Messages by Peter Churness

Peter's Final Message to One Hope

Top 10 Memories from the Last 13 Years

In this final sermon by Peter he shared 10 of his top memories from the last 13 years and why he is so grateful for One Hope Church.

The Power of the Team

Series: The Life of David

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 21:10-22:2; 2 Samuel 23:13-17

You have heard of Robin Hood and his merry men?  Well in this message Peter gave his final message at Ocean5 on David and his mighty men. And he also shared about what's next for him and Sandy and also the great plans that are in place for One Hope in the coming months.

The Power of Friendship

Series: The Life of David

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-4;19:1-6;20:16-17,41-42

As an off the chart introvert, I would like to tell you that we don't really need people and that friendships are optional.  Years ago I learned the hard way that this is simply not true.  But why is it not true?  Sunday we will be looking at the greatest friendship in the Bible but also at the theological reason friendships are so critical!

The Power of Substitution

Series: The Life of David

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 17:32-51

What is the main lesson from the story of David and Goliath?  The bigger they are the harder they fall?  If you have the faith of David you can face the giants in the your life?  Those may be true things, but they are not the main point of the story.  What is the main lesson?  Find out Sunday at One Hope Church!

The Training of a King

Series: The Life of David

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, David is anointed by the Prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel.  But then David goes back to tending his flocks for months (maybe years).  And then when he does become Israel's hero, he is on the run for over a decade before he actually becomes the true king of the land.  Why the delay?  Find out this Sunday as we continue our Life of David series!

Before David

Series: The Life of David

Scripture Text: Acts 13:16-39

He's a warrior, a hero, a great statesman and prolific songwriter.  Who am I talking about?  No, not your pastor.  But good guess.  We're talking about King David, and on Sunday we start a new series called "The Life of David" as we look at one of the three most important figures in the Old Testament and the one who most profoundly prefigures the Person of Jesus the Christ!

The End of the Beginning

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 19:1-12

In this message Peter wraps up both our Acts series and our year-long through the Bible trilogy!

Women, Slaves and Gentiles

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 16:1-31

Think of all the beautiful cathedrals in Europe and the rich history of Christianity on the European continent.  On Sunday we read of how it all began.  Acts 16 records the very first church plant in Europe!  And it all happened because God said "no".

The First Council Meeting

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 15:1-11

What would the church be without council meetings?!  Turns out even the early church had them.  Join us this Sunday as we look at Acts 15 and ask two important questions and land on two important principles that flow out of this first great council of the church.

The First Missionaries

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 13:1-14

This Sunday... a detailed report on Peter & Sandy's First Non-Missionary journey this summer!  And maybe we'll say a few things about Paul's First Missionary Journey too...

Profile Help, Guidelines and Direction for Call Team

Call Process Update

In this sermon given at our church picnic, Pastor Peter shares a report on a document the Elders have passed on to the Call Team, providing with definitions in "who we are" as a church, what makes us unique, and what are some guidelines to follow in this search for a new lead pastor for One Hope Church.

Philip: Five Keys to Evangelism

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 8:26-40

Stephen was one of the first seven deacons, but so was a man named Philip.  Toward the end of his life he began to be called Philip the Evangelist and Acts chapter 8 shows us why.  Join us Sunday as we look at Philip's story and from that story discern five keys to evangelism.

Stephen: First of Many

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 6:1-15

Many thousands of Christians have been killed for confessing Jesus over the last 2000 years.  Stephen was the first.  But he was more than just the first martyr.  Join us Sunday as we explore the life, teaching and character of one of the brightest lights of the early church.

Peter: Profiles in Courage

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 4:1-13

One of the most famous figures in history is the Apostle Peter. But if it were not for meeting Jesus he would have died as a complete unknown in a backwater province of the Roman Empire. What was it that Jesus saw in this uneducated fisherman and how did God use him in the book of Acts? This Sunday we will trace Peter's career through the gospels and the book of Acts as we seek to learn some key lessons for our lives by looking at this wonderfully flawed Jesus follower.

The Life Together

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42-47

Part of our search for a new pastor involves putting together a congregational profile of our congregation for a potential candidate to take into consideration before applying.  What if the early church of the Book of Acts were looking for a new pastor.  What would their congregational profile be?  Find out Sunday as we dive into two striking summaries of that very first church in Jerusalem.

