Sermons: Recent Episodes
Trinity Lutheran Church: Lisle, IL
Faith isn’t a performance. Jesus shows us that generosity, prayer, and fasting are about building a genuine relationship with God, not seeking others’ approval. (Matthew 6:1-7, 16-18)
How do we love others—even those we disagree with? Jesus teaches us to approach relationships with integrity, generosity, and grace. (Matthew 5:31-48)
Jesus calls us to a deeper righteousness—one that transforms our hearts and how we see others, addressing issues like anger and lust. (Matthew 5:17-30
What does it mean to be truly blessed? Jesus redefines “blessed” as a life fully dependent on God, where true satisfaction is found.
The birth of Jesus brings light into the darkest places, offering hope and guidance to a world in need. This week, we’ll explore how Christ’s light not only transforms our lives but also calls us to reflect His love and truth to others.
In a world filled with brokenness, Jesus came to bring healing and restoration. His purpose was clear: to save us from sin and restore our relationship with God. This week, we’ll discover how the promise of a Savior changes everything, offering hope and redemption for all people.
The story of Jesus begins with a genealogy—a reminder that God’s promises are deeply rooted in real people and real history. This week, we’ll discover how Jesus invites us into a new family, one shaped by grace and the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.
Join us as we wrap up our series, I’m Glad You Asked. This week, we’re tackling the question: Can I know God personally? Deep within us is a longing—a thirst—to connect with the One who created us. But is such a relationship truly possible? Let’s explore this together. John 10:10-11 & 14-16
Welcome back to Glad You Asked, our series tackling life’s toughest questions about faith. Last week, we explored, “Is Jesus Really God?” and discovered that the Bible makes a strong case for His divinity. But that leads us to another critical question: “Is the Bible reliable?” If we can’t trust what it says, everything else falls apart. Join us this weekend as we dive into this important topic and uncover why the Bible is a trustworthy foundation for our faith.
In our Glad You Asked series, we’re exploring one of the most fundimental questions of Christianity: Is Jesus really God? This question invites us to delve into the very heart of Christian belief, exploring what Jesus’ divinity means and why Christians affirm His life, death, and resurrection as divine acts of love and salvation. We’ll look closely at scripture, history, and perspectives from the Christian tradition to understand why believers see Jesus as God. Join us in discovering how this powerful truth shapes our lives and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him.
In our series " I'm Glad You Asked, " we are asking some big questions. This week, we explore the question, "Is Christianity Too Narrow?" We are surrounded by people of many faiths, so how can we insist that there is only one way? To say such a thing sounds narrow-minded at best and judgmental at worst. Be a part of the conversation as we dive deep into these questions and barriers many of us wrestle with on our faith journey.
You’re invited to join us for the next part of our series, I’m Glad You Asked, where we tackle life’s big questions. Last week, we explored “Is There a God?” and discussed the evidence for faith. But for many, the question goes beyond evidence. Often, there’s a deeper struggle or doubt that holds us back from exploring God further. This week, we’ll dive into those deeper questions and barriers that many of us wrestle with on our faith journey.
Last week, we tackled “Does Life Have a Purpose?” and found that without God, the answer might be no—but with Him, not only does life have a purpose, but your life has meaning and direction. This week, we move to the next logical question: “Is There a God?” Come explore, question, and discover with us.
Does life have a purpose? Each week this month we are asking big questions and offering a safe space to engage in honest dialogue, seek answers, and explore faith with openness.
Join us this weekend as we dive into 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 and the powerful truth that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. In a world that glorifies power and success, Paul reminds us that true influence comes when we lead with humility and vulnerability. By embracing our weaknesses, we open the door for God’s power to work through us in ways we could never imagine. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how, through Christ, our limitations can become the most incredible testimony to His strength. Come and experience the freedom of leading out of weakness!
This week, we look to Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:15-21 as a reminder that while our past and family shape us, they don’t define us. Despite enduring betrayal and pain from his own brothers, Joseph allowed God to transform his story of brokenness into one of forgiveness, healing, and blessing. God invites us to break free from the unhealthy patterns of our past and step into the new life He offers through Christ. Join us this Sunday as we explore how God can redeem our family histories, turning both the blessings and the hardships into a legacy of faith, love, and hope for generations to come.
This week, our focus will be Jonah 3:6-4:11. We’ll explore the story of Jonah, a prophet who knew God’s voice but struggled to show love to others. Like the religious leaders in Jesus’ time, Jonah had knowledge of God but lacked compassion. Jesus made it clear that true spirituality must be reflected in our love for people, and spiritual maturity is not about religious activities but about how deeply we love others. Join us as we reflect on Jonah’s journey and discover how our love for others reveals our understanding of God’s heart. Together, let’s learn how God’s profound love for us empowers us to love others with the same grace and compassion.
This week we explore the profound and often overlooked treasures that can be found in grief and loss. Through the story of Job, we'll learn how God meets us in our deepest pain and transforms our hearts, leading us to a greater understanding of His love and power. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience healing and renewal in your spiritual journey.
We live in a culture that views limits as liabilities. We are raised to believe we can do and be whoever we want. However, the Scriptures have a very different view of limits; they view limits as gifts that God uses to teach us and grow us into the people He has called us to be. In the Bible, we learn about a man named Elijah who is burned out because he has come to believe the lie that the future of Israel rests entirely on his shoulders. This story is a beautiful example of what we learn when we finally embrace the gift of limits. This weekend, learn how we can rely on a God who is bigger, more powerful, and more gracious than we could imagine.
