The Mountain Church

As we continue in our study through the book of Acts, this week Peter guides us through Acts 4:1-22. In the story we see that Peter and John are arrested and face the Jewish leadership. Peter shares the gospel and proclaims, "There is salvation in non one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved." Peter encourages us that we can speak with boldness by...

This week we take a quick pause on our study through Acts to consider what it means to walk by the Spirit. From Galatians 5:16-24 we see the call, conflict, and crucifixion of Jesus that empowers us to be led by the Spirit. To walk by the Spirit is to live by faith in Jesus. By faith we seek to conform our beliefs, affections, and commitments to the Spirit inspired Word of God.

We continue in our study of Acts this week looking at Acts 3:1-26. In the story the Apostle Peter heals a man and then gives a sermon about its significance. How do we think about miracles in the Bible? How can we understand miraculous healings in the book of Acts and New Testament in general? Miracles teach us about the beauty and hope of the gospel. In miracles we discover glorious foretastes of...

What did the early church devote themselves to? What kinds of activities did the newly formed church engage in? As we continue our study through the Acts of Jesus and the Spirit, this week we consider Acts 2:42-47. The description of the community of the church in Acts 2 comes as a response to the proclamation of the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. We grow in devotion for Jesus, His Word,...

This week as we continue in our study of Acts, we consider Acts 2:1-41. We see the event of the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter's explanation of what it means as he addresses the crowd, and the exhortation to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the truth that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit by faith and...

As we begin the new year together we begin a new study through the book of Acts. We are excited about what God will teach us as we consider the work of Jesus and the Spirit in the early church. Today our text is Acts 1:1-26. In Acts 1 we find a promise from Jesus about the Holy Spirit, the ascension of Jesus and Matthias chosen to replace Judas.

Merry Christmas! This week we explore the prophecy from the prophet Isaiah of a promised child born and son given. Christmas is good news of great joy. God has broken into history and has promised to establish and uphold a forever kingdom of peace and justice. We can celebrate and rejoice every Christmas because the zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! "But there will be no gloom for her who wa...

This morning we'll be exploring the fourth theme symbolized in the Advent Candle Wreath, which is love. Pastor Daniel teaches from Zephaniah 3:14-20, considering the love of God and what God's people are to do in light of His promise of redemption and renewal. Through the prophet Zephaniah, God calls His people to: 1) Sing aloud and shout 2) Rejoice and exult with all your heart 3) Do not be afrai...

Today we conclude our study of Samuel looking at 2 Samuel 24. It is a story of judgement, mercy, and deliverance. The chapter can be broken up into three sections: 1) The LORD’s Anger, Incitement, David’s Census (1-9) 2) The LORD’s Judgement on David’s Sin (10-17) 3) The LORD’s deliverance, David builds an altar (18-25) As we see that God oversaw the entire process, we're pointed to the realities...

As we near the end of our study through Samuel, today we have a guest preacher, Tim Howe guide us through 2 Samuel 23. Tim asks the question, what constitutes a "mighty one of God?" From the text he examines calling, character, competency, and commitment. We are encouraged to grow in our calling, courage, skill, and loyalty to Jesus.

This week we continue in our study of Samuel, looking at 2 Samuel 22. Cary Jester guides us through David's song of deliverance. David praises God for deliverance him from the hand of all his enemies. From the text, Cary encourages us to lean on Jesus and rest in His work of deliverance for us. We are delivered from our enemies not by "having to do better," but by resting in the gospel truth that...

This week we continue in our study of 2 Samuel, looking at 2 Samuel 21. This is a tragic story. There is famine, breaking of the covenant between the Israelites and Gibeonites, and seven sons from the house of Saul are killed. The story points us to the need for full resolution of justice, the promise of new life, and renewal. Jesus brings the full and complete payment for the guilt of sinners. Fr...

