Preacher Paul's Blogs

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, a season of waiting, expectation, and hope as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Emmanuel—God with us. Our scripture for the week, Isaiah 64:1–9, is a heartfelt prayer from the prophet, crying out for God to “tear open the heavens and come down.” It captures the raw emotion of a people longing for divine intervention in the midst of exile and brokenness. Together, we’ll explore three central themes of the passage: the cry for God’s intervention, the confession of sin, and the hope rooted in God’s faithfulness. These ancient words resonate deeply in our modern lives, reminding us that God meets us in our waiting and works through our struggles to bring about transformation and renewal. As we prepare for worship, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences of longing and waiting. . Where do you feel a deep yearning for God to “come down” and make things new?  In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God’s mercy and faithfu...

This Wednesday evening, we will gather for our annual Thanksgiving Eve Service. The sermon, "A Heart of Gratitude," will draw from Colossians 3:15-17, where we are reminded to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to teach and encourage one another in wisdom, and to give thanks to God in all that we do. Gratitude, as Paul describes it, is not just an occasional feeling but a way of life that shapes our hearts and actions, bringing us closer to God and one another. As you prepare for this special service, I encourage you to reflect on this passage throughout the week.  How might gratitude help you experience the peace of Christ more deeply?  In what ways can thankfulness transform your relationships and routines?  Let’s come together on Wednesday ready to rejoice, reflect, and give thanks to the One who sustains and blesses us in every season.

This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday and we’ll explore John 18:33-37, a passage that brings us into the tension of Pilate's questioning of Jesus. Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” expecting a display of worldly power, yet he encounters a different kind of king, one who reigns through love, humility, and grace. In our sermon, A Kingdom Not of This World , we will consider how Jesus’ response, “My kingdom is not of this world,” challenges our understanding of authority and power. Jesus calls us to embrace a kingdom that operates on vastly different principles than those of the world. As we consider Jesus’ kingship, we’ll reflect on how often we miss seeing Christ’s presence in our everyday lives because it does not match our expectations. How might we recognize Christ in the ordinary moments, in acts of kindness, forgiveness, or quiet service? In A Kingdom Not of This World , we’ll also explore what it means to live as faithful citizens of this kingdom, embodying it...

This Sunday is Stewardship Sunday, a time to reflect on how we can respond to God's generosity in our lives. Our upcoming sermon, titled "A Grateful Response to God’s Ultimate Gift", draws from Hebrews 10:11-25. This passage reminds us of the complete and final nature of Christ’s sacrifice, calling us to consider what it means to live in gratitude for this gift. Unlike the old covenant, where priests repeatedly offered sacrifices, Jesus' sacrifice was once for all, allowing us to approach God with confidence and a renewed spirit. This gratitude extends beyond mere thankfulness, it compels us to live generously, support one another, and grow as a community of faith. As you study this passage, consider:  How does gratitude for Christ's sacrifice influence your daily life?  In what ways can we, as a congregation, encourage one another to live out our faith together?

This Sunday, we’ll delve into Hebrews 9:24-28, a passage that reminds us of the three appearances of Christ and their profound impact on our faith. Much like Ebenezer Scrooge’s encounters with the past, present, and future in A Christmas Carol , we are invited to see how Christ’s presence has shaped, and continues to shape, our lives. Christ first appeared to put away sin, bringing freedom from the weight of our past mistakes. Now, Christ intercedes for us in God’s presence, granting us confidence in the present as we journey through life. And one day, Christ will appear again, fulfilling the promise of salvation for those who wait with eager hearts. As we gather to explore these appearances, I encourage you to reflect on how each aspect of Christ’s presence has touched your life.  What sins or regrets do you need to let go of, trusting in Christ’s past sacrifice?  And as we await Christ’s return, what hope can you hold onto in the present, knowing that Christ is always interc...