To “Americanize” something means to shape it with American characteristics or bring it under the political, cultural, or commercial influence of the United States. When we “Americanize” Jesus within the church, we follow Him primarily because we believe He will make our lives better and more comfortable according to worldly standards. This is not a new problem. Jesus' disciples faced it, too.
Many of us find ourselves constantly overextended, doing more for Jesus than our inner life with Him can sustain. This often leaves us feeling anxious, frustrated, and teetering on the edge of burnout. This weekend, we’ll dive into what it truly means to understand that God desires to spend time with us, and how we often get distracted by doing things for Him. A powerful example of this can be found in Luke 10:38-42. We look forward to seeing you this weekend as we take time to be with God together.
It’s impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. God created us as beings who think and feel, who don’t just understand theological truths but are called to live in a relationship with Him and others. Our emotional lives are a powerful place to meet God, and it is often beneath the surface where He desires to do His greatest transforming work. Join us in this new series as we pursue spiritual maturity through emotional maturity.
What does it mean to be a “citizen of heaven” but still be a citizen of the United States? Can we be patriotic and proud of our country yet remember that our first allegiance is God? How does a Christian deal with the hostility that seems to weave through politics in our country today?
The Bible teaches that all authority, even that of secular leaders, comes from God. These leaders are considered His servants, intended to promote goodness in His creation. Whether or not they acknowledge God's authority, they fulfill their role when they work to restrain evil and create a safe society for everyone. As Christians, we demonstrate our obedience to God by being obedient to our government. When we pay taxes and show respect and honor to our civil leaders, we acknowledge their God-given role in our lives and society. However, are there limits to our obedience to civil authorities? Explore this important topic further with us.
Join us this weekend when we continue our series "One Nation Under God?" This week, we are exploring what it means to be a dual citizen. We are citizens of the United States and have the responsibility to be the best citizens we can be, while at the same time, our citizenship is in heaven! How can we do our best to be “in the world but not of the world,” as the Bible teaches?
American democracy is more than a set of governmental institutions and practices. It rests on a foundation of deeply ingrained values that both shape and reflect our hearts. Some of these values are noble. Other values—including ones we take most for granted—are in direct conflict with the gospel. Historical perspective can help us to see contemporary American democracy with new eyes, in the process helping us think more Christianly as we think and act politically. Professor Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College, where he holds the Arthur Holmes Chair of Faith and Learning and is a recipient of the college’s Distinguished Teaching Award. He is the author, among other works, of The First Thanksgiving: What the Real Story Tells Us about Loving God and Learning from History, and We the Fallen People: The Founders and the Future of American Democracy. He is currently working on a book tentatively titled “‘The Almighty Has His Own Purposes’: Abraham Lincoln and American Civil Religion.” Bookmarks 00:00 - Intro 03:48 - Part 1 23:49 - Part 2 46:36 - Q&A
It seems these days that our country is more divided than ever. Partisan politics is the rule in our government. Racial struggles dominate the news. Civil authorities like the police clash with the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect, and those citizens show no respect for those who serve. The rich get richer, and the poor grow poorer. Our once united country appears to be falling apart at the seams. For the Christian in modern America, there are two choices. Do we add our voices to the conflict? Do we choose sides and fight for what we believe is right? Do we use our freedom to cause deeper divides and wider conflict? Or, can we be the gentle voice of hope?
In the final week of our series, we will understand that grace is the final ingredient of enduring friendship. In the story of Philemon and Onesimus, Paul reminds them both that, through Christ, they are now forgiven. Over and over again, he appeals to this new identity in Jesus as the basis for their reconciliation with one another. Why? Because, in Jesus, they have now been covered by His grace.
If we want our friendships to last, we need to be open to letting the other person influence us by not only hearing the truth but also responding to it in ways that create lasting change. Both Philemon and Onesimus had to be ready to not only hear the truth from Paul about their strained relationship but also allow that truth to transform them. Repentance means being willing to take a new path together, and the result is truly beautiful. We learn that Philemon and Onesimus not only reconciled, but they became friends, brothers, and partners for the Gospel. Listen in as we continue our study of the book of Philemon.
The first essential ingredient for enduring friendships is truth. Because we are all sinners, it is inevitable that friendships will eventually lead us to encounter—and face—sin in ourselves and in others. This is certainly a reality in Philemon and Onesiumus’ case; if their relationship as Christians is ever to grow into an enduring friendship, it requires both to face the truth about themselves, their sin, and what that has done to the other person.
This series dives into the book of Philemon, a surprising source of wisdom on friendship. Over the next four weeks, we’ll explore how the apostle Paul helped reconcile Philemon and Onesimus, showing us the power of truth, repentance, and grace. Learn how even the most broken relationships can be transformed by God’s love into lasting friendships. Don’t miss this inspiring journey!
The final scene of the Bible is not humans going up to heaven to dwell on clouds, but rather heaven coming down to Earth where God dwells with us. It is a beautiful reminder that just as God once made the world to be His dwelling place, so He will do so again when He comes in glory. But this is not only a reality we look forward to, it is one that we live in light of. Over and over again throughout the New Testament, the apostles remind us that we are people who bring those little foretastes of Revelation 21 into our daily lives, as we live as hopefully people looking forward to that eternal promise. In Colossians 3, Paul reminds us to live in light of that future reality in ways that stamp our everyday moments with the promise of new life. It shapes what we do, who we are, and how we live in a way that brings glory to God and inspires others to, likewise, hope in Him.