How It All Started

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 2:1-21

What does a tower, an overworked prophet, an exile's eccentric vision and twelve not-so-angry young men all have in common?  They all help us to understand the Pentecost event.  Join us this Pentecost Sunday for week two of our Book of Acts summer series as we look at Acts chapter two!

Marching Orders

Series: Book of Acts

Scripture Text: Acts 1:1-8

Pastor Peter this last week announced the process of moving on, but Jesus has not, and never will.  And the Holy Spirit is just getting started with One Hope Church.  God has amazing things in store for this church family.  Peter has been talking about passing the baton.  But the baton is not just being passed to a new pastor but to YOU.  You are the church and this summer we will be exploring the book of Acts as we recalibrate our mission with God's mission and get ready for the "next shepherd" for our flock who will lead us in the next chapter of the adventure of following the "Chief ...

Passing the Baton

In this video Pastor Peter shares with the congregation about his decision to begin the process of passing the baton to a new lead pastor for One Hope Church. He also does a five minute teaching and ends by answering a few questions people have had.

How Can I Believe Someone Rose From the Dead?

Defending the Faith

Series: Apologetics: Defending the Faith

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-20

Looking at the topic of the Resurrection Sunday, but of course the real question on EVERYONE'S mind right now is WHAT kind of Star Wars meme will Pastor Peter come up with to celebrate "May the Fourth Be You" Sunday. Also, we happen to have a famous rock star helping with the message!

Christus Victor!

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: John 20:1-18

If you were to receive a letter in the mail saying that you have a long lost relative who has left you with a million dollars... you would be skeptical. Is this a scam? But that's a lot of money. So you would absolutely vet it. Why not do that with the resurrection of Jesus. On Easter Sunday we looked at the evidence for the Resurrection but also it's meaning and implications.

The Day Before Palm Sunday

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: John 12:1-12

This Sunday is Palm Sunday.  In our sermon for Sunday we'll look at the significance of that special day.  But we will also focus on what happened the day before and the night before.  For Jesus, what happened then was perhaps even more meaningful than the crowds and the palms and the shouts of Hosanna.

Showdown

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: John 9:1-41

It's six months before Jesus goes to the cross.  He is at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.  He has just said two startling things.  Now in our text for Sunday he brings it all together in a way that changes one man's life forever and sets the stage for a dramatic showdown with the religious powers of the day.  What is the text?  Find out in this message!

Secret Weapon

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: Mark 11:12-25

Jesus said some rather radical things about prayer and faith.  If I'm honest, what he said does not often line up with my personal experience.  In this message we will wrestle with that reality for many of us as we discover ten lessons about prayer and faith that the Enemy does not want us to learn.

The Radical Center

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: Matthew 13:24-43

Some Christians would like to see the church engaged to change the world through the politics of the right.  Other Christians want the church to spur on change in our world by embracing the politics of the left.  Jesus had a different plan.  It's called the Kingdom and it follows different rules.  Find out in this message.

When and Why Jesus Showed Tough Love

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: Matthew 16:13-25

Was Jesus bi-polar?  It sure seems like it sometimes.  One moment he's saying the most comforting thing, the next minute he says something really tough. But no, he wasn't bi-polar.  There's a different reason.  Find out in this message what it is.

The Greatest Sermon

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: Matthew 7:13-29

Matthew 7:13-27 is the ending to the greatest sermon ever preached.  But it's also a very challenging text.  Join us Sunday as we wrestle with the text and discover the masterful way Jesus ties the whole Sermon on the Mount together!

The Greatest Parable

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:1-12

Arguably the greatest parable Jesus ever told was what we call the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  Many have noted that it's equally about the older brother too.  But most significantly it was a story that would have outraged its hearers.  

Who Gets the Kingdom?

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: Matthew 5:1-12

The Sermon on the Mount.  It was the greatest sermon ever preached.  What were the main points of the Sermon and what is its message for us today?  Find out in this message.

The King Builds an Army

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: John 1:35-42

Jesus came not just preaching the Kingdom but doing the works of the Kingdom.  He healed the sick and cast out demons.  And then he gave that same authority to his disciples.  Question:  Do we still have that authority?  If so, how and when should we be praying for healing and how do we safeguard ourselves from falling into unhealthy extremes?  Those are the questions we will tackle in this message as we look at nine Biblical clues about healing for the church today.

