Shows
Faith LiftThe Mountain You Never ClimbedWhat if the mountain you’ve lived beside your whole life is the one God is inviting you to climb?In Pastor Craig's Transfiguration Sunday message, he explores Jesus’ mountaintop moment with Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17:1–9) alongside a poem by Robert Frost that names a familiar spiritual temptation: knowing about the mountain without ever making the climb.As we stand on the threshold of Lent, you are invited to move from secondhand faith to firsthand encounter with God. Through Scripture, story, and reflection, consider how prayer, Scripture, and worship can become simple, faithful steps up the mo...
2026-02-1714 minFaith LiftThe Wisdom We Didn't Want to SeeWhat does faith ask of us when the world feels heavy and complicated?In his message Pastor Craig reflects on 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 and the wisdom of the cross — a wisdom that does not look away from suffering, but draws near to it. In a time when pain is often debated, explained, or ignored, the cross invites us to stay close instead of turning away.This message does not offer easy answers or political solutions.Instead, it invites us into a way of being shaped by Christ — marked by presence, humility, and love.
2026-02-0212 minFaith LiftGone Fishin'What does Jesus really mean when he says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people”?Pastor Craig explores how fishing is less about results and more about formation. Drawing from Matthew 4:12–23 and Isaiah 9:1–4, we discover that following Jesus shapes us with patience, wisdom, endurance, faith, and the courage to let go of control. Like fishermen learning the waters, the church is called to pay attention to the world around us — to read the waters of our community and cast our nets where the Spirit is already moving.If you’ve ever felt tired, unfini...
2026-01-2723 minFaith LiftCome and SeeWhen Jesus was asked a simple question — “Where are you staying?” — his response changed everything: “Come and see.”Through Pastor Craig's message, we imagine Jesus not only as teacher and Savior, but as host. Drawing from Psalm 40 and John 1, we explore three moments in the Gospels when Jesus sets the table: at the beginning of his ministry, before his death, and after the resurrection.“Come and see.” “Go and prepare.” “Come and dine.”Together, these invitations shape the life of the church and the calling of every disciple. This message is a reminder that faith is not about pre...
2026-01-1917 minFaith LiftOut of the Water, Into the WorldBaptism is more than a moment. It is a calling.Pastor Craig explore's the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and what it reveals about our own identity and mission. Drawing on biblical imagery, modern scenes from the Jordan, and the realities of our world today, we discover that baptism is both a gift of grace and a dangerous commitment.Jesus does not come out of the water and head for comfort. He walks straight into hunger, temptation, injustice, and need. And when we are baptized, we are marked the same way—not just as...
2026-01-1216 minFaith LiftLet Fear Fuel Your Fire For JusticeThe Christmas story doesn’t end in calm—it moves into danger. In Matthew 2:13–15, the Holy Family flees to Egypt, becoming refugees in order to protect their child.In Pastor Craig's message, we explore how fear can either destroy or protect—and how, when grounded in love, fear can become fuel for justice. What does it mean to follow Emmanuel, God with us, in a world where fear and injustice still remain?
2025-12-3019 minFaith LiftGood News is Louder Than FearOn Christmas Eve, we gather in a world where fear often feels overwhelming—and dare to proclaim a deeper truth: good news is louder than fear.Drawing from Luke 2:1–20, Pastor Craig's message explores a Christmas story that is anything but silent. Angels interrupt the night with proclamation. Shepherds tremble and then run to share what they’ve seen. God’s good news doesn’t erase fear—it enters it, takes flesh, and refuses to be quiet. You are invited to consider how hope shows up not after fear is gone, but right in the middle of it—and how the church is c...
2025-12-2619 minFaith LiftWhen You're Afraid, Give Me Your HandFear often teaches us to pull back, to stay quiet, and to face things alone. But what if fear doesn’t have to lead to isolation?In this final week of Advent, Pastor Craig reflect's on Joseph’s story and the courageous love that moved him to stand in solidarity with Mary. Through Scripture, theology, and sacred art, we explore how faith does not eliminate fear—but allows us to move forward anyway, hand in hand with God and with one another. The message invites us to consider how fear can become a catalyst for connection, how love r...
