Sermons by Dean Wertz (Page 8)

Metanoia: What Happens When We Get this Word Right? | Acts 2:32-41

Join us on Sunday as we continue to learn how the Greek work “metanoia” (translated in the English Bible as “repentance”) means so much more than making a change and feeling bad about how we have been living. This cardinal word in the gospel announcement from John the Baptist, Jesus and the apostles is forward looking and filled with hope! In this message we will learn what happens when the people of God come to grasp the true meaning of “metanoia.”

Metanoia: What Happens When We Get this Word Wrong? | Matthew 4:17

When Bible translators come across ancient words, like “and” or “hand,” they are easy to translate. Other Greek words, like metanoia, are so filled with meaning that they are difficult to embody with a single English word. Join us on Sunday as we consider a reality that was alluded to in a message a few weeks back. What if this word (translated as “repentance”) means so much more than making a change and feeling bad about how we have been living? And what happens when we get this paramount word in Jesus’ gospel announcement wrong?

Proclaiming The Kingdom of God | Matthew 4:12-17

When Jesus came to earth, he proclaimed, prayed about and demonstrated that there is another reality which he called the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven. His central message about the kingdom is that children, women, and men can experience the presence and power of God in everyday life through faith in himself, the kingdom’s King. Join us on Sunday at 9 a.m. to discover and experience more of the presence and power of God in all of life.

Loving Your Neighbor | Luke 4:16-22

Do you have a longing to someday, somehow do something outside the status quo to make a difference for others who are not yet a part of God’s family? If so, join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. to discover Christ’s passion to bring hope to the hopeless, to identify possible barriers keeping you from doing so, and to reflect on the gifts and resources He has given to you for the good of others and the glory of God.

Loving God | Matthew 22:34-40

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God and the second is to love our neighbors. A few days later he gave a third new commandment to love one another. Do you ever feel unworthy of God’s love? Do you ever wish you could love God more consistently? Do you have any frustrating relationships with others who are in the family of God? Do you want to be a more positive influence for Christ with your co-workers, classmates and neighbors? If so, join us each Sunday in March at 9 a.m. as we begin this Sunday by exploring the unconditional love of God and practical ways to express our love for him followed (in future Sundays) by Jesus’ guidance regarding loving others.

God’s Presence | Exodus 33:12-23

This month our group discussions, kids’ curriculum and Sunday messages will focus on our 3 core values: God’s Presence, God’s Guidance & God’s Peace. We begin this Sunday 2/6 by observing how Moses discovered that God’s presence is God’s greatest gift to God’s children. In God’s presence, we are most like who we were created to be, most empowered to carry out God’s plans for our lives, and most capable of bringing glory to Him! In this message, we consider how to avail ourselves of God’s presence personally and corporately.

Abiders Glorify the Father | John 15:1-11

The Westminster Confession is a document of the church from 1646 that states so much of what we believe in.  The opening statement in the Westminster Confession says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This is God’s vision for your life as revealed throughout the Bible. So what does it mean to glorify God, how can we glorify God, and how is glorifying God forever united with joy? Join us Sunday to discover Jesus’ answers to these crucial questions!