11/30/25

This Thanksgiving, we look back across four centuries to rediscover the story that helped shape the soul of America. From the Pilgrims’ courageous flight from England, to their 66-day voyage across the North Atlantic, to the friendship of Samoset, Squanto, and Massasoit, this message traces the remarkable ways God’s providence guided the earliest chapters of our nation’s history. We explore the hardships of that first winter, the signing of the Mayflower Compact, the first Thanksgiving feast, and the miracle of answered prayer during the drought of 1623. We also consider how William Bradford interpreted these events, how the Founding Fathers looked to the Pilgrims as a model of faith and self-government, and what these lessons still mean for us today.

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it is a reminder that God is faithful in suffering, sovereign in uncertainty, and present in every generation.

To follow are the primary sources for the historical account of the Pilgrims and the Plymouth Plantation.

• Of Plymouth Plantation (1630–1650) — William Bradford
• Mourt’s Relation (1622) — Edward Winslow & William Bradford
• Good Newes from New England (1624) — Edward Winslow
• The Mayflower Compact (1620) — The Mayflower passengers
• Plymouth Colony Records (1630s–1690s) — Various Plymouth Colony clerks and governors
• Letters of Robert Cushman, John Robinson, Samuel Fuller, and other early leaders

Colossians: The Supremacy of Christ — God’s Design for Marriage (Colossians 3:18–22) In this message, we explore one of the most thought-provoking passages on marriage in all of Scripture, looking closely at Paul’s teaching in both Colossians 3 and Ephesians 5. Rather than reflecting oppressive cultural norms, Scripture presents a beautiful and redemptive vision of how husbands and wives are meant to flourish together under God’s design.

We look at: • What biblical headship actually is (and what it isn’t) • Why authority and responsibility must remain together • How Christ’s love for the Church forms the model for husbands • What Scripture means by “helper” • How wives can inspire spiritual strength in their husbands • How marriage shapes us into the image of Christ

(Colossians 3:15–17)

We’re continuing our study through the book of Colossians, exploring what it means to grow in the attributes of Christ. Paul calls us to “put on” virtues that reflect Christ Himself—compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. This week, we take that a step further. How do we actually grow in these attributes? How do we move from knowing about Christ to reflecting His character in our lives? Paul answers that question by pointing us to the Holy Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit and live in obedience to God’s Word, His divine nature begins to shape ours from the inside out. What results is transformation—and with that transformation comes peace.

In this message, we look closely at Paul’s call in chapter 3 to “put on” the virtues that reflect the very character of Christ — compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and above all, love. Paul reminds us that the Christian life isn’t about merely avoiding sinful behavior, but about being clothed in the nature of Christ Himself. As we put off the old self and put on the new, we begin to walk in forgiveness, mercy, and grace toward one another — just as our Heavenly Father has shown mercy to us.

In this message, we explore one of the most debated questions in Christian theology: Has the Church replaced Israel? Last week, we examined Israel’s national restoration in 1948, discussed Israeli politics and military history, and looked at the unconditional nature of the Abrahamic Covenant. This week, we turn to Scripture to understand the theological relationship between Israel and the Church. Pastor Morgan explains how the Church has been grafted into God’s covenant with Israel—and what that means for Israel’s future in God’s redemptive plan.

Israel continues to dominate global headlines—praised by some, condemned by others. But how should Christians think about this small nation that Scripture calls God’s chosen people? In this message, we take a closer look at Israel through three essential lenses: history, politics, and doctrine. From their miraculous rebirth in 1948 to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, and God’s unchanging covenant with Abraham, this study seeks to bring biblical clarity to a complex issue.

What does true spirituality look like? In Colossians 2:16–23, Paul warns against legalism, mysticism, and self-made religion—forms of faith that appear wise but lack power. True spirituality isn’t found in rules, visions, or emotion-driven worship; it’s found in holding fast to Christ, the Head. This message explores how the Old and New Covenants connect, why outward religion can’t change the heart, and how real growth comes only through Christ.

In this message on Psalm 23, Pastor Casey Ryan explores one of the most cherished passages in Scripture—not as a sentimental poem, but as a living picture of our relationship with God as our Shepherd. Through this familiar text, we’re reminded that the Good Shepherd provides abundantly, guides with purpose, and protects faithfully, even when He leads us through the “valley of the shadow of death.” This sermon invites us to find true contentment in God’s provision, trust His guidance through uncertainty, and rest in His protection amid life’s trials—knowing that His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.

In Colossians 3:1–11, Paul calls believers to set their minds on things above and put to death what is earthly within them. Forgiveness in Christ isn’t a license to treat grace lightly—it’s the foundation of a transformed life. In this message, we explore the battle every believer faces between the Spirit and the flesh, and how Christ empowers us to overcome sin. Paul reminds us that we have been raised with Christ, and with this new life comes a call to holiness, renewal, and the putting on of the new self. Sin always destroys, but in Christ we find freedom, hope, and victory. Join us as we open Colossians 3 together and discover how the supremacy of Christ not only secures our salvation but also equips us to walk in newness of life.