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Praying Like Jesus

Pray like Jesus: Deliver us from evil 01/29/12

Matthew 6:13

Series: Praying Like Jesus

Pastor: Dave Musser

We have spent an an entire month looking at the Lord's prayer. During this time we have wrestled with many different questions in regards to prayer such as "what to pray?" and "how to pray?" Jesus first invites us to approach God as if he is a loving father. He rebukes the religious elite who use prayer a practice to accrue spiritual authority from others. He also tell us not heap up empty phrases and vain repetitions in an attempt to manipulate God into rewarding us. Our life ambitions have been challenged and confronted during this prayer. Jesus implies that we should surrender our kingdom and replace it with the Kingdom of God. We have also seen how pracitcal needs and spiritual needs should be asked for during prayer. It is clear that this series will completely rewire the way you pray. Now this week we conclude the series. As we finish our prayer how should we conclude it? Jesus says to close it by asking for guidance from temptation. This is a plea for deliverance. Listen in as we finish looking at Jesus advice on how to pray.

Pray like Jesus: Forgiven Debts and Daily Bread 01/22/12

Matthew 6:11-12

Series: Praying Like Jesus

Pastor: Scott Cooley

We are in the midst of the Lord ’s Prayer. We have already taken a look at God as Father and how this changes our prayer life- if we are blessed, then we can thank the good Father and if something is withheld, then we can trust that the Father knows what is best for his children. After realized that we address a good Father in prayer there is an invitation. We are invited out of selfishness & our own kingdom and becoming aligned with the kingdom of God. Now, this week we come to the phrase, “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This phrase is packed full of content. God will provide our basic caloric intake, but this is just the beginning- He is looking to do so much more! Listen in and hear Pastor Scott explain the text.

Pray like Jesus: Your Kingdom Come 01/15/12

Matthew 6:10

Series: Praying Like Jesus

Pastor: David Von

As we move into the second week of this series, Praying like Jesus, our hearts are stirred with a deep yearning. The yearning is the kingdom of God. We are told in the scriptures that as the kingdom of God comes all things will be restored. The kingdom of God will bring unity and harmony. There will no longer be racism, exploitation, or class warfare. We will no longer be plagued with pain, sin, and self-centeredness; instead, people will be generous and selfless. As the kingdom of God breaks into the earth a celebration will ensue. In short, the kingdom of God is when things are put in their right order. This prayer invites us to think out the implications of the kingdom. As our heart meditates and dwells on this kingdom, we begin to become aligned with the will of God. As we reflect on the goodness of the kingdom our hearts are energized. Our new deepest desire is to seek the kingdom of God on this earth. We will literally pray with Jesus, "I want your kingdom to come here on earth, just like it is in heaven.” As our hearts are changed and the kingdom becomes our motivation, we will be transformed into agents of restoration and redemption.

Pray like Jesus: Our Father In Heaven 01/08/12

Matthew 6:1-9

Series: Praying Like Jesus

Pastor: Dirk Unkle

As we begin to look at the Lord's Prayer, we'll see that Jesus begins by telling us how not to pray. Jesus confronts our praying, calling into question our understanding of the practice of prayer and our understanding of the God we address in prayer. One one hand, we're often tempted to pray as a show for those around us, thinking that prayer is about sounding good and being recognized as spiritual. On the other hand, though we may pray with fervency and zeal, our passion often reveals that we don't think God is listening or that he cares. In both cases, Jesus says there is a simple solution. Listen in to hear his solution and how this solution should transform us and our praying.

EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Exodus- God Renews 12/18/11

Exodus 33-34

Series: EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week in our study of Exodus we see a glimpse of hope. In the previous portions of the narrative the Israelite people are not painted in a positive light. In fact, Hard hearted, stubborn, and obstinate are all accurate descriptions of the Israelite's character. The recurring theme has surfaced- God continually shows favor and they repeatedly forget his goodness. It seems that the Israelite people are only interested in God because of what God can give them. However, this week we see a glimpse of hope. God plans to fulfill his covenant as promised, but with a twist- now He will not join them on the journey. At first glance it seems that this is exactly what the Israelites wanted. God was still going to clear out the region and give them a land flowing with milk & honey. However the Israelite people mourn. They are figuratively undone. They finally get it. The purpose of redemption is to be with and enjoy God. If God’s presence will not be with them, then they don’t want to go to the Promised Land. In fact, without the presence of God then it wouldn’t be a promise land. Listen in to hear the rest of the story.

Exodus- God Judges 12/11/11

Exodus 21-32

Series: EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Pastor: Dave Musser

We are in the middle of a story; a story of God rescuing his people. So far we have seen a group of people, called the Israelites, oppressed and enslaved. In their anguish they called out to God for relief. Yet, even before they began to call out, God was already preparing a man, Moses, for the job of liberating the marginalized. Negotiations ensued between Moses and Pharoah- the political leader of Egypt. Finally the Isrealites were granted their freedom. They immediately evacuated the city and were lead into the wilderness. What the Isrealites had always longed for: freedom, they finally received! However, being set free from the external restraints and bondage of Egypt was only the beginning. We then see the Isrealites continually bickering and complaining. They begin to disregard and disrespect the very God who miraculously rescued them. They even go so far as to make an inanimate object to worship! Why are they acting this way? How does this ancient story have any relevance for our lives? Listen in to hear Dave Musser teach the text.

Exodus- God Speaks 12/04/11

Exodus 18-20

Series: EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Pastor: Steve Hart

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “Commandments of God?” For me, a strait jacket is immediately pictured; or maybe, a manager with a long list of arbitrary rules. I then reason that a God who has rules or demands must be an overbearing, power hungry dictator. However, my concept of commandments and law has been completely challenged as we continue this study of Exodus. We see something that seems contradictory, a loving God- who also gives commandments. He is loving; this is certain. He has made it a personal priority to rescue the oppressed. He has set the slaves free and provided everything they needed to flourish. He is a good and loving God, but he also gives commands. Listen in to see why he gives these commands.

Exodus- God Satisfies 11/27/11

Exodus 16-17

Series: EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Pastor: Steve Hart

Exodus 16- 17

Exodus- God Cleanses 11/20/11

Exodus 13-15

Series: EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Pastor: Dave Musser

This week we explore chapters 12, 13, and 14 as we continue our study of Exodus. After years of harsh slavery and oppression it seems that the Israelites are finally going to be set free. The Israelite leader, Moses, has been confronting Pharaoh in order to secure the freedom of his people. With each denied request, Pharaoh and his people are inflicted with a judgment or plague. After numerous painful plagues pharaoh cannot endure anymore and he consents to the release of the captives. The Israelites are overwhelmed with joy. They quickly grab their belongings and evacuate the city. No longer will they be slaves to a foreign dictator. No longer will they be oppressed. No longer will they live under the fear of their children being murdered. As the Israelites continue to flee from Egypt they come to a barrier. The Red Sea is blocking their way. As the Israelites make camp they realize that something has gone horrible wrong. Off in the distance they can hear chariots, horses, and a great army marching. It seems that Egypt has come to seek retribution. The urgency rises and the tension mounts. What will the Israelites do? They have their back to a wall and are trapped. Listen in to hear the climax of the story unfold. Listen in to see how this ancient story relates to our life.

Exodus- God Redeems 11/13/11

Exodus 7-12

Series: EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Pastor: Steve Hart

Whenever we observe someone being mistreated or experience it firsthand our natural response is to cry out for justice. For instance what happens when someone cuts in front of you in line? You cry out for justice. What happens when someone cuts you off on the interstate? You cry out for justice. Or even more serious, what happens when a loved one is abused? Everyone who experiences real pain demands that the perpetrator is punished. Crying out for justice is completely natural and right. However we are not consistent across the board with justice. There is always one exception to this principle: ourselves. As soon as we are the one committing the abuse or mistreatment we want mercy. For example when we cut someone off on the interstate we roll our eyes and say, “No big deal.” Or when we mistreat someone we explain that this was an accident and they need to forgive us. It is clear that we want justice when pain has been afflicted on us and we want mercy when we are the one causing the pain. This week in Exodus we take a look at this tension of justice vs mercy. The Israelites are oppressed and cry out for justice. But truth be told the Israelites are just as guilty of sin as the Egyptians. If God is going to set things right and punish evil then he must punish everyone. Will God show mercy? Will God be good and just? These two questions collide with an unexpected outcome. God has found a way to implement both mercy and justice. Listen in to hear God’s story unfold.

Exodus- God Promises 11/06/11

Exodus 3-5

Series: EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Pastor: Steve Hart

Many Americans want to maximize their potential and live meaningful lives. One person might try to maximize her potential through adventure and travel. She will conquer mountains, travel to foreign countries, and experienc life off the beaten path. Another might aspire to academic achievement. A third will try to achieve meaning in life by maintaining a beautiful home, tire swing in the front yard, and three lovely children. In each instance the individual has the same goal in mind; however, the method employed to achieve the goal is vastly different. As we travel different paths to reach the same goal, we tend to convince ourselves there is one surefire way to gauge own progress: personal happiness. If the quality of our life has increased then we must be on the right path, but if our path is filled with pain then we must have done something wrong. We are all creating our own paths of purposefulness guided by the guard rails of happiness and pain. However the book of Exodus in the Bible sets forth a completely different paradigm. In fact, the criterion of happiness is actually subverted. The Israelites are experiencing real pain for seemingly no purpose. The book of Exodus is so completely radical and counter intuitive. With this story God challenges our American ideals and gives us a new way if understanding our lives. The book of Exodus is thought provoking and countercultural. Listen in to hear the 3,4, and 5 chapters of the book explained.

Exodus- God Knows 10/30/11

Exodus 1-40

Series: EXODUS- The God of Redemption

Pastor: Steve Hart

We begin our series of Exodus in Egypt as a new Pharaoh rises to power. The new pharaoh does not recognize the valuable contributions of Jospeh and his family to the nation of Egypt. Instead of viewing the Israelites as a blessing, the new pharaoh becomes angry and begins to spew propaganda about their corrupt intentions. The once highly esteemed Israelites are considered a threat to Egyptian sovereignty and are in turned are enslaved. Henceforth the Israelites worked long tedious days under the dominion of Egyptian task masters. It has been reported that Egypt was a place of pain for Israelites from the cradle to the grave. This slavery imposed on the Israelites actually had the opposite effect the Egyptians were hoping for. Instead of the Israelites diminishing, they actually grew under the harsh rule of Pharoah. The more oppressed the Israeiltes were, the greater they multiplied sons and daughters. In fear of the great Israelite numbers Pharaoh decreed that all male infants be murdered! This was the beginning of a systematic genocide. The beginning of Exodus is filled with pain, abuse, betrayal, and oppression. Naturally the Israeli people are left groaning and crying out to God for rescue from their torment. In the first two chapters of Exodus we are left asking one questions. Where is God? Listen in to see what God is up to.

Gospel Partnership (Fall 2011)

Gospel Identity: Commissioning Service 10/16/11

Matthew 28:16-20

Series: Gospel Partnership (Fall 2011)

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

God rescues broken people. Jesus did not come to save those who are doing well in life, but instead he came to save the hurt and wounded. As Jesus rescues people he adds them to a family. This family is called the church. This week we did something different. We didn't hear a usual sermon from Steve, but instead we called up the nearly 40 leaders of Vintage to hear how they are being the church. Each leader shared a snap shot of their community. We got to see how they are caring for their community. We got to hear how they are openly repenting of the self righteousness and judgementalism. We got to witness stories of transformation. This overview of each little community is probably the most accurate picture of our church spread across the city. After we got to see a snap shot of each community two of our leaders shared some important news. Matt and Cyla's have decided to step down from elder-ship. They showed unprecedented vulnerability and humbled themselves before the congregation. Listen in to hear the whole story.

Gospel Identity: Learners 10/09/11

Matthew 28:16-20

Series: Gospel Partnership (Fall 2011)

Pastor: Steve Hart

Within Christendom the Great Commission is perhaps the most widely known verse. This is the verse that has galvanized men and women alike to sell everything they own and voyage to distant lands with the motive of spreading the Gospel. This Great Commission first starts with a great announcement. This great announcement is the fuel that feeds the fire of mission. Jesus has come and rescued us from sin and self absorption. We have now been adopted into the family of God. Our biggest problem in life (spiritual lostness) has now been healed. This saving act of God properly understood will energize a Christian to go and announce the good news that has personally set them free. A Christian who has been set free of self can't help but stand up and proclaim the excellencies of Jesus.

Gospel Identity: Servants 10/02/11

Titus 3:1-11

Series: Gospel Partnership (Fall 2011)

Pastor: Steve Hart

As Christians our posture should be characterized by a humble graciousness. We should be active in service towards outsiders. We should be giving our lives away for the sake of others. This is what Titus chapter three states. Christians should be carful to devout themsleves to good works. However, this posture is not natural. In fact, our hearts tend to go in the opposite direction. Instead of living a life to serve others, we focus inward and become self absorbed. On our own we are a bundle of deep emptiness. We are obssively trying to fill up what is lacking in us. This means every relationship we are in is a means to an end. We are not loving and serving others for their good, but intead for our good. Even if externally we are doing something good, underneath the surface our motives are tainted with self interest. How can we ever break this cycle of self-centerdness? Listen in as the book of Titus gives an answer.

