Joel Gilbert

Charlie Kirk some would call him a man of God. some would call him a political activist some viewed him as a great example for society others viewed him as a part of the problem for the division Since his assassination a couple of weeks ago, some have asked me why I haven’t said much about Charlie. Frankly…

Humanity’s ability to predict the weather has improved over the centuries. Simple observations of general weather patterns and seasonal shifts have evolved into highly technological advancements that allow us to predict or provide some best guesses regarding pending weather events several days in advance.…

Are we there yet? land marks, milestones along the way long middle section of the book we’ve turned toward Jerusalem Jesus is ultimately preparing his disciples for his departure and preparing them and us to continue ministry in His absence. Even in the midst of the part of Luke in which we find ourselves,…

In 1988, Bobby McFerrin released a song entitled “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It was inspired by the teachings of an Indian Guru who used to tell his followers “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” McFerrin’s song was quickly written and recorded. It was released as an Adult Contemporary song where it made it to #1 for…

Introduction There are things that all of us fear. What may cause me fear might not be what causes you fear and vice versa. Last night we were visiting with some folks and were reminiscing a bit about one of the fear inducing and adrenaline pumping experiences we had - bungee jumping. Fear, whether it’s…

It seems like nearly every month (maybe even more frequently if we look hard enough), we receive news about some Christian leader who fails morally, gets caught, and is removed from ministry. Whether it’s pastors, professors, performers, or politicians - failure happens. We see hypocrisy everywhere.…

It seems like nearly every week I run into people who have some sort of faith. They say that believe in Jesus or at least call themselves Christians, but don’t attend a church. Their faith is very personal, private, and even comfortable. They choose to follow Jesus on their terms, as long as He doesn’t…

Over the last couple of sections of Luke’s gospel, we’ve considered the importance of loving God with all that we are and loving others. We’ve also reflected on the value of sitting before Jesus in order to just be with Him and learn before we get in to the practice of serving. It seems like in these…

I have a problem - a problem with serving food. I always want the bigger portion - if I’m pouring drinks for Danielle and me - I’ll take the one that’s a bit more. If I’m plating food, I’ll put a bit more on my plate. Now, I know she eats less than I do - basically everyone in my house eats less - except…

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength…

Last week, we discussed a bit about how Jesus’ disciples missed a bit of what He was doing in and through them. They have some more to learn as Jesus makes his turn toward Jerusalem, toward the cross. Today, we’ll consider how He sends out seventy-two of His followers into the towns that He is planning…

In his book Mere Christianity, CS Lewis uses an illustration to note how different it is to learn something than it is to apply that thing. His illustration centered on the difference between a map and being out on the water. In two dimensions, a map can look quite straight forward. You can see various…

Sermon Series: “This is a Faithful Saying” (Show slide 1) Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 2:11-13 If you were writing one last and final letter or sending the last text message to your son or daughter or someone you dearly loved, what would you write? Think about it for a minute…. What would truly be the most…

Remind (12) Stir up (13) Recall (14-15)

I would guess that we are probably similar in that we get so many unwanted calls each day. Somehow, I’ve been getting calls for some group who says they can get me on Social Security Disability. Other times I’ve been on the list for VA loans - except I’m not a veteran. I’ve received calls for solar estimates…

Faith evangelism training a few days Learning an evangelism method Then sent in teams of three to specific doors My turn came to share the gospel - I was scared. I shouldn’t have been, but I was. I knocked on the door, introduced myself and the team, and then began by asking the question, “In your personal…

Sermon Series: “This Is A Faithful Saying.” (Show Slide 1) Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Story Illustration: Tom Brady’s Pursuit to Greatness (Show Slide 2) Tom Brady, played quarterback in the NFL for 23 seasons (20 years with the New England Patriots and the last 3 seasons with Tampa Bay Buccaneers).…

Solomon Northrup was born around 1808 in New York to a former slave. His father, who eventually married a woman of mixed ethnicities, had been emancipated in the will of his deceased owner. They had two sons who were born free. Solomon took after his father in learning how to work the land, but he also…

From 2001-2006, the reality-TV game show Fear Factor brought contestants and viewers alike face to face with fears that they did not know they had. From death-defying stunts, to eating gross concoctions and so much more, contestants faced their fears in order to win challenges in the hopes of winning…

Do you hear what I hear? Noel Regney was born in France in 1920. He studied music in conservatories in both Paris, France and Strasbourg, Germany. Though being French, he was drafted into the Nazi army during WWII. He did not like the what the party stood for and secretly worked as a part of the French…

There are a variety of ways in which we set expectations. Sometimes cultural norms - like a handshake or a hug - set certain expectations. Sometimes we have expectations based on tradition - for example how to set a table or what you do on holidays. You may have performance expectations set by your parents…

John, while in prison, sent representatives to Jesus to ascertain whether or not he is the one - Jesus provided proof and then affirmed John’s ministry, sinners repented, Pharisees rejected/scoffed, Jesus confronted the finicky faith of the generation

It’s not uncommon for people to ask the question, “why do bad things happen to good people?” Or to state it another way, “if God is good, why do bad things happen?” It can sometimes feel like the worst things in life happen to some of the best people. At times it can feel like God is out to get us. We…

Today is a day that has become known as Palm Sunday, celebrating the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Here, near the end of his earthly ministry, people had watched in wonder at 2-3 years of authoritative teaching, profound miracles, and even resurrections. They had become enamored with…

Sermon Passage: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 One’s calling matters (v. 1) One’s qualifications matter (v. 2-3) One’s character matters (v. 4-5) One’s spiritual maturity and approval matters (v. 6-7) Discussion Questions: What does the world look for in a leader? How is that different from what God says in the Bible?…