Introduction to new series.

Please tune in to hear a wonderful message for our guest preacher Mike Dawson..

At the Movies: Christmas Edition

Week 3

At the Movies: Christmas Edition

In week 2 of At the Movies: Christmas Edition, Russ uses the classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to explore why peace feels so fragile during the holidays. Clark Griswold’s quest for the “perfect Christmas” mirrors our own tendency to chase idealized moments that quickly unravel into chaos, conflict, and unmet expectations. But Jesus offers a different kind of peace—one that isn’t dependent on circumstances, perfect families, or flawless plans. Drawing from John 14:27, Philippians 4:8, and Colossians 3:15, this message helps us let go of perfectionism, adjust our expectations, embrace life’s disruptions, and rest in the steady peace Christ gives. In a season when stress runs high and families are imperfect, this sermon reminds us that the peace of Jesus is secure, present, and available—even in our most Griswold moments.

At the Movies: Christmas Edition

In this first week of Advent, we explore the theme of hope through the classic film Miracle on 34th Street, a story about belief, wonder, and opening ourselves to something bigger than we can logically prove. Just as Susan wrestles with whether Santa is real, many people wrestle with whether God is real and trustworthy—especially in moments of darkness or doubt. Scripture shows us that God doesn’t run from our questions; He steps into them. In Jesus—the Word made flesh, the visible image of the invisible God—we see God revealing Himself, entering our world, and giving us reason for deep, grounded hope. Advent reminds us that in a world filled with confusion and consumerism, light still breaks into darkness. Hope has come because Jesus has come.

The New Covenant: A Study of Hebrews

In this message, Russ explores Hebrews 13 and challenges the idea that following Jesus has to look dramatic, strange, or overly spiritualized. After reflecting on everything from @pastorswithprops to the emotional excesses of the Cane Ridge Revival, he shows that the true life of faith is most often lived in simple, consistent, everyday faithfulness—loving people well, practicing real hospitality, showing empathy to the mistreated, staying committed in relationships, being content, and doing good. Rather than chasing spiritual hype, Hebrews invites us into a steady, grounded walk with Jesus that shapes ordinary Tuesdays just as much as big spiritual moments. This sermon closes the 15-week journey through Hebrews by reminding us that the way of Christ is not weird… just faithful.

Week 15: Hebrews 13

The New Covenant: A Study of Hebrews

In this sermon, Russ walks through Hebrews 12 and shows how the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion helps us see the difference between approaching God with fear or approaching Him with joy. Building on Ebony’s insight that God’s “discipline” means loving training rather than punishment, Russ explains why many of us still relate to God as if He’s disappointed or waiting to catch us doing wrong. Using memorable stories—from a wrong-way touchdown to the difference between TSA lines and airport welcome gates—he reminds us that through Jesus we’re invited into the better mountain, the better covenant, and a God who welcomes us home with confidence, grace, and joy.

Week 14: Hebrews 12:18-29

The New Covenant: A Study of Hebrews - Ebony Lovely

God’s loving discipline shapes believers into maturity, even when it feels uncomfortable, and His correction is motivated by love, not anger. Like marathon runners, Christians must train through spiritual discipline, remove distractions and sin, and rely on community for encouragement. The message concludes by urging believers to fix their eyes on Jesus—the ultimate example of endurance—and to run their race faithfully, trusting His grace to carry them through, whether they are weary in the midst of it or just stepping onto the track.

Week 13: Hebrews 12:1-17

The New Covenant: A Study of Hebrews

Faith doesn’t always make sense in the moment—but it always makes sense in hindsight. In this message, Russ continues through Hebrews 11 with the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab. Their examples show us that real faith means trusting God when we can’t see the outcome and obeying even when it seems irrational. From Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Moses’ courage in standing up to Pharaoh, to Rahab’s bold act of protection, each story points to Jesus—the ultimate deliverer. Sometimes, like on a plane you can’t control, all you can do is trust that God’s got it—and that’s what faith really is.

Week 12: Hebrews 11:20-40

The New Covenant: A Study of Hebrews

Week 11: Hebrews 11:1-19