Delight in Grace

In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon says that he denied his heart no pleasure.  The result? Nothing was gained.  It was a chasing after wind.  Pleasure is a poor substitute for our hearts greatest need.  As Blaise Pascal said, this infinite abyss can only be filled with an infinite and immutable object; in other words, God Himself.

In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon says that he denied his heart no pleasure.  The result? Nothing was gained.  It was a chasing after wind.  Pleasure is a poor substitute for our hearts greatest need. 

In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon says that he denied his heart no pleasure.  The result? Nothing was gained.  It was a chasing after wind.  Pleasure is a poor substitute for our hearts greatest need. 

In his book Living Life Backward, David Gibson says that keeping the end in view “can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift.”   We were designed for God.  If we try to find our identity and satisfaction in God’s stuff instead of in God Himself, we will always be left unsatisfied. Thank you for joining us in this series on...

In his book Living Life Backward, David Gibson says that keeping the end in view “can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift.”   We were designed for God.  If we try to find our identity and satisfaction in God’s stuff instead of in God Himself, we will always be left unsatisfied. Thank you for joining us in this series on...

In his book Living Life Backward, David Gibson says that keeping the end in view “can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift.”   We were designed for God.  If we try to find our identity and satisfaction in God’s stuff instead of in God Himself, we will always be left unsatisfied. Thank you for joining us in this series on...

In his book Living Life Backward, David Gibson says that keeping the end in view “can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift.”   We were designed for God.  If we try to find our identity and satisfaction in God’s stuff instead of in God Himself, we will always be left unsatisfied.

The first eleven verses of Ecclesiastes are anything but encouraging, pointing out life’s brevity and boredom, its instability and inability to satisfy.  This is a picture of life under the sun-life when we seek purpose without Christ.

Today we continue a series on the book of Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  In his latter years, King Solomon reflects on the meaninglessness of life under the sun

Making sense of the Journey

This message titled The God of Peace Makes You Complete, is the final sermon in this series on the book of Hebrews.  In Hebrews 13:18-25, the author asks God’s people to pray for faithfulness and fellowship in his own life and ministry.  He also offers up a prayer on their behalf- for peace and God’s power in their lives.

This message titled The God of Peace Makes You Complete, is the final sermon in this series on the book of Hebrews.

In this message titled, Bold Salt, Pastor Rich shows the character qualities of Christ lived out in us. Let’s listen in.

As we sit at the feet of Jesus in full surrender, we will start to look like Jesus.

A genuine, healthy walk with God is going to manifest itself in transformed attitudes and practices.

The passage from Hebrews 12:25-29 offers us a glimpse of our glorious God, calling us to experience the awe of encountering the One whose voice causes the earth to shake, a consuming fire.  Verse 25 warns us not to refuse him who is speaking. Sometimes we need to check in and ask ourselves, “am I really listening? Am I embracing what God says about Himself, allowing the truths to penetrate my hear...

Verse 25 warns us not to refuse him who is speaking. Sometimes we need to check in and ask ourselves, “am I really listening? Am I embracing what God says about Himself, allowing the truths to penetrate my heart?”

The passage from Hebrews 12:25-29 offers us a glimpse of our glorious God, calling us to experience the awe of encountering the One whose voice causes the earth to shake, a consuming fire. 

Hebrews 12:12 cheers us on, calling us to “Lift our drooping hands and strengthen our weak knees” in the middle of difficulty. If we are in Christ, then we belong to our good Father God. When we remember whose we are and the home we are heading to, we can endure with joy and patience. In today’s message, Pastor Rich unpacks the encouragement in Hebrews 12:12-24, reminding us to keep walking ahead...

Hebrews 12:12 cheers us on, calling us to “Lift our drooping hands and strengthen our weak knees” in the middle of difficulty.  If we are in Christ, then we belong to our good Father God.  When we remember whose we are and the home we are heading to, we can endure with joy and patience.

Hebrews 12:12 cheers us on, calling us to “Lift our drooping hands and strengthen our weak knees” in the middle of difficulty.  If we are in Christ, then we belong to our good Father God.

A good parent does not immediately satisfy a child’s every want and whim because a good parent is concerned for that child’s character, future, and heart attitude.  Through Christ, God claims us as His own children.  Because of this, God is concerned with far more than our immediate comfort and pleasure.  Yes, God uses the challenges of this world to train up His children.  Hebrews 12:11 tells us...

A good parent does not immediately satisfy a child’s every want and whim because a good parent is concerned for that child’s character, future, and heart attitude.  Through Christ, God claims us as His own children.  Because of this, God is concerned with far more than our immediate comfort and pleasure.  Yes, God uses the challenges of this world to train up His children.  Hebrews 12:11 tells us...

A good parent does not immediately satisfy a child’s every want and whim because a good parent is concerned for that child’s character, future, and heart attitude.

Human history is a record of brokenness, oppression, conflict, and corruption.  How we long for peace and justice, even as we see the violence and instability raging in our world today.  The good news is that the Great Ruler Jesus will one day soon set up his reign.  The government that He sets up will bring peace and justice as no earthly government has ever been able to do.  While we wait for th...