First Pres presents: Behold! The Messiah

A worship concert where the power of music and faith converge as we celebrate the reason for the season, and proclaim the glory and wonder of Christ’s birth in Handel's Messiah.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Isaiah 7:14

How is it that God is with us? What kind of God would He be if He wasn’t sitting, high and exalted above all things? But if He is that kind of God, then how could He possibly be “with us?” How could He be so humble, so small, so weak, so like us? The gods of old were worshiped as gods, far off, transcendent, powerful, but never near. The new gods, our gods, are almost close enough to touch. Celebrities, politicians, the rich, the brilliant… and while it’s nice to have them near, and while they strive for transcendence, we know they are not invincible. They are imminent, close, flesh and blood… but they too will perish. All of this reminds us how impossible it is to have a god with us… until we meet the child, born to the virgin in Bethlehem, given that very name. Immanuel - at last, God with us. 

Dr. David Swanson | Isaiah 40:1-5

Like God's people, we can reach a point in our hurt and pain such that we become discouraged. The mere knowledge that help IS coming is enough to strengthen us as we trust in God's goodness and plan.

Dr. David Swanson | John 10:7-10

Discouragement is the tool of the enemy, while thanksgiving for the abundance of God is its antidote.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Luke 19:1-10 

While the Rich young ruler seems to remain a slave to his riches, the story of Zacchaeus reveals a picture of freedom. Zacchaeus is made new and begins to see that he was made for God and others, not money.

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 19:16-26

The rich young ruler (RYR) gives us a snapshot of how we live with money: we get addicted to the feeling of "having." Wealth is not bad, but the RYR got hooked on it – and could not let it go. In Christ, there is FREEDOM. 

Dr. David Swanson | Ephesians 4:29

Our speech is often unworthy of God's ears, often talking about others in negative ways instead of focusing on the person in front of us, or better, on God.

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 51

Our discussion to this point has been forgiving others, but now we come to arguably the harder part: receiving God's forgiveness. (Keller Ch 9)

Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 17:3-4 & Mark 11:25

Thinking more practically about how we forgive, we consider inward issues outward issues and the command to even forgive our enemies.

Dr. David Swanson | John 3:16-18 & 3:36

God's wrath is necessary, a necessary act of love as He moves against that which would destroy us. If we fail to see the sin, we will only think God vindictive – but someone HAS to move against sin to defeat it.