2025-12-2224 minFaith LiftEven In Our Fear, We Are Called ForwardPastor Craig's message for the Third Sunday of Advent explores how Mary and Jeremiah stepped into God’s calling even while feeling afraid and inadequate. Their stories remind us that courage/faith isn’t the absence of fear — it’s trusting God’s presence in the midst of it. Join us as we reflect on the small, quiet acts of faith that move us forward, one trembling yes at a time.
2025-12-1617 minFaith LiftIn the Time of Herod, God Still Breaks InAdvent 1: In a world that still feels like “the time of Herod,” we begin our Advent series entitled: "What do you fear?" This week, Pastor Craig looks at Zechariah’s encounter with the angel and the promise that even in our deepest worries, God hears our prayers and breaks into our fear with hope.
2025-12-0319 minFaith LiftWhen Kings Fall and Christ StandsThis week Pastor Craig looks at one of the most surprising passages in the Gospels: Jesus reigning from a cross. As Elvis, Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, Buddy Holly, and Abraham Lincoln shaped the world and left it too soon, we ask a deeper question—What does it mean that Christ alone is the King who never falls? Drawing from Luke 23:33–43, we explore the criminal’s simple prayer, “Jesus, remember me,” and the promise that followed: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”In this message, we discover how Christ stands when every other king—and every one of us—falls...
2025-11-2413 minFaith LiftTake Courage: God’s Presence Still Builds the HouseIn this week’s message, Pastor Craig explores the prophet Haggai’s call to courage — and how God’s Spirit empowers us to rebuild what seems broken. Through stories of Frederick Douglass’s bold step toward freedom and the faithful persistence of those who rebuilt the temple, we learn that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the confidence that God is with us.Discover how God’s presence still builds the house — in our hearts, our homes, and our church community.🎧 Recorded live at Christ United Methodist Church, Mountain Top, PA — “Friends. Purpose. Life.”
2025-11-1211 minFaith LiftFaith Under PressureWhen life feels uncertain and prayers seem unanswered, how do we keep faith alive? This All Saints Sunday, Pastor Craig explores the prophet Habakkuk’s honest cry — “How long, O Lord?” — and God’s invitation to live by faith even when the finish line isn’t visible.Through stories of perseverance and the witness of the saints, we discover that faith under pressure isn’t fragile — it’s forged. This episode invites you to climb the watchtower, write the vision, wait for God’s timing, reject pride, and keep walking by faith.
2025-11-0515 minFaith LiftWesley's First Rule: Do No HarmIn the United Methodist Church, our founder John Wesley, considering the words of Jesus, came up with 3 simple rules as a way to live in chaotic and good times. As Pastor Craig begins this sermon series, we look at the three simple rules. The first installment covers First, Do No Harm.
2022-08-1118 min
Faith LiftLent 3: Our Daily BreadPraying for our daily bread calls our attention to the many people in our world who dont have enough to eat, for whom the need is literal bread or food. It asks us to offer ourselves as an answer to others' prayers by providing for their needs. But it also includes spiritual needs, the need for meaning and purpose and connection to God. When we strive to help meet the needs of others, our own deep spiritual needs are met.
2022-03-2224 minFaith LiftLent 2: Whose Will Be Done?In this part of the sermon series the focus is on the idea of God's kingdom and whether we will live by our own will and our own way or follow the way of Jesus and commit ourselves to God's will and God's kingdom. The key question is My Will or Thine?
2022-03-2224 minFaith LiftLent 1: The Lord's Prayer part 1We pray the Lord's Prayer all the time but do we really know it? Do we really pray it?
Through this Lenten sermon series Pastor Craig will be using the book The Lord's Prayer by Adam Hamilton to dive deep into the prayer we use all the time to help us know it and pray it better.
2022-03-0827 minFaith LiftOut of the dust and ashes comes lifeOn Ash Wednesday we remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Often friends and family have disappointed us that we will say to them "Seriously?" God does that with us when we dont act as one of his children or as Christ has called us to. According to scritoutre we deserve death but that is not how God works. Through this time of Lent we are called to repent, turn back, sacrifice and learn to live in the light of Christ again.
