The Living Stone, the Living Word, the Great High Priest

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The Living Stone, the Living Word, the Great High Priest

4th Sunday of Advent

December 22, 2024 • Brock Tharpe • Acts 19:35–40, 1 Peter 2:1–7, Hebrews 4:14–16

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As we round out the season of Advent, Brock turns our attention to three lesser-known names for Jesus. First, we encounter Jesus as the 'Living Stone.’ Imagery from 1 Peter 2 reminds us that our faith is built on a living, dynamic foundation - not a cold, lifeless idol. Next, we're introduced to Jesus as the 'Living Word,' drawing parallels between the Bible as our 'letter from home' and Jesus as the embodiment of God's message to us. This perspective encourages us to seek nourishment and strength in both Scripture and in Christ's presence. Finally, we're shown Jesus as our 'Great High Priest,' using the analogy of free postage for soldiers' letters home. This powerful metaphor, rooted in Hebrews 4, illustrates how Christ's sacrifice has opened direct communication between us and God. As we reflect on these names, we're challenged to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus, moving beyond talking about God to actually talking with Him.

The Resurrection and the Life

December 15, 2024 • Colby Dorcely • John 11:25–27, Ecclesiastes 9:1–6, 1 Corinthians 15:52–55, Ephesians 2:1–5

In John 11:25-27 Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." This radical statement, made in the context of Lazarus' death, reveals Jesus' ultimate power over death itself. In this Advent message, Colby leads us on a deep exploration of this text and what it means to us— reminding us that while we believe in a future resurrection, we remain deeply vulnerable to the pain and mystery of death. However, Jesus offers us more than just hope for the future— He gives us eternal life now. As believers, we're already spiritually resurrected, living a new life in Christ. This truth should transform how we live, encouraging us to embrace our identity as God's children and live righteously. The message challenges us to confront our fears about death and find comfort in the promise of eternal life, urging us to live as resurrected people in the present.

Christ is Lord

December 8, 2024 • Cody Zimmerman • 2 Samuel 7:12–14, Isaiah 9:6–7, Matthew 16:13–23, Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 61:1–2

In this powerful exploration of Jesus as the Christ, we delve into the profound meaning behind this title. The sermon takes us on a journey through Scripture, from Peter's bold declaration in Matthew 16 to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. We're challenged to consider: what does it truly mean to proclaim Jesus as the Christ? It's not just a name, but a declaration of His identity as the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One, and the eternal King. This message invites us to move beyond intellectual understanding to a heart-level encounter with Jesus. Just as Peter's faith evolved, we too are called to grow in our understanding and surrender to Christ. The sermon reminds us that believing Jesus is the Christ isn't a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of discovery and deepening faith.

Jesus is Lord

December 1, 2024 • Brock Tharpe • Acts 4:5–12, Luke 2:1–14

The iconic account of Jesus' birth in Luke 2 opens with the words, "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered." It is not by accident that from the very beginning of the Gospel story, Luke sets up Jesus and Caesar as polar opposites as one another in his gospel. In those days, Caesar Augustus was referred to as the "son of god" throughout the entire Roman empire in reference to his father, Julius Caesar. Also, Augustus was worshipped as the king who had brought peace and prosperity to the entire world. The subversive truth about Jesus is that we all are left with a choice: is Jesus Lord, or is Caesar? Is Jesus the Son of God, or is Caesar? In this first message of the advent season, Brock reminds us of the Lordship of Jesus, and that there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. Listen to our Advent Theme for this season, "No Name" by Red Rocks Worship, https://youtu.be/51ps3accgam?si=9wnijninahpgdzpd