Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church: Spring, TX
Spring Cypress Presbyterian Church is a body of believers, called by the Holy Spirit, transformed by the Gospel to enjoy and glorify God as we proclaim the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ.
In today’s passage we see the compassion and care of Jesus on prominent display and in stark contrast to the self-serving ambivalence of Herod. Jesus reveals and demonstrates his deity for the purpose of instilling faith and confidence in us. Join us as we explore how what Jesus does gives us motivation to give ourselves to him wholly.
The account of John’s death is hardly one of the passages Christians turn to for a pick-me-up, yet this account testifies to the certainty of God’s promise to be with us at all times. Join us as we take a look at two contrasting figures, one held in the grip of fear and the other safe in the arms of God.
In this passage Jesus presents several important truths concerning the Kingdom to his disciples. What Jesus teaches us here is intended to foster hope and fuel mission even as we are braced for how to respond when met with adversity and opposition. Join us as we explore these parables of the Kingdom!
Continuing from the previous week, today we consider the elements of the Parable of the Sower and what should be our takeaway and how we can apply this parable to ourselves. Join us!
Matthew conveniently groups together several of the famous parables of Jesus into one chapter. The parable of the sower is presented by Jesus as an introduction to the other parables and his use of them. Join us as we explore this important teaching method of our Lord!
In today’s passage Jesus interacts with various expressions of unbelief in order to caution us against them. When confronted with the words and works of Jesus, we are called to answer the question: who is Jesus? Our answer will determine both our lives and our destiny.
In a world oppressed by the devil and rife with his destructive handiwork… Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. In his announcement of the Kingdom of God having come, Jesus was heralding a new age in which his people, empowered by the Holy Spirit, would “plunder” the kingdom of the evil one. Join us as we explore what this means for us!
Today’s passage presents us with an implicit contrast between the yoke of Christ and that of the religious leaders of his day. Jesus asserts his lordship as he reorients our understanding of how to read and apply God’s commands in a manner that focuses on mercy. Join us as we sit at the feet of the Lord of the Sabbath!
When doing land navigation it is important to periodically check one’s azimuth to ensure that they’re still heading the correct direction to get to their intended destination. Today’s passage is a helpful presentation of the Gospel message to ensure we’re heading the correct way. Join us as we unpack these verses!
Please join us as we receive a message from our guest speaker, the Rev. Dr. Jason Pickard.
In this passage we see a startling thing, John the Baptist expresses a doubt about his certainty as to the identity of Jesus. His confusion was based upon his own expectation about what the Messiah would do. Oftentimes our expectations shape and inform the questions and doubts we later experience. Join us as we unpack these verses!
Jesus calls us to a mission-minded life of fearless faithfulness to him and his kingdom. Join us as we unpack the words of Jesus and how the orient ourselves way from self-focused prioritization of usual human concerns.
The mission to bring the Good News is a huge task! In today’s passage we learn the attitude that shaped Christ’s perspective toward the masses of people, and we learn the shocking but amazing news that mission of Christ takes into account our own activity to help bring it about. Join us as we learn about the part we can play in building the Kingdom!
In today’s passage we see some of Jesus’s contemporaries confused by his non-conformity to expected practices of piety. In response Jesus herald’s the arrival of something new, and with it a new attitude is called for along with demonstrations of devotion. Join us as we unpack the newness of that which is introduced by Jesus!
In today’s passage we see the authority of Jesus displayed within the context of how we should respond to him as disciples. Join us as we learn what and how our response to the call of Christ to follow him should look like.
In today’s passage we are presented with three examples of Jesus healing the sick. What each of these three examples have in common is that each of the people needing healed was a social outcast. What does this passage teach us about Christ and how does this affect our relationship to the purity code of the Old Covenant? Join us as we learn together!
In today’s passage Jesus famously tells his disciples that “all authority in heaven and on earth” has been given to him. What does he mean, why was this authority given to him, and what does it mean for our lives now? Join us as we explore the cosmic implications of Christ’s resurrection!
In today’s passage Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a call to choose the narrow gate rather than the broad road. God has always called for a response on the part of the people, and mere sentimental affection for Jesus, or lip service to him is sufficient: it is the doers of his word that will be rewarded in the end. Join us as we explore the words of our Lord!
Sandwiched between our Lord’s famous teaching about judging others and his famous utterance of the “Golden Rule” we find a section on prayer.What is the relationship of prayer to these two other topics? Join us as we explore how the godward life of prayer orients and shapes our treatment of others!
Loyalty and Trust. These two traits are expressed by our attitudes and behaviors when multiple and competing interests are present. Join us as we consider the words of Jesus and prayerfully consider the question, “Do I trust God to be and do all that he has said he will?”
No one likes a faker, a hypocrite who pretends to be something they’re not. In today’s passage Jesus takes on the issue of religious and devotional hypocrisy and continues his call to a higher standard of righteousness, one that is rightly motivated in its acts of devotion. Join us!
