December 30, 2024 • John 1:14, John 12:46–47, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Peter 3:22, Philippians 3:20–21
I wonder if Mark Twain ever considered the other meaning his story may have. Let's talk about another story of a Prince who left His own palace to take the place of not just one who looked like Him, but multitudes. We can read this story through the lens of scripture and fit it together with a similar narrative.
Angels We Have Heard On High
December 23, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • Luke 2:8–15, 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 22:5
“Angles we have heard on high, gently sweeping over the plains?” I don’t the so. I don’t think this was a gentle announcement. It was a declaration of a major shift in the narrative. The darkness that shrouded all of history since the fall of mankind in the garden, is being heralded by God’s glorious light in an instant that shook the night and turned it into day for those who were a part of it. THIS is Christmas.
This elaborate picture of a future Savior dying for our sins, is fulfilled in the New Testament, which honors the promise God made to satan in the garden, and answers Job's request for a mediator.
Knowing Who I Am
December 9, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • Deuteronomy 14:2, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 29:13, 1 Corinthians 8:3
Our identity should and can only come from the One who created us in the first place. We are Who He made us to be, and when we reject that, there is only confusion and delusion. In short, to know who I am, we must know THE I Am.
The Wisdom of David
December 2, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • 2 Samuel 24:14–16, Ephesians 6:12, Hebrews 10:31, 2 Samuel 22:7–16
He loved David and knew that David’s heart belonged to God. This bond was unique, but not exclusive. The same God of David, wants to have that same relationship with all of His children.
Humility to Healing
November 25, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • Luke 8:43–48, Genesis, Luke 19, John 8:1–11, Acts 11:24
Maybe you or someone you know and love are going through a difficult time. Maybe you feel guilty or responsible. Maybe your world is crashing down on you by no fault of your own. Maybe you just need to feel loved, seen, heard, and not alone. The church family is here to fill the gaps, and fulfill those needs.
James
November 18, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • 1 Corinthians 15:7, James 1:2, Matthew 13:57, John 7:2–5
Anything a parent could imagine in a perfect child was manifested in the person of Jesus. No sibling could ever live up to that, and maybe Mary and Joseph knew they never would, but we have to wonder what that looked like.
Praise
November 11, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:4
When Paul and Silas were in prison, they had the choice to sit in silence or make a joyful noise. They could have complained or they could have worshipped. They chose to praise God and the Bible says the prison was shaken to its foundation. Praise is a foundation shaker.
From Bad to Worse: Jezebel's Downfall
October 28, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • 1 Kings 16:29—19:10, 1 Kings 21, 2 Kings 8:25—9:37, Luke 12:32
This is a woman with pride. As she sat waiting in her lofty tower, aware of her imminent death, she was steadfast in her defiance of Israel and its God to the very end.
Tragic Tales: Lessons From the Life and Death of Judas
October 21, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • James 4:17, 1 John 1:9, Colossians 1:13, Ephesians 5:8, Romans 8:1
It is mind blowing to think that Judas could be a part of this movement, so close to Jesus Himself, seeing all the miracles, all the power, the lives changed, even the feeling in his spirit by walking with the Messiah in person, and yet be able to turn away so abruptly and with such consequence.
Practical Protection
October 14, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • Ephesians 6:10–18, 2 Corinthians 10:3–4, Isaiah 59:17, Romans 13:12–14, Hebrews 4:12
People may hurt us, but we need to remember that something is hurting them, and that is what we should be addressing. Our reaction to them should be one of love, patience, and kindness. If we come at them in ways of concern for their well-being rather than in defense of ours, we could much easier break through the wall of protection they have built around themselves and introduce them to Jesus.
We can pray for God’s will to be done when facing hardships, or hoping for a miracle but trusting if doesn’t happen, that God’s ways are always right. He cannot fail and so when we put our trust in Him for our circumstances, we can make up our will to have the kind of faith that shines the glory on Him, even when we don’t understand.
Sorry, Not Sorry.
September 30, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • 1 Peter 3:15–16
The basic story of Jesus is absolutely enough for some, but what about those who are really struggling or already believe something that is so close to Christianity that it just might work. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my eternity sitting on a scale of “just might.” I want to know for sure.
Politics and Religion
September 23, 2024 • Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 25:14–30, Isaiah 26:3, Joshua 5:13–14
As our political climate heats up, it seems to me that there is very little time in between voting cycles and politics are an everyday topic in the news. In the past it has been easy for some to be ok with whoever wins because we know in four short years we will get another say in things, and what kind of irreversible damage can possibly be done in such a short amount of time? Well, this is no longer the case.
Seeking Wise Council
September 16, 2024 • Pastor Jill Shocklee • Luke 14:26, Psalm 1:1–2, Proverbs 13:20, 2 Chronicles 10—12, Acts 17:10–12
As you seek advice from others, just remember that God’s word should be the ultimate measuring stick. The best advisors will council you directly from the pages of scripture. You will never go wrong when you trust in the words of the One who created them.
