First Pres Orlando Sermons: Recent Episodes
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, 23
We are never going to be able to figure out the reasons for why God acts as He does or why things happen to us in life as they do. The point Solomon makes is that, in all of it, learn from it. Be wise. Trust in what God is teaching.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 6:1-2
Ecclesiastes 6 sort of seems like more of the same. The teacher is naming the nuances of evil that pervade a life of finitude. In this case, a person is given great amounts of all the things that ought to delight the heart, and yet, they are "unable to enjoy." We will think on the nature of enjoyment and contentment in a finite world.
Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
"The love of money is the root of all evil" but those who understand where it comes from and who live with that perspective will find pleasure and enjoyment in the provision of God.
Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
The Teacher gives us an appropriate warning to worship rightly, an important admonition in a time where we have lost our sense of the holiness and wonder of God.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Ecclesiastes 4:1–12
The Teacher says that in a world of pressure, comparison, and quiet loneliness, life “under the sun” can leave us isolated - even among others. Companionship is a gift, but it cannot satisfy our deepest longing for meaning. It points us beyond ourselves to the God who alone gives life its purpose.
Dr. Case Thorp | 1 Peter 2:9-17
The 250th anniversary of our country is significant, indeed, and Christianity has played a key role in her formation. Of course, we want Christianity to play a key role going forward, even as our nation diversifies. What, then, is the allegiance we hold as citizens of a nation and citizens of God's Kingdom? What is the difference between nationalism, of which we hear much, and patriotism? How does the Bible show us how to prioritize God and love one's country?
Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 3:9-22
We are not built to understand everything. The big picture would overwhelm us, but we ARE built to pursue the biggest thing - eternity with God. He made us in a way that our hearts long to find Him...
Pastoral Intern Ben Willsey | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Time is a tremendous challenge for us. It moves slow at points and too fast at others. We never seem to have enough and we know ours will one day run out. God, thankfully, orders the seasons of our lives - our "times" (Psalm 31).
Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-14, 17, 23
These are three common visions of a life that can overcome the curse. We cling to them because they are something to do in the face of the challenges and sadnesses of a broken world. If I can just enjoy enough, become smart enough, or work hard enough, perhaps I can escape the chaos of the curse. But there is only one thing that can mend a broken world.
Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
We will often use bubbles to hide in to protect ourselves from reality - to make ourselves believe this is really home when it is not. We are nomads. No amount of wisdom or laughter or commercial success will change that. However, if death is a reality, then life becomes a gift - a privilege - and a purposeful endeavor.
Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
It's a question that has plagued the human mind from the beginning. Ecclesiastes is an exploration of that question beginning with the circular nature of life - that no matter how hard we try, we won't get answers. But is he looking in the right place?
Dr. Paul Gibson | Acts 1:1-11
Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1:4, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised...the Holy Spirit." The disciples had this promise, but still had to wait until the day of Pentecost to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How did the disciples handle this period of waiting? How do we handle the in-between of living in God's promises that are not yet fulfilled? The truth is that "The Waiting is the Hardest Part."
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 3:7-12
Building on the message from May 3, the church at Thyatira faced false teaching as well, and they did something about it - those who would not accept discipline were thrown out of the church. We have to realize why we have theological and doctrinal standards. These protect the Church while equipping the next generations. Strategic Priority 2!
Dr. David Swanson | 2 Timothy 1:3-7
Paul writes of the rich legacy of faith he was left by particular women, an important theme on Mother's Day.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 2:18-29
It is becoming increasingly hard to identify as a Christian and not take some heat for it or be faced with hostility. This was the situation for Thyatira as well. God writes to that church to encourage them to stand firm and to watch out for false teachers. This is why elders and deacons matter in the life of the church. Truth and doctrine must be guarded carefully.
Rev. Tanner Fox | John 11:38-44
Jesus reveals the power He has over death in this story with Lazarus. The same power that will bring Him back from the dead, defeating our final enemy and inviting us to walk in newness of life! Even after He is brought back to life, He is still wrapped in the grave clothes that He died in and needs the help of others to lay those aside and to truly embrace His resurrected life in Christ. How might this metaphor become an invitation to each of us?
Dr. Jack Peebles | John 20:19-29
The risen Jesus appears to fearful, uncertain disciples - not with judgment, but with peace. His resurrection presence turns locked rooms into places of commissioning. Easter does not end at the empty tomb; it continues as the risen Christ sends ordinary people into the world, breathing new life and purpose into them.
Dr. David Swanson | James 4:1-10
People seem angry these days and it's mostly because they can't get what they want. On this Confirmation, we are grateful, because in the words of the Rolling Stones, you now have "what you need."
Dr. David Swanson | 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, 47-58
Paul lays out an important apologtic for why we believe the resurrection is true. When we do, then we will act today based on what we believe will happen in the future. Even in tough times, will still have the "fury of hope."
Dr. David Swanson | Luke 19:28-40
The details surrounding Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem give us many clues about what was to come, but also His divine nature.
Dr. David Swanson | John 19:28
We are a thirsty people, but little quenches. Jesus' words from the cross reveal our own thirst and the depths of His own suffering to quench it.
Dr. Case Thorp | Deuteronomy 8:10-18
Work can become an idol that distracts us from intimacy with God. What is a good theology of work that aligns such work to Kingdom purposes and doesn't become that illusive idol we serve?
Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 145:4, 13-21
As we point to the next 150 years, we can take great comfort in God's dominion and faithfulness through ALL generations. Our task is to continue to love Him well, to desire Him fully in all the challenges of life, and to take seriously the charge to commend Him to the next generations.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Psalm 145:1-12
It would be tempting to stand on the precipice of such a milestone and pat ourselves on the back, but David makes it clear that praise belongs to One and only One. He is the reason we are still here after 150 years. The good and the bad, He has used it all, so we appropriately praise Him today as we point to the future.
Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 90:1-12
As we get ready to celebrate 150 years, Psalm 90 offers us a helpful reset on the important things to remember at such a time—who we belong to, who is in charge, who is making a mess of it, and why such reflection matters.
Rev. Alexa Holcomb | Revelation 22:1-5
When we think about our call to global mission, we often think (rightly!) about being obedient to the Great Commission. But do we reflect on the beauty of that promise fulfilled, that heaven will be full of people from all nations and cultures of the world we live in now? It is essential to what makes heaven, heaven–the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption, the tree of life bearing leaves that heal the nations. Do we long for that future glory? Are we participating here and now in that reality, of the new family we become in Christ?
Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 6:30-34
Jesus' words in Matthew 6 discuss our fears and insecurities, things that often keep us from being full participants in God's Kingdom work. Jesus flips it around when He says if we'll seek Him first - jump in - we'll wind up with the very thing we worried about to begin with.
Dr. David Swanson | Ephesians 4:11-13
It is increasingly difficult to faithfully live the Christian life in this culture, but if we have any shot, we have to focus on being equipped and prepared, something the church is called to do.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Ephesians 4:1-6
Ephesians gives us a beautiful picture of moving from death to life in Christ while also offering us a vision of what this life ought to look like! After Paul describes all who are being brought in, Jews and Gentiles alike, he moves to reveal the nature of the calling of the Christian. Before we are sent into the world with fruits of the Spirit, we are to practice the bonds of belonging with fellow believers.
Dr. David Swanson | Colossians 3:17
We value doing things for the Lord to the best of our ability. We do that in the knowledge of our sin and brokenness, trusting that God will use our meager efforts for His glory.
Dr. David Swanson | John 12:1-8
God has lavished His love and grace on us sacrificially. As His people, it is therefore incongruous that we would not also be lavishly generous in our lives.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Mark 10:35-45
In Mark 10, Jesus said that He came to serve, not to be served. That is the true mark of leadership, focusing on serving others and lifting them up. The best leaders often are never heard of because they make their lives about serving others.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Psalm 130
The Advent season throws into sharp contrast both joy and sorrow. How do we make space for the sadness and sorrow inherent in our world during the Christmas season? How do we hold that together with the joy of these times? We look to the Psalmist for guidance, and remind ourselves that together we must watch and wait for the coming of our beloved savior, Jesus.
Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 2:1-12
The One the Magi traveled to meet was understood to be of infinite worth — a King. As such, they gave sacrificially even as God was giving to them.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 2:8-18
The shepherds remind us that the good news of Christ’s birth is for the lowly and overlooked. Their joy turned into proclamation, showing us how encountering Jesus transforms ordinary lives into living witnesses of God’s glory.
Dr. David Swanson | Luke 1:26-38
Throughout Scripture, we encounter many angels, but especially in the Advent season. What's up with Gabriel and the legions who sang to the shepherds? It is the gift of a supernatural world we pay so little attention to in our lives.
Dr. David Swanson | Luke 3:1-6
Advent is NOT Christmas. We do not start with Joy to the World but with John the Baptist in the wilderness and darkness - calling people to prepare.
Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 90:1
We value the multi-generational nature of the church, believing God uses every generation in the church's life to impart both love and wisdom.
Dr. David Swanson | Philippians 2:1-4
We belong one to another in the Body of Christ, and caring for one another is our first order of service. We love each other deeply, especially in times of crisis.
Dr. David Swanson | Jeremiah 29:2-11
Our church is only one year older than the city of Orlando (essentially our region). We have grown up together and we have served her well. Jeremiah continues to be a clarion all to continue to do just that - love the city.
Dr. David Swanson | 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Our first core value is first among equals - the one on which the others are derived - the truth/foundation of God's Word.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Philippians 2:1-4
What then is a life of humility? What is the gift of a life of downward mobility, lowliness, making much of others and of God while thinking very little of the self? Could it be the blessed freedom that we so desperately long for? Could a life of humility, manifesting as a continual love of God and neighbor, be to us a gift of peace and rest far greater than any we have sought or found on our own? May we be filled with grace to know the true gift that lies in lives patterned after the humility of our Savior.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Philippians 2:5-11
There is no greater characteristic worth dwelling on in the person of Jesus than His humility! It is the deepest root and most primary source of life to the great tree that is our Savior. For from this posture of humility flows all of His perfect person and work. Submission, obedience, Tenderness, Meekness, love, care, grace, sacrifice… each of these flow from the beautiful and humble heart of Christ. He takes the punishment and penalty of the pride of our lives and offers us in return His perfect peace by restoring us to the humility we were made for.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Genesis 1:26-28
Humility is the most natural posture of Adam and Eve. They did not think too little of themselves, nor too much. Their lives were full of delightful humility, knowing who they were, who made them, and what they were made for. Their lives were characterized by dependency as a feature of the great system of God’s creation, not a bug that needed to be fixed. Pride comes like a poison infecting and affecting all that is rightly ordered in the world, and we are left hopelessly self-concerned.
