Sermons From The Crossroads: Recent Episodes
Nathan Willowby
Guest Speaker Samantha Montha Montgomery brings to us a message from Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the talents.
Guest Speaker Minister Timothy Montgomery joins us with a message God has given him for us about what the Church is and where God chooses to make His dwelling place.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the last verses of Habakkuk (3:17-19) to remind us of where we have come from, and how much we achieved in the last century. And of how God stayed with us and supported us through all the trials, including two pandemics. He is with us still.
In Mark 9:30-50 Jesus sets out the priorities for the Kingdom. Pastor Marlene Soffera shoes us the clear priorities He laid out for His disciples -- people. Not the leaders, but the people being served. The marginalized ones. The ones the world has set aside.
Pstor Marlene Soffera uses the last part of Mark 6 (verses 27 on) toremind us that Jesus intentionally took on the cross, intentionally suffered, for us. He paid the required price.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Mark 7:24-31 to talk about how Jesus came to us and brought the kingdom first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.
Technical Difficulties: The pastor's recording microphone kept cutting in and out during this sermon.
Today Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Mark 7:1-23 to ask us if we are, like the Pharisees who question Jesus, simply paying lip service to God. Are we fencing His laws around with all sorts of traditions and listening to them, obeying them, and losing sight of what He actually said?
In this final entry from the Book of John, chapter 6, Pastor Marlene Soffera uses John 6:56-69 to speak to us about the holiness of Christ, and why it is His holiness that allows us to even strive to be holy.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes the text from John 6:51-58 to talk about the eating of Christ. Far from chomping down on the fingers of Jesus, we are to to eat, to consume the nature of Christ, to become as He is.
As the next in the sequence on the Priest order of service, Encouragement, Pastor Marlene Soffera takes John 6:24-35 as the base for talking to us about God continuing to feed us with everything we need. So take heart. He will feed us.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-15) to illustrate our own walk with Jesus. No matter how scarce the resources, with Jesus, they are enough.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Mark 6:30-44 to talk to us about the church at work. Through all the ups and downs of the journey, in the middle of the storms, we will still see Jesus, coming to our aid.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Mark 6:14-29 for her text today, reminding us to keep our heads. John never lost his composure, never lost sight of what was good, and what was evil, even in the face of death. Do not lose your head, do not shy away from doing good, from spreading Christ. Keep your head.
Guest Speaker Minister Janice Calvert from Milwaukee's North Side Church Of God joins us today, to speak to us about the basics of a spiritual diet starting with Hebrews 5:7-14 to illustrate how we proceed from a baby's milk to the real meat if a spiritual diet.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Mark 4:35-41 as a starting point to talk with us about how God can lead us from fear to faith.
What is the Kingdom of God? Pastor Marlene Soffera Takes Parables from Matthew13 to tell us about The Kingdom, and its coming.
God Gave Isaiah A clear vision of his mission. Do you have either? Or are you standing silent?
Pastor Marlene examines John's account of Jesus' prediction of the gift of the Holy Spirit from John 15:26-27 and 16:4b-15 in this Pentecost sermon.
Pastor Marlene closes out the sermon series on First John as she examines I John 5:9-13, and the assurance we have of eternal life if we believe in God and walk in his way.
Pastor Marlene examines First John 3:16-24 as she speaks about the biblical commandment to believe in God and love one another.
Lay speaker Tim Schmidt fills in as a guest speaker this week with a message from First John 5:1-15 on obeying God through relying on His strength.
While Pastor Marlene is in the hospital, lay members of the congregation (Earl Thomas, Mary Crow, Kathy Brad) share what has been laid on their hearts, including a short sermon on 1 John 4:7-20 on showing love to one another.
As Pastor Marlene examines 1 John 3:1-7; she encourages us to live into the traits of God's family in love, purity, and righteousness.
Pastor Marlene starts a six-part sermon series on 1 John, focusing today 1 John 1:1-2:6.
In her Easter sermon, Pastor Marlene compares us with children who have lost their father as she invites us to seek after our Heavenly Father.
In her sermons series following Christ to the cross, Pastor Marlene today examines John's account of the trials and crucifixion of Jesus.
Pastor Marlene examines the prayers of Christ on Thursday of Holy Week as she continues her sermon series on Christ's journey to the cross.
Pastor Marlene walks through the story of Judas' betrayal of Christ as she continues her series of Christ's road to the cross.
Pastor Marlene examines Jesus' declaration of the two greatest commandments in Mark 12 as she continues her series on the journey of Christ to the cross.
Pastor Marlene examines the account of Jesus' cleansing of the temple from Mark as part of her series following Jesus to the Cross.
Pastor Marlene examines Mark's version of the Triumphal Entry as she continues her sermon series on Jesus's journey to the cross.
Pastor Marlene examines the resurrection of Lazarus and the plot to kill Jesus as she continues her series on Jesus' road to the cross.
Pastor Marlene continues with her sermon series on Jesus' journey to the cross, focusing on Jesus' proclamations about himself in John.
As we follow Jesus' journey to the cross, Pastor Marlene analyzes the woes that Jesus pronounces against the Pharisees in Matthew 23--and how the church should learn from them today.
As Pastor Marlene continues her sermon series regarding Jesus' journey to the cross, she talks about how Christ's displays of power were meant to prepare the disciples for his ultimate death and resurrection.
Pastor Marlene continues her sermon series regarding Jesus' journey to the cross, and today looks at Christ's words predicting his future suffering.
Pastor Marlene begins a series regarding Jesus' journey to the cross, which will culminate on Easter. Today, she looks at the Old Testament scriptures regarding the suffering of the promised Messiah.
As she has the last several years, Pastor Marlene re-examines the six main responsibilities of a Christianity, this time through the metaphor of body building--referencing Romans 12:5.
Pastor Marlene continues her sermon series on Isaiah 9:6, as she explores what it means for us today that Jesus is called the 'Everlasting Father.' Pastor Marlene examines how the fact that Jesus is our everlasting father relates to the trinity, as well as to father issues that we may have regarding our earthly fathers.
Pastor Marlene continues her sermon series on Isaiah 9:6, as she explores what it means that Jesus is called 'Mighty God,' and how he is "mighty to save."
Pastor Marlene starts an advent sermon series on Isaiah 9:6, as she explores today what it means that Jesus is called a 'Wonderful Counselor.'
Pastor Marlene Soffera returns this week with a message from the book of Daniel, chapter 5. This is the story from which we get the expression "the writing is in the wall" -- the mysterious hand that writes a terse 4-word message to Belshazzar. Do you live a life of thanks to the God who has made you and holds your life in His hand?
Minister Eugene Nelson, Jr., is our guest speaker today, bringing us a message of thanksgiving from 2 Samuel 6:12-15 and Luke 17:11-19. For everything God has done for us, in everything we do, give thanks unto God.
Minister Frank Jefferson is our guest speaker today bringing us a message of hope even in such trying times as we face today. Reminding us that in these dark times, in these dark places today, we are to bring the light. 1 Samuel chapter 30 starts our journey.
Our guest speaker this week is Wanda Lamon, brining us a message from Psalm 121 on how our help comes from the Lord.
Lay speaker Timothy Schmidt fills the guest speaker role this week with a message exhorting us to be holy, because the God we follow is holy, Leviticus 19:1-4,9-18
Lay speaker Earl Thomas steps in as a guest to talk to us about the two things that are forever.
In the fourth and final sermon in the series on Jonah, Pastor Marlene Soffera moves farther into the character of a merciful God, and Jonah's reaction to it. Do you ever get angry like Jonah did in Jonah 4? Do you have a right to it?
In this third sermon in the series on Jonah, Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Jonah 3 to illumine us about the character of God.
In this second part of her series on Jonah, Pastor Marlene Soffera walks us through the prayer Jonah made, and shows how that can apply in our own prayer lives.
Pastor Marlene Soffera begins a series now in the book of Jonah, taking the reading from Jonah, chapter 1, to show us what can happen when you run from the task the Lord has put before you. Just because you stay away from water to avoid being swallowed by a fish does not mean you can escape the consequences!
Pastor Marlene takes Romans 14:1-12 to remind us that there are disputable matters, matters left open where reasonable and honorable Christians can disagree. And we should never try to imply they are less Christian, simply because they disagree with us.
Love is a verb; we hear that often enough, but what does it mean? Pastor Marlene Soffera shows us from the passage in Romans 13:8-14 what that means.
Pastor Marlene continues her series on the book of Romans, taking today the passage Romans 12:9-21 as her starting point to show us how we can best use our differences in the service of God: by showing His love to all through them.
Just as your own body has many different parts working within it, from heart and lungs to eyes, hands and feet, so does the church. Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Romans 12: 1-8 as the starting text to show us that while we each are valuable parts of the body, we are different, and those differences make us a stronger body.
Pastor Marlene Soffera continues her series on the book of Romans, using Romans 11: 1-32 to talk to us about the Mercy of God, what it is and how it Changes Things for us.
Pastor Marlene Soffera continues her series on Romans using Romans 5:5-15 to show us how salvation is for everyone.
Pastor Marlene Soffera recaps the early Romans chapters focusing on how salvation comes through Israel, first for the Jew, then for the gentile. Romans 1:1-5
We are all human; the definition of that condition is we all have weaknesses. Pastor Marlene Soffera continues her series on Romans by using Romans 8:26-39 to illustrate for us that when we are at our weakest, God still knows what it is we need.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Romans 8:12-25 to speak about becoming Children of God, both what it means, and how it impacts us (and the world).
Pastor Marlene Soffera continues her series in Romans, taking as her text this week Romans 8:1-11, as Paul once again explains how there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, who walk according to His divine nature and no longer follow their own sinful nature.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Romans 7:15-25 as her text today, showing us how Paul writes of the conflict within, of how even as he wants to do good, evil is there. But she takes us through Paul's despair to his Rescuer, Christ Jesus. Showing us that in the conflict, there is still comfort in Him.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes another step into Romans, using Romans 6:12-23 to show us how the decisions we make turn us into interments of righteousness in this world for God's use. Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Pastor Marlene Soffera continues her series in Romans with a look at Romans 5:12-21, explaining what it means to be dead to sin but alive in Christ.
Pastor Marlene Soffera begins a series on the book of Romans with an overview of the first four chapters, looking for reasons we should be rejoicing, even now.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the end of 2 Corinthians (begin at 2 Cor 13:11 and continue to the end of the chapter) As a starting point to begin to talk with us about the triune God, and why the concept is important.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes the text John 7: 37-39 to speak to us about the fountain of Living Water given to us, and how as we go out into the world, the water of the spirit leaks out of our lives to nourish those around us.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses John 17:1-13, the prayer Jesus offered for His Disciples in the Upper Room, and for us to open up a talk about unity, and about the disruption to that which is caused by racism. For truly we cannot be one when we see any of the children of God as lesser.
There are many ways to show love. The way we show our love for God is through obedience to Him. In the words of Jesus, "If you love me, keep my commandments."
The early church was called Followers Of The Way. What was the way? Pastor Marlene Soffera uses John 14: 1-14 as the starting point for explaining that.
What did it mean when Jesus said His sheep hear His voice? Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the conversation Jesus has with Pharisees about His being the Good Shepherd.
What must it have been like, after arriving at Emmaus, to find the person you had been talking with during the trip was Jesus? To have spent that much time with God walking beside you, explaining the scriptures to you, and you were completely unaware it was Him? Pastor Marlene Soffera reminds us that we've all been to Emmaus, all walked without recognizing Who walked beside us.
Peter, Mary, Thomas; all of them knew He died, and doubt shrouded them. Jesus converted those doubters to witnesses. He is always looking for more.
Things may look bad, but the Lord gave given us His resurrection power, making all things possible;e for us.
Today is the last in the series of sermons from Pastor Marlene Soffera on Things To Gove Up For Lent. Today she asks us to give give up doing things our way, and to instead do things His Way. God knows us and our capabilities and circumstances better than we do. Try it His Way and find out.
