We all have to drink, both in order to stay alive and to live merrily. The only question is what we choose to drink. As we conclude this 6-week series "At the Table With Jesus", we find ourselves in a story without a physical Jesus and without a literal table. Yet, we discover something powerful being poured out and something deeply meaningful occurring in the lives of those drinking. For the onlookers, all they could say is, "Are these people drunk?" Listen in today and learn how the coming of the Holy Spirit changes everything.
When the Story Comes to Life (Luke 24:13-35)
All of us walk the road of suffering at times in our life. What do we need most in those times? A listening ear, an encouraging word, a table of food and drink. Listen in today as Mike Lilley teaches us about an amazing story of the resurrected Jesus appearing to two weary walkers, and how he brings the Story of all stories to life to them.
Forever Love (Ephesians 6:21-24)
Is there anything lasting in this world? And if there is a God, what is his real motivation? Listen in today to this Easter Sunday sermon, as we conclude our journey through the book of Ephesians.
Fearless (Ephesians 6:10-20)
What should we think about the unseen spiritual world? How should we properly consider the reality of spiritual warfare? For many of us, the mere idea of a spiritual battle brings fear. So listen in today as we consider how this text helps us to live fearlessly for the cause of Jesus in our city of Salem.
Artwork mentioned - "The Release from Deception" (by Italian sculptor Francesco Queirolo in 1759)
Book quoted from with regards to the armor of God in Ephesians 6:14-17 - "The Invisible War" (by Chip Ingram)
Home & Work (Ephesians 5:22-6:9)
Where do you spend the vast majority of your non-sleeping time? Like most people, I imagine it's at home with your family and at your place of work. So how can we be used by God as lights in those places? Listen in today as we learn some about what the Scriptures tell us about marriage, parenting, and the workplace.
Wise Living (Ephesians 5:1-21)
How are followers of Jesus to live in the modern world? When we come to faith in Jesus, some big decisions are put before us. Who are we to spend time with? What things are we to do? Not do? It can get overwhelming! Listen in today as we learn from Paul in Ephesians what it looks like to live wisely. He puts three beautiful images before us to help us - imitation, shining, singing.
Truth (Ephesians 4:17-32)
To make exclusive truth claims is one of the more dangerous or scandalous things to do in the modern world. So how can Christians understand the role of truth in loving our neighbors? To acknowledge truth is really to begin a journey of being a life-long learner. But why are we then to share the truth and how are we to share the truth? Listen in today as we learn a bit about our world and discover the power of the truth of Jesus in public.
Big (Ephesians 3:14-21)
The love of God expressed in Ephesians 3:14-21 is BIG. In this extravagant prayer by Paul, we see that there is a measurelessness to God's love for us, and that not only makes us feel known and loved, but it should also spur us to pray similarly BIG prayers to God for others. Listen in today as we learn a few BIG prayers to pray for the city of Salem.
Peace Over Division (Luke 2:22-38; Colossians 3:12-17)
We live in a divided world, both on an individual level and as a larger society. Why is this the case? What can prevent it? These are important questions, but not the ones that the birth of Jesus ultimately answers. When God became human in the person of Jesus, he instead answered another question - how can peace come in the midst of division and restore beauty and unity to us? Listen in today to this Christmas Eve sermon and find the hope of peace for you.
Don't Give Up (Job 10; Philippians 2:12-18)
If the goal of the Christian life is to become more and more like Jesus, how do we do that, especially when life gets really hard? The New Testament leads us to a surprising recurring teaching - perseverance. Listen in today as we learn together how to persevere in life.
The First Days of the Rest of Your Life (Romans 6; Galatians 5:16-26)
After believing in Jesus, you are changed immediately forever. But what is the goal and purpose of your life then going forward? Listen in today as we lean into the biblical theme of sanctification, and what every day for the rest of your life should be like.
Brought In (Exodus 1:8-2:10; Galatians 3:23-4:7)
Adoption is not only a literal global need, but it is also the greatest spiritual need we have as humans as well. As we read the stories of Scripture we discover the theme of adoption pulsating off the pages, of how the God of creation did everything and spent everything to buy us back and make us part of his family. Listen in today as the most famous singular adoption story in the Bible is read, and how one of the greatest theological beauties is taught from the New Testament.
The Beautiful Courtroom (Isaiah 6; Romans 3:21-26)
A courtroom can only be beautiful if you know you're going to walk out with a verdict of "innocent." In life in general, how do we know how we will be found on the final one day of judgement? Listen in to find one of the greatest surprises of all - how sinners become righteous and free forever.
Impossible Birth (Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 3:1-21)
Our first birth into this world is an utter miracle. But is that the greatest miracle in life? What do we do when we feel the great need, deep within us, to change. Listen in today as we listen to two voices from the Scriptures describe what change the heart can go through that radically changes everything.
The Walking Voice (Genesis 3:1-24; Matthew 11:28-30)
What is the call of God? When does he call? Why does he call? Who does he call? Listen in today as we learn about the heart of God from the very beginning of the Bible, and hear the explicit call of Jesus Christ himself for us today.
Not Just the Opposite of Bad News (Isaiah 61; Matthew 11:1-6)
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just the opposite of bad news, but it's the invitation to the GOOD news. What does that mean? Listen in today as we hear a famous Scripture from the prophet Isaiah read, and then learn how Jesus Christ fulfills it in beauty.
The Story (Genesis to Revelation)
The power of stories cannot be overstated in our modern world. From Netflix to Harry Potter to children’s books, we are captivated by stories. What are the stories that have captured your heart and soul? This sermon begins a new series on the surprising Story of all stories, the one which brings hope to all people. Listen in today as we see how the Story of the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, beautifully intersects with each of our lives today and surprises us with grace upon grace.
The Curse & the Cross (Psalm 109)
What does Psalm 109 have to do with Jesus? Listen in today as we listen to David talking about how he is being accused wrongfully by others, and how we can resonate with that when we are under the accusations of others as well. And then hear how Jesus Christ of Nazareth handled his own accusations during his most trying moment, as he headed to the cross.
More Than Missions (Psalm 108)
If missions is one of the greatest purposes of the church, what possibly could be more than missions? Listen in to Psalm 108 today, on this being one of our "Missions Emphasis Sundays", and hear how the worship of the Living Creator God is even our deeper calling in life. More than missions, our hearts, mouths, and perspective sings to the God who has a promise that sings through the ages.
Why Praise? (Psalm 106)
Why in the world would you want to praise God? This is a command in the Scriptures, and a grand assumption when you walk into a church on a Sunday morning. But why? Why praise God? Listen in today as we learn about one of the most famous and oft-repeated phrases in the whole Bible - "give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His steadfast love endures forever."