In today’s passage we are presented with six illustrative examples of how mere conformity to the “letter of the law” enabled followers to believe they were righteous, when in fact, their hearts were nowhere near God. Jesus shows us that while the “letter of the law” is important, it is only the beginning of what God’s law requires, which is absolute perfection.
"What is the relationship with Jesus (and the New Testament) to that of the Old Testament?” This is a question that has been asked since, well, the ministry of Jesus! Join us as we hear from Jesus himself about how he and his ministry relate to the Old Testament.
The Beatitudes are the introductory remarks of the Sermon on the Mount. In these verses we learn both what true blessedness is and the kind of person who is blessed by God. Join us as we explore these important words to gain a better understanding of what our Lord would have us be!
In today’s message Pastor Ben provides a very high level look at the famous Sermon on the Mount. Join us as we explore the key point of the Sermon on the Mount and how it fits into the larger point Matthew is making in his Gospel account of Jesus.
In relatively succinct manner, Matthew describes the spread of Jesus’s popularity. Amid the clamor of rising fame, the message of Jesus begins with a simple summons. A message that must be received and obeyed by each person. Join us as we unpack the significance of the first words of the good news of the Kingdom.
The account of the temptation of Jesus has mystified and puzzled Christians for centuries: If Jesus was truly God, how could he be tempted to sin? Beyond that query, Christians have struggled to understand the significance of this account and its purpose in Scripture. Join us as we unpack this important passage and better understand Jesus, ourselves, and the nature of spiritual warfare!
The baptism of Jesus is of such significance that the event is recorded in all four Gospels. But why? What about this event is of such consequence for us? Join us as we explore and unpack the significance and implications of the baptism of our Lord.
As the final prophet of the Old Covenant, John occupies the unique place of serving at the close of one age and the dawning of another. Join us as we unpack the thrust of his message and ministry and why it was important preparatory work for the ministry of Jesus.
The oldest Christmas sermon left to us from antiquity dates to AD 386, preached by John Chrysostom in his first year of ordained ministry as the pastor of the church in Antioch. Join us as we, with this ancient Doctor of the Church, marvel at the incarnation!
Christians confess that Jesus is “truly God and truly man,” but what does that mean for how we understand his experience as a toddler? Join us as we explore how and why the early years of Jesus help us to walk in faith.
In today’s passage we read of the famous account of the “Three Wise Men” who visited Jesus as a baby. Yet this passage is actually presenting us with multiple responses to the person of Jesus spanning the spectrum from hostility to joy. Join us as we explore how this passage calls us to consider our own response to Jesus!
Today’s passage teaches what is a cardinal doctrine of our faith - that Jesus was conceived in the womb of a true virgin. But beyond the supernatural nature of the conception of Jesus, the practical ramifications of a young betrothed woman becoming pregnant weighed heavily on the mind of her betrothed husband. Join us as we explore what this passage means for us!
The Gospel of Matthew from antiquity has been listed first amongst the four Gospels. Why is this? What unique perspective and contribution does Matthew make to our understanding of Biblical truth in general and Jesus in particular? Join us as we begin our study of this important book of the Bible and seek to see the stage for further exploration!
God is utterly incomparable in all His attributes and ways! Yet today’s passage draws attention to one marvelous facet of His character: The Lord is a God who forgives. Join as as we explore how the conclusion to Micah’s book brings us to the very fountainhead of God’s mercy.
Rev. Thurman continues his sermon series in Judges, explaining that these verses provide general principles by which the remaining stories in Judges are to be understood. Our response to a gracious and compassionate God is thankfulness, worship, and faithfully following His wonderful and unsearchable way, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
In today’s passage we are introduced to the “golden chain of salvation” and how this establishes the basis for our assurance in the faith. When we are beset with doubts or accusations that would derail us, or diminish our joy in our salvation, reflect on the fact that because Sola Gratia is true, then what God has both willed and accomplished for you will never fail.
People often ask, “what is the Gospel?” In today’s passage we are presented with a glorious summary of of what we mean when we speak of the Gospel. In these verses we learn that Sola Gratia isn’t merely an observation about our particular understanding of the Gospel, but instead is fundamentally central to the Bible’s own declarations about it. In other words, there is no true Gospel where there is not Sola Gratia. God saves… by grace alone!
“God loves you.” That statement is as wonderful as it is true. Yet have you ever considered that God’s love poured out to sinners testifies to the utter graciousness of God? Join us as we explore how the Reformation doctrine of Sola Gratia helps us understand the wonderful love of God!
As we commence our 2022 Reformation series, it is vital that we understand the truth about ourselves if we are to be amazed with God’s grace to us. Join us as we explore what the Bible says about us, and why this important rediscovery at the time of the Reformation sets such a good stage for the Good News.
Life is full of hardship, and we are called to see it through the God-centered lens of his sovereignty over all things. In our day of hardship, what is the basis of our continued hope in God’s goodness to us? Join us as we explore what this passage says to comfort our hearts!
Oftentimes we feel dissatisfied and disaffected towards God, and if uncorrected this leads to impiety and brazen accusations toward God, followed by rebellious actions from God. In today’s passage the Lord graciously addressed the exasperation of His people with an appeal to “remember and know” - to snap out of their stupor and to recall the Lord’s goodness and all his saving acts on their behalf. Join us as we consider what the Lord has done, and what he requires of us in response.