One of the things that we often say at Trinity is “You can’t grow spiritually unless you are connected relationally.” The reason? Life with God was never meant to be a solo endeavor. Just as He desires to walk with you, He also lives with us. In the Pentecost story, we find that God continues to “move into the neighborhood” by making His dwelling in the hearts of His people. He does this through the Holy Spirit, God, who personally sets up residence within us and among us. The result is not only that we are transformed as individuals but that we become a community of people through whom others also encounter God. That is why life in the church is so important. It is where we encounter God in the context of community; where we are reminded of His presence in tangible and relational ways through worship, friendship, and service. The church continues to be the place where we encounter God, not because He dwells in a building but because He lives among His people.
Nick Price and Roy Farias team up for this week's mid-week episode. Tune in as they conclude our series, "How to Inhabit Time."
While the world and its pleasures may be fleeting, there is one place—or rather—one person who is eternal: God Himself. As Ecclesiastes comes to an end, the author encourages us to live in the light of eternity rather than get discouraged by the brokenness of today. Pursue God’s wisdom and righteousness, for these are the things that will remain when all else fades. Join us this weekend as we wrap up our series How to Inhabit Time.
One of the great questions that Ecclesiastes raises is, “Why is everything hevel?” Why is it that life remains so unsatisfying and unpredictable even when we try to live wisely and pursue righteousness and justice? The answer is that the world is broken. Specifically, it is broken by sin. At the same time, there are times when things do work, but most often, they don’t. But it isn’t because there is no greater purpose nor a sense of right and wrong. It is because everything, right down to our desires, has been cracked by the nature of sinfulness. Knowing and recognizing this is a key feature of the wise person who knows that while this world is broken, ultimately, God will restore it and sort everything out in its proper time.
Pastor Nick and Trinity's Director of Worship Arts, Erica Mertz, discuss a season for everything.
One of the great paradoxes of being human is that we are made for eternity ), but we inhabit time. The problem comes when we get this backward, living for the moment and forgetting our eternal destiny.
Embarking on the journey of exploring Ecclesiastes can be challenging, but with the right resources, you can dive in with confidence and discover the wisdom waiting to be uncovered. For great resources check out https://tlc4u.churchcenter.com/
In the opening pages of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher invites us to think, with sober-minded precision, about the things that we tend to get so hung up over. He highlights that we tend to invest far too much of our hopes and dreams in things that, while good, do not ultimately last. In chapters 1 & 2, he highlights three things we tend to look to for our ultimate significance and satisfaction: education, pleasure, and work. Yet, with each, he reminds us: “These things don’t last.” Like everything else in this world, they are hevel. A wise person can appreciate each for what it is: a good thing but NOT a God-thing. To inhabit time well is to appreciate each for what it is while not ultimately looking to them for our deeper joy and satisfaction. While these things all have their place, they are intended to point us to something greater: the God who alone is the one who gives us these good gifts (Ecclesiastes 2:26).
One of the ongoing messages of Ecclesiastes is that all things in this world are hevel (הֶבֶל). Typically translated “vanity” or “meaningless” the word actually means “smoke, breath, or mist.” Repeated over 40 times in this short book, the writer of Ecclesiastes wants us to see that everything we would typically look to for permanence in this world is hevel, a mirage. The one constant, he notes, is the steady march of time and the inevitability of death. While at first this sounds horribly depressing, it is the first step in a journey of seeking out true joy and lasting purpose.
Discover how the resurrection of Jesus can transform your life for the better and bring about a new beginning.
Mark begins his gospel with the words, “The beginning of the gospel (good news) about Jesus Christ, the son of God.” The book ends with an empty tomb and the message that Jesus is risen. Though handed over to death, death could not hold him, and the first witnesses to the empty tomb are sent out with the message that Jesus lives once more. The question is, “Will they?” Mark’s gospel comes to its conclusion with perhaps the greatest open-ended question of any of the Gospel writers: “Who do you say Jesus is? And will you tell others?”
In our reading, we encounter people who come face-to-face with Jesus and must make up their minds about him. It’s easy to write off the Sanhedrin and Pilate as enemies of Christ and condemn them for their decision. But the events of Jesus’ trial and execution highlight that, when it comes to who he is, there really are only two responses: to reject and deny him or to declare him the Son of God. Which will you choose
In our reading, we encounter someone who commits fully to Jesus, with no reservations, going to great lengths to honor Jesus. The woman who anoints Jesus shows us what true discipleship looks like: costly, loving repentance which hangs purely upon God’s grace. Sadly, the disciples are unable to follow her example: their actions ranging from outright betrayal to indifference and denial. We fall somewhere on this spectrum, too, and we are called to an honest examination of ourselves so that we may learn and grow spiritually. But that is why we need to keep coming back to His table, so that even when we fail and fall away, we can remember that it was His body and His blood which are given so that we might be forgiven.
Join Lead Pastor Nick Price and Trinity Green Trails Site Leader Roy Farias as they contineu to dive deep into the book of Mark. In this particular segment, they explore an intriguing story of Jesus' return to a place He had previously visited. Discover what has changed since His last visit.
