Focus on God
Psalm 86 - An Undivided Heart
Psalm 150 - Praise

A Christmas Eve message on the Hope that Jesus' incarnation and birth brings to all of us who live in the world today.

Psalm 72 brings us into direct address of God on behalf of the king, who is described both as powerful to rule the nations and to bring justice and mercy. The king is blessed in order to be a blessing to the nations and ultimately to bless God through his reign.

Psalm 110 offers one of the most unique descriptions of the Messiah who would come as both king and priest. Referencing the story of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek, ruler of Salem (Gen 14:18–20), this psalm tells us that the Messiah will be an eternal priestly king like this mysterious figure.

Psalm 22 is one of the most powerful descriptions of suffering in the entire psalter. It is often connected with Christ’s suffering upon the Cross. Taken on its own terms, this psalm speaks of praise to God amidst suffering. Within the context of Jesus’ life and crucifixion, the depth of this psalm only increases.