by ray | Jan 8, 2013 | Lord's Supper, Sermons
It’s Communion Sunday. Today, we talked about our love as a response to God’s love. As it says in 1 John 4– 1 John 4 10 This is love: NOT that we loved God, but that HE loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. How meaningful it is to begin...
by ray | Dec 24, 2012 | Christmas, NT, Sermons, Topical Studies
God spoke to Mary and Joseph each individually. Then, they came together as a couple. Consider how hard it must have been for Joseph and Mary as a couple. This year is the first year I noticed that there were no family members of either side to witness the birth of...
by ray | Dec 24, 2012 | Christmas, NT, Sermons, Topical Studies
For the majority of the nation of Israel, the birth of Christ made no impact. For some Jewish families from the first century, it was the worst day of their lives. And to a select few, the birth of Christ was life changing. Who were the select few whose lives were...
by ray | Dec 24, 2012 | Christmas, NT, Sermons, Topical Studies
Background of Christmas Merry Christmas! It’s a cozy group. The college students are away. Some familiar faces are back for the break, like Peter. It’s good to have you, brother. I have a two-part series about the meaning of Christmas. For today, I am going to explain...
by ray | Dec 4, 2012 | Church, Discipleship, NT, Sermons, Topical Studies, Vision
What should a church be about? An analogy for church is the planet Jupiter. Hard, rocky core surrounded by swirling gases. Churches need a core that’s solid. Everything around it can be fluid. Programs can start and stop. Ministries can come and go. Methodologies can...
by ray | Nov 20, 2012 | Deuteronomy, OT, Sermons, Thanksgiving, Topical Studies
To recap, grumbling is a sign that you are in a spiritual wilderness. Second, fear is one reason Christians remain in the wilderness. And lastly, sin keeps us in the wilderness. Let’s read from Deut 1:3-8. Deut 1 3 In the fortieth year, on the first day of the...