Dr. Case Thorp | God created us, but He also created ALL things - and it was ALL good - pointing us to the cultural mandate to use His good creation in being "productive" -  creating culture in ways that point back to Him. Genesis 1:31

Dr. David Swanson | Looking again at creation, we are made in his image.  Will build on our identity and giftedness/uniqueness in understanding our purpose - and how we use that to glorify God. Genesis 1:27

Dr. David Swanson | Building on the power of water in life (creating power, waves, undertow, etc), we remember the power of our baptism - an outward sign and seal of what has happened inwardly - the gift and FIRE of the Spirit within us. Matthew 28:19-20

Dr. David Swanson | Starting with chapter one of the four chapter gospel, we look at the nature of God as Creator and  Sustainer of all things. Psalm 86:8-10, 15

Dr. David Swanson | While there are many temptations in life regarding things in which we hope, the singular hope of my life - and of the world - is Jesus Christ.  Romans 14:7-9

Rev. Tanner Fox | The Christian story offers hope to a world unlike any other story. Each new year, folks have a renewed sense of hope that they and the world around them can be just a bit better, smarter, thinner, more successful, etc. than the year before. But in Christ, there is a better story, a better motivation, a sustainable path of growth. In Christ, the fate of this world is secure. The things of the old order, pain crying, suffering, and death will all pass away, and in its place, All Things New.  Revelation 21:1-7

Dr. David Swanson

Dr. David Swanson | We all have moments in life that cause us to question what we believe and why. Christmas is that way for many as year after year, we are brought near to the incarnation.  Is this the Son of God? The hymn was written by a devout Christian as he lay near death, contemplating the things of God while reading His Bible. He wound up writing many other beloved hymns, but it was out of his questioning that deeper faith was born. Luke 1:26-38

Dr. Jack Peebles | Originally intended as a poetic retelling of Psalm 98 published in 1719, and eventually put to music in 1836, “Joy to the World” became one of the most famous creations by Isaac Watts and Christmas hymns of all time. His desire was to offer a view of the Psalm through a Christological lens, connecting the first and second comings of Jesus. As we see Christmas within the larger story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration, we can rejoice – even in 2020. Psalm 98:4-9

Dr. David Swanson  | Following WW2, Vietnam and other painful moments, the world buzzed with the Cold War, fearing that true peace would never come. The authors wrote Do You Hear What I Hear as a reminder of what God had said and revealed - the goodness and light coming in Jesus.  Isaiah 9:2-7