Rev. Alexa Rossi | Jonah 3:10; 4:1-4
Instead of being amazed by God’s power to use him to cause the city of Nineveh to repent, Jonah is angry that God would save people he hated. Jonah has missed the point completely. In light of God’s grace for me, what does God’s grace mean for others?
Rev. Alexa Rossi | Jonah 1:1-12, 17
The great story we may remember of Jonah the prophet of God being swallowed by a big fish might give us the sense that he was being punished for running away from God, but what if this is actually a means God uses to grow Jonah in grace? What does God’s grace mean for me?
Dr. Case Thorp | Jeremiah 29:4–7
As Christians we are not to pull back, avoid society, and fear what is around us. Rather, as we see with our covenant ancestors who are exiled to a foreign and hostile place, Babylon, God still desires for us to lean in, make culture, and through our daily and vocational work glorify God and be a blessing to others.
Dr. Case Thorp | Genesis 2:4-15
Many of us think that God created humans for the purpose of relationship. Yet, the Bible says otherwise. While relationship with God is rich and wonderful, and a key part of our existence, God originally made humans because He needed someone to till the Garden of Eden. How does that realization reorient our own sense of purpose, and our work-a-day lives?
Dr. Paul Gibson | Revelation 21:1-5
If Jesus had a playlist, there’s a good chance it would include bluegrass music—because so much of it points to heaven. In this message, we’ll explore how bluegrass lyrics echo biblical truths about eternity. Our goal is to inspire a deeper, more accurate understanding of heaven and awaken a renewed hope in what’s to come.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Psalm 30:1-3
If Jesus had a playlist, He would listen to The Blues. Why? Because the Blues are full of emotion and so is the Bible, especially the book of Psalms. We will reflect upon the four basic types of Psalms: praise, lament, thanksgiving, and messianic, to see emotion in Scripture. Everyone will then be challenged to create their own playlist of faith that reflects the four different types of Psalms.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Luke 24:13-16
If Jesus had a playlist, He would listen to country music. Why? Country music tells stories, and Jesus was a storyteller. How did Jesus respond to the desperation and confusion of the two individuals on the Road to Emmaus? He told His Story from the Old Testament through the Cross. People will be encouraged to reflect on how the story of the Cross affects their lives.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
God’s mission moves forward through relational engagement, as we are sent together in partnership to make disciples and share the Gospel one relationship at a time.
Dr. Jack Peebles | John 13:34-35
Deeper discipleship thrives through intentional relationships where we love, sharpen, and encourage one another, living out Jesus’ command to love as He has loved us.
Dr. Jack Peebles | John 17:20-23
God’s perfect unity within the Trinity is the foundation for our relationships, designed for us to experience and reflect in community with one another.
Dr. David Swanson | John 11:21-26, 32-35, 38-44
Mary, Martha and Lazarus are all transformted by Jesus in a moment well into their relationship with Him. Mary is changed by his humanity, Martha by his divinity, and Lazarus by both.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Job 23:3
Job ended up seeing God through and at the end of His whirlwind. In the middle of a storm? Lift up your eyes, and you might just see God.
Dr. David Swanson | Judges 16:23-30
Samson is blinded as judgement for where "his eyes took him," but even in his blindness, God gave him the necessary strength when needed, even beyond the Nazirite law or his hair.
Rev. Alexa Rossi | Ruth 1:19-21; 4:14-16
Naomi believes that the Lord has failed to provide for her, but he works providentially through her circumstances and actions to bring new life out of all of her sorrows.
Dr. David Swanson | Philemon vs 24
In Demas, we see someone who was in Christ get transformed by love of the world. Transformation can work the wrong way, too.
Dr. Case Thorp | Philemon 1-24
The dramatic setting surrounding the book of Philemon, involving Onesimus, Aristarchus, and more, make for a great look at the early church, and the power of the Gospel in relationships.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 15:11-32
The Father’s love doesn’t just forgive—it restores and transforms, turning shame into belonging and death into life.
Dr. David Swanson | Acts 2:1-3
Fire plays a significant role in Scripture, symbolizing the power of God, the presence of God, the cleansing of God and the judgement of God.
Dr. David Swanson | John 3:1-5, 4:7-15, 25-26
The woman at the Well was looking to all the ways of the world to meet her deepest longings, but her thirst is quenched in Jesus.
Dr. Paul Gibson | John 20:24-29
It often takes an encounter with Christ to help our unbelief. Take your doubts to God. He's big enough to handle them. And you might be surprised by what happens when you do.
Dr. Jack Peebles | John 9:24-39
For the man born blind from birth, Jesus offers the incredible gift of sight. Even better than this gift of physical sight, is the gift of spiritual sight…a gift of belief!
Dr. David Swanson | Esther 4:9-17
Esther's boldness in going to the King, even saying "if I perish, I perish," was a remarkable moment as she went from pleasing man to pleasing God.
Dr. David Swanson | Acts 9:1-19
Paul has one of the more dramatic conversation experiences, one that offers good news to us. If God can call Paul, He can call any sinner and use that person as His instrument. It also highlights how God uses others as they cross our paths.
Rev. Tanner Fox | 2 Samuel 12:1-7
The story of 2 Samuel 11-12 eventually produced one of the most well known Psalms in the worship book of God’s people, Psalm 51. The Psalm is a picture of the humiliation of the human soul, leading to the humility of human confession, leading to the healing of God’s grace. A transformational process we all need to know but rarely want to experience. What I find beautiful about this story is the way in which God uses a good friend to spark the match that leads to the blazing fire of repentance in the life of King David.
Dr. David Swanson | John 20:10-23
We have a tendency to hang on to things in life "in case we might need them." We can even try to "hang on" to Jesus as if He is just for us. To the contrary, Jesus welcomes us, but then He sends us out into the fullness of Kingdom life. You are meant for more!
Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 30
God transforms the hard things in David's life, his mourning, into dancing - not from happiness, but from joy.
Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 5:5
Meekness is an often misunderstood quality, one often associated with being a doormat. It is not that, but a quality of heart that is humble and other-centered. Like Jesus.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Acts 7:54-60, Matthew 5:10
As our culture becomes more and more hostile to Christian faith, the reality of persecution looms larger.
Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 5:9
In a world of agitation and anger, which we are easily dragged into, how can we become people of peace?
Rev. Tanner Fox | Matthew 5:4
We all live in the grief and mourning that comes with life. In the body, and through Christ, we are also comforted.
Dr. David Swanson | Acts 16:25-34
The Philippian jailer was one regularly inflicting pain and suffering on those under his charge, including putting Paul and Silas in stocks. We're not sure what role it played in their beatings, but it was likely significant. He was a calloused, cruel man, and yet he is transformed, his heart becoming filled with care and compassion.
Dr. David Swanson | Numbers 12:1-3, 9-15
Though Miriam had a huge role in the exodus, she becomes envious and gossips about Moses, likely envious of his standing with God. Her skin is made leprous, and she is left outside the camp for a week.
Dr. David Swanson | Jonah 1:1-12
Jonah is famous for his disobedience, but more than that, we see that he did not love the Ninevites and remains angry even at the end. We are all works in progress - sometimes, God leaves the end of the story up in the air.
Dr. Case Thorp | Psalm 131:1-3
As a pilgrim coming to worship at the temple in Jerusalem, David reaches deep into his heart and discovers the still small voice of God, but in the same manner, the maturity to which Christ calls us all.
Dr. David Swanson | 2 Samuel 9:1-11
Mephibosheth is one of the great stories of transformation in the Bible as he goes from being a cripple to eating at David's table. He goes from nowhere (Lo Debar) to somewhere by God's grace.
Dr. David Swanson | 1 Kings 18:18-21
True transformation is only possible when we have truly yielded to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. Do we want to change or do we just say that, instead desiring in our hearts to keep doing the very same things?
Dr. David Swanson | Joshua 1:1-9
As we move into this series on the transforming power of God, we have to understand how it works and why we sometimes fight it.
Dr. David Swanson | Acts 16:11-15
Lydia's baptism gives us a perfect window into baptism as inclusionary event, family event, community event.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Joshua 2:1-3
The Lord wrote an amazing story about Rahab's life with unexpected twists and turns. How might the Lord be writing your story?
Dr. David Swanson | Isaiah 57:14-16, 18-19
The birth of Christ can seem like folklore of fairy tale at times, raising as many questions as it answers. How do we know that this child really was God? How does this moment help us answer some of the bigger questions life? Jesus helps us crack the code. He is the means by which we understand everything else and so we make Him Lord.
Merry Christmas!
Dr. David Swanson | Luke 1:5-22, 62-64
Zechariah becomes our example of one who has lost the wonder, the "magic" of faith – and for us – of Christmas. He is told about a great thing, but he is the ultimate skeptic. The season of Advent is a time to remember the wonder of God, the incarnation of God, and the hope of all it means so that, like Zechariah, our mouths are opened in praise.
Dr. David Swanson | Luke 2:8-14
The simple words of th angels to the shepherds resonate with us and seem almost impossible. How can we stop being dominated by fear and anxiety? it is a complex issue, but one in which Christ bears great hope.
Rev. Alexa Rossi | Isaiah 9:2-7
With the birth of Christ, God reveals that his plan of redemption finds its fullness in a child. Darkness is no more because of the character and eternality of this man Jesus, who is the light dawning as living hope. We don’t manufacture optimism in challenging circumstances, we choose hope even when there’s no evidence that circumstances will get better–because the strength of our hope lies in a person whose life overcomes even death.
Dr. David Swanson | Luke 2:1-7
In a world that encroaches on us from every side, how can we make room for Christ this Advent?
Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 9:9-13
Matthew 9 shows us how a life can be transformed from one burdened by money to one centered in generosity.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Romans 5:1-8
Paul offers us a vision of the cross of Jesus that is strong enough to hold us in our suffering. The experience of the Christian in suffering is unique to that of the world. Only Christians can live with hope IN suffering and see all the ways removes, remolds, reinforces our dependencies and delight in Jesus.