2022-03-0416 minFaith LiftShine The Light of ChristOn Transfiguration Sunday we hear the story of Jesus speaking with Moses & Elijah and being transfigured as three of the disciples look on amazed. We may see the light of Christ and experienced it but we must shine that light to others in the darkness that they too may know the hope we have in Jesus.
2022-03-0417 minFaith LiftWho You Gonna Call?There’s only one requirement for discipleship: a willingness to answer God’s call. You don’t have to be smart, strong, healthy, or even particularly religious. All you need to do is listen when God calls and say: “Here am I, send me.”
Based on First Corinthians 15:1-11
2022-02-1017 minFaith LiftPart 3: When You're Sure You're RightPart three of the sermon series On A Heart That Grew Three Sizes we consider that fact that we all have blind spots. Through the Grinch and the story of Christmas it is revealed just how vulnerable God's love for us is.
2021-12-1519 minFaith LiftPart 2: Looking the PartThrough this second in a sermon series on the book The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, we consider the authenticity of our Christmas celebrations. What does it mean to celebrate Christmas? What looks like Christmas but really isn't? On the other hand what doesn't look like Christmas but does tell the story of the Nativity?
2021-12-1519 minFaith LiftPart 1: It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year?Using the book "A Heart That Grew Three Sizes" we will examine the Grinch through Advent sermon series. The first based on Romans 12. You are invited to wrestle with what happens when life does not meet your expectations, especially around something as important as Christmas.
2021-12-1520 minFaith LiftHold Fast To Our ConfessionIn Hebrews Paul is telling people to remain steadfast in the confession of hope we have. We also need to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Are you holding fast to your hope in Christ/
2021-11-1516 minFaith LiftTo All The SaintsWe hear from the Book of Ruth her love and faithfulness to Namoi and to God. She is one of the saints. Are you? We often say its just those who have gone on before us. But All Saints Sunday means ALL saints. Those who have gone before us and those in the faith who are doing the work of God here and now. That includes you.
2021-11-1517 minFaith LiftThe Line That Change Our Lives“We’re not in Kansas anymore.” This is a famous line from a movie, as is “Here’s looking at you, kid.” We could go on, and, in fact, we do below. The Bible has a few memorable lines as well. One of the most famous comes from a curious little story in the Book fo Ruth in the Old Testament. It’s a comment about faithfulness and mercy that can be our story as well. Ruth 1:1-18
2021-11-0215 minFaith LiftSmart Glasses & Spiritual InsightWhen Blind Bartimaeus cried out "Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me!" the cry is from someone who sees more of who Jesus really is than those whose eyes were supposed to be functioning normally. His spiritual insight — faith in Jesus that enables one to see the world clearly and follow him confidently — is what really counted.Mark 10:46-52
2021-10-2614 minFaith LiftSurgical ScripturesWhile some might think of the Bible as one of those thick and dusty old books, the writer of Hebrews sees the word of God contained within the Scriptures as a scalpel that cuts to the core of the human heart, exposing both its beauty and its brokenness, and removing whatever doesn't belong. Based on Hebrews 4:12-16
2021-10-2613 minFaith LiftTwo Kinds of WisdomStudies have debunked some previously held beliefs about the human brain. One such mistaken belief is that we only use 10 percent of our brains and that the rest of our noggin is like an uncharted cranial wasteland. Not true. As God comes close to us and we come close to God we may obtain divine wisdom. It then has a role in correcting the mistakes we make by relying too much on human wisdom. How do we live in the world and not be of the world? We need to stick with the wisdom from above.
2021-09-2118 minFaith LiftSharing Words About God With FriendsBased On James 3:1-12 we hear him share words about out tongue and our words. If we're going to be the kind of people who use words wisely, then we've got to first cultivate an inner life that sees everyone as a friend created in God's image. We need a vision of life that doesn't put us at the center of the universe, but rather centers on God and God's purposes. The God who spoke the word of creation and sent the Word to become flesh in his own Son, urges us to choose the kind of words that...