Prejudice? Here? Pastor Marlene Soffera talks to us about the prejudice we may be showing every day. How can we be an agent to transform society, to fix the ills that prejudice causes in society, if we show it ourselves? Starting with John 7:24, pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through scripture, to show us how we are supposed to be acting. Why not give up prejudice for Lent? Maybe you'll figure out how to do it permanently.
In this fourth entry in her series on Things To Give Up For Lent, Pastor Marlene Soffera focuses on bitterness. Bitterness is easy, especially in these times, where we can feel victimized by others, or by the COVID 19 Virus. It's easy, but we should give it up. It only harms us, and helps nothing.
Lay Speaker Arlen Walker uses the story of the Bereans in Acts 17:10-15 to show us the proper way to treat those who claim to bring messages from God: listen, and then search the scriptures to test the truth of the message.
For her next suggestion of something to give up for Lent, Pastor Marlene suggests we give up hardening our heart, and listen to God. Hebrews, chapter 3
In this segment of her series in the Sermon On The Mount, Pastor Marlene Soffera talks about the higher standard Jesus sets for us to follow.
Salt and Light. That's what Jesus said those who follow Him were. Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Matthew 5:13-20 to show us just what it is He expects of those who follow Him.
The Beatitudes (Matt5:1-12) is the text for Marlene Soffera today, as she askes us which of the categories of the blessed we fit into.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through the meaning of the Baptism of Jesus as told in Matthew chapter 3.
The word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Pastor Marlene Soffera starts the new year with the first 18 verses of the book of John, and just what it means to have God among us.
Do Again. And That's the topic for Marlene Soffera, that we return to, we do again what we have done when first we came to Christ.
Pastor Marlene Soffera Takes us through the story of Bathsheba, in her own words. David and Bathsheba continue the line leading through history down to Jesus, and we see once again a traveler, this time the wife of a Hitite, plays a role in the lineage of Jesus.
Pastor Marlene Soffera tells us the story of Ruth, in her own words. The story of an immigrant who meant a lot to the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Marlene continues her series on immigrants into Israel who played a role in the arrival of Christ, this time telling the story of Rahab in her own words.
Pastor Marlene Soffera brings us the story of Tamar. What would you do to stay connected to the family of God?
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story of Lazarus to remind us that what happens to us is to be for the glory of God. The dawn after a dark night.
Pastor Marlene today presents a sermon in honor of both Veteran's Day and the Day Of Prayer For The Persecuted Churches around the world.
Pastor Marlene Soffera reaches the conclusion of the book of acts and the final arrival of Paul in Rome. Drawing the story to a close, we are reminded that we are now set apart for God, and His story is not over. Paul, and Luke, the writer, expect us to continue the story of God and the Acts of His followers.
Paul, in his struggles recounted in Acts 21:1 to Acts 26:32, ended up by speaking directly to the governors, kings, and emperors of his time. And Pastor Marlene Soffera shows us that he spoke most effectively by telling his story, and reminds us that will be how we also communicate Jesus most effectively.
Pastor Marlene Soffera follows Paul through Ephesus, showing how much he cared, and how much he focused on repentance, on passing on that care to those outside of the church, winning them for Christ.
Guest Speaker Jennie Prior Brings us to the parable of the Sower by way of the idea of change. Growing things change, but they are at the same time alive. I have yet to see a flower that blooms in all seasons. What season are you in? What is God teaching you?
We keep on, even though we may not see that God is with us. Marlene Soffera takes us through the second journey of Paul, with Silas. Be prepared to change your plans.
Not all disputes are cataclysmic. Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the examples from the early church to show us how we can handle them, and why we should. Acts 15:36-41 is the text for today.
How is conflict handled in the church? In the early church there were some serious arguments over what should be required of Gentiles who joined the church. Here's how it might have played out, using the words from Acts 15 as the guide.
Guest Speaker Minister Eugene Nelson took us through both the old and new testaments to show us how awesome God is. Rev 19:6, 2 Chronicles 7:14
Guest Speaker Eric May brings us a message reminding us that Jesus says of those who follow Him, "I no longer call you servants, I call you friends."
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us to the beginnings of Paul's travels, in Acts13:1 - 14:25 as he starts bringing the Good News to the jewish communities,and after he is rebuffed there, the gentile communities. Where does God what you to go? What does God want you to do?
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Acts 11:19-12:25 to show us the miraculous escape God gave Peter, and show us how He also helps us to escape.
Acts 10 shows Peter given a vision. It turns out that his was only part of the vision, and the men God was sending him had the rest of it. Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through the various segments of the vision, and leaves us with the question: Is God giving you a part of the vision He gave someone else?
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story of Saul (Acts 9:1-31) to show how those who persecute may still be chosen by God.
When the early church was beginning, they kept close to home. The death of Stephen ushered in a period of serious persecution that scattered church, but also made spreading the Gospel to the world rapidly possible. Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story of Acts 8 as an example for us; witness today or be forced out by persecution to stand witness later.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story of Stephen (Acts 6:8 - 8:3) to talk about the original meanng of martyr (witness) and what it should mean to us.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story in Acts 5 to show us the journey of the apostles from being elevated as disciples of the popular teacher Jesus, to being degraded through the persecution of the early church to their elation at serving Jesus.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Acts 6:1-7 to give us insight on behavior in the church, and the distribution of tasks and responsibilities.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story of Ananias and Saphira (Acts 4:32-5:11) to show us examples of how to be (and not be) devoted.
Guest speaker Minister Eugene Emmanuel Nelson Jr takes us through Genesis 15:1-7, where Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. How about you? Have you been counted?
Pastor Marlene Soffera leads us through the third and fourth chapters of Acts, starting with the boldness of Peter, and focusing in on Acts 4:13 to show us how we should act.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us to the end of the second chapter of Acts (Acts 2:41-47) to explain what we do and how we do it matters.
Acts 2 forms the backdrop of the message Pastor Marlene Soffera brings to us today. God brought the Burning Bush to the Upper Room, the fire that does not consume. And we can see what it did.
On Ascension Sunday, Pastor Marlene Soffera reminds us of what Jesus has commanded us to do until he returns, "...unto the ends of the earth."
Guest Speaker Wanda Lamon brings us a message about everything Jesus has done and is doing for us.
Guest Speaker Eric May brings us a message this morning from Genesis (chapter 3) and Romans (chapter 8). We stand condemned by the Law, but Saved by Christ.
The Twenty-Third Psalm. We have all heard it. Pastor Marlene Soffera Takes us through it as a model for what we are supposed to be; shepherds of our own, as well as part of the flock of Jesus.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Philippians 2:1-11 to show us how we can conform to the image of God, being likeminded in Christ.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through Philippians 3:1-14 as we learn about the differences between the external, internal, and eternal views.
Pastor Marlene Soffera leads us through 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 to talk about being reconciled with God and Ambassadors for Him in the world.
After talking about good examples last week, Pastor Marlene Soffera takes 1Corinthians 9:1-13 as a start for finding the bad examples to follow when faced with temptation.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Philippians 3:17-4:1 to remind how to stand form. The question is whiuch pattern you use?
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the temptation of Christ (Luke 4:1-12) as our example of how need to handle temptations, and how wee need to be reading the Bible so that it is there in our minds when we need it.
When Moses spoke with God, the radiance in his face, the Glory, passed eventually. Pastor Marlene Soffera uses 2 Cor 3:7 - 4:2 to show us how the glory of the spirit doesn't need to drain away.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Luke 6:27-38 as her text to show us that while we have two possible responses to our situation, or correct response is not to fret about it, but to respond with love.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Jeremiah 17:5-10 as her text to show us how we're supposed to be trusting God with our hearts.
In this seventh of the seven "Ups" Pastor Marlene Soffera urges us to speak up, to get out of our comfort zones and get out into the fields.
Psalms 145:1-12
Or, more precisely, "Give It Up."
In this installment of the the series of seven Ups, Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us to Psalms 116:12-14,17-18 to show us what we need to give up to God.
The "up" for this week is "Buck Up." Encourage, both yourself and others. Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Romans 1 as ajumping off point for showing us how we need to get out of ourselves to reach the world for Jesus.
This fourth segment of the seven Ups has Pastor Marlene Soffera taking the story from Matthew 22 (the wedding banquet) as a starting point for talking about how we should go out and pick up others to bring to Christ.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Job 23:11-12 as the starting point to show us that it's important for us to listen to what God has said, as well as speak to Him regularly.
In the second of her series of Seven Ups pastor Marlene Soffera reminds us to Look Up; to pray to God and look to Him for what we must do.
Pastor Marlene Soffera embarks on a sequence devoted to seven 'Ups' we need to have. This first one, based in Ephesians 4:10-14, is Measure Up.
Pastor Marlene Soffera use Luke 2:21-38 to remind us we need still to present the baby to the world, through our lives, and that there will often be a degree of suffering involved in doing so.
Are those listed in the right order? Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through the incarnation of Jesus to talk about that.
Baby names have meanings, and their influence may extend into adulthood. Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Luke 1:30-31 as a starting point for
Pastor Marlene Soffera talks about the Advent, and uses Revelation 22:20 to remind us; there's another Advent coming.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses 2Peter 1:16 as the text for the concluding hymn in our Autumn Anthem series, Majesty. She takes us through three facets of Majesty and why we should be worshipping Him.
In this entry in the Autumn Anthems series, the hymn is Great Is They Faithfulness. Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Lamentations 3:19-26 to explain the message of the song, that God is faithful to us in every circumstance.
Today's Autumn Anthem is The Old Rugged Cross. Pastor Marlene Soffera leads us through thoughts of the cross, and how the cross permeates our life, using 1 Corinthians 1:18 as a starting point.
As you might guess from the title, the Autumn Anthem for this week is How Great Thou Art, and pastor Marlene Soffera ranges from Deuteronomy into Revelation to enlighten us.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses 1 John 5:9-13 as the text in this installment of the Autumn Anthems series, using it to illuminate the hymn, Blessed Assurance.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the anthem Amazing Grace to lead us through the difference between Grace and Mercy, and show us that while Grace is given as a gift, we are not supposed to hoard it, but rather use it. Grace is for our employment, not our enjoyment.
This week's hymn for the Fall Anthems series is What A Friend We Have In Jesus. Pastor Marlene Soffera uses John 15:3-15 as the root talk about what it means to be God's friend.
As the Autumn Anthems series continues, the song for today is the hymn I Know Who I Have Believed. Marlene takes us through the 2Timothy 1:12 and unpacks a meaning for us to carry through every day.
Due to circumstances beyond her control, lay speaker Arlen Walker filled in with a brief message about the song from the title, and the Psalm it was based upon: Psalm 118:24. God made this day; trust him to see it through with you.
The hymn comes from Psalm 46. Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through the history of the hymn and what it means.
What does it mean to be part of God's failiy? How do we get there? Pastor Marlene Soffera follows the scriptural threads.
In Ezekiel 46:9 the prophet tells the people to leave the temple by the opposite door as the one they came in from. Pastor Marlene Soffera offers the idea this could be an analogue of the fact that when we truly engage in worship, we do not come away from it in the same way we enter into it. How has the act of worship changed you, lately -- or has it?
Today we welcomed back a familiar voice in the pulpit, as Dr Nathan Wliiowby returns to give us an update on what he's been doing as well as bringing us a message from John 6. We're hardwired to see scarcity, but where we focus on it, God sees abundance.
Pastor Marlene Soffera is back from surgery this week to conclude her series in Hebrews. There was a video mentioned at the one minute mark to catch us up on The Story So Far). We perservere in our faith, surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.
Guest Speaker Deric May brings us today a message from 2 Corinthians 10:4-6. The war we face is not of the flesh, so it is waged not with guns, but with thoughts.
Minister Wanda Lamon is our guest speaker again today, while Pastor Marlene Soffera recovers from hip surgery. She takes Psalm 150 as the text for her message to us today. Everything and everyone praise God.
Guest Speaker Samantha Montgomery today brings us a message about mercy (not receiving what we deserve) and grace (receiving what we do not deserve).
