Advent and Christmas 2017

Daring to Step into the Future in Faith

December 31, 2017 • Peter Mueller

As we finish one year and get ready to start another, it's natural to reflect about the past and look forward to the future. While it's easy to get stuck in the disappointments of the past, God calls us to forget what is behind and take hold of Him and the future He has for us.

A Christmas Story: Beautiful Invasion

December 24, 2017 • Peter Mueller

Do you have a favorite Christmastime story? Stories are part of how we interpret and make sense of our lives. The story of Christmas is the story of God staging a beautiful invasion of love into this world to take back and redeem people and things that are broken and hurting. Throughout the year, tell that Christmas story - the one that says you are loved, your life has meaning and value, and that redemption has come and is coming again one day!

Surrender (to a Loving God)

December 17, 2017 • Peter Mueller

NOTE: We apologize that while the spoken audio on this week's recording is clear, there is nevertheless a significant electrical hum on the recording as well. This message looks at Mary's response to the news that she will become the mother of the Savior of the World - and this while not yet married. Instead of fighting and running away, with great courage and trust in God's wisdom and love, Mary sings a song of praise to God and humbles herself so that He can lift her up. Her response is an example for us of the life that is waiting for us when we humble ourselves before God and allow Him to transform our lives, one situation at a time.

God Keeps His Promises!

December 10, 2017 • Peter Mueller

Today's message builds on the theme of our Sunday School Christmas Presentation today. Throughout the Old Testament era, God promises through the prophets that He would one day send a Savior-Messiah to make things right between people and God and to write His laws not just on stone tablets but on the hearts of people. He promises that the world would be forever different. On that first Christmas, God kept His promise in the birth of His son, Jesus - and as our world still is a long way from being free of suffering and pain, we eagerly look forward to the day when Jesus comes again to completely restore the world and us.

Call and Response

December 3, 2017 • Bil Hood

Sometimes life can surprise us, sometimes it is unbearable, often we encounter people who are unloveable. How we respond says a lot about who we are at our core. This week a young girl gets shocking, scary, and life-changing news. Her response is an example for us all. Today's recording also includes an update from Julie Hill from Living Water International.

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