2021-09-1516 minFaith LiftWhat's Your Reputation?Based on Mark 7:24-37
We don’t have a word for the experience of traveling to a far location for peace and quiet, only to run into someone who insists on consuming large portions of our time. Yet, even in this circumstance, Jesus had a reputation as being someone who did “everything well.” This needs to be our reputation as well.
2021-09-1517 minFaith LiftHearing & Doing the Word of GodBased on James 1:17-27. Got a problem you need to fix? YouTube it! Chances are, someone out there has recorded a video that will give you step-by-step instruction on solving the issue. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a home repair or an opossum that needs massaging (yes, that’s a thing). In this week’s text, James teaches In a culture where there is plenty of social upheaval, we must see the opportunity to be shining stars that reflect God’s glory rather than lash out in fear or join in the culture’s calamity. We shine most brightly whe...
2021-09-1518 minFaith LiftThe Whole Armor of GodBefore 2020, few people outside the health care community knew anything about personal protective equipment (PPE). That changed quickly. Most medical professional think of PPE in terms of five categories: eyes and face, hands, body, respiratory system, and ears or hearing. This provides the rubric for a discussion of Ephesians 6:10-20, where the apostle Paul itemizes the types of PPE needed to prevail against spiritual forces in heavenly places.
2021-08-2519 minFaith LiftAre You a Real Disciple? Or Just an Actor?A TV commercial for foot fungus is likely to feature paid actors, not actual customers. But many companies — like Dove, Bumble, Chevrolet and eHarmony — find real people to champion their products or websites. Frankly, they are just more believable than actors. Psalm 111 is a promo for God, coming in at fewer than 200 words, and it’s written by a real person, not a paid actor. After you share Praise the Lord, what is your testimony about who God is?
2021-08-1619 minFaith LiftHow to Talk Like a Disciple of JesusEphesians 4:25-5:2 The way we talk reveals how committed we are as Christians. Positive, upbuilding talk is a counterweight to the kinds of “evil talk” outlined in Ephesians. It has nothing to do with accent or grammar, and everything to do with how we use the God-given gift of speech as a strong and grateful response to the forgiveness and grace we have received from Jesus Christ.
2021-08-1121 minFaith LiftBeing Bread For OthersJohn 6:24-35 True belief in Jesus requires acting as the body of Christ. This means we can provide the bread of life to others through faith and works, adaptability, and building durable and nutritious relationships in a hungry world. Jesus wants us to be good food for those in need.
2021-08-1119 minFaith LiftThe Abundance God Offers UsJohn 6:1-21 What’s your favorite food? What’s the food you could eat once a day for the rest of your life, if you had to? Curious crowds of people following Jesus are invited to sit for a surprise meal, and they all eat their fill. And there are still plenty of leftovers! This is a vision of the priorities and nature of a loving, generous God who desires to provide for the needs of His children.
2021-08-1120 minFaith LiftDo you Pack Light or Overpack?In Mark 6:1-13 Jesus gives the disciples a directive on how to pack as they are sent out to get the message out about Jesus and the Kingdom of God. How do you travel? What do you need to leave behind in order to share the Good news of Jesus Christ?
2021-08-1116 minFaith LiftYour Faith Has Made You WholeJesus has the power go out of him after a woman touch the hem of his garment. She risked so much a d was blessed and welcomed back into the community.
2021-06-2726 minFaith LiftWe all Need a NapFrom Mark 4:35-41 we hear the story of Jesus calming the storm after falling asleep in the back of the boat as they are headed to the other side. he has had a long day of preaching and teaching and knows he needs to disengage. He needed to recharge. Do we even take the time to do that? Taking a nap does not make you a wimp. We all need to disengage to then reengage in our ministry.
2021-06-2618 minFaith LiftUsing the Parables of our LivesMark 4:26-34 shares the Kingdom is Lie...parables including the mustard seed parable. Each time we hear those parables, we often pick up on something we hadn't heard before. The same can be said for the parables of our lives and how they inform others of the Kingdom of God. How are you living out those parables in your lives so the Gospel message is heard?