Guest Speaker Tim Montgomery brings us a message from 1 John 4:4, showing us that we need to keep pressing on.
Guest Speaker Wanda Lamon takes us into Psalm 23 to show us the depth and reach of the love the Father has for us.
Pastor Marlene Soffera talks to us to about fishing and celebrations, using Hebrews chapter 8 and 9.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through the book of Hebrews to show us the the entire book is about our hope, and how it holds fast during storms.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Hebrews 3:1-6 to lay out her message on the House of God and our households of faith.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Hebrews 2:18 to highlight for us just how and why Jesus is uniquely qualified to give help to the tempted.
Beginning a new series on the book of Hebrews, Pastor Marlene Soffera starts in chapter 1 to show the outline of the new covenant.
Guest Speaker Dwight Lovett brings a message from Luke 24:18-26. As two friends were hurrying home to Emmaus from the Crucifixion they are joined by a stranger. In their rush to get home, they had almost missed an important and wonderful blessing. What do we miss as we rush around the world?
Guest Speaker Eric May brings us a message today from 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 about how God will always be there for us, loving us. Even when we don't find ourselves loveable.
Guest Speaker Wanda Lamon brings us a message from Luke 22:31-34 about how God prepares for trials, for winnowing us like wheat, and how He sees us through it.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Colossians 3:1-13 to bring us a message about we are now supposed to live, now that Christ is risen.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes the passage in Jeremiah about the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and shows how that looks forward to Jesus, sharing the wine at His last supper with the disciples.
The Isrealites broke the covenant. Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us to the text in Numbers 21:4-9 to show us the effects of the breakage. And show us the direct parallel in John 3:14-16
Pastor Marlene Soffera gives us a message including the 10 commandments from Exodus chapter 20. What are they?
God made specific choices for His dealings with humanity. He chose Abram. Then Isaac over Ishmael; Jacob over Esau, but then all of Jacob's children. What should be the impact of these choices?
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story of Noah and the flood to begin a series about the nature of covenants, and the covenants God has made.
The mantle gets passed....There was Elijah, and when his time was over, it passed to Elisha. Paster Marlene Soffera uses 2 Kings 2:1-14 to show us how the torch gets passed. And the beat goes on.
Pastor Marlene Soffera talks to us about Isaiah 40:21:31, and especially what it means for us to wait, with hope, upon the Lord.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Deuteronomy 18:15-19 to talk about how this conversation by Moses presages Jesus and shows the way for us to respond to Him.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story of Jonah Chapter three to illustrate the need for, and God's reaction to, repentence
Pastor Marlene Soffera starts the new year in Genesis (1:1-5). How can we be the light the shines in the darkness?
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses passages from 2 Cor 3:17 to 2 Cor 4:18 (as well as our past year's prayer list) to remind us that difficulties arise, but in a balance with the Glory and Plan of God, they are not so much that we should lose heart and despair over them, reaffirming Romans 5:1-5
It's a cliché straight off a thousand greeting cards, but Pastor Marlene Soffera uses it as the starting point to bring us a message about we, too, can be wise people.
Matt 2:1-12
Shepherds left their routine existence to visit the Christ Child (Luke 2:8-20). Pastor Marlene Soffera uses their example to ask us how we can leave our routines to meet God in His remarkable work.
Joseph had four dreams that changed his early life with Mary and Jesus. Pastor Marlene Soffera tells us about them and urges us to set aside dreaming time of our own, time where we not only speak to God but take the time to listen as well.
Would we have the faith of Mary? Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Luke 1:26-38 to show what Mary was agreeing to. Could we?
Pastor Marlene Soffera brings us a message to based in Matthew 25:31-46. In which group will you be found?
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the parables of the talents (Matt 25:14-30) to bring a message about being a good and faithful servant.
Leading into the Seven Woes, Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Matt 23:1-12 to help us understand what it is we are supposed to be doing, and things we need to avoid doing, to avoid making ourselves into the hypocrites Christ warned us against.
Guest Speaker Eric May Brings us a message from the beginning of it all. Genesis 2:15 to 3:5
"Render unto Caesar..." Pastor Marlene Soffera uses this story from Matthew 22:15-22 to talk about our duties as dual citizens, citizens of both Heaven and Earth.
The kingdom of god is like a wedding party....Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Matthew 22:1-12 to show us God as the holder of the wedding feast.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Matt 21:23-32 as her text today to show us the importance God places upon obedience, and to remind us that all of us have at some point behaved like the first son in the parable.
Using John, chapter 4 (the story of the Samaritan woman at the well) Pastor Marlene Soffera shows us how we should be making commitments in our lives to invite others to Christ.
Pastor Marlene Soffera use Mark 2:1-12 as the setting to talk about we are invested in evangelism.
We need to make a commitment to be out in the world. Because we cannot be the salt of the earth, if we don't.
Matthew 5:13-16
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses the story of the Gaderene Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20) to introduce a project for helping us learn to care about our fellow humans, the way God does.
Guest Speaker Wanda Lamon takes the story of the Woman at the Well from the fourth chapter of John as a starting point in talking to us about the nature of worship and the nature of our necessary response to the actions of God.
Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Matthew 15:21-31 as her text today, showing us how even the crumbs from God's table can affect our lives.
Jesus walked on the water...Peter asked to as well. Pastor Marlene Soffera brings a message from Matthew 14:22-33 about the realization on the part of the Disciples of just who Jesus is. And what that means to them...and to us.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Matthew 14:13-21 to show us what God was teaching the followers of Christ that day when the five thousand were fed.
Pastor Marlene Soffera brings us five short parables from Matthew 13 to teach us about the worth of the Kingdom, and about it grows.
Today's message comes from the parable of the weeds and the wheat. Pastor Marlene Soffera gives us a look into what it means for us.
Matt 13:24-30,36-43
The parable of the sower from Matthew, chapter 13, serves as the basis for the message from Pastor Marlene Soffera. Join us as she takes us through the types of soil the seeds land on.
What kind of dirt are you?
Pastor Marlene Soffera brings us a message today from Mattthew 11:25-30. Jesus tells us to take up His yoke, learn to be like Him, and receive rest for our souls.
Pastor Marlene Soffera uses Matt 10:40-42 to show us the anything we give, no matter how small, even a simple cup of cold water, is welcome. Rewards come to those who give, regardless of how much.
Guest Speaker Eric May brings to us a message from Matthew 4:1-11. We are sealed by the spirit, we need to remember that when dealing with what comes our way. God is in charge.
Pastor Marlene Soffera brings the message today from Matthew 9:35 - 10:8. Jesus sends out his disciples to preach to, and heal, the world. Just as what we have received was given to us freely, so are we to give.
The Trinity is one of the foundations of the Christian faith, but it's not an easy concept for us to grasp. Pastor Marlene Soffera leads us through some historical attitudes towards it and explanations of it.
Today Pastor Marlene Soffera takes Acts 2 for the main text as she brings us a message about Pentecost, and about the Holy Spirit.
Guest Speaker Timothy Montgomery brings us a message today based on Joel 2:25, where God informs us that He will pay us back for everything lost to the locusts. God will restore us, if we open ourselves to Him.
Guest Speaker Charlene Lovett from Bountiful Harvest Church of God Brings us advice from James, to 'look in the mirror.' To see ourselves, and to make changes.
Guest Speaker Genene Hibbler joins us from one of our sister churches to bring us a Mother's Day Message around the story of Ruth, using it to show us how we can make an impression on others for God.
In today's Message, Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through how Jesus reacted, as explained in 1 Peter 2:19-25, and how that is to be our model for reacting to the world around us.
Pastor Marlene Soffera reminds us of Peter's words...that we are to love one another as if our lives depended upon it, because our own walk with God has expanded our capacity.
Pastor Marlene Soffera shares a story of her physical journey to the cross during one her prayer retreats
The year of the favor of of the Lord. What is that? Pastor Marlene Saffera talks to us of the Sabbath years and about the year of Jubilee.
The third task that forms part of His ministry, Jesus is to Release the oppressed. But who are the oppressed? Pastor Marlene Saffera walks us through a list of the oppressed and how Jesus ministry helped change things for them.
Jesus states the purpose of His ministry right at the beginning, after reading the passage from Isaiah in the Temple. Pastor Marlene Saffera goes over the four tasks.
As we come to the end of the series Pastor Marlene Soffera is preaching on the historical positions of the Church of God, we end with a classic question. There are a lot of subtle differences in how Christians think about issues, differences that, in the end, are not important for salvation. We can have these disagreements, but can we still get along? In the name of God, we must.
Pastor Marlene Soffera This week talks about the Church of God's history with various end-of-life issues.
You know. Those two subjects you're never supposed to talk about with family. Pastor Marlene Soffera does, as she takes us over some of the historical positions the Church of God has taken over the years.
It's been a strange week here at crossroads, so today's sermon actually comes from Peter Marshall, chaplain of the US Senate, and was read for us by Pastor Marlene Soffera. Prayer, while a necessary part of Christian life is also a dangerous part. We may choose how and what we pray, but God will choose how He answers, and it may not be in quite the way we expect. We may pray for patience, He may answer by sending us someone we must be patient with. Pray Dangerously.
Is The scripture all on the side of those to who women cannot be allowed to preach. Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through some of the historical thinking within the Church of God on that subject.
Children, can you say Eschatology? Pastor Marlene Soffera takes us through various views of interpreting the Book of Revelation, and gives us the history of the Church of God perspective on it.
Continuing her series on what the Church of God believes, Pastor Marlene Soffera focuses today on the Church of God's teaching on the subject of how we relate to the sovereignty of God
God is unchanging. We read that repeatedly in scripture. But Pastor Marlene Soffera reminds us that we also read that even in His unchanging, He brings change. He brings about changes in us and in the world around us. He creates us anew, He creates things in the world around us for our good.
Pastor Marlene Soffera concludes the advent series with a message about our participation in the Kingdom, now that the incarnation has happened.
When Jesus came in the flesh, He came to all, rich and poor, young and old, jew and gentile, alike.
In the second of the series on the Advent, Pastor Marlene Soffera presents us with examples of how the people were prepared for the appearance of Jesus, along with how we should be prepared in our lives.
In this first sermon in a series about Advent, Pastor Marlene Soffera talks about the way the appearance of Jesus was anticipated, and how we should be anticipating
Pastor Marlene uses Habakkuk 3:17-19 to remind us that no matter the world gives us, we should rejoice in the Lord.
Pastor Marlerne Soffers reminds us that in the kingdom of PRIESTs the T stands for "Tell." We are to tell people about the Lord and His Love.
(Apologies: a microphone died at about the 7:00 mark.)
As Pastor Marlene Soffera brings us the penultimate message in her sequence on Christians as a kingdom of priests, she uses Matt 23:23 as the base for talking about the sacrifices we must make. In this passage Jesus restates the prophet Micah's list as he boils down for the leaders of His day what is important to God; that we give ourselves, not just our money.
The E in PRIEST is for Encouragement. Pastor Marlene Soffera explains that encouragement takes many forms, and we should be performing them all as followers of Christ.
One of our duties as believers is to invite others to come along. Pastor Marlene Soffera shares some ways to do that, and some things not to do.
We read scripture both because it benefits us and because it benefits those around us. Pastor Marlene Soffera brings us a message that illumines the ways consistently reading scripture benefits us and others.
We are a kingdom of priests. Pastor Marlene Soffera speaks today about that, and using the word PREIST as a mnemonic, talk about how the P in PRIEST reminds us to Pray for people.
Guest Speaker David Kiger brings today a message from John 20 about the unexpected guest. John 20 tells of the disciples meeting after the cruxifiction and their Unexpected Guest. How many times has Jesus just shown up, unexpected? How should we respond?
Guest Pastor Kenneth Sutton brings the message today. Starting from the 2nd Chapter of Acts he shows us how the church should be treating each other. We are the blessed church.