Dr. David Swanson | 1 Chronicles 29:16-17
Paul offers us a vision of the cross of Jesus that is strong enough to hold us in our suffering. The experience of the Christian in suffering is unique to that of the world. Only Christians can live with hope IN suffering and see all the ways removes, remolds, reinforces our dependencies and delight in Jesus.
Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 6:24
As we look at Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration as a lens for money, God is the creator of our money. He makes the money and it is His ever after it passes from His hand into ours. We are called to invest it as He directs so a lack of generosity is not just being greedy, but an act of robbery.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 22:17-21
It all ends with a warning not to add to or take from the elements of the story that has just been completed – the Biblical story – the story of God's plan to redeem and save us in Jesus. On Reformation Sunday, we remember Sola Scriptura.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Revelation 22:12-16
John hears this last reminder from the glorified Christ. He'll be here shortly, and we need to be ready for the bright Morning Star.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 22:7-11
Through all that John has seen now, he is still tempted to worship the angel!! Impossible, but true. We must rightly order worship.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 22:1-6
The work of salvation is a holistic experience where Jesus is making, "All Things New." The Bible takes us from the curse of a garden to the blessing of a garden city as the world is renewed by the saving grace of Jesus.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 21:9-14; 22-27
Now the measurements of the new Heaven and earth are revealed – and it is perfect. Only those whose names are in the Book of Life may enter.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 21:1-4
Just as the Bible started with the freshness of the garden, the Biblical story now ends with a new beginning – a new city – the new Jerusalem.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 20:11-15
This is a picture of the final accounting – the books are open – before the great holiness of God.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 20:1-10
Much confusion exists over what the "thousand year" period will be – and what it means for us.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Proverbs 15:1-4, 18
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” When it comes to reflecting the image of Christ on a daily basis, are we a thermometer or a thermostat? Do we act and respond gently to conflict in order to turn down the heat? Or, do we react harshly and make matters worse?
Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 19:11-21
Which dinner party are you joining? Earlier in chapter 19, we had the great invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb! In this week's section, we have a different supper. The Supper of the Father – The culmination of the judgment and wrath of God. Which dinner party are you headed to?
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 19:1-10
After all the calls to come out and all the judgement on those who do not, God reveals himself as the Victor with a roar from heaven. John then points us to the coming wedding of the groom and His Bride – and the feast that will follow. Who will be invited?
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 18:4-8, 21-24
Babylon is symbolic of all the worldly things that we have trusted, the things we have put our hope in apart from Christ. Now, God calls us out of it for Babylon is about to be destroyed. One day, all the things we see now – social, political, sexual, national - that the Beast has used to seduce people away from God – it will all crumble. It will be "no more" – a contrast to the "no mores" of Rev 21. And yet, it is hard to come out – to get away.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Revelation 17:1-8, 18:1-3
From chapter 17-19, we are encouraged to be ready for the bridegroom – to prepare. We meet the "mother of prostitutes – the world trying to lure us away from God. John even marvels at her beauty. Powered by Satan we rejoice that one day, all her lovers will hate her, too.
Dr. Case Thorp | Revelation 16:1-21
Revelation 16 is a pretty offensive text in today's culture. We don't like to dwell on the judgement of God, and the resulting punishments that ensue. And yet, the battle of Armageddon, long presented by our pop culture as a cataclysmic disaster, is really a great expression of God's grace and mercy.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 15:1-8
From the Seven Angels in 15, we get the victory song – The song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. The glory of God is sung about, in unison, by the angels who bring the good news of victory, which is also the devastating news of defeat. This is the victory and defeat that has been spoken of and prophesied for generations. We receive the song of Moses and the Lamb as a reminder of all that God has promised, and all that God will bring!
Dr. David Swanson | Text: Revelation 14:1-5
Finally, out of all this chaos, we see a mountain – it is Mt. Zion and a glimpse of God's coming victory – one in which all the power of the world will no longer hold any allure for us.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 13:1-8, 15-18
We get a glimpse of the beast ready to come out of the sea representing the evil power of Rome at the time, but speaks to us of the nations and institutions that are aligned against the kingdom of God.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 12:1-17
The apocalyptic narrative continues and we are introduced to a new character, “the woman clothed by the sun.” She gives birth to what seems to be the great enemy of the dragon. Making sense of Rev 12 means we need to look back at Genesis 3, the initial curse of the serpent, in which God promised the seed of the woman who would come to strike his head.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Revelation 11:1-13, 15
In Revelation 11, we have a picture of the Church’s role in the world. Within the crunch of two kingdoms colliding, the Church is called to witness!
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 10:1-11
Rev 10 is a restatement of things found in many different places in Scripture - its the same, single story with the same message using the same method - and the Church has the same sweet yet bitter call to keep proclaiming that message.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Revelation 8:13
As the angels blow the remaining trumpets, we find the work of the enemy bringing deceptive teaching and false gods – but all still under the control of Christ. These are the enemy's weapons and we see them even today.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 8:6-12
As the angel blows the first four trumpets, we are reminded of Joshua 6 and the blowing of the trumpets – they announce the coming of the Lord to do battle – and the same things in Rev 6 and 7 are repeated. The trumpets are a warning to people in regard to where they are placing their trust for those things will eventually be burned up.
Dr. Case Thorp | Revelation 7:4-14
The heavenly chorus of Revelation 7 is our call and aim. Experiencing God's presence is so valuable, and often at the expense of understanding and studying our faith.
Dr. David Swanson | Acts 2
Pentecost is to be remembered and celebrated, the day the Spirit was poured out even as it is today!
Dr. Paul Gibson | Revelation 6:1-9
The opening of the seven seals unleashes God’s Kingdom, which is met with resistance. In the midst of this collision, the most powerful thing we can do is to join our voices with creation in praying, “Come!” to Jesus.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 5:9-14
While it may seem impossible to us, by the victory of the Lamb, we will reign with him, even now!
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 5:3-8
This shows us the Lion of Judah and the victory that will be His, the only one worthy to open the scroll.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Revelation 4:1-11
The Roman authorities persecuted the early church due to their countercultural faith in Christ. And, the visions given to John for the church were about to increase in intensity. What does God show John to communicate to His people? A heavenly throne room with God on the throne. How are the early church and the church today supposed to respond to opposition and the intensity of evil? Seeing that God is on the throne and worshipping Him. If we keep our eyes on the throne through worship, we know that every little thing gonna be alright.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 3:1-6
On the surface, they looked alive, but were dead. Are we living faith for appearance, or are we truly growing on the inside?
Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 3:14-22
In this passage we have two well known biblical moments. Jesus brings the church to an awareness of their "lukewarm" engagement with his Kingdom and the destruction it brings. And yet, he "stands at the door and knocks" inviting them into a beautiful life of relationship. We look to Revelation 3 to be diagnosed, made aware, and invited into a new way of being as he calls us to be "zealous" for the Kingdom and our King!
Dr. David Swanson | 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, 47-58
Easter Sunday: In a world short on hope, Easter brings it to us in full measure. It points us to stringless death, swallowed suffering, material newness, and person newness.
Dr. David Swanson | Hebrews 5:11-6:3
As we reflect in this Lenten season on our sin and failures in following Jesus, we remain faithful, persevering for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. This leads to the "better things" of the mature Christian life, the fruits of the Spirit.
Dr. Case Thorp | Hebrews 10:32-39
Patience is the theme for the day – as we mature, we must remain patient in the process.
Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 119:67-75
Though we don't like to think of it, our experiences of suffering are often what lead to our maturing. Through hardship, God refines us and grows us.
Dr. David Swanson | Ephesians 6:10-17
In our quest to follow Christ, we have the Helper, but we battler the Hinderer. Paul's text make that clear, but we are also equipped for that battle. Christ faced the enemy and so will we, but we do so in the full confidence of His victory.
Rev. Rachel Toone | Matthew 6:13
As we grapple with our sin and God's call to obedience, we must grow in our understanding of temptation. Why does God allow it and how can we stand strong through it?
Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 119:9-16
Lenten Series: The Road to Maturity
The Psalmist asks, "How can I keep my way pure?" The implication is that his way is NOT pure and he is prone to sin and disobedience. This is the first part of maturing in Christ: We must recognize there is a problem and then craft ways to address it.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Revelation 2:12-17
In a world when truth is relative, John encouraged the church to stand clearly for the Word and not be afraid to discipline those who taught what was false.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 2:8-11
This was a letter of encouragement to a church that was suffering. Unlike the others, there is no complaint - just affirmation - as they endured.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 2:1-7
This begins the first of the seven letters – addressing the waning love of God's people for Christ and a call to renewal.
Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 1:4-18
Revelation opens with a stunning glimpse of the glorious Christ and his promised, victorious return. Though not all our questions will be answered in this study we begin with confidence in God's ultimate victory.
Dr. David Swanson | Acts 3:11-26
Things right now aren't great in our world and what seems to be sorely lacking is leadership – people who are willing to create and engage and participate in their communities. We are ALL leaders and we can take a page from ACTS 3 as we learn how to do that in today's context.
Dr. Paul Gibson | 1 Peter 1:6-7
Our faith in Christ grows the most during the crucibles/trials of life. The trials of life turn up the heat (crucible) so that God can shape us into who He wants us to be. If we want to grow as Christians, we must embrace the trials and not stand outside the fire.
How are you going to embrace the trials that might come your way in 2024?
Dr. Paul Gibson | Psalm 136
As we close out 2023 and look forward to 2024, Dr. Paul Gibson leads us in reflecting on what God has done for us this year.
Dr. David Swanson | Isaiah 9:6-7
The prophecy of Isaiah tells us exactly who Jesus is in four sweeping terms: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
First Pres presents: Behold! The Messiah
A worship concert where the power of music and faith converge as we celebrate the reason for the season, and proclaim the glory and wonder of Christ’s birth in Handel's Messiah.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Isaiah 7:14
How is it that God is with us? What kind of God would He be if He wasn’t sitting, high and exalted above all things? But if He is that kind of God, then how could He possibly be “with us?” How could He be so humble, so small, so weak, so like us? The gods of old were worshiped as gods, far off, transcendent, powerful, but never near. The new gods, our gods, are almost close enough to touch. Celebrities, politicians, the rich, the brilliant… and while it’s nice to have them near, and while they strive for transcendence, we know they are not invincible. They are imminent, close, flesh and blood… but they too will perish. All of this reminds us how impossible it is to have a god with us… until we meet the child, born to the virgin in Bethlehem, given that very name. Immanuel - at last, God with us.
