8/22/2010 -- Did He Really Say That? Conclusion -- "...but not to them." (Matthew 13:10-17)
If Jesus was so anxious to get His message out, then why did Jesus use parables to hide the truth from people? What does this tell us about how to find God's direction for our own lives?8/8/2010 -- Did He Really Say That? "It is not right to give the children's bread to the dogs."
"Dog" was a pretty nasty term to use on somebody in First-Century Israel. Why did Jesus seem to use this label to refer to a broken and hurting woman in Matthew 15? And what does this chapter have to tell us about effective prayer?8/1/2010 -- Did He Really Say That? "Remember Lot's Wife!"
This odd three-word saying from Jesus is directly applied to those on earth for His second coming, but it reminds us of what it really takes to follow Him.7/18/2010 -- Special Presentation -- Missionary Pete Brokopp
Pete -- our "Pastor in the Ouagadougou Office of F.A.C." -- brings a report from his ministry in Burkina Faso, along with a challenge for all of us to love people with the love of Jesus.7/11/2010 -- Did He Really Say That? "I Saw Satan Fall Like LIghtning from Heaven" (Luke 10:18)
To what event was Jesus actually referring when He said this, and why did He share it with His disciples upon their return from their mission? Does it have any lasting effect for us today?7/4/2010 -- "How Free Are We, Really?"
We Americans are proud of our freedom, and rightfully thankful for the degree of political and economic freedom we have enjoyed. Jesus, when He spoke about freedom, struck a different chord. There is a kind of freedom that is independent of politics, economics, and earthly citizenship. How free are you?6/27/2010 -- Did He Really Say That? "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" (Matthew 6:9-13)
Many of us have recited this prayer hundreds of times, but why would we have to ask God not to lead us into temptation? After all, the book of James says very clearly that God doesn't tempt anyone to sin. Maybe Jesus has something else in mind here.6/20/2010 -- Did He Really Say That? "Do Not Call Anyone 'Father'" (Matthew 23:9)
Did Jesus really mean we're not supposed to call our dads "father"? What about the "Founding Fathers" or the "Church Fathers"? Is this just a commandment about titles, or is Jesus thinking of a deeper truth here?6/13/2010 -- Did He Really Say That? "The Unforgivable Sin" (Matthew 12:32)
One of Jesus' most controversial -- and frightening -- statements concerns a sin which "will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come." What exactly is Jesus talking about?6/6/2010 -- How Do You Want to be Remembered? (Matthew 22:34-40) BY YOUTH PASTOR BEN LANDES
If you were to die tomorrow, what legacy would you leave behind? What would people say about you at your funeral? What does Jesus say our legacy should be? Listen in and we'll explore the two characteristics that Jesus says Christians should be known for.
5/30/2010 -- Did He Really Say That? "The Kingdom is Advancing by Force" (Matthew 11:9-17)
When Jesus talked about His Kingdom advancing in the midst of a fierce conflict, was He telling the church to take up arms? No, but then what did Jesus mean by this puzzling statement?5/23/2010 -- Did He Really Say THAT? "The Last Shall Be First" (Matthew 20:1-16)
Can we live in a world in which a lot of people seem to get what they don't deserve? The "Parable of the Generous Landowner" is one of the most offensive stories Jesus ever told, but it introduces us to the curious mathematics of grace.5/9/2010 -- Did He Really Say THAT? "Hate Your Father and Mother" (Luke 14:26)
Not your usual Mother's Day sentiments; that's for sure! But maybe when we understand what Jesus was really getting at, we'll also understand how the command to "hate" may end up being a command to love.(This audio file omits two short clips from the movie "Revenge of the Sith." There should be enough explanation in the surrounding sections, however, to make it all understandable -- PT)
5/2/2010 -- Did He Really Say THAT? "Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood" (John 6)
This saying of Jesus caused a lot of problems and even drove away a lot of His would be followers. So why did He feel it was so important to say it? What does it mean, and how are we supposed to obey this command?4/25/2010 -- Did He Really Say THAT? "You must be born again." (John 3:3)
It's one of the most radical things Jesus ever said, but today we've turned in into a label and a cliche. If we can recover the original meaning of the phrase "born again," we'll understand the key to the Christian life -- not just how to begin it, but how to grow as a follower of Jesus!4/18/2010 -- Walking with God -- Conclusion: Equipped for the Journey
As we set out on this journey with God called the Christian life, we need to remember to take the equipment God has provided.There are four crucial items that we absolutely can't forget to bring with us and put to use. We find out what they are in Exodus 15-17.