The King Declares War

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: Matthew 4:12-25

Jesus began his public ministry preaching the Kingdom and healing every sickness and casting out demons.  Far from "gentle Jesus meek and mild", Jesus came on the scene making a declaration of war!  In this message we begin to look at the nature of that war and what our part is in it. 

The Coming of the Dawn

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book Two - Cure

Scripture Text: Matthew 2:1-12

Who were the three kings who brought gifts to the baby Jesus in the stable?  Well, first off there weren't three of them and they weren't kings.  And Jesus wasn't a baby and there was no stable.  Find out who they really were and what really happened in this message as we celebrate Epiphany!

The Silent Years

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: Isaiah 40:1-8

400 years go by between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. We call these years the "silent years" because no prophets arose during this time nor were any inspired Scriptures written during this time.  However, God was not really silent.  He was working "under the hood" to get things ready for Jesus.  In this message we explore what happened during these forgotten years.

There and Back Again

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 29:1-14

You've heard the phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder"?  In the message we'll see the significance of that phrase as it relates to the closing chapters of the Old Testament drama and how it all sets the stage for Book Two of the Trilogy!

Four Good Kings

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: 2 Chronicles 20:5-15

Four Kings beats a Full House!  Pretty good poker hand in this message as we look at the lives of FOUR GOOD KINGS of the southern Kingdom of Judah and what we can learn from their stories.

The Widow and the General

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 8:4-22

The most powerful king followed by civil war and the emergence of two kingdoms.  That happens and then it just gets confusing.  In this message we make sense of the period of the kings of Israel and Judah and discover an Advent season romance embedded right in the heart of ancient Israel's story.

Absalom the Usurper

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 18:19-33

In this message we begin the season of Advent.  We will light the Prophecy Candle in expectation and hope of the coming of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David.  And we will also look at the tragic life of another "son of David" (Absalom) and how David's "father-fail" set the stage for a Descendant of his to accomplish what David could not bring himself to do.

Seven Lessons from the Life of David

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-23

King David sinned just as miserably as King Saul. Yet he was called a man after God's heart. What was it that made David different?  In this message we explore that question and discover seven lessons from the life of David.

The Tragedy of King Saul

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 15:10-23

Do you ever feel insecure or have issues of fearing what others think and allowing those fears to impact your decisions and behavior?  King Saul did.  In this message we will be doing a study in brokenness - King Saul's and ours.

The Life Between

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: Numbers 13:26-14:9

God dramatically rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and into a destiny for them in the Land of Promise that he is taking them to. But before getting to that land of promise the Israelites experience 40 years of wilderness wandering. In this message we do an overview of that "wilderness wandering" period for God's people and see what we can learn about our own wilderness seasons in our lives.

The Great Rescue

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: Exodus 3:1-14

Everything in the Old Testament are like shadows for which Jesus and the Gospel is the real object casting the shadow. Two of the greatest shadows in the Old Testament are the Passover and the Red Sea Crossing. In this message we explore those two shadows and what we learn about the gospel from them. NOTE: The first half of the sermon did not record the audio so this video is only of the second half of the message.

The First Believer

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: Genesis 11:27-12:8

The three great monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - each regard him as the father of their faith. But he grew up worshiping  the moon goddess Nana in present day Iraq. His name is Abraham and in this message we will explore where his faith in the One True God came from and what it was that made Abraham one of those most significant figures in all of human history.

The Flood and the Tower

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: Genesis 6:9-22

In this message we continue our "through the Bible" series with a look at the next two key events in the early chapters of Genesis:  The Flood and the Tower of Babel.  Why did they happen and what function did they play in God's plan of redemption?  Find out in this message.

The World Before the Flood

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: Genesis 4:1-16

Cain killed Abel and then was banished to the east.  Then he found a wife, had a kid and built a city.  So... if Cain is the firstborn of Adam and Eve, where did all the people come from?  Find out one possible answer to that question, along with three core lessons from the Cain and Abel story in this message.

