Sermons from 2022
LOVE
At the end of the day, in the middle of the day, at the beginning of the day, we want to know and feel that we are loved. We have a fear of being unloved. God loves us unconditionally and so he loves us even when we fail, even when others are disappointed in us, and even when we are disappointed in ourselves. God loves us because he is love. Sermon Text: John 3:16 & 1 John 3:1 Preaching Pastor:…
PEACE
Have you ever experienced a stressful time or a stressful season of life? I think it is safe to say that at some point in our lives, we have, or we will experience a stressful time. A time where all we want, all we hope for, is peace. Joseph and Mary knew a thing or two about stressful times too. They were uprooted by the government, they had no place to stay, they were not married, and Mary was pregnant…
JOY
The holiday season is a time of joy, right? For so many, the holiday season is full of stress, anxiety, sadness, and many other feelings. Sin has permeated all of existence. But the good news is that God is good, immeasurably good. The Christmas season is a time when we get to look forward to Christmas Day. Why? Because Christmas day is the day God sent his son into our broken, sinful world for US. Jesus took on OUR pain,…
BELONGING
In Matthew, we learn about the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew wrote this genealogy very intentionally. He included people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and all nations. He wanted people to see that God uses all types of people – he paints an inclusive picture. Jesus included the rejects and outsiders into his family. Everyone comes with their own experiences and struggles. Sometimes our experiences make us feel like we are on the outside, like we are all alone.…
HOPE
We all have hopes. Some of our hopes are wishful thinking. Our kids hope for toys and technology. We hope to make them happy. We are afraid to hope because we have been disappointed so many times before. Hope has to do with trust and confidence. It is the resting of the human heart on God, with full trust that he will care for us and for our salvation and that he will give us the happiness he has promised.…
Faith Prays for Blessing
As it says in James 1:16, every good and perfect gift comes from God. Therefore, God wants us to call on him in prayer. We pray a prayer of thanksgiving in times of blessing, and we call out to God for help in times of trial. James 5 tells us that prayer that flows from faith is powerful and effective. Sermon Text: James 5:13-20 Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler
Thanksgiving Eve Service
For followers of Jesus, Thanksgiving is not just a one-day celebration, it is a way of life. The Scriptures encourage us to give thanks in all circumstances. That is especially important throughout this holiday season. Giving thanks is one way to respond to the stressors that fill this time of the year. As we gather to give thanks this Wednesday evening, we will discuss how we can make gratefulness a daily habit as we prepare for life’s upcoming challenges. Sermon Text: Philippians 4:4-7…
Faith Submits to God
Our selfish desires lead us to quarrel to get our own way. James 4 teaches us to put our faith into action by changing our hearts through submission to God’s Word. When we humble ourselves in such a way, God will lift us up. Sermon Text: James 4:1-10 Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
Faith Speaks Wisely
Our tongue is one of the smallest parts of our bodies, and yet it can cause the most trouble. The first two chapters of James teach us about growth through trials, putting knowledge into action, and letting go of worldly biases. James 3 adds another level to understanding Christian maturity as it teaches us the importance of speaking wisely with our words. Our words ought to flow from faith. Out of the same mouth should not come praising and cursing.…
Faith does Good Works
We believe that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ apart from works. But true faith in Jesus will lead to good works. Our faith in not just some intellectual knowledge of God but the action of living it out. James 2 teaches us that it is the work of the Holy Spirit leading us to know that we are loved so that we can love. Sermon Text: James 2:14-26 Preacher: Pastor Bill Limmer
Faith has no Favorites
It is common to categorize people based on their finances or influence. We might evaluate what such people can do for us. James 2 teaches us to put our faith in to action and love others without showing favoritism. All people were made by God and Jesus died for them all, therefore we ought not play favorites. Sermon Text: James 2:1-13 Preacher: Pastor Ben Sadler