A messages from the series “The Invitation of Advent.” The whole Bible points to our need for a true Shepherd who will guide us, protect us and lead us. So it is no accident that when the heavenly host proclaimed the advent of the Savior of the world, they came first to the shepherds.

A messages from the series “The Invitation of Advent.” The little town of Bethlehem sets the stage for one of the most incredible events in history. God does that time and again, using the ordinary to accomplish something extremely special. If we are to be used by God to help usher in something special, it requires faith from us. God will do the rest.

A messages from the series “The Invitation of Advent.” From Genesis to the first chapter of Luke and John the Baptist, the Bible prophesies the coming of the Messiah. He was to be, and is, a light in the darkness. And light is good, brining hope and guidance. But the prophesies don’t end there. The entire New Testament continues to point to Jesus. Even revelation points to His coming again. Now is the time to follow the Light!

A messages from the series “Ezra: The Lord Restores His People.” Breaking faith has consequences. The sins of the people affect the corporate whole, which is why, though God’s first choice would never be to separate married people, a greater evil was at stake if they remained with the women of foreign people – literally the same nations that God warned against in the book of Deuteronomy – namely that God’s chosen people would be lured by their wives to worship other detestable gods, thus breaking God’s first and most important commandment.

A messages from the series “Ezra: The Lord Restores His People.” After finding out that the returned exiles have taken wives from among the pagan nations, Ezra is distraught and broken on behalf of his fellow Israelites. Through confession and prayer he advocates to God for the people of God. Follow along to hear how this humble leader is the picture of our true Advocate, Jesus Christ.

A messages from the series “Ezra: The Lord Restores His People.” Throughout our passage today, Ezra stands as a strong example of what it means to be courageous and humble in leadership. As God calls Ezra to courageously call and entrust people to service, proclaim what is right, and endure, Ezra responded with a humble attitude in all things.

A messages from the series “Ezra: The Lord Restores His People.” Out text today gives us a snapshot of two very different men. First is Artaxerxes, King of Persia, who knows about God, wants all the good things God has to offer and wants to avoid God’s wrath. Then we have Ezra, the recipient of favor from the king but who is focused on and thankful to God in humility. Which man do you resemble more?

A messages from the series “Ezra: The Lord Restores His People.” Todays message focuses us on Ezra coming into the narrative and describes what he’s like as a leader. It is clear that God’s good hand was upon Ezra’s past, his present and his purposes. He had a lineage and past that prepared him to lead, God gave Ezra skills and talents to perform the job that He had for him, to fulfill God’s purposes, not only in Ezra’s life but for the nation of Israel. We must ask ourselves, are we, like Ezra, surrendered to the good hand of God in our past and present and for God’s ultimate purpose?

A messages from the series “Stand Alone Messages.” Through the story of Peter we learn what it means to be restored to Jesus. Peter, a brash and impulsive man who prided himself on his devotion to Jesus, found himself denying Christ in His time of need, leading to a break in their relationship. Our sermon today looks at what happens after Jesus has risen. Jesus is uncomfortably pressing Peter with the question, “Do you love me?” While true restoration with Jesus does bring about joy and peace, those are not His ultimate goals for us. Rather His highest purpose for us is a loving, abiding relationship with Himself.

A messages from the series “Ezra: The Lord Restores His People.” Let there be no mistake…God is the only One who makes things happen. It is God who intervenes in our lives and reveals Himself and His ways to us. We are not entitled to anything we have because it is God who gives it to us. Rather than entitlement, we should be moved to thankfulness and to dedicate it all back to Him. We can celebrate because God is our source of everything, just as He was to the Israelites when they were rebuilding the temple.