Guest Speaker Dwight Lovett brings today a message about people who think they've reached the end of the road, taking as hi text Luke chapter 8, and the story of the woman bleeding for 12 years, and the daughter of Jairus. When you feel you have reached the end of your road, remember that Jesus will come by and remind you the road of the Christian never ends.
Guest Speaker Pastor Dwight Lovett brings our message today based on the passage in 1 Samuel about Saul and the Amelkites, extending it out as an exemplar of how God deals with us today.
1 Samuel 15:24-35
Guest Speaker Pastor Darryl Simmons brings us a message today from Psalm 23. When you walk through they valleys, remember the shepherd. Do you really know the shepherd?
Guest Speaker David Kiger brings us today a message about honor, how it is not something we give ourselves, but is bestowed upon us by others, in response to our relationship with them. In Luke 14 we find Christ's command to not arrogate for ourselves the high places, but instead to take lowly seats at the table.
Luke 14:1-11
Guest Speaker David Kiger comes to us with a message from Luke 13:10-17. No matter what we have done, who we are, what hurts and where, God is there with us, and loves us.
You are the church. The words ring out, and the first reaction is yes, of course.
But what does that mean? And what does that entail? How do we go forward with that? As Pastor Nathan Willowby wraps up this particular chapter about our journey together, he talks of who he is, who we are, what we have done together. What we need to prosper over the rest of journey, and where we will find it.
Ephesians 4:1-16
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses Luke 12:13-34 (The passage about the rich fool) to illustrate how Jesus heard of a dispute over things, and addressed the real problem -- relationships, not stuff.
We get offered lots of either-or choices; seems like it happens every day. Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the story of Martha and Mary to show how Jesus refused to fit into that model, showing us we should never get confused between focus and exclusion.
Mark 10:38-42
New Creation. You can practically hear Paul screaming that at the Galatians in chapter 6. But what is it? What does it means to us?
There is tumult around us as we go from the mountaintop of victory to the valley of defeat. And in those times, when all we want to do is hide, God speaks the loudest to us in the silence.
1 Kings 19
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses Galations 2:11-21 to ask us the same question Paul asked the Galatians: Did Christ die for nothing? If we believe Christ truly died for us, then that fact must have an effect upon our lives. How do our lives show the significance of Christ?
God calls us. No, not just to preaching. Pastor Nathan Willowby shoes us the many ways God Calls us, and how, even when the road seems winding and empty, God is still using us.
Galations 1:11-24
As Pastor Nathan Willowby turns to Galations, he points out to us some things that are missing...both from the letter and from the ives of the Galations. And us.
Galations 1:1-12
At then end of the series on Revelation, Pastor Nathan Willowby points out there is still a choice. Both for us to make, and for us to help others see.
John has a vision of a sparkling future for the people of God. Pastor Nathan Willowby links this vision back to the beginning and points out that the life of Following God is a life of choosing between the two Jerusalems.
Revelation 21:10,22 - 22:5
Easter is not the end of the story. If we are to truly be God's Easter People, then we need to keep asking the title question of ourselves. What is the next task God has for us?
Pastor Nathan Willowby continues in Revelation using chapter 7 as a point to start discussing the nature of salvation.
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses Revelation chapter 5 to remind us that we are surrounded, not only by God himself but by God in the persons of our friends and community.
When God has something for, we find that, like the apotsles before us, even hiding behind locked doors will not keep Him away.
John 21:19-31
Guest Speaker David Kiger Uses the book of Mark to give us a breathless, intimate picture of the Good News
Boom! New Creation! Pastor Nathan Willowby uses 2 Cor 5:16-21 to discuss how God creates us anew, and how we can leave the old creation behind us as we follow Him.
Guest Speaker Mark Mallwitz uses the beginning of The High Priest's Prayer of Jesus (John 17) to show how Jesus prayed during one of the most important times of His ministry.
Freedom Sunday. Pastor Nathan takes into Deuteronomy, to the many occasions where God reminded the Israelites that He brought them out of slavery and oppression, and that He therefore expected them to remember that, and to not only not enslave others, but to ensure they do not remain oppressed. God has come to us, met us in our own bondage and set us free. It is now on us to show we remember by doing the same for others.
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses today's scripture (2 Cor 3:12-18) to show us that like Moses, we are changed by our encounters with God. We are being transformed into likenesses of Christ.
The reaction of the people to Jesus reading in the Temple was interesting. How many times have we expected Jesus to do something for us? The answer Jesus gave to them show remind us that the picture is bigger than just us, or just our circle, our family, our town.
Luke 4:14:21 shows the beginnings of the ministry of Jesus. Pastor Nathan Willowby uses this passage to focus on the what of His beginning. What did Jesus do, according to the plan?
God uses many ways to break into our world and our lives -- sometimes He uses friends, sometimes strangers, sometimes the means are not human at all but rather something else that just suddenly comes to our attention. His spirit changes us when he participates in our stories. And Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the story of the baptism of Jesus to remind us that in this, at least, we can match, in our life, at least a piece of His story.
Pastor Nathan Willowby takes the first verses of John as a beginning. Beginnings are exciting. Everything is new. Right after Christmas we start a new year, a time for new beginnings. What will you begin, or rather, what will Christ begin in you?
Jesus seems to go from the manger into adulthood in most of the Gospels. But Luke contains one story about the twelve-year-old Jesus. As Jesus the fully human, He must have gone through His formative years, as well all do.
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses Luke 1:67-80 to talk about Advent, the season of preparation for the coming of Christ.
Guest Speaker Wanda Lamon delivers a message that God is coming, that He will save you.
Luke 21:25-37
What is a king? What kind of Kingdom is God's? Pastor Nathan Willowby explores the questions raised by John 18:33-7 as Jesus faces Pilate.
In Mark 13:1-8, the disciples talk about the magnificent buildings, and when Jesus tells them the buildings will be torn down, all they can think of is "When?" There's a difference in perspective between them and Jesus, between us and God.
The death of Lazarus is the topic today (John11:22-34). Pastor Nathan Willowby takes us through how the passage about Lazarus takes pains to show us the reality of death, and the very real victory over it.
"There are some scriptural passages that is you read in church, you 'd better be preaching on them." Relationships have always been a tricky thing. Pastor Nathan Willowby serves up the tenth chapter of Mark, in context, as he talks about Jesus' attitude on relationships.
There is a frame of reference implicit in everything. You may be in quite good condition for a normal person of your age, but if the frame of reference is shifted to professional athletes, you may seem overweight and out of shape. Pastor Nathan Willowby leads us through the fifth chapter of James, where everything is framed by faith; all the reactions are based first in faith.
Guest Speaker Mark Mallwitz takes Matthew 9:35-8 as a text to show us how important it is to God that we go, and tell.
(Apologies for technical difficulties, the mike wasn't picking up Mark's voice very well.)
Who is Jesus? He's been looked at in many different ways through the years. In Mark 8, Jesus asks, "Who do you say I am?" Pastor Nathan Willowby ask us if we see Him for who He is, and do we follow Him consistently?
In James 2 we read the Apostle saying "You show me your faith without work; I'll show you my faith by my works." What we believe should influence what we do; if it doesn't, the question arises, "Do we actually believe it?" Pastor Nathan Willowby explores how and why our faith should both shape our works, and be evident in them.
In Mark 7 Jesus states that it is not what goes into a person that defiles, but rather what comes out. Pastor Nathan Willowby follows that line from Jesus into what purity is.
Solomon had a lot on his plate for such a young man. His request of God can serve to light our way in seeking help with our own plates.
We are called firstfruits. What does that mean for us? Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about this in the context of James 1:16-17 and 2 Thess. 2: 13
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the book Song Of Solomon to show us some of what God is like; how God's vision of Love, for example, diminishes Neither the lover nor the loved.
The Preacher in Ecclesiates says all is vain. Does it really have no meaning? Or is it rather than everything has its meaning in season? What is vanity?
In Proverbs chapters 7 and 8 we are presented with the image of two women who call to us from the street. The one we listen to decides whether we are bound for life or death.
The Wisdom literature is especially for those times in our lives when angels are not coming to dinner and water isn't springing out of the rocks; those moments in our normal lives when the presence of God is not outlined in neon.
The Holy Spirit works inside our lives and on us individually and collectively. Today Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about our individual relationships.
Waiting for the end times. What do we read? How do we comport ourselves during the wait?
Matthew 24 and 25
(Apologies for the technical difficulties. A new noise entered the system this morning and we couldn't get it out.)
From bumper stickers to policy, there are many views about the End Times running through the church. (When) Do they make a difference?
Pastor Nathan takes Romans 8 for his text on this Pentecost Sunday, Using it to show how we can see God putting creation back together for us and in us.
Pastor Nathan Willowby use Romans chapter 5 to speak about the forces that surround us, updating our current status, and think about what legacies we will leave those around us with.
Romans is the outlier in Paul's letters. It's the most quoted, but also the only one written to people he didn't know at a place he'd never been. This makes Paul's introduction of himself and what he has to say even more appropriate to our ears today.
Romans 1: 1-17
When Paul and Barnabas were sent, the collection who sent them were probably not who we would think of today as those who should be leaders. And when they arrived in a place, they didn't really fit the expectations of the people they met, as well. But Paul was not following 'normal' paradigms. Maybe we shouldn't, either.
Acts 14:8-18
In Acts 10, before he meets Cornelius, Peter is given a surprise from God, a vision that completely reshapes the image Peter has in his mind of what is acceptable to God. Looking backward, it makes sense, but nothing in Peter had prepared him for that. How he reacts to that is instructive for us all.
(Apologies from the tech team: We had technical difficulties recording this sermon. We removed the annoying hum as well as we could.)
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the parable of the ten virgins to discuss what it is we need to cling, to build on, to keep in stock, so we may have oil for our lamps when the bridegroom comes.
Matt 25:1-13
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses Matthew 22:1-14 (the parable of the wedding feast) to show us that while God invites all, the the good and the bad, to His party, the guests are supposed to realize and acknowledge who the host is, and the honor He is bestowing upon them.
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the parable of the workers in the vineyards to show us how sometimes our expectations get in the way of recognizing fairness.
Matt 20:1-16
A debt is owed to the King. Because of our otherness, our relationship to God is one of absurd level of debt. Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the parable of the two servants in debt to illustrate for us that we can never truly be free until we are forgiven.
Matthew 18:21-35
Guest speaker Genene Hibbler brings us a message today from Psalms 10, linking the approach it takes to the Christian Women's Connection project to raise awareness of, and help stop, the scourge of human trafficking.
In the story of the feeding of the five thousand Jesus shows us how he can take what little we have, and do whatever needs done with it.
Matthew 14: 13-33
Nathan Willowby brings us another message from Jesus' Sermon On The Mount (from Matthew 6:7-21). In this Jesus moves the focus to fasting, the Lord's Prayer, and treasures.
The Sermon on the Mount. It's where Jesus interacts with a whole crowd and teaches a wider message. And He packs a lot into just a few words.
Matthew 5:1-16
What was Satan tempting Jesus with, there in the desert? There's the obvious, but Pastor Nathan Willowby takes us through some of the context and subtext of the conversation as Jesus and Satan stodd there toe-to-toe.
Matthew 4
We usually see baptism as a sign of repentance, a sign of a new person arising from the water. What then does the Baptism of Jesus signify?
Matthew 3
God fulfilled the dreams of prophecy, and is still active doing so today. What does it mean for us that he fulfilled the dreams of a broken world?
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the story of Joseph finding out Mary is pregnant at the end of Matthew 1 as a stepping off point for discussing the differences between our own limited points of view and the "big picture," the view that more accurately represents what is happening. Scaling out from the disappointment of an honorable man to the man God chose to raise His son to be savior of the world.
Christmas is indeed a season of paradox. Join us as Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about the image of the Suffering Servant from Isaiah.
Peace. Esther was high-placed but had to risk it all to ensure peace for herself and her people.
Esther, Chapter 4
Using the book of Habakkuk, Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about Christmas as God's solution to a problem. The description of Habakkuk's world could be equally applied today, which is a strong prompt for us to remember this is The Season, for a Reason.
