Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Psalm 148: "This song raises a chorus of voices from the highest heaven to the depths of the sea, all in praise of God. The implicit invitation and question is, 'Will we join with this chorus?' As we prepare ourselves for the arrival of the Lord, let us focus on all the reasons we have for praise!"

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Matthew 23:1-12: "People who have achieved or been born into greatness are often given special honors. As we prepare to receive Jesus, what kind of people is Jesus looking to honor? He makes it clear that the greatest is a servant. It's not likes and followers, social clout, or special titles that Jesus will honor. Instead, God will lift up those who, in humility, serve and lift up others."

Pastors John Mury and Taylor Burgoyne discuss Matthew 21:33-46: "Jesus tells a story about farmers who rent their land but decide to fight the owner in order to keep what does not belong to them. The parable illustrates how many will not look forward to the return of the Son, denying anything we might owe to God. This Advent, let us prepare to receive the Lord with gladness, giving back to God with a spirit of gratitude!"

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Psalm 85: "As we prepare to receive the Lord during Advent, it is appropriate to examine the current state of our relationship with God. All relationships have high points and low points and if we find we are at a low point, we may echo the Psalmist's desire: "Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?"

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11: Most of us chafe at having to listen to what we already know. However, the most important lessons are often the ones we have to hear repeatedly as we are so quick to forget. During Advent, we relearn a very important truth — that the Lord is coming and that hope has the power to transform the way we live and love.

Pastor Walt Quick launches our new series, Luke: The Coming Kingdom, with a sermon based on Luke 1:1-17.

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Isaiah 60: "It's an oncoming train! No, but it surely seems that way at times. Instead, God promises a light that will penetrate the darkness, beckoning to all. Ultimately, that light is Jesus, the light of the world. When God's light shines in our darkness, the world cannot help but see!"

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Isaiah 59:1-4, 13-17, 20-21: "It can be tempting to use the truth as a weapon, to condemn or "cancel" others. It can be equally tempting to say nothing at all about the misdeeds of others, allowing our silence to be interpreted as approval. Isaiah is able to speak the truth in a way that honors God and holds out hope for healing and redemption."

Pastors John Mury and Michael Taber discuss Isaiah 58: "What makes good worship? God is not satisfied by worship services, scripture study, and even prayer and fasting when they lack the true heart of worship. When worship is performed just to get God to give you what you want, it is really just self-worship. True worship must humbly and lovingly lift others up out of gratitude to the Lord. The heart of true worship is love!"

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Isaiah 56:1-8: "One of the most important ways to leave a legacy is through raising the next generation. Having children is not the only way, and in God's eyes, not even the most important way! Jesus later uses Isaiah's words to challenge us all to enlarge our vision of family."