In today’s passage the prophet provides the people with five snapshots of what life looks like during the reign of the Messiah. Believers can be confident that though we are beset by many struggles, the outcome is sure!
Kings are the the personified embodiment of the people they rule. As such, they are symbols of strength, stability, and security. Faced with a grim reality in which the satanic powers of a foreign army had ridiculed and humiliated their king, robbing the people of any sense of safety, God graciously announces the pending arrival of a King who will give his people rest on every side. Join us as we explore what this means for how we process and experience the bad days of the present.
Using the language of warfare, we are encouraged to join in the work of the Kingdom of God as we expand Christ’s dominion here on earth. Join us as we consider how we might “arise and thresh” in our present context!
God delights in subverting the wisdom of the world. One way He does this is by calling and claiming people who the world dismisses as insignificant and irrelevant. Today’s passage teaches us a number of vital truths about the sacred assembly of the remnant, God’s chosen people through whom is worked God’s sovereign salvific purposes. Join us!
In these verses the prophet foretells a great and glorious future. Join us as we explore what these verses mean for us in our present context and how they instill hope and a life of faithfulness in any situation.
In today’s passage, the Prophet speaks against the ruling establishment for their egregious violations of God’s covenant, ultimately announcing the pending fall of their entire civilization. But what does this have to do with us? Join us as we explore Micah’s vital message to us in our present context.
Join us as guest speaker Rev. Tim Hoke preaches from Revelation 21, discussing the hope of heaven that is ours in Christ.
In today’s passage we learn that for the original audience, idolatry had reduced them to a brutish “might makes right” state. This was aided and abetted by unfaithful preaching of the Word that resulted in a fundamentally wrong idea of God and how they should live. Join us as we explore the impact over time of the “preaching diet” we are fed.
As we begin our study of this so-called “minor prophet,” we learn about the context of God’s messenger, Micah, and the nature of the prophetic ministry. Join us as we uncover important considerations to bear in mind as we study the writings of the prophets today!
As we conclude our study of this letter, James gives us picture of how life should be in the local church. He underscores the culture of prayer and practical caring that should describe our congregation and he demonstrates that we ought to develop a climate of intimacy, transparency, and accountability. Join us as we explore this passage together!
Writing to Christians experiencing various troubles, James encourages his readers to bear in mind that Jesus is coming soon. How does the return of Christ inform and shape our behavior in the troubles of our present lives? Join us as we explore this passage together!
In today’s passage James dons the mantle of prophet and delivers an oracle of judgment against “the rich” - the cultural ‘haves' who were leveraging their wealth to oppress the cultural ‘have nots’ that are the less fortunate, including many Christians. James delivers a stern warning in which their materialism and gross ambivalence and abuse of others is addressed. But what does this passage have to say to those inside the church? Join us as we explore James’s warning to the wealthy!
The pride of life tells us to make much of ourselves and our will. Yet this is the key to despair and anxiety rather than the way to encourage human flourishing. Instead, today’s passage picks up on a theme pervasive throughout Scripture, namely that we are small, and ought to reckon with and rest in the fact that it is the purposes of God that prevail. Join us as we learn what it means to live our lives Deo Volente.
James concludes this section on conflicts within the Body by calling us to display the meekness of humility rather than the brazenness of pride. A quiet and gentle spirit that does not see the need to stick its nose in other people’s business unnecessarily will go a long way toward ensuring peace in the congregation… and in our lives!
As we continue this section in which James describes the origin and nature of the external conflicts in which we find ourselves, James shows us how God addresses our divided loyalties, subduing us to himself, that we might live the purpose for which he saved us. Join us as we continue our study!
We desire peace, and yet conflict and strife seem to be the norm for us. Why so? In today’s passage James confronts us with the true cause of much of the turmoil that characterizes our lives. Join us as we do the difficult job of diagnosing our problem as we make our way down the path to peace.
In this meditation on the first six verses of Psalm 27 we are challenged to depend on the Lord, who has shown himself to David, and us, to be trustworthy.
Every civilization and culture operates with a prevailing “wisdom” - an agreed upon and accepted perception of what is important and right and good. Yet as Christians we often fail to recall that we are citizens of a heavenly Kingdom, and as such out to be characterized by our adherence to the wisdom of our King. Join us as we reflect upon the wisdom that should describe us and our actions.
When we think of all that Jesus did, how does his resurrection fit into it all? Join us as we explore the resurrection and its implications not just for Jesus, but also for you and me!
In today’s passage, the longest continuous treatment in Scripture about our speech, we learn that in the great spiritual war into which we’ve been drawn we are either advancing the purposes of the Kingdom of God or the purposes of Hell. Join us as we learn the great power and potential of our speech, and why we must exert great control over our mouths.