Dr. David Swanson | Isaiah 40:1-5
Like God's people, we can reach a point in our hurt and pain such that we become discouraged. The mere knowledge that help IS coming is enough to strengthen us as we trust in God's goodness and plan.
Dr. David Swanson | John 10:7-10
Discouragement is the tool of the enemy, while thanksgiving for the abundance of God is its antidote.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Luke 19:1-10
While the Rich young ruler seems to remain a slave to his riches, the story of Zacchaeus reveals a picture of freedom. Zacchaeus is made new and begins to see that he was made for God and others, not money.
Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 19:16-26
The rich young ruler (RYR) gives us a snapshot of how we live with money: we get addicted to the feeling of "having." Wealth is not bad, but the RYR got hooked on it – and could not let it go. In Christ, there is FREEDOM.
Dr. David Swanson | Ephesians 4:29
Our speech is often unworthy of God's ears, often talking about others in negative ways instead of focusing on the person in front of us, or better, on God.
Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 51
Our discussion to this point has been forgiving others, but now we come to arguably the harder part: receiving God's forgiveness. (Keller Ch 9)
Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 17:3-4 & Mark 11:25
Thinking more practically about how we forgive, we consider inward issues outward issues and the command to even forgive our enemies.
Dr. David Swanson | John 3:16-18 & 3:36
God's wrath is necessary, a necessary act of love as He moves against that which would destroy us. If we fail to see the sin, we will only think God vindictive – but someone HAS to move against sin to defeat it.
Dr. Case Thorp | Matthew 18:21-35
The story of the unforgiving servant reveals the pain we endure when we FAIL to forgive – and the blessing when we do.
Dr. David Swanson | Jeremiah 29:1-10
The third part of our look at belonging involves place or "stabilitas" – the security of investing in a place. We’ll learn from Hebrews 11 – always on a journey towards "home" – the promised land – we never arrive – but place becomes a placeholder for what we will one day know.
Dr. David Swanson | Exodus 20:12-17
The second part of our look at belonging is about people. As we journey mree deeply into belonging to God, we journey with a people, a people uniquely set apart for God's Kingdom and pleasure. We "belong" to the Body of Christ, to the people of G9d, as first outlined in the second half of the ten commandments. What does it look like to belong to one another?
Dr. David Swanson | Exodus 20:1-11
As we think about the three elements of belonging, presence with God is where we begin. The first four commandments help us frame what that looks like and HOW we can experience the presence of God in more meaningful ways. We BELONG to God.
Dr. David Swanson | Lev 24:1-9
We recognize all the ways God is present to us and we celebrate that!
Rev. Tanner Fox | Leviticus 21:1-4; 22:1-3, 31-33
With Jesus as our Great and only High Priest, what are these rules and prohibitions for the priests good for? How should they be seen or used in the church today? The NT reminds us that the call to be holy as God is holy remains in place. And we are even told that, in Christ, we are a royal priesthood. As a royal priesthood, it is good for us to ask, what mediating role are we to play and what sort of life are we to live. I will offer the idea that Jesus’s salt and light metaphors teach us much about our priestly role in the world!
Dr. Jack Peebles | Leviticus 19:1-5, 9-10; 20:7-8
Four times within Leviticus, God offers this command: “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Holiness is a condition of our hearts created by God, and a way of behaving lived by us. Born out of our relationship with God, it works from the inside out. Leviticus 19 and 20 cover the ways in which holiness is ordered and lived out in relationship to others.
Dr. David Swanson | Lev 18:1-5, 24-30
Of all the chapters in the Bible, this one may be the most specific on prohibitions regarding our sexuality. God has given us a great gift, and it is to be honored and protected, used as prescribed. In that way, God is honored, which is our purpose.
Dr. David Swanson | Lev 17:1-11
God calls us to a life of worship for very particular reasons, including by the "blood."
Bret Allen | Lev 16:6-10, 20-22
God's desire for us is to be in His presence. But to be in the presence of a Holy God there must be atonement for sin. It's God's great love for us and desire to be present with us and in relationship with us that motivates the Day of Atonement and ultimately the cross of Jesus Christ. Oh, the love of God!!
Rev. Tanner Fox | Lev 13:1-3, 45-46, 15:1-2 & 19
Leviticus 13-15 continues to reveal the nature of the clean and unclean laws, which speak to the larger message of Leviticus. There is a dichotomy present between life and death. God, in His holiness, assumes the position of life, and yet sin, in its pervasiveness, brings about death. In this chapter, we see the effects of sin beyond our moral choices, but the way it is corroding the creation itself, and we are left asking the question, "Is anyone strong enough to cleanse this world so far as the curse is found?"
Dr. Paul Gibson | Leviticus 12:1-8
From this chapter, we could easily assume God is anti-childbirth or anti-women, but we know from the Biblical witness those are false. We celebrate children even as we separate our children from other religions, doing what we must as parents to keep our family in the Lord.
Dr. David Swanson | Lev 11:1-4, 9-10, 43-45
The food laws outlined in Leviticus may seem arbitrary, at best, and a bit confusing, but they are not actually all about food. Food is a way that God sets his people apart – in obedience and faithfulness to His commands.
Dr. David Swanson | Lev 10:1-3
Truth be told, personal holiness is not cool. We're made fun of for seeking moral purity before the Lord. We are labeled as being "no fun." Thankfully, Lev 10 shows us the value and wonder of God's holiness and our pursuit of the same.
Dr. Jack Peebles | Leviticus 6:8-13
We revisit the offerings this week, with a particular emphasis on spiritual leadership among God’s people. The priests are given special instructions in chapters six and seven, and that is prefaced with a repeated command found within the instructions on the burnt offering: “The fire must be kept burning…” Fire represented and reminded the Israelites of God’s perpetual presence and power. In a culture that has lost its understanding of what it means to be holy and obedient, how can we tend the fire of God's presence and power today?
Dr. David Swanson | Leviticus 5:14-19
Guilt is something we all struggle with, continually beating ourselves up over failures and mistakes. The good news is that God helps us understand why we feel guilty and offers a plan to remove it.
Tanner Fox | Leviticus 3:1-5
The book of Leviticus is full of rituals, offerings, details, death, and a big idea - holiness - that can leave us feeling like we have jumped in over our heads. But the undercurrent to the whole book, and not just this book but the Bible, is the longing for God to enjoy a relationship with the only part of creation fashioned in his image. “God is opening a way for humanity to dwell in his divine presence.” (Morales) We are his treasure and he will make a way for us to dwell with him in joy and delight. Leviticus 3 is an offering for fellowship and peace. It is a meal shared between God and his people, a shadow of the meal Christ will give his disciples and the rest of us to feast on until he returns.
Alexa Rossi | Leviticus 2:1-16
Because our sin has been atoned for through the burnt offering of Leviticus 1, we are invited to worship the Lord through the grain offering, which is a tribute offering of praise and gratitude. This offering is a fragrance pleasing to the Lord. Today, we bring fragrant offerings before the Lord not only through our prayers and praises, but in our love of neighbor.
Dr. David Swanson | Leviticus 1:1-9
When reading Leviticus, it is easy to get lost and bored in the details without realizing the purpose behind them. In Chapter 1, God invites His people to come, but they need to get cleaned up beforehand. We need "atonement" and this becomes the foreshadowing of the atoning work of Jesus.
Dr. Case Thorp | Acts 2:1-14, 37-39
The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is God and plays an indispensable role in God's mission of redemption and restoration. I will reflect on Trinitarian theology and the person of the Holy Spirit, and then his role in our salvation. Focus in v. 39
Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 136:1-3
When we encounter various trials, we sometimes doubt God's goodness, and the phrase we often hear: "God is good, all the time!" makes us internally wonder, "Is He?" Psalm 136 helps us answer that question with a better understanding of what "goodness" actually means.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Ezekiel 36:24-28
As we think about Mother's and the nurture they bring us – the emotional connections we have, that can often be something lost in faith. We become detached, cynical and lack any sense of real love for the Father. Contrary to 1 Peter 1:8.
Dr. Paul Gibson | Philippians 4:6-8
Research and simple observation tell us that we live in an age of increased anxiety. More directly, our own experiences show us that anxiety is not an abstract idea, but something that many of us wrestle with on a daily basis. For a few of us, anxiety is a debilitating struggle. Is an answer for our anxious struggle found in the providence of God? Is the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” even obtainable in our anxiety-controlled lives? What if the antidote to anxiety is trusting in the providence of God?
Continuing in a post-Easter vein, this is the moment of Jesus' transfiguration – a high point for Peter James and John, a high like Easter... but we do not live there. Maturity is coming down off the mountain and living faithfully in the mess.
Isaiah addresses the idea of "renown" or fame. We tend to want our own, as did Judah, but Isaiah says we are only to seek the renown of the Lord.
The Resurrection of Jesus reveals a power that is beyond our wildest imaginations. It is a power that redeems the world and transforms our relationship with the triune God. It's a power that creates and brings about new life. It is also a power that is evident and accessible to us even today. In Ephesians, Paul expresses his desire that the Church tap into this power - The Holy Spirit - and that we night truly come to know Jesus and live like never before!
Unlike most graves, especially the graves of heroic religious leaders (contemplation, reflection, peace), the grave of Jesus was one of such utter shock and surprise that people ran away in fear. This is the surprising, earth-shattering nature of Easter that we must rescue from the watered-down, simplified and symbolic stories told about it today.
The end of the discourse reveals the stunning prayer of Jesus for His disciples – and that includes us – His Church. The prayer of Jesus is tender and powerful and securing as we reflect on its contents.
We come to understand the heart of Jesus more deeply by listening to the conversation He has with His Father.
The disciples are confused. Jesus tells them he will be going to see the Father "in a little while." They don't know he is going to die but he goes on to tell them how it's going to work. There will be great sadness, sorry, and maybe even hopelessness. But the pain and sorrow of loss will give birth to the hope that will fill them with a joy that cannot be taken away. He uses the metaphor of a women's pregnancy bringing pain and sorrow, but the gift of life is the blessing on the far end. We will look at the sorrow of the story and the hope it gives birth to in Christ!
No doubt, Jesus blows the minds of the disciples with all that he is telling them. However, he is kind to them in that he explains WHY he has told them and why he is leaving.
Jesus reminds the disciples of two things that await them: hatred and help. It will not be an easy life to be His disciple, but the Spirit of God will help us remain faithful.
