Shows
Encouraged and EmboldenedThe Danger of ComplacencyOn this 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 15th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp explores the profound love of God and the wisdom that guides us through life's journey. We begin with a reflection on Proverbs chapter 1, where wisdom calls out to us, urging us to listen and follow her guidance. The passage warns of the dangers of ignoring wisdom's call and the consequences of complacency and waywardness.He delves into historical anecdotes, such as Christopher Columbus's optimistic yet flawed calculations, to illustrate the importance of having the right mindset and accurate directions. Columbus's story serves as a metaphor for...2024-09-2118 min
Encouraged and EmboldenedKeeping a Good NameOn this 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 8th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp guides us as we embark on a new challenge, encouraging our community to engage deeply with our faith and each other. We discuss the importance of attending church, making friends, and participating in mission work, emphasizing the value of shared experiences and spiritual growth.Our scripture reading from 1 Peter 1 calls us to live holy lives, grounded in the imperishable word of God. We reflect on the enduring impact of Jesus Christ, whose influence has grown over centuries, shaping art, education, and societal values. We are reminded...2024-09-1521 min
Encouraged and EmboldenedInstruments for GodOn this 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 1st, 2024, Rev. Katie Faison delves into the transformative power of worship and the profound calling of God in our lives. Our scripture reading from Acts chapter 9 recounts the dramatic conversion of Saul, a pivotal moment in Christian history. Saul, a fervent persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to a miraculous transformation and his eventual baptism. This story serves as a reminder of God's ability to change lives and call individuals to ministry in unexpected ways.Chapters(00:00) The Transformative Power of Worship(00:11...2024-09-1522 min
Encouraged and EmboldenedThe Great Story of GodOn this 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Aug. 25th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp focuses on what we're aiming for at church, what we're trying to do, and who we're aiming to be together, both with one another and with God. We've talked about doing the will of God together as we wrapped up our summer series on the Sermon on the Mount. We've discussed the shared experience of God, something we pray for every Sunday in worship, and explored this in the context of the tabernacle and its central place in the lives of the Hebrew people. Last week, we talked...2024-08-3019 min
Encouraged and EmboldenedThe Growing Call of GodOn this 13th Sunday after Pentecost, Aug. 18th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp, focuses on the growing call of God after having recently baptized five new believers. He begins by reflecting on the call of Isaiah, a vivid and poetic description of experiencing God's presence. He then turns to Matthew chapter 4, where Jesus calls His first disciples, encouraging everyone to bring their Bibles to church for a deeper engagement with the scripture.Matt also introduces the 48-hour challenge, encouraging our congregation to spend 48 hours on Sundays with us over the next year, dedicating time to worship and Bible study...2024-08-2221 min