Today’s passage is difficult precisely because James uses the same language as Paul, but in a way that at first glance seems to directly challenge and contradict Paul. However, bearing in mind that context “is everything,” in today’s passage we learn that the fruit of a living faith are what vindicate, or “justify” our claim to have faith. Join us as we study this famously controversial passage of God’s inspired and infallible Word!
It is common for people to ask, “what does saving faith look like?” And in today’s passage we are given a poignant message about what faith is and isn’t. Join us as we explore with James the characteristics of true faith.
In today’s passage James teaches us that we in the church are to learn the culture of heaven, and to live in accordance with the laws of our King. As such, behaviors that may be acceptable in the eyes of the culture around us but are nonetheless antithetical to the Gospel, must be eschewed. Join us as we learn how the priorities of God are to be modeled by us, his children.
As he continues to develop the idea that true faith is principally manifest not in acts of religiosity but rather in one’s manner of life, in today’s passage James draws out three key traits of true Christian faith. Join us as we get to the heart of what it looks like to have a heart for God.
In this section we are introduced to the premise that at its core, the Christian life is about rightly receiving and responding to the Word. In this passage James teaches us that who we are socially is the same us that we bring into God’s presence, so our attitude, demeanor, and behavior in all facets of life must be brought into submission to the Word. Join us as we explore how to bridge the gap that often exists between what we confess and what we do.
In today’s passage our Lord’s brother encourages us with assurances of what God’s character means for our experience of the various trials we face. Join us as we learn what an active awareness of God’s presence and promises means for our interaction with the various situations we face.
Guest speaker Rev. Ken Thurman leads us through an examination of Psalm 1, differentiating the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked.
Guest speaker Rev. Ken Thurman leads us through an examination of Psalm 1, differentiating the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked.
Building on the exhortation in verse 2 to “count it all joy” when we face various difficulties, James addresses our need for godly wisdom in order for us to have the perspective and disposition that will enable us to rejoice even when the circumstances of life are hard. Join us as we explore what this passage has to say about God and ourselves in our walk of faith.
Maturity in life comes as a result of growing through lessons and experiences, many of them painful. The same is true with maturity in our spiritual life: it is developed by how we endure and engage with our many and various trials. Join us as we learn from James the attitude that should inform our daily walk in pursuit of maturity!
In today’s passage we encounter “another” early genealogy, this time culminating with the birth of Abram (Abraham) and his brothers. In the context of these words we are invited to see God’s marvelous wisdom and sovereignty even as we are summoned and invited to trust in his providential rule of all creation. Join us!
Guest speaker Rev. Joshua Rieger leads us through an examination of Psalm 90. This prayer of Moses exhorts us, as Christians, to have an eternal perspective and to trust in the Lord with confidence through all of life's fleeting days.
In today’s passage we are presented with how humanity went from being one family with one language and culture to the veritable cornucopia of diversity we have today. Our world of division and suspicion between people groups is the context into which the Lord sends his people. Join us as we explore the significance of these words for how we understand our own mission!
In today’s passage we see the depressing reminder that even when given a fresh start, we bring our own problems with us. Our greatest problem is not environmental, but rather the sin that lurks within ourselves. Yet even as this passage paints a depressing picture, it nonetheless brilliantly highlights our need for Christ and sheds light on the future work of our Savior. Join us as we learn about the nature of self, sin, and our Savior!
In today’s passage we are presented with God’s blessing, ordinances, and covenant that govern life on this planet. In his gracious forbearance God promises not to destroy all life again. What does this mean for us? Join us as we explore God’s covenant with creation!
Summary: We live in a world of sorrow, suffering, and strife. In the midst of all that, God promises his people real and abiding peace. Join us as we explore how the coming of Christ at provides the grounding for us to have confidence that everything really will turn out ok, and how that hope can impact our lives in the meantime.
During the Christmas season we celebrate the advent, or coming, of Christ. Yet what did he come to do? Join us as we discover how his name reflects his mission, and how this gives us hope that he really has saved those who call on his name.
Our experiences have conditioned us to be skeptical of promises, especially when they sound too good to be true. Yet what of God’s promises to us? Join us as we explore the lengths to which God goes to assure us that he can be trusted and may your heart be filled with hope for the future!
With so much trouble around and within us, it can be difficult to be hopeful. Yet despite knowing the gritty realities of life, hope is spoken of 83 times in the New Testament. Each mention of hope is a statement of what God has given believers in Christ. Join us as we unpack how Jesus’s coming gives us hope that our personal stories matter!
Christians live our lives against the backdrop of the warning of impending judgment upon the world. The account of the great flood shows us how we ought to live in this context, as well as what God’s faithfulness to his people looks like in a world filled with trouble. Join us as we explore what this ancient account reveals for how we should believe and live today!
Guest speaker Rev. Tim Hoke preaches from Isaiah 52, discussing the Suffering Servant of Jehovah.
Paul's letter to the Philippians lays out the template for the spread of the gospel through partnership, giving, and prayer. In this sermon, Rev. Zugg speaks about the privilege and responsibility we have to extend God's kingdom.