2021-06-1313 minFaith LiftIs God Enough?In First Samuel, the people of Israel demanded Samuel install a King like all the other countries around them. They wanted what other folks had and in so doing declared that being governed by God was not enough. Do we believe that too?
2021-06-0814 minFaith LiftBeing Awe InspiredPsalm 29 tells of God's glory in the world around the writer of the Psalm. Are we inspired or in awe of what is around us? If you are it is most certainly a way to recognize God around us and a way to to seek knowledge and wisdom in our faith.
2021-05-3016 minFaith LiftWhy are you looking up?Jesus took the disciples as far as Bethany. He told them to wait for the power form on high and then he ascended. His mission is now ours. Will you accept that mission today?
2021-05-1625 minFaith LiftLove and Mother's DayBased on John 15:9-17 we hear what God's love calls us to be and do as friends of Jesus and Children of God.
2021-05-1015 minFaith LiftBeing The Best Branch We Can BeIn John 15:1-8 Jesus uses imagery of he being the True Vine and we are the branches. How do we stay connected to the True Vine that we might bear fruit as a brach on that vine?
2021-05-0416 minFaith LiftCome Back To The BoxIn today's culture we are all be challenged to get out of the box. But for the the Church Box helps us focus and remind us of who we are. In coming back to the box we can get out and creatively, imaginatively and effectively share the Good News. If we are going to advertise God’s love, let’s actually practice God’s love. It’s time to return to the core competencies and values that we have as disciples of Jesus Christ: the abilities to believe in Jesus Christ and love one another. That’s a box we should...
2021-04-2519 minFaith LiftUsing Our Children of God ImaginationFrom 1 John 3:1-7
We are called children of God. As we age we often let knowledge overpower our imagination. As people of faith and children of Godwe are to dive deep into our imagination to live out our lives and pursue mission and ministry in the world around us.
2021-04-1817 minFaith LiftFind a Need And Fill ItFrom Acts 4:32-35 we learn that the best action to meet the needs of those around us is collective. All of us working together to do together what we cannot do by ourselves.
2021-04-1117 minFaith LiftStill Rolling StonesEaster Sunday, the women approached the tomb with a stone blocking their thinking. When they got here the stone was rolled away. What stones are blocking our rising with Christ? Truth is God is still Rolling Stones today.
2021-04-0417 minFaith LiftJesus Show & Tell with the DisciplesOn Maundy Thursday Jesus had one more opportunity to teach the disciples who he was and what he was asking them do in love as he washed their feet.
2021-04-0314 minFaith LiftFifth Sunday in Lent March 21, 2021 - PainWelcome to Week Five in the Living Lent series, based on the word PAIN. We are reminded today that the pain of rejection and the pain of a father when a son leaves demonstrate the reckless love of God revealed in Jesus, who wipes every tear from our eyes. May this service’s readings from Scripture, children’s sermon, sermon and hymns all serve to help you to remember that we are people of the resurrection living in Lent.
2021-03-2119 minFaith LiftMarch 14 2021 Lent 4 "Praise"Welcome to Week Four in the Living Lent series, based on the word PRAISE. We are reminded today that even in the midst of sorrow, we are called to celebrate the love of God and the joy that can be found only in Christ crucified, who reigns in glory now. May this service’s readings from Scripture, children’s sermon, sermon and hymns all serve to help you to remember that we are people of the resurrection living in Lent.
2021-03-1515 minFaith LiftMarch 7 2021 Lent 3 "Proclaim"Welcome to Week Three in the Living Lent series, based on the word PROCLAIM. We are reminded today that our proclamation of the Savior brings faith to life. May this service’s readings from Scripture, children’s sermon, sermon and hymns all serve to help you to remember that we are people of the resurrection living in Lent.
2021-03-1519 minFaith LiftFebruary 28, 2021 Lent 2The word for this Second Week in Lent is “People.” People matter to God
2021-02-2820 minFaith LiftFirst Sunday in Lent: PurposeWhat was Jesus Purpose? Knowing his purpose what is our why? What is our Purpose?