Gospel Identity: Missionaries 09/25/11

1 Peter 2:9-12

Series: Gospel Partnership (Fall 2011)

Pastor: Dave Musser

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Gospel Identity: Family 09/18/11

Ephesians 5:1-2

Series: Gospel Partnership (Fall 2011)

Pastor: Evan Chatterton

Jesus was cast out of his family so that we may be brought into his.

Gospel: Power and Purpose 09/11/11

Titus 2:11-15

Series: Gospel Partnership (Fall 2011)

Pastor: Steve Hart

Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

I AM the True Vine 08/28/11

John 15:1-17

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Steve Hart

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life 08/21/11

John 13:31-14:6

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Scott Cooley

I AM the Resurrection and the Life 08/14/11

John 11:1-44

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Matthew Green

I AM the Son of God 07/31/11

John 10:22-42

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Steve Hart

Jesus has been making radical claims about who he is. For instance he has claimed to be the light of the world, the heaven opener, and the good shepherd. All of Jesus' claims have been allusions to the Old Testament were a messiah was promised to come. The Jews of the day would most assuradly be aware of the weight of Jesus claims. Therefore we come to this text where Jesus is confronted by all the Jewish leaders. They encircle him publically at a major feast in Jersalem. The question they ask is "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ tell us plainly." In the sermon we will take a look at Jesus response to the Jews.

I AM the Good Shepherd 07/24/11

John 10:11-18

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Dirk Unkle

Most animals have some form of attack when it comes to predators. Usually when an animal is not equipped with some form of attack, then they have the ability to evade a predator or at least defend themselves. However Sheep do not not have either an attack mechanism or a strong defense, in fact they really don't even have a way to escape predators. Sheep have no fangs, can't run fast, and their "bah" is pathetic. Sheep are utterly vulnerable and defenseless. They are completely reliant on a shepherd to lead, guide, and sustain them. In this passage Jesus claims to be the good shepherd. But Jesus goes above and beyond the normal duties of a shepherd. Listen to the sermon to hear how Jesus distinguishes between himself and other shepherds.

I AM the door 07/17/11

John 10:1-10

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Scott Cooley

I AM the I AM 07/10/11

John 8:31-59

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Steve Hart

In today's passage, Jesus makes the most absurd claim yet, with a bit of bad grammar: "Before Abraham was, I am." He's just spend 20-some verses telling those who are just beginning to believe in him that they are: 1. Not children of Abraham, 2. Not sons of God, and 3. Children of the devil. Doesn't Jesus know that this is no way to start a movement? Why does he insist on painting such a negative picture of human nature? The answer is simple: you don't know how great the Rescue is until you know how dangerous your situation has become; you don't know how great a cure you've been given unless you know the disease was terminal! But Jesus wants those who say they believe in him off the fence - you can't stay neutral to Jesus, sitting in the pew and confessing to believe in him but living the rest of your life for yourself. In these radical claims - that he is the Great I Am, the one whom Abraham worshipped - Jesus commands us to decide - will we crown him or kill him?

I AM the Light of the World 06/25/11

John 9

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Matthew Green

As we continue our study in the gospel of John we come to an outrageous claim of Jesus. Jesus claims that he is the Light of the World. The original Jewish audience would have rightly understood that this title was a reference to the light that guided the Jewish nation in the wildness. Jesus is now taking this title upon himself and is claiming that he is the Light. Jesus then proceeds to heal a man of a life of blindness. In this exciting portion of scripture Jesus is physically healing people while simultaneously revealing his divinity. Then there are two reactions to Jesus. One man understands his inability to see and is then given sight. Meanwhile others declare themselves to understand and in so doing they sentence themselves. Jesus proclaims, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains."

I AM from Above 06/19/11

John 8:21-32

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Steve Hart

Once again Jesus and his actions are utterly shocking. Jesus enters the heart of the religious establishment of his day and proclaims, "you will die in your sin!" The people Jesus was confronting were the hard working, devoted, faithful bible teachers of their day. Externally it would appear that the Pharisees were doing a good job and following the rules correctly. But they (we) fail to understand that our primary problem is not the gaps in our performance. Instead the entire performance is the problem. Our entire life is centered around making ourselves righteous. We think if we work hard then Jesus HAS to bless us. In the end we are our own savior and Jesus is our tool to fill in the gaps of our poor performance. This entire endeavor needs to be repented of because of the crooked motive with which is was implemented. Then Jesus tells us that the only way to be righteous is to believe Jesus will accomplish it for us.

I AM the Living Bread 06/12/11

John 6:25-35

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Steve Hart

Jesus is offensive, and if you've never been offended by what he says about yourself and what he claims for himself, you're not listening very closely. And what's worse, you've probably made Jesus in your image, a nice caricature that (surprise!) really wants to help you (yes, you!) accomplish your great plans for your life (isn't that nice of him?). When you look closely, Jesus actually often refuses to meet our needs - as legitimate as they may be - because he wants something greater for us. He will not be co-opted for our agenda, but instead invites us to repent and find real life in him. He gave his life not for us to be blessed in our agendas but that we might be freed from our little agendas to find abundance in him.

Come and See 06/05/11

John 1:43-51

Series: Come and See: Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Pastor: Steve Hart

In this intro sermon to our summer series we take a look at how Jesus begins his ministry. Jesus begins his ministry by telling people, "Come and you will see." Some immediately recognize Jesus as the messiah while others have a healthy skepticism's. For instance Nathanael doubts anything good can come from Nazareth (the modern equivalent of Deer Park). However Jesus encounters Nathanael and reveals intimate personal knowledge that only God could have known. The skeptic is cut to his core by the character of Christ. Nathanael is overwhelmed and declares Jesus to be the Son of God! Jesus then explains that this is only the beginning.

Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Galatians 6B: The Gospel Rule 05/22/11

Galatians 6:6-18

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Matthew Green

Paul wraps up his main theme by driving home the centrality of the cross to the Christian message. All that Christianity is points to and flows from what God has done for us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. If you grab hold of the cross, and make it your single boast, all of life flows in worship to God and sacrificial love to others. This is the "rule" by which all true believers live!

Galatians 6A: Gospel Relationships 05/15/11

Galatians 5:26-6:5

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Scott Cooley

The gospel changes everything, most of all our relationships. Apart from Christ, Paul says we're "empty of glory" and so we use one another, biting and devouring in order to try to fill ourselves up. But in Christ, in his grace, in the abundance of all he is for us, we are free to love and serve one another. We can carry each others' burdens, graciously deal with our sin, and keep each other centered on Jesus. Additionally, each of us has a role in building this kind of community.

Galatians 5A: Freed for Freedom 05/01/11

Galatians 5:1-15

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

The glorious freedom given us in Christ is an established fact - we ARE free. Jesus has done all the work necessary to make us fully and completely free. But what is the freedom that we have? And what is our role in maintaining that freedom? And for what purpose has God set us free? These are the questions Paul begins to answer in the last 1/3 of Galatians. In this passage, he transitions from the theology of grace to how grace changes the way we live.

Easter 2011 - The Gospel Ruined My Life 04/24/11

Acts 9:1-20

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

This Easter we looked at the radical transformation that happened in Saul's life when his religious self-righteousness collided with the resurrected King Jesus. Not surprisingly, the collision resulted in Saul's death. After being blinded for 3 days, in which he totally reconsidered the direction of his life, Jesus resurrected Saul, gave him a new name (Paul), forgave his sin, filled him with His Spirit, brought him into His Family, and sent him on a mission to proclaim the name of Jesus!

Galatians 4C: Rejoice! 04/17/11

Galatians 4:21-31

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Scott Cooley

Using a strange old Testament allusion, Paul puts the nail in the coffin of religion. Religion can't save, religion can't heal, religion can set you free. Religion is dead because Jesus is alive, and when you begin to experience the freeness of grace, the only right response is to celebrate!

Galatians 4B: Gospel Ministry 04/10/11

Galatians 4:8-20

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

After 3 chapters of intense theological passion, Paul reveals that his passion stems from a deeply pastoral heart. Paul loves the Galatians, and wants nothing more than for them to stand in the freedom of God's grace, no longer living as slaves and orphans. In this section, we learn about the nature of gospel ministry, and how we can help others come to full and fruitful maturity in Jesus.

Galatians 4A: Slaves and Sons 04/03/11

Galatians 3:23-4:7

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

All our attempts to be righteous, acceptable, and OK before God and others are in reality a source of spiritual and emotional slavery. Paul argues that apart from Christ we are naturally slaves. But now that Jesus has come to rescue us, we are given a new identity and a new family, and we are set free to love God and love others. Adoption is the wellspring of the Christian life.

Galatians 3B: Promise, Law, and Substitution 03/27/11

Galatians 3:6-22

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

According to Paul, Abraham was the first Christian. The sham Christians wanted the Galatian church to believe that their day-to-day acceptance from God was based on personal obedience and effort. But if that is true, then they've got a serious Biblical problem: Abraham, the father of their faith, was justified by faith, long before the Law came. Paul argues that the pattern in Abraham - God's promise received by faith - is the pattern of grace, from Genesis to Revelation.

Galatians 3A: The Way On 03/13/11

Galatians 3:1-5

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

Many people believe that faith in Christ is the way someone becomes a Christian. But it is also common to believe that once you are "in," everything else is up to you. We give lip service to the idea that we're saved by grace, but in the day-to-day of our actual lives, we live as a performer, hoping to please God and keep in the graces of others. Paul argues in Galatians 3 that we've missed something key. The way we became a Christian is actually the way we grow as a Christian. The gospel deals with the root motivations and desires of our hearts, and changes us from the inside-out.

Galatians 2B: Walking the Gospel Line 03/06/11

Galatians 2:11-21

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

"Jesus Christ loved me and gave himself for me" is the simple truth of the gospel. It is so simple, in fact, that when we first (and often again and again) encounter it we are (as Luther famously said), "like a cow staring at a new gate." It seems so simple that we think we get it. But in this passage, the Apostle Peter reveals that even he often doesn't get it, as he needed Paul to remind him of it! In this confrontation between spiritual heavy weights, we learn that the gospel is a profound truth that transforms every aspect of life. We also learn how to have that truth change us.

Galatians 2A: Freedom For Mission 02/27/11

Galatians 2:1-10

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Scott Cooley

Paul continues his personal defense of the gospel and his ministry by relating his eventual journey to Jerusalem to meet with Peter, James, and John. Though he had been preaching the gospel and making disciples for 14 years, this is the first time the disciples of Jesus have sat with Paul to discuss the gospel they preach. The conclusion? They are preaching the same exact gospel, though Paul is preaching to Gentiles and they to the Jews. In this encounter, we learn about the freedom the gospel brings to religious and non-religious people, and how that freedom leads to a life of gospel purpose and care for the poor.

Galatians 1B: A Rescue Story 02/20/11

Galatians 1:10-24

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

Part of how Paul preaches the good news about Jesus rescuing sinners is by telling his own experience of rescue. Paul was a self-righteous, religious fanatic before he met Jesus, even going on a campaign to destroy the fledgling Christian church. He was advancing in his religious studies and his personal holiness, even outstripping his peers. He studied the Bible in the best school in Jerusalem. And then his life was ruined by Jesus!

Galatians 1A: Gospel Drift 02/13/11

Galatians 1:1-9

Series: Galatians: The Freedom of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

The Christian message, often called the Gospel, is so unnatural and scandalous that it often seems to good to be true. This was true even in Paul's day, as many religious people followed him around saying that his gospel - that God rescues sinners apart from any merit of their own - couldn't possibly be true. Or could it?

Psalms: Meditation and Renewal

Psalm 103: God is Gracious 01/30/11

Psalms 103

Series: Psalms: Meditation and Renewal

Pastor: Steve Hart

Psalm 103 is a feast. David, a man of great power and importance, the king of Israel, is preaching to his own soul about who God is and what God has done. David knows that our biggest temptation is to forgetfulness - "bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" - so he's written Psalm 103 as a way to remember. In it he recalls his own frailty, a great antidote to pride and self-reliance. But he spends the vast majority of the Psalm remembering and delighting himself in the abundance of God's grace in forgiving, healing, redeeming, crowning, and satisfying the hearts of the needy and broken. Psalm 103 is a feast for those who by grace are becoming aware of their emptiness, frailty, and sin. God is gracious!

Psalm 84: God is Good 01/23/11

Psalms 84

Series: Psalms: Meditation and Renewal

Pastor: Steve Hart

Psalm 84 gives us a picture of a man who longed for God and loved God above everything else. His poetry is shocking as he expresses in the language of desire and addiction his longings for God. His single-minded affections are a strong word of rebuke to those of us who say we love God, and in this we are called to attention and repentance for our love of comfort and pleasures that are so much less satisfying than God.