Broken Beautiful World

Through the Bible Series

Series: Trilogy - Book One - Diagnosis

Scripture Text: Genesis 3:1-15

If the stories of the Bible were a trilogy of books, book one would be the Old Testament, book two would be the gospels and book three would be the history of the early church in the book of Acts.  Or maybe we could give them the three titles of "Diagnosis", "Cure" and "Treatment".  In this message we begin a 12 month journey through the Scriptures and see the thread that ties it all together.

Peter's Meltdown of Regret

Four Things to Do With Our Regrets

Series: Epic Meltdowns of the Bible

Scripture Text: Matthew 26:69-75

What did Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Sir Isaac Newton all have in common?  They were individuals who all left a positive mark on history, but who suffered with severe bouts of depression.  Another such individual was the Prophet Elijah.  In this message we look at what contributed to Elijah's meltdown of depression and the three things God did to help him out of it.

Elijah's Meltdown of Depression

Series: Epic Meltdowns of the Bible

Scripture Text: 1 Kings 19:1-18

What did Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Sir Isaac Newton all have in common?  They were individuals who all left a positive mark on history, but who suffered with severe bouts of depression.  Another such individual was the Prophet Elijah.  In this message we look at what contributed to Elijah's meltdown of depression and the three things God did to help him out of it.

Word Studies - Teshuvah

Series: Words Matter

This Sunday we wrap up our four week series called "Words Matter".  Each week we've been doing a word study on a significant Hebrew word in the Old Testament.  Our final word?  Teshuvah!  Often it is translated 'repentance'.  But that's a bit misleading.  Find out in this message.

Word Studies - Ruach

Series: Words Matter

Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:3-14

What is the doctrine of the Trinity and how did the church come to believe it?  And what does that question have to do with our Word Studies series we're in?  Found out in this message.

Word Studies - EMUNAH

Faith in Action

Series: Words Matter

Scripture Text: Lamentations 3:1-24

EMUNAH is the Hebrew word for faith.  But it doesn't exactly mean the same thing as the Greek word for faith.  And the difference is kind of a big deal.  Find out what that difference is Sunday as we continue our Word Studies sermon series.

Word Studies - HESED

The Unfailing Love of God

Series: Words Matter

Scripture Text: Exodus 34:1-10

Sunday we looked at the meaning of HESED, the first of our four important Hebrew words in our Word Studies sermon series.

Jesus Is TOUGH

What Made Jesus Angry?

Series: Jesus Is _____

Scripture Text: Luke 9:20-25,51-62

In our final message of our "character study of Jesus" series we get to some of the harder sayings of Jesus.  But we can now look at these challenging words of Jesus in the context of what we already know about him - that he is compassionate, forgiving, gentle and protective. And we'll be able to conclude that there are times when he also shows some tough love.

Jesus Is PROTECTIVE

What Made Jesus Angry?

Series: Jesus Is _____

Scripture Text: Mark 11:1-18

What triggers you?  You can learn a lot about a person based on that question.  In this message we looked at what triggered Jesus to anger and what that reveals to us about what Jesus most cared about.

Jesus Is GENTLE

Gentle Jesus Meek and Mild - Really?

Series: Jesus Is _____

Scripture Text: Matthew 11:16-30

Gentle Jesus meek and mild.  Does that truly describe the Jesus who overturned tables in the temple and said I didn't come to bring peace but a sword? And yet... Jesus says in Matthew 11, "I am gentle".  Was Jesus bipolar?  Or did he just have massive mood swings?  Find out in week three of our series learning about God by looking at the character traits of Jesus.

Jesus Is FORGIVING

...and generous

Series: Jesus Is _____

Scripture Text: Luke 5:17-26

What is God really like?  How can you know you're not just believing what you would like to be true?  We can know for sure by looking at Jesus and how he acted and what he taught.  Jesus came to show us what God is like.  This week in this series we look at the forgiving nature of God, and also his radical generosity.

Jesus Is COMPASSIONATE

Series: Jesus Is _____

Scripture Text: Mark 1:40-45

How Can We Really Know What God Is Like?  We can know what God is like by looking at His Son Jesus and how he interacted with real people.  This message starts a new five-week series looking at the character of Jesus with a view to learning what God is really like and how he truly feels about us and interacts with us.