Can the Bible be read and understood by average people, or is it only comprehendible by specially trained religious experts? With Scripture, the Reformers asserted that the Bible is able to be understood by common, everyday Christians. Join us as we discuss how God’s self-revelation is intended to spur us into personal engagement with him through his Word thanks to it being understandable.
Does the Bible tell us everything we need to live the Christian life? Or has God not shared with us important things we need? In response to these types of Christians the Reformers proclaimed, with Scripture, that the Bible is sufficient for us to know God and what he expects of us. Join us as we seek to grow in our appreciation of God’s Word!
The Reformers were passionate about getting the Bible into the hands of the people. Why? Because we need the Word! Join us as we continue our series on Sola Scriptura by discovering how a greater understanding of what we mean when we call the Bible the Word of God and how that informs our desperate need for the Word
Who or what is the final decider of what is true, right, and good? The answer to that question is found in the Reformation slogan “sola scriptura.” We begin our study of the doctrine of sola scriptura, “Scripture alone,” by considering the authority of the Word, and what it means for Scripture to be called “the Word of God.” Join us!
Who were the “sons of God,” the “daughters of man,” and the mysterious “Nephilim?” Join us as Pastor Ben walks us through the various proposed answers while evaluating the hypotheses through the lens of Sola Scriptura.
Is God “bothered” by the wickedness he sees in the world, or is he aloof and personally detached? Today’s passage is a poignant reminder that human sin is personally offensive to God and that judgment is the inevitable response of a Holy God to unrighteousness. While God’s holy anger at sin is real, so too is his mercy and grace. Join us as we learn more about both!
Sadly, the cadence of life in a fallen world is punctuated by death. The apparently bleak finality of death hangs like a cloud over the heads of all mankind. Yet this is not how it was meant to be… and by God’s grace is not the way it must be. Join us as we reflect on the hope that inspires faithfulness to live for a purpose!
The Apostle Paul had a very clear sense of identity. He knew who he was. And out of this sense of identity his mission and vision for ministry was shaped. In a similar manner, our church has an identity, and this awareness of who we are as a congregation informs our understanding of our mission and vision for ministry. Join us as we learn more about who we are and what it is we believe God has called us to do!
Guest speaker Rev. Joshua Rieger preaches from Acts 18, discussing hardship in the mission field and Christian life and how we can view and respond to it.
Guest speaker, Rev. Paul Miller preaches on Christ's pursuit of and compassion towards sinners through the story of the Samaritan woman at the well.
How should Christians relate to the culture? As we continue our series on Genesis we will contrast the way of the world and the way of the righteous by looking at the line of Cain and the line of Seth.
This famous passage records the sad account of the first murder in history. In these verses we are provided a case study in the hardening power of unbelief. Scripture goes on to warn us repeatedly against unbelief, thus today’s passage provides us a helpful tool for detecting the presence of unbelief in our own lives. Join us as we are equipped to live lives of belief!
In today’s passage we see the fallout of the Fall. This passage explains so much about the pain, frustration, futility and death in our world. Yet in the darkness we see a glimmer of hope, a glimmer that over time becomes a brilliant light. Join us as we discover what God has for us in these verses!
Today’s passage is quintessential bad news. That is, it tells us what happened that spun the world into chaos and it further sheds light on what happens to each of us every day, namely, the manner in which temptation works to elicit a sinful action from us. Join us as we explore these verses to ascertain how we can, by the Spirit, resist the devices of Satan.
In today’s world there is a lot of confusion about what marriage is. God’s Word reveals not only what marriage is, but also the truth that the institution of marriage is a picture of something greater. Join us as we explore the founding of the creation ordinance we call “marriage!"
Gender confusion and chaos abounds. Our world is rife with the turmoil borne of misunderstand, mistrust, and misapplication of the maleness and femaleness of the human race. Join us as we explore the goodness of the binary nature our sexuality and gender identity and come to appreciate the differentiated yet complementary manner in which God made us!
Guest preacher Aaron Halbert speaks on Luke 8:26-39 focusing on where Jesus goes, who Jesus meets, what Jesus does, and how the people react.
In today’s message we pause from our sequential study to draw attention to vitally important mandates and principles that God established in creation. These “creation ordinances” shape our understanding of self and a rightly ordered expression of our humanity. Join us as we survey these fixed and fundamental aspects of creation!
The Creation account of Genesis 1 includes the creation of mankind as the apex of creation with the consecration of the 7th Day being the climax of the creation account. In today’s passage, often misunderstood as a second creation account, we are given a “zoomed in” account in which we see the utter uniqueness of mankind as the focus of God’s creative handiwork. Join us as we explore 5 ways this passage underscores how we are truly unique and precious to our Creator.
In today’s passage we reach the climax of the week of creation. By blessing and consecrating this special day, God establishes a precedent that becomes the basis of his invitation to his people. Join us as reflect on the 7th Day!
Rev. Joshua Rieger reflects upon Peter's exhortation to the church to remember at the end of his second epistle. Exploring why we are called to remember, what we are called to remember, and how remembering should change the way we live.