2021-02-2417 minFaith LiftAsh Wednesday: PonderWe begin a series of sermons for Lent based on one word. For Ash Wednesday the word is Ponder. To Ponder the love and extravagant grace offered to us without a price as we repent of our sin and turn back to God
2021-02-2413 minFaith LiftBeing in God's PresenceBased on Mark 9:2-9, the story of the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, we explore how and where we can be in God's presence regularly.
2021-02-1624 minFaith LiftThe Incarnation Part 4Fourth and final sermon in series on Adam Hamilton's book "The Incarnation"
2020-12-2120 min2020-12-2118 minFaith LiftAdvent 1 November 29, 2020This is a first in the series on Adam Hamilton's book "Incarnation" This sermon is based on 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
The question being asked is while we just voted in the presidential race, who is truly our king to who we owe our lives and our devotion? Its the same one who was born in a stable, Jesus Christ.
2020-11-3013 min2020-11-2235 minFaith LiftAre Ye Able?In Matthew 16 Jesus tells his disciples, if you want to follow you must do two things: Deny Yourself and Pick Up Your Cross. The question for us is are we able? We have to do both.
2020-08-3121 minFaith LiftCan You Answer Jesus Question?Jesus in seeking out what people are saying asks the disciples about who people are saying he is. He then asks, "But who do you say that I am?" How do you answer that question? Can you answer as Peter did?
2020-08-2438 minFaith LiftCan we have Great Faith too?The Caananite woman seeks our Jesus to heal her daughter. In that encounter, he finds someone who gets what he has been teaching and admires her great faith. How can we raise our faith level to go from good to great?
2020-08-2419 minFaith LiftIf you want to walk on water....IN the midst of the storm Jesus comes to the disciples in the boat. Peter recognizes who it is and says, "If it is you command me to come to you on the water." Peter goes for a walk on the water, we can too. What do we need to do to get out of the boat and walk on water?
2020-08-2426 minFaith LiftYou Give Them Something to EatJesus feeds the 5000+ He tells the disciples "You give them something to eat." What do you have to offer that Jesus can take, bless and have you offer to others?
2020-08-0339 minFaith LiftBreaking News: The Inbreaking of the Kingdom is HereA Mustard Seed? A Pearl? A Hidden Treasure? What is Jesus trying to say about the Kingdom of God?
2020-08-0341 minFaith LiftJesus and who he is and Jesus and what he didMy first sermon in a new configuration of churches into a cooperative parish. Based on 1 Corinthians 2 Paul desires to know nothing except Christ and him crucified.
2020-08-0343 minFaith LiftNobody Has Clean HandsBased on Romans 5:1-8, We start with the late author Rachel Held Evans and the reason she stays with the church: The reason to stay with the church is because Christianity addresses sin and directs us to the Lord, who cleanses and redeems us. She reminds us that there is a remedy for the sin-sick and stained soul.
2020-06-2019 minFaith LiftJesus: The Breaker of Racial BoundariesThrough the passage from John 4:1-26, Pastor Craig examines Jesus' breaking racial barriers and what that means for us in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
2020-06-0832 minFaith LiftField of DreamsIn the movie Field of Dreams, Ray Kinsella took a chance by plowing under part of his corn fields at great financial and personal lossfor a field of dreams. What in your life needs to be plowed under that God's Holy Spirit might work in and through you to create a new field of dreams for all to see Christ?
2020-06-0522 minFaith LiftWhat Do We Do Now?Acts 1:1-14 details Jesus Ascension to heaven. The disciples are caught looking up at the awe inspiring sight and told to wait for the Holy Spirit. But the question is what do we do now?
Three things: Word, Waiting and Witness. In these in between times that is what we do as we live out our lives of faith and look to the Spirit for guidance.
2020-05-2748 minFaith LiftWhy Do You Have This Hope?In 1 Peter 3:13-22, Peter is writing to a community of the faithful in Asisa Minor. They are struggling. But he reminds them of who they are in their baptism. And from that they need to be ready to answer why they have that hope.