The Ending Credits

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 16:1-27

The grand finale of the book of Romans may seem a bit anticlimactic.  Romans 16 is a bit like watching the credits roll at the end of a movie.  But, it turns out there are some great lessons embedded in the credits!  In this message we wrap up our nine month journey through the greatest letter ever written.

Discerning Your Personal Calling in Life

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 15:14-33

What is God's will for your life?  That's the wrong question.  Paul asks the right question in our Romans 15 text... and as it turns out... it helps to answer that first question too!

When We Passionately Disagree

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 14:1 - 15:13

What do you do when you have a fellow Christian with whom you passionately disagree with about something and you're pretty sure you're right and they are wrong?  Of course this is a complete hypothetical and would NEVER happen in real life... *cough* *cough*.  In this message we look at Romans 14 and see five guidelines to use in handling disagreements with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Twelve Marks of the Church

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 12:9-13

After eleven chapters of Romans giving theology and doctrine, maybe you're the type of person who says, don't give me theory... just tell me what to do!  Be careful what you ask for.  In our text for this message we have only five verses but in them are twelve marks of the church - twelve things we're to do as Christians!

Gifted

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 12:3-8

Christianity is not a spectator sport. What are the unique gifts God has given you and how can you better use them (together with the rest of us) in fulfilling the mission Jesus gave us to be his visible presence in the world?

Evidences for the Resurrection

Scripture Text: John 20:11-29

Five pieces of evidence for the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus and why it matters.

It All Ends In Wonder

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 11:25-36

Is God done with the Jewish people?  How does the story end?  Those are questions explored in this message as we wrap up Romans 11 on Palm Sunday.

Can You Lose Your Salvation?

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 11:13-24

What do horticulture, green beer and Romans 11 all have in common?  Find out in this message.

The Israel Question

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 10:16-11:12

Support for the modern day nation of Israel has unfortunately become something of a hot topic these days. What should the Christian's attitude be towards Israel?  Romans 11 gives us some helpful hints towards a balanced perspective.  In this message we wrestle together with an important topic.  Text is Romans 10:16-11:12.

The Missions Link

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 10:1-15

Romans 9 to 11 is not about divine election.  It's about global evangelism.  It's the "missions link" that is often the "missing link" from most studies of the book of Romans. In this message we look at Romans 10:1-15 where Paul uses that missions link to start to pull it all together.

The Chapter People Skip

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 9:1-16

Romans 8 is the chapter everyone loves.  Romans 9 is the chapter everybody skips.  In this message we begin a new section in Romans 9-11 which on the surface appears to be about happy-fun topics like election and predestination.  But it's actually about something else.  And that 'something else' happens to be the key to the entire book of Romans.

Greatest Chapter in the Bible, Part Three

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 8:28-39

So we keep calling Romans chapter 8 the greatest chapter in the Bible.  Why?  What makes it the greatest?  That's a question we seek to answer as we wrap up three weeks in Romans chapter 8.

How Change Happens

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 8:1-17

If the book of Romans is the Himalayas of the Bible then Romans chapter 8 is Mt. Everest.  In this message we begin spending three weeks hiking up the highest peak in the Bible!

The Life-Long Struggle

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 7:1-25

Romans 7 is perhaps one of the most confusing chapters in the Bible.  It's also one of the most encouraging chapters in the Bible!  Find out in this message.

Slaves of Righteousness?

The Power of the Gospel to Free You

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 6:15-23

Paul in our Romans text for this Sunday (Romans 6:15-23) says that we are no longer a slave to sin but have become a slave of righteousness.  I personally used to struggle with that verse until I learned the secret of what that verse really means.  That secret is shared in this message.

The Goal of the Gospel

The Power of the Gospel to Change You

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 6:1-14

If salvation is really a free gift and not dependent on how we live, then why can't we just live anyway we want?  That is the question that Paul asks as we move into Part Two of Romans, beginning with Romans chapter 6.  And once he answers that question, the rest of Romans 6 (and Romans 7 and 8) is all about how real transformation happens.

Direction From Jesus About Heaven

The Application of Heaven

Series: Heaven

Scripture Text: John 14:1-6

Final message in our Heaven series.  This one shares three things Jesus promised us about Heaven and three application points for us to consider.