Tim Gabrielson returns as our Guest Speaker today, bringing us a message from the life and calling of Jeremiah. We've all been seduced at one time or another by the image of God as Cosmic Vending Machine -- deposit one prayer, receive one blessing. But the calling of Jeremiah reminds us that sometimes God calls us into a plan that will never bear fruit for us, or within our lifetime. Even then, in the midst of sorrow and suffering, Jeremiah reminds us to praise, and even delight in, God,
Jeremiah 1: 4-10, 7:5-11
Its hard tell real hope from illusion, sometimes. Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about Sennacherib and the Assyrians coming against Israel.
The text is Isaiah chapters 36 and 37.
Pastor Nathan Willowby brings a message this time from Micah, Chapters 5 and 6. Micah is one of the "minor prophets" but what he brings us is anything but minor, from one of the clearest announcements of the Advent to the clearest, simplest restatement of the law. Instead of a laundry list of offenses and penalties, Micah 6.8 boils everything about how God wants us to behave, what God wants us to do, into three simple (to understand, if not always to do) things.
Kings can be great. Warriors can be great. Ballplayers can be great. But everyone has things they are better at than the greatest of these. Today Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about how Elisha was great at recognizing opportunities for the Lord.
2 Kings 5: 1-19
Out of all the things Solomon could have asked for, he asked for the Wisdom to govern God's people properly. He seeks his gift with the purpose of serving God better, not aggrandizing himself. Pastor Nathan Willowby talks of seeking after God's purpose, using Solomon's gift.
1 Kings 3
The Story of Nathan confronting David. David, a hero, a man after God's heart, has screwed up. And how he handles being made aware of that, is a lesson to us all.
2 Samuel 12
We are a people of stories. We don't get to choose all out stories, but even when we don't choose, we choose.
Joshua chapter 24
The Red Sea parts for the children of Israel to escape bondage in Egypt. Pastor Nathan Willowby uses this as a prime example of God's program to release those who have been caught.
Exodus 14:10-14
What does it take to see the race through to its end? Guest Speaker Tim Gabrielson brings us the story of Caleb,who stayed on mission for forty years before finally seeing it through.
Joshua 14:6-15
God has issues in mind when He calls us. Oh, it's wonderful to sit and bask in the blessings He bestows; fun, but it's missing the point of His calling us in the first place. Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the story of Abraham ("Exalted Father of Many") to point out to us that God's purpose in calling us isn't merely to save us, but to call us into serving others.
Genesis 12:1-9
God calls. Our response can be like Jonah earlier, and run away. Today's message is about Noah, who, when given the call, could have simply run to the hills in a vain attempt to save himself and his family. Or we can react like Noah, and do as God calls us, even if it doesn't really make sense to those around us.
Guest Speaker Raymond Cousins talks about how we respond to the call of God. What were some of the things he went through following the path he took on his way to the ministry.
The Story of Ruth comes after Judges, and the two books show two contrasting worlds. In Judges, the community was broken, while the story of Ruth shows how a community works when the people are focused on needs apart from their own.
The story of Ruth continues as she goes again above and beyond what is "normal" as she continues to serve God.
Ruth, Chapter 2
The story of Ruth opens with two daughters making choices. One makes a choice that goes far above and beyond what she would ordinarily be called upon to do.
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses her choice to show us how God works through those who go above and beyond.
Ruth 1
In this last installment on Hebrews Pastor Nathan Willowby shows how the author connects Jesus into Jeremiah's message of a new covenant, and how this opens up a new forever for us all.
Hebrews chapter 5 talks of the identity of Melchizedek, how he was a priest of God to Abram. Melchizedek was someone Abram knew that helped to tie him to God when the winds blew. What is your avocado? What it is you have that, like Melchizedek for Abram, you have that helps hold you to God?
In the time of the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews interpreted Jesus through the eyes of the Old Testament. Today we have the full New testament, but the times and circumstances of those who hear our telling of the story have changed. Without changing the story itself How do we reach them?
Most of the commandments we can fool others over, we can pretend an action. But Pastor Nathan Willowby covers the one commandment we really can't fool ourselves over: "Do Not Covet." This commandment reaches down into our thoughts. Showing us we need to train our thoughts. Desires are not always bad; it depends upon what we desire.
The second half of the Commandments apply to the way we deal with and relate to our neighbors. Pastor Nathan Willowby examines these with the question "Are these actually restrictions on our liberty, or means of ensuring a wider liberty?" What would it actually mean to inhabit a society where these are the norm, instead of a description of rarely seen idealistic behavior?
Today's text is Deut 5:6-15
In this passage Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about the commandments that apply to how we relate to God. Special attention needs paid to the one about using God's name. We tend to water that one down and fail to follow its intent far too often.
(Apologies for the microphone trouble, evident in the hum.)
A Pentecost Sunday message from Pastor Nathan Willowby. He speaks of the Holy Spirit undergirding the church, breathing fire into it. And he speaks of family traditions, the family traditions of the church family.
Phillipians 4:4-7
Pastor Nathan Willowby takes the opportunity of Senior Sunday to remind us that, even as the seniors leading service today have a resemblance with their families in the seats, so we are to have a family resemblance to Christ.
Philipians Ch 2
The Gospel has a power infused in it by God. Pastor Nathan Willowby uses the first chapter of Phillipians to show us how Paul relied upon it.
The question is not whether you are religious. Everyone is religious about something. But the question is "Are you authentic?" It's the authenticity that counts.
It's past Easter. He is Risen! Jesus is indeed on the loose. He's going through locked doors, everything He needs to do to make His presence known.
Text: John 20: 19-30
The Crowd gets their wish; Jesus of Nazareth is handed over for Crucifixion. Nathan Willowby talks about the significance of "King of the Jews." What kind of King? What kind of King was the crowd wanting and expecting? What kind of King is Jesus?
One of Pilate's last questions to Christ was "Where are you from?" Nathan Willowby takes the final part of Jesus before Pilate (John 19:1-16) as the text today. Pilate's failure was one of imagination. What can you imagine? Where is your imagination from and where will it take you?
Pastor Nathan Willowby takes John 18:28-40 as the text today.
How many of us are like Pilate? We see the right thing, we know "there is no fault in this man," but we act like we don't.
Pastor Nathan Willowby takes as his text today John 18:1-27, the tale of Peter's denial.
We can relate to Peter and how he responded; it's easy to run and hide. We've all wanted to do that.
Pastor Nathan Willowby speaks today on Jesus washing the disciple's feet, and on how we, as the Church of God practice foot washing today as a regular part of our church year.
John 13:1-17
In the aftermath of Jesus healing the man born blind came a discussion about who is blind. To clarify it, Jesus spoke of sheep who know their shepherd. Pastor Nathan Willowby talks of the blindness and sheep and what it means for us.
John 9:35 - 10:18
Sister Charlene Lovett comes today with a question from Hebrews 12:14. Who are you following? You follow someone.
Are you thirsty? Not just for ordinary water, but for the Living Water brought to us and given to us by Jesus? What does that mean, anyway?
John chapter 7, Jesus at the Feast of Booths
Pastor Nathan Willowby speaks to the subject of the Bread of Life from John 6:25-56. There is bread for today and bread for tomorrow.
We all have expectations when we talk to people. We expect when we bring a problem, it will be addressed. But when the official came to Jesus he expected Jesus to come with him. Instead Jesus sends him on his way with a promise, "Your son will live." How often to we accept a promise instead of action? How often are our requests answered in ways we don't expect?
John 4:46-54
In the dead of night a member of the religious establishment comes to Jesus. He was searching. What will we find when we search? When we have our Nicodemus moment, what question will Jesus answer for us? John 3:1-21
How would Jesus respond? In John 2:13-22 we see He would sometimes respond by throwing furniture around. The episode here of the Cleansing of the Temple poses an interesting picture of Jesus, and connects us to some ideas deep in the Church of God that it is all too easy to lose sight of.
Today's text was the Wedding at Cana from John 2. Pastor Nathan Willowby talks of the three types of reactions to Jesus at the wedding, and asks us which we are, and what parts of us are water, waiting to be transformed into wine?
Technical difficulties prevented the first few minutes of this sermon on the Wise Men visiting the Incarnation of God.
Guest speaker Genene Hibbler brings to us today a message about how God is the cornerstone, but we are all stones ourselves in the edifice God is building. We are living stones God is using.
Visiting speaker Dr. Jacob Shatzer takes us into Ezekial's valley of dry bones (chapter 37) and shows us the connection between those bones and Christmas
Our trip through the prophets takes us this week into the story of Daniel. Pastor Nathan Willowby takes us into a new view of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as he asks us what does it mean to stick with God?
Pastor Nathan Willowby uses Thanksgiving weekend to connect us to another people who found themselves in a new land. Jeremiah chapter 29 is written to the Jewish people in exile, with a message for life in a strange new place. Where we find ourselves, God is there. It is real. It is now.
Thanks to Handel's Messiah, this passage is usually reserved for Christmas, but Pastor Nathan Willowby reminds us today that this passage has more than one context.
Isaiah 8:20 - 9:7
David. Troublesome figure, the man after God's heart. Pastor Nathan Willowby uses David to help us understand what faithfulness can look like after you are established in a place.
Guest Speaker Tim Nelson brings the topic of God's abundance to us. IN the midst of our lack, God will provide what we need from His Abundance.
Exodus 16
What is there about a name? We apply names to ourselves and those around us all the time. But what names does God use? Pastor Nathan Willowby takes us through the story of the calling of Moses to help us understand the meaning of names.
Pastor Nathan Willowby takes us through Genesis 27 (The story of Jacob and Esau) and shows us how God chooses, and uses, flawed people to accomplish His goals.
"We cannot know what we should do until we know what stories we are a part of." Pastor Nathan Willowby starts a long sermon series about the stories that define us.
Now we look at the other side. In this story of Mary and Martha we look at focusing on God, and on what can distract us from that.
Luke 10:38-42
Pastor Nathan Willowby looks to the book of Isaiah to teach about expectations, about the difference between hope and delusion.
In this series on the First Commandment, Nathan Willowby starts by talking about the encounter Elijah has with the prophets of Baal
1 Kings 19
It's Memorial Day weekend, the time we remember those we have lost, and begin to contemplate summer vacation. As we look at this, we can lose perspective on ourselves. Pastor Nathan Willowby reminds us that regardless of how small we feel, how insignificant our lives seem compared to the universe. that God Cares. Who are we, that God, the creator of the universe, should be mindful of us.
"A Picture is worth a thousand words." You've heard that before. But is it true? Words create the pictures of what might be, what could be, what will be. Pastor Nathan Willowby explores the images conjured up by the words of the final two chapters of Revelation, and shows the power of words in creating Vision.
As the first Sunday of this year's Focus40 journey, Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about what the first fruits are, and why we owe them to God. We explore the story of the text (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) as it makes the switch from "he" to "us" and finially to "I" and apply that to our own stories.
Abram had prospered, just as God said he would. But he was even older, and there was no sign of an heir. If God didn't deliver on that promise soon, he felt, everything he had built up would go to one of his servants. He brought his doubt to God, and God reaffirmed His promise, and while doing so made it seem even more extravagant.
What is this period of time called Lent? Is it scriptural? What are the ideas behind it? Pastor Nathan Willowby takes us through some of the discussion around Lent, the 40 days before Easter.
Rituals can help us focus on more meaningful aspects of our lives. What meanings are present for us in the ritual of child dedications we peform in our church? Pastor Nathan Willowby leads through the meaning of it.
Pastor Nathan Willowby begins a series on basic questions with Why Do We Celebrate Communion?
In the story of the Wise Men, we see constrasts between Kings of God, and not, and of Wise Men. We see God using people not from His traditional people to spread the word of the arrival of Jesus. We should take note, and realize what that means for all of us.
Matt 2:1-12
Some promises made to us change us. And in this nativity season Pastor Nathan Willowby reminds us of the promises made by God to the world, that change the world, and change us, if only we enter into those promises and live them. For Him.
