Anthem Hayden

In the previous weeks, the Preacher has railed against the vanity of wealth, success, self-indulgence, toil, wisdom... practically anything of which he could think. However, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, radically switches gears. Instead of attempting to illustrate the vanity of yet one more aspect of life, Solomon seems to affirm some very sensible ways to approach worshiping the Lord. While there is unden...

This week’s passage contains the most well-known verses of the entire book. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...” and “He has put eternity into man's heart...” There is undeniable truth and beauty in the Preacher’s brief moments of lucidity. However, Solomon was not celebrating these things, quite the opposite. Living life “under the sun,” Solomon fel...

This week we covered Ecclesiastes chapter 2. In the first eleven verses Solomon boasts of his many pursuits, pleasures, and accomplishments. However, his braggadocious attitude does not last for long. In the remaining verses of chapter 2, we hear from a very depressed and disillusioned man. What was the point of all his striving? What did he gain from all his toil? Nothing but a clearer understand...

This week we continued to examine Ecclesiastes 1. In this chapter, the “Preacher” rails against the supposed meaninglessness of God’s creation. Solomon’s godless approach soured his perspective; rather than seeing order and beauty in the cycles and rhythms of our world, all he could perceive was weariness and vanity. Solomon then turned his sights upon wisdom and knowledge. Solomon refused to allo...

This week began our study of the fascinating book of Ecclesiastes. Its author, King Solomon, began his life loving God and walking in His ways. He was famously granted wisdom by the Lord and became a great king of Israel. Sadly, Solomon’s heart was eventually led astray by the things of this world. Written by King Solomon in the later chapters of his life, this book reveals the desperate state in...

The Advent theme this week is Joy! Unlike happiness, which is circumstantial, biblical joy goes much deeper than agreeable circumstances and pleasant emotions. Biblical joy is rooted in who God is and what He does for us. We explored Mary’s joyful song of praise in Luke 1, as well as the surprisingly joyful chapter of Isaiah 35.

During this second week of Advent we celebrate Jesus, our Prince of Peace. The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, is derived from the root verb shalam, meaning "to be complete" or "to be sound." The Hebrew concept of peace is much richer than the mere absence of conflict. It can be translated as completeness, well-being, safety, or prosperity. In contrast to the ever-elusive peace...

To begin the 2024 Advent season, we examined the vital role that hope plays in the life of believers. In stark contrast to worldly hope, which is focused on what an individual may be able to accomplish, biblical hope is rooted in the person and power of God, for whom all things are possible.

Join us for our summer series "One Spirit One Purpose" as we study through the book of Philippians. 

Join us for our summer series "One Spirit One Purpose" as we study through the book of Philippians.

Join us for our summer series "One Spirit One Purpose" as we study through the book of Philippians.

Join us for our summer series "One Spirit One Purpose" as we study through the book of Philippians.

This week’s passage from Hebrews 13 continues to lay out exhortation for believers. Throughout the text we are inundated with numerous practical applications of our faith.

Last week’s passage of scripture ended with a sobering reminder - that our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29) In light of the awesomeness of our God, the author of Hebrews commences chapter 13 by listing several very practical ways in which believers may offer acceptable worship.

Using the numerous examples of faith in Hebrews 11, this week’s passage offers practical guidance and encouragement for believers so that we too may live a remarkable life of faith. Using the analogy of running a long-distance race, the author of Hebrews implores us to keep our eyes on the prize as we run with endurance.

This week’s passage is chalk-full of rich imagery. First, the author uses the scary imagery of Mount Sinai (representing the Law) to contrast the festive picture of Mount Zion, the city of God (representing the Kingdom of God). Then the imagery of spilled blood is used to further contrast a life with Christ from one without Him. Abel’s blood cried out demanding that justice be served, whereas Jesu...

This week pastor Mike Wilde covered the remaining portion of Hebrews 11, oftentimes referred to as “The Hall of Faith.” In this passage, the author of Hebrews lists several more inspiring examples of what God has done through people who placed their faith in him. The passage also teaches us that faith doesn’t always guarantee worldly success- sometimes our faith may cost us dearly. Regardless, God...

This week’s passage includes most of Hebrews 11. Known as the “Hall of Faith” by many cheesy Christians, this chapter is solely dedicated to the subject of faith. Although faith is crucial to our salvation and life in Christ, the Bible never offers a dictionary-style definition of faith. What we have instead is Hebrews 11, which is more of an encyclopedia-style description of what faith accomplish...