Sermons

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Identifying with the Rejected Stone" from

1 Peter 2:4-10. Peter concludes Part 1 of his letter by identifying us as

followers of the rejected Christ. However, in the sight of God He is chosen

and precious. And those who follow this chosen and precious Christ have

found an everlasting community that is much more grand than what the world

could ever offer.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Exile, Love Your Brother" from 1 Peter

1:22-2:3. In God's providence (this message is on Valentine's Day), this

passage in 1 Peter implores Christians to love one another. At times, the

command to love one another is a tall order. The good news is that God has

made it very possible for His children to love one another, and it's our

aim on Sunday to understand and apply this passage to our lives.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "An Exile's Relationship to God" from 1

Peter 1:14-21. What should characterize our relationship to God? As we move

into the second half of 1 Peter 1, themes like holiness and the fear of God

are implored for Christ-followers.

Pastor Nate will brings the message, "Hoping in the Return of Jesus Christ"

from 1 Peter 1:13. First Peter begins with an introduction about the

wonders of God in salvation (indicatives). In this message we see how the

book begins a shift toward practical Christian living (imperatives).

Specifically, we are called to set our hope on the return of Christ and to

live holy lives while we wait.

Pastor Nate brings this message from 1 Peter 1:6-12. We see a paragraph

that is very true to reality: Christians (or as we’ve learned from our

study, “exiles”) can have both joy and grief at the same time. Grief comes

from our trials. Joy comes from God’s salvation. And, Peter’s instruction

helps us see that one leads the other.

Pastor Nate brings this message from 1 Peter 1:3-5. Under the inspiration

of the Spirit, Peter begins his letter by praising God and rejoicing in

salvation. It's an interesting way to address "exiles" who are suffering

under the pressures of a pagan culture. Yet, keeping God's saving mercy in

the forefront of our thinking will encourage us through the challenges of

another day.

Pastor Nate brings this message from 1 Peter 1:1-2. This message covers the

big picture of the book as well as the theme of Christians being "exiles."

Also, just as a side-note...you should consider memorizing 1 Peter 1 as we

move through the chapter. It will anchor your soul.

Pastor Luke brings the message, "Living Captivated by Christ" from

Colossians 3:1-17. In this passage Paul shows us how to live a life that is

captivated by Christ. Paul's prayer for the Colossians is that they would

walk worthy of the Lord, but how is this possible when we regularly battle

with sin? It's when Christ captures our heart and focus that we are enabled

to put off the old sinful ways and to put on the new self, that looks like

Him.

The message is from John 4:21-26. In John 4 we see Jesus having a

meaningful conversation with a Samaritan woman. From this scene we learn

about the importance of worshiping God with our hearts. As we wrap up 2020

and squeamishly anticipate the upcoming year, we need to have the following

truth settled deep within us: We will aim to worship our good God with our

lives in 2021.

The message is from Luke 2:1-21. The angel who came to the shepherds in

Luke 2 arrived with “good news of great joy for all the people:” a Savior,

Christ the Lord had been born. In our humanity we are certainly subject to

seasons of sorrow and pain, but Christians have a treasury of great joy,

Jesus Himself, that is ours now and forever.