When Heaven Came To Earth

The Coming of Heaven

Series: Heaven

Scripture Text: Luke 2:1-14

Part Three of our Heaven series happened as part of our Christmas Eve service.  We looked at the FIVE reasons God became one of us.  Heaven collided with Earth that first Christmas.  One day it will happen again!

Truth From the Bible About Heaven

The Anatomy of Heaven

Series: Heaven

Scripture Text: Revelation 21:1-5

Part Two of our HEAVEN series.  This message we uncover SEVEN true things about heaven that we can glean from the Bible.

Hints From the Heart About Heaven

The Hope of Heaven

Series: Heaven

Scripture Text: Romans 8:18-25

During the season of Advent we explore the topic of HEAVEN.  Turns out heaven may not be what you think it is! 

A Tale of Two Adams

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 5:12-21

This Sunday we'll be wrapping up Part One of our Romans series by finishing up Romans chapter 5 with a look at "The Tale of Two Adams" in Romans 5:12-21.

Saved by Faith... But What is Faith?

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 4:1-25

Short five minute message giving a summary of Romans 4 which is all about what faith actually is by looking at the example of Abraham and asking three questions.  How was Abraham saved?  When was Abraham saved?  And what were the elements of Abraham's saving faith?

Inclusive Exlucivity

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 3:27-31

In the year 49 AD the Roman Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from the city of Rome.  Five years later they were allowed to return.  What does that have to do with our study of the book of Romans?  Find out Sunday as we finish off Romans chapter three with a look at Romans 3:27-31.

The Mirror

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 3:1-20

Last week the central message of our Romans 2:16-27 text was that Religion Can't Save You!  Well, then what is it good for?  That's the focus this Sunday as Paul wraps up this first major section of Romans and prepares for the greatest pivot in the whole Bible.  Text is Romans 3:1-20.  And the pivot starts in the very next verse!

The Big Setup

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 2:1-16

It was all a set up.  That's what last week's text was, Romans 1:18-32. This Sunday we'll revisit that text and the downward spiral of humanity and the decadence of a corrupt culture flowing from the Fall... and THEN see how Paul springs his trap in Romans 2:1-16. Paul was just setting you and me up.

The Downward Spiral of Humanity

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 1:18-32

Houston, we have a problem!  Last Sunday we started our new series in the book of Romans by looking at Paul's thesis statement for Romans - that the Gospel is God's power to save everyone!  Starting this Sunday, Paul begins to defend that thesis.  Why the gospel? Why is it so needed?  Why can't there be some other way? Paul forcefully begins to give an answer to those questions in the second half of chapter 1.  This Sunday... Romans 1:18-32.

The Thesis Statement

Series: Romans

Scripture Text: Romans 1:1-17

This Sunday we start our new year long series in the Book of Romans!  This will be a rich study in what some consider the greatest letter in the New Testament.  It's Paul's magnum opus!  And it's all about the Gospel of Grace, as well as how to make sense of the Old Testament in the light of Jesus!

The Covenant of the Spirit

Series: Covenant

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 31:31-34

In this message we wrap up our series on the six covenants of the Old Testament and also see how this series has been getting us ready for next series in the Book of Romans!

The Covenant of the Kingdom

Series: Covenant

Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 7:8-13

It’s been almost one year since Queen Elizabeth II died after being the longest reigning English monarch in history, over 70 years.  And then back in May of this year was good to see Charles finally get a real job at age 73 and stop living off his mom. Isn’t it interesting how fascinated our nation continues to be with the British Royal family?  Why is that?  This Sunday we delve into the answer.

The Covenant of the Law

Series: Covenant

Scripture Text: Exodus 19:1-6,21-25

For our summer series we are going through the six covenants of the Old Testament, and as we come on Sunday to the fourth covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, we come to a bit of a plot twist in the salvation drama unfolding in the Old Testament.  This Sunday we'll explore what the plot twist is, and how it plays into the overall storyline of God's great rescue mission of humanity.

The Covenant of the Promise

Series: Covenant

Scripture Text: Genesis 17:1-8

The three great monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - each regard him as the father of their faith. But he grew up worshipping the moon goddess Nana. His name is Abraham and in this message we explore where his faith in the One True God came from along with the incredible meaning of the Abrahamic covenant. 