Psalm 31: God is Glorious 01/16/11

Psalms 31

Series: Psalms: Meditation and Renewal

Pastor: Steve Hart

We continue to look at how Psalms help us to meditate on the truth of God's word and to daily preach the gospel to ourselves by looking at Psalm 31. For many of us, the truth we know about God's love and approval of us, given to us because of Jesus, is not very defining of us or real to us. We know it intellectually, but our hearts are shaped by the words, actions, and opinions of those around us. The bible calls this the fear of man. We often live for the approval and acceptance of a certain person or group of people. Psalm 31 invites us to remember God's steadfast love and to rejoice again in his goodness toward us, so we no longer need to fear others.

Psalm 27: God is Great 01/09/11

Psalms 27

Series: Psalms: Meditation and Renewal

Pastor: Matthew Green

Psalms invite us to become like the well-watered tree, with roots going deep into God's word, bringing forth abundant fruit. In Psalm 27, David is tempted - as many of us are - to judge God's character based on his circumstances. We often tie our joy to having life go a certain way for us, using God as a means to a life under control. But David rejoices because he doesn't need control, for God is great and sovereign, in the midst of chaos.

Psalm 1: Meditation 01/02/11

Psalms 1

Series: Psalms: Meditation and Renewal

Pastor: Steve Hart

Psalm 1 is the doorway into the Psalms, preparing us for understanding what the Psalms are all about. Deep happiness - blessedness! - is connected to rejoicing and meditating on the law of the Lord. The Psalms invite us to learn to meditate, drawing deeply from the resources of God's grace and truth, in order to live full and abundant lives, joyfully obedient in God's Redemptive Story. The Psalms are the prayers and songs of men who have meditated deeply on who God is and what he has done, and we can learn with them how to preach the gospel to ourselves daily.

Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Deuteronomy 11 12/19/10

Deuteronomy 11

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

Moses ends his first round of sermons by driving home his main themes. His hope for God's people is that they'd be fully alive to the grace of God, awed by his faithfulness to them, and encouraged by his presence with them as they move into the Promised Land. His summary covers 4 main topics: Love God with all you are, watch closely the deceptiveness of your heart, keep the Redemptive story in front of your mind and heart, and remember God has called you into His mission for His purposes.

Deuteronomy 8 12/05/10

Deuteronomy 8

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

As Israel prepares to move into the Promised Land, Moses begins to warn them of the dangers ahead. Last week we looked at the dangers of the surrounding cultures - the desires and ways of life that are incompatible with being a missionary people. But this week Moses' warning is a bit surprising. One of the most dangerous obstacles to Israel fulfilling God's great mission for them would be the abundance that God was going to pour out on them. God intends to bless Israel in order to bless the nations, but this blessing could easily become a snare if Israel forgets God's gracious redemption and begins to arrogantly hold on to and take credit for all God is giving. How can they rightly handle God's abundance?

Deuteronomy 7 11/28/10

Deuteronomy 7

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Scott Cooley

Moses continues to proclaim God's glory and his grace in chapter 7 by telling Israel of God's relentless, reckless, zealous love. God loves the whole world with a passionate zeal, but he has particularly set his affections on Israel. Why would God choose this people - the lowest, least, and most unimpressive people? The answer is astounding: The LORD loves Israel because God in his sovereign goodness chose to love her. There is no reason outside of the heart of God that he loves Israel. To believe that God loves his creation is one thing; to realize that he has set his affections on a rebellious people and intends to draw them to himself and use them to rescue the world is a story too good to be true! *We apologize for the poor sound quality of this recording.

Deuteronomy 6 11/21/10

Deuteronomy 6

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

Deuteronomy 6 gets to the heart of the Law, answering the key question of what God really wants from his people. Though you may be overly familiar with it, the real shocker is that God doesn't want external conformity to his rules and regulations; He is after the heart, soul, and strength of his people. God wants his people to love him with total commitment, with their total self, to total excess. But how can God command us to love him like that? Where do we get the power to love God with all we are?

10 Commandments 11/14/10

Deuteronomy 5

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

The 10 Commandments are the heart of the book of Deuteronomy. They are the only laws God actually spoke to the people of Israel as a whole, out of the fire on the mountain. The Commandments are simply but beautiful, as they tell us much about who God is and the kind of life that we were created to live. But they also cause more than a bit of unease, as we begin to realize our inability to keep them and the weight of their demands. How should we then understand the Law?

A Consuming Fire 11/07/10

Deuteronomy 4:15-40

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

As Moses' sermon rises to a climax, he describes the kind of relationship that God desires to have with his people. The word he uses is "covenant," a strong biblical word which means God has fully committed himself to his people, and desires their whole-hearted allegiance in return. The alternative to covenant with God, though, is not so much atheism as idolatry. According to Moses, our biggest problem is that we've covenanted with other things, and are now spiritual addicts. How can we be free, so that the consuming fire of a jealous God does not destroy us?

The Grace of the Law 10/31/10

Deuteronomy 4:1-14

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

Reading through Deuteronomy brings you face to face with an intense tension. On the one hand, God is gracious and wants to be near his people, so he gives them instructions about how to live and flourish in relationship to him and to the world around them. On the other hand, his instructions are not suggestions about how to live but laws to which he requires absolute obedience. How do we live in the tension? Do we throw out the Law because of Jesus? Or does the Law continue to hold authority in the life of a Christian?

Deuteronomy 2-3: Justice and Mercy 10/24/10

Deuteronomy 2-3

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

While Chapters 2-3 are largely historical, they contain some of the most important truths in the book of Deuteronomy. These 2 chapters recount (in brief) the wanderings of the Israelites in the desert over 40 years while the unbelieving generation dies off. We see in these narrative God's justice, that he is fully committed to dealing rightly with sin, wickedness, and rebellion. He is the rightful judge of all men and all nations. At the same time, we see him graciously working with his people, not giving up on his promise, and preparing them for the future redemptive plan. How can God be both the Righteous Judge and the Merciful King?

Deuteronomy 1: Missing the Promised Land 10/17/10

Deuteronomy 1

Series: Deuteronomy: God of Glory and Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

Moses begins his series of sermons by reminding this new generation of Israelites why they just wandered in the desert for 40 years. He recounts the story of the first generation's arrival at the edge of the promised land, their refusal to go in, and God's oath that they would all therefore die in the desert. At the center of the passage is the astounishing statement by Israel, "God has brought us here because he hates us and he wants to destroy us." Despite all God has done for them, they continue to believe the lie that God is not good and does not have good intentions toward them. This lie is the root of both religion and rebellion, and Israel tries both. What can heal the lie and bring us to trust God's heart again? *Audio did not record

A Church for the City - Fall Vision 2010

Missional Community Commissioning 2010 10/03/10

Matthew 28:16-20

Series: A Church for the City - Fall Vision 2010

Pastor: Steve Hart

Jesus gave one over-arching ministry to his disciples: make disciples. In that one little command, Jesus sums up everything he has done with his disciples over 3 years of life and ministry, and then commits each of them to giving their lives to carry it on. The Great Commission carries as much weight on all who are disciples today as did on those original disciples. Is your life about the making of disciples? And what does it look like when a whole church commits themselves to this ministry? Listen in as we commission our missional communities for this ministry.

Discipleship to Jesus: Servants 09/26/10

Matthew 20:17-28

Series: A Church for the City - Fall Vision 2010

Pastor: Steve Hart

Discipleship to Jesus is an impossible possibility. We cannot do it. No amount of effort on my part makes me a disciple of Jesus. Jesus chooses disciples, calls them, saves them, and sends them. He takes men and women who naturally live as self-sufficient, self-absorbed, glory-slaves, and turns them into radically other-centered, self-forgetting, joyfully sacrificial servants. Disciples of Jesus are Servants. But how does this happen?

Discipleship to Jesus: A Family of Missionaries 09/19/10

Mark 3:7-20

Series: A Church for the City - Fall Vision 2010

Pastor: Steve Hart

What is discipleship to Jesus? What happens when someone gets chosen and called by Jesus into discipleship? In this passage in Mark, Jesus calls his first disciples, the 12 men he'll spend 3 years sharing life with and preparing for ministry. When Jesus calls disciples, he gives them a new and secure identity - they are "with him." At the same time, he calls disciples to himself so that he can "send them" to continue his work. Jesus later says, "Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing." In this sermon, we look at what it means for us to be called to be "with Jesus" and then sent by Jesus into our city together.

The Catastrophic Good News 09/12/10

Mark 10:17-31

Series: A Church for the City - Fall Vision 2010

Pastor: Steve Hart

Do you consider yourself a disciple of Jesus? Do you know what that means? A disciple is generally regarded as someone who has chosen to believe in Jesus and then tries hard to follow his teachings. Unfortunately, that is nothing like how Jesus would define a disciple. Listen in as Jesus explains discipleship seriously devout middle-class businessman, and see how Jesus' definition of disciple absolutely ruins this man's life.

Gospel Growth

Gospel Growth 13 08/22/10

Galatians 5:16-24

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Matthew Green

Is your life bearing the fruit of the Spirit, or are the evidences of fruit more likely imitation fruit? True fruit happens not as we try hard to get our flesh to behave, but as we stay close to Christ, bringing our flesh to the cross to kill it. In this important message, we'll look at the problem of imitation fruit.

Gospel Growth 12 08/15/10

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Scott Cooley

What are the things that keep us from walking in the works that God has prepared beforehand to be our way of life? And what would it look like to completely jettison these things so that we can be fully available to the kingdom work Jesus calls us to? Do we believe his promises enough to obey his commands?

Gospel Growth 11 08/01/10

Ephesians 2:1-10

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Steve Hart

When it comes to walking in obedience to Jesus, we all have areas of our life where we fail. Lots of them. How do you deal with those areas? What do you do when you know what to do, but you don't want to do it? Do you just put forth more effort, try harder, grunt it out, and hope that your desires catch up eventually? Or do you stop, wait, pray, ask God to change your heart, and keep waiting on him until he does? Or is there another option?

Gospel Growth 10 07/25/10

Hebrews 12:1-9

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Scott Cooley

The author of Hebrews reminds us that when we are facing trials, when the things we think we need are being stripped from us, though it is not pleasant at the time, we must remember that our Heavenly Father is doing what he knows is best. He is ripping our hands off the things that are killing us so that we can find life in him alone.

Gospel Growth 9 07/18/10

Ephesians 2:1-10

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Matthew Green

What is maturity? What does it look like, and how do we get there? As Christians, we often pursue maturity - surprisingly! - by leaving the simple truths of the gospel. Although this can result in what looks like growth - Bible study, prayer, church attendance, evangelism - it can be a subtle way of keeping control of our lives and not holding tightly to Christ

Gospel Growth 8 07/11/10

Ephesians 4:17-24

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we continue our study in how the gospel transforms us day by day, we'll uncover Paul's teaching in Ephesians 4 regarding daily growth. As we come to see our sin more clearly, we are constantly in need of returning to Christ, re-learning the gospel, and finding renewal in all He is and has done for us.

Gospel Growth 7 06/27/10

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Scott Cooley

If we are going to be transformed by the gospel, it begins with the "renewing of our minds" - but that is a dangerous place to be honest about! Our minds are often a playground of sinful desire and jockeying for position. The conversations we have, the scenarios we dream up, and the events we recall all reveal either belief or unbelief. What does your mind treasure, rejoice in, and remember?

Gospel Growth 6 06/20/10

Ephesians 4:14

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Matthew Green

Though we believe that the Gospel not only saves us initially, but also continues to transform us, we are easily seduced to alternative ways of growing. Sadly, many of these alternatives have a distinctively Christian flavor, though they all miss the heart of the gospel. What are the "Christian" alternatives to Gospel Growth, and how do we avoid them? How can we stay centered on what really matters and what really transforms us - the life, death and resurrection of Jesus?

Gospel Growth 5 06/13/10

Ephesians 4:11-16

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Steve Hart

We continue to look at how the gospel changes us, particularly in the context of Christian community. For real change to happen, we must be deeply "in" community. God saves us as individuals, but he saves us into His Family, to be a people who love one another as Christ has loved us. At the same time, simply being in community is not sufficient for the kind of growth the gospel promises. Our community must be thoroughly gospel focused, speaking the gospel truth to one another, bringing the good news to bear on all of our struggles and joys. Though it may seem obvious, this kind of community never happens without intentionality.

Gospel Growth 4 05/30/10

Ephesians 4:1-4

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Steve Hart

We're continuing our study on how change happens in the Christian life. Most Christians understand that we are saved by grace through faith, but then continue to live as if growth happens by a ton of hard work and discipline. As a result, Christianity moves very quickly from a joyful response to God's saving work to a drudgery of discipline, and eventual to what feels like spiritual death. This week we look at the connection between gospel declarations - what God has done - and gospel obligations - how we ought to respond. If we miss the New Testament flow - from declaration to obligation - we'll miss the very heart of Christianity!

Gospel Growth 3 05/23/10

Ephesians 3:14-21

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Steve Hart

The target of Paul's hopes and prayers for the Ephesians is summed up in v.19: "So that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." It is a simple line, but it is packed with implications for what we even think it means to be a Christian! What does Paul hope for when he prays that we'd be filled with the fullness of God? Why is that the goal? And how does that happen?

