Acts 15:36 - 16:5
Rev. Barr Overcast
The dynamic duo of Paul and Barnabas have seen it all. Despite threats and controversy, they stood fast for the gospel and the church grew as a result. What could possibly stop these giants of the faith? Perhaps the same thing that damages friendships, destroys churches, and plagues families everywhere: conflict.
Acts 12:18-25
Rev. Barr Overcast
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed... He who sits in the heavens laughs." (Psalm 2:2,4) Herod was not the first ruler to oppose God's purposes, nor was he the last. He was, however, one of the more egregious offenders, because he directly threatened two things God holds most dear. Join us on Sunday as this worm-ridden king serves as a window into the heart of God.
Psalm 147
Rev. Barr Overcast
The last worship service of the year: a perfect time to meditate on God's goodness and the many reasons we have to praise Him. This Sunday we will see how we as the church are uniquely suited to praise God, not just at the close of the year but all the time.
Acts 4:1-22
Rev. Barr Overcast
If Jesus is king, why is the gospel still opposed? It is easy to want and expect an easy march to victory in the Christian life, but this is not what Jesus has told his followers to expect. The reason why is simple but difficult. When you follow Christ, your life will reflect his life: persecution and all.
Acts 2:37-47
Rev. Barr Overcast
The events of our Christian lives today can often feel like a far cry from the vibrant, supernatural world of Pentecost. But when we look at the work the Spirit was doing, we see that it is the same work He is doing in our midst today. Join us this week as we look at the amazing new life that the Spirit offers to all who embrace Christ.
Haggai 1:1-11
Rev. Barr Overcast
This week, we begin our new series in the book of Haggai. The Jews of Haggai's day should be re-building the temple after returning from exile, but they aren't. They continue to put off the task God has given them. What message will God have for this procrastinating people? What message does He have for you? Join us this Sunday to find out.
James 4:13-17
Rev. Barr Overcast
"But mouse-friend, you are not alone
in proving foresight may be vain:
the best-laid schemes of Mice and Men
go oft awry,
and leave us only grief and pain,
for promised joy!"
~ Robert Burns, To a Mouse
James 3:13-18
Rev. Barr Overcast
Do you crave power and money? Are you interested in learning the secrets to success? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make it to the top? Then this is NOT the sermon for you! Join us this week as we learn the wisdom of humility and the harvest of those who sow in peace.
James 1:16-18
Rev. Barr Overcast
The last time we were in James, we learned that the man who perseveres under trial is blessed, but the road of faithful perseverance is fraught with temptations to take the easy, sinful way out. The question remains then: How are we to remain steadfast amid these temptations? The answer is simple (though not easy): trust in the goodness of God.
James 1:5-8
Rev. Barr Overcast
Trials can leave you reeling, unsure where to turn or what to do. In times of hardship, you face decisions you weren't prepared for and never thought you would have to make. This is why God invites us in those moments to ask him for what we lack: wisdom.
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
Rev. Barr Overcast
There is much to learn about the Christian life from gardening and plants. Jesus used countless farming images as he taught his disciples, and many other places in the Bible use the images of a tree, a vine, fruit, etc. to describe God's people and His work in their lives. At the heart of all these metaphors is the idea that a life of following Jesus is cultivated rather than made. Join us this Sunday as we look at how we can cultivate a life of following Jesus.
1 Samuel 30:1-31
Rev. Barr Overcast
There is probably no question of theology more difficult to answer than the existence of evil. How can God be good and sovereign and still allow evil to exist in the world? In our passage this week, David comes face-to-face with both God's sovereignty and true evil. His story shows us how an understanding of God's sovereignty equips us for the moments when we too are brought face-to-face with evil.
1 Samuel 24:1-24
Rev. Barr Overcast
David's day of deliverance is finally here! Or is it? From every earthly angle, this ought to be the moment when David executes judgment and rids himself and all of Israel of the rejected king. Yet he spares Saul, cutting off nothing more than a bit of Saul's robe. Why? Join us this week as we look at the God-centered perspective that prompts David to save his enemy.