Before Jesus serves the Passover meal, he washes their feet and then asks, "Do you understand what I have done to you?" Unfortunately, most of us would say "No." We need to understand what a God of humility means for us as we begin Lent.
Isaiah paints a beautiful early picture (Ch 11) of the one who would come to rule in unity and righteousness, but that gives way to the means of how that is accomplished: the king must be brought low. The Deliverer must suffer.
Set against the failures of Israel once more, Ezekiel brings God's vision of a coming Shepherd who will feed, rescue and tend them with justice in all things.
Judges shows us a Lord of the Flies experience in which the people of God have no king. In the absence of such, they wonder. They do what they want and it is failure and anarchy. This is not a pro-monarchy sort of text, but a pro-kingship model that leads people to live under the rule of God.
Our skepticism leads us to roll our eyes at the thought of looking back into old scriptures and finding whatever we "types and shadows" of Jesus that we want. There are four additional ways to see Christ in the Old Testament beyond types and shadows; Jesus is also seen in Old Testament promises, prophecies, places, and in things. Yet, if the New Testament writers speak to Jesus' fingerprints all over God's story in Creation, should we be doubters? God's story intersects with ours as we see His work through Christ over the ages, and unto us today.
Every good story must have a solid beginning, something that hooks you, and gives you a taste of what is to come. The story of God's plan to redeem the world through Christ begins at the beginning: Genesis. We are introduced to the chaos, to the seed, and to the kingship and rule that is to come.
Given the sin of our lives, it is sometimes hard to "approach the throne of God with confidence," but that is what our baptism ensures – a welcome – a desire – for God to receive us and to forgive us even as we move out into the world to be His people.
On this day when we ordain and install the new officers at FPCO, it is important to look at the manner of Jesus' leadership, a prayerful, servant model.
God's design and desire is for his creatures to have a full experience of belonging. He delights in them belonging to him, to each other, and to the world around them. While this plan is fractured in the fall, God is no less committed to it as he weave redemption through the Biblical narrative calling his people back home!
We look at another song, Silent Night, and the hope that in the darkness of that night - and the darkness of our world, the light did dawn.
Simeon's is a song of praise for having SEEN Jesus. Do we see Him, in ways large and small, or do we remain blind to the work of God all around us? His song reveals a life of joy and hardship.
Zechariah sings of God's faithfulness, our response, God's tenderness, and our purpose.
Initially greatly troubled by the pronouncement from Gabriel and what the announcement might mean for her personally, Mary is overcome with joy, and offers a song that illustrates a deeper understanding of God’s larger story of Redemption and Restoration, and the part she plays in that story!
She sings of joy amidst the blessing of God's favor on Mary. Though we wait, we trust in God's faithfulness.
God has so much to say to us about our material/financial world, but I am not sure we take Him at His word. He tells us the best way to be in relationship with money, but we don't seem to be listening.
In the wake of the Cup of Rice year and God's outpouring of generosity, our call is to remain humble in the knowledge that ALL of it belongs to HIM.
The work of gospel sharing is embedded in our faith, even back to the age of our covenant ancestors in the Old Testament. Evangelism doesn't just begin with the work of Christ and the Church, but is the very heart of our God.
As we celebrate the World Reformed Fellowship's conference in Orlando and Reformation Sunday, we look at the essence of the Church's message, how it can be watered down, and our need to continue in faithful gospel sharing!
Gospel sharing is never simple, but we can start by thinking about personal conversations that move from external to internal (pain points) to eternal (here is the better gospel story.) Practically, what does that look like?. Wagner lesson on Evangelism -desk
In our gospel sharing series we are talking about the better story. I don’t know that there is a better story or metaphor for our hearts than the story of the prodigal son. The story of these sons and their father reaches beyond the good news that we are saved from the debt of sin and reveals the warmth of the Father’s intimate love. The younger son is saved from the foreign land of isolation and starvation and is welcomed home, where he belongs. The desire and the delight of the Father is to have his children home. To be out of harm's way is good, but we long for more than the rescue. We long to be reconciled, to belong to the father, to others, and to a place we call home. The gospel is good news because it accomplishes both – the rescue and the reconciliation.
When we start to think about how we tell the gospel story, Jesus gives us a good strategy in the story of Zaccheus. (Chatraw Ch 8 - a better happiness) - he invites him to a meal during which Z realizes Jesus is a better happiness – not in wealth and material things, but in people and generosity and service, leading to transformation of heart – and action.
The car commercial says "I have chosen to be unapologetically me." That was the woman at the well. (Chatraw Ch 7) She was living her life just the way she wanted - unconstrained - but Jesus offers her a better way - a picture of self in which she is satisfied by the love of God. And she walks away from it - having been revealed - in a positive way, saying "Come meet this guy."
Paul introduces us to a new way of gospel sharing, one that moves from "let me convince you" to building on common ground (they were religious) and showing them that the gospel is a better story – but done in such a way that leaves them wanting more. Could we do that?
Angels have always been part of our curiosity but they are more than that - they point to our interest in what lies beyond the physical world. We want to believe in worlds beyond, but our minds and hearts seem unable to apprehend that world. Angels, and other texts, remind us to pray about and take hope in the reality of the spiritual world. (Psalm 91:9-13)
Even in the darkness, we have to learn to watch for the Lord - to see His hand, to find small lights illuminating perhaps just a small patch of ground ahead. It is like watching for the first shoots of growth on a tree to tell us that winter will soon pass once more. (Psalm 130)
God puts so much emphasis on marriage that he placed it at the beginning of Scripture (Genesis 2:20-25), in the middle of Scripture (Jesus' first miracle in John 2), and at the end of Scripture (Revelation 21). Therefore, a holy marriage is one of the greatest testimonies of God's love we can give to this world. If we want our families to be holy, we must first start by striving to make our marriages holy.
Reflections on the purpose, meaning, significance, and beauty of the Church from my Sabbatical.
All of us will grieve at some point in time. If we don't, it will surely manifest itself in other forms. We need our tears and we need to find the mystery of God's tenderness even in that grief.
Theodicy is the presence of God in human suffering. No doubt, we struggle to understand the presence of God when we suffer, so the next few weeks will look at that idea. First, we cannot assume He is not with us in the darkness because, in Christ, God entered our darkness to overcome it.
When we come to the table to partake in the Lord’s Supper, we participate in the story of redemption God has been working from the beginning, finds its culmination in Christ Jesus, and foreshadows the eternal feast that is to come for the family of God.
We all want it! And would do anything to get it! REST. What is REAL rest? And how do we get it?
As this series draws to a close, we remind ourselves once more that even in the darkness of this world or the darkness we face, secular hope is a facade that crumbles. Only Christian hope - Easter hope - endures.
The resurrection points us to the day when all will be made right - and just - where injustice is answered. As Christians now, however, we should not wait until then, but work towards justice for all now.
In The Parable of the Sower, we will examine his complete obedience to his calling, his total disregard for where the seed landed, and his complete dependence upon God for the increase.
Separation of church and state is not the same as separating the state from God. The people of God are called into the public square to participate in the outbreaking of God along with the call to support space for the common good of all (even other religions).
The resurrection enables us as Christ followers to find hope within suffering. The suffering we are taught to do in culture is a lonely, and rarely cathartic journey. Yet, as Paul demonstrates, Christ followers are empowered to do more than move through their suffering, but for their suffering to lead to purpose, joy, fruit, and more.
We have seen deep division and relational brokenness for several years now. Easter offers hope to heal even those divisions – even the deepest relational divides.
We need to understand how resurrection hope is offered to people like Peter, those who betrayed Jesus, for it becomes our hope as we fight our sinful nature.
Christ is in us and He is the hope of glory. Thus, we become the spreaders of that glory as temple of the Holy Spirit. His glory indwells us and HIs church, and as He does so, that glory points us to the ultimate hope of the world.
The Kingdom of God reverses the patterns of our world which tend to define us, and by reversing them, we are set free - to serve, not be served - to be last, not first - to move down, not up. it is the way of Jesus and it is the hope of our salvation.
Dr. David Swanson | We yearn for someone to come and take control of all the wrongs we see and make them right. It's our hearts yearning for what only Christ can do and be - the inaugurator and King of the true Kingdom - the eternal Kingdom. Christ is the one we hope for, we see Him at Easter, and we yearn for His return. Future hope gives present strength.
Rev. Tanner Fox | Kelly, Ch 1: Our hope is grounded in certainty, in a historical resurrection
Dr. Swanson | We continue to think about the impact of Easter not just for one Sunday, but for the whole of life. As we live in a post-pandemic, more fearful, and divided world, we need to understand how Easter hope transforms our view on world events and calms our fears.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Dr. Swanson | As we think about living in this Easter season, we are reminded of how our culture teaches us to seek our glory, but the story of Easter is God's glory - and His alone. So let's decrease that He might increase.
Isaiah 26:8-13
Case Thorp | Walking with the risen Christ necessitates presence, worldview, and hospitality.
Luke 24:13-36
Dr. Swanson | As we come to the empty tomb, we find the answer to the question asked by so many: How do I know God is real? We know He is real by what He shows us at the empty tomb - a reality predicted and fulfilled - one questioned on Friday, but accomplished on Sunday.
John 2:13-21
Dr. Swanson | Palm Sunday helps us answer our most pressing question of this age: what is going to become of us? We see so much that is wrong, we want to know, "Where is this going to end?" As Jesus instructs the disciples, he offers some needed clarity around those questions.
Mark 11:1-11
Dr. Swanson | Suffering creates a unique bond among us in life. It is the common denominator of the human experience. As we look at those who gathered at the cross, we find some unique similarities - and hope in our own fraternity of suffering.
John 19:16-27
Dr. Swanson | The odd thing about the trial of Jesus before Pilate is that while Jesus was being examined by Pilate, Pilate was also being examined by Jesus. The Word is always examining our hearts - and are we ready for that examination? Perhaps the question is not "What will I do with Jesus?" but "What will Jesus do with me?"
John 18:28-40
Dr. Swanson | In that last week, so many aligned against Jesus, especially in this scene in the garden. In this rapidly changing culture, on what side do we find ourselves standing today?
John 18:1-12
Rev. Dean Weaver | Two episodes with Jesus concerning a fig tree help us understand how walking with him ultimately bears fruit in our lives.
Mark 11:12-26
Dr. Swanson | We all struggle with the notion of innocent suffering. Children being shot randomly, human trafficking, etc. In this text, we see an innocent man being cruelly treated - and why? He's done nothing. Answer: He suffered for us.
