"Embracing the Future as the Spirit Activates" A Sermon by Rev. Paul Baxley

"Embracing the Future as the Spirit Activates" A Sermon by Rev. Paul Baxley

We read in 1 Corinthians 12 about the many gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to us. Often we tend to think about this passage on an individual, personal level. But what if we think about it as Paul speaking to a congregation, and think about the gifts that the Holy Spirit given to our church.

This timely message from Paul Baxley offers a balance of challenge and hope as our congregation prepares to begin listening sessions in the coming weeks. Listen with open ears and a willing spirit to hear what God is saying to you, but also to our congregation.

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"A Healing That Cannot Wait" A Sermon by Rev. Kristen Koger

"A Healing That Cannot Wait" A Sermon by Rev. Kristen Koger

At a first read through, the story of the woman with a bad back in Luke 13 seems to be a story about making sure we are only doing things to bring honor to God on the Sabbath day. But for Jesus, freeing a woman from her physical captivity of eighteen years is exactly a way to honor God on the Sabbath. This passage is a reminder that as members of the kingdom of God, we shouldn’t wait a single day longer to set the oppressed free, bring release to those who are captives, or be the hands and feet of justice in this world.

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"Faith of Our Fathers...Mothers...Aunts...Cousins" A Sermon by Rev. Kristen Koger

"Faith of Our Fathers...Mothers...Aunts...Cousins" A Sermon by Rev. Kristen Koger

The book of Hebrews was written as a reminder for Jewish Christians that even though they are following the teachings of Jesus, the faith of their Jewish ancestors still matters. Our passage for today is a reminder to this group to early Christians and to us that even though we face hardships and challenges, we come from a long line of faithful people who have kept the faith and run the race. Now, it is our turn to run this leg of the journey, carrying on the story of Jesus until we pass off the baton to the saints who will come after us.

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"The World is a Scary Place" A sermon written by Dr. Jim White, read by Rev. Kristen Koger

"The World is a Scary Place" A sermon written by Dr. Jim White, read by Rev. Kristen Koger

In God's covenant with Abram in Genesis 15, God says to Abram, "Do not be afraid, I've got your back". As we focus on these four words of comfort, how can we find ways to let our fears and anxieties have less control over our lives, and to trust fully in these words? Like Abram, when we are facing the unknown, if we turn to God for comfort and guidance, we will find that our fear lessens and our trust increases. We hope this sermon brings your comfort as you listen to its message.

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"Is Enough, Enough?" A Sermon by Dr. Jim White

"Is Enough, Enough?" A Sermon by Dr. Jim White

Jesus does not condemn this farmer for being prudent. Every farmer knows abundant years will be followed by lean years. Preparing for lean times is a sign of wisdom. Rather, Jesus condemns a kind of greed that creeps up on us. Without realizing it, we can become self-focused and think we are self-sufficient. Jesus says God called him a fool because he couldn't see beyond himself and enough was not enough.

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"Turning Around" A Sermon by Rev. Michael Cheuk

"Turning Around" A Sermon by Rev. Michael Cheuk

To kick off our summer worship series, "Faces of Our Faith: Bold and Untold Stories," Rev. Michael Cheuk looks at the story of Jonah. In his sermon, he points out three turn around moments that helps us see this story in a new light. Rev. Cheuk's sermon takes a familiar story and focuses on an often looked over part, and gives us new ears to hear this passage.

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"Why Are You Looking Up?" A Sermon by Rev. Kristen Koger

"Why Are You Looking Up?" A Sermon by Rev. Kristen Koger

As Jesus ascends to the heavens, his disciples are asked "Why are you looking up?". This passage from Acts 1 reminds us that even though Jesus isn't physically present here on earth, the work he began isn't over. Instead of fixing our eyes on the heavens to catch a glimpse of Jesus, we should instead focus our eyes on the world around us and strive to the be presence of Christ in the world by seeking justice, loving our neighbor, and putting our faith to action.

On the heels of a difficult week in our nation, we find that in the midst of strong emotions we are called to pray but also to act. As we finish our Easter series, may we see the world around us with transformed eyes and hopeful hearts. May we view the world as Jesus does, and love the people in it the way God loves us.

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