4/11/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 9: Final Exam
We all get nervous about final exams. But God's "final exams" for us are somewhat different than the other kinds that we face. Will you pass the faith test, or will you have to go back and repeat the last course? Check out the test that Israel faced in Numbers 13...4/4/2010 -- Resurrection Partners
The raising of Lazarus (John chapter 11) was an awesome miracle. But the miracle that Jesus performs when His Spirit gives life to a spiritually dead heart is even more amazing. And God allows us to be partners with Him in this miracle! Find out how.(NOTE: About 3 minutes of this message has been edited out. It consisted of a brief interview with youth pastor Ben Landes. The sound quality made it too difficult to hear.)
3/28/2010 -- The Real Triumphal Entry
Jesus' Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem wasn't all that impressive if you think about it. It's hard to imagine the Romans were made very nervous by His approach. But a much more important "triumphal entry" took place a few days later. And Psalm 24 tells us about it a thousand years before it happened!3/21/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 8: One Way !!
Why is God so insistent that we do things His way? And why is the way of salvation so narrow and exclusive? People have been wrestling with this issue since early in the Old Testament. See what Israel learned about these questions as they journeyed in the wilderness.3/7/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 7: Turning Away, Turning Back
When we see Israel worshiping a golden calf, we tend to condemn them for their idolatry, thinking we'd never do something like that. But there are times that we too are tempted to look for a different kind of god. How can we keep from turning away from God, and if we do turn away, how can we return to Him?2/28/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 6: Access Granted
"Access" is a big thing these days. But the most important access of all is access to God. Can we really have access to the Creator of the Universe? Why is this access important, and how is it obtained?2/21/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 5: Meeting God
Have you ever thought what it would be like to meet God face-to-face? What would He be like?2/14/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 4: How Quickly We Forget (Exodus 15-17)
Why is it that we so often seem to panic and lash out at people when things are going badly for us? And why do we seem to forget about our "mountaintop moments" with God so soon after returning to "real life"? What can we do about this?2/7/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 3: Watershed (Exodus 14)
Usually God guides us and grows us through a gradual process, but occasionally we experience a life-changing crisis that we will remember forever. What are the elements of a "watershed" moment in our spiritual life? Israel's experience at the Red Sea helps us to understand.1/17/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 2: So Where's My Pillar? (Exodus 13)
Finding the will of God sometimes seems like a difficult or mysterious thing to attempt. But by looking at the initial stage of the Israelites' journey into the wilderness, we might find out that it's less mysterious than we thought!1/10/2010 -- Walking with God -- Part 1: Beginning the Journey (Exodus 12)
Is coming to Christ the end of a process, the beginning of a process, or a little bit of both? We can gain some good insight from a study of the first Old Testament New Year celebration.1/3/2010 -- Getting Beyond "Self-Propelled Christianity"
The power to live an authentic Christian life doesn't come from within ourselves. Find out the difference between true Christianity and even the best man-made religion...12/27/2009 -- "Christ Our Coming King" By Youth Pastor Ben Landes
We know Jesus is Coming back one day, but did you know that He has left you work to do to prepare for His coming? Note - for copyright purposes, the song at the end of my sermon has been edited out.12/20/2009 -- The Last Word
Is there a message that is so important that someone would die to get it across? Check out what God did through the incarnation of Christ!12/13/2009 -- Common Ground
Do you hesitate to come to God in prayer with your deepest needs and your most profound pain? If we truly understand the humanity of Jesus, we'll be a lot more likely to find blessing and intimacy with God during these times!12/6/2009 -- A Willing Sacrifice
Just becoming a human being wasn't enough. In order to accomplish our salvation, Jesus had to go through an unthinkable ordeal of temptation and hard obedience. (NOTE: The "video clip" referred to in the message has been edited out, but there is a short explanation afterward. It was a scene from "The Passion of the Christ.")11/30/2009 -- Not Ashamed to Be One of Us
When Jesus came to be baptized in the Jordan, He was doing more than just kicking off His public ministry; He was taking His place beside us, unashamed to be a full-fledged member of the human race. Will we stand with Him the way He stood with us?11/22/2009 -- An Old Testament Thanksgiving
How can an understanding of the Old Testament "Feast of Tabernacles" help us better celebrate Thanksgiving? Hint: it has to do with camping...11/15/2009 -- Testimony -- Katie Gusefski
Katie shares how God brought her to Himself and some other ways in which God has shown His kindness to her over the years.11/15/2009 -- God's Everlasting Kindness -- (Ruth 4:11-22)
The story of Ruth shows us not only how we can share God's kindness with people today, but also how we can impact tomorrow by investing in future generations, demonstrating God's everlasting love and faithfulness.11/1/2009 -- God's Redeeming Kindness (Ruth 3:1-9)
As we look at the beautiful way God used Boaz to restore the lives of Ruth and Naomi, we also encounter another Redeemer, the one who has given His all to buy us back from the power and penalty of sin and invite us into His eternal family!10/18/2009 -- God's Persistent Kindness (Ruth, chapter 1)
This is for everyone who's thinking of giving up on life... or giving up on somebody else!