As we continue in our study of Samuel, this morning we consider 2 Samuel 20:1-26. A man named Sheba revolts against King David and leads the tribes of Judah to withdraw. Joab and his men pursue Sheba to the town of Abel. A faithful and peaceable wise woman, saves her city from destruction and ends Sheba's rebellion. The story points forward to Jesus, the faithful and peaceful one in Israel who sav...

As we continue in our study of the book of Samuel, this morning we consider 2 Samuel 19. We see the kingdom of Israel is not renewed as King David returns. The kingdom has started to splinter and divide. This story reflects the longing for the Kingdom of Jesus to be realized. As we wait for the return of King Jesus we seek to demonstrated the unique, radical nature of the kingdom now. Instead of s...

In our text today, 2 Samuel 18, we see the conflict between Absalom and David come to a head in war. Absalom is killed and David griefs as he learns of the death of his son. In the story we see the downfall of pride, the need for justice, and the heart of the Father. From the story, Daniel encourages us that God the Father has dealt kindly with for His sake. In 2 Samuel 18 we can be warned by the...

As we continue in our study of the story of Samuel, today we look at 2 Samuel 16-17. In the story we see the Lord working and preparing the defeat of Absalom. We're told in 2 Samuel 17:14, "For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom." The Lord doesn’t forsake or leave his people. He has promised to defeat the enemies of his pe...

We continue in the story of Samuel, looking at 2 Samuel 15 today. The text describes Absalom's conspiracy and revolt. In the midst of Absalom's conspiracy, David keeps his faith in God. He acknowledges and confesses in the Lord's provision and plan for his life. He displays deep emotion, yet relates to God through prayer. We can keep our trust in God through betrayals, suffering, and personal loss...

In our story today, from 2 Samuel 14, we see Joab enlist a wise woman from Tekoa to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. When we see the family conflict and division in the story of David and Absalom, we see the contrast in the heart of God the Father. God's welcome to us is not cold and distant, but warm and inviting. He doesn't keep us at arm's length away from His presence, but accepts, redeems, an...

As we continue in our study of Samuel we come to one of the darker stories in the Old Testament Scriptures. 2 Samuel 13 is a tragic story of abuse, sexual assault, manipulation, and murder. This story shows us the enslaving power of lust, the destruction of hate, and the need for renewal. The painful realities of 2 Samuel 13 are reflecting in a world marked by hatred and lust. We are in need of re...

As we continue in our study of Samuel, Cary guides us through 2 Samuel 12:1-31. In 2 Samuel 12, King David is confronted by Nathan the prophet. Nathan rebukes David for the evil he committed against God and against Uriah. He asks, "Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wi...

As we continue in the story of Samuel, we come to 2 Samuel 11, a devastating story of lust, lying, manipulation, and murder. 2 Samuel 11 teaches us what the human heart is capable of and how we are all in need of grace. We are in need of a Good King. A King who will love, not lust, give, and not abuse, and will use His authority to serve and not exploit. We apologize for the poor audio quality. We...

As we continue in our study through Samuel we explore the text of 2 Samuel 10:1-19 today. 2 Samuel 10:12 is a key verse in the story. "Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” In the sermon we consider the root of courage and how faith in Jesus propels courage and strength.

In the text today we explore 2 Samuel 9. David asks, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” In the story we’re going to see the kindness of King David. We consider the kindness of God, how King David shows it, and how we've been invited into this kindness to receive and to reflect it to those around us.

In this sermon we consider 2 Samuel 8:1-18. In the passage we're told about King David's many victories and how, "And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went." King David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and equity to all his people. In this way, the Kingdom of Jesus is foreshadowed. King Jesus, the perfect and eternal king, reigns over a kingdom of justice and righteousnes...

In this sermon, we recap 1 Samuel through 2 Samuel 7. In the story of Samuel we see the danger of pride and we also see the triumph of God’s promises. Samuel is a beautiful story of the grace of God. In spite of all human failure God has promised a good, wise, and perfect King who seeks the flourishing and good of his people.