"Jesus In Line"

Luke 2:21

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Compared to its context, with the manger scene before it, and the story of his temple presentation following it, Luke 2:21 may not seem all that significant. How quickly we read over it! Yet, it is very important to the truth of who Jesus is and what he came to do. Circumcision announced Jesus’ solidarity with us. He had to get in line with those he came to rescue. On the eighth day of life, he would shed his blood by drops. Thirty-three years later, his blood would pour. Join us Sunday for “Jesus in Line.”

"God's Tender Mercy"

Luke 1:57-80

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

How many times has God ‘mercied’ you? The Bible says, ‘God’s mercies are new every morning’ (Lam. 3:23). The Hebrew here means never before experienced. Today's mercy is different from yesterday or the day before or the day before the day before. We’ll talk about why that is Sunday, but figure out how old you are in days, not in years but days. Do the math. If you are at retirement age, God has mercied you at least 23,725 times. Zechariah was so familiar with God’s tender mercies that he sings about them at the birth of his son John. Join us Sunday for “God’s Tender Mercy”!

"Our Mighty and Merciful Savior"

Luke 1:39-56

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Luke begins his gospel record with the story of two miracle mothers. One is old, married for many years, childless and barren. The other is young, having never been married and a virgin. Interestingly enough, they are related. God had been silent for over 400 years, and then this! Trying to absorb the wonder of it all, Mary goes to visit Elizabeth and breaks out in song about her mighty and merciful Savior. It’s the oldest of all Christmas carols. Sunday, we come along with her. Join us!

"With God..."

Luke 1:26-38

Rev. Charlie Phillips

This week we will be studying the foretelling of Jesus’ birth in Luke 1:26-38. This incredible announcement made by the angel Gabriel pointed towards the greatest single event in human history. And while the event of Jesus’ birth teaches us numerous things about the heart of God, the foretelling of His birth also gives us in-depth insight into the grace and glory of God. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the birth and foretelling of Jesus.

"Promises Kept: John the Forerunner"

Luke 1:1-25

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Advent begins Sunday and so does a new series in the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s gospel has been called ‘the most beautiful book in the world.’ The writing is fresh and creative, containing the finest Greek in the New Testament. It’s a large book. God the Holy Spirit entrusted Luke to writing more of the New Testament than any other writer. It contains the greatest history ever written and we have it! It is the story of God’s divine rescue mission, providing us with a vivid picture of what Jesus means when he says that he has come “to seek and save the lost” (19:10). There’s not a better way to begin the Advent season than in Luke. Make plans to join us!

"Held In His Grip"

I John 5:13-21

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

He’s the last man standing among the apostles. Only God knows how much longer he’ll be around. How would you end a letter with that in mind? What would you want to say to a group of struggling Christians if you were unsure whether you would speak to them again? Uncertainty swirled around this flock; doubts pressed in. John essentially says, ‘Children, know your place in God’s heart. You are wholly known, totally loved, and forever His.’ Sunday, we conclude our series with “Held in His Grip.” Join us!

"What is a Christian?"

I John 5:1-12

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

What is a Christian? Should someone say, ‘You call yourself a Christian – why? What’s the basis of your claim?’ how would you respond? I’m afraid far too often we’d find our responses fall far short of how the Bible defines a Christian. Sunday, John provides us a clear summary of a Christian, as he moves into the concluding remarks of his powerful little letter. Join us!

"Fear Not"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

1 John 4: 13-21

To say that the past 10 months have been a trying season of life would be an understatement. Not only have we experienced one trial after another but some of our worst nightmares and fears have been realized and continue to surface. How are we as Christians to deal with our fears? And what does the love of God have to do with relieving them? Join us this Sunday as we learn from the Apostle John how “perfect love casts out fear”.

"Learning to Love"

I John 4:7-14

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

While you read this note, a lot is going on without you doing much about it. You’re breathing. Your heart is pumping and circulating blood. Your eyes are blinking. When you were a child, you screamed, cooed, and cuddled without schooling or training. Over time, other things come into play that require training; at the top of these behaviors is love. How do we love? How do we learn to love? Sunday, the Apostle John takes us there. Join us!

"Reformation - Transformation Now!"

Rev. Dr. Kurt Frank

Ephesians 5:21-32

On Reformation Sunday, Christians of the Protestant Confessions observe the shakeup of false religion and corrupt government in Europe 500 years ago. Luther, Calvin, Knox, and Wycliffe, at great risk, were the shakers empowered by this Biblical truth: Scripture, Faith and Grace alone are the essentials for personal salvation. Much has changed for the common good since then, still much remains that is regrettably not good. The answer is now what it was then: THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS!

"Living In A World of Conflicting Voices"

"Living in A World of Conflicting Voices"

I John 4:1-6

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Our world is one noisy place filled with conflicting voices. Every moment of every day, advertisers, politicians, and pundits are vying to get our attention, influence our opinions, and alter our behavior. What criteria do you use to judge whether a commercial, a candidate, or a claim is legitimate? The Apostle John has much to say about how we should think and act in such world. Join us Sunday for “Living in a World of Conflicting Voices”!