We are the crown that adorns creation! We will look at how being made in the image of God sets humans apart in form, faculty, and function and testifies to the greatness and power of the Creator.
Every culture has an origin story that shapes the big worldview of its members down to one’s sense of personal identity. What we believe about origins has impact on our beliefs regarding the very nature of reality. Thus at the head of Scripture it pleased the Lord to demythologize the story of the origins of the universe. Join us as we explore the majesty and care of God on display as we recount how he formed the cosmos with an eye towards that with which he would fill it.
In Scripture we are told many things. From God’s love to the promise of eternal life, everything we believe and know has been revealed to us by God in his Word. When it comes to the question of the origin of the cosmos, the question is remarkably simple: Did God intend that we should take the creation story at face value or did he not. And if he did so intend, then can he be trusted to have communicated to us what actually happened in history? Join us as we explore the length of days in the creation narrative and grow in your confidence in all of God’s Word.
The book of Genesis is a story of origins. In its pages we learn our history, the foundation of our mission, and the future that is our destiny. In today’s message we begin our study of beginnings by surveying the various contextual issues that help get us oriented in the right direction as we make our way through this seminal book of the Bible.
Discord and conflict pervade our lives and are one of the principal characteristics of human cultures. God’s word teaches us that the conflict “out there” is the manifestation of the inner turmoil that we have in our hearts. Jesus comes as the Lord of peace to bring rest, blessing, security, and contentment to his people. Join us as we learn how confidence in Christ’s sovereign lordship propels our peace in every circumstance.
In today’s passage we are called to embody the culture and values of Christ’s kingdom by living rightly ordered lives. Thus we are to value rather than denigrate hard work in our vocations. Join us as we explore how a culture of hard work shapes our selves, church, and world as witnesses for the true King.
In today’s passage the Apostle Paul transitions in this letter to practical matters. He begins with a call to action, which is in the face of a real challenge but grounded upon a real basis of confidence. Join us as we explore how God’s faithfulness is both the firmament and fuel for our faith.
The death and resurrection signify the conquest of the Son of God over the powers of darkness. Praise God for the cross and the empty tomb! In today’s passage we learn how the victory won by Christ is applied to us, assuring us of our glorious future in Christ.
In today’s message we learn why some information, but not all, has been revealed about the future. We are called to be alert and to be watchful lest we be deceived, and today’s passage gives us what we need to do this. Join us as we learn how we are encouraged and edified by the Lordship of Jesus in and through the worst the world and the devil can throw at us.
The fundamental Christian claim related to Christ is: “Jesus is Lord.” If Jesus is lord indeed, then over what is he lord? And how does his lordship affect how we understand passages such as this one? Join us as we reflect upon the present reality of Christ’s lordship with its implications for how we live in the midst of present and future difficulties.
Eschatology, the study of the end times, is an essential doctrine of the Christian faith, yet one prone to being sensationalized. Join us as we introduce and survey the various historical perspectives related to how end times prophecies should be understood.
In today’s passage we see the promise of Christ’s return held out as a great comfort to believers. Yet these same words highlight two mutually exclusive destinies that await each person. Join us as we consider the choices we make, and the consequences which follow.
In today’s passage, the apostle praises God that the Thessalonians believers were flourishing in the face of increased opposition. He gives thanks for their growing faith. Yet what does a growing faith look like, and how does faith grow? Join us as we consider the benefits of a growing faith and how we can make use of the ordinary means by which God strengthens our faith.
In today’s message we consider the opening verses of Paul’s second epistle to the Thessalonians. These opening words help orient us both contextually and relationally as we face troubles and trials of various kinds. Join us as we explore the significance of being united to Christ… and our Father!
Throughout the book of Joel the “day of the Lord” has been portrayed in various ways. In today’s passage the prophet reveals the ultimate and final expression of the Day of the Lord when the nations are assembled for judgment. This passage teaches us both sides of the coin regarding that great day: a time of retribution for the wicked, and a time of restoration for God’s people. Join us as we consider the implications of Joel’s message for our contemporary situation!
What’s the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of God’s people? The answer to this question is what provides the context for why the promise of the Spirit being given to all God’s people is such a wondrous thing. Join us as we explore what God’s Word has to say about the Spirit in our lives!
In today’s message we consider the God who restores. The good news for God’s children is that his chastisements are meant for our salvation. Join us as we celebrate the God who hears our cries, is bound to us in love, and acts on our behalf to give us fullness in even the most desperate situation.
In today’s passage we reflect on the correlation between sin and suffering, with an eye towards the idea that God’s wrath is poured out against the unrighteousness of mankind. Join us as we consider what our hearts indicate about out priorities and how we can escape the judgment that comes upon the earth.
In today’s passage the prophet rehashes the devastation wrought by the invasion of a recent locust swarm. In response to this catastrophic event, the prophet calls us to consider the theological significance of this, and other calamities and to respond in authentic emotional lament as well as genuine faith in the God who controls history. Join us as we consider how to learn from calamity.
As the Christmas season comes to a close, we conclude our series by looking at the final “Song of Advent” - Simeon’s song. Join us as we explore the message of this beautiful and succinct expression of contented joy to discover the promise and hope it reveals for us!