John 19:1-3
Dr. Swnason | While the church finds its expression in local communities, it is part of the larger church, called to impact the world for the gospel. Thus, we live in the world distinctively and not apart from it. And as we impact our culture, we realize we are encouraged by the impact being made by our brothers and sisters around the world - of which we are part - and to which we BELONG.
Revelation 7:9, Revelation 21:2-3
Dr. Swanson | When the church understands her mission based on the grace of God poured out for her, then she becomes financially generous in order to enable that mission to advance.
2 Corinthians 8:1-6
Rev. Jack Peebles | The Church has a twofold rhythm - we come in and we go out. Going out means loving service and faithful witness. as "partners" in the gospel of Jesus. Hill 8, Scott 3)
Philippians 1:3-6
Dr. Swanson | We are described as "saints" 60 times in the NT, but that process of sanctification is a community project. We are in the same family, and we grow in Christ as we do so TOGETHER. This is the hard part of church life: discipline, pastoral authority accountability, restoration, temptation - but all necessary because God calls his people to be HOLY.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3
Rev. Case Thorp | With our common story, we are called into a common community. The church is a family.
Matthew 12:46-50
Dr. Swanson | As we renew our baptismal vow to start the year, we are reminded the church is a called people of a common, singular testimony. We are all part of the one story revealed in the Biblical narrative: what we were, what we are now, and what we will one day be.
Psalm 136
Dr. Swanson | The primary task of the church has been and always will be - worship. We worship individually, sure, but we must always gather in community (Heb 10:25, 12:22-24) to praise, confess, receive, and send his people.
Romans 15:5-13
Dr. Swanson | We begin with the seminal text in Acts which described the basics for church life: to learn, care, worship and evangelize. We've lost a bit of these in the pandemic (Intro from Hill) so we need to work to reclaim our practices.
Acts 2:42-47
Rev. Tanner Fox | The life of Christ is shaped like a J. He descended, in humility in the incarnation, and descended even further as a servant, and even further to death on the cross to save us and redeem the world. His person and power accomplished salvation and he also gave us a pattern for the Christian life… a life of humility. Our lives should be J shaped in the likeness of Jesus.
Philippians 2:5-11
Bret Allen, Jonathan Wagner and Karen Roberts | A sweet time of worship and reflection as 2021 comes to a close.
Dr. Swanson | Science has proven that when we are sick, we feel worse at night. It bears out what we already knew: the darkness of night can exacerbate our fears. It was on a perilous night that the light dawned, causing a frantic old priest and semi-retired organist to craft a carol that would quiet and encourage a people: Silent Night.
Luke 2:8-12
Dr. Swanson | In 1745, John Wade was a Catholic priest running for his life due to strife with the Church of England. He composed "O Come All Ye Faithful" as a means of uniting the church in a prophetic way, emblematic of the faithfulness of John, foretelling Jesus' coming and remaining faithful event his death.
Matthew 3:1-4, Mark 6:26-29
Rev. Fox | We will look at "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and the way that the song invites us to the story of Jesus’ first Advent, the experience of Christ revealing himself, and the experience of serving him as a herald of the truth.
Isaiah 52:7
Rev. Swanson | As we look at our world today, the plea of this great carol echoes even more deeply. Reflecting the prophecies of the Old Testament, one of the oldest carols, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," was written by an exiled priest and an ancient monk, pointing the world to the hope that would come for them - and for us.
Isaiah 7:13-14
Rev. Swanson | While "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" seems uplifting and positive, its original intent was a charge and challenge to remember the least and the poor, much like the shepherds in those fields.
Luke 2:8-9
Rev. Swanson | We live under the illusion the money brings us "in" to the people or the life we want. We feel like outsiders, and we want to be insiders. However, for Naman and Zaccheus, God is the one that bring them in...and so their generosity and their view of money is radically changed.
Kings 5:11-14, Luke 19:5-10
Rev. Swanson | We never seem to think that we are greedy. We understand we are many other things, but we tend to be blinded to our greed and our lifestyle choices. If the eye illuminates the body, then can we see our need for greater generosity?
Matthew 6:19-24
Rev. Swanson | The hallmark of the Reformation movement is contained in the old saying, "Once reformed, always reforming." It means, in essence, God comes in Christ to "change" or reform your heart, and then from that point, you are always spiritually reforming - or growing/changing. However, as we know, change is hard. Personally, and corporately. Since Covid, things have changed. How have we adopted? How might we need to recognize the value of how God has changed the church as we look to the future?
Joshua 1:1-11
Rev. Thorp | Election is a hard doctrine, but a beautiful doctrine that needs explanation and clarity. Only those in Christ are saved, and yet, via Common Grace God still loves and serves all of humanity and Creation.
Eph 1:3-14
Rev. Peebles | As God’s chosen, scattered people, we are continually being transformed into the image of Jesus. We are works-in-progress! Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit, but also necessitates a regular obedience from us. This week, we will talk about discipleship in the vein of our sanctification, and the importance of a regular rhythm of spiritual disciplines and practices.
1 Peter 1:1-2
Rev. Swanson | The doctrine of hell... why it matters... and the hope we have through Christ which delivers us from any fear that we will wind up there.
John 3:16-18, 36
Rev. Swanson | Slowly, but ever so surely, alcohol has taken on an outsized place in American life and culture – and it has done so in the church as well. Legalism has been replaced by liberty and that liberty has created diminished witness and false rationalizations. Covid has exacerbated all of it to the end that people are drinking more than ever – and we need to talk about what Scripture says to us in this season.
Ephesians 5:15-20
Rev. Swanson | In a time when culture teaches self-glory, we remember that God is jealous for His own glory. We are to keep our hands off it as we seek His glory in all we do.
Exodus 33:12-23
Rev. Swanson | No one can keep the law perfectly, and when we don't, it's called sin. It separates us from God and injures the relationship between us.
Romans 3:20
Rev. Irwyn Ince | Through His word, Jesus empowers us for a life of worship together for the glory of God.
Romans 15:1-7
Rev. Swanson | After we have gone through the ten commandments, we pose the question: OK, so what? Why should I follow these? Well, our attention to what is commanded is grounded in the authority of the one who says it. If God says it, then we are to obey it.
Exodus 20:1-2
Rev. Allen | Retelling the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. What is and isn’t humility. Jesus’ main teaching - even more than love - was humility. The distinguishing characteristic of his life - even more than love - was humility. We don’t talk about humility a lot, but how do you move toward humility? It’s not anything you can do, but more of Jesus in you. It’s not even a gift He gives, but His presence in your life.
John 13:1-20
Rev. Tanner Fox | The 10th Commandment is all about covetousness as it relates to our neighbor, but it also has to do with the state of our hearts. A restless heart wanders from place to place and person to person always needing more. Our God offers us a better way. Exodus 20:17
Dr. David Swanson | Lying has become so commonplace among our national and even local leaders that we hardly think anything of it now. It is almost expected, and yet God expects us to live by truth as a reflection of His character. Exodus 20:16
Dr. David Swanson | We tend to think of theft as something we would never do - thieves operate in darkness and need to be caught - and yet, we are stealing in ways that we never imagined. Exodus 20:15
Dr. David Swanson | Without a proper grounding in our relationship with God and how we understand marriage, we easily fall into a self-centered idea of why we are married in the first place. We crack the door on adultery and with no true authority guiding us, we cave in to a cultural understanding. Exodus 20:14
Jude Vilma | The Sixth Commandment forbids the outward action and also the inward thought or desire and speech of murder. It also requires us to preserve or protect one's life and the life of others because life is sacred for we are made in the image of God. Exodus 20:13; Genesis 9:5-6; Matthew 5:21-26
Alexa Rossi | The wisdom of the fifth commandment lies in the reality that human need is not a result of the fall. Very practically honoring the authority of our parents is correlated with our survival, which could be why this is the first commandment with a promise--that days would be long (full) in the land. Additionally by implying our created needfulness, this commandment invites all of us to practice humility, recognizing that God alone can meet all of our needs. In the living hope of Christ, parents are freed to bring attention to their shortcomings and sinfulness and model repentance; children are freed to honor their parents regardless of how deserving they are. Exodus 20:12
Dr. David Swanson | The Fourth Commandment -- Worship and rest and why it’s important! Exodus 20:8-11
Dr. David Swanson | As we get into the more pointed commandments, we tend to resist rigidity, but what we find in life is that when we follow the instructions from the "manufacturer", it seems to turn out better. Psalm 119:34-48
Dr. Case Thorp | The Third Commandment; From Wikipedia..."The sentiment behind this commandment is expressed in the Lord's Prayer, which begins, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." According to Pope Benedict XVI, when God revealed his name to Moses he established a relationship with mankind; Benedict stated that the Incarnation was the culmination of a process that "had begun with the giving of the divine name."[40] Benedict elaborated that this means the divine name could be misused and that Jesus' inclusion of "hallowed be thy name" is a plea for the sanctification of God's name, to "protect the wonderful mystery of his accessibility to us, and constantly assert his true identity as opposed to our distortion of it."" | Exodus 20.7; Matthew 6:9
Dr. David Swanson | As we look at what Jesus taught about the law, it is useful to us in helping us know when to say no - and when to say yes. This is part of our spiritual transformation/discipleship. Titus 2:11-14
Dr, Case Thorp | The Second Commandment- that we avoid all idolatry and do not worship God improperly. Ex 20:4, Ex 32:1-4, Ex 35:30-35, 1 Kings 12:25-30
Dr. David Swanson | As we move into a summer study on the ten commandments, this sermon will set up with dynamics between law and gospel and the need for both. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Dr. Jack Peebles | What does the law require? Loving the Lord with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves. Matthew 22:34-40
Dr. David Swanson | The Holy Spirit, coeternal with the Father and Son, has been given to convict, comfort, guide and direct us, always pointing us to Christ. Acts 2:1-4
Dr. David Swanson | The Church is the gathered community of God's elect, past, present and future, who worship God together while proclaiming the gospel as they usher in HIs Kingdom. 1 Peter 2:4-12
Dr. David Swanson | The nature of the Lord's Supper as sacramental meal points us toward the day when we will eat together in Christ's Kingdom. In the meantime, we are nourished in its hope and blessed by the physical presence of the gathered Body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Dr. David Swanson | The unique nature of Christ as both fully human and fully divine provides a deep understanding into the essence of how we have been saved. He became like us for us, perfectly kept the law and became the perfect, innocent sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 2:14-17
