In this sermon, we look at Jacob’s identity trap: seeking significance through power. Jacob was the grandson of Abraham, and the father of Joseph. His story gives us a powerful look at the deep identity transformation God wants to bring into each one of our lives. We’ll look at three parts to Jacob’s story: … [Read More…] Jacob—Seeking Significance Through Power
Each year, two important days fall within a week of each other: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Both are important occasions for us to draw out the implications of the Gospel for the broken world in which we live. After all, a Christian understanding of racial justice and … [Read More…] January 22, 2023
Following Jesus is basically learning to live out our new identity in Christ. But it’s difficult because we’ve spent so much of our lives living from our orphan identities. To live from our new identity as children of God requires intention and practice. We must unlearn the heart-habits of orphanhood and embrace the heart-habits of … [Read More…] Joseph—Seeking Significance Through People
Who are you? How would you answer this question? In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the stories of nine different characters in the Bible, who each tried to build their identities in all the wrong places, and then discovered the kind of wholeness that only God can give. And in considering their lives, we’ll … [Read More…] Mapping Our Hearts
Each year I have such good intentions. My New Year’s resolutions seem reasonable and achievable. I make a chart and begin with vigor! But then reality sets in. My self-discipline isn’t what I thought. Bad habits are stubborn things. Everything goes back to normal. And it’s only the second week of January! I’m … [Read More…] January 8, 2023
Have you ever experienced a kind of whiplash after Christmas? All the wonder, joy, peace on earth, goodwill toward men, all is cheery and bright…and then January hits. Bills come due. Reality sets in. Christmas often seems like a feel-good season that’s disconnected from the troubles of the real life. A mass-marketed departure from … [Read More…] The Incarnate King
Hello, It’s here, tomorrow is the big day! The kids worked so hard this afternoon – I am so proud of them, please tell them I said so. Here are a couple of reminders for tomorrow: Please have your child in their costume and ready to go at 8am in Christiansen. Please … [Read More…] Sunday Performance
Who has Jesus come for? The angel told Joseph: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” His name means “The Lord saves,” because He will save his people from their sins. But who are “his people?” Who is it that Jesus has come to save? … [Read More…] The Honored King
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us). —Matthew 1:22–23 Immanuel is my favorite name that God has revealed for Himself. To me, it captures the … [Read More…] December 11, 2022
Advent means “arrival” and it’s full of awaiting. In the Old Testament era, the people of God were awaiting the advent of their Messiah, the Anointed One, who would fulfill all of God’s covenant promises to His people. And two thousand years ago, a baby was born in Bethlehem, Jesus the Son of God, … [Read More…] The Awaited King