Gospel Growth 2 05/16/10

Ephesians 3:14-21

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Steve Hart

We continue looking at Paul's prayer for the church at Ephesus. When Paul prays that "Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith," what is he asking and hoping for? What does this overly familiar phrase really mean?

Gospel Growth 1 05/09/10

Ephesians 3:14-21

Series: Gospel Growth

Pastor: Steve Hart

There is a lot of talk these days about change and transformation, both within and outside the church. Unfortunately, most change is motivated by self-improvement and accomplished through self-effort. If this is how change comes, you've not dealt with the real and deepest problem: self! So how does change happen by grace, real change, that transforms you into a new kind of person? In this series we will explore Gospel Growth - the source and power of real growth.

The StoryFormed Way

Life in the End 04/25/10

Revelation 21:1-8

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Mark Coski

The entire Old Testament points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and God’s great rescue mission. The first four books of the New Testament tell the story of Jesus, intermixed with theological reflection and commentary on how the early disciples of Jesus came to understand what it all meant. The rest of the New Testament essentially looks back on the person and work of Jesus, drawing out the implications of his Rescue for the people he rescued! But one book in the New Testament does something different. Rather than look back at Jesus incarnation, his death, and his resurrection, the book of Revelation is a forward looking account of the end of the Story. One of Jesus’ closest friends, John, has a vision in which he sees into the heavenly realm, and is enabled to see how the Story turns out in the end. We know by looking at the cross and resurrection that the victory has been won: sin has been forgiven and done away with, and people can be reconciled to God right now. But the book of Revelation reminds us that God’s rescue of a people is going somewhere, it has a purpose, a final end where the Story finds resolution. This week we look at the end of the Story.

The Church 04/18/10

1 Peter 2:9

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Steve Hart

Above all, what we see in the early church - both in the book of Acts and in the New Testament letters - is that the church is a Rescued People. Each and every person who is a part of this new community called the Church is a part not because of their commitment to God, their desire to be obedient, or their eagerness to serve in ministry. All of these are good things, but they do not make someone a Christian, do not make someone a part of God’s rescued people. If you are a Christian, you are so because God has rescued you from sin, guilt, shame, and rebellion in Jesus Christ.

The Mission and Power 04/11/10

Acts 1:8-14

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Scott Cooley

The rest of the book of Acts traces the powerful advancement of the kingdom through Jesus' disciples. As they preached, shared their lives together, served the needy, and performed miracles in the power of the Spirit, the church grew rapidly. The Story was told again and again, and many people repented of sin, believed in the Lord Jesus, and were baptized into the new people of God. That which God had promised to Abraham was being fulfilled now by this new, gospel-formed people - the church! Did these disciples have any idea what they signed up for?!

Death and Resurrrection 04/04/10

Luke 24:13-35

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Steve Hart

In Luke 24, Dr. Luke recounts the story of a couple of bewildered disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus a few days after Jesus’ crucifixion. As they walked, they discussed the recent events, trying to put it all together in a way that made sense. As they talked, they were suddenly joined by a stranger. Luke tells us it was Jesus, but the two disciples don’t recognize him. As they recount the events to this stranger, it is clear they could make no sense of Jesus’ death: “But we had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel.” The death of Jesus had thoroughly dashed their hopes. Adding to their sorrow was a confusing piece of the puzzle: some of the women of their group went to the tomb and found it empty and the body gone. At this point the stranger speaks up: “O foolish ones and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” N.T. Wright says it well: “The response of the stranger is to tell the Story - differently.” Jesus opens the Scriptures and takes these two disciples on a whirlwind tour of the Story, from Genesis to the Prophets, showing the necessity of the Messiah’s death and resurrection. Jesus had to die and then enter into his glory. The death of Jesus was no hope-dashing conspiracy; it was the climax of the Story! The Messiah, as the new Adam and the Servant of Israel, had to take on the full weight of creation’s rebellion. It was the only way God could destroy sin without destroying the people that he loved. “On the cross he drew the full force not only of that despoiling [of creation], but of his own proper, judicial, punitive rejection of it, on to himself. Read in this way, the multiple strands of idolatry, sin, evil, wickedness, oppression, violence, judgment and all the rest throughout the Old Testament come rushing together and do their worst to Je- sus. He takes their full force, and does so because that was God's purpose all along.” All along, this has been God’s purpose: to destroy sin and rescue his creation by putting himself in our place and taking the punishment we deserve.

Life and Mission of Jesus 03/28/10

Luke 4:1-21

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: John Holtz

Jeremiah 31 predicts that God will come to his people, his creation, and he will finally and fully deal with the heart issue - he will fully remove sin, and he will give them new hearts that love Him and want to obey him. And he will recreate the world like Eden, where everyone knows him and enjoys him forever. In the life and ministry of Jesus, we begin to see the threads of the Old Testament story break into reality.

Prophets 03/21/10

Hosea 1:1

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Matthew Green

We pick the story up this week in the midst of this slide toward total rebellion against God - again. Israel’s kings, rather than mediating between God and his people and keeping his people faithful to Him in grateful worship and missional obedience, lead the charge toward idolatry, unrighteousness, and using the nations for Israel’s own gain! The nation does almost the exact opposite of what God created them to do. God’s response is to send prophets.

Judges and Kings 03/07/10

2 Samuel 7

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Scott Cooley

The sad story of Israel’s failure to hold faithfully to God sets up a new devel- opment in the Story. The repeated refrain of the book of Judges is, “There was no King in Israel in those days; everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” Israel begins to long for someone who can keep her faithful to God, unite her as a nation, and make her useful to God again. The first King, Saul, though hu- manly speaking a perfect choice, proves to be just as unfaithful as Israel ever was. So God chooses a humble shepherd, a boy named David, and proceeds to raise him into the kind of King Israel needs. David is far from perfect - he commits adultery and murders the woman’s husband - but he understands that God is after the heart, not just the outward actions. David truly loves God and wants to live dependently on him. Can David be longed-for King?

StoryFormed: Exodus and the Law 02/28/10

Exodus 1:1-4:1

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Marty Goss

We pick up the Story this week with God’s people multiplying rapidly in Egypt. They are well on their way to becoming the “nation” that God promised. Unfortunately, their hosts, the Egyptians, also see them multiplying, and are afraid that Israel might easily rise up and conquer them. So they force them into hard labor, and begin to kill all males born to Israelite women. Under the pres- sure of slavery, God’s people cry out to him, not realizing that he has already set a rescue plan in motion in the birth and rise of Moses.

StoryFormed: A People Of God 02/21/10

Genesis 6:5-15:21

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Scott Cooley

Out of this world gone mad, God calls a man named Abram. Abram his not a righteous man by any means, but God graciously chooses him, commands him to leave his land, and gives him a wonderful promise: “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” God is making a promise that he will restore all that was lost in Eden through this one man and his family. God is not hoping Abram will do something amazing and heal the world. Rather, God is telling Abram that He will heal the world through him, by blessing Abram and his family, growing them into a huge nation, and bringing his blessing back to all the nations through them.

StoryFormed: Beginnings and Separation 02/14/10

Genesis 1-3

Series: The StoryFormed Way

Pastor: Mark Coski

What do we learn about God, humanity, and ourselves as we read Genesis 1-3? First, we learn about God. He is the Creator of all that is, who fashioned the universes with simple but powerful words. As Creator, he is also the rightful King of Creation. Everything that is made belongs to him and finds its fulfillment in Him. Second, we learn about humanity. God creates humanity in his image - they are to find their life, identity, and source of significance in relationship to Him alone. They reflect him. Humanity is made in community, not as single isolated human beings, but as a family. This family is given the task of cultivating the earth God has made, bringing forth a God honoring culture in every sphere of life. Third, we learn the sad story of the brokenness of the world. As we hear the Story of Adam and Eve spurning their loving Creator in pursuit of the self-sufficiency, we learn the source of all the brokenness in the world. We learn that sin is not so much breaking laws as it is mistrusting God’s good intentions. They’d learn that running from God is humanity’s natural bent, and they’d see their own participation in that rebellion. Thousands of years later, in another garden, another man would experience the temptation to mistrust God’s heart. Jesus Christ would see the cross, understand the full implications of taking the Sin of the World upon his shoulders, and willingly step forward in obedience to his Father. To Adam God had said, “Obey me and live;” to Jesus God says, “Obey me and you will die.” And in the obedience of Jesus, God opens the way back into the Garden of Eden, back into fellowship with God. The Bible’s main theme is “God saves sinners.”

The Spirit and the Church: John 14-16

Holy Spirit 5 01/31/10

John 16:12-15

Series: The Spirit and the Church: John 14-16

Pastor: Steve Hart

The Spirit’s job is to take the objective reality of our Father’s love for us and make it real to us. Sinclair Ferguson says it like this: “If it is a fact that God has adopted us into his family, then the Spirit must come and assure us that this is true. The Spirit must enable us to live in the enjoyment of such a rich spiritual blessing. God sends his Spirit into our hearts bringing us the deep spiritual and psychological security that rests on the objective fact that our sins are forgiven and we completely belong to the Lord.”

Holy Spirit 4 01/24/10

John 16:4-11

Series: The Spirit and the Church: John 14-16

Pastor: Steve Hart

One of the key roles the Spirit plays is that of prosecuting attorney. Jesus says when the Spirit comes he will “convict the world,” meaning he’ll bring the world to see their guilt before a Holy God and their need for salvation in Jesus. J.I Packer says, “Jesus said that the Spirit would “convict the world” of the sin of not believing in him, of the fact that he was in the right with God the Father (as his welcome back to heaven proved), and of the reality of judgment both here and hereafter (John 16:8-11). This threefold conviction is still God’s means of making sin repulsive and Christ adorable in the eyes of persons who previously loved sin and cared nothing for the divine Savior.” But how?

Holy Spirit 3 01/17/10

John 15:8-16:4

Series: The Spirit and the Church: John 14-16

Pastor: Steve Hart

The two primary “fruits” that Jesus wants to produce in his disciples is love for one another and the ongoing ministry of proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. He wants them to be the church! So he sends his Spirit to dwell with them and in them, and by reliance upon the Spirit these disciples will find themselves comforted and empowered for the works of ministry Jesus has prepared for them. This week we’ll focus on the Spirit’s role in making these disciples - and us - bold and winsome witnesses to Jesus. The primary verses we’ll look at are in John 15.26-27.

Holy Spirit 2 01/10/10

John 14:25-31

Series: The Spirit and the Church: John 14-16

Pastor: Steve Hart

If we are going to make disciples, we are utterly dependent on the Spirit. We can’t make this happen on our own! And we are unfortunately so dependent on humans that we’ve forgotten the power of the Spirit to work through us. We need to realize that we have everything we need in the Spirit, and stop making excuses for why we can’t teach, lead, or admonish others. Jesus has already equipped you to make disciples, and he is urging you to step out and trust that his Spirit will do the work through you! You already have everything you need, so you have no excuse! Every disciple of Jesus is fully equipped to be a disci- ple maker, regardless of how long you have known Jesus or how much Bible you understand! Do you believe that?

Holy Spirit 1 01/03/10

John 14:12-24

Series: The Spirit and the Church: John 14-16

Pastor: Steve Hart

John 14-16 records some of Jesus final words to his disciples before his death. After sharing a meal together and washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus begins to give the disciples instructions on how to be his people after he is gone. He instructs them to love one another radically and sacrificially, and to continue doing the works they’ve seen him doing. The disciples grow increasingly anxious. They are fearful of what it means for them if Jesus is no longer with them. How will they go on loving, serving, and doing his work? In the midst of their anxiety, Jesus speaks these words: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you... I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever...” Jesus promises “another” will come, who will be Jesus, and yet not be Jesus. Later he says that he and his Father will come to make their home in those who love Jesus. All of this is the work of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus returns to his Father, he sends his Spirit (Acts 1-2).

Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Ecclesiastes - Advent 3 12/20/09

Ecclesiastes 11:8-12:14

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we finally reach the end of our study in Ecclesiastes, it is a bit surprising to find 2 conclusions to the book. Solomon has his sobering final monologue about the vanity of life under the sun, and then another voice comes in to both commend and critique Solomon's work. This other author reminds us that, while there is profit in all of Solomon's work, he doesn't see everything. "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" is solid Biblical teaching on the purpose of life under the sun... but what does it mean to fear God, and how do we do it?

Ecclesiastes - Advent 2 12/13/09

Ecclesiastes 9:1-10

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we continue to bring our study in Ecclesiastes to a close, we are contrasting Solomon's cynicism with true Biblical faith in light of Advent, the coming of Jesus. Solomon's assessment of the human situation is that we are full of evil and delusional, a view that Paul also teaches in Romans 1.18-25, where he says we have not honored or given thanks to God (we are evil) and instead worship idols (we are delusional). How does the coming of Jesus rescue and heal idol worshippers?

