Grace in Community

Text: John 9:13-42

Series: Together By Grace

In this episode we hear part two of join us for part two of the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Their conversation takes a surprising turn. Jesus' statement to her that the Father "is looking for those who will worship him in spirit and truth” calls us back to the heart. The heart of what it means to worship, the heart of a life with God. God is not looking for you to fulfill a set of requirements. God wants your heart.

Text: John 4:5-15

Series: Together By Grace

"Give me this water!" That's the Samaritan woman's reaction when Jesus tells her he has water that would quench her thirst permanently, so that she would never have to go back to the well again. Her desperation speaks to a universal human desire for contentment that we can never attain on our own. But the security Jesus' love provides us allows us to cross boundaries with him to share that love. The resulting community is a big part of the abundant life he desires for us! Listen for some great insights to this familiar story. 

Texts: John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-3

Series: Together By Grace

God's promises are always bigger than we imagine. The story of Nicodemus in John's gospel begins with a humorous misunderstanding. But as his conversation with Jesus continues, we see Nic's preconceptions about God's mercy getting blown apart. In this fascinating story of a religious leader who met Jesus under cover of darkness, we discover how our own preconceptions might be limiting our view of God's expansive grace for all creation. 

Text: Matthew 4:1-11

Series: Together by Grace

We don't like limits. We often think they restrict our freedom. But what if boundaries actually enable us to thrive, and our relationships to flourish? This sermon explores how Jesus conquered the temptation humanity couldn't in Eden, showing us a better way.  Rather than fighting against our inherent limitations, Pastor Matt challenges us to embrace them as opportunities for deepening our trust in God's care. True freedom is found in submission to divine wisdom that draws us into community with God and one another. Will we choose trust over control, accepting our limits as gifts that draw us closer to God and one another?

Text: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

On Ash Wednesday, Pastor Matt introduces our theme for Lent this year, Together By Grace. In today's world we are conditioned to believe that being a good human being means being more efficient, less needy, more self-sufficient. Ash Wednesday barges in with a rude reality-check: you will never be self-sufficient. You are human. And to be human means to be in need. Our journey of Lent that begins today is a journey to embrace our dependence on God and one another. We are Together By Grace. 

Text: Matthew 17:1-9

Series: Open Our Eyes

Have you ever craved recognition only to realize you're settling for less than what your soul truly seeks? In this week's message, Pastor Matt explores the Transfiguration, where disciples witnessed Jesus radiating divine glory—a sight so overwhelming they fell to the ground in fear. Through fascinating insights from C.S. Lewis and biblical wisdom, we discover our earthly desires aren't too strong, but too weak—mere shadows of the profound fulfillment God offers. Whether you're wrestling with life's temporary pleasures or seeking deeper meaning, this message reveals how surrender to God's love unlocks the "eternal weight of glory" that awaits. Don't miss this transformative perspective on finding true satisfaction in Christ.

Texts: Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-12, Micah 6:8, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Series: Open Our Eyes

We all have standards we are evaluated by in different areas of our lives. In today's sermon we learn that Jesus' words about being salt and light, when read in context, were not just feel-good metaphors, but a sobering evaluation of God's people. Jesus goes on to set an unattainable bar, in order to drive us to the liberating truth that through the cross, Christ's righteousness becomes ours as a gift. This transformative message frees us from constant self-evaluation to serve others with genuine love. Listen now to discover how God's grace turns our "not enough" into "already chosen."

Text: Matthew 5:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Micah 6:6-8

Series: Open Our Eyes

Politics in the pulpit! This is a common complaint heard in churches today. But what do we mean by it, exactly? How or when might it be appropriate? This week's sermon explores these questions in light of Jesus' words in the Beatitudes, which kick off his most famous teaching. We find that Jesus' words bring us back to those of the ancient prophet Micah, defining the heart of our witness in the world as justice, mercy, and humility. 

Text: Matthew 4:12-23

Series: Open Our Eyes

If we are looking for glimpses of heaven, we might think we will find them in the places of greatest beauty, majesty, or calm. But the light of the Kingdom is known most profoundly in the cross, where God suffers with us. Through this lens we find that heaven is seen most clearly not where everything is perfect, but where people who are suffering know they are not alone. In this way, we can be glimpses of the kingdom of heaven for one another when we live in community. 

Text: John 1:29-42

Series: Open Our Eyes

“Come and see,” Jesus beckons those who would become his disciples. What they didn't know is that in inviting them to follow him, he was inviting them into the very heart of God. Come and see God's heart as you listen to today's sermon.