The Abundant Life is the Dependent Life
July 28, 2024 • Caleb Middleton • Isaiah 50
Paul Alexander, known as “Polio Paul” passed away on March 11, 2024, after spending over 70 years in an iron lung. He was diagnosed with polio at age 6 during the height of the epidemic in 1952; he became paralyzed from the waist down, rendering him completely dependent on a machine to provide his oxygen. If Paul had looked at the iron lung and declared, “I don’t need you anymore,” and walked away, it would’ve been a foolish and fatal decision. As created beings, we are entirely dependent on our Creator for our very life and breath, and yet how many times have we said to God, “I don’t need you anymore.” Join us on Sunday to hear about our dependence on God and the blessing it brings.
Life in the Spirit
May 19, 2024 • Caleb Middleton • Galatians 5:13–26
If we’re honest, don’t we act a bit differently behind closed doors? We can all think of a time our true colors shone through – and it wasn’t pretty. Like when you thought you pressed mute before screaming at the kids. Or that time you pocket-dialed the friend you were trash-talking. Or maybe that Sunday you road-raged in the church parking lot. It’s moments like these that remind us just how wide the gap is between who we want to be and who we actually are. Ouch. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “Life in the Spirit,” reveals a better way. Tired of striving to do better, look better, and be better? Meet the One who closes the gap
Overcoming a Troubled Heart
January 28, 2024 • Caleb Middleton • John 14:1–11
Whether the terror of 9/11, the desperation of the Great Recession, or the hysteria of the COVID-19 pandemic, the generations that make up our church today have known hardship. We’ve known grief. We’ve known fear. And that’s not to mention the storms raging in our personal lives—from broken marriages and lost jobs to addiction and abuse. Not one of us is immune. And we all seem to be searching for the antidote. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “Overcoming a Troubled Heart,” offers healing to our aching hearts, restless minds, and searching souls.
Pride Falls
October 1, 2023 • Caleb Middleton • Acts 12:20–24
“Pride is like bad breath – everyone else around you knows when you have it.” As we read these famed words by C.S. Lewis, we can all think of someone who gives off the “stench” of pride – maybe a coworker, relative, or the chair of your HOA – but did you ever stop to ask what others smell on you? Join us for our upcoming message, “Pride Falls,” as we discover what happens when human pride collides with the Word of God.
The Overthrowing Power of Humility
April 2, 2023 • Caleb Middleton • Mark 11:1–11
Holy Week has arrived! We begin our Overthrown series with the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In our text, Jesus’ trajectory toward the cross comes quickly into focus. The more boldly and publicly he reveals himself, the more the religious leaders are moved toward hatred and motivated to end his life. The King’s humble entrance sets the conflict in motion, leading to the sacrifice that atones for our sins.
Worship Over Worry
January 1, 2023 • Caleb Middleton
We all begin a new year with the very best of intentions. This will be the year of breaking bad habits, being more intentional with our time and money, getting in shape, or completing neglected projects. So we launch the year with our new calendars, journals, to-do lists, financial budgets, and workout plans, all focused on being better at doing things. Similarly, as we consider deepening our relationship with God in 2023, our tendency is to move toward tasks. But what is behind this drive toward doing? How can we make sure that in doing things for God, we don’t neglect what is actually better – being with him?