Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Acts 11:19-30, as we remember and celebrate the Global Church.

God moves powerfully through His church in three specific ways: when the Gospel is preached without boundaries, when spiritual gifts are exercised, and when love is practiced genuinely. In Acts 11:19-30, we see this demonstrated as the early church expanded beyond Jerusalem to Antioch, where the Gospel first reached Gentiles. The church flourished as believers like Barnabas and Paul used their gifts to strengthen the new community. This growth culminated in practical love as the Antioch believers sent relief to fellow Christians in Judea during a famine. Today, we're called to participate in God's kingdom work by sharing the Gospel, using our unique gifts, and demonstrating authentic love both locally and globally.

Rev. Scott York preaches on Romans 12:9-21 in our final sermon in the "Roles of Influence" sermon series.

Romans 12:9-21 provides a blueprint for authentic Christian living in our communities. Paul emphasizes three key principles: loving genuinely without hypocrisy, abhorring evil regardless of who commits it, and seeking peace with everyone as far as it depends on us. This passage challenges the common 'Sunday Christian' mentality, calling believers to consistent faith expression throughout the week. Our community role gives us our widest sphere of influence, making it crucial that we demonstrate Christ-like love and forgiveness. The motivation for this challenging lifestyle comes from the Gospel itself—we love others sacrificially because Christ first loved us sacrificially.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Deuteronomy 6:1-9 as part of our Roles of Influence sermon series.

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 reveals that parents are the primary spiritual mentors for their children, with far more influence than any church program. Parents can only pass on the faith they genuinely possess, and this mentoring happens naturally through everyday life moments rather than formal instruction. The passage encourages adults to expand their spiritual family by including children who lack faith guidance, allowing them to witness authentic Christian living. In today's challenging parenting environment, finding a supportive community of like-minded parents is essential for raising balanced followers of Jesus Christ.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Marriage as part of the "Roles of Influence" sermon series, using Scripture from Genesis 2:18-25.

Marriage was designed by God with specific purposes: to provide a stable foundation for family, to foster human flourishing through deep companionship, and to illustrate Christ's love for His people. Despite these beautiful intentions, marriage faces challenges due to sin's impact and the myth of perfect compatibility. However, when approached with commitment and selflessness, marriage helps us see ourselves more clearly, teaches us to love our neighbors better, and offers hope to a cynical world. Through healthy marriages that reflect Christ-like love, we can demonstrate God's design in a broken world.

Rev. James Harper preaches on "Work" in our sermon series, "Roles of Influence," with scripture from Genesis 2:4-17.

Work is not merely a means to earn a living but a divine calling that reflects God's character. From the beginning, work was part of human purpose and dignity, not a punishment. All forms of work carry inherent dignity, whether paid or unpaid. However, work has limitations and cannot satisfy our deepest needs for meaning and identity. We can honor God through our work by contributing to human flourishing, pursuing excellence, and loving our colleagues. By reframing our understanding of work, we participate in God's kingdom and point others to the true source of meaning.

Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Habakkuk 3:1-19 as the last sermon in our sermon series on Faith in Difficult Times.

In the final chapter of Habakkuk, we witness a profound spiritual transformation as the prophet faces devastating circumstances yet chooses joy in God. Despite impending invasion and suffering, Habakkuk moves from questioning to trust, from complaint to praise. His response teaches us three essential practices for finding joy amid suffering: remembering God's past faithfulness, holding onto future promises, and drawing near to God in the present. Like Horatio Spafford who wrote 'It Is Well With My Soul' after losing his four daughters at sea, we too can find this place of trust and joy even when external circumstances offer no comfort.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Habakkuk 2:5-18 in our sermon series, "Faith in Difficult Times."

In Habakkuk 2:5-20, we discover powerful consolation for times when life seems unfair. God reveals that evil never has the final word, as demonstrated by Babylon's eventual fall after conquering Jerusalem. Even when our world feels chaotic, God remains sovereign on His throne, working through our suffering for greater purposes. Most importantly, through Jesus Christ, God offers to exchange our shame for His glory, covering us completely as waters cover the sea. These timeless truths provide comfort and perspective when we face personal injustices or witness global tragedies.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Habakkuk 2:1-4 in our sermon series, "Faith in Difficult Times."

Finding peace while waiting on God requires patience, perspective, and obedience, as demonstrated in the book of Habakkuk. Patience means staying present with God through difficult circumstances, embracing humility and committing to spiritual growth. Perspective involves stepping back to see God's character, providence, and promises beyond immediate problems. Obedience calls us to remain faithful to God's ways even when they don't seem to be working. Interestingly, waiting also connects to serving others, creating a community where those in waiting seasons can receive support while they develop these essential qualities.