2020-05-2121 minFaith LiftWhats in Your TIme Capsule?1 Peter 2:2-10 Peter talks about Christ being our cornerstone. When we build our faith on him, we bring with us our past, all that we are and all that we have. What is in thetime capsule of your life to remind you of who you are, where you have been and how far you have come in your faith?
2020-05-1107 minFaith LiftThe Shepherd and the CircleA service based on Psalm 23. Ppleasenote this audio of the full online service, including Call to Worship, Opening Prayer etc. Nature seems to love symmetry. It's a principle that has been described as "change without change." We see this principle at work in God's loving care and protection of us. Change without change.
2020-05-0440 minFaith LiftThird SUnday in EasterLuke 24:13-35
Willie Nelson sang "On the Road Again." The disciples were on the road to Emmaus and didint realize who was walking with them. Do we recognize Jesus in the stranger as we are on the road?
2020-04-2723 minFaith LiftEaster Sunday 2020: The Cross, the Tomb and the StoneThe director of the British Museum tells the history of the world by using 100 objects found in the museum. But can the history of the world truly be told without mentioning a certain cross, tomb and stone? These cannot be found in the British Museum, but they tell a story that changed the course of history.
2020-04-1421 minFaith LiftLent 5: Sharing Your FaithIN the final installment of the sermon series on Adam Hamilton's book "The Walk" Pastor Craigshares the last spiritual practioce of sharing your faith. Is there someone who shared their faith with you that was integral inyour journey? Is there someone who would say the same about you? The challanege: Share your faith with five people within twekve months. Pray about who to speak to and invite to church.
2020-04-0624 minFaith LiftDo You Believe This?What are the Greastest Books? What books guided your life? The Gospel of John is a book that calls us to trust and bellieve. Through the story of Lazarus, Martha and Mary we come to find out we all have to answer that question: Do you believe this?
2020-03-2918 minFaith LiftCan You Drink of this Cup?When the mother of the sons of Zebedee asked Jesus to give them the right and left hand seats next to him, Jesus asked them if they cand rink from the cup he was about to drink from.
Author Henri Nouwen wrote a book by that title. He says in order to livelife ot the fullest in Christ we must be able to hold, lift and drink from the cup. This is a brief devotional.
2020-03-2411 minFaith LiftLent 4: Giving: Being Grateful, Living Purposefully, and Giving GenerouslyJesus said where your treasure is your heart is also. Walking with God calls us to livein a way wehre we are thankful for what we have, live a life of purpose, and offering our money, time and talent genrously.
2020-03-2222 minFaith LiftThe Apostolic Formula for Peace of Mind and HeartJesus Christ enables us to be anxious in nothing, prayerful in everything, thankful in anything.
ANXIOUS IN NOTHING; PRAYERFUL IN EVERYTHING; THANKFUL IN ANYTHING ... THEN ... THE PEACE.
2020-03-2212 minFaith LiftLent 3: Serve: Here I am Lord. Send Me.Joshua challenged the people of Israel to serve the Lord. We too are called to serve God by serving others. We are to see the Christ in all people as we do so and live out the Two Great Commandments. But to do so we have to be willling to have our scheduled interrupted. Often in the midst of our routine is when God needs us to serve the most.
2020-03-1621 minFaith LiftLent 2: Study: The Importamce of Listening & Paying AttentionWe hear God through two means, natural and special revelation. Natural is the way through the world aroundus God calls to us. Special revelation is when we come together in studying the BIble to hear God's message for our lives and for the world. To hear it we must pay attention.
2020-03-1625 minFaith LiftLent 1: Worship & PrayerThis Lent we are exploring spiritual practices to draw us closer in relationship to God thorugh Jesus Chrst. These are based on a book by Rev. Adam Hamilton called "The Walk." The first spiritual practice is Worship/Prayer. Join us each week in Lent as we dive deep into a new spirtitual practice.
2020-03-0423 minFaith LiftSharenting the TransfigurationSharenting is the overuse of social media by parents to share photos of their children. For these parents, nothing is too banal and uninteresting; the world must see. In Matthew 17:1-9, we find a positive example of sharenting.