Luke 1:39-55
God not only made and kept promises for the Messiah, He has promised to interrupt the world with His business.
Luke 3
The text from Jeremiah speaks in promises. As we journey towards the Christmas celebration, Pastor Nathan Willowby leads us through the promises made by God and fulfilled by Jesus.
Jeremiah 33:14-16
This begins two sundays devoted to our faith Promise groups. First, Andre Brown joins us on behalf of the 11 x 15 project, to tell us about what they are doing in Milwaukee. Then Debra Fields joins us to tell us about Sojourner Peace.
Jesus told the sory of the scribes who prayed loudly, and the widow who gave her all. We need to bring this lesson into our daily decisions. What could that mean?
Mark 12: 38-45
What is the most important aspect of Christianity? Jesus gets approached by people with loaded questions and their own agendas. Sound familiar? What is most important?
Mark 12:26-34
Jesus' encounter with Bartimeus is the exemplar for persistence, in this, the last story of Jesus on the way to Jerusalem.
Mark 10:46-52
James and John came to Jesus, after He had just told them for the third time He was going to be killed, and asked to sit at His right and left hands. What followed was a brief, and blunt, lesson from Jesus on just what it meant to be a leader.
Mark 10:35-45
What does it look like to enter and participate in the Kingdom? What does it mean to ask for more of the Kingdom? The story of the rich young man.
Mark 10:17-31
They came to Jesus to test him. They questioned Him about divorce. Pastor Nathan Willowby takes a look at this teaching.
The text is Mark 10:1-16.
If the salt loses its flavor, how can we make it salty again? In today's lesson, we are reminded of what we are, what we bring. And reminded of how precious it is, and how we must preserve it.
Mark 9:38-50
The disciples got into an argument about who was first among them? Who was the best? Jesus reacts, "The last shall be first." (Mark 9:30-37)
What does that mean for us?
Peter understood that Jesus is the Christ, he just didn't quite understand what that meant. What if? (technical difficulties caused loss of first 5 minutes)
In Mark 7:24-30 we see Jesus acting perhaps in not as compassionate a manner as we might hope. Nathan Willowby asks a few "what if ... ?" questions about the episode with the Syrophoenician woman's daughter.
The last sermon in the series on John 6 (John 6:56-71). Jesus on making plans, calculated decisions, and what we actually do.
Jesus talks about our relationship with Him, and our participation in Him, the Bread Of Life.
John 6:51-58
(Some audio dropouts from technical difficulties.)
Pastor Nathan Wlliowby picks up with John 6:35-51. Food plays such a central role in so many things we do, in all of our relationships. Jesus is the Bread that gives life to the world.
Pastor Nathan Willowby continues the series on John, 6:24-35. Are we doing not only the right things, but are we doing what we do for the right reasons?
John 6:1-21. Jesus, when confronted with the needs of His people always said the same thing -- "I am."
In the opening of Mark chapter 7 we see Jesus questioned by the leaders of His day, who demanded to know why His disciples were not obeying the tradtion of the elders, in this case eating with ritually unclean hands.
Jesus' response draws a line for us, showing us that we always need to view our traditions through through the light of scripture, because they may be sometimes taken too far, to the point where the y violate scriptual principles.
Jesus goes away to rest, but the people follow. And Jesus shows compassion and instead of resting, teaches.
Mark 6:30-37
Salome's Birthday party and the end of the complicated relationship between John and Herod.
When you come home, it can be difficult to be a leader. People always remember you "when." Here we take a look at what happens when Jesus comes home.
Mark 6:1-13
Two different stories of Jesus healing show us that it doesn't matter who or what we are, temple leader or ritually unclean. We come to Jesus and He meets us where we are.
Mark 5:21-43
This is the last of the series on the practices that sustain a community. Humans all have an inborn need for a place to belong, a community. What does that mean for us, when our community is the Church, the Body of Christ?
Hebrews 13:1-3
The third in the series on practices that sustain a community: Truth Telling. What part does does truth play in our relationships?
Colossians 3:9-10 Ephesians 4:22-25
There is in every relationship promises, both explicit and implicit. Nathan Willowby examines the importance of both making and keeping promises to a church community.
Matt 21:28-31
We begin a series of sermons on four practices it takes to sustain a community, with a focus on our church community.
Romans 1:21-23 Hebrews 12:28
The story of the Tower of Babel informs the events of Pentecost. People from all over heard the Gospel preached in their own tongues. We see parallels to the Babel story, and the "tongues of fire" harken back to the time God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush.
Acts 2:1-21
There is injustice all around us in the world, both locally in Milwaukee and globally. Guest Speaker Mark Mallwitz talks about injustice, and calls us to a scriptural response to it.
Micah 6:9-16
What is the Holy Spirit? What does He do? And, most importantly, what does He mean to us? James Willer shares with us his insights on this topic.
Time alone was necessary for Jesus to prepare Himself for His mission on earth. It makes agood model for ourselves to follow.
Mark 1:29-39
The final entry in this sermon series coming from Leviticus, Pastor Nathan Willowby asks what is the most important part of our faith. When Jesus was asked what the most important of all the commandsments was, He responded with two Old Testament references, from Deuteronomy and Leviticus. Why? What is their significance?
Leviticus 19
In this second installment from the book of Leviticus, we learn about God's purpose of creating in Israel the habits of holiness. There is a purpose to the laws, which is often hidden from a quick look. We will be looking in particular at the land, economics, and slavery, and how they are dealt with under the law. What is going on here?
Leviticus 25:1-4, 18-21
There are always rules that we just don't understand. In this first of three sermons on Leviticus we look at the dietary laws.
Leviticus 11
We look at the ways we fit in to the Easter story. The text is from Paul's letter to the Corinthians on the ressurection of Christ. The first two verse of the text tell us the Gospel has been preached to us and has been received by us. Having received, we must take our stand upon it. And, once standing, our life will show if we can hold fast to it.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
The Palm Sunday Sermon. The crowds gather as He comes to Jerusalem, proclaiming Him King. But we should never lose sight of the way He continued to be actively focused on His mission, instead of what was expected of Him.
Philipians 2:5-11
God decalres through Jeremiah that Things Will Be Different. How different? What should we expect?
Jeremiah 31:31-34
John 3:16 is famous. Here Pastor Nathan Willowby places it in context to bring us its full meaning.
John 3:14-21
You've seen the painted fenceposts along the side of the road? As we travel the road God has for us, we can see the Ten Commandments marking out the edge of the road, just as those painted fenceposts mark the edge of the highway.
Exodus 20
How do we know where we're going? Guest Speaker Mark Mallwitz brings to us 5 key ways to know we've found the right road to be travelling on.
Matthew 7:13
With this we launch our Focus 40 program, 40 days focused on this study of Lent, and the coming sermons will tie in as well. A 40-day season of focusing on what Jesus did, how He suffered for us. And how we should endure whatever level of suffering we encounter for His sake. Be prepared to give your answer to the world for the hope you have, but give that answer with gentleness and respect so that your good behavior will put those who attack you to shame.
1 Peter 3:13-22
The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain reminds us that Jesus is heading for a rendezvoius with death, and that He will be raised from the tomb. And this mountain encounter begins His inexorable journey to the cross on another mountain, Calvary.
Mark 9
Paul uses the metaphor of a race to talk about our faith. Notice his focus is on the running, not to run aimlessly, but to focus on running it the correct way?
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
God, through Isaiah, offers a test with two simple choices: remain with God, or follow the idols of the world. Which answer will you choose?
Isaiah 40:18-31
Jesus casting out the demon at Capernaum. It's how he begins His ministry there. But what is it? What does it mean to possess someone?
(Some technical difficulties early in recording)
Mark 1:21-28
"Come, follow me." Those simple words from Jesus, and men -- serious men with serious responsibilities -- dropped everything in their lives to follow this Man. Could you do that? Could you walk away from your current, established life to go follow an itinerant teacher?
Mark 1:14-20
Having meaning in our lives enables us to enjoy life and work. The story of Samuel gives us a view of God's meaning for two lives. It's easy to remember Samuel's part, and what God meant for him. But what about what God's call to a small boy in the night meant for Eli?
1 Samuel 3
In the story of Joseph, God doesn't make Himself visible. He doesn't speak out loud. There's very little evidence from outside of Joseph that God is working with him at all. Yet look what Joseph did. How high he rose and how he saved his entire family, because God was at his side! Yet this is how God acts in our own lives, with whispers instead of loud proclamations. Can we be Joseph?
Genesis 45
It's the turning of the year. At times like this, we think of making changes, of starting things fresh. And we believe in a God of promises, a God of hope. We are given a new start by God, via Jesus.
Galatians 4:4-7
When we live our lives out from God's perspective, we show Christmas to the world.
(Sound lost for about 10 seconds at around the 1:50 mark)
Mary is living in the middle. She is caught between who she is, and the place God has for her. God has plans for her, far beyond what she expected, beyond what she thought was her part. She had to stretch to live up to her faith.
Luke 1:26-38
The contrast of light and darkness can make it hard to handle the sudden appearance of a bright light. The same light won't affect you as strongly if you have been in the light, rather than the darkness.
John 1:5-8, 19
The anticipation of Christmas; it seems so much more vibrant than waiting for anything else. But God has His own timing.
2 Peter 3:8-15a
We consider the idea of the Honest King. What is the importance of speaking the truth?
Ephesians 4:25
This is something very easy to say, but is probably the hardest thing to do. It goes against our nature to do this, but then, isn't that the point?
Matthew 5:43-48
One God, three persons. The Trinity. A foundational doctrine of Christianity, but the hardest to understand. Augustine said, "if you deny the Trinity, you will lose your soul; if you try to explain it, you may lose your mind." What is meant by the Trinity, and where do we find it in our bibles?
1 Peter 1:1-2
Another common phrase heard in Christian circles. What do we understand this to mean?
John 14:15-18, Acts 4:31
You're not alone. You may feel like it, but even when you feel that way, there is Someone With You.
Romans 8:26-28
In baseball "making the turn" means turning a double play, switching something completely around, from a potential hit to closing out an inning. Jesus offers us that chance, to change our lives around to close out Satan's inning.
John 8:1-11
There are many ways we show people they matter to us. One of the words we have for this is "hospitality." We show that the people we meet matter to God, by showing they matter to us. Here's how we show that this sort of hospitality is central to Christianity.
Matthew 8:11
We often say everyone is welcome into the house of God. But do we mean it? What should we mean when we say this?
Hebrews 13
Nathan Willowby talks about the significance of baptism in the church.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
This begins a series on "Christian One-Liners," short statements we make as Christians. What do they really mean? Thinkof this as a series on the fundamental sayings of Christianity. In this one, Nathan Willowby covers what we should mean when we say "God Is Love."
1 John 4
"Mind your own business" and "Live and let live" are recipes to reduce conflict. But, at least within our own community, God pushes back against those attitudes. In this passage, Ezekial is called to make clear the danger of the path, or God will hold him responsible for the people who get lost.
Ezekiel 33:7-11
What can we learn from the crazies? The crazy folks in this passage cut a hole in someone's roof, just to get their friend to Jesus. The lengths those four friends go to are entirely unreasonable. But then, shouldn't we all be following a path the non-believers think is crazy?
Mark 2:1-12
Conformity is mighty. It can be a very beneficial force for us all. But don't oversell this power. For God has transformed us, and we cannot live this transformation without breaking the power of conformity, without refusing to conform to this world.
Romans 12:1-8
Memories emphasize what affects us at the time they are formed. Rereading scripture delivers to us anew the crumbs from God's table. Reading again a familiar passage reminds us of things we had forgotten when we read it earlier.
Matthew 15:21ff
Walking the journey of faith can be frustrating; we don't always hear God speaking to us. Elijah did mighty deeds in the name of the Lord, but even so, he also got frustrated. And God came to him, not in fire or earthquake, but in the sound of a soft wind. God is not always in the dramatic.
