Originally preached on October 15, 2025.
scripture
Ephesians 6:10–14
series
Resurrection Life
God's Freedom Fighters
Originally preached on October 19, 2025.
scripture
Judges 4
Responding to Insult
Originally preached on October 26, 2025.
scripture
Nehemiah 4:1–6
series
Rebuild
summary
The work to rebuild the wall has begun! But now the people of Jerusalem are facing opposition from their opponents, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite, two governors of rival provinces nearby. The opposition starts off with just insults, but Nehemiah’s story can give us a guide for how to navigate when we face insults as disciples of Jesus.
Responding to Intimidation
Originally preached on November 2, 2025.
scripture
Nehemiah 4:7–23
series
Rebuild
summary
When their enemies openly mocked and insulted them and their work to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah and the people continued to work with all their hearts. But their enemies were only angered all the more and conspired to attack them. Opposition to God’s people doesn’t always stop at insult; sometimes it escalates to intimidation. How should we respond?
You Better Care
Originally preached on November 9, 2025.
scripture
Nehemiah 5:1–19
series
Rebuild
summary
The opposition from surrounding nations is thwarted, but Jerusalem is now threatened by an internal threat! While they have been working to rebuild the wall, the rich and powerful have taken advantage of their fellow citizens. Now, Nehemiah has to confront injustice in his own ranks. But his confrontation has much to teach the church about caring for our neighbors.
Through the Threats
Originally preached November 16, 2025.
scripture
Nehemiah 6:1–19
series
Rebuild
summary
Insults are withstood. A planned attack is stopped. Injustice is made right. Nehemiah and the people can finally focus on rebuilding the wall without opposition, right? Nope! Even more sneaky threats arise, this time against Nehemiah personally, to try to stop him from rallying the people to work.
Restored Together
Originally preached November 23, 2025.
scripture
Nehemiah 7:1–73a
series
Rebuild
summary
Nehemiah 7 is not merely a long list of names. It is the story of a restored people. After the wall is rebuilt, Nehemiah begins the shift from construction to community formation. God is restoring, not just structures, but a people who worship, serve, and live together under His name.
A Word of Hope
Originally preached November 30, 2025.
scripture
Jeremiah 23:1–8
summary
Israel’s leaders (it’s “shepherds”) failed their people, scattering them and harming the flock. God confronts them and promises to act in their place, promising three hopes: (1) He will bring His scattered people home and provide new shepherds who truly care, (2) a coming King from David’s line who reigns with wