5/9/10

Romans 16:1-27 To God Be the Glory  When you are involved in ministry your life and relationships are changed by the many people you connect with. Life can be bitter-sweet because of the changes in those relationships, but God remains God of all of life.

5/2/10

Romans 15:23-32 Future Plans   How should you make plans for the future? Paul tells of making his bold plans prayerfully, carefully and with flexibility as he sought God’s will.

4/25/10

Romans 15:14-22 Equipped for Ministry  How much do you need to know in order to instruct someone else? Paul told the Roman believers that he felt they were competent because God had given to them knowledge and spiritual gifts.

4/18/10

Romans 15:1-13 A Spirit of Unity  So often people put each other down and try to get their own self-centered way. God’s desire is that we learn to love and accept each other as we pray for unity.

4/11/10

Matthew 28:16-20  Go Make Disciples  Jesus promises to be with us until the end of time. Until then he gives us the job of making disciples while we go about life.

4/4/10
Easter

Matthew 28:1-15  Jesus the Risen Lord   The Word of God proclaims that Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to people who were witnesses of the fact that he is alive.

4/2/10
Good Friday

Matthew 27 Condemned and Crucified   Jesus went to the cross and gave up his life for us.

3/28/10

Matthew 22:1-14  Ignoring Invitations   Through parables Jesus teaches the importance of accepting the invitation to the kingdom of Heaven. It is essential that you come with the right clothes.

3/21/10

Matthew 25:14-30  Using Talents  It is the Lord who gives us abilities and opportunities. We need to make good choices rather than squandering what we have received.

3/14/10

Romans 14:12-23 Peace Efforts   Christians do sin but the Lord Jesus says we should not pass judgment on each. Our responsibility is to serve Christ and make every effort toward peaceful relationships.

3/7/10

Romans 14:1-12 Molehills & Mountains   All too often Christians focus on things that divide us. We need to learn to do better at accepting each other, while remembering what Christianity is all about.

2/28/10

Romans 13:8-14 Love Your Neighbor  As a child of God we need to learn how to behave with each other. Once again we are reminded of the commands which are summed up in the word ‘love.’

2/21/10

Romans 13:1-7 God & Government  God reminds us that he has all authority and that he gives authority to government leaders. God gives us principles for civil life and how we are to deal with those in authority.

2/14/10

Romans 12:9-21 Living Your Faith  In the Old Testament God gave the 10 commandments. In Romans 12 we are told how we are to live our lives according to God’s plan for us. The key word for us is ‘love.’

2/7/10

Romans 12:1-8  Transformation  As God changes us we need to make choices to live a transformed life. We need to remember the source of our life and use the gifts given us for the sake of others.

1/31/10
Eric Aasen

Ephesians 1:13  Means Of Grace – Behold, Believe & Be Baptized  The word of God is the word of truth, the truth about your salvation.  We are saved by God through the holy gospel.  We confirm our faith through the holy sacraments.

1/24/10

Romans 11:25-36  God’s Mercy Displayed  None of us deserves God’s mercy, but he has chosen to grant mercy in his timing to people of Israel and to us. We always need to remember that God has all knowledge and is the one who chooses to grant or withhold mercy. Give him all the glory for what he does.

1/17/10

Romans 11:1-24   Israel Stumbled   Paul explains what is going on with the nation of Israel and their relationship with God. Many have rejected God, but God still chooses some of them for salvation. Meanwhile others are invited into his kingdom.

1/10/10

Romans 10:1-21 Strong Spiritual Heartbeat The Word of God says that anyone who trusts in him will be saved. The Bible calls us to hear the preaching of the Word, believe on Jesus and confess him as our Lord. Do you have a good spiritual heartbeat?

1/3/10

1 Peter 5:1-11  The Cure for Anxiety  As we look at the circumstances and problems we are facing at the beginning of 2010 it is easy for people to be anxious. We don’t know exactly what is going to happen or how we will be able to deal with the stuff that comes our way. Consider God’s cure for anxiety.

12/27/09

Revelation 22:1-21  Jesus Is the Beginning and End  As we come to the end of the year look with us at the last chapter of the Bible which includes a number of names of Jesus.  These names remind us that even as Jesus came at Christmas, he will come again one day at the end of time.

12/20/09

John 10:11-18; Psalm 23 Jesus Is the Good Shepherd  The picture of a shepherd caring for his sheep is common in the Bible. The work of a shepherd is sometimes very difficult, but no shepherd is ever able to do more than Jesus the good shepherd has done.

12/13/09
Garry Nyenhuis

John 15:1-5  Jesus Is the True Vine  Jesus says, "no branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine".  How can we stay connected to this vine that Christ speaks of?  What is so important about bearing fruit?  This week we'll look deeper at these questions as we study the analogy of Jesus Christ as a true vine.

12/6/09

Matthew 11:16-19,28-30;  9:9-13  Jesus Is a Friend A friend is a person who really cares about you and sticks with you. Jesus is a friend of sinners and he invites us to join him and his other friends to celebrate life together.

11/29/09

Isaiah 42:1-9  Jesus Is the Covenant  The prophecies of the Old Testament tell us about Jesus who will be a “a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.” In this Advent season take time to remember God’s promises about Jesus.

11/22/09

2 Corinthians 9:6-15  Sowing and Harvesting  What is your focus as you approach the circumstances of life? Are you sowing for the future? If you are not happy with what you are harvesting, sow a different crop. Is God receiving thanks because of you?

11/15/09

Romans 9:19-33  A Stumbling Stone  God provides one way of salvation through Jesus Christ. When people try to find other doors to salvation they keep tripping over Jesus.  Those who pay attention to Jesus are called sons of God.

11/8/09

Romans 9:1-21  Potter’s Choice  God is sovereign and has every right to decide who is chosen to eternal life. It may seem unfair to us, but God’s compassion does not depend upon our desire or effort but always upon the mercy of God.

11/1/09

Romans 8:28-39 More than Conquerors  At times in our lives things do get very difficult for us to handle. God does not leave us alone in those times. He will work things out for us. Through his power we are conquerors and absolutely nothing can separate us from him.

10/25/09 Pastor Carl Bruxvoort

Proverbs 12:11-28 Handling Wisely the Things of Life  Throughout our lifetimes a mountain of possessions passes through our hands.  This proverb challenges us to be wise and faithful stewards of everything God has entrusted to us.

10/18/09

Romans 8:26-27 The Holy Spirit Intercedes  God calls us to be people of prayer but we do not know very well what to pray for or how to pray. The Holy Spirit who lives in us knows us and knows God and intercedes for us with God.

10/11/09

Romans 8:18-25  All Creation Will Be Liberated  So many things are bad and getting worse in our world with pollution. But God promises something much better for the future for this world and for us. We wait in hope for that day.

10/4/09

Romans 8:9-17  Holy Spirit Controlled  It is so easy to slip into sinful life styles. It is only through the power and help of the Holy Spirit that we can live as we should. Do you realize that you are a child of God and equipped to live a new lifestyle?

9/27/09

Romans 8:1-11 No Condemnation  Everyone deserves condemnation but because of what Jesus has done we are pardoned and given new life.  It is a new life with a focus on what the Holy Spirit desires. Is your mind controlled by the Spirit?

9/20/09

Romans 7:12-25  It’s Hard to Understand  This stuff about the law and freedom and trying to do what is right is hard to understand.  When we try to do what is right but instead do evil it shows how much help we need. Do you need help?

9/13/09

Romans 7:1-12 Struggle With Sin  The law given by God is good and holy, but the law arouses sinful passions within people.  Those who believe in Jesus are no longer controlled by the sinful nature.  Are you free from the law and serving in a new way?

9/6/09

Romans 6:15-23 Slave to Righteousness - Labor Day is a holiday we take from the usual work schedule.  Rather than just take a holiday would you consider becoming a slave of righteousness which leads to much greater benefits?

8/30/09

Romans 6:1-14 From Death to Life – Before accepting Jesus as Lord sin reigned in us.  But now because of our relationship with Jesus we have new life and can be an instrument of righteousness. What kind of melody are you playing by your life?

8/23/09

Romans 5:12-21 The Gift of God – All people face the condemnation of God unless they accept the gift God offers.  This gift is possible because of the obedience of Jesus Christ which provides righteousness to all who believe.  Did you take the gift?

8/16/09

Romans 5:1-11  At Peace with God – People are either an enemy of God or a friend of God.  God is the one who comes with an offer of peace, but we need to surrender and receive it by faith.  Are you on the side that will win and enjoy the benefits?

8/9/09

Romans 4:1-25 God Credits Righteousness – Paul uses the Old Testament example of Abraham and tells us how God credited him with righteousness.  Abraham faced the facts but believed God. Will you face the facts and receive God’s righteousness?

8/2/09
Pastor Carl Bruxvoort

Acts 9:1-19  Who Can God Use? - In some ways Paul was very qualified to become a missionary to the Jewish, Greek and Roman worlds.  Yet he was also the last person we would expect to be chosen for such a role.  Each of us also has our own unique histories for God to use to build His church.

7/19/09

Romans 4:1-25 Getting Right with God – Paul gives an Old Testament lesson in faith being the way to salvation as he tells the story of Abraham and his belief.  Righteousness comes through faith in God both for Abraham and for us.

7/12/09

Romans 3:21-31  God Gives Righteousness – A right relationship with God comes through faith in Jesus Christ.  God can justify us because of Jesus’ death.  Trying to do better and obey the law is not sufficient.  We need to believe in Jesus.

7/5/09

Romans 3:1-20  God's Faithfulness – God’s faithfulness is on display as we examine the perfect goodness of God and the sinfulness of all people.  God’s verdict is that all have sinned and the law condemns those who sin.

6/28/09

Romans 2:17-29 Our Heart Condition – Being good isn’t good enough.  People often think Christianity is about what they do and how they look to others. However, true Christianity is rooted in the condition of one’s heart and relationship with God.

6/21/09

Romans 2:1-16  God Does Not Show Favoritism – God does not show people favoritism because of their status, nationality or abilities. His unfailing love and eternal life are not based on one’s background or past history.  Eternal life is a gift for all who believe.

6/14/09

Romans 1:18-32  God Gets Angry – From the beginning of time God has revealed his desire for people to be holy like him. When they ignore him, go their own way and choose to sin, God gets angry.

6/7/09

Romans 1:1-17 God Gives Salvation – Paul proclaims that the gospel is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes.  We, like Paul, need to share the gospel with others.

5/31/09

Minor Prophets – Zephaniah 3:1-20 – The minor prophets continue to warn the people who disobey God.  But they also proclaim the message of a loving God who takes delight in his people and rejoices over them with singing.

5/24/09

Major Prophets – Isaiah 1:1-4 – The major prophets received a message from the Lord and delivered it to the people.  Most often it was a message of repent and change your ways.  But the message also included a word of hope. (No recording available)

5/17/09

Poetical Books – Psalm 19 – The poetical books contain the inner thoughts of people as they dealt with the issues of life.  They contain praise for God as well as expressing the depths of despair when things are going badly. (No recording available)

5/10/09

Historical Books – 2 Chronicles 21:4-20 – The historical books tell us how the people continued to turn away from God to go their own way until finally God sends them into captivity.  It is in the hardship of captivity they turn back to God. (No recording available)

5/3/09

The Pentateuch – Deuteronomy 4:1-14 – The first 5 books of the Old Testament tell us about how God created all things.  They tell us how he formed and called the nation of Israel to follow Him as God alone.  God told them to obey his commands.

4/26/09

Worship: How to Exalt God  Matthew 22:37-40; John 4:19-23 The focus of true worship is always the triune God.  It is not about what we like or dislike.  Worship is an expression of our love for God who calls us his very own people.

4/19/09

Worship: How to Prepare Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 2:1-6, 15-17 In order to truly worship God we need to know who he is; what he has done for us; and how he wants us to respond.  Preparing for worship involves confession and tuning our minds to God.

4/12/09
Easter

1 Corinthians 15  Sound of the Savior’s Voice – Jesus promised the disciples he would rise again.  He did rise from the dead!  He came and spoke to the disciples assuring them of his life and love.
(includes a condensed Spanish translation)

4/5/09
Palm Sunday

John 12:12-19  Shouts of the People - Jesus goes into Jerusalem as the people are praising him and shouting their Hosanna’s.  Jesus is the one that fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. 

3/29/09
Eric Aasen

Mark 14:32-42  Silence of God  - What happens when God is silent and how do you handle those times?  Look at what Jesus does in the garden.

3/22/09

Colossians 4:2-18 Opportunity Knocks – What do you do with the opportunities that come your way?  Do your prayers open up your eyes to see and make wise use of every opportunity?

3/15/09

Colossians 3:18-4:1  Relationships at Home and Work – The bible gives us instructions about how we are live with and care for each other in our relationships at home and at work.

3/8/09

Colossians 3:12-17 New Clothes – God desires that we put on new clothes designed by him.  Through faith in Jesus and daily choices we can become people who are clothed with kindness, peace and love.

3/1/09

Colossians 3:1-11  A New Nature – Through faith in Jesus we are now new people with new thoughts and actions.  With the help of God we need to put to death the old ways.
Service in English and Spanish with Pastor Salvador Jaimes

2/22/09

Colossians 2:6-23 Alive in Christ – You have received Christ so live in him and strengthen your faith.  Do not let others damage your faith by imposing rules and regulations.  Grow in Christ.

2/15/09

Colossians 1:24-2:5 Be Encouraged – I want to encourage you with the truth about Jesus.  God has chosen to make known to us the mystery of Christ who provides us with wisdom and understanding.

2/8/09

Colossians 1:15-23 Jesus Is Supreme – Through Jesus all things were created.  He is ruler over kings and presidents.  He is the one who reconciles us with God.  Will you bow to his authority?

2/1/09

Colossians 1:1-14 Bearing Fruit - Your faith in Jesus is bearing fruit in some wonderful ways.  The question is how can our relationship with Jesus bear even better fruit?

Colossians

1/25/09

Micah 6:8; Matthew 6:25-34  Walk Humbly – When we walk humbly with God we put him first.  We devote our lives to serving him knowing that he is God and we are not.  We take time to enjoy his presence as read the bible and pray.

1/18/09

Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:43-48  Love Mercy – Our love for mercy is demonstrated by putting up with each.  It shows up as we readily forgive each other.  We do not harbor bitterness or seek vengeance.  Mercy will show up in deeds of kindness.

1/11/09

Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:17-20 Act Justly – We are required to act justly with our family, coworkers and neighbors.  To act justly means we do the right and truthful things with each other and avoid any lies or manipulation.

God’s Guidelines for 2009 and how to follow them.

1/4/09

1 Chronicles 4:9-10  A Prayer for the New Year  God wants us to ask him for what we need.  Jabez’s prayer teaches us to ask boldly.  Ask God to do big wonderful things in your life and ministry.

12/28/08

Luke 2:21-40  CSI – The Predestined Child   Simeon and Anna praise God for Jesus, the new born Savior.  Through Jesus God is preparing salvation for all people who will believe in him.

12/21/08

Luke 1:57-80  CSI – A Surprising Name  Zachariah and Elizabeth had to convince others that their child would be named John.  God planned that John would be a prophet who would prepare the way for Jesus. 

12/7/08

Luke 1:26-38  CSI – A Pregnant Virgin   The angel told the virgin Mary “Don’t be afraid for you have found favor with God.  Name your son Jesus.”  This child conceived though the power of the Holy Spirit would be truly human and truly God.

11/30/08

Luke 1:5-25 CSI – A Mute Priest   Because Zechariah did not believe the angel’s message that they would have a child, he was not able to speak.  The message was “Do not be afraid.  Name him John and he will be a joy and delight.”

11/23/08

Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 100; Philippians 4:4-9; John 6:25-35  The Good Things -  In this Thanksgiving week we rejoice as we take time to remember what God has provided and what he has done for us.

James - Faith Development

11/9/08

James 5:7-20  Faith Transforms Prayer Life  Faith in God will transform our prayer life.  As we pray our faith will develop and we will see God doing marvelous things, but we always need to wait patiently upon the Lord who is coming.

11/2/2008

James 4:13-5:6  Faith Clarifies Plans  It is important for us to make plans and consider how we steward our time and treasures.  But it is even more important that we do it from a Christian world and life view.

10/26/2008

James 4:1-12  Faith Purifies Motives  Faith calls us to examine our motives.  Is what we doing and wanting something that will glorify God or is our motive based on our personal desires?

10/19/2008

James 3:13-18  Faith Increases Wisdom  The wisdom that God provides those who sincerely ask is pure, peace loving, considerate and shows up in deeds that are done with humility. 

10/12/2008

James 3:1-12  Faith Tames the Tongue  As faith develops what we think and say becomes less caustic.  We begin learning how to avoid causing so much damage through our speech.  We need God’s help to become tongue tamers.

10/5/2008

James 2:14-26  Faith Displayed in Deeds  True faith is displayed in the good deeds that you accomplish.  Neither faith by itself, nor deeds by themselves are sufficient for a right relationship with God.

9/28/2008

James 2:1-13  Faith Eliminates Favoritism  It is so easy to slide into favoritism or racism.  Growth in real faith enables us to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Let faith and mercy increase in your life.

9/21/2008
Eric Aasen

James 1:19-27 Faith Does the Word  As faith develops it shows up in how we not only listen, but do the will of God.  It takes daily training from us so that it shows up in everyday actions, not just occasionally. 

9/14/2008

James 1:1-18  Faith Is Tested  Temptations come from within us through the work of Satan.  Testing comes from God who desires that our faith grows strong as our lives are transformed.

9/7/2008

James 1:1-18  Faith Asks for Help  We are unable to develop faith in our own power.  We need to ask God for help and rely on his power and wisdom to handle life.  Faith is all about our reliance on the love of God and his care for us.

James - Faith Development

On the Road with Abram - Learning to Trust

8/31/2008

Genesis 18  Prayer for the City  God tells Abraham what is about to happen to Sodom and Gomorrah.  Abraham is bold enough to ask God to spare the city if even 10 righteous are found there.  How bold are we in asking God?

8/24/2008

Genesis 17 God Makes and Keeps Covenant  God makes a covenant with Abraham and Sarah as he promises them a son and so much more.  We can be thankful that God just keeps his promises, rather than basing his love on how well we do.

8/17/2008

Genesis 16  Planning Instead of Trusting   Abram and Sarai make plans to have a child rather than trusting God.  It is hard to keep on trusting when it seems like God is taking so long and there seems to be no answers.

7/27/2008

Genesis 15 Trusting God's Promises  God promises Abram a child and the land of Canaan.  God is asking Abram to trust him to provide even though it seems impossible.  Are you able to trust that God will keep his promises to you?

7/20/2008

Genesis 14 Trusting God's Provision  Abram meets Melchizedek after rescuing Lot and his family.  Abram gives a tenth to Melchizedek and refuses to take anything extra from the things he recovered in the battle.  How generous are you?

7/13/2008

Genesis 13  Trusting God in Conflicts  When disputes arose between Abram's and Lot's men, Abraham graciously agreed to give Lot the first choice.  How gracious are you when things aren't going well. 

7/6/2008

Genesis 12 Trusting Your GPS  God gave Abram the instruction to leave home, get on the road, and trust me to show you where to go.  Learning to trust God's leading is so important for each of us.

On the Road with Abram - Learning to Trust