Friends, we come to the First Sunday of Advent—the liturgical new year. I've said this before, but Advent is a time to get back to basics. Can I suggest we start with that familiar Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”? Until we get into the spiritual space opened up by that hymn, we are not understanding Advent—and more to it, we are not understanding Chr ... Show More
Yesterday
The Dwelling Place of God
Friends, on this Fifth Sunday of Easter, there’s a somewhat hidden theme that runs like a golden thread through the readings, and that theme is the temple. To understand the New Testament texts, we have to see the importance of the Jerusalem temple for ancient Israelites. It was ... Show More
14m 56s
Apr 22
Cut to the Heart
Friends, all during the Easter season, we read from the Acts of the Apostles, and this Sunday, we hear part of Peter’s oration on Pentecost morning. His bold proclamation is, in a way, the mother of all sermons; it is the essence of authentic Christian preaching. Peter, filled wi ... Show More
14m 51s
Mar 2023
The Leading of the Holy Spirit
<p dir="ltr">As believers, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit as a Helper, Teacher, Friend, and seal for the promised inheritance of eternal life with God. His presence, guidance, and wisdom in our lives are our greatest gifts while here on earth. Through him we have access to dire ... Show More
11m 46s
Apr 2023
Your Father Gives Good Gifts
<p dir="ltr">This week we’ll start a new series, making space to simply stir up our affections for God every day.</p> <p dir="ltr">Today, we’re going to look at the reality that our God loves to give us good gifts. May God empower us to live with open hands and an open heart, rea ... Show More
8m 43s