Motherhood, far from being a detour or obstacle, is revealed as a countercultural kingdom assignment that roots women in faith, love, holiness, and self-control. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to reconsider our cultural narratives about motherhood and recognize it as a holy commission, a sacred calling, and a loving guardianship. In a world that often devalues the hidden work of nurturing life, we're reminded that motherhood is a joyful sacrifice that shapes not only individual souls but the future of the gospel through generations.

In this sermon from Mercyview, Pastor Brad Andrews explores 1 Timothy 2:11-14, focusing on the roles of men and women within gathered worship. Brad emphasized the importance of God-assigned roles in the church, clearing misconceptions about authority and submission in worship settings. He discusses how Paul’s teachings are grounded in the created order, highlighting the distinct and complementary roles that enhance church unity and spiritual growth. The sermon encourages both men and women to embrace their God-given responsibilities for a flourishing church community.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to rediscover the vital importance of prayer in our spiritual lives. Focusing on 1 Timothy 2:1-7, we're reminded that prayer isn't just a religious duty, but a lifeline to God and a cornerstone of our faith. The passage urges us to pray for all people, including those in authority, which can be a challenging concept in today's polarized world. We're encouraged to view prayer as a spiritual muscle that needs regular exercise to grow stronger. Just as physical exercise can be difficult at first, consistent prayer can transform our relationship with God and our perspective on the world around us. This message invites us to examine our own prayer lives and consider how we might prioritize this essential spiritual practice, even in the midst of our busy lives.

Focusing on 1 Timothy 1:12-17, we encounter Paul's personal testimony of God's overwhelming grace. This passage reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a powerful apostle – a living example of Christ's patience and love. This story challenges us to confront our own sinfulness and embrace the radical mercy of God. It's not about our worthiness, but about God's incredible grace. As we reflect on this, we're called to respond with heartfelt worship and a commitment to share this life-changing message with others. Are we living in the freedom of God's grace, or still trying to earn our salvation?

Mercyview was pleased to host Zane Pratt of the International Mission Board this past Sunday to talk about global missions.

This past Sunday, lead pastor Brad Andrews walked us through the way the Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as we celebrated Resurrection Sunday.

Lev. 16:1-5, 15-16, 20-22; Heb. 13:10-15

In our exploration of 1 Samuel 31, we witness the tragic end of King Saul's reign and the profound spiritual lessons it offers. This pivotal chapter showcases the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in God's plan. As we reflect on Saul's demise, we're reminded of our own struggles with pride and self-reliance. The parallel drawn between Saul and Adam invites us to consider how we, too, might echo Eden's failure in our lives. Yet, amidst this darkness, we see a flicker of hope in the men of Jabesh-Gilead, whose loyalty points to the coming reign of David and ultimately to Christ. This story challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we clinging to our own 'kingship,' or are we ready to submit to the true King? As we contemplate Saul's fall, let's consider where we might need to dethrone our own idols and allow Jesus to reign supreme in our lives.

In this powerful exploration of 1 Samuel 29-30, we're reminded that God's providence often creates the conditions for renewed hope, even in our darkest moments. We follow David's journey as he faces rejection, loss, and the threat of violence from his own men. Yet, in these trying circumstances, we see God's hand at work, turning setbacks into divine setups. The story challenges us to trust God's plan, even when it feels like we're on a detour or facing a dead end. It's a call to lift our eyes beyond our immediate struggles and ask, 'God, what are you preparing me for?' This message speaks directly to our hearts when life doesn't make sense, encouraging us to see our tears as potentially watering future joy. It's a reminder that God is shaping us through our trials, inviting us to discover truths we might never have learned otherwise.