Joel Gilbert

Forms of persecution: religious ethnic general harassment We can face it at different times and in different ways from different sources. It can be so frustrating to be persecuted because often it’s without reason. Today as we continue our study in the book of psalms, we turn to Psalm 5 , a psalm that…

“Sticks and stones can break my bones - but words will never hurt me.” How many of you have said this? Maybe some of us have been the recipient of this rebuff. This playground mantra has been a defense mechanism for so many - maybe even some of us. But if we’re honest, I think we know that names, lies,…

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been considering the first two psalms. In many ways, those two chapters provide a helpful foundation for the rest of the psalter. Psalm 1 provides a wise perspective for an individual. Psalm 2 expands the scope by helping us see that God is sovereign over all and…

Have you noticed that rebellion against authority has been on the rise in recent years? We see it in the news, violent street protests, court rooms, schools and even in our homes. I saw a video recently that went viral across social media. Parenting expert Jo Frost from the “Supernanny” show, made a…

Over the next couple of months, we’ll begin a pattern of walking through the Psalms in the summer - hence the name “Summer Psalter.” Between now and Labor Day, we’ll examine one Psalm each week (we should finish around Psalm 16 this year). Next year, Lord willing, we’ll pick up where we will leave off.…

One of the things that has surprised me in our study of the book of Luke is the number of times that the kingdom of God is referenced - over 30 times. Over the course of the last 67 sermons, we have discussed various aspects of the Kingdom of God - what it is, who it entails, how to enter, what Kingdom…

Pastoral Prayer Good morning Lord, Today, we join the psalmist as we worship you for your omnipresence… Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I lift up the wings of the dawn,…

I would guess that most of us have been to the eye doctor at some point. If, like me, your natural vision is bad and declining, your visits to see Tom and Robin will be regular. When you sit in the chair, there are a variety of things that doctors will do in order to understand what you can see (because…

He is risen…He is risen indeed For centuries, Christians have used that call and response, especially on Easter Sunday. It’s a simple and brief call and response, but it proclaims one of the central truths of our faith - that Jesus is alive! Yes, He was crucified. Yes, He was buried. Yes, He is alive.…

Crucifixion and death of Jesus