The jubilant song of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus captured the attention of the shepherds that first Christmas, and nearly 2000 years later their words still command our attention. Join us as we unpack these verses to learn of how the experience of peace by the people of God brings glory to the God of peace.
In today’s song we are privy to the reflections of someone who had just spent 9 months reflecting, in silence, on the faithfulness of God. Join us as we explore this joyous celebration of God’s faithfulness in sending provision to provide for fulfillment of his promise in accordance with his purpose!
Rev. Joshua Rieger invites us to look at Simeon's response of joy and praise at meeting the Christ-child, and to marvel that God took on flesh and dwelt among us.
Guest speaker David Williams preaches on "the greeting, the good news, and the great faith" found in Luke 1:26-38.
In Mary’s song of praise, known as The Magnificat, she teaches us much about God while providing an example for us to emulate. Join us as we celebrate the 1st week of Advent by reflecting on the words of the mother of Jesus!
In this song we are invited to join in exuberant praise of God for his person and works on our behalf. While reminding us of what God has done, this song also points us to what God promises to do on our behalf. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of the Lord and join in giving thanks for our deliverance!
As we look at the well-known story of David and Goliath we see that the story is not about how to become a champion, but that we need a champion. David's defeat of Goliath points to Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil.
In the conclusion of the Reformation 2020 series we look at Soli Deo Gloria. Join us as we ask "what do we mean by God's glory?" and discover how it is on display in all of life and how we can reflect that to the world.
The Reformation slogan “Solus Christus” asserts that salvation is in Christ alone. Given that the name of Christ is in the very word Christian, it might seem odd that the centrality of Jesus is something that had to be reasserted by the Reformers. Join us as we unpack the historic and contemporary threats to us receiving and resting in Christ alone for our salvation!
Martin Luther’s rediscovery of the truth that we are justified by grace alone through faith alone got to the very heart of the Gospel. But what do we mean when we speak of being “justified,” and what exactly is faith? Join us as we unpack these and other essential concepts in joyful celebration of the principle of sola fide!
What is so amazing about grace? It seems often we have a “ho-hum” attitude about grace and possess a correspondingly low sense of amazement. Join us as we explore the doctrine of sola gratia, “by grace alone” to re-discover just what is so amazing about God’s grace!
The Reformation brought the Bible to the people. Sola Scriptura, or “Scripture alone” is the conviction that the Bible is to be our final authority in matters of faith and practice. Join us as we explore the role of the Bible as our ultimate authority and guide!
In today’s message we conclude our study of the book of Esther by highlighting how our awareness of God’s sovereign governance of history should inspire us to remember, reflect, and rejoice as we go forward in life. Join us as we consider what is to be our new normal in light of God’s saving work in history!
In today’s passage we see the people of God called upon to take up arms to defend themselves from annihilation. Yet beyond this specific situation we see an underlying and enduring principle, namely, that in God’s providence we are sometimes called to be active participants in the unfolding of God’s purposes for us. Join us as we learn of the One who will never leave us nor forsake us and how our faith in His promise, presence and power leads us to faithfully respond to the demands of the moment!
In today’s passage we see a complete reversal of the circumstances facing the people of God, and we are reminded of God’s delight in overturning the wisdom of the wise as He governs history. Join us as we consider how this passage encourages us to hopeful faithfulness in all things!
Today’s passage records God’s judgment and destruction of the enemy of his people - Haman. Yet God’s judgment of Haman takes place in the midst of a gritty set of providential circumstances and questionable motivations on the part of the human actors. In all this we are reminded of several gospel truths presented here in abstract. Join us as we explore these important truths!
Today’s passage brilliantly demonstrates God’s overarching control of history by means of a series of coordinated coincidences. Rather than simply driving home the point of God’s sovereign rule over all things, this passage comforts us in our anxiety by reminding us that God exercises his sovereign rule for his glory… and our good. Join us as we learn to marvel at God’s lordship over every detail of our lives!
After a 3-week hiatus from our study of Esther, in today’s message Pastor Ben reminds us of what we’ve learned in our study of Esther thus far. In today’s passage Haman is presented to us as an example of someone firmly in the grip of his false god. Join us as we examine this passage to discern some principles to help us identify and remove idolatries before they gain mastery over us.
Preaching from Matthew 25, Rev. Paul Miller examines what it means to be a true disciple of Christ by caring for "the least of these."
When greatness is near it disrupts everything. This week we look at the conversion of Saul and how Jesus disrupted his life, beliefs, and relationships on the road to Damascus. Just like Saul we do not want our lives disrupted, but if we truly believe that Jesus is God then it changes everything.
Rev. Julian Zugg examines the Lord's words to Israel as they are going into exile; highlighting the encouragement found in Isaiah 40 for both the people of Israel and for us.
The central conflict comes to its peak as Esther is presented with a difficult decision. This passage invites us to consider how God has prepared and positioned us for the work of His Kingdom; asking when decision time comes where will our loyalty lie.