Ecclesiastes - Advent 1 12/06/09

Ecclesiastes 7:15-18

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we turn toward Advent, we'll spend the next 3 weeks leading exploring some of the main themes of the book of Ecclesiastes: injustice, death, and vanity. We'll contrast these themes the Incarnation, exploring the difference made when God stepped into our world 2000 years ago.

Ecclesiastes 9: How to be an Idiot, Part 2 11/15/09

Ecclesiastes 8:1

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

Solomon continues to give practical wisdom for life.

Ecclesiastes 8: How to Be An Idiot, Part 1 11/08/09

Ecclesiastes 7:7-29

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

Leaving the big, weighty questions of meaning and purpose in the universe, Solomon buckles down to give us some solid wisdom for navigating a world of beauty and brokenness. The subtitle for this week's sermon is "How To Be An Idiot, Part 1."

Ecclesiastes 7 11/01/09

Ecclesiastes 7:23-24

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

Turning from his despairing search for ultimate meaning in life, Solomon begins to give some practical advice for navigating our broken world. In this message, we discuss what wisdom is, why we need it, and where we can get it.

Ecclesiastes 4 10/04/09

Ecclesiastes 4:4-16

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

Solomon turns from death and despair to consider human relationships, and leads off with this penetrating insight: at a core level, we are all anti-neighbor. We feel like we are in competition with one another, and constantly trying to prove our worth by outperforming one another. This effects all of our relationships, making real, vulnerable, intimate relationship something beyond our grasp. How can we become the kind of community that overcomes this twisted motivation?

Ecclesiastes 3 09/27/09

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4:3

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week Solomon looks at the transient nature of life. Everything comes and goes, everything has its season and time, and nothing ever stays the same. Change is constant. And as we try to live in a constantly changing world, we find ourselves grasping for control, hoping that something can be made permanent. Solomon says the attempt is futile... How can the gospel bring hope to our futility and set us free from our need for control?

Ecclesiastes 2 09/20/09

Ecclesiastes 2

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

After Solomon's introduction, he proceeds to take us on a journey into everything "under the sun" - all that we pursue in this short life, desperately trying to make life meaningful. His conclusion is that the whole pursuit is a burden, and he begins to despair. In particular, Solomon looks death in the face and realizes that if death ultimately wins, then everything is ultimately vain.

Ecclesiastes 1 09/13/09

Ecclesiastes 1

Series: Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Pastor: Steve Hart

Solomon, the wisest, richest, and most influential man to ever live, spent years pursuing the meaning of life. He looked into everything done under the sun, and he has this to report: life under the sun is meaningless toil. His frank look at life under the sun sobers us up, removing our vain illusions about life, and prepares us to hope in what will not disappoint.

Rhythms Of Grace

Rhythms of Grace: Eat 07/26/09

Genesis 1-2

Series: Rhythms Of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week we look at our third Rhythm, Eat, “We share meals with people outside our immediate family, offering welcome, friendship, and community.” Come listen as Steve shares how God intended for eating to be an act of dependence and worship and means to receive his grace and show his grace.

Rhythms of Grace: Listen 07/19/09

Genesis 2:1-3:17

Series: Rhythms Of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week we discuss our second rhythm, “We listen to God, rediscovering the gospel in Scripture and being led by God’s Spirit. And we listen well to people around us to hear gospel and needs.” We spend more time in Genesis this week as we look to the story of Adam and Eve and see how listening plays a key role in the relationship between humans and God.

Rhythms of Grace: Bless 07/12/09

Genesis 1-3

Series: Rhythms Of Grace

Pastor: Steve Hart

We’ve spent the last several weeks discussing and learning more about our identity (Family, Missionary, Servant and Learner) in relation to what Christ has done for us. Over the rest of the summer, we’ll be exploring what it looks like to live out this new Identity as a regular, repeated pattern of behavior. Because Christianity is the good news and calls un into a new way of being human together we’ll be exploring 5 practices - what we call “Rhythms” - that help to translate our new Identity into a way of doing everyday life with gospel intentionality. The rhythms are not something that happens on Sunday, but rather something that can only happen in the mundane of everyday life. Come listen as Steve leads us in discussion of our first Gospel Rhythm, “Bless.” The simple conviction that everything God has given us - physically and spiritually - is given as a gift for us to humbly steward. By faith in Jesus Christ, we are blessed to be a blessing! The Rhythm of Bless is our way of living in this grace and extending it to others. As we are more amazed and humbled by what God has done for us, we are increasingly freed to use all that he has given us in order to bless, honor, and serve others. We use our words, our time, our resources and gifts to build others up. We no longer need to hoard these resources, but joyfully live as a people who are truly blessed to be a blessing!

Gospel Partnership

Gospel Partnership: All In Together 06/28/09

Ephesians 4:11-17

Series: Gospel Partnership

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week we focus on our last identity, as Learners. The best example of the learner identity lived out is Jesus. Jesus invited his disciples into a process of learning how to live in his ways and to do his works. They learned to be like him in character (Family), in purpose (Missionaries), and in posture (Servants). As we are called into his Family and sent as his Missionaries, each one of us is in need of being developed as a disciple and at the same time needed as a developer of disciples. Come listen as Steve encourages us to actively be the body of Christ, being built up in love, both in maturity in Christ and in the mission of Christ to make disciples. In order for this to happen, each part of the body - you and I and all of us - must be “working properly.” As we mature and develop ourselves, we take responsibility to mature and develop others.

Gospel Partnership: Do you serve like Jesus? 06/21/09

John 13:1-17

Series: Gospel Partnership

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week we look at our identity of servant. Jesus demonstrates servanthood in John 13. Because serving is an identity issue Jesus can serve in any manner, even a job that was given to the lowliest of servants because he draws his significance from his Father. Where do you find your joy and significance and worth? Come listen as Steve challenges us to evaluate where and why we are serving. If our significance rests in what Christ has done then we will serve just as He did. Whose feet are you washing?

Gospel Partnership: How are you living the Gospel? 06/14/09

Matthew 4:17-25

Series: Gospel Partnership

Pastor: Steve Hart

If the heart of Christianity is the Gospel then what does it mean to respond and follow Jesus with all that you are? What does it mean to live not just with a Gospel identity but with a Gospel purpose? Jesus’ example in Matthew 4:17-25 is one of proclaiming the Gospel, demonstrating the Gospel and gathering a community to himself. Come listen as Steve challenges us to examine our lives and see what our mission is by looking at our conversations, our day planner/check book and the people we are sharing life with. To live life in such a way that our purpose is the Gospel.

Gospel Partnership: Where do you find your identity? 06/07/09

Mark 10:17-31

Series: Gospel Partnership

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week we will look at where we find out identity. As a community we want the center of what we're about, more than anything else to be the gospel. We want everything thing we do and say to be surrounded by what God has done for us in the life death and resurrection of Jesus. In Religion, my identity and self-worth are based on what I can accomplish, on how hard I work, or on how moral I am. Therefore, I look down on others who aren’t as moral or obedient as me. But in the Gospel, my identity and self-worth are based on God’s love for me in Jesus, even while I was his enemy, unable to accomplish or earn his love by my actions. Therefore, I can’t look down on someone different than me because I am no better than they are – and probably worse! This week Steve encourages us to look at what we are building our identity on. To take a step back, look at the example of the rich man from Mark and instead of following his example turn and build our identity on God. In essence give up every other way of finding a self and find it now only in Jesus.

Gospel Partnership: What is the Gospel 05/31/09

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Series: Gospel Partnership

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we begin a new series for the summer we will practice our learner identity and look at what is the gospel, what does it mean to live life according to Jesus and to live life in a community. Steve will define the Gospel as: Jesus Christ, God's promised rescuer and ruler lived our life, died our death, and rose again as the promise of the new creation to bring forgiven sinners together under his gracious reign. Come and listen as Steve encourages us to believe that we don’t ever move past the Gospel. That true Christianity always springs forth out of growing Gospel-centeredness in our lives. This means an ongoing awareness of our sinfulness that leads to deeper humility and also a growing awareness of how amazing grace really is – at the same time!

Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Standing Firm in Grace 05/17/09

1 Peter 5:6-14

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

In the conclusion to this powerful letter, Peter urges the scattered but chosen churches to remain faithful to Jesus and to stand firm in the grace he has given them.

A Surprising Mutuality 05/10/09

1 Peter 5:1-5

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week in Peter’s letter he addresses the relationship between the leadership and the rest of the community. Though leaders often have different roles in the church community, the biblical model is that everyone is a sheep of Jesus, and everyone is responsible for Jesus’ disciple-making purposes in the world. The distinction between leaders and the community at large is simply that leaders take the initiative to lead by example as they care for, encourage, and challenge the community to faithful Christian living. As we come to the end of our study in Peter’s letter, our own missional communities will be covenanting around the ways that we will live out our Identity as a Family of Missionary Servants. In order to do this, we need to embrace our fourth Gospel Identity, that of Learner. To be a Learner is to recognize that each of us is a disciple of Jesus called to make disciples of Jesus. We are all - leaders and followers - responsible for the maturity and mission of the church as a whole. Peter addresses both leadership and the community at large with this very emphasis. Come listen as Steve encourages some of us to step up in leadership and the rest of us to submit to leadership.

A Surprising Sacrifice 05/03/09

1 Peter 4:12-19

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we look at Peter’s letter this week, we’ll be focusing again on our Covenant to live out these themes - what we call Gospel Identities - together. Over the last 2 weeks we’ve looked at our Missionary Identity and our Family Identity. This week, in what is really a summary of everything Peter has been saying; we’ll focus specifically on the Servant Identity. To be a follower of Jesus means sacrifice, suffering, and servant hood. Are you arranging your life around the Gospel? Come and listen as Steve guides us through Peter’s letter to learn how we should respond in trial.

A Surprising Community 04/26/09

1 Peter 4:1-11

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week we explore what it means to be a part of a Christian community, to live together in the reality of our Identity as Family, chosen and beloved children of God. Peter begins in chapter 4 right where he left off, speaking of the suffering of Jesus on our behalf. How can we learn to serve other, to draw life from Jesus so that we can give it away? Peter says we ought to “arm ourselves with the same way of thinking,” fully aware that being united to Jesus implies suffering. As we remind each other of our Identity in the gospel, we are helping one another to more fully believe God’s forgiving, accepting, adopting love. We call this “gospeling” one another. Come and listen as Steve encourages us to pattern our lives after Christ.

A Surprising Hope 04/19/09

1 Peter 3:13-22

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we round the bend and begin to head toward the end of this amazing letter, we’ll be using our time to talk practically about how to live the Identities of Family, Missionaries, and Servants together. Peter has woven these three themes together throughout his letter, urging these chosen and scattered exiles to live as God’s Family, sent throughout the Roman Empire to faithfully witness to a suffering and resurrected Messiah, both in deed and in word. In this section Peter challenges Christians to be the Church and to live faithfully for Christ. Peter concludes this section with the same great words of hope and encouragement that he has woven throughout this letter! He recognizes that living for Jesus’ mission involves suffering and sacrifice, so he points us again to Jesus. Jesus died for us. He bled for us. He went all the way down for us, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, with all things subject to him. Because of Jesus’ great victory, we can embrace sacrifice today, knowing that we belong to Jesus and will one day be with him! Come listen and be encouraged by Steve to live our lives so that the world would question our actions.

Easter: Resurrection Hope 04/12/09

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

This week Steve takes us back in 1 Peter to verses 1:20-21; 1:3-4 and 3:22 to encourage us that the resurrection makes faith possible, hope livable, and obedience delightful. Listen and be encouraged that Christ is Risen!

Praxis: Gospel & Church 04/05/09

1 Peter 3:8-12

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

Steve picks up from last week continuing with the last of Peter’s three different contexts in which verse 2:16 gets worked out in our lives. So far, we’ve seen how “living as Servants of God” works itself out in the workplace and in the home. Before Peter leaves this subject, he applies it directly to the Christian community and the relationships within the church. Sadly, Christians often forget their Servant Identity in the way they relate to one another, and it is often within the community where the most selfish, self-centered behavior comes out. Peter urges us to live the way of the cross together. Listen as Steve and Russ encourages us to live with “unity of mind”, sympathy for one another, familial love, tender heartedness and humble mindedness towards one another.

Praxis: Gospel & Home 03/29/09

1 Peter 3:1-7

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

Steve picks up from last week continuing with the second of Peter’s three different contexts in which verse 2:16 gets worked out in our lives. We’ve been given a glorious new Identity in Christ in order that we might give our lives up in humble service of those around us. In this section, Peter applies the same principle to the home, between husband and wife, and particularly applies it to wives living with unbelieving husbands. Peter wants us to see that the husband serves his wife by his leadership, and the wife serves her husband by her gracious submission. In both cases, the spouse’s service is first and foremost to God himself, as His Servant, and then to one another. Come and listen as Steve encourages husbands and wives to outdo each other in honor and service so that Christ can be glorified.

