By better understanding the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, we can better comprehend the tremendous cost and consequences associated with our sin. This allows us to better understand the tremendous sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and what that means for us as followers of Jesus today!
Whether you grew up going to church, or found Jesus later in life, there are always moments we learn something about our faith that feels upsetting, difficult, and confusing. Scripture is not always immediately clear and there are passages and ideas that feel contradictory. In church we also hear many different voices and opinions from many different leaders – maybe even those who are trying to lead us astray. In short, as a Christian, it can be hard to know who to trust. In the next installment of our Hebrews series, Ministry Coordinator Tara Farrell brings us a message titled “Jesus is the Better Priest” as we explore some difficult questions of faith and exalt Christ as the ultimate and trustworthy priest!
What happens when following Christ doesn’t seem worth it anymore? The author of the Book of Hebrews was writing to a group of people who were thinking of “jumping ship” because of persecution and imprisonment they were facing. Sticking with Jesus was costing them a lot, but the writer makes a case that Jesus is better and has better things for us. We need this exhortation today. No matter what difficulty we face, following Jesus is the only option when we see His Greatness and we understand the rest He wants to give us.
The message of Hebrews is clear: Jesus is better! He’s better than anyone or anything else we can put our faith in! But why was the author of Hebrews inspired to share this message? Why did the church who received it need to hear it? Some members of the church were persevering and holding firmly to their faith and some of them were drifting and falling away from it, but all of them needed this reminder that Jesus is better and an explanation of how he’s better. They needed it so all of them would persevere in their faith even when it was difficult, even when drifting away from it was easier. We need this message for the same reasons. Are you holding firmly to your faith? Are you falling away from it? Over the next six-weeks a variety of preachers will encourage you to persevere by God’s grace because, truly, Jesus is better! This Sunday, Executive Pastor Arik Stewart will share our first message entitled Persevere in Faith from Hebrews 1:1-2:4. If you are unable to join us in person, please visit the 9 a.m. livestream or view the recording here.
Over the past 6 months we have been on a journey through God’s story in the Old Testament. Join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. as all ages unite for a family service to sing, celebrate communion and learn together. During our message time, our approach will be interactive, hearing from one another any new insights gained from our study, what God has revealed about Himself and/or how our lives have been changed through our journey from creation through Israel’s restoration over the past 6 months. Please consider these ideas in advance, come ready to share and anticipate learning from others who share. We look forward to being with you for this fun and collaborative celebration as a church family!
Tree planting, coral rehabilitation, forest rewilding, invasive species eradication and natural ground-water filtration. Restoration is the process of returning something or someone to their original beauty. Join us as this Sunday at 9 a.m. to warmly welcome those who join us for the first time, love one another, sing together and dream about your role in God’s restorative work in our world, our buildings, ourselves and the lives of discouraged people around us.
Sometimes we must discern whether to obey God’s Law or our governing officials and their laws. How do we determine which path to choose and how do we do so faithfully? Join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. to worship God and consider this question embedded in the story of Esther: When should we disobey civil government civilly?
We’re busy. There are so many things we have to do to keep our lives running. They were busy. There were so many things the people of Judah had to do restart their lives and keep them running when they returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. God knew it. He knew they were busy. He knew there were so many things they had to do. But he asked them to prioritize doing the things that would fulfill his redemptive mission and trust him to provide for them. Join us Sunday at 9am as we worship God, consider how he called the people of Judah to participate in his mission, and consider how he is calling each of us to participate.
Have you noticed how tough it has become to live faithfully with God among those who don’t share your God-centered worldview? How can we walk honorably with so many opposing voices and views around us? Join us Sunday at 9am to worship the Lord, and be encouraged and equipped to honor God among those who think and see life differently.
“Sharp Curve Ahead!” “Bacteria in Water!” “Zip Line Damaged!” Warnings are a necessary part of life for our good. Join us Sunday at 9 a.m. as we see the 8th Century B.C. consequence of Jerusalem’s dismissal of God’s warnings and receive training to respond to God’s merciful warnings with gratitude rather than defensiveness.