by designdesign | Jul 21, 2019
A message from the series “Summer on the Mount.” The scripture passage for this sermon is Matthew 5:27-32 in which Jesus addresses issues of the heart concerning marriage, lust and divorce. Pastor Nate explains the covenant design of marriage as it differs from the consumer relationship of marriage. We learn how the consuming desire of lust becomes a form of idolatry that requires “drastic spiritual surgery.” Jesus speaks to the concession of divorce in this passage, and we are reminded that marriage was originally intended to be a lifelong, covenantal relationship (Matthew 19:6). The topics of permissible divorce, remarriage and abuse are also addressed.
by designdesign | Jul 14, 2019
A message from the series “Summer on the Mount.” In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus addresses the issue of anger, calling us to see and love others in the same way that God does. He powerfully challenges His followers to ask for forgiveness from others, and to forgive others. This message explains how to have a right relationship with God when it comes to anger, what happens when we don’t forgive, and how we can forgive those that wrong us.
by designdesign | Jul 7, 2019
A message from the series “Summer on the Mount.” Pastor Nate introduces this series by answering this question: “Why is the Sermon on the Mount the greatest sermon of all time?” There are five primary reasons. First, Jesus is the preacher. Second, the sermon is timeless, relevant and revolutionary. Third, it is the true measuring rod for the Church. Fourth, these words of Jesus simultaneously bring comfort and make us feel uncomfortable. Finally, this sermon is a radical call to action. In Matthew 5:1-16, Jesus begins his sermon with eight mottos, called the Beatitudes, about the “blessed” or “happy” life in the kingdom of God. Ultimately, Jesus asks, “Will you follow me?”
by designdesign | Jun 30, 2019
A message from the series “2019 Student Mission Team Reports.” In June, four mission teams comprised of teens, young adults and adult volunteers traveled to Belize, Bolivia and Kentucky to serve impoverished communities. All team members share with the congregation their favorite part of the trip and what God taught them.
by designdesign | Jun 23, 2019
A message from the series “Skeptical.” There are passages in the Old Testament in which God commands the Israelite Army to utterly destroy certain Canaanite cities in the land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants. This sermon addresses hard questions: Is God a genocidal, malevolent bully? Is the God of the Old Testament the same God we read about in the New Testament? Pastor Nate gives three responses. One, God brings judgment upon a generationally wicked Canaanite culture. Two, God desired to stop the spiritual poison (of the Canaanites) from spreading to the Israelites and the nations. Three, God was exceedingly patient with the Canaanites. In the New Testament, God displays both His judgment and His love through the sacrifice of Christ. Christians are now agents of God’s love, reconciliation and peace – not God’s judgment.
