Sunday, December 28, 2008

Changing form Schemer to Blessing Giver

December 28, 2008 PM
Dave Marttunen

Tonight we will follow the progress of a man who shifted from his wits to walking with His God. Jacob was the schemer who wrestled with men and God to arrive at a better way of living with both.

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Spiritual Traction

December 28, 2008 AM
David Dawson

During this season of winter weather, we have all experienced the loss of traction. Cars have been spinning off the road, while others have been stranded. Do you feel like you have been spinning your wheels spiritually? We all face challenges which prevent us from gaining ground in our relationship with God. Temptations, discouragements and distractions can often lead us away from God. As the excitement of Christmas is mostly behind and we move towards a new year, we are given an opportunity to settle down and refocus. This morning I invite you to take the opportunity to put aside the things that are hindering you and to fix your eyes on Jesus once again.

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Sunday, December 21, 2008

God Talks to Everyday People

December 21, 2008 AM
Dave Marttunen

It’s probably the shepherds who capture the essence of Christmas for us. They were the work crew that God chose to hear the news first. Least likely to show up at anyone’s holiday banquet, they were the first on the scene to witness the birth of God’s son. God speaks to the marginalized, overlooked and undervalued so that the story has a chance to be heard as it is, not as humans are so willing to remake it. Today as we explore the birth of Christ through the eyes of the Shepherds, we will discover that God intends his good news to be known and followed by everyone.

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Monday, December 15, 2008

Give Love a Chance

December 14, 2008 AM
Dave Marttunen

Fear. It can freeze you, propel you, or spare you. Fear is simply a response to risk: known or perceived, real or imagined. The antidote to paralyzing fear is surprising and likely not what we first might think. While knowledge, experience, and preparation are good, each are inadequate. The only lasting solution to fear is love. Today, as we study the life of Joseph we will hear God tell Mary's troubled fiancé to get over his fear. The means is simple—give love a chance. God’s appeal takes a courageous choice, most love does. Love God, love Mary, love the child—give love a chance. The lesson for all of us is memorable and challenging. Fear is displaced by love. Give love a chance.

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Sunday, December 7, 2008

This is the Confidence We Have

December 7, 2008 PM
David Dawson

As we close out the letter of first John, we reflect on the confidence we have in God and our relationship with him. While this letter challenges us to pursue faith, obedience and love, it also invites us into a settled confidence that as we see God at work in our lives, we know that we have a secure future with God. But more than just a confidence in eternal life, we also have a confidence that God is with us now and hears us when we pray.

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What in the World are You Looking For

December 7, 2008 AM
Dave Marttunen

Today, Pastor Dave Marttunen begins a three part series titled, “God talks to Everyday People.” This Christmas series focuses on the God who speaks to people like us, whether we are seekers or followers. In this first message, Pastor Dave tracks with a group of Eastern Wise men, sometimes called Magi or astronomers, who followed signs in order to meet and honor the newly born king of the Jews. There is nothing like a leadership threat to turn the religious and political folks’ heads around. In our day, God still speaks through signs to gain our consideration. Current signs evoke the same question, will we pay attention?

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