Why does it seem that there are some whose hatred of God’s people is off the charts? Today’s passage offers us an opportunity to consider the very real presence of worldly animosity towards believers. Join us as we explore the origins of this, and consider how we out to live in light of it.
In today’s passage we see the key players in this drama introduced and positioned for God’s purposes. Though it may take years for the reasoning for our placement in our circumstances to be made clear, this passage calls us to remain patient and faithful where we are and to trust God’s sovereign leadership in history. Join us!
Is God’s work among us to protect and bless his people contingent upon the faithfulness of his people? What about when God, and concerns about God, seem remarkably absent? And when trouble comes, will we receive an imperfect human agent as the one through whom God brings relief? These are all questions raised by the book of Esther. Join us as we introduce this often misunderstood book!
In today’s passage we learn that God’s character and promises give us the assurance to proceed in the Christian life with great hope. Join us as we discover and marvel at the great grace of our Father!
Building upon all that he has said previously, Paul begins his conclusion by providing helpful instructions on how we are to live in Christian community so as to fuel and encourage each others’ faith and spiritual vitality. Join us as we learn the importance of right relationships, proper disposition, and focused reliance for our spiritual growth!
The second coming of Christ has often been presented in such a way that it is a source of fear for Christians. Far from being afraid, Christians should eagerly await the return of Jesus because our destiny is inextricably linked to that glorious event. Join us as we discover what it means for us to be called children of the day!
In today’s passage we are taught the vital truths of Christ’s return and the the resurrection of the dead. Join us as we discover how these important realities impact our view of life now, as well as our attitude towards death and the hopefulness we possess in the face of it.
Many of us struggle with feeling insignificant, as if what we do - and who we are - is too inconsequential to matter. Join as as we discover the great truth that revolutionizes our understanding of our place in this world!
Christians are called to be holy, yet oftentimes the idea of pursuing holiness conjures up images of legalistic rules and behavior. Join us as we explore our calling as well as proper motivation to fulfill it!
When it comes to discerning God’s will for us, believers are often paralyzed by indecisiveness. But the good news is that the circumstances of our life are not as important as the character of our life, and in this passage we are reminded that God’s will for us is related to our holiness… so that as long as we are pursuing this end we have great liberty in our decision making. Join us as we learn from God’s Word about his will for you!
In this transitional section, Paul demonstrates how encouragement has as its goal personal growth in godliness. Within Paul’s logic, love is the glue that holds together the Christian life in community. Join us as we consider the vital importance of encouraging one another to grow in personal holiness and the role we each play in each other’s Christian walk!
Spiritual warfare isn’t something that happens in the Christian life, rather spiritual war is the Christian life. Having had our eyes opened to reality of spiritual truths, we are reminded of the presence of an enemy who uses even common difficulties as weapons to attack our faith. In today’s passage we are reminded of the importance of the fellowship of believers to encourage and equip us in our daily battles.
We continue our study of this important passage by reminding ourselves that it takes a supernatural work for us to “see” spiritually discerned things for what they truly are. In this passage we learn that the Word of God truly is God’s word, and not merely the words of man. This has profound implications for how we read and listen. Join us as we discover what it looks like to receive the Word of God as the Word of God!
When times are tough we need to be eager to notice the evidence of God’s handiwork in our lives. Unfortunately, we all too often fail to acknowledge the work of God as the work of God. In today’s passage we learn the distinction that exists between those who accept the Word of God and those who reject it. Join us!
Today, Easter Sunday, we focus on the resurrection of Jesus. While Christians remember and celebrate this pivotal historic event, we sometimes do so without understanding why the resurrection was essential for our salvation. Join us as we explain why the events of that first Easter morning really do give us something to go and tell!
In today’s passage Paul explains the means he took to motivate and inspire his original audience to live in a manner worthy of the God who called them into his Kingdom. Join us as we consider the importance and promise of walking worthily in this world in light of the world to come!
In today’s passage we see the goal of unity being the stability, growth, and maturity of the church. What role do church leaders play in this process? Join us as we explore this passage and discover the purpose of church leadership!
In these verses Paul exhorts elders to careful diligence of themselves and the church. Join us as we discover why church leadership matters!
In today’s passage the Apostle recounts his ministry among the Thessalonians with an eye toward providing a model for them (and us!) to emulate. Join us as we discover Paul’s mission, motivation, and manner as he himself modeled Christ’s pattern of service!
In today’s message, the conclusion to our mini-series on assurance of salvation, we consider the vital roles of repentance, obedience, and eternal perspective. These three factors constitute a remarkable evidence of the work of the Word in our lives... join us and be encouraged!
We continue our study of this passage by reflecting on the supernatural effect of the Word of God on us. Join us as we explore the foundational evidence of the new birth and gain a new appreciation for the context in which God increases our faith and our assurance!
Christians often struggle with a feeling of assurance. Instead of basing our sense of security on our ever changing emotions, in today’s passage we are encouraged to consider our assurance in light of confidence gained by means of the doctrine of election. Join us as we seek to be encouraged with assurance!