Praxis: Gospel & World 03/15/09

1 Peter 2:18-25

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

After laying out the basic framework of both abstaining from the passions of the world and engaging in humble service of the world, Peter proceeds to give 3 different contexts in which this gets worked out (praxis). This week we’ll look at how it works in the world, particularly at work. Please listen as Steve challenges us to realize that we don't simply need to live as Jesus lived, thus following a set of rule, but rather what we need is his substitution, we need our Savior. When this is worked into our hearts we can rejoice in all our circumstances, even an "unjust master"

Gospel-Deed People 03/08/09

1 Peter 2:11-17

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

Our Identity as Servants flows directly from our Identity as Beloved Children of God, his special people. Our chosen status as God’s special people does not remove us from the world to await the return of Jesus. On the contrary, the freedom we have in Jesus allows us to be in the world for the good of the world and yet to remain unstained by the ways of the world. Listen as Steve explains the freedom we can have if we are only willing to accept it as he continues in 1 Peter 1 Peter 2:11-17

Gospel-Proclaiming People 03/01/09

1 Peter 2:4-10

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

What does it really mean to be "born again"? Steve picks up in 1 Peter 2:4 as Peter continues to build off of what he has been saying about being "born again" through he gospel word, and lays out an incredible vision of the purpose of God in calling us to Himself.

Gospel-Transformed People 02/22/09

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

The degree to which we obey God is a direct reflection of the degree to which the grace of God in Jesus has truly taken root in our hears, filling us with "joy inexpressible and full of glory!". The commands of the New Testament are always proceeded by a "therefore". Listen as Steve explains what the "therefore" is there for.

Gospel-Formed Community 02/15/09

1 Peter 1:3-12

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

Point number 1: it’s not about you. Point number 2: it’s totally about you. Point number 3: if you get the first 2 points, it totally transforms you. What the heck is Peter talking about and who's he writing to anyway? Listen as Steve breaks down and dialouges about 1 Peter 1:3-12.

Chosen and Scattered 02/08/09

1 Peter 1:1-2

Series: Chosen and Scattered: A Study in 1 Peter

Pastor: Steve Hart

What does it mean to be chosen and scattered by God? Listen as Steve breaks down 1 Peter 1:1-2 in the first of a new series in 1 Peter.

Psalms: Obedience and Desire

Psalm 16: Delighting in God 01/25/09

Psalms 16

Series: Psalms: Obedience and Desire

Pastor: Steve Hart

The Scriptures teach that the heart is the motivational drive shaft of life. Whatever we treasure, whatever we most highly value, whatever we think most significant will give form to our lives. We'll spend our limited resources pursuing joy in that thing. Therefore, we must learn to ravish our hearts with the excellencies of God in order to come to deeper joy and obedience. Psalm 16 - and many other Psalms - is about how to bring our hearts to delight and rest in God alone.

Psalm 42: Despairing 01/18/09

Psalms 42

Series: Psalms: Obedience and Desire

Pastor: Nick Dotson

Life with God has seasons of great joy and seasons of great sadness. Though our faith tells us God is always near, our experience and our emotions often tell us otherwise. How do we respond when God seems distant and life seems futile? Listen to the way the psalmist deals with himself in Psalm 42 for some simple and helpful practical ideas.

Psalm 51: Repenting 01/11/09

Psalms 51

Series: Psalms: Obedience and Desire

Pastor: Steve Hart

Psalm 51 is a prayer of confession, restoration, and rejoicing following David's adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband. In this Psalm, David shows us a pathway for dealing with sin that leads to both great joy in God's salvation and real heart transformation

Psalm 100: Rejoicing 01/04/09

Psalms 100

Series: Psalms: Obedience and Desire

Pastor: Nick Dotson

The book of Psalms invites us to think and to feel. God has designed the Psalms both for our instruction in obedience and for the shaping of our emotions and affections. In this intro to our 4 week study on the Psalms, we'll look at 3 key characteristics of the Psalms in general as well as dig deeply into Psalm 100. How can we become the kind of people who not only serve the Lord but do so with joy and gladness?

Advent 2008: Reconnectiong with Jesus

The First Christmas Song 12/14/08

Luke 1:46-55

Series: Advent 2008: Reconnectiong with Jesus

Pastor: Steve Hart

What has Advent been for you? What’s your experience been? Has it been refreshing, renewing? Are you reconnecting with Jesus or are you just going through the motions? As we continue in the 3rd week of Advent, Steve Hart talks about the very first Christmas song.

Scott Cooley's Little Life 12/07/08

Hebrews 2:1

Series: Advent 2008: Reconnectiong with Jesus

Pastor: Scott Cooley

When do you know when you need to stop, turn around and go back to your relationship with Christ? How do you reconnect with your relationship? And what happens when you do? What happens around you? Scott Cooley shares some recent life experience and how he's come to reconnect with Christ.

God with Us 11/30/08

Matthew 1:18-25

Series: Advent 2008: Reconnectiong with Jesus

Pastor: Steve Hart

What do you want Advent to be this year? Do you want it to be a time to reconnect with Jesus? When you hear the Gospel, are you shocked? You should be! God brings the transcendent and immanent together. He puts on flesh and comes into our world and lives among us. Come hear the story of Christmas with new ears and be shocked.

Gospel Identity

Gospel Stories - Missional Communities 11/23/08

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

What does it mean, practically to be in the Family of God, to be on Mission, to Serve and to Learn to be God’s people together? What does this really look like in our Missional Communities? We explore these questions in a dialogue with 3 Missional Community leaders.

Gospel Stories - Learners 11/09/08

Mark 1:14-20

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

When Jesus chooses disciples, he calls them first to himself and to the process of being transformed: "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Jesus is committed to the process of bringing us along as his people. At the same time, he sends us to be disciple-makers, men and women who are helping others to find life in Jesus and to live themselves as his disciples. When we say one of our Gospel Identities is "Learner," we're confessing to be people in the process of being formed into the image of Christ even as we are being used by him to form others.

Gospel Stories - Servants 11/02/08

Mark 9:30-41

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

What does it mean to live in the Way of Jesus, to be in the kingdom of God as a way of life? The upside-down dynamic of the kingdom - the first shall be last - is the way of life for all who come under the leadership of King Jesus. But how do we maintain a servant posture over the long haul?

Gospel Stories - Missionaries 10/26/08

Luke 10:25-37

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

What does it mean to be a Family of Missionaries? In this next sermon in our series on Gospel Identities, we explore the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan to see what it means to be on mission with Jesus.

Gospel Stories - Family 10/19/08

Luke 15

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

What does it mean to be in the Family of God? What might it look like to actually believe that we've been adopted by God through Christ, and form our lives around that reality? In this series on Gospel Identity, we're continuing to explore these questions.

Identity: We are Learners 09/28/08

Ephesians 4:1-16

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

The idea of church attendance is not Biblical. Yes, we should meet together and encourage one another in love and good deeds, remind one another of the gospel, and seek the Lord together. But Biblically speaking, you are the church. Church isn't an event or a building but a people ransomed by Jesus' death and brought into fellowship with God and one another. This Family is then sent into the world to be the body of Jesus, his ambassadors doings his kingdom work. As we do this, the body grows up. To say that we are Learners is to acknowledge that each of us is a disciple of Jesus called to make disciples of Jesus. We need one another to become the body that Jesus wants us to be.

Identity: We are Servants 09/21/08

Mark 10:35-45

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

Our Gospel Identities describe who we are as a result of what God has done in Jesus. Rather than talk about the things we ought to be doing as Christians, this series is about what God has done in Jesus and how that changes our Identity. When we say we are servants, we are acknowledging that Jesus is our ransom, paying the price in his life and death to set us free from our slavery to self, sin, and satan. We have been bought with a price and so we are learning to serve Jesus as we serve one another. Because Jesus has served us, we are free to be his Servants.

Identity: We Are Missionaries 09/14/08

John 20:19-23

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

When we say that one of our core gospel Identities is "We Are Missionaries," we're primarily saying something about God and his work in the world. The Scriptures recount how God has worked in history to bring everything back under his gracious rule in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In Jesus, he is making all things new. We then, as we place our trust in Jesus, are "new creations" in him - radically called into fellowship with him and with one another. At the very same time, we are "ambassadors" of his kingdom - radically sent into the world to join with God in restoring all things to Him.

Identity: We are Family 09/07/08

Genesis 1:26-28

Series: Gospel Identity

Pastor: Steve Hart

The first of our Gospel Identities is Family. God has always desired a people for his fame and glory in the world. In the beginning, he made Adam and Eve in his image as his people living in his place, and he was their Father. In their desire for autonomy, they destroyed that relationship and sent all of humanity spiraling away from God. In Jesus, God has restored us to himself as his beloved children, and brought us together into a people - His Family. In tonight's message, we dialogue about the implications of being a Family together.

Colossians: Christian Maturity

Supposta-free Christianity 07/20/08

Colossians 2:16-23

Series: Colossians: Christian Maturity

Pastor: Steve Hart

Christianity without rules & regulations? Without hypocrisy? Without false spirituality? Is it too good to be true?

Colossians 2.6-15 07/13/08

Colossians 2:6-15

Series: Colossians: Christian Maturity

Pastor: Rob Fairbanks

Guest preacher Rob Fairbanks of New Community Church leads us through a challenging passage on how Christians often move away from Jesus.

Colossians 1.24-2.6 07/06/08

Series: Colossians: Christian Maturity

Pastor: Nick Dotson

Paul's suffering for Christ and the maturity of the Colossian church gives us a new perspective on suffering.

Colossians 1.15-23 06/29/08

Series: Colossians: Christian Maturity

Pastor: Steve Hart

The preeminence of Jesus in Creation and New Creation!

Colossians 1.1-8 06/15/08

Colossians 1:1-8

Series: Colossians: Christian Maturity

Pastor: Steve Hart

Paul's letter to the Colossian church is all about Jesus. Paul is writing to a church that feels 2 specific pressures. On one hand, there is pressure to conform to a more culturally acceptable, less exclusive spirituality. On the other hand, there are religious legalists who are pressuring the church to follow Old Testament conventions like circumcision and dietary laws. Paul writes to remind this church that everything they need for spiritual maturity has already been given to them in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He encourages them to remember and celebrate God's grace to them.

Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

When Life Stays Messy 06/08/08

Proverbs 3:1-8

Series: Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

Pastor: Matthew Green

As we finish the story of Ruth, the question lingers: What about when our messy lives don't wrap up as beautifully as Naomi's? What about when the tragedy and hardship doesn't seem to come to an end, and it seems like God is not good?

Ruth 4.13-22 06/01/08

Ruth 4:13-22

Series: Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

Pastor: Steve Hart

As the story of Ruth comes to a close, the camera pulls back from the love story of Boaz and Ruth and revisits the plight of Naomi. When she left for Moab, she was full of family, future, and hope. When she returned from Moab she was bitter, broken, and empty - and childless. But God has not left her, and in his love for her has orchestrated the marriage of Boaz and Ruth so that they could give birth to a grandson who would refresh her soul. The camera then pulls back even further, and we see that this son, Obed, becomes the father of Jesse, who in turn becomes the father of the great King David!

Ruth 4.1-12 05/25/08

Ruth 4:1-12

Series: Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

Pastor: Steve Hart

Every great love story has obstacles, and the blossoming love of Ruth and Boaz is no exception. Though Boaz is fully intent on marrying Ruth, he is also a man who loves God's law and wants to do things the right way. There is a redeemer who is nearer to Ruth and has the first right of redemption. Fortunately for Boaz and Ruth, this man is a total fool, and Boaz easily moves him out of the way in order to wed Ruth.

Ruth 3.1-18 05/18/08

Ruth 3

Series: Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

Pastor: Steve Hart

Ruth and Boaz live in the perverted and confused time of the Judges, a period of history where Israel was in rebellion against God on a regular basis. How can two people love each other and pursue marriage in a way that is pure and honorable? How do they protect themselves and each other in a day when the path of least resistance is hooking up, sleeping together, shacking up and seeing if it works out? Listen to how Ruth and Boaz navigate these treacherous waters!

Ruth 2.14-23 05/11/08

Ruth 2:14-23

Series: Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we reach the midpoint of the book of Ruth, we are privaleged to look in on one of the most beautiful love stories ever written. The story started with tragedy and sin and foolishness, but is now taking a turn for the better as the righteous Boaz steps on to the scene to be a conduit of grace and restoration to Ruth and Naomi.

Ruth 2.1-13 05/04/08

Ruth 2:1-13

Series: Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

Pastor: Steve Hart

At the bottom of the barrel, with nothing to eat and no hope for the future, Ruth sets out from Bethlehem to the fields to glean, sacrficially caring for her bitter mother-in-law and faithfully trusting that God has a plan. Once there, she "happens" to come to the field of a dude named Boaz - a strong, godly, masculine man of high standing in the community. He just happens to be single, and he just happens to come to the field on the day that Ruth is gleaning. Our story turns a corner this week from tragedy to the beginnings of a love story.

