“Please don’t say we need to color this candle purple too.” That was the report from one of my second grade students as we worked through the Advent calendar coloring sheet for Advent Week 3, which occurred last Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent. There was a palpable sense of relief when she discovered that […]
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Advent: The Gospel of Matthew | Jesus, the Savior
Part 3/5 Read: Matthew 1:21, Isaiah 35:1-10 Christmas is a season that we are reminded of the story of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. It’s a familiar story and, perhaps, familiarity has caused us to grow disenchanted by the whole affair. We are much more likely to get excited about the entailments of Christmas, like […]
Advent: The Gospel of Matthew | Jesus, Son of Joseph
Part 2/5 Read: Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 40:3-5 Are you ready for Christmas? I think it is safe to say that nobody is ever really ready. There is a lot to prepare. Sometimes it feels like too much to do. During this second week of Advent, we are focusing on preparation, so I encourage you that […]
Dont Skip Advent: To Everything There is a Season
We finally made it to December. It felt touch-and-go for a while. More than any other year, there might be a temptation to relax, to treat ourselves, or to let ourselves go upon reflection of the many difficulties and trials that occurred. There are times when this is an appropriate and even recommended activity. We […]
Advent: The Gospel of Matthew | Jesus, the Christ
Part 1 of 5 Read: Matthew 1:1-17, Genesis 12:1-9, II Samuel 7:1-17 I have to make a confession. Before I got married, I wasn’t one to decorate for Christmas. I never actually celebrated Christmas at my own home. I would always travel to go and see my family, but the fact remains that I was […]
A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving | by Adam Miller
Read: Psalm 50, Luke 17:11-19 This year for Thanksgiving, I am approaching the holiday with a different frame of mind. I want to count my blessings, but in a year of so many disruptions and disappointments, I’m finding it a little more challenging to be grateful. Instead of simply giving things for the few highlights […]
Humility | Micah 6:8, II Chronicles 7:14, John 13:1-17
Read: Micah 6:8, II Chronicles 7:14, John 13:1-17 This year has been…unusual. Therefore, in anticipation of celebrating Thanksgiving, I want to encourage you to consider what you are giving thanks for this year. Are we grateful despite the circumstances, or have we matured enough this year to give thanks to God for the challenges that […]
The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases by Micah Lovell
As all eyes turn toward the changing seasons, the colder temperatures, the shorter days and longer nights, an inevitable feeling of gloom comes upon me. The day we “Fall Back” is possibly my least favorite calendar day of the year. Carrying a step ladder around my house, I sigh as I step up to reach […]
I’ve Given Up, and So Should You – Adam Miller
This year has been difficult and I’m ready to throw in the towel. Now, I enjoy a good challenge from time to time, but some hardships are too much to handle and can’t be fixed. The more I try, the more frustrating it gets. However, I have to admit that I was ready to give […]
A Vision of the New Heaven and New Earth | Revelation 21-22
Series: Will the Church Be on the Right Side of History? Part 9/9 Read: Revelation 21-22, John 14:1-14 Have you ever imagined what heaven will be like? We, like our culture, are fascinated by this subject. Heaven has been depicted in every artistic form. Books on the subject are always at the top of our […]
A Vision of the Final Judgement | Revelation 20
Part 8/9 Series: Will the Church Be On the Right Side of History Read: Revelation 20, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:10, II Corinthians 5:10 Warning: you might want to open a window or turn on the AC while reading this sermon manuscript. We are going to be talking about fire and brimstone. Teaching through the Book […]
A Vision of the Final Battle | Revelation 17-19
Part 7/9 Series: Will the Church Be On the Right Side of History Read: Revelation 17-19, Matthew 24 I have to admit that I am a major movie buff. I like a really well made film, especially one that can subvert my expectations and surprise me. Something essential in every good story is the climax. […]