August 18, 2024 • Scott Stevens • Ephesians 5:8, Matthew 5:13–16, John 8:12
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be like salt and light--to preserve His way, and positively influence and guide the world around us. Regardless of generational differences, we must be consistent Christian influencers living out our faith visibly and effectively and striving to be an example that non-believers might be drawn to Christ.
Is It Worth It?
August 11, 2024 • Amanda Beggs • Luke 14:27–28, Matthew 14:24–25, Matthew 5:1–12, 2 Timothy 3:12, Proverbs 29:25
In life, we often ask, "is it worth it?" when faced with big decisions. But when it comes to following Jesus, we rarely count the cost. True discipleship is costly, requiring us to choose the narrow path, align with Christ, and face persecution. We are faced with a choice: to be citizens of this world, conforming to its ways, or citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, following Jesus.
Silencing the Whisper
August 4, 2024 • Dave D'Angelo • Proverbs 18:8, Matthew 5:2–9, Proverbs 26:10, Proverbs 16:28, Ephesians 4:29
Just like we can’t stop at one bite of dessert, gossip is a temptation we often can't resist. However, gossip corrupts everyone and is the opposite of peacemaking. Jesus is calling us to stop feeding our souls with toxicity and to move towards peace by stop gossiping, refusing to listen to it, and living out Matthew 18.
Pure Hearts, Clear Sight
July 28, 2024 • John Reilly • Jeremiah 17:9–10, Matthew 15:19, Proverbs 17:3, Matthew 5:3–8, Exodus 33:11–23
When our hearts are purified, we can see God in new and beautiful ways. God's goodness surrounds us constantly, but we need the right lenses—purified hearts—to see it. Our hearts are not meant to be followed but purified, and this purification comes through God's Word and the fire of the Holy Spirit. As the Word of God enters our hearts and the Spirit of God works within us, we are cleansed, allowing us to see the ways of God's Kingdom and His goodness. When we surrender to God, letting His Word and Spirit purify us, the eyes of our hearts are opened, and we can truly see Him.
Living in Light of Eternity
July 21, 2024 • Dave D'Angelo • Luke 6:36, John 8:2–7, Galatians 5:16, Matthew 5:2–7, Romans 10:13
God's favor rests on those who show mercy, recognizing that the mercy Jesus calls us to is about the Light of Eternity (LOE) rather than Return on Investment (ROI). Being merciful starts with examining our own hearts and actions. Jesus’ call of mercy is bigger than something to do, it’s someone to be, and the world is desperate to experience. We're called to be merciful, forgiving, and generous, with the Holy Spirit guiding us every step of the way.\
Hungry for Righteousnesss
July 7, 2024 • John Reilly • Acts 19:32, Matthew 5:3–6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Timothy 6:11, Romans 10:1–3
In moments of emptiness, we often seek to fill the void with things that don’t truly satisfy. Instead of seeking identity and purpose in artificial things, Jesus calls us to pursue righteousness by living in a right relationship with God and avoiding self-righteousness and cultural influences. By embracing this authentic hunger, we not only fulfill our own needs but also become a light to the world, demonstrating the only genuine way to fill the void within us.
Strength in Meekness
June 30, 2024 • Amanda Beggs • Matthew 5:5
Jesus teaches that true discipleship involves living with submission, humility, and meekness. Meekness is not weakness but controlled strength, showing gentleness, wisdom, and peace. By submitting to God's way, we live in contentment now and look forward to reigning with Christ in the new heavens and earth. Embrace meekness, knowing it leads to true blessing and aligns us with the Kingdom of God.
Comfort in Mourning
June 23, 2024 • Dave D'Angelo • Psalm 126:4–6, Psalm 13, Matthew 5:3–4
Mourning is a natural and expected part of life. The Psalms of lament help us to express our sorrow and rely on God, transforming our grief into joy. By bringing our pain to God, persistently seeking His help, and praying with the cross in mind, we experience true comfort and a renewed heart, as God promised. This sermon was inspired by the life and work of Tim Keller.
Spiritual Crutches
June 16, 2024 • Dave D'Angelo • Matthew 5:3, Revelation 21:1–4, Romans 1:16–17, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 3:2–3
Sometimes as Christians, we feel the pressure to have it all together, but Jesus teaches us the importance of relying on Him. Being "poor in spirit" means recognizing our need for God, like using crutches when we can't walk on our own. It's about spiritual dependence, not independence. We must embrace our need for God and lean on Him, for this is where true strength and a taste of heaven begins.
Upside Down Inside Out
June 9, 2024 • Amanda Beggs • Matthew 6:31–33, Matthew 4:23–25, Matthew 7:13–14, Matthew 5:2–12
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaims the gospel as the good news that the upside down, inside-out Kingdom of God is here now, and seeking it leads to human flourishing. As disciples of Jesus, living out the ways of the Kingdom will bring it to earth by pursuing a way of blessing that is countercultural, counterintuitive, and distinct in posture, priorities, perspective, practices, and path.
