Summer months afford us an opportunity to ‘reset’ our spiritual normal – recover our wonder and gratitude for the goodness of God in our lives.

Today we look at Psalm 40 and consider what it means to be a “glad witness” to God’s presence.

We ask, “What do desire and devotion look like in this season of your life?”

This sermon is from June 20, 2021. The series is titled Summer Soul Care.

Summer normally represents a ‘pause’ in the rhythms and routines that shape our lives. We head to the beach, travel to the mountains, enjoy time with family, and share lazy evenings relaxing with friends.

Of course, Covid has shifted what is ‘normal’ for all of us.

This summer has more of the feel of a ‘return’ or a ‘reset’ to something normal – The hope of enjoying things and people with the freedom we’ve missed over this last year and a half – maybe with a renewed appreciation for things we took for granted before Covid.

Summer months also afford us an opportunity to ‘reset’ our spiritual normal – recover our wonder and gratitude for the goodness of God in our lives.

This summer we’ll reflect on how we sustain a posture of rest for our souls.

To help us we’ll look at five Psalms - Psalm 4, 40, 46, 62, 63.

This sermon is from June 6, 2021. The series is titled Conversations Between Sundays: Jesus’ Stories and Language in Luke. This sermon is titled The Minimalist, and looks at Luke 19:11-27. Jesus calls us to a life of faithfulness and influence.

“Jesus was preparing his followers, then and also you and I today, to represent Jesus and Jesus’s interests on earth while he is away, until he returns.”

“Jesus’ concern is not primarily with money or wealth. His primary concern is influence.”

This sermon is from May 30, 2021. The series is titled Conversations Between Sundays: Jesus’ Stories and Language in Luke. This sermon is titled The Sinners, from Jesus’ teaching Luke 18:9-14. We were challenged to consider how we see ourselves and how that perspective influences how we see others.

“Humility and honesty about our sin is the only posture that fosters and protects a healthy relationship with God.”

This sermon is from May 23, 2021. The series is titled Conversations Between Sundays: Jesus’ Stories and Language in Luke. This sermon is titled The Widow, from Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Luke 18:1-8.

“This widow was the model of courage & persistence in asking for justice before an unjust judge and an unjust system.”

“One of the ways you and I participate in this unfolding Kingdom of God is what Jesus calls persistent prayer. Prayer that never gives up.’ Prayer that is firmly anchored to the confidence that God is bringing about his purposes on earth in spite of what is going on around us.”

This sermon is from May 2, 2021. The series is titled Conversations Between Sundays: Jesus’ Stories and Language in Luke. This sermon is titled The Invisible Man.

“Over and over in the Old Testament, God had spoken about God’s love for the poor and caring for the poor. About justice for the oppressed and foreigners. They had all the truth they needed.”

“Are we faithful and obedient to the truth we already know?”

- Gary Franklin, Teaching Pastor

This sermon is from May 2, 2021. The series is titled Conversations Between Sundays: Jesus’ Stories and Language in Luke. This sermon is titled The Invisible Man.

“Over and over in the Old Testament, God had spoken about God’s love for the poor and caring for the poor. About justice for the oppressed and foreigners. They had all the truth they needed.”

“Are we faithful and obedient to the truth we already know?”

- Gary Franklin, Teaching Pastor

This sermon is from April 25, 2021. The series is titled Conversations Between Sundays: Jesus’ Stories and Language in Luke. This sermon is titled The Rascal.

“So here is the challenge of Jesus’ parable: Do we trust the generosity of God enough that we would stake everything on it? Stake our reputation? Stake our well-being? Stake our financial future on it? Will we stake everything on God’s character?”

“Does our faith inspire us to be wonderfully clever and creative and courageous in the ways that we benefit and bless people with our money and material possessions?”

- Gary Franklin, Teaching Pastor

This sermon is from April 18, 2021. The series is titled Conversations Between Sundays: Jesus’ Stories and Language in Luke. This sermon is titled A Family Torn.

“He (Jesus) calls us into these counter-cultural ways of humility, sacrifice, and suffering. Where Following Jesus requires trust, obedience, and courage.”

“This story is a cry to religious insiders to extend grace.”

- Gary Franklin, Teaching Pastor

This sermon is from April 11, 2021. The series is titled Conversations Between Sundays: Jesus’ Stories and Language in Luke. This sermon is titled Table Talk. The scripture today begins with, “One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee…” (Luke 14:1) then Jesus goes on to share much more than simple tips for table manners.

“We do everything we can to invite everyone we can to the table with Jesus – especially those others would not invite.”

Jesus exposed how inhospitable our hospitality can be.”

- Gary Franklin, Teaching Pastor