Our objective for 2020 is to: Help people find Jesus and grow in holiness and healing. Jesus chose us, His followers, to be the instruments through which others would come to know Him. As our relationship with Christ grows stronger and we become more and more like Him, our abilities and passion for sharing Him with others will grow too. In order for us to grow in holiness, to be purified or free from sin, we need to open ourselves for the Lord to work. There will be wounds that will need to be healed, sins to be confessed and forgiven, and lies to be replaced with truth— all through the power of the Holy Spirit. As this sanctifying work is being done in us, we will be made ready to help others in our church, community and city to begin their journey with Jesus
State of the Church
January 5, 2020 • Mark Rowland
Rebuilding the Walls
March 1, 2020 • Mark Rowland
The biblical figures of Ezra and Nehemiah are not the most popular or well-known. Years after the first group returned to rebuild the temple, another group returned under the leadership of Ezra, a priest and Bible scholar who was passionate about God and His Word. Ezra would do everything in his power to lead the Israelites into a new era of devotion to their God. After that, a final group returned under Nehemiah, who desired to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. He led the people to do so despite the fearful tactics of their enemies to derail and stop the project. Ezra and Nehemiah were reformers who were determined not to allow this reemerging but fledgling nation to fall back into her old ways.
Queen of Beauty & Courage
February 23, 2020 • Mark Putman
Fifty years after the first group of exiles returned to Jerusalem, the majority of Israelites remained scattered throughout the Persian Empire, and many lived in the capital city of Susa, including a woman name Esther. Esther, an orphan who was raised by her righteous cousin Mordecai, eventually won favor with the king, becoming queen. In the story of Esther, we see how God works behind the scene to fulfill His promises and grand purpose; even when we cannot see God working, He is. God is in control, working all things out for the good. We also learn from the bravery and courage of Esther. Sometimes we must stand in courage, even when it is not popular to do so, and risk it all.
The Return Home
February 17, 2020 • Mark Rowland
After three generations have passed and Israel has been in exile for 70 years, the Persian King, Cyrus, overthrew the King of Babylon and encouraged all foreigners living there to return to their homelands. So, in 537 B. C. about 50,000 exiles returned to their homeland to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra. But the opposition of the local people caused fear and discouraged the Israelites from completing their work. After the foundation and altar were built, the temple remained untouched for sixteen years while the people built their own fine homes. God sent His prophet Haggai to call the people back to their primary task. The unfinished work revealed their growing spiritual apathy