Dr. David Swanson | There are many ways in which our culture is teaching us how to be 'saved' or who is able to do the saving. However, Christ is revealed as the One mediator, the one true Savior of the world. There is no other. 1 Timothy 2:5
Dr. Case Thorp | So if Christ has overcome our sin, then what's the point of the law now? Romans 3:20
Dr. David Swanson | Jesus declares that it's over, but we don't fully grasp what that means. It means the work of our redemption (chapter 3) is over - there is nothing left for us to do - but we seem to struggle in getting that message. We have not appropriated it into our lives which, in turn, keeps us from fulfilling the purpose for which God redeemed us - HIs Kingdom and His glory! John 19:30
Dr. David Swanson | We are careful in our relationship with God. We want to go part way, but not all the way. We don't want to be so committed that others think us strange. So we hold back. We don't use our gifts. We don't really, fully commit. Jesus did. It's time for us as well. Luke 23:44-49
Dr. David Swanson | The two thieves provide a stark contrast in how people approach Jesus. One is the way of death - blame and self-righteousness, the other is humble - and the way of salvation - which are we? Luke 23:35-43
Dr. David Swanson | As the embodiment of sin, Jesus knew the complete rejection of the Father - he was the "derelict" of the Father - on our behalf. Mark 15:33-37
Dr. Jack Peebles | Build on ideas about the Body of Christ - family of God - community (neighborhoods, vocations). John 19:25-27
Dr. David Swanson | We must reflect on the truth that we are culpable in the death of Jesus. We are the ones who "grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow." Luke 23:26-34
Dr. David Swanson | Looking at idolatries, we thirst for the things of God, but we try to quench them with many other things. Only in Christ do we find the living water that quenches all thirst. John 19:26-30
Dr. David Swanson | The Law of God demands our perfect obedience, a requirement that is beyond us. Will use this to talk about the Fall (and idolatries) as we lead into Lent. Matthew 22:37-40
Dr. Case Thorp | God created us, but He also created ALL things - and it was ALL good - pointing us to the cultural mandate to use His good creation in being "productive" - creating culture in ways that point back to Him. Genesis 1:31
Dr. David Swanson | Looking again at creation, we are made in his image. Will build on our identity and giftedness/uniqueness in understanding our purpose - and how we use that to glorify God. Genesis 1:27
Dr. David Swanson | Building on the power of water in life (creating power, waves, undertow, etc), we remember the power of our baptism - an outward sign and seal of what has happened inwardly - the gift and FIRE of the Spirit within us. Matthew 28:19-20
Dr. David Swanson | Starting with chapter one of the four chapter gospel, we look at the nature of God as Creator and Sustainer of all things. Psalm 86:8-10, 15
Dr. David Swanson | While there are many temptations in life regarding things in which we hope, the singular hope of my life - and of the world - is Jesus Christ. Romans 14:7-9
Rev. Tanner Fox | The Christian story offers hope to a world unlike any other story. Each new year, folks have a renewed sense of hope that they and the world around them can be just a bit better, smarter, thinner, more successful, etc. than the year before. But in Christ, there is a better story, a better motivation, a sustainable path of growth. In Christ, the fate of this world is secure. The things of the old order, pain crying, suffering, and death will all pass away, and in its place, All Things New. Revelation 21:1-7
Dr. David Swanson | We all have moments in life that cause us to question what we believe and why. Christmas is that way for many as year after year, we are brought near to the incarnation. Is this the Son of God? The hymn was written by a devout Christian as he lay near death, contemplating the things of God while reading His Bible. He wound up writing many other beloved hymns, but it was out of his questioning that deeper faith was born. Luke 1:26-38
Dr. Jack Peebles | Originally intended as a poetic retelling of Psalm 98 published in 1719, and eventually put to music in 1836, “Joy to the World” became one of the most famous creations by Isaac Watts and Christmas hymns of all time. His desire was to offer a view of the Psalm through a Christological lens, connecting the first and second comings of Jesus. As we see Christmas within the larger story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration, we can rejoice – even in 2020. Psalm 98:4-9
Dr. David Swanson | Following WW2, Vietnam and other painful moments, the world buzzed with the Cold War, fearing that true peace would never come. The authors wrote Do You Hear What I Hear as a reminder of what God had said and revealed - the goodness and light coming in Jesus. Isaiah 9:2-7
Dr. David Swanson | In a time of Irish/English strife, this hymn was oddly written by a firely newspaper editor who had a vision for bringing ALL people together. This is the gift of the gospel. It's the most inclusive faith in the world. Luke 2:8-14
Dr. David Swanson | Our series concludes heading into Thanksgiving weekend with a look at prayers of thanksgiving. Growing in our thankfulness may be one of the most important dynamics to our life in Christ. Colossians 1:10-14
Dr. David Swanson | Paul prays for the mature in faith that they, having been loved in Christ, would realize their call to serve in Christ's Kingdom. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Rev. Tanner Fox | Our need to ask others to pray for us - the joy of praying for one another. Romans 15:30-33
Dr. David Swanson | We all tend to be rather impatient people, and that extends to our life in Christ - and our prayer life. However, when the love of God is poured out into our hearts by faith, our patience can grow. We do not have to demand immediacy as we know God is already at work, loving us fully. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Dr. David Swanson | We are in a season where people are searching for hope, but that hope seems to be elusive. It was the same in Paul’s day, leading him to pray for the Roman Christians that they might look to God as the true source of hope, one grounded in the Scriptures, generating deeper faith and the fruit of joy and peace. When our foundation is the God of hope, our hope for the future overflows. Romans 15:13
Dr. David Swanson | Our prayers are often prayed from the dark places - the depths - of life. We sometimes fear that we cannot cry out as if that is a sign we lack faith. To the contrary, God wants us to cry out to Him and He is faithful by His presence. Psalm 130
Dr. Case Thorp | How intercessory prayer forms us for wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9-12
Dr. David Swanson | Paul indicates through this text that prayer is something to be learned - something that we mature in as our life in Christ grows. We should not expect to do algebra on the first day of school, but learn over time as Christ sanctifies us by faith. Ephesians 3:16-19
Dr. David Swanson | We now begin to delve into the prayers of Paul, starting in Ephesians 1. It is here that we quickly realize that Paul does not ask for the same things we ask for. He is thinking deeper, richer, fuller than our minds tend to go. He is asking for the things of God. Ephesians 1:15-19
Dr. David Swanson | As we establish the basics of prayer, we have to understand at the outset not to always expect the answer we want. Sometimes the answer is no. When it is, we continue to trust in the grace and goodness of God. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Dr. David Swanson | Solomon's dedicatory prayer in the temple helps set the tone for why we pray. We are addressing the Lord, the Creator of the Universe. We have that access and ability, and as such, there should be an urgency about us in that endeavor. We pray for God's people, for His Church, for forgiveness, and for the lost. 1 Kings 8:22-23, 30, 35-36
Rev. Tanner Fox | The only thing missing from God's good creation in Genesis 2 was another person for Adam to share it with. Though Adams' horizontal relationship with the Lord was good, he still experienced the sense of feeling incomplete. This week we will look at the idea of Biblical friendship and how we need the relationships to be known and loved, particularly in times like these. John 15:13
Dr. David Swanson | The enemy has power, the enemy is wicked, the enemy has tactics, schemes and deception. God gives us the armor as protection - offensive & defensive. Prayer is essential in conquering the enemy. We need to be aware and alert to the enemy's schemes, while we continue boldly proclaiming the gospel. Dwell on the glory & grace of God. Ephesians 6:10-24
Alexa Rossi | Our unity with Christ requires formation into his likeness. We must grow into his stature in affections, actions, and thinking as displayed in relation to our neighbors. We must throw off the old self which is made possible in the accomplished work of Jesus and put on the new self which we find embodied in the ways of Jesus. Ephesians 4:17-32
Tyler Wilson | Paul's moral commands for marriage point us to the reality of God's grand story. We are called to submit due to our sinful hearts, called to be faithful in light of Christ's pursuit of us, and called to be sanctified in light of the great and glorious return of Christ. Marriages can remind us of the great truths of the gospel. Ephesians 5:21-33
Dr. David Swanson | The family unit is the building block of culture, and the primary metaphor God uses to describe His church and His people. ---Husbands + Wives | Parents + Children | Roman Empire + Slavery --- Equality, Justice & True Brotherhood in the Body. Ephesians 6:1-9
Dr. Jack Peebles | God’s example of love in Jesus is the way of the Christian. While the world in which we live seems as decisive as it’s ever been, and it’s easy to get caught up in the “cancel-culture” that pervades the world of social media, we are called to walk a different path- one of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Yes, we are called to hold one another accountable (through relationships of radical affection and accountability), but our desire in doing so is so that the light of Jesus may shine. This week, we will explore what it means to be “wise” as we seek the will of God for our lives as revealed in Ephesians. Ephesians 5:1-20
Jonathan Wagner | Overcoming the barriers that prevent us from following God and remaining together in our calling. Exodus 3:3-10
Dr. David Swanson | Sermon is on getting engaged - participating - in the Kingdom work of God EVEN IN COVID - my role is to equip - but they have been scattered - so what might God be calling them to do? Ephesians 4:1-16
Dr. David Swanson | In life, we can often run into cases of mistaken identity where we think a person is someone they are not - or they are not someone that they are. In our faith, we can at times have a misguided perception of who God is based on bad experiences or bad theology. Paul aims to correct that while explaining the reality of God's power within us. Ephesians 3:20-22
Dr. Case Thorp | Paul refers to the mystery of Christ several times in this passage. What is this mystery, and how does it continue to play out in our own personal ministry as it did in Paul’s, and certainly did in Jesus earthly and sonic work? Ephesians 3:1-13
Rev. Tanner Fox | Ephesians 2 tells us that thought we were far off, we are now citizens, saints, and belong to the household of God! We are brought near by the blood of Christ and brought nearer as we begin to assume and resemble the lifestyle of Christ. The walls of hostility crumble and love for God and neighbor grows all the more as we are built into the structure of the body of Christ, of which Christ himself is the foundation. Ephesians 2:11-23
Dr. David Swanson | With all the things that tear us down in this life, we must remember that God made us perfectly - we fell in sin - but in Christ, He has remade us as His work - again. Ephesians 2:1-10
Dr. David Swanson | On this Pentecost Sunday, we remember the power of the Holy Spirit alive in us. We must learn to be attuned to what God says - how He leads and nudges - by His Spirit. It may be strange, but when we love, we are willing. Luke 19:1-10
