Covenant Church

As Jesus’ resolute journey to the Cross moves one step closer, we find him now on trial before the Sanhedrin, the ruling council for the Jewish people. But, while standing trial sounds like Jesus has a chance to be exonerated of all charges, the outcome had already been decided before he even came before them. Although an elaborate system had been set up to assure justice was provided for everyone...

As we continue this series walking with Jesus toward the Cross and Resurrection, once again the Pharisees use a question in an effort to trap, accuse and eliminate him. This time they focus on their area expertise, the Law. "One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?'" Matt. 22:35-36Jesus' respo...

In pt. 3 of the Resolute series, Pastor Branson shares the astonishing truth about resurrection and what it means for those who are in Christ. In Matthew 22:23-32 Jesus is again confronted by the Jewish leaders who want to eliminate him. This time their efforts focus on resurrection. Jesus responds to their veiled trap with a simple but amazing truth: “Have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am...

In part 2 of the Resolute series, we find Jesus once again confronted by the religious leaders of the Jewish people. They are threatened and frustrated by the authority with which Jesus acts and teaches. Jesus' authority is in direct opposition to the authority they perceive they have, and they want him removed. If we are honest, like the Pharisees and Chief Priests, we don't always like...

"As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." Luke 9:51As we enter into a new sermon series that will lead us to Easter...the trial, the beating, the crucifixion, the grave, and the empty tomb we fix our eyes on Jesus, who with determination and focus, went to Jerusalem to fully accomplish all He came to do. Along this journey He will...

As we close this sermon series we are challenged with a simple but powerful principle from Paul's word to the people of Corinth. "Remember this, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Cor. 9:6The principle looks something like this:- We live intentionally and generously, trusting in God's supply. (Sowing)- God...

In part 2 of his Wrestling with Finances series, Branson shared three principles related to the purpose of money from a parable in Luke 16. This story of the shrewd manager teaches us that money is a tool we are to use to build relationships that will last in eternity, money is a test that can reveal where our heart dwells, and money is a trademark that shows what we really serve. Money is not goo...

A steward is not the owner but rather the manager of what has been entrusted to him/her by the owner. From Scripture we understand that God is the owner of all things and we are His stewards, called to manage His creation well. As stewards, we are to manage all that has been entrusted to us in such a way as to bring the most honor to God and to grow and advance His Kingdom. When we understand this...

Over the past few weeks Pastor Branson has led us through a message series called Killing Kryptonite, which highlights the destructive power of idolatry within the church. While we may not be casting idols out of gold to worship, we frequently choose to turn from God's Word and make a way for ourselves that we can shape and control as we see fit. This is idolatry and it is destructive in our...

In this weekend's sermon we looked at a story from the Old Testament that is probably familiar to many. In Exodus 32 we find the Israelite people quickly becoming impatient with God and deciding to take matters into their own hands, even after they have seen Him do great things for them. When they decide that God isn't accommodating their desires the people of Israel decide to fashion an...

Part 2 of the Killing Kryptonite series is all about the power of unity among the Body of Christ. Jesus' prayer for all his disciples in John 17:21-22 was that they would be unified as one, just as he, the Father and the Spirit are one, so that the world might believe. There is great power in unity among believers, but it can be weakened, if not destroyed by our sin and disobedience. Self-cen...

n part 1 of his new sermon series, Killing Kryptonite, Pastor Branson shared three powerful promises from John 14:12-14, as well as three spiritual principles for accessing and applying the power of these principles in our lives. As followers of Jesus Christ, we can stand on the truth from Romans 8:11 that tells us the same "Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you." A...