Ruth 1.6-22 04/27/08

Ruth 1:6-22

Series: Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

Pastor: Steve Hart

God is at work in the story of Ruth and Naomi in primarily invisible ways. Naomi's life is in shambles and she is bitter with God about it. She believes that God is all powerful, but she is unconvinced about God's goodness, at least in her life at this point. The Providence of God is the main theme of the book of Ruth, a theological concept that brings together God's power and sovereign control over all things with his heart of grace, kindness, and faithful love for his people. As believers in God, we must learn to see our circumstances through the lens of Providence, trusting that even in affliction God has good and redemptive purposes that he is working out.

Ruth 1.1-6 04/20/08

Ruth 1:1-6

Series: Ruth: Redeeming the Mess

Pastor: Steve Hart

Our study in the book of Ruth begins with tragedy. A man named Elimelech who lives in the godless and turbulent days of the judges is moving his family out of God's promised land to the pagan country of Moab. In a few short verses, we see the tragic consequences of this decision: both he and his two sons die, leaving his wife, Naomi, without husband and children in a foreign land. It is tragic. Yet God is not as absent as he seems. He has a plan and a future for Naomi, and in his grace is visits his people in Israel and Naomi begins her journey home.

Vintage Mission 2008

Prayer and the Gospel 04/13/08

Acts 4:23-31

Series: Vintage Mission 2008

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we finish our discussion on the mission of the Vintage Faith Community, we must conclude with the humble confession that we cannot do this on our own. As we survey the book of Acts and read about how God sent his church on mission, spreading the joy of salvation in Jesus, we immediately recognize that it was a supernatural work. Tonight we talk about the kind of praying that energized the early church into this mission.

Joy in the Gospel 03/30/08

Acts 8:1-8

Series: Vintage Mission 2008

Pastor: Steve Hart

Over the next 3 Sundays, we'll be looking at our mission in this great city. Our goal is not simply to be a great church, but to help build a great city full of joy in Jesus. In tonight's message, we look at the Gospel itself and ask how the preaching of the gospel can result in great joy in Spokane.

The Gospel of Mark

He Is Not Here! 03/23/08

Mark 16:1-8

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

After an entire year in Mark's Gospel, we conclude with a discussion of the resurrection. Why does the story end this way? What would Mark have us learn about Jesus and about our role in the ongoing work of the Gospel?

Mocked and Reviled 03/02/08

Mark 15:16-32

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

Mark recounts Jesus' crucifixion, but his focus is not on the physical brutality (though it was excruciating). Rather, he focuses on the substitution that Jesus makes for us, both in bearing our sin and in removing our shame.

Crucify Him! 02/24/08

Mark 15:1-15

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

I Will Not Deny You! 02/17/08

Mark 14:66-72

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

Simon was Jesus' first disciple. Jesus renamed him Peter, which meant, "the rock." He was the ringleader amongst the disciples, the spokesman, and he functions in Mark's gospel as the source for most of the content. In tonight's passage, Peter fails Jesus, denying him three times and cursing the Master he so passionately confesses to love. So how did Peter go from failing Jesus to being the leader of God's church?

The Death of Religion 02/10/08

Mark 14:53-65

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we continue our look into the final hours of Jesus' life, we are asking the question, "Why is this bloody story of betrayal and murder called good news?" Tonight, Jesus is on trial before the religious leaders, and religion is doing its best to condemn, judges, and silence Jesus. This passage reveals why we are all so committed to our religion and our morality, and how Jesus puts an end to religion.

Sorrowful Unto Death 01/27/08

Mark 14:32-52

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

In one of the most moving passages in the Gospel, Mark recounts Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. As one commentary put it, "On the cross Jesus' body was crucified; in the Garden, his soul was crucified." We see Jesus stagger under the weight of "the cup," a Biblical image describing God's just punishment of sin. In the Garden, the Father gives Jesus a glimpse of the hell that awaits him if he chooses the cross. In a final act of surrender, Jesus settles the issue in prayer and rises from his knees to give his life.

The Lamb of God 01/20/08

Mark 14:12-28

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

Over the next 9 weeks we'll be exploring the last hours of Jesus' life. Throughout the last 2000 years, Christianity has become the world's largest religion, and it is still the world's fastest growing religion. And yet, at the center of it, is the bloody and shameful death of its founder. Why has the cross always been so central, and why have countless millions had their lives radically changed by this story? Tonight we explore the difference between the Gospel of Jesus and religion as we look at how Jesus explains his death in the Last Supper.

Proximity or Relationship? 01/13/08

Mark 14:1-11

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

In one of the more dramatic passages in Mark's Gospel, the religious leaders make a plan to kill Jesus, Judas plots with them to betray Him, and an unnamed woman displays an extravagant act of worship. Are we more like Judas, seeing Jesus as a means to an end, and willing to betray him? Or, like the woman, have we been captured by the strength and humility of Jesus, transformed by his sacrificial life and death, and so taken with him that we, too, become radical worshipers of Jesus?

The End of the World 01/06/08

Mark 13

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

In one of the most often misunderstood passages of Mark, Jesus predicts the coming fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. Jesus warns his disciples about what they are getting into as his witnesses, attempting to help them see the challenge of faithful endurance to the end. In this long passage, Jesus uses the coming destruction of Jerusalem as a way to talk about the future world-wide tribulation and his immanent return.

True Religion 12/30/07

Mark 12:35-44

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Scott Cooley

What does true religion consist of? What does it look like lived out? As we have studied Mark 12 during Advent, we've seen Jesus refute the religion of the Pharisees, Herodians, and scribes. In this final section of Mark 12, Jesus points to the sacrificial offering of a poor widow to paint a picture of the kind of religion that is pleasing to God.

Jesus and Religion 12/23/07

Mark 12:28-34

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

What is the greatest commandment, the one commandment that takes priority over all things and all people? Jesus answers this question with 3 separate and connected commands: Remember, Worship, and Serve.

Jesus and the Afterlife 12/16/07

Mark 12:18-27

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

One of the most important questions we all must answer is what happens to us when we die. In tonight's passage, Jesus is asked this perennially important question by the Sadducees, a group of religious leaders who think the idea of life after death is absurd. Jesus responds with insight and authority, proving the Sadducees wrong and pointing us all to the hope of the resurrection found only in Jesus himself.

The Politics of Jesus 12/09/07

Mark 12:13-17

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

What is a Christian response to politics, taxes, and the government? In tonight's passage, Jesus takes on the liberal left and the conservative right, reveals them both as inadequate political options, and describes a new trajectory and means for being a politically involved people. What might it look like for us to embrace his way in our city, nation, and world?

The Authority of Jesus 12/02/07

Mark 11:27-12:12

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

After Jesus' symbolic actions in the Temple, the religious leaders want to know why exactly he thinks he has the authority to put an end to the temple. But when they refuse to answer a question that he poses to them, he in turn refuses to disclose his source of authority. He goes on, however, to tell a parable that reveals his relationship to his Father as the source of his authority. In this parable, we see that the authority of Jesus is absolute, threatening, and marvelous.

Jesus and the Temple 11/18/07

Mark 11:1-25

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As Jesus finally makes his way into Jerusalem, he intentionally orchestrates a procession that fulfills the messianic prophecy of Zecheriah 9.9. Jesus wants to be clear about his identity and his mission, and the incident in the Temple serves to illustrate that he has come to be the final sacrifice, the end of the Temple system. The challenge for us 2000 years later is to remain fruitfully connected to Jesus as our Temple, a living faith in God that dynamically impacts our world.

A Ransom For Many 11/11/07

Mark 10:45

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

What is the meaning of the death of Jesus? Why did it happen? What does it mean for us today? The center of Christianity has always been the cross - remove the cross, and you don't have Christianity.

What Do You Want? 11/04/07

Mark 10:32-52

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As Jesus continues on his journey to Jerusalem, he once again predicts his coming death, and instructs his disciples in the Way of the Cross. In his interactions with the disciples, and in his healing of blind Bartimaeus, Jesus asks the question of a servant: "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus' servant life and sacrificial death are not only our hope and salvation, but also serve as the blueprint for the servant-life of a disciple. In tonight's sermon we tackle the question, the manner, and the power of a servant.

Jesus and Your Stuff 10/28/07

Mark 10:17-31

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As Jesus sets out on his downward journey to the cross, a rich young man on his way up in the world approaches Jesus with a question about eternal life. In the collision of the God-Man heading down and the young man heading up, the ruler gets his life dismantled. The cost of following Jesus is great, and he will lay claim to every inch of our lives. Will you let him wreck your life?

Jesus and Your Family 10/21/07

Mark 10:1-16

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we continue in Mark's Gospel, the demands of discipleship become more challenging. This week, Jesus lays claim to our marriages and our families. He points back to Genesis to teach us what God intended for marriage, and paints an inspiring picture of the beauty of married life. He loves, welcomes, and blesses the children, showing indignation at his disciples' lack of care for the needy and helpless ones. And he offers us entrance into this kind of life if we are willing to become like children and receive his reign and lordship in our families.

Listen to Him! 10/07/07

Mark 9:2-29

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

What is our mental image of Jesus? Do we think of him as a poor Jewish peasant with long hair, soft features, and a wry smile? The image of Jesus in the book of Revelation is something entirely different, and in tonight's passage Peter, James, and John get a glimpse of the resurrected Jesus before his death and burial. What they see is hard to describe, but having the right view of Jesus is incredibly important for how we live, believe, and pray!

Do You See Anything? 09/30/07

Mark 8:22-9:1

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

In the healing of the blind man, Jesus teaches his disciples about their spiritual blindness. Spiritual blindness is the pervasive human problem, and it is both deep and self-destructive. But Jesus also show how he intends to heal his disciples. Our healing requires the rebuke of the cross, which first humbles us and then affirms us. By believing and living the Gospel we become free to live the upside-down dynamic of the kingdom.

Do You Not Yet Understand? 09/23/07

Mark 8:1-21

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As the first half of Mark's Gospel comes to a close, Mark gives us an opportunity to evaluate our relationship to Jesus. In this final scene, we see Jesus once again act with compassion on the crowd, once again battle with the Pharisees, and once again challenge his disciples. As we evaluate the reasons that Jesus deals differently with each group, we will get an honest glimpse into our own heart-level relationship with Jesus.

All Things Well 09/16/07

Mark 7:24-37

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

For the first time in Mark's Gospel, Jesus heads into Gentile territory. In these first 2 stories amongst the Gentiles, Mark teaches us how we are to relate to someone like Jesus, and why we can relate in that way. But Mark goes beyond that, too, and tells us more about the identity and purpose of Jesus. To relate to Jesus by faith is more than a ticket to heaven; rather, Mark wants us to see that in Jesus is wholeness and restoration, the complete and total healing of the world.

Becoming Clean 09/02/07

Mark 7:14-23

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Ryan Keogh

Though we may not understand the Old Testament obsession with ritual purity, our culture is equally obsessed with cleanliness. The problem, of course, is that no matter how much we shower, shave, and clean up the outside, our hearts are the true source of the filth in our lives. So what hope do we have for becoming clean? Listen to how Jesus deals with the issue of purity, and the gospel solution to our uncleanness.

The Terrifying Love of Jesus 08/19/07

Mark 6:45-56

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

For the second time in the Gospel of Mark, the disciples find themselves in a boat on the sea of Galilee, struggling against the wind and waves, and feeling utterly alone. Though Jesus sees them struggling in the evening, he waits until almost morning to do anything about it, finally coming out to them walking on the sea. What do we make of this story? Besides being one of the clearest revelations of the true identity of Jesus, it is also the clearest revelation of just how little the disciples understand that identity.

The Good Shepherd 08/12/07

Mark 6:30-44

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

More aptly titled, "The Revolution of Jesus", the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle story recored in all 4 Gospels. Why did this story have such a prominent place in the life of the early church?

Death of the Baptizer 08/05/07

Mark 6:14-30

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Matthew Green

In Mark's recounting of the death of John the Baptist, he reminds us of the cost of being associated with Jesus and the message of the Kingdom.

Lessons on Faith 07/22/07

Mark 5:21-43

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

The power of Jesus continues to be displayed in situations beyond hope, this time a dying child and a chronically sick woman. Mark emphasizes the role of faith in these healings, giving clues to us about how the power of Jesus might connect to our lives.

Defeat of Evil 07/15/07

Mark 5:1-20

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

Demons, discipleship, and the death of pigs - this is the kind of stuff Mark loves. Mark is a master of taking the life of Jesus and inviting us into it so that we can experience what the eye witnesses experienced in Jesus. In this passage, Mark continues to highlight the power of Jesus - ultimate, sovereign, absolute power over all the forces of darkness. What is most striking, however, is that Jesus defeats the power of darkness not with a sword and shield but with a cross and and empty tomb.

Lord of the Storm 07/08/07

Mark 4:35-41

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

In this remarkable story, Jesus leads his disciples to the brink of death before powerfully rescuing them from the raging storm. Though the disciples question both his power and his care for them, Jesus wants to know why they refuse to believe that his power and his care are infinite. Maturity as a disciple of Jesus means coming to the place where Jesus is enough for us.

The Open Kingdom 07/01/07

Mark 4:21-34

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

The mystery of the kingdom can only be unlocked through being with Jesus as a disciple. In these parables, Jesus invites us to understand the way of the kingdom, the promise of the kingdom, and the magnitude of the kingdom.