1 Kings 19
There is a difference between attachment and commitment; attachments are easily broken. Our Faith Promise ministry depends not upon guilt, not upon an attachment to the recipients. Instead it relies on a deep commitment to the biblical concept of stewardship (Psalm 24:1).
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
The other two groups (the Varners and Sojourner Peace) we have chosen to support in our Faith Promise ministry, and what faith promise is.
We start talking about our Faith Promise program and the four groups we have selected to support with it. This week is ECFA and Teen Challenge ministries.
Worship is not a sermon. It's not singing hymns, nor is it singing praise choruses. It doesn't have to happen in a church. Worship is reverent honor paid to God. It should happen always, everywhere we are.
Romans 12:1-2
We don't like to read directions, or many of us don't, anyway. God gives Abraham directions. They aren't simple, and involve a journey of 600 miles. Yet he does.
Genesis 24
Israel is in Babylon, and this psalm remembers the convenant God made, and asks where it is. But even when we don't see Him, He is here, loving.
Psalm 89:1-4, 14-18, 49-52
Where is God when things go wrong? Look around you, and see the Triune God at work.
John 14:15-21
Jesus ascends to heaven, and what do the Apostles do? Ask for the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. Are we asking God, ruler of all, the right questions?
Acts 1:6-14
Life leads us to moments when we have choices to make. How do we prepare the ground for others to make the choice that will come to them?
Acts 17:22-32
On Senior Sunday, we ask the question, why is the collective memory of seniors crucial to a living and fruitful congregation? Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. Change is important, but we also need to remember where we came from.
What happens when we experience change in our lives? How do we cope when things get terrible and how do we respond when things get better?
1 Corinthians 15:42-49
Jesus walked by, and called, and men dropped what they were doing, left their lives behind, and followed Him. Why?
Matthew 4:18-22
As we go forward we change. We were dead to God, now we are alive. What does that change mean for us?
Romans 6:1-11
We celebrate the victory of Christ, but how should we respond to that victory? Faith cannot be separated from action.
Matthew 28:1-10
The Holy Week begins with this sermon on how it rather resembles a teeter-totter, how it rises and falls. Tremendous applause, near-complete rejection, death, and ressurection.
(Technical difficulties affect the recording quality.)
Psalm 118:19-29
We follow the influence of three streams. One is the experience of the Kingdom of God, one is how we relate to the world (and our finances in particular) and one is what God is telling us to do and be. In the parable of talents, the rich man gives his servants immense wealth to manage (one talent is about 20 years' wages) and they receive more based on how they manage what they have been given. What happens if you give your life to Christ? What will He give you?
Matthew 25:14-28
Love is a verb. It's an act we do. If we act in love every day we display the Kingdom of God for the rest of the world to see. The promise of eternal life is a promise not only for the future but the present as well. Experience heaven. Love.
1 John 3:16-24
Pastor Nathan Willowby takes a look at Daniel's fast. Daniel fasted in the face of food from the King's court, and prospered. Was it the food, or was it the resolve to stand with God in the face of the temptation of plenty?
Daniel 1:3-17
We continue to examine the biblical practice of prayer and fasting. We sacrifice, but we remember it's about God, not about us or our sacrifice.
Mark 9:14-29
This begins a 40-day focus upon God. It's a biblical fasting and prayer period we join with other churches in doing. Jesus takes up three of the major practices in the judaism of His day: giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting. What do they mean for us today?
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Can God really spread a table in the wilderness? When doubt converges upon you, when you don't see a way out, remember the Israelites. God provided for them, and still they doubted, still they asked that question.
Psalms 78:11-19
Rivalries and disagreements are almost constants in human interaction. How do they play into the Church? Paul, in the text, calls the Corinthians to a unity.Pastor Nathan Willowby talks about divisions in the Church. Do we let small things keep us from seeing we're all one in Christ?
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Corinth was a church with difficulties, a church that resembles in many ways the position we find ourselves in today.
(Technical difficulties plague this entires series. Recording issues made many of the sermons completely unpublishable.)
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
The Christmas season is a great time to think about how God moves, how He chooses ordinary people like you and I to accomplish His will.
Matthew 1:18-25 There were many expectations for the Messiah. And He wasn't Who was expected.
The third sunday of Advent reminds us of God's timing, that sometimes we just need to wait.
On this second sunday of Advent, we remember that things will change. There is a new "normal" coming.
On the first sunday of the Advent season we celebrate the revelation of Christ, and are reconciled to God
Thanksgiving is a slow meal, of food we don't always eat. The unexpected isn't always unpleasant.
Leviticus 19 Look at the system of ordering the society for insight into how we should be relating to the world.
Genesis 11:1-9 Things are not always what they seem. Babel was not the gateway to God, but the gateway to confusion
Genesis 37-47 in broad strokes is the text for today. It's the story of Joseph and how he treated his brothers who had treated him so evilly.
Stories of the past take us towards the future. In these stories we find hope, we find faith.
Looking to the past can be comforting, and it is also very seductive. It can also bring back memories of pain. The past, and the present, are tied closelyt to the world. Let us instead focus on our clear and certain future.
Don Smith guest speaker, from Global Missions at Anderson, to wrap up the series on Missions.
What does it mean to be a faithful people? What does it mean to follow God? What does it look like?
Pastor Nathan Willowby talks in this segment about what it means to be a missionary outpost for God in this world, using the first chapters of Acts as our guide.
What does the word "mission" mean to you? How do you see a mission from God, and what do we do? Pastor Nathan Willowby explores the various ideas of mission and what we should be doing.
What can we do to become a Kingdom of God church? Where should our priorities lead us? What do we focus on? Pastor Nathan Willowby uses Romans 14 to show us answers to these questions?
Pastor Nathan Willowby builds on his message about the Sermon on the Mount to explain the importance of being a Kingdom of God church. What are the identifying marks of a kingdom, and how does that guides us towards being a Kingdom of God church?
The Sermon on the Mount is a classic selection of Jesus' teaching, and should dominate how we act as a church. They sound a bit pollyannish, but they give valuable instruction on what it means to be a disciple.
Today we welcome to our pulpit a representative of the Gideons International for an update on their services. We give our pulpit to the Gideons for one sunday every year.
How big, how far-ranging is the Kingdom of God and its effect on our lives? Pastor Nathan Wliiowby talks about the breadth of the call God places on our lives.
In this sequence on the importance of being a church that takes Christian unity seriously, Pastor Nathan Willowby focuses on how our unity pleases God, using the fourth chapter of Ephesians.
In this continuation of the series on Christian Unity, Pastor Willowby shares from his varied experiences.
What does it mean to be a church committed to Christian Unity? For that matter, what is Christian Unity? Pastor Nathan Willowby begins a series on this topic.
Pastor Nathan Willowby concludes his series on the importance of being a church in the Holiness movement. Linking us to the heritage of the Holiness movement through the Holiness Manifesto. How do we carry this on? There is much to learn from the story of Pentecost.
Pastor Nathan Willowby continues his series on the church by discussing the importance to us of being a church of the Holiness movement.
Pastor Nathan Willowby reflects on what this thing called holiness that we talk about so much actually entails. 1 Thessalonians 5
We get excited about old things. We know what it is, we're afraid of change. "Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. Tradition is the living faith of the dead." Pastor Nathan Willowby reflects on what the change of being born-again is. @ Corinthians 5:14-17
Pastor Nathan Willowby reflects on the importance of being a born-again church. What does it mean to be a church that knows it's been changed. (John 3:1-10)
Pastor Nathan Willowby reflects on the powerful symbols of Easter, the Cross and the Empty Tomb, the coupling of ultimate humility and ultimate power
As part of the preparation for the coming of Easter, Nathan Willowby now talks about the story of Jesus coming to Jerusalem to be crucified. Does He come the way we would expect Him to come? What does the manner of His coming mean to us?Luke 19:28-40
And where does it come from? Nathan Willowby looks at what exactly we mean when we talk about holiness, and being a holiness church.
Guest Speaker Mark Mallwitz Talks to us about the trials of shariing our faith with others.
Fixing our reflections of God in our lives. Nathan Willowby takes a look at how week can fix up and freshen up the way we reflect od to others with our lives.
Pastor Nathan Willowby continues his series on the importance of being a bible-centered church in the world today. What does the term mean for us today?
Guest Speaker Nathan Willowby brings us a message fromHebrews 4:9-16 about how Jesus has walked our road before us, and is walking with us.
Guest Speaker Mark Mallwitz brings us a message based in the book of James about keeping our tongues in check.The central passage is from James 3:1-12
Guest speaker Nathan Willowby takes James 5:12-20 as the basis for his text about trust within the body of Christ. Here within the community of Christ, we need to trust each other completely, sharing not only our troubles and griefs, but also our joys, and our gifts.
Guest Speaker Al Grant brings us a message today about opportunity. The doorway to it is only open for a short while, and we need to take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime during the lifetime of the opportunity.1 Cor 16:5-9
Guest Speaker Pastor Al Grant comes to us today to bring us a message about change, in us and through us, and the story of Nicodemus.(The song referenced was Don Francisco's "The Steeple Song")
Today is Youth Sunday, so Tyler Applegate takes a brief turn in the pulpit, putting Dad''s shoe on the other foot. He speaks briefly of family, both biological and church, and what it has meant to him.
In this third and final installment of his sermon series on giving, Pastor Bruce Applegate takes as his text Luke 8:1-15, the parable of the Sower. The way we hear determines the way we respond. So, the question before us is: what type of ground are we?
In the second of his series on Rich Toward God, Pastor Bruce Applegate takes Malachi 3:6-18 as his text. Tithing creates openings between God and us, a window God can use to bless us. Hear the four ways God can use those windows to bless us.
Pastor Bruce Applegate begins a series on our responsibilities toward stewardship. Did you know there were more scriptures dealing with money than love? Where we put our money indicates where we put our priorities.
Pastor Bruce Applegate uses Romans 16 to pay tribute today to the hardest working women in the world -- Mothers. Not just biological mothers, but our mother figures as well. Those who have, in one way or another "mothered" us through our lives.
Jesus came, and enlarged our hearts. How? What does that mean? Pastor Bruce Applegate explains how the enlarged heart given to us by Jesus enables us to care not only about ourselves, but about others as well. Enlarging our hearts is not always painless.
In this Easter entry in the series, Pastor Bruce Applegate introduces us to the Grace-filled Jesus. This is the Jesus that looks for us, that waits for us. The one that pardons us, who Extends Grace to us when we do not deserve it.
This week Pastor Bruce Applegate introduces us to the "lovingly confrontive" Jesus. This Jesus confronts us in love. He doesn't back down, and the confrontation forces us to decide, to change. How He does this, and how we respond, is vitally important.
This week Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks to us about the Embracing Jesus. The main text for this aspect of Jesus Matt 19:13-15, where Jesus instructs his disciples to let the children come. Jesus embraces all who come to Him, all we need do is bring them.
This week Pastor Bruce Applegate focuses on the compassionate Jesus. The central text for today is John 11:17-35, the story of Lazarus. How Jesus cared so much, and the tears he cried.
This week Pastor Bruce Applegate picks up the characteristics of the encouraging Jesus. Mant times during His walk on the planet, Jesus found ways to encourage people. The center of this week's message is found in Luke 22:31-34.
Pastor Bruce Applegate begins a new series of sermons, on the characteristics of Jesus that touched believers and non-believers. Today it is the welcoming Jesus. The story of Zaccheus is used to demonstrate the way Jesus welcomed people to Him.
In the fifth and final installment on the mission of Crossroads Church of God, Pastor Bruce Applegate talks to us about the importance of outreach. Why do we do it? Among other reasons, because we're told to.
Continuing his exposition of the mission of Crossroads Church og God, Pastor Bruce Applegate now expounds on unity, mentioning the difference between unity and unison. Unity is a "condition of harmony" not doing the same thing, or being the person.
This is the third in the series about the mission of Crossroads Church of God here in Milwaukee. Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks to us on the subject of prayer. How do we do pray? Why? What happens when we do?