(Sermon of 10/25 unavailable due to computer problems; our apologies!)
10/11/2009 -- Testimony -- Jon Thomas
Jon shares about how he first came to know Christ, and about several key growth areas in his life since then.10/11/2009 -- Possessions: Part 3 -- Generosity
Surprising as it may seem, giving of our financial resources to meet others' physical and spiritual needs can actually be fun --- and addictive!10/4/2009 -- What We Can't Afford to Forget
Sometimes, in our excitement to worship and serve God, we forget all about the very basis of our relationship with Him. But Jesus graciously reminds us -- often once a month -- if we're paying attention...9/27/2009 -- Possessions-- Part 2: Urgency
It's amazing sometimes what causes us to get upset and fly into a panic. The Bible tells us that there is a kind of urgency to the lives of Christians, but the things that are truly urgent aren't the things that typically set us off. When we come to know Jesus, He frees us to think differently about what's important in life -- and about how we should spend our time and resources.9/20/2009 -- Possessions -- Part 1: Captivity
There are only two kinds of possessions that can take us captive and keep us from following Christ: those that belong to us, and those that don't. How does this happen to us, and what can we do to prevent or escape this kind of bondage?9/13/2009 -- Not Another Burden!
Are you sick and tired of trying -- and failing -- to live up to God's standards, or even the standards you've set for yourself? Please listen to this message -- Jesus has an invitation for you.
PS -- If you're just browsing on the website and you're considering listening to one of the sermons, let me suggest that this is a good one to hear first! pt
9/6/2009 -- Standing in Judgment (Special Speaker, Rev. Al Boesenberg)
The "judgment of God" is not a popular topic these days, even in the church. But the Bible is very clear that sin will be judged, and we all will stand before God and receive His judgment in one way or another. Still, in light of the cross of Christ, even judgment has been transformed into good news for those who follow Jesus. In this message, our guest speaker Al Boesenberg introduces us to three different judgments, and what each of them means for the believer in Christ.8/30/2009 -- Song for a Sinful Heart
What can we do when we realize we've sinned against God? What can we say to Him? How can we ever get our lives right with Him? Psalm 51, written by David after his most horrible failure, is one of the most important chapters in God's Word...8/23/2009 -- God's Favorite City
If God has a favorite city, which one is it? OK, maybe you can guess, but you might not realize what this means for Christians today! This might be a good message to listen to if you've "fallen out of love" with the church lately. Based on Psalms 48, 87, and 137.8/16/2009 -- The King of Everything
How much would our lives, as Christians, change if we really understood what it means to pray and act in the authority of Jesus? Psalm 2 gives us an Old Testament preview of just how awesome Jesus is!8/9/2009 -- "My Story" -- Charles Moore
Excerpts from Charles' testimony, as he shared some of what God has done in His life.8/9/2009 -- Credit Where Credit Is Due
Psalm 30 is one of the most beautiful prayers in the Bible. That's because it's a beautiful thing when we acknowledge the God who saves us and provides for us in every situation.8/2/2009 -- Safe in God's Hands
Once you've turned a matter over to your Father in Heaven, what do you do while you're waiting for His answer? How do you approach God in the "in-between" times? Psalm 16 is a beautiful example of a prayer expressing ultimate confidence in a loving God...7/26/2009 -- Learning to "Lament"
God invites His children to come to Him when we're in pain or in trouble. But sometimes we struggle with exactly how we should approach Him and what we should say. Fortunately, the Psalms contain a lot of powerful examples for us. Check out Psalm 44 with us...7/12/2009 -- "Mundane Miracles" (Guest Speaker -- Jon Thomas)
You don't have to have a "high-profile" ministry to serve God. Jon uses a study of two Old Testament prophets to show us that ordinary Christians can do the work of God everyday in powerful and transforming ways!6/28/2009 -- Never Enough Praise
To most of the people around us, praising God may be an impractical, even fanatacal thing to do. But for those who have been rescued by God and whose lives are being transformed by His love, it's only natural. Check out what it says about this in Psalm 96!
6/21/2009 -- Will Your Life Make a Difference?