We are continuing our journey in the book of Mark. This week's story captures the entire trajectory of Jesus' life and ministry in snapshot form. He comes down from glory to enter our broken world to help people who don't believe in him. Furthermore, it is a journey that will ultimately lead to his death. And while His road leads Him to suffering and the Cross, it is ultimately for our good that He has come. He is the one in whom the Father is pleased, and, as such, we should listen to and follow Him wherever His road leads. For that is where we find life eternal.
Join us this week when we continue our journey through the book of Mark. In this story we come face-to-face with a truth that runs throughout Mark’s gospel: that it is often the religious insiders who most miss out on who Jesus is and what he is trying to do. They have let their religious rules, regulations, and self-righteousness get in the way of actually understanding the heart and purposes of God. By contrast, it is the people who know they aren’t perfect (like the Syrophoenician woman) who display the greatest faith, because they know that Jesus is the only one who can meet their deepest needs. As a result, He is more welcomed by the outsiders than the insiders.
Join us this weekend as we examine Mark's narrative and compare two rival kings, Herod and Jesus. Both throw a dinner party with very different endings.
In our world today, we tend to think of fear as something negative and something to be avoided. This week, we are taking a closer look at what Jesus teaches us about fear in three separate stories. In these stories, we see that fear can give way to faith and that a lack of fear can become a barrier to trust in Jesus. Join us this weekend for worship and see how Jesus shows us that he is, ultimately, stronger than anything else that would terrify us.
Sometimes our problem with Jesus is not that we don’t know anything about Him, but rather that we are too familiar with Him. Which is why the parables of Jesus become so important. These stories invite us to take a closer look at Jesus, by subverting our assumptions and surprising us with the truth about Jesus and the nature of His Kingdom
The central message of this passage is “Good News is coming!” The question is, “Are you ready?” For many of us, we go about our daily lives longing for good news, but rarely take time to consider whether or not we are ready for it when it comes.
Jesus loved spending time with spiritual seekers: listening to their stories, answering their questions, and inviting them to follow him. In fact, he was so passionate about this that he told his disciples to go and do likewise. As a church, we recognize that we have people in our lives who don’t yet follow Jesus, and God desires that we would be the kind of people who lovingly point them to him. As such, Trinity is a place where it is okay for spiritual seekers to explore, ask their questions, and learn more about Christ. And we are a community that is regularly praying for, inviting, and walking alongside them as they explore faith
Jesus spoke about money extensively because he believed it reflected our deepest values. Practicing generosity as a spiritual discipline means having an open heart and seizing opportunities to give cheerfully whenever possible. While tithing, or giving 10% of our income, is one method of showing generosity, it's essential to remember that generosity is more than just meeting a specific percentage. It's about cultivating a mindset of abundance and being willing to give whenever possible with a joyful heart.
In Mark 10 Jesus tells us clearly how He viewed Himself: as a servant. Likewise, the apostle Paul tells us to Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! ~ Philippians 2:5-8 5 Habits - Title.png In short, if we want to learn to look, live, and love more like Jesus, then learning to serve is a great way to start. We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning for worship.
The dictionary defines worship as "to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion." It means considering something so valuable that we shape our lives around it. However, many of us end up worshipping the wrong things, which results in a life that becomes increasingly void of meaning.
As we make resolutions for change, we often struggle to keep them. Statistics show that almost half to two-thirds of Americans fail to stick to their resolutions. Many need to turn their goals into habits or seek accountability. How can we form habits that transform our lives in 2024 as a church family? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us for our upcoming series, "5 Habits for Life." This series delves into five impactful habits rooted in Scripture - habits that have the power to transform your life today and in eternity.
Plenty of sources will tell us that in the New Year, we lack something or that we need something to get ourselves back on track. What if the secret to really living a full life is not in looking for what we lack but hoping for what we have?
What makes for a great gift? The angels declared one of the greatest gifts in the person of Jesus: peace. This King would come to bring his shalom. This is not just the absence of conflict but a total wholeness. If you feel looked over and like you don’t belong, this peace is for you. If you feel like your time of grieving and waiting will never end, God’s word assures us that Joy will come in the morning. If you feel as though you simply cannot find wholeness in this broken world, this peace is for you.
Trinity's Senior Pastor, Nick Price, and Trinity's Director of Worship Arts, Erica Mertz, talk about the role worship plays in our walk with God.
On Sunday, we will explore Mary's story and song, "The Magnificat," in the advent narrative. While Mary plays a crucial role in this story, her song highlights God's character. It shows that God uplifts the distressed into his greater plans and purpose. Mary is well aware of her low status, challenges, and even loneliness. But when the creator of the universe remembers her, she can't help but "glorify the Lord and rejoice in God her Savior." Her song is personal and passionate because of who God is. God has been reversing the status of people for generations.
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. ~ Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
We have reached the end of the Book of Exodus, and now we witness the story's climax: God has come to dwell with His people. The purpose of the Exodus narrative was not solely to rescue the Israelites from slavery but to lead them toward a relationship with God. He is not just a distant God but present with us. This is the true essence of salvation.
As we delve deeper into the book of Exodus, we witness Moses pleading for his people. This encounter with God reminds us of the true meaning of experiencing God's glory and the path to establishing a lifelong relationship with a compassionate, gracious, and loving God. From the burning bush to this conversation, we are inspired to seek and experience the glory of God in our own lives. It can be a challenging journey, but with faith and determination, we can find the guidance to navigate our way toward a closer relationship with our Creator.
In this midweek podcast, Pastor Nick and Pastor Roy dig deeper into the problem with Idols.