In this second sermon of the series, preached on Feb 8, Pastor Bruce Applegate reminds us we are called to be holy, to live a holy life. How can we fallen creatures do this? What does it even mean? Join us as we explore these questions.
Pastor Bruce Applegate begins a series on the mission of Crossroads Church. Here in part 1 he talks about what it means to live a Bible-based life and how it relates, not only to our own lives but to Crossroads itself.
This week, Pastor Bruce Applegate shares with us some of the remedies for depression that can be found in scriptures.
In this third in a series on Parables taught by Jesus, Pastor Bruce Applegate explores the sometimes troubling passages in Luke 14, where Jesus talks of those who cannot be His disciples.
In this second in his series on parables told by Jesus, Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks about the parables Jesus tells about the lost sheep. God has always been concerned about the lost, and says He will go and get them. In Jesus, He came for the lost sheep
Parables are short stories that illustrate a principle. Jesus was fond of using parables to teach, and here Pastor Bruce Applegate begins a series of four sermons based on parables told by Jesus. This first one is about the necessity of forgiveness.
In the fourth and final segment of the advent series, The Vision of the Father, pastor Bruce Applegate speaks about the Father's vision for Christ's mission here on earth actually means, what our part in this means.
Third Sermon from the series "Vision of the Father." In this installment, Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks to us about the purpose of Jesus' mission here to earth, reminding us to make that our mission as well.
The second sermon from the Advent series "The Father's Vision." In this segment, Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks to us about how the Father revealed his Vision in the coming of, and the life of, Jesus.
It's not always easy to see the Father at work. In this first of the series on "Visions of the Father," pastor Bruce Applegate urges us to listen to God's voice, and teaches us how to be on the lookout for God's working in the world around us.
It's the space between the words that means the most. Pastor Bruce Applegate shows us how the giving of thanks to God is woven completely through the fabric of the true Christian, and reflects on how difficult "In all things give thanks" truly is.
Once a year we open the pulpit to our four Faith Promise partners: ECFA, Teen Challenge, Sojourner Truth House and BASICS in Milwaukee to hear what has been happening there.
In the second and final part of the series "Living Our Faith," Pastor Bruce Applegate takes the concluding portion of Jesus' Sermon On The Mount to show us how we can live out our faith in today's world.
Pastor Bruce Applegate starts a new sermon series in this sermon from Oct 5. The series is entitled "Living Our Faith" and in the first installment he uses Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper in John 17 to show us how to be in but not off the world.
In this installment of the series "There is Joy in the Lord," Pastor Bruce Applegate takes the fourth chapter of Phiilipians as his text, to show how living in one accord for Christ brings joy.
In this third segment from "There Is Joy In The Lord" pastor Bruce Applegate illustrates how we can know Christ and the joy we can have from knowing Him. We begin with the third chapter of Phillipians, and learn from the bible the joy of knowing Christ.
With this sermon from Sep 7, Pastor Bruce Applegate starts a new series, "There is Joy in the Lord," where he explores the many ways God will bring joy into our lives. This series is based on Phillipians, and this sermon on Phillipians 1:1-11.
In this final sermon from his series on Playing The Course Of Life, Pastor Bruce Applegate reminds us to swing smoothly and follow through. 2 Tim 4:2-5 says to pay attention and keep following and teaching the Word. Don't stop; follow through.
In this sermon from August 17, Pastor Bruce Applegate continues his series on "Playing the Course of Life". We need to keep our eye on the ball, keep the main thing the main thing. What is the main thing, the ball? 1 Cor 2:1-5 says keep our eyes on Jesus.
Pastor Bruce Apple begins a series of sermons about "Playing the Course Of Life" a comparison of life with the game of golf. There's an overlap in the principles, as he explains.
Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks to us now about sanctifying grace. What does it do to us? What does it mean?
In this sermon from July 20, Pastor Bruce Applegate began a series of sermons about the the grace of God. In this first installment, he speaks of the power of grace, and the wonders it performs.
Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks in this sermon from Jul 13, about the cost of sin. Both the cost to ourselves and the cost to those around us. Sin exacts a price from the sinner, but it also impacts everyone else.
In this sermon, from July 6, Pastor Bruce Applegate teaches us about human freedom as a gift from God. What does that imply for the limitations of human freedom, and what does it mean?
Guest Speaker Jim Paulie came to us on June 29 of this year to illustrate for us the way God chooses to speak to us. (Hint: it's not always face-to-face.)
Guest Speaker Mark Mallwitz joined us on June 22 to talk about witnessing: what it is, where we should do it, why we do it, and how we can find the power to do it.
Pastor Bruce Applegate's sermon from June 8 helps us find the joy in living life with open hands.
Pastor Bruce Applegate lays out a plan we can use: Think like a servant, Act like a manager, and feel like an heir.
In this sermon from 25 May, Pastor Bruce Applegate reflects on the value of tithing. If you are obedient in this, it will permeate all you do. The value in a tithe to God is the obedient heart, and God will bless this obedience.
The love of a child for a parent, and a parent for a child, is a wondrous thing. This is how God loves us, and how we should love God.
It doesn't matter if you're black, white, red, brown or green. Jesus offers us all a trade: His life for ours.
Pastor Bruce Applegate continues his series on Nehemiah's rebuilding of the temple, and shows how it applies to us. You'll need to supply your own reading of Ps119, as our mikes didn't pick up the congregants' reading.
Pastor Bruce Applegate is forced to reconcile himself with his snow shovel as part of a lesson from Nehemiah on how we are supposed to behave towards each other. Hard feelings and idle talk can hurt us all; we need to confront it in ourselves.
Just when you think things are starting to turn, something happens. Why? What can you do about it? Pastor Bruce Applegate shows us what we can learn from the opposition Nehemiah encountered during the rebuilding of the Temple.
What does it mean to be "approved by God"? What is "Godless chatter" and what does it do to you? Follow Pastor Bruce Applegate on a study of 2Timothy 2:14-26.
Too often we don't take the time to celebrate, to recognize what has been done, in our pursuit of what is yet to be done. Pastor Bruce Applegate reminds us while there is much to do, much has already been done. We should celebrate what has been done.
In our continuing series on Nehemiah, pastor Bruce Applegate points out what rebuilding God's church requires of God's people. As the experience of Nehemiah shows, much can be accomplished when we all work together.
Pastor Bruce Applegate continues his exploration of the story of Nehemiah and what it means to the church of today. What do we face, who do we face, and who is on our side?
This begins a series on Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. What can we learn from the task Nehemiah had before him, and how do we apply it to building the city of God right here in our own church?
Join us for the Christmas sermon from Crossroads, as Pastor Bruce Applegate reminds us Who did the giving on this day, and what our responsibility is toward the Giver.
Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say I am?" In this series pastor Bruce Applegate explores some of the titles Jesus has been known by. This week we look at the impact Jesus as Living Water should be making on our lives.
In the second installment of the sermon series "Who Do You Say I Am?" pastor Bruce Applegate looks at one of the other titles often given to Jesus: The Light Of The World. What does light mean to us, and what does Jesus, the incarnation of light, bring?
As Advent begins, Bruce Applegate asks the question Peter was asked so long ago. Like Peter, we must all answer that question for ourselves, and the answer shapes not only our response to the season, but our lives.
Sometimes heard on the street as "Talk is Cheap," Bruce Applegate takes us through the book of Haggai. The book is very short, mirroring the length of Haggai's ministry, yet in that breif period Haggai accomplished a great deal. Here's a look at how.
Every year we invite our ministry partners to come and share their testimony. Unfortunately, the representatives of Teen Challenge, Sojourner Truth and BASICS declined to use the microphone, so theirs was not recorded. Here is ECFA and Iglesia Christiana.
God has promised us in scripture that if we will do certain things, He will respond with certain things. Join Bruce Applegate on a journey through scripture, pointing out what God has promised to do for us, and what God first requires of us.
Continuing his series on revival, Bruce Applegate speaks about one of the more important ingredients: the willingness to stick it out, to continue -- perserverance.
What is revival? How do we find it? How do we show it? What is it and where does it come from? Bruce Applegate shares some thoughts on the subject of revival.
What is the Unity of the body of Christ? Does that mean we are to march forever in lockstep, never disagreeing with one another? Follow as Bruce Applegate explores the concept of unity in the contexts of both our local church and the worldwide church.
As Crossroads Church celebrates 50 years serving the same community, pastor Bruce Applegate reflects on the journey of faith, and encourages us to remember our Bethels, wherever and whenever they occur.
Who do you serve? What does it mean to serve? What does it entail? Pastor Bruce Applegate takes us through what is expected of God's servants.
What is wisdom? Can it exist in a vacuum? Or do we rather show wisdom (or lack of it) in our everyday actions? Is our wisdom truly wise? Does it come from the Font of All Wisdom? Or is it false wisdom?
Pastor Bruce Applegate uses Phillipians 2:13-17 to teach us how to shine like stars in the world.
Is the church about us, or about God? Bruce Applegate explores this question as he takes us back to the founding of the Church of God in another sermon on the heritage of the Church of God
Bruce Applegate takes Luke 8:22 as his text, and urges us to let Jesus take care of the storms in our life. Jesus is in the boat with us, after all.
Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks on the subject of children and their special place in the heart of God.
Bruce Applegate speaks on the importance of music to the Church of God, and of the impact music has had, and continues to have, on the life of the church, and our own lives.
Where are your treasures? Guest speaker Mark Mallwitz asks us to examine just what we treasure and where we're storing them.
On this Father's Day, Bruce Applegate speaks to the men, exhorting us to "Man-Up" in the Godly sense of the term, and showing us the way to be real men of God.
On a Sunday honoring those who have graduated, Bruce Applegate exhorts us, and especially them, to follow the example of Joshua and to be strong and courageous.
Bruce Applegate walks us through the meanings of some theological jargon as he explains to us what it means to be sanctified, and why we should want to lead a sanctified life.
Bruce Applegate reminds us of the the things, and the people, we should be remembering this, and every Memorial Day.
As we launch into the Church Of God Heritage celebration pastor Bruce Applegate reflects on the founding principles of the Church Of God. In this installment, he explains how we come together as Christians when we stand only on the Bible.
Dr. Merle Sterge, Professor of Historical Theology at Anderson University, joins us today to speak about our heritage, both as a Church of God congregation and as a Christian congregation.Why are we here. in this building on Sundays? Hear his explanation.
Bruce Applegate completes his look at 1 Corinthians 13, "The Love Chapter," with this look at the difference learning to love the way God loves can make in our life, and in the lives of those around us. When love enters, nothing truly remains the same.
The first of a new sermon series on 1 Corinthians 13, the "Love" chapter. Pastor Bruce Applegate speaks on the topic of love, what it is what it means, and how we can manage love someone else, using the love God has already given us.
ecognition moment" that had a tremendous effect on the rest of her life. Pastor Bruce Applegate explores what happens in our lives when God gives meets us in a "recognition moment."
Lives change when we encounter Jesus. Listen as Bruce Applegate tells the story of the woman who washed Jesus'' feet, and what it meant, both to Jesus and to her.
A thirsty woman comes face to face with the Source of Eternal Water. One of Crossroads'' favorite sons, Joshua Smith, asks "How thirsty are you?"
Do we affect others with our faithfulness? Bruce Applegate talks of how Lordship Living requires being faithful, and of the effect our faithfulness (or lack of it) affects those around us as well as ourselves.
Bruce Applegate speaks to the vital role trust plays in Lordship Living and how we can have full confidence in God.
Sharing a blessing is like sharing the flame of a candle. Just as one candle lights another without itself going out, so we can share God''s blessings with others without ever dimishing the blessings He has given us.
Who really has ownership of the things in your life? Of your life itself? Bruce Applegate explores what it means to belong to Christ. And what happens when we hold out.
Sometimes the choices before us are difficult to make. At times like that we can always call for backup.
We have to make the choice. Join Bruce Applegate as he explains that even when we try not to choose, we are still making a choice.
I set before you today life and death. This was the choice God gave His people, through Moses. Which wil you choose?