In Christian circles, “sheep” and “goats” have very specific connotations. You’re expected to want to be a sheep and not a goat, especially after you read Matthew 25:31-46. But what if we identify with another character in this story instead? How might this enhance our understanding of how (and why) we reach out? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on this topic.
The Master’s Investment
Jesus told the “Parable of the Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30) to describe the kingdom of God and to answer the disciples’ question about the sign of Jesus’s return at the end of the age. What does this parable have to do with the risks we are called to take as disciples of Christ? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s message on this passage.
Transformational Worship
Why do you go to church? Why do you worship God? Is it a habit or a ritual? Or is it something that has the potential to transform who you are? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s message on Joshua 24:1-3, 14-28 – a passage in which the people of Israel commit themselves to follow the Lord during a worship service.
Worship is Not a War
A fascinating record of an ancient worship service is recorded in Nehemiah 9:1-8. What can this passage teach us about our worship practices today? And how does this relate to the “worship wars” that so many congregations have fought in recent years? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s message on this passage.
Paradoxical Faith
Do you ever feel like Christians are called to believe strange things? In Matthew 22:34-46, Jesus answers the Pharisees’ challenge with the Greatest Commandments and with a paradox of faith. How does this passage relate to the complexities in which we claim to believe? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s message on our paradoxical faith.
Are We Living What We Believe?
Pastor Jerry Graham, our new associate pastor for youth, spoke this past Sunday morning on the broad topic of what we believe. Click the link below to hear this message about Church of God beliefs, Mt. Haley’s beliefs, and Pastor Jerry’s own personal testimony – through the lens of Philippians 2:1-11.
Come Dressed to the Banquet
Put on your tuxedo or fancy dress! It’s time for a wedding banquet! So goes the parable Jesus tells in Matthew 22:1-14. Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s take on this parable – which has more to do with one’s identity than with one’s clothing or behavior – and to hear his impressions of a few movie characters.
Stewardship of Life
Jesus cleverly evaded the Pharisees’ attempt to trap him in Matthew 22:15-22 by revealing their hypocrisy. What does this have to do with the biblical concept of stewardship and our new church budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s message on this topic.
Production note: About 2 minutes into this recording, Pastor David’s wireless microphone batteries died. The rest of the sermon was recorded from a distance by other microphones in the sanctuary. We apologize for the poor quality!
The Truth About Who’s in Charge
In Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders questioned Jesus about where his authority came from – and he answered with some pretty strong words in Matthew 21:23-32. God would rather have a people who repent and obey him than to have a people who inherit the faith and sit idly by. What does this have to do with us – in practical terms? Click the link below to listen to Pastor David’s message on this topic.
The Truth About God’s Provision
Jesus once compared the Kingdom of God to a landowner who hired workers throughout the day and paid them each a full day’s wages. Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s message on this passage, Matthew 20:1-16, which illustrates God’s justice and great generosity – and calls us to put in our fair share of labor in the vineyard.