Idolatry poses a grave threat to our relationship with God. However, the passage for this weekend serves as a reminder that we have the potential to break free from the idols that reside in our hearts with the aid of a mediator who intercedes for us before God. The story is incredibly powerful and can encourage us to turn to Jesus, the only one capable of liberating us from our constraints.
We are continuing our exploration of the book of Exodus. In this week's section, we come to the famous giving of the 10 Commandments. The 10 Commandments are a law code that Western society has looked to through the ages as the basis for all laws and morality. Sadly, this has led to the impression among many that this is ultimately what God came to do: to give us laws to obey so that we will be welcomed in. But that is not what Exodus tells us. Rather, we learn that God has already welcomed us in and now gives us laws to guide us as we learn to live as His people. This encounter between God and His people is about what it looks like to live as new people, free people, godly people who are called by the Lord’s name and set apart for His purposes in the world.
The story of the parting of the Red Sea is seen by many as the climax of the book of Exodus. It is the final escape from slavery in Egypt and the moment in which the Israelites are finally freed from the rule of Pharaoh. And what it reveals to us is that we all need rescue. Specifically this encounter reveals what we need rescue from, how we can escape it, and who makes it possible. We need rescue from all the things that would enslave us apart from God. We escape from it only through a decisive act of God in which we pass from death to life. And finally, it is only through Christ, the greater Moses, who makes it all possible.
Dr. John Walton joins Pastor Nick in a discussion on how we should approach reading the plague narratives that take place in the book of Exodus.
The plague narratives are some of the most dramatic scenes in the whole Bible. They’ve been powerfully and visually depicted in films like The Ten Commandments, The Prince of Egypt, and Exodus: Gods & Kings. But what we often miss in these dramatic re-tellings is that all of the plagues are intended to answer one simple question from Pharoah: “Who is Yahweh that I should obey him?” The answer is that Yahweh is the unique, natural, and saving Judge over all the earth. He is the one apart from whom everything else falls back into darkness. He is the one to whom we must all eventually give an account. And He is the one who ultimately provides forgiveness and mercy for those who trust in Him.
This weekend, get ready to venture on an unforgettable spiritual journey as we explore one of the most iconic encounters in Western literature - the meeting of Moses with the burning bush. Are you yearning for a deeper spiritual relationship? This encounter with God will teach you everything you need to know about what it takes to have a genuine spiritual experience. Discover how to tap into spiritual reality, what an actual spiritual encounter feels like, why it is possible, and how to recognize when you've had one. Come face to face with the Lord of Salvation, the Savior and ruler of Israel and the world. Join us this weekend and heighten your spiritual journey to new elevations!
What is so significant about Exodus? How does it contribute to our understanding of God and His story? Explore these questions and more in this midweek episode.
The opening section of Exodus sets the stage for all of the drama that follows. But even here, we learn some important things about salvation. Specifically, in this story of midwives and mothers, we learn that salvation is rescue from the misery and slavery of serving anything in your life as more important than God, that we are usually prepared for salvation by God working behind the scenes through bad and difficult circumstances, and that, surprisingly, salvation happens through the weak and the powerless, not through the strong and the powerful.
Our series ends this week, reminding us of one more thing the Sabbath does: it trains us for the coming Kingdom. It is a way of orienting our time and our days toward The Day when God will come again and make “all things new.” It is a reminder that the rest and restoration we experience on that day is but a glimpse of what God will ultimately do.
As we continue Rethinking Rest, let’s explore one more reason why the Sabbath is so important: it is a place where God desires to give us the rest and the healing that we so desperately need. It enables us to slow down, take stock of all He has provided, and bring any needs before Him. When we tend to work constantly, we cultivate the idea that what we have is the result of our efforts rather than as gifts from God.
In the book of Exodus, the people are commanded to rest on the seventh day because it is “a sabbath to the Lord your God.” Now, stop and think about that for just a moment. God doesn’t need rest. God doesn’t need the Sabbath…but He does enjoy it. Why?
Far too many of us live at a frantic pace: rushing from one place to another with barely room to breathe. “I’m busy” has become the common answer to the question, “How are you doing?”
As we conclude our Life in Light of Eternity series, we focus on the final part of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In this section, Paul reminds the Ephesians that they have new relationships with others and a fresh connection with the spiritual world. Consequently, we must fight against "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." We invite you to join us in worship this coming weekend to learn more about how to overcome these spiritual forces of evil.
In the ancient world, life was centered around the household and three key relationships: husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and slaves. There was often a power dynamic in each, with the first person in each relationship wielding the power. But Paul says, among Christians, these relationships are entirely transformed. They are each to be characterized by mutual submission to one another. In this way, we point one another to Jesus. And in the same, we are called to live out this calling in our marriages, families, and workplaces. In doing so, we demonstrate to the world how Christ has the power to redeem, renew, and restore even our most intimate relationships.
Last week, we explored what it means to live from the inside out. However, this week, we will learn it's not only working from the inside out but - paradoxically - also working from the outside in. Wisdom entails having a role model to emulate. By implementing their behavior, we can become more similar to them. In Ephesians 5, Paul tells us to follow God's example by loving the way Jesus has loved us. The more we practice being like Jesus, the more we become like Jesus. Join us on Sunday for week 8 in our Life in Light of Eternity series.
The late Dr. Tim Keller shared a powerful truth - “What the heart most wants, the mind finds reasonable, the will finds doable, and the emotions find desirable.” Simply put, our innermost feelings and emotions reflect in our actions and ultimately shape our entire existence. This is why Paul’s teachings in Ephesians 4 are so important.
