How (not) to choose a leader

Posted on by April 5, 2022

We’ve reached 1 Samuel in our sermon series on the books of the Bible. If you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate this pivotal moment in ancient history. As 1 Samuel begins, Israel was at a low point spiritually. The priesthood was corrupt, the ark of the covenant was not at the tabernacle, idolatry was practiced, and local rulers, the judges, were dishonest. The nation longed for a king to lead them—a desire they developed through watching the surrounding nations—so that they could protect themselves. Here’s a fascinating account of how a people transitioned from tribalism to monarchy—with intriguing insights into power we can learn from today.

Learn more on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. during our worship service.

What happens when you have faith in yourself?

Posted on by March 21, 2022

On Sunday, March 27, Associate Pastor Carolyn Hansen will preach on “Judges: What Happens When You Have Faith in Yourself.” Many people commend trusting our own judgment. Believing in ourselves. Going with our gut. The book of Judges tells us, in detail, how doing that worked out for the Israelites after they entered and took control of the Promised Land. Several times in the book, we read, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” The King James Version says, “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” It didn’t go well. And the stories are more lurid than a true crime TV show.

God Keeps His Promises

Posted on by March 15, 2022

The next book in our sermon series is Joshua. The Hebrew people had escaped from slavery in Egypt, wandered for 40 years in the desert, and we’re now ready to receive the land that God had promised. Standing on the western bank of the Jordan River, God instructed them to possess the land. All they had to do was cross a river at flood stage, defeat all the inhabitants of the land, and then walk in obedience to the Lord.  No problem, right? Join us on Sunday, March 20, at 9:30 a.m. for the rest of the story!

Deuteronomy: A Love Letter

Posted on by March 8, 2022

We’re continuing our series on the books of the Bible. This week the book is Deuteronomy. You may be surprised to hear that Deuteronomy is a love letter. It’s a restatement of the covenant, yes. But the love relationship of the Lord to his people, and that of the people to the Lord as their sovereign God, is seen throughout whole book of Deuteronomy.

God’s got your number

Posted on by March 1, 2022

The book of Numbers in the Bible got its name because a census was taken, at least partly to see how many soldiers might be available to protect against enemies. God promised to provide safety and resources; the Hebrews were to obey and be faithful. This looks like a perfect contract. We’ll see how this worked out in Dr. Wayne Cook’s sermon on Sunday, March 6, at 9:30 a.m. Please join us!

Delivery

Posted on by February 15, 2022
shaped for service

The second sermon in our Bible Book series is Exodus. The book begins some 400 years earlier with Joseph, a great man of God who led his family to Egypt.  But after all those years there was a pharaoh who did not know Joseph, and the descendents were now enslaved. Often when looking at Exodus we focus on Moses, but the great Deliverer of Exodus is God.