Sermons by Dean Wertz (Page 4)

Grace and Peace to You | 1 Peter 1:1-2

What does faithfulness in this 2024 election year look like amid our diverse, divided and chaotic world? What should you say or not say when others declare ideas that are opposed to God’s ways revealed in the Bible? How should you love your neighbor, co-worker or classmate when they are openly hostile toward Christ? A first-century-bold proclaimer faced similar tensions in his generation. So, Jesus trained Peter to be strong amidst opposition with a Christ-like presence. Join us this Sunday January 7 to worship God as we begin our new study, “Gentleness – a beautiful way in a chaotic world” through Peter’s first letter!

Jesus’ Gifts to Us: God’s Leadership | Isaiah 9:6-7

 In 700 B.C. it was announced, “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” If Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy, where is the increase of His influence? Where is unending peace? Join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. to sing, pray, light Advent candles and consider what the promised gift of Christ’s governance looked like in the 1st century, what it looks like today and what it will look like in the days to come.

Jesus’ Gifts to Us: God’s Presence | Mathew 1:18-25

Description: C. S. Lewis wrote, “We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him.” Yet the fast pace of December can easily crowd out our experience of God’s presence. May this year be different! Join us at 9 a.m. each Sunday this month as we greet one another, sing praise, light candles, pray, rest in silence, come to the table and ponder a few of the gifts that Jesus brings to us. This Sunday, the 1st Sunday of Advent, Lead Pastor Dean Wertz will facilitate the ministry of God’s Word as we marvel at the exceedingly undeserved gift of God’s presence!

The Relevance of the Crucifixion | Isaiah 53:2-12

The identifying symbol for Christ and His followers is the cross. A vertical and a horizontal beam. Engraved in marble, forged from gold, embossed in leather, carved from wood and suspended before worshipers. Like the silhouette of an electric chair, a hangman’s noose or a guillotine, the Roman cross is an emblem of suffering and shame. Who was responsible for the death of Jesus? Why did He die on a cross? What relevance does His crucifixion have for us today? Join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. as we discover the answers to these questions from an inspired source provided 700 years in advance of the crucifixion of Jesus.

The Relevance of the Miracles | Mark 2:1-12

Does God do miracles today? Why does He seem to give them at times and not at others? While on earth Jesus was often moved with compassion, yet the primary reason for His miracles was greater than compassion. Though worthy of fame, the primary reason for Jesus’ miracles was greater than growing a crowd. Though faithful to answer prayer, the primary reason for Jesus’ miracles was greater than growing humanity’s confidence to ask bold prayers. Join us this Sunday at 9 AM to worship God in song, pray, come to the communion table and receive guidance about miracles by discovering Jesus’ primary motivation for miracles, to the glory of God.

The Beginning | John 1:1-14

December 25 is a day off work for many, a day for exchanging gifts for some and a day to worship for followers of Jesus. December 26 and the days that follow are typically a return to normalcy as a New Year begins. What if the birth of Jesus through the Virgin Mary is more world-altering than one brief day on the calendar? Join us this Sunday and invite a friend to come with you to discover the reason why the birth of Christ is the greatest cause for joy to the world! Our message this week (from Lead Pastor Dean Wertz) is titled The Relevance of Christ: The Beginning and is based on John 1:1-14.

What’s Wrong with “Christianity” | John 14:1-14

This is the start of a new series that will walk through the NT and discuss the entire story of Jesus from beginning to end with one question in mind, “So what?”. Why does this matter? How is this still relevant for people today? It’s a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors who are maybe still on the fence about Jesus or who have started to question the validity of going to church – so be praying about people to invite! Very excited for how these discussions will encourage and build up our entire community.