Dan explains what it means to say the Jesus is our Great High Priest and explores this theme in the book of Hebrews. Understanding Jesus’ ministry as our High Priest gives us confidence in prayer, strength to persevere, and a powerful weapon to fight against guilt and shame.
Great David’s Greater Son — Dan Waugh (1 Dec 2013)
A look at hope in Jesus on this first Sunday of Advent.
Gratitude and Salvation Are Inseparable — Bob Whitaker (24 Nov 2013)
Luke 17:11-19 When 10 men who were afflicted with leprosy called out to Jesus, he was gracious enough to heal all of them. However, only one came back to Jesus in order to give thanks – the man was a Samaritan. In most areas of life, a sense of entitlement is unbecoming, but as it relates to faith it is deadly. Is it even possible for ingratitude or a sense of entitlement to coexist with salvation? It is certainly something worth thinking about. Today we remember the importance of thanksgiving for all God’s good gifts, especially the gift of salvation.
First Things First — Bob Whitaker (17 Nov 2013)
A look at Jesus’ teaching on treasure through four questions: Where is your heart? Who owns your soul? How is your faith? What are your priorities?
Forgiveness: The Divine Absurdity — Bob Whitaker (10 Nov 2013)
Matthew 18:21-35 The topic of forgiveness is a difficult one. An improper understanding of forgiveness can be damaging. Sometimes the notion of forgiveness can be used as a tool for abusive relationships. When Jesus spoke about forgiveness he was not suggesting that the abused should go back to the abuser and suffer in silence. However, Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness was radical and revolutionary. So what did he mean when he told his disciples to forgive? Why should I forgive? What does it mean to forgive? What are the consequences of forgiveness?
Connexion: I Pity the Fool – Josiah “Boomer” Leuenberger (10 Nov 2013)
Where does our sense of security and fulfillment come from? Is it our financial/material situation? If so, we need to hear Jesus’ parable of the rich fool! Josiah leads us to contemplate Jesus’ teaching to those who love money.
Life at the Back of the Line — Bob Whitaker (3 Nov 2013)
In Mark 9:33-41, Jesus interrupted a dispute between the disciples. They were so embarrassed by their own dispute that they did not want to respond to Jesus when he asked why they were arguing. No wonder they didn’t want to answer–they were disputing about which one of them was the greatest. Is this a dispute between children or adult Christ-followers? Well, actually it is both, something that if we are honest we have seen or been involved in many times. As usual, Jesus “turns the tables” on them by redefining greatness. If you want to be great you need to get to the back of the line – humility is a prerequisite for greatness and leadership in the Kingdom of God. How does your resume look?
Connexion: Hoosier Neighbor – Bob Whitaker (3 Nov 2013)
What’s the main take away for us from the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan? Pastor Bob explores this parable and addresses a popular misunderstanding of the passage, as well as helps us think through what it means for us in our Monday through Saturday lives.
Living Missions: Come Sail the Blue Ocean — Dr. Liam Atchison (27 Oct 2013)
Our guest speaker this Sunday was Liam Atchison from Global Scholars, an organization that places Christian professors in universities around the world. His message challenged us to think outside the box as it relates to foreign missions. His message, “Living Missions: Come Sail the Blue Ocean,” focuses on Acts 19:8-10. In this passage we see Paul presenting the Gospel at Ephesus, but in doing so he took the path less traveled and it made all the difference. Yet, this was not the first time Paul had an apparently risky strategy. Could this have implications for how we spread the Good News today?
Lord Even of the Sabbath — John Mangrum (20 Oct 2013)
A look at the authority of Jesus, from Mark 2:23-3:6.