1 Peter 3:13-18

Guest preacher Brian Vriesman unpacks the Apostle Peter's outline for Christian living.

Luke 1:46-55

In the Magnificat, Mary lifts up a song of praise in response to learning she would be bearing the Son of God. She reflects on and remembers what God has done for her, she remembers his attributes, she remembers his sovereignty, and remembers God’s faithfulness to Israel. The Christmas season is also a great time for us to stop and remember everything God has done in our lives. This is especially true because of the impact the good news of Christmas has on our lives. The Christmas story is a reminder of God's mercy, faithfulness, love, and sovereignty.

Luke 2:8-18

There are 3 instances where listening/hearing occur in this passage; the shepherds hear the message from the angel, the shepherds hear the angels praising God, and the people hear what the shepherds had to say concerning the child. The challenge we face every Christmas is to hear both the message of Christmas and what God may be saying to us this year.

Luke 1:26-33

Just as our traditional Christmas season brings about a time of anticipation, so the declaration to Mary of the conception and birth of Jesus begins a period of anticipation. Jesus’ name meaning “the Lord is salvation” spurs anticipation, and the complete fulfillment of the messianic promises of Jesus’ kingdom is something we continue to anticipate.

Mark 14:12-26

Pastor Chuck Swoboda takes a deep dive into the sacrament of Communion: its meaning, invitation and response.

Romans 12:9-13

As years go by, it is easy to become less enthusiastic about the faith and the faith community. But we are called to never be lacking in zeal. In order to maintain our spiritual fervor, we need to maintain our commitment to the community - apathy to the community leads to apathy in the faith.

Ephesians 4:29-32

One of the major killers of a community is Gossip. Paul instructs us to make sure that what comes out of our mouths is not something that will tear others down. We are instead instructed to lift them up according to their needs and speak in a way that will benefit those who listen. We are instructed not to grieve the Holy Spirit and by getting rid of any rage, anger, slander, or any form of malice. We are called instead to express the kindness, compassion, and forgiveness we see in Christ.

Romans 2:1-4

There is a reason why God is the ultimate judge and we are not; we are not worthy to judge all of humanity. Because of our imperfections we make for imperfect judges, so let’s leave judgment to God and worry more about how we are living our own lives. How great is it that we have a judge who is rich in kindness; a kindness that can lead us to repentance and restoration!

1 Corinthians 11:17-29

There are many things that divide us. In this passage it seems like socio-economics were the cause, keeping the church from coming together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner. Whatever the cause of our own divisions, they keep us from being the people of God we are called to be. As a community of faith, we are called to come together to be faithful witnesses to our Lord.

John 6:1-15

Guest preacher Pastor Brian Vriesman reminds us to measure the potential of ourselves and others through the lens of what Jesus can do in and through us.