Bret Allen | Part of being human is being self aware. Aware of what motivates you, what compels you, what you are truly living for, what the good life is for you. We can begin to see the answer to this question when we reflect on our life, on the decisions we make, on what satisfies us and what we try to avoid. There are many compelling motivations we could have: fear, wealth, pleasure, fame/popularity, success, etc. As Paul lived his life he makes the claim that what compelled him was the 'love of Christ'. What compels you? How can you/I be compelled by the love of Christ? 2 Corinthians 5:14-16
Dr. David Swanson | Too often, we get bound up in our past so much that we cannot embrace the future God has for us. God actually has a memory problem. He forgets our sins - and we have to learn to as well. We learn, yes, but they do not define us. Jeremiah 3:31-34
Rev. Tanner Fox | The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The best time to know how to experience God’s presence and peace is before a crisis. The second best time to plant a tree and to seek the presence of Jesus in our lives is right now. God has promised his presence to his people and yet scripture tells us that we must seek it, abide with him, remain in him, take his yoke up. We will look at the gift of his presence and the practice of seeking the Lord to find peace and rest for our souls! Psalm 27:4-5
Dr. David Swanson | Worldly wealth, as this parable declares, has a sly way of deceiving us. We think it holds far more than it does. With wealth comes weeds and we have to constantly be fighting so our hearts will not be choked out from how we offer all to Him. Matthew 13:18-23
Dr. David Swanson | Wealth, plan and simple, is a gift of God. It should never be pursued as an end in itself, which is where we go wrong. how much is enough? We are to pursue God, and anything that replaces God becomes an idol. Mark 10:29-30
Dr. David Swanson | Those who did not see Christ in resurrected form did not believe, and yet the overwhelming eyewitness testimony was that He HAD been raised. The Bodily resurrection - and its proofs - give us courage and confidence in this culture. God is not all mystery. he can be touched - and was. Death is now - and finally - defeated. Our future is secure. Bodily resurrection makes all that possible. John 20:24-31
Dr. David Swanson | Teaching on historical past moments - and what God is calling us to do in such seasons. 2 Chron 7:13-14
Dr. David Swanson | We move so fast that we often fail to enjoy the beauty and wonders of God - in his creation, in others, all around us. Psalm 27:4-6
Dr. David Swanson | God is a relational God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As those created in His image, we are also made to be in relationship. IN fact, this was the model for the spread of the gospel. It was passed down 'face to face" and we need to return to that model of relational community as we live missionally. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
Dr. David Swanson | We are victims of our culture's frenetic pace, but God calls us to have a different view of time - it is not our time, but His and so we learn to function in patience for when and how God acts and speaks. Hebrews 4::1-11
Dr. David Swanson | In the Christian life, we have to accept that we are failures each day. We fail, all of us, together and so part of corporate worship is "confession." We own it, offer it and then learn to live together. James 5:13-16
Dr. David Swanson | We often want a Christianity where God shows up in the mighty and powerful, but it is much more about cultivating spiritual practices/discipline that foster growth - and by their repeated practice - like making the bed. Mark 1:35-37
Dr. David Swanson | As we think about living missionally, we also remember our value of Loving the City. It comes from this Jeremiah text that we are to seek her "peace." This is so abjectly different that the norm of life. There is so much conflict and hatred. How is God calling us to be peacemakers? Romans 12:17-18
Dr. Case Thorp | As we think about living missionally, we also remember our value of Loving the City. It comes from this Jeremiah text that we are to seek her "peace." This is so abjectly different that the norm of life. There is so much conflict and hatred. How is God calling us to be peacemakers? | Luke 10: 38-42
Dr. David Swanson | One of the big debates in theology was the spiritual/physical one - did the physical world matter or not? Thanks to the incarnation, God made a rather definitive statement that our physical world - and our physical bodies matter. How we use them and what we do with them become part of how we are living missionally.
Dr. Jack Peebles | We continue our series on living missionally in the ORDINARY rhythms of life. This week, we explore the simple practice of eating. From what we choose to eat to how do we chose to eat it and with whom, eating impacts us in a variety of ways. Food can either serve to the detriment or improvement of our physical health. It also impacts our spiritual health. Food should be received as a gift, is communal in nature, and something for which we should be constantly giving thanks. Like all practices, eating is formational in that it shapes our desires and attitudes. The daily practice of eating points us toward the ultimate food, the Word and sacrament of the Lord’s Supper - the sustenance that always satisfies! Matthew 9:10-13
Dr. David Swanson | The Son of God, having done nothing of any consequence, begins his ministry with a simple "note" from the Father: I love you. This is how we center into each day - - and how we enter community. We begin at our baptism. It is the reminder that we have done nothing to deserve the life we have, and yet God offers it freely. So we begin - refreshed and alive. Matthew 3: 13-17
Dr. David Swanson | As we begin this series on living missionally in the "ordinariness of life", we must first encounter the ordinariness of the gospel. In Mark 6, people were offended by how ordinary the Son of God was.....and it still offend today. We are ordinary people who worship a God who came to live in the ordinariness of daily life on earth - and as such, we must learn to as well. Where do we find him in the day in day and our rhythms of life? Mark 6:1-13
Richard J. Mouw | This is obviously a great missionary text, but I will focus on the risen Christ's claim that he possesses all authority in heaven and on earth. I will discuss how this applies to how we view the various ways in which authority is exercised in our world. One of the applications I will make is to emphasize church office-bearers lead as persons who are themselves led by Christ. Matt. 28:16-20
Rev. Tanner Fox | At the beginning of a new year we ought to feel geared up, rested and ready to go… If I had to guess, and I did, I would say we feel more hurried, busy and tired than we do rested. Today we will look at two ancient promises to provide us with a basic need. If the mantra of the culture is “Hurry be busy there is so much to do,” the Christian can respond, “Jesus, my heart is restless until it rests in you. Matthew 11:28
Dr. David Swanson | When we step back from the events of Christmas as John does, we begin to see what the entirety of the message looks like. This should give us confidence as we go out to light our world. 1 John 1:1-4
Dr. David Swanson | Simeon has some great words to share with Mary and Joseph, but also some very harsh words. The harsh ones have not had hymns made about them - and tend to be less well known. The nature of Jesus' coming means there will be conflicts - external and internal - and some may well pierce us. Luke 2:25-35
Dr. Jack Peebles | The story of Mary is one that is both inspiring and instructive. Mary, knowing that she faced potential ridicule in the short-term, chose simple obedience and participation in God's four-chapter Gospel of CREATION-FALL-REDEMPTION-RESTORATION. Although we don't quite have the responsibility of Mary as the mother of the Savior, God still invites us into this narrative, and each of us has a part to play. As we prepare for Christmas, how might we better live into the narrative through simple obedience as God sends us into our community and the world? Luke 1:26-55
Dr. David Swanson | Matthew is the only gospel writer who includes this violent, harrowing account of Jesus flight from Herod. He was in a position of weakness, not power, and that continues to be the nature of how he comes in the world. He comes to the broken. But the broken are the very ones He uses to change the world. Matthew 2:1-8
Dr. David Swanson | We often skip over the genealogy in Matthew, but it is full of hidden treasure: Christmas is not a fairy tale, but human history, that informs how we see God, how we see ourselves and how we learn to rest in the Savior King. Matthew 1:1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 17
Dr. David Swanson | We come to the season of Thanksgiving, and our response to our abundance should always be our generosity. Proverbs tell us how. We give "freely" which means "to scatter." When we give, we throw it out in abundance and without measurement, and we don't hold on to it. We let it go. when we do, we get a return, but it is different that what we sowed. This was the manner of Jesus' generous love. Proverbs 11:24
Dr. David Swanson | The missional church is one that is a true reflection of the nature and character of God, therefore, the last quality must be one of diversity. As we move into the world to form relationships, we do that with a grasp of the nature of God's Kingdom from every tongue, tribe, people and nation. Rev 7:9-10
Dr. Jack Peebles | The missional church centers its life on worship. We often think of “worship” as something done for an hour (or a few minutes more!) on Sunday mornings. While corporate worship is foundational to our lives as Christians, the worship of God is carried forth into our rhythms of life. Worship on Sunday mornings entails a twofold experience with God: It affords us the opportunity to give ourselves to God, offering our thanks, praise, and gifts. It is also distinctly formational as God assures us of His forgiveness, equips and edifies us, and prepares us to be SENT out into the community and world. Colossians 3:12-17
Dr. David Swanson | Missional churches have ministries that are grounded in the laity. The ministers and paid leaders equip the laity to go out and do the ministry. Ephesians 4:11-13
Dr. David Swanson | Jesus reminded us often that His Kingdom was not the same as the earth's Kingdom. We function differently, and that is on full display when we seek to serve others rather than to be served. It is the history of the Christian Church. Philippians 2:1-4
Dr. David Swanson | Jesus attracted people. They flocked to him because they felt embraced and loved and welcomed. The Church should be the same. When the sinners arrive, are we ready to embrace them? 1 Peter 4:8-9
Dr. David Swanson | Life in the church is certainly about learning and growing our minds in regard to God and the faith, but if that's where it stops, we have missed it. We should have an expectation that we are constantly being encountered by God and changed for His glory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Dr. Case Thorp | Part 4 on the missional church - we have both law and grace, but the missional church emphasizes grace in extra measure and therefore draws the unchurched. Ephesians 2:8-9
Dr. David Swanson | Missisonal living means we forge relationships with those easy to love - hard to love - and all in between. Further, we work to help others connect in relationship when opportunities arise. If we are living in relationships of radical affection, we will be changed by them in ways that glorify God. John 13:34-35
Dr. David Swanson | Adhering to the model of Christ who came to dwell with us, we are called to "dwell" with others. How are we "with" people in the world - work, neighborhood, family and beyond - are we living as the embodiment of Christ to others? John 1:14
Dr. David Swanson | Our culture has caused us to focus far too much on consumerism and it has impacted the church. We think all we do is come in to get what we need without thinking about the Kingdom mission we have been called to take part in. God sent Himself in Christ, and then in turn, He sends us in the Spirit. The movement of the church should always be outward. Mark 3:14, John 20:21