The Seed of the Kingdom 06/24/07

Mark 4:1-20

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Ryan Keogh

In our first glimpse of the content of Jesus' teaching, we get a feeling for why everyone was so confused about Jesus! He teaches about the kingdom in parables and stories, and this first parable sets the stage for what is to come.

The Family of Jesus 06/17/07

Mark 3:20-35

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we continue to look at Jesus in Mark's gospel, we realize that his claims and his actions defy our categories and leave us with very few options in deciding who he is. His family accuses him of being crazy and tries to stop him. The religious leaders accuse him of being demon possessed and deceiving the people. But Jesus is very clear about his identity - he is the serpent crusher, the long-awaited Messiah, the one who has come to bind the strong man and plunder his goods. In his dying and rising, Jesus has ransomed a people, creating one new family, and setting free the captives. True freedom comes from sitting at the feet of Jesus and walking in obedience to him.

With Jesus 06/10/07

Mark 3:6-19

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

What is discipleship? The Gospel of Mark is a handbook for discipleship, written to encourage and empower the church to fulfill the task of making disciples of all nations. In this week's passage, Jesus calls his disciples to himself and gives us the framework and model for discipleship. (Note: first half of sermon did not get recorded.)

Doubt Night One 06/03/07

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, we will occasionally take a break from the verse by verse format in order to deal with questions and doubts about the Gospels, about Jesus, or about Christianity in general. This is a great chance to discuss some of the questions our culture is asking about Jesus. In tonight's Doubt Night, we tackle the reliability of the Gospels, the emergence of the Gnostic Gospels, and the work of the Jesus Seminar. We also tackle a great question about "tax collectors" in today's society.

Lord of the Sabbath 05/27/07

Mark 2:23-3:6

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

The conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders continues to escalate and comes to a head here in a controversy over the Sabbath. The religious leaders had added 39 separate categories of rules to the simple command to "keep the Sabbath holy," thereby making the Sabbath rest a burden! In the gospel, Jesus removes the burden of the Sabbath, restores the purpose of the Sabbath, and declares himself the lord of the Sabbath. True, deep, lasting rest is only found in Jesus.

Friendship and Feasting 05/20/07

Mark 2:13-22

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

Are we as Christians called to be the morality police for our culture? How do we interact and relate with those outside the faith? In this passage, Jesus scandalizes the religious leaders by eating with and befriending sinners. This is the gospel, that God has come to us as sinners, offered friendship, offered a great feast, and it is this grace which leads to repentance. Therefore, as we allow the new wine of the gospel to explode our old systems, we'll become more joyful and less judgmental of those outside the faith.

Healing and Forgiveness 05/13/07

Mark 2:1-12

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

Throughout the Gospel of Mark, three groups of people repeatedly get in the way of Jesus' ministry, particularly by crowding out those who most need to get to Jesus. In this passage, four men are trying to get their paralytic friend to Jesus to be healed, but can't because of the crowds, the disciples, and the religious leaders. But because of their faith, they find a way to Jesus - through the roof! But when the paralytic is finally before Jesus, he receives so much more than physical healing. Jesus looks deep into the man's heart and does something only God can do, and the very thing Jesus came to secure, forgiveness of sin.

Prayer, Word, Deed 05/06/07

Mark 1:35-45

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

Ghandi once said, "I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." In this passage in Mark 1.35-45, we see 3 aspects of Jesus' ministry - his rich prayer life, his unsettling gospel message, and his passionate care for the marginalized. And in the story of the leper's cleansing, Mark presents to us how we ought to come to Jesus - confessing our sin-sick hearts and putting ourselves at his mercy. And if we come to Jesus like the leper, we can begin to be healed, so that our lives more accurately reflect the ministry of Jesus.

A New Authority 04/29/07

Mark 1:21-34

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Ryan Keogh

Mark's first picture of Jesus in ministry is a the story of a powerful ministry confrontation. Jesus comes into a synagogue to teach and the people are amazed at the authority in his words and character. A demon immediately cries out, and again the people marvel at Jesus' authority to silence the demon. What do we do with One with such authority? How are we to respond? Like the disciples, the only right response is to follow.

Called to be Disciples 04/22/07

Mark 1:14-20

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

The call of Jesus is the same today as it was 2000 years ago - a call to him as teacher and master, in which he takes the lead in making us become fishers of men. And he remains as competent, faithful, and trustworthy as he was to the early disciples

Father, Son, Holy Spirit 04/15/07

Mark 1:9-13

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

Mark is a master of saying much with few words, and in this passage he emphasizes both the total humanity of Jesus and the total divinity of Jesus. Jesus, as a man, was a carpenter from Nazareth. As the second member of the Trinity, however, Jesus is the Son, the Beloved of his Father. God became man in Jesus in order to reverse the effects of the fall and to welcome us back into the community of the Trinity!

The Man in the Wilderness 04/08/07

Mark 1:1-8

Series: The Gospel of Mark

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we begin our study through the Gospel of Mark this Easter Sunday, Mark introduces us to Jesus, the Anointed King, the Son of God. John the Baptist comes "preparing the way" in the desert, baptizing and preaching repentance. We meet the Anointed King in the desert, and he baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.

Vintage Vision 2007

Vintage: Church on Mission 09/09/07

Luke 10:1-12

Series: Vintage Vision 2007

Pastor: Steve Hart

As Vintage celebrates its 3rd year, it is a good time to remember God's work amongst us and look forward to what He is calling us to in the future. In tonights message we look at what it means to be a church on mission. At the heart of it all, we must be a church that is motivate by the gospel to be the people of God for the sake of the world.

Joy in the City 01/21/07

Acts 8:4-8

Series: Vintage Vision 2007

Pastor: Steve Hart

As the disciples were forced by persecution out of the city of Jerusalem, they took the joy of the gospel and spread the news. Philip's example teaches us that if we stay on mission, keep clear on the message, and be an empowered medium, our city will come alive with the joy of salvation in Jesus, too!

A Mission of Prayer and Work 01/14/07

Nehemiah 4

Series: Vintage Vision 2007

Pastor: Steve Hart

As we step into 2007, we must build the kingdom city through diligent work and battle-ready prayer.

Abiding In Prayer 01/07/07

John 15:1-11

Series: Vintage Vision 2007

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

As we lean into the future, we must do so firmly resting in Jesus, allowing his Word to penetrate our lives, and praying for the "greater works" that he wants to do through us.

Prayer in the Kingdom 01/01/07

Matthew 6:9-15

Series: Vintage Vision 2007

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Jesus teaches us to pray.

Proverbs

Enjoy Life 04/01/07

Proverbs 3:1-10

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Matthew Green

When God gives us good things in life, it is our responsibility and privilege to enjoy them. Living in wisdom results in a life often filled with joy.

Friendship, Dating, Sex 03/25/07

Proverbs 27:5-10

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Steve Hart

Life is a journey, and wisdom requires that we carefully choose our traveling companions. Proverbs offers wisdom for developing friendships, including those we might date or court, as well as offering wisdom for our best and longest friend, our spouse.

Drinking in Joy 03/18/07

Ecclesiastes 10:16-17

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Steve Hart

Wine and beer have a long and rich heritage in the Church. While Scripture teaches that wine is a gift from God, it also speaks a great deal to the dangers of the abuse of drink and the ruin that can be caused in our lives by it. We must discern the path of wisdom in our day in such a way that we drink in righteousness, peace, and joy.

The Tongue 03/11/07

Proverbs 12:18-19

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Steve Hart

Giving, Spending, Saving 02/25/07

Proverbs 8:17-21

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Proverbs provides wisdom for the how we use money on a daily basis. Being a diligent and faithful steward of God's money requires that we plan and budget, give generously and joyfully, deal ruthlessly with debt, live simply and justly, and plan well for the future.

Wealth & Poverty 02/18/07

Proverbs 13:23

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Scriptures view of wealth and poverty simply cannot be squeezed into our contemporary economic options. We must recognize not only the dangers of wealth, but also the great potential that wealth brings for caring for the poor and needy. And while we realize that poverty can be the result of sloth, Proverbs reminds us that the rich have a responsibility to care for the poor.

Wisdom for Work 02/11/07

Proverbs 6:6-11

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

At Creation, we see God at work, inviting humanity to join him by cultivating the raw materials of creation. Therefore, work is a good gift from God and an important part of being human. Proverbs offers practical wisdom about what work we should be doing and how we should go about doing it.

The Path & Process of Wisdom 01/28/07

Proverbs 3:1-12

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

As we re-enter our study on practical wisdom from the book of Proverbs, its imperative that we understand that life is a journey and that our destiny is sealed not so much by the big events as by the daily decisions. Therefore, wisdom encourages us toward a set of daily disciplines that move us along the path of life.

Proverbs: Women as Mothers 11/26/06

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Motherhood is a high and noble calling, a mission, and a full-time ministry, and for these reasons a mother needs the wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures. Proverbs offers practical advice for mom as she teaches, models, corrects, and trains her children in righteousness.

Proverbs: Women as Wives 11/19/06

Proverbs 12:4

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

The role of a wife is one of influence and power based on character. A wife can quite literally make or break her husband as she can either be a crown to him or decay in his bones. Proverbs teaches a wife how to bring her husband good all the days of her life.

Proverbs: Men as Fathers 11/05/06

Proverbs 14:26

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Men have been given the great and high calling of fatherhood. Unfortunately, many men, including Christian men, have a low view of children, a disdain for the pregnant wife, and a lack of wisdom in their parenting. Beginning with the biblical picture of a strong and godly man who marries well and comes to see children as a blessing and reward for righteous living, we can then turn to Proverbs for practical advice on righteous fatherhood.

Proverbs: Men as Husbands 10/29/06

Proverbs 30:21-23

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

The foundation for all relationships is Covenant: the unconditional binding of one party to another. Within the covenant of marriage, the husband is the "head" or covenantal representative. He is the one who carries the greater responsibility for the state of the marriage. His call is to love his wife as Christ loves the Church, and the book of Proverbs offers practical help in how men can love their wives.

Proverbs: Men and Masculinity 10/22/06

Proverbs 24:10-12

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

In a culture that is deeply confused about gender and sexuality, we desperately need to hear the Scripture's teaching. Genesis 2 gives us the framework for masculinity in the picture of Adam, Genesis 3 shows us the failure of Adam, and the book of Proverbs helps us to identify the ways in which men tend to be like their first father Adam. Thankfully, Christ is the man we can never be, and he will make his men into Prophets, Warriors, and Kings.

Proverbs: The Image of God 10/15/06

Genesis 1:26-28

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Proverbs takes Creation seriously. particularly the creation of man and woman. Before we can look at how Proverbs addresses men and women differently, we need a Biblical framework for the similarities and differences in men and women. Male chauvinism and radical feminism both demean the image of God in men and women. Scripture brings together the unity of the sexes as equal image bearers while affirming and celebrating the fact that God made them differently.

Proverbs: The Wisdom of the World 10/08/06

Proverbs 14:12

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Proverbs - like the Scriptures in general - is very world affirming; unfortunately, many Christians are not. Though we are quick to dismiss "wordly wisdom" as foolish and sinful, we rely upon the collective wisdom of the our cultures on a daily basis. So how do we live in these two streams of wisdom, the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God? And what does it mean that "God has made foolish the wisdom of the world?"

Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord 10/01/06

Proverbs 1:1-7

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

The repeated thesis of Proverbs is that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." The fear of the Lord is the key to understanding the book of Proverbs and the key to understanding the kind of life wisdom teaches us to live. The fear of God is a description of the right way of relating to the God who is absolutely holy and hates our sin but who sends his own Son to suffer our punishment in our place.

Proverbs: The Wellspring of Wisdom 09/24/06

Proverbs 4:10-27

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Proverbs is often misunderstood and construed to be all about health, wealth, and success. But rightly understood, Proverbs lays out the gospel. Rather than offering techniques for getting ahead in life, the book of wisdom reveals our deep brokenness and sin, our need for a Savior, and the hope we have in Christ. Once we realize that Proverbs deals with our heart condition and not just our outward actions we can get on the path of wisdom which "shines brighter and brighter untill full day."

Proverbs: Plowing a Kingdom Culture 09/17/06

Proverbs 14:4

Series: Proverbs

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

Just as there is a chasm between playing a game and playing it with skill, there is a difference between living and living well. Wisdom is the art of living skillfully and beautifully in God's world.

Advent 2006: Sustaining the Giving Spirit

Jesus' Meal with Matthew 12/10/06

Matthew 9:9-17

Series: Advent 2006: Sustaining the Giving Spirit

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

We spend 11 months of the year thinking primarily about ourselves, and suddenly attempt to switch gears for Decemember. Why can't we sustain the "giving spirit" all year long? Is it possible? Can we become trully selfless people?

Jesus' Meal with Zacchaeus 12/03/06

Luke 19:1-10

Series: Advent 2006: Sustaining the Giving Spirit

Pastor: Vintage Faith Community

A meal with Jesus transforms the life of a greedy extortionist tax collector... can it happen the same for us?

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