We have been talking about rediscovering the work of the Holy Spirit in the church this third person of the Trinity – the God who seems to be all but forgotten in the church of the 21st century. We've talked about 3 important words Parakletos (comforter) and Dunamis (Power), Metamorphoō (transform). Today we look at one last word in this series – the word is Charisma – means gifts.

Hmm. "Filled up to all the fullness of God", sounds nice doesn't it, but what does it mean and how does it happen? Paul prays for the church in Ephesus where he pastored for 3 years. He prays for something profound to happen in their midst, and it starts with one thing… "Being strengthened with Power through His Spirit in the inner man…" That is the idea I want us to think about over the next several weeks, it's time for the evangelical church to rethink the Holy Spirits role in our lives and our churches.

In an age when the church is becoming increasingly irrelevant to the daily life of people, when the message of the church seems to increasingly fall on deaf ears, and when the truth is mocked as meaningless and unattainable, Jesus speaks to us these words; "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." He tells us a parable about a Sower and His seed. It's a parable that holds tremendous truth for the church today and I want to share with you over the next couple of weeks about seeds that survive. This week I want to take a look at the Sower and His seed - then I want to talk with you about being better ground.

Pastor Matt shares about what it would be like if we lived looking daily for Jesus return.

Our Lay Minister of Outreach shares the testimony of his life and the people who made a difference.

The idea of commitment in the world today has become muddled. We live in a society of easy, cheap, and disposable. The idea of working hard for something that is worthwhile has given way to short cuts and instant gratification. We have learned to expect great results and abundant rewards with minimal effort – but in the area of relationships it's left us hurting.

Sunday morning dawned. Light rising from the shadows of the deepest darkness the world has ever known. The third day of the epic climax of God's redemption of man. Two guards – roman soldiers in full array – armor, shields, weapons and attitude are set to guard the tomb. A seal is placed on the stone – all Roman authority lie in the keeping of that seal. The seal bore the mark of the greatest empire in the world and to break it meant death. All means had been set in place to assure that what was placed behind that stone stayed behind that stone. It's kind of funny if you think about it. Guarding a tomb.

Easter morning started cold and cruel with the lingering pain of the cross. The trauma of watching the agonizing death of a friend, confidant, teacher, and mentor fresh in the minds of all those who had witnessed it. The grieving of lost friendship and even worse lost hope still filled the hearts of those who had called Jesus Lord. Easter dawned cold and cruel with a stone rolled securely into place separating a group of women from their goal.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Have you ever given that passage much thought? What does it mean to love the Lord your God with all your heart? Maybe a better question is "do we?" Over the next few weeks I want to talk with you a bit about falling in love again for the first time. Falling in love with God heart, soul, mind and strength.

The church in Jerusalem was growing. Amazing things were happening at the hands of the disciples of Christ. For a while there was excitement and unity, sharing and love, power and God's presence. And all the people said the Amen – it is enough, this is wonderful, this is fantastic, great is Thy Faithfulness O God – right? The truth is that at this moment when growth and impact was at its greatest is when the trouble began. Luke writes simply – "A complaint arose…"