Ruth 1:1-18.
Pastor Bob looks into the great story of Ruth and Naomi, looking at three key characters: Ruth, Naomi, and God.
Joseph: God in the Chaos — Josiah Leuenberger (8 Jun 2014)
Genesis 50:14-21. A look at the story of Joseph and the way God used the tragic and winding events of his life to bless Israel and the nations, fulfilling the promises of the Abrahamic covenant.
Proactive Faith — Bob Whitaker (1 June 2014)
Exodus 2:1-10. Statements like “patiently wait on the Lord” and “we live by faith, not by sight” are good advice, but may lead us to believe that faith is essentially passive. The biblical narrative, however, demonstrates that faith is active, diligent, and obedient. In this message, Pastor Bob helps us consider the theme of proactive faith by looking at the lives of two people – Jochebed and Miriam.
God’s Forgiveness: In Spite of Us, Not Because of Us — Bob Whitaker (25 May 2014)
Genesis 12:1-9. Pastor Bob begins a new sermon series on “Characters of the Bible”. This week, we’ll look at the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, noting not only Abraham’s remarkable faith but also God’s faithfulness to his promises in spite of Abraham.
A Mission Bigger than Life — Bob Whitaker (18 May 2014)
Acts 1:1-11. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus began his ministry with an invitation to be part of the Kingdom of God, to see and live differently. Following his resurrection, the invitation is to join the mission of God to all people. Let’s consider the largeness of God’s mission in the world and how we are part of it in this summary of the Rediscovering God message series.
Christ. Neighbor. Community. — Doug Varella (11 May 2014)
Romans 15:1-13. What is community, and how are we a part of it? Are you even open to community? How have others been part of your community?
Striving to Be Last — John Mangrum (4 May 2014)
Matthew 20:20-34 The mother of James and John tries to call dibs on positions of prestige for her sons, believing Jesus’ reign will be as an earthly king of Israel. Jesus asks if she understands what she is asking–he has just told them that he will suffer and be crucified. To be “first” in Jesus’ kingdom is to lead in humility and service. Is this your mindset? Do you know some of the opportunities to partner with ECC in serving the Bloomington community?
Thomas’ Journey — Dan Waugh (27 Apr 2014)
John 20:24-29. We know Thomas as the doubter, but have you also looked at him as a believer and a worshiper of Jesus? Join us as Pastor Dan helps us take a look at Thomas’ response to encountering the Risen Lord.
Connexion: Community on Mission – John Mangrum (27 April 2014)
John Mangrum steps into the series on True Community helping us think about how we have been shaped by and shaped for our mission as the people of God.
The Promise of Easter — Bob Whitaker (20 Apr 2014, Easter)
Jesus’ death was much more than a resuscitation or a near-death experience. He was dead, but God brought him back to life. Because of this, death is not the last chapter in the book of our lives, but the introduction to the next book–the book of eternal life. Jesus, who leads his people like a good shepherd, has made an end to sin and death for those who will follow him. Will you follow the Good Shepherd?