Each week we have been studying our way through the book of Ephesians. After spending nearly three chapters unpacking the incredible promises, gifts, and power of God’s grace, Paul now pivots in the second half of Ephesians to talk about what it means to truly live in light of all of this. And the first thing he says is that we all need to grow up…together.
What do you typically pray for? Each person's prayer varies, but Ephesians 3:14-21 demonstrates the most essential prayer: to have the power to capture the vastness of Christ's love with all the Lord's holy people. Unfortunately, we often search for love in the wrong places, resulting in disordered love and lives. However, Paul emphasizes that the love we seek has already been given and encourages us to grasp how that truth can change us. Join us as we continue our series Life in Light of Eternity.
Last week, we explored the meaning of being a church. This week, we are shifting our focus to explore what it means to be a Christian. In Ephesians, Paul stresses that God's plan is for us to reveal His wisdom to the world. As Christians, we are responsible for demonstrating the freedom that comes from having a relationship with Christ and sharing this message with others, using our own experiences and struggles to do so. Being a Christian means serving the mission of the Good News. Join us for another exciting day of worship on Sunday as we continue our Life in Light of Eternity series.
The early Church's witness together spoke most loudly to the world around them. Acts 11 introduces a beautiful summary of what it truly means to be the church: one family, bound together by one message, to point others to one person. And we are called to do so in ways that surprise others, welcomes them in, and breaks boundaries for the sake of sharing the Good News with everyone.
Last weekend Pastor Nick shared with us four surprising things about Peter's message given on the day of Pentecost. Sunday, we continue exploring the early Church in the book of Acts. This time the message comes from where the followers of Christ least expect it. You can read about it in Acts 9 : 1-22.
In today’s culture we have put a premium on kindness with phrases like “kindness is everything.” However, what we often mean by this is “niceness” rather than “kindness.”
Today people are desperate to be known and to be loved. Sadly, too many of us look for love in all the wrong places. Our definitions of love often emphasize romance and sexual fulfillment, finding “the one” who will “complete me.” But this quest usually leaves us short. Even those in married relationships sometimes feel more lonely than ever. So what is the alternative?
As we affirmed last week, all people are made in God’s image; and this extends to both men and women. In fact, God makes clear that women have a vital role to play in His work in the world. Sadly, when our society today proclaims that “women’s rights are human rights,” they often are referring to something else entirely. How can the Church respond?
In recent years racial tensions have been on the rise. With the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others, the slogan “Black Lives Matter” has become a widely heard and much-debated phrase. Maybe you have been asking yourself, "So how is the church to respond?"
One of the great debates of the last century has been the relationship between science and faith; with many modern people believing that these two realms of thought are inherently opposed.
Jesus was raised to life by His Heavenly Father so that all who believe in Jesus might be deemed worthy of eternal life. You are invited to embrace this never-ending life that Jesus has secured for you.
This somber worship experience reminds us that Jesus allowed himself to be deemed worthy of death—both by God’s people and even God Himself. The penalty for our sin has been paid.
Not only has Jesus paid the price for our sin by dying on the cross, but His forgiveness assures us that He is not angry towards us. He wants the best for us. He seeks to fully restore us. As we revisit the charcoal fire conversation in John 21, we see that while Peter may still be pining on his past, Jesus is hyper-focused on pointing Peter towards the future. Jesus restores the original call He placed on his life. Not only does God forgive you, but God loves you. Through God’s forgiveness, your identity is secure.
Every sin has a cost to it. The first aspect of being forgiven is understanding and receiving that through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the debt of all sin, of all-time, of all humankind has been paid for and canceled. In this message, we will see Jesus beautifully recreate Peter’s worst moment in order to show Peter that He is unafraid to enter into His worst moments with him, and that His grace is big enough to cover even the worst parts of our stories.
As one worshiping body, Trinity has taken on the 40-day Forgiving Challenge. This week, we unpack the alternate paths we often pursue after we fail and why any path outside of Jesus can never result in freedom. Discover how we can bring all our mess, sin, sorrow, guilt, and shame to Jesus. We get to experience His grace as He takes it all upon Himself.
Every single one of us miss the mark. As inventive, creative, and successful as humans can be in many aspects of life to overcome issues, the only way to overcome our sin is through Jesus. In this message, we will introduce the disciple Peter. Despite Jesus believing, entrusting, and investing in Peter, Peter failed Jesus at His most critical time of need. Rather than Jesus casting Peter aside, we will find the truth that any of our failures simply become an opportunity for the grace of Jesus to appear again and again and again in our stories. When our stories appear over, God simply appears again to write a chapter.
An interesting trend that we find today is that many people want love and companionship, but not marriage.
The benefits of wisdom are countless. Just a brief survey of them can be found in the opening chapters of the book of Proverbs: insight, discretion, prudence, knowledge, peace, and prosperity to name just a few. But the one thing that the author of Proverbs notes is that all of this begins with “the fear of the Lord.” It seems like a strange thing to say. Why fear? Why not love?
One of the most well known places to go for wisdom in the Bible is the book of Proverbs. Unfortunately, very few of us actually know how to read them.