What determines the difference between a wasted life and a life with eternal impact? Psalm 1 gives us the answer...6/14/2009 -- Too Cool!
have we become so sophisticated that we've lost our sense of wonder? This is more damaging to the human spirit than we think. Check out what one of the writers of Proverbs has to say about this... (apologies for the garbles on the recording every 30 seconds -- we've fixed this for future files -- PT)6/7/2009 -- "The Thrill Ride of Your LIfe" (Youth Pastor Ben Landes)
Ever wondered how we are sanctified (or made Christ-like)? Listen and you just might find out. PS this one's for you Chuck Wall 
5/31/2009 -- Treasuring the Word of God More than Our Daily Bread (guest speaker -- Al Lyon)
To grow strong in the Lord we must come to His table daily and feed on His living and active word.5/10/2009 -- The Problem of Unanswered Prayer (Part 3)
Some unanswered prayer will remain a mystery to us. However, when we struggle with this, it's very helpful to be reminded that we don't generally see things from God's perspective.5/3/2009 -- The Problem of Unanswered Prayer (Part 2)
How do we explain how one prayer receives a positive answer while another seems to be ignored by God? Can we make sense of this? Part of the answer is found in considering our own priorities in light of the priorities of God.
4/26/2009 -- The Problem of Unanswered Prayer (Part 1)
Sometimes the "mystery" of unanswered prayer isn't that much of a mystery after all, especially after we consider some of what the Bible has to say about the issue.4/26/2009 -- "My Story" -- Arlita Smith
Arlita's testimony of how she came to faith in Jesus, and other ways God has been at work in her life...
4/12/2009 -- Save Jesus, Ignore Easter?
Some say Christians are so focused on Jesus' death and resurrection that we neglect to take His teaching seriously. Perhaps the critics have a point there. But then again, the Bible itself seems to place an awful lot of epmhasis on those two events. Are we missing something?4/5/2009 -- A House of Prayer for Everyone
What was it that made Jesus so mad when He stormed into the Temple courts the Monday before His death?3/29/2009 -- Shameless
Often, we find that our prayers are not answered right away, but that God calls us to "keep on praying" for a need He intends to meet, sometimes for a very long time. Why does God do this? Perhaps we can learn something from a critical moment in the life of Moses...
3/22/2009 -- Change of Plans?
Do our prayers actually make a difference in how God acts, or is the future already determined and known by Him in a way that prevents our prayer from changing things?3/15/2009 -- Peniel -- The Face of God
If we really encounter God in prayer, one thing is sure to change...3/8/2009 -- Anyone Can Pray...
"Anyone can pray." But that doesn't mean that anyone can pray well. Prayer is both more difficult and more crucial than we realize.2/15/2009 -- Beaten with a Yardstick
Sorry for the ugly title, but that's what's happening today to a lot of people. Listen to find out how, and what God can do about it.2/8/2009 -- Sheep without a Shepherd
How does Jesus Himself view "lost people"? What do people without Christ need most from Christians?2/1/2009 -- Useless?
How can we avoid -- and help others avoid -- the tragedy of missing out on the very purpose of life? NOTE: The audio quality on this sermon is a little distorted in places (it's not your audio player's fault), but you can still understand it.1/18/2009 -- Enemies of God
It may surprise you that God considers unbelievers His "enemies," but it may surprise you even more how He treats them!
(This message begins with a testimony by Paul Talmon.)
1/11/2009 -- The Living Dead?
The sin problem in our lives before we came to know Jesus was worse than we thought. As God reminds us of what He's done in bring us back to life, how can we call others to the same resurrection?
12/21/2008 -- Experiencing Jesus as Our Lord and Savior (Youth Pastor Ben Landes)
As Christians, we often overlook the humiliation and pain Jesus endured in coming into the world to hunt us down and save us. So we must ask ourselves, do we truly experience Christ our Lord at Christmas?8/31/2008 -- Brainwashed? (Pastor Titus)
A great part of our spiritual battle takes place in our minds. How are our minds under assault, and what can we do about it?
8/24/2008 -- Calculations and Presentations (Pastor Titus)
How to leave your old life behind and begin living the "Christ life" in the power of the Holy Spirit.
8/17/2008 -- Parallel Lives (Pastor Titus)
For Christians who are serious about gaining victory over sin, here's where to find it.8/3/2008 -- "God Is a Consuming Fire" (Pastor Titus)
A discussion of God's character is incomplete without recognizing His wrath. If Christians have been forgiven, can we still encounter the "wrath of God"?7/27/2008 -- "God is Love" (Pastor Titus)
To experience real love is to experience God. Find out why this is so.7/20/2008 -- "God Is Light" (Pastor Paul)
What does the Bible mean when it says that God is light, and how should that affect the way we live?