2020-02-2816 minFaith LiftBaby TalkMost of us have heard mothers — dads too — cooing to their babies and speaking in a tone and pitch of voice they’d never use with anyone else. They talk for the baby’s ears only. Fine. We get it. But have you ever eavesdropped on adults speaking this way to their spouse, lover or special friend? Would it freak you out? Yet, some psychologists say that such conversations are signs of healthy relationships. This brings us to our epistle text where Paul is tired of babbling baby talk to adults.
2020-02-2017 minFaith LiftSmartphones and the SmartcrossMany people have a nagging suspicion that technology consumes too much of their time. It’s a master, not a servant. We want to be smart about how we use our smartphones. Paul faces a similar, although not identical, dilemma. He wants to stay true to his core values, and remember what he is all about. He decides that true wisdom is centered in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. through what could esily be called the Smart Cross.
2020-02-1115 minFaith LiftUpcoming Lenten Sermon SeriesFriends during the Lenten Season this year I will be preaching on the book "The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life" by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Lent is a time to turn away from thiose things that keep us from God and work to develop a closer relationship with Christ. Having spiritual practices helps us refocus our hearts and minds to do the work God calls us to do in the world today. Hope you will join in listening to this timely series.
2020-02-0301 minFaith LiftThe Sign of the CrossThose blue handicapped signs you see painted on the asphalt at the shopping mall or grocery store alert us to the fact that those parking spaces are reserved for those with mobility issues. But now, the handicapped sign is getting a makeover. This reminds us of the importance of logos, signs and symbols. Followers of Christ have an important sign. Does it, too, need a makeover? Or simply a reminder of its meaning and the power of it?
2020-02-0318 minFaith LiftCome to the TableIn spite of the the biblical call for the church to live in harmony, the church since it began has quarreled and fussed. It seems like nothing has changed. Is the unity of the church a pipedream? Maybe. But an interesting movement in the church right now gives new hope. It’s a movement the core piece of which is — food! What a concept! It’s amazing what disciples of Jesus can agree to when they’re eating.
2020-02-0314 minFaith LiftJesus calls us to "Come and See"If you need a place to crash, and you’re tired of paying high hotel prices, and honestly, you only need a place to rest, no problem. You can check into a hostel, or better, rent a room or house through a sharing website. The most well-known is Airbnb. Using our imagination, it almost seems as though Jesus has booked such a place. He tells Andrew, “Come and see.”
2020-01-2115 minFaith LiftWhat's Your Why?Businesses know the value of having a mission statement. Lately people have begun to find the value in having their own personal mission statement. These brief statements help provide clarity and focus for one's life. In Isaiah 42:1-9, we are given a glimpse of the mission of the Suffering Servant, a mission picked up by Jesus, passed on to the disciples and then to each of us. So ask yourself, "What is my why?"
2020-01-1516 minFaith LiftKeep Herod in the Christmas StoryWhen we have our Chirstmas pageants, we read the story, but often forget the part about Herod looking to not have Christ there anymore. We need to keep Christ in Christmas and not let the Herods of this world take him out.
2020-01-0314 minFaith LiftChristmas Eve: Hark! The Herald Angels SingAre you ready to join the song of Christmas? Shouting Peace on earth and good will to all? We are called like the shepherds to share the joy of that night but not just for one night. We should share the joy of Christ every night and day of our lives.
2019-12-2719 minFaith LiftAlmost Christmas: Altogether JoyLast in Advent series sermons on the book Almost Christmas
2019-12-2421 minFaith LiftAlmost Christmas: An Altogether LoveThe third installment of the sermon series based on the book "Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience"
2019-12-1618 min
Faith LiftAlmost Christmas: Altogether HopeBased on 1 Peter 1:3-9 Pastor Craig talks about the difference between an Almost Hope and an Altogether Hope in his message for the second Sunday of Advent.
2019-12-0920 minFaith LiftAlmost Christmas: An Altogether PeaceFirst sermon in the series on the book: Almost Christmas. This sermon focuses on Peace. Scripture focus: Ephesians 4:3-6, 25-32
2019-12-0518 min