Ever tried to learn a new skill?  To be successful you need a knowledgeable instructor to show you how to master the concepts necessary to accomplish the task (i.e. fix something on your car).  If you tried to do it without any instruction, the end result wouldn't be very successful, no matter how many times you might restart. You have no knowledge of the skill and one to teach it to you.

In his poem Invictus, William Ernest Henley declares that he is the captain of his soul - he's the ultimate "good" and "god" in his universe.  Many in our society have adopted this point of view - "Follow your heart" - "I Did It My Way."  However, we as humans are selfish, prone to wickedness, and really good at messing things up.  Our "heart" will lead us astray every time.

Today Pastor Rich will show that Jesus desires to be the Captain of your soul.  He is perfect, all-powerful, all-knowing, and loving.  Will you let Him lead you, or would you rather "do it your way?"

Matthew 4:18-22

Remember when you were a child and your parent would walk in the room, observe your behavior and ask, "What are you doing?"  Often the parent knew exactly what you were doing - the question was for your benefit, to get your attention and remind you of what you should be doing.

Today Pastor Rich will show from Isaiah 40:27-31 how God reminds us of what He has done for us and what He can do through us.  

Ever shop online? You find what you want, purchase it, and receive the message "Your order has been processed."  That's what happened on Good Friday.  Jesus paid the penalty for our sin on the cross, fulfilling God's wrath for us.  The disciples waited for what would happen next, in anxious fear.  In their minds everything had been lost.  They spent all of Saturday waiting.  Then, Sunday came - Jesus rose again, conquering sin and death. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in those who believe.  His work has been finished and His resurrection is sure and steadfast.

So what are we going to do about it.  Today, Pastor Rich will discuss what our response to the resurrection should be.

Isaiah 61:1-4

Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey's colt while the crowd threw down their cloaks and palm branches, shouting Hosanna (save us, Lord).  They were looking for an earthly Messiah to come save them from Roman rule.  Today, we'll discover that Jesus did come to save, but He came to save all people from their sins.

Isaiah 11:1-10

What is your purpose in life?  God wants us to know His plan and how we fit into His plan.  Today Pastor Rich will show how we can be a part of God's mission.

Isaiah 49:1-7

Did you know that every believer has been called to ministry?  In the Bible God calls all of us priests and saints.  Are you being faithful to God's call on your life?  Today Pastor Rich will answer this as we continue to look at the prophecies of the Messiah in Isaiah.

Isaiah 6:1-10

Hope.  What a powerful word.  True hope requires an object / destination / fulfillment which can be secured.  What is your hope based on?

Today, Pastor Rich will share from Isaiah 42:1-9 about Jesus' mission which brings us true, lasting hope that never fails.

Isaiah 42:1-9

Most successful books and movies follow a similar plot line: there's a problem of evil, the world is looking for a hero, the hero vanquishes evil and brings peace.  Did you know that this plot line comes from the Bible?  Today, we begin a new series leading up to easter that looks at the prophecies of Jesus' first coming, intermingled with His second coming.  Jesus came once, and will come again.  Where do you fit in God's story?  

Isaiah 9:1-7

Do you have a favorite book of the Bible?  Likely it's not Leviticus.  This third book of the Bible is full of rules and regulations for use by the Levites in their service to God in the Tabernacle.  Today, Pastor Aaron will share from Leviticus the first time he saw the God's promise of the gospel while reading the Bible as a young believer.  

Leviticus 26

Prosperity "having everything God wants for you, and wanting everything that God gives you."

Petulance "childishly sulky, bad tempered."

In Psalm 37, we're given these 2 options.  We can either live happily with what God gives and doesn't give, or we can live as victims - sulking, and never satisfied.

Psalm 37:1-11