The fourth and final week of Advent is the week of “Love”. We live in a world where the word “Love” is thrown around a lot but the actual thing seems to be in short supply. Too often the love we give to one another is conditional, based on what we have done or failed to do. Which is why the final title of Jesus that we are focusing on is so important, because it bears within it a sign of just how unconditional Jesus’ love for us is
Week 3 of Advent is known as the week of “Joy”. The people of Jesus’ day were those who were longing for something to rejoice in. They lived in a world that was harsh; poverty, disease, disaster, and Roman oppression marked their days. They longed for God to send a promised Savior. Which is why the third title of Jesus is so profound: He is called “Messiah,” the anointed one.
Week 2 of Advent is known as the week of “Peace.” We live in a world where people are desperate for peace: peace between nations, peace in their communities, peace in their homes, even inner peace. Sadly, we are too often left wondering where to find it, as the world’s solutions seem temporary at best.
Week 1 of Advent is often known as the week of “Hope”. Yet oftentimes hope seems to be far away, even at the holidays.
At the heart of the Christian faith is the belief in the resurrection of Jesus. So central is this one part of Jesus’ story that the apostle Paul once proclaimed, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). But we often forget that this key part of our faith was not so obvious, even to Jesus’ first disciples. They too thought it was unbelievable…until they encountered him face-to-face.
Do you really want to follow Jesus? Are you sure? The account of Jesus’ arrest in John’s gospel is a stunning one in that it highlights the many reasons why people reject Jesus.
Our world is full of pain and suffering, disease and death. And it is tempting, in the face of it all, to despair and wonder, “Where is God in the midst of all this pain?
How does someone actually become a disciple of Jesus? The story of John 9 is a beautiful one because of how simply it answers what many believe to be a complex question. The man who encounters Jesus in this story believes because he once was blind and now he can see. Jesus says that this is truly what it means to be a part of his kingdom. It isn’t about how much you think you know, nor about the moral rules you keep; it is simply about knowing Jesus and what he has done for you.
There are certain places that polite religious folk don’t go and people that they don’t hang out with…or at least that’s what Jesus’ disciples thought. Until the day when Jesus got “lost” in the wrong part of town.
One of the common images that we have of Jesus is as the meek and mild shepherd, who snuggles lambs and laughs with children, who turns the other cheek and was gentle even in the face of his own trial and execution. But then, along comes passages like John 2:13-25, where we encounter a fierce and wild Jesus who rages against the machine, overturning tables, screaming at people, and using a whip to violent drive people and animals from the Temple courts. Angry Jesus?! Where was that in my childrens’ Bible?! So what is going on here?
Jesus’ very first miracle is truly a strange one. It is not some miraculous healing, nor some epic showdown with the demonic. It is not calming a storm or raising the dead to life. It is to show up at a wedding and keep the party going by turning water into wine. Of all the things Jesus would have done to first reveal his glory (v.11), why this one? The answer is far more beautiful than anything else we would’ve expected.
We all have a picture of Jesus in our heads; whether it is the majestic, powerful Jesus of Revelation, or the meek and mild Jesus who embraces children and snuggles lambs. But what if these pictures of Jesus are actually getting in the way of us seeing Jesus for who he really is?
The Bible is the bestselling book of all time, with more copies in print, in more languages, than any other text. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most widely misunderstood - and misused - books in all of history as well.
For many modern people one of the most baffling and offensive aspects of Christianity is the doctrine of Hell. After all, how could a God who is love send people to an eternity of torture? That just doesn’t make sense. However, not only is the doctrine of Hell something Jesus himself talked about, it is vitally important for understanding our own hearts, living at peace in the world, and knowing the love of God.
In our modern, pluralistic society, the idea that there is only one religious truth is viewed as arrogant, exclusionary, and narrow minded. Surely having multiple paths to the divine is more welcoming and tolerate. After all, the world’s religions are all basically saying the same thing, right?
One of the greatest challenges to faith in the modern world is the reality of human suffering. For centuries, human beings have wrestled with the question, “How could a loving God allow so much suffering?”
There are a lot of spiritual options out there, but not all of them are for our good. In this passage Peter lays out several “warning signs” to help us identify dangerous teachings and false paths in a world of multitudinous options.
There has been a lot of debate about the Bible and its reliability over the past two hundred years, but what Peter makes clear is that everything we have heard about Jesus is trustworthy because it came from God through eyewitnesses.
How do we grow spiritually? That is a question that both Christians and non-Christians have asked themselves down through the centuries. Today’s bookstores are filled with self-help manuals and transformation books that promise to help us become more peaceful and purposeful than every before. But Peter offers us a better way. He says that if you want to grow spiritually, then it means being formed in a relationship with the God who loves you and invites you to become more like Him. By being with Him we become more like Him, with our virtues growing as the fruit of our faith. Peter’s invitation is to once more get to know Jesus who, by his divine power, “has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness”
The last conversation that we have between Jesus and Peter takes place shortly after the Resurrection. Jesus takes Peter aside and restores him to his calling by reminding him of what it truly means to love Him; it means serving and caring for His people. Our love for Jesus is meant to overflow into how we love and serve others. This is the mark of a truly Christian life; we love the way Christ first loved us.
Peter closes his letter with wise words for both leaders and followers. In a world where high-powered leaders and self-made influencers have taken center stage, Peter calls on leaders of the church to be humble and to serve their people the way that Christ has served them.
Too often we look for comfort in the physical pleasures and pursuits of this world, but Peter is pretty clear that this is a road to nowhere.