The Covenant of Preservation

Series: Covenant

Scripture Text: Genesis 6, 7, 8, 9 (various selections)

Message on the Nohaic Covenant with special focus on the Flood and Tower of Babel events.

The Covenant of Creation

Series: Covenant

Scripture Text: Genesis 1:1-4,24-31

Sunday we started a brand new series called "Covenant".  Using the covenant theme in Scripture to do a six week overview of the Old Testament.  The first covenant we looked at Sunday was the Covenant of Creation where we learned in those early chapters of Genesis THREE things about God, TWO things about us and ONE thing about Jesus!

Three Abuses of Wealth

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 5:1-11

In the message we enter into the final chapter of James and the first six verses are a blistering indictment upon the "rich"! Well... lest you get comfortable, by the world's standards... you are one of these "rich".  In this message we'll see how Scripture (and James) teaches it's no sin to be rich. But James does identify three abuses of wealth and so it's a warning to all of us. But he also gives us the solution in the second half of our text.

The Two Greatest Sins

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 4:13-17

In this message we look at James 4:13-17 and the sin of presumption. But there are actually two other sins that lie just beneath the service of that one.  In fact they may be the two greatest sins in the Bible. 

Marriage Counseling for Spiritual Adultery

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 4:1-12

Quarrels and conflicts.  They are all around us and in the news each week.  It's a serious problem in our culture today.  In this message we explore James 4:1-12 where James tells us where our conflicts come from along with the secret to putting an end to them. 

Sticks and Stones

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 3:1-12

Here's an irony for you.  The last few weeks we've been looking at James chapter 2 where the message is, "It's not so much what you say that matters but what you do!"  In this teaching we move into chapter three where the message is, "But what you say does matter!"  In this sermon we look at the power of words to direct the course of a life, to bless people, to damage people, to reveal what's inside, and to heal.  

Faith and Works

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 2:14-26

Paul said in Romans 3 that we are justified by faith apart from works.  But James in our sermon text this Sunday says a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.  In this message we discover how James and Paul are really in complete agreement with each other.  

This Is the Way

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 2:1-13

In this message we finally get to chapter two of James!  James 2:1-13 says we should not show personal favoritism. Who would disagree with that? But James says it with such force and emotion. Why? Why is this such a big deal and what is the real heart of the matter? Find out this teaching.

The Sin Cycle

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 1:12-18

Our text for this Sunday was James 1:12-18 which shows clearly that James is a real pastor who understands the complexities of how human beings work.  In this message James gives us a remarkably positive solution to a very ancient problem we all share.

Asking for Wisdom

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 1:5-8

James says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask for it. But what does James mean by wisdom? It's not what you might expect. In this message we dove into James 1:5-8 and saw how those verses relate to last weeks text on putting our trials into the joy column of life.

Putting It in the Joy Column of Life

Series: Book of James

Scripture Text: James 1:1-4

The Book of James teaches us to put our trials and hardships into the joy column of life.  But how do we practically do that?  James tells us that as well.  In this message we do a quick introduction to the Book of James and then dive right into the opening verses of James 1:2-4.

Back to the Future

In this message Peter will be casting a vision and some next steps for a return to our pre-COVID vision for the church.

Steve Colbert, Tolkien and the Resurrection of the Son of God

Christianity in Three Words

Scripture Text: Luke 24:36-48

Steve Colbert was asked what three words best describe what the Lord of the Rings books mean to him. Turns out they are the same three words that best describe Christianity and the meaning of Easter. In this Easter message we find out what those words are and what they can mean for your life!

Parable of the Net

Series: Kingdom Parables

Scripture Text: Matthew 13:47-52

This Sunday is Palm Sunday.  It's also called Passion Sunday because it marks the beginning of Christ's week of passioniate suffering for us.  Why has Jesus come to this point?  Why is he here?  What motivated him to come to Jersualem knowing it would end in his death five days later?  We learn of his motivation in the last of the seven parables of Matthew 13.

Parable of the Treasure and the Pearl

Series: Kingdom Parables

Scripture Text: Matthew 13:44-46

How can something be totally free and yet still cost something... cost everything?  That's one question we will be asking in this message as we at the parable of the treasure hidden in a field and the parable of the pearl of great value in Matthew 13.