When you and I come to faith in Jesus Christ, we do so from a variety of different circumstances. Some are younger (I was 5). Some are older - I know a woman who was in her late 80s when she came to faith. Some have lived simple lives, others have lived rather rambunctiously. Some have come with some…

People make judgments about us all of the time. It’s not so much that they are judgmental, but that they get to meet us or get to know us based on certain associations. I know, by virtue of the fact that I’m a pastor, when I introduce myself to people, they make an immediate judgment. If they had a bad…

Before we dive into the message today, I’d like to give you a brief update on my trip. Nepal slides Teaching team - 3 from TN, 1 from MD, Translators and coordinators from India (Trevor) - 8 days of teaching (Joel/Isaac) - Old Testament and Bible Study Methods students from Nepal, India and Bhutan got…

In recent years, ancestry and genealogy has been a growing trend. One of the largest and most popular ancestry companies was sold 4 years ago for $4.7b. There is something in us that wants to understand more about where we are from and from whom we descend. Unfortunately, for many of us, the detailed…

There have been several times over the last few months that I have been reminded about the importance of even small parts on teams or in performances. back up quarterback who comes in for one play because his speed or gift could help move the ball down the field Ballerina who comes in for a single scene…

Today, as we continue our study in the book of Luke, we come to a rather peculiar passage that provides a rare glimpse into Jesus’ childhood. The other gospels vary in how much they share about Jesus before his public ministry begins. Matthew devotes about 48 verses to Jesus’ early years (some of which…

New Year new goals financial physical academic social medical Spiritual New Hopes changes in relationships friends and family members coming to faith baptisms greater connection with God One of the challenges that we face in entering into a new year with new goals and hopes, is that we can be tempted…

In 1991, Bonnie Rait released a song entitled “Somethin’ to Talk About.” It became her highest ranking song on the billboard lists - topping out at #5. This song also became instrumental in helping her win a grammy. The song addresses rumors that had been going around about two people being secret lovers.…

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled…

Do you believe in chance encounters? Two people meet on a bus ride and end up getting married, remaining so for over 70 years. A random introduction leads two men to become the best of friends and end up establishing Apple computers. A random encounter between a 9 year old girl and a Theology graduate…