Trinity United Presbyterian Church

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses (or complaints against the abuses of the Church, on the door of Christ Church in Wittenburg). Out of this came the “5 Solas” declaring what it means to be a Christian. This morning we will study one of them: Sola Fide- Faith Alone. The central question Luther wrestled with is, “What must I do to be saved?” We will learn from the life of Luther, w...

A “new step” begins with a new vision for where I might walk… Our perspective changes what we think about the world, about ourselves, and about God. Paul’s last letter of his life describes his sense of himself, his purpose, his future, and his belonging to God. And God can use such a shift in our “Vantage Point” to change our perspective as well as our impact on our relationships and our world.

Jesus’ second commandment is one that is often overlooked: Love Your Neighbor. What would it look like in our lives to love our actual neighbors? What does it mean for me in my street, my apartment block, or my retirement community?

Christians have always struggled in how to respond to culture. Should we avoid it, succumb to it, or engage and transform it? Learn how God can use us For the Good of the City.

We'll focus on how the people of God are called to use their spiritual gifts to bless and encourage their local church. We will explore what it means to be a servant of God, with gifts to share, as we seek the will of God for our lives. As we engage God's will for our lives in the work of the local Church we will see how the body is blessed when all of God's people use the spiritual gifts we have...

In a world of uncertainty, we need the Truth and we need our Tribe. Hear how committing to God’s Word and God’s People can seriously enhance our spiritual lives.

Often, the most difficult thing for a Christian to do is pray. We live in a culture that is starved for any sense of authority or deep experience of the soul. At the core of every person, there is a longing for closeness with God. Jesus provides a template of how we deepen our intimacy with the Father: through prayer. The model in which Jesus taught his disciples is known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” W...

This is the moment where God’s redemptive plan is made known. God uses the circumstances of drought and suffering, to save a nation and a family. The brothers were willing to admit to something they did not do (Steal the cup), when they had escaped punishment for something they did do (selling Joseph into slavery). Jesus accepted the punishment for something he did not do. Application: Look for th...

Four Strategies: 1) don’t panic, 2) maintain the routines, 3) keep the channels of communication open (see Psalms), 4) guard against sin.

Christ understands temptation (Hebrews 2:16-18; Hebrews 4:14-16) so we can approach the throne of grace, receive mercy and find help The Holy Spirit is the risen Christ living in you, moving you towards holiness and away from sin (Romans 6:11-14)

Life rarely goes the way we imagine. This was certainly true of Joseph. He knew he was his father’s favorite. His arrogance and pride created incredible envy in his brothers. These circumstances start Joseph on an amazing journey. We know how the story ends: he saves the nation from famine. A beautiful illustration of something meant for harm, God turned around for good. Application: God is presen...

During all seasons we are called to be people who pray for one another and the church leadership. This is especially true during seasons of transition, uncertainty and pressure.

The enemy seeks to divide God’s people and create false foes that distract and derail, God’s people are to recognize there is one spiritual foe which we unite against to stand strong in faith and reach the world for Christ.

Follow God’s example.

Focus on living lives for Christ and his kingdom work, daily dying to what is not of Christ.

As a diverse people we also possess diverse gifts, skills, passions, personalities and experiences. God calls is to be an encouraging body working together for Christ.

God takes fragmented, diverse humanity and creates one people in Christ. Babel is reversed. Identity in Jesus is the focus. Reconciliation is always meant to bring greater unity and point to the unity of the triune God.

We are all people in the same plight in need of one Savior. No other cultural savior or lord will do.

The author of Ephesians declares that we are chosen by God for a purpose. In these nine verses, Paul enthusiastically reminds us of who we are in Christ. That we were once slaves, but now have been rescued; adopted into the family of God. We have a new Father, a new status, all of our debts have been canceled, and we will never be disowned. Paul exhorts us to put off anything doesn’t feed our new...

The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. When we come to faith in Jesus, we are given a new identity; as Sons and Daughters of the King. Paul exhorts his children to “live into” their true identity in Christ (Eph 4:1). We live out this life of faith in Christian community, and as a witness to those who don’t know Jesus. In the N.T. the phrase “one another” is used 36 times. We...

God is not done with me, nor is God is done with Trinity. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are just gettin’ started! We have been and continue to be on God’s mission to change lives now and for eternity, building communities fully alive in Christ. As we continue God’s work we leave the past behind– releasing both the good, the bad, and everything in between– so we can pursue the purpose Christ...

Our frail humanity, while a constant frustration, is also a continual means of grace. Our limitations do not limit God. We are “dusty people,” (Psalm 103:14), jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7) through whom God’s power is displayed. In fact, God’s power is made perfect (expressed fully) in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Application: Follow your limits and weaknesses to the wells of God’s grace a...

This message is based on the fact the 5th graders are in church for their “milestone” to recite the Apostles’ Creed and take communion. Paul focused on training and mentoring the next generation. At Trinity, we call this “passing the baton.” God’s Word and God’s people make us strong. God’s Word shows the path for the best life in Christ, rebukes us when we leave that path, corrects us to get back...

Jesus calls us to be active disciples, not passive spectators. Jesus has redeemed us so we can participate in his redemptive work. The church/congregation belongs to him – and is not to be bound by our limited preferences. Returning to the theme of SoulShaping: God makes, we shape. We are to engage intentionally in several “building projects,” which Paul frames in terms of God’s Temple. We are bui...