"Life-Giving Love"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

I John 3:11-24

Were you to ask people what it means to love, you’d get a variety of answers. Most explanations will be shallow because relationships in our world have become shallow. The author Walker Percy once lamented, “Who is going to protect words like ‘love,’ guard against their devaluation? … When words [like love] get abused, cheapened, exhausted, worn thin as poker chips, the novelist is losing his only tools. Always in deep trouble, he is now in deeper trouble than usual.” The apostle John doesn’t allow us to wade into a shallow understanding of love. He takes us to the cross to teach us how to love another, even when we aren’t loved back – or even liked back. Join us Sunday for “Life-Giving Love.”

"Adopted and Adorned"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

Sermon Title: "Adopted and Adorned"

I John 3:1-10

There are few things so precious to Christians than the identify afforded them by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. According to Scripture, if we have been justified by faith we have also been adopted as sons and daughters of God. We talk a lot about justification and sanctification, but we don’t as often talk about adoption. What does it mean to be adopted by God? And how does our adoption affect our hearts, minds, and actions? Join us this Sunday as we explore the doctrine of adoption and its ramifications on our lives.

"What We Believe Matters"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sermon Title: "What We Believe Matters"

I John 2:18-27

We live in a day in which tolerance is viewed as one of the highest virtues. It’s considered wrong to ever call into question the beliefs of another person. There is a time for tolerance. Our grandparents taught us tolerance meant treating people kindly, even when we believe they are wrong. But what’s peddled in the culture today is twisted and dangerous corruption of true virtue. Sunday, we’ll see why what we believe matters; always has, always will. Join us!

"A Deadly Love"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "A Deadly Love"

I John 2:15-17

There's always the temptation to open a Bible and go directly to the encouraging and assuring passages. Who doesn't need to hear, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28)? Or, "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you" (Psalm 55:22). Yet, there are verses that are easy to ignore. Here's one verse we quickly run by: "Do not love the world or the things in the world" (1 John 2:15). It's abrupt, to the point, comprehensive, and uncomfortably intrusive. Let's face it; it isn't a verse we tend to underline when we come across it in our daily Bible reading. But we should, for it contains a life-saving message if we'll but take it to heart. Join us Sunday for "A Deadly Love"!

"Old Truth, New Life"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

Sunday's Sermon: "Old Truth, New Life"

I John 2:7-14

Near the end of Jesus' life and ministry He told His disciples that the world would know them, not by their good works or service, but by their love for one another. In other words, love is to be a definitive mark of the church. And not just any kind of love, but Christ-empowered love funneling through brothers and sisters in Christ to brothers and sisters in Christ. Join us this Sunday as we dive into 1 John 2:7-14 to study the timeless commandment to love one another.

"The Benefits of Abiding in Christ"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Benefits of Abiding in Christ"

I John 2:1-5

Charles Spurgeon once said, "Why should Christians imitate Christ? They should do it for their own sakes. If they desire to be in a healthy state of soul-if they would escape the sickness of sin, and enjoy the vigor of growing grace, let Jesus be their model." Appears simple enough, but where does one get the power to 'imitate Christ'? It comes by abiding in Him. What does Christ do to, through, and for a person who abides in Him? Join us Sunday for "The Benefits of Abiding in Christ"!

"The Blood is Everything"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Blood is Everything"

I John 1:5-10

For a few weeks now, we've been looking at the book of 1 John. John writes with an emphasis on Christian assurance in a way that speaks to questions about the Christian life, questions like: What does a true Christian look like? How can one tell the difference between a 'real' Christian and a 'fake'? And, how does a person change? This short letter turns the light on these types of questions, sending us straight to the person and work of Jesus. Join us Sunday for 'The Blood is Everything'!

"The Foundation of Our Assurance"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Foundation of Our Assurance"

I John 1:1-4

We've all been on a road or a train where we wondered if we were on the right route or track. I can recall a couple of occasions like this riding the "T" in Boston. 'I think the Red Line goes to this station. I hope I picked the correct train.' Many of us have experienced a similar type doubt flying out of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, while finding our way to the departure terminal. Doubt can rob us of peace and confidence. John writes in his first epistle with a special emphasis on Christian assurance for the believer. This is a vital issue in the Christian's life and in the world. Join us Sunday for "The Foundation of Our Assurance"!

"Why Study I John?"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "Why Study I John?"

I John Overview

We find ourselves in a time of uncertainty. Everything is changing; nothing is stable. Social and political patterns are in flux. Questions about personal (and national) health confront all of us daily. There is widespread distrust of dogmatism and preference for agnosticism and doubt. Against this backdrop, to read 1 John is to enter another world, a world marked by assurance, knowledge, confidence, and boldness. John makes no bones about the Christian's confidence that needs to be heard and heeded today! Sunday, we launch into our fall series with "Why Study 1 John?"