Suffering is one of those things that Christians not only will experience, but should come to expect. And for Peter’s audience, this was a very real thing as they were facing persecution at the hands of Rome. But what Peter calls them to is a hopeful witness in the face of suffering, using both their words and their deeds (vv.15-16) to point people to the hope that we have in Christ. In a world where people are looking for hope, especially in the face of pain and trials, Christians have the privilege of showing others where true hope is found.
The church has always had a sticky relationship with politics. To those outside the church, it often appears like Christians are just the tools of a political party, adding holy sound bites to someone else’s political agenda.
Being a Christian is not about joining some kind of holy huddle, separated from the world
A lot is made of identity these days. We are told to be who we are. But who are we really?
In the opening lines of his first letter Peter addresses Christians as “elect exiles” two terms which, by worldly standards, seem to be at odds. An exile is someone who lives far from home, often because they had no other choice. And yet, Peter says that it is exactly what God intended for His people. This world is not our home. His kingdom is. God has chosen to call us His people and has granted us the gift of new life and the hope of an inheritance because we are part of a much larger story.
The book of Acts ends in a rather abrupt way: with an ending that really isn’t an ending. Paul is in Rome continuing to preach. What does this mean? Why is it here? The answer is quite simple: the mission goes on.
One of the things that we sometimes miss when it comes to the mission is the beauty of what takes place when someone experiences the grace of God. Acts 16 contains a series of small stories that paint a larger picture of the better life God gives us through Jesu
One of the greatest shifts in the book of Acts takes place in chapter 8, where a young Philip begins to preach to those outside the Jewish community.
The members of the early church were animated by the very Spirit of God as they pursued the mission of God together. And this shaped every aspect of their common life. Just as they had received God’s power, God’s presence, and God’s grace, so they extended grace and gave the gift of presence to others. Their story was one in which each person saw themselves as a part of a much larger community, extending God’s grace in tangible acts of generosity, service, and visible acts of witness to the wider world. And the result was not only that needs were met, but the message of Jesus spread outward to others. It is a beautiful picture of common life animated by the grace of God that speaks volumes to the world about the God we worship. It is what it looks like to be a part of a much larger community, one which we continue to be a part of to this day.
The first thing that we see about the early church is that they were called and empowered by God to be a part of a much Bigger STORY!
This concludes our long journey through Genesis 1-23. Just as God made creation, so He now saves it through Jesus. Just as God sent Abraham to the Promised Land to become a blessing to all nations, so now the church is sent out to the nations to bring God’s blessings. Our calling, as His people, are to be Jesus’ witnesses to the very ends of the earth.
There are lots of different reasons that people read the Bible. For some it is to received guidance. For others it is in search of knowledge. For yet others it is to find comfort. And while all of these things are not bad reasons to search the Scriptures, Jesus tells us one thing about the Bible; it is all about Him. He is the very center of the story. He is the reason it was written. Abraham’s life, Moses’ life, David’s life, and the lives of all the other characters of Scripture are meant to point to Him.
How do we know the love of God? How do we come to know of His goodness? Good Friday answers this question, for we see that God was willing to give His Son, His only Son, whom He loved to die for us.
In Abraham’s story God tells him that He will make a covenant with him and that, through him, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Now Jesus comes to give us a better covenant; one in which we are all forgiven and made right with God.
On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; the irony being that this man who was hailed a King is executed by the very same people just a few short days later. Why? To answer that question, we have to look at another encounter that Jesus had with them in John 8.
It’s the final chapter in Abraham’s story, the climax of his journey, and one final test. We’ve seen Abraham face the tests of fear, doubt, and pride. We’ve seen how he has begun to learn about God’s heart. But how deep does his trust really go?
One of the things to note is that Abraham is the only person in the Old Testament who is explicitly given the title “friend of God”. Abraham the doubter, the fearful one, the failure, becomes God’s friend. How did this happen?
In Genesis 16 we encounter a third obstacle that faces Abraham in his journey with God: his own plans and desires. Honestly, Genesis 16 is an offensive, heartbreaking story that offends our modern sensibilities - and rightly so!!! It is a story of exploitation and selfishness that very nearly undoes all that God has promised.
Since the start of Lent we have been looking at the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis. And it is worth noting that Abraham is a foundational figure not only for Christians, but for Muslims and Jews as well. He is considered the father of faith for these great world religions. But what does that mean?
Abraham’s story is the story of a NEW beginning for all humanity; one in which God starts with a single family by calling Abraham to leave behind all that he knew to be safe and comfortable and follow Him into a new way of living.
Genesis marks an absolute low point in the story so far: human (and angelic) wickedness has reached such a degree that God regrets that “he made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart”
“That’s wrong! That’s terrible! That’s not the way it is supposed to be!” Such are the words we say when we encounter pain, suffering, disease, death, disaster, and tragedy. We scroll through our newsfeeds and are bombarded daily with stories that highlight the reality of the broken world that we live in. So if God made the world to be so good, what happened?!
Every story has a beginning and it is often in our beginnings that we begin to understand the truth about ourselves and the world we live in. Yet one of the most hotly debated passages in the whole Bible is its beginning.
Though made up of several books containing a variety of literary genres, the Bible is not a collection of random stories or pieces of literature. Rather, it is one single narrative from beginning to end, with one central character: God.
Jesus attracted crowds through teaching, proclaiming the Gospel, and healing. He did this because he cared about them. He calls us to join him in this mission and invites people to come and see.
An honest assessment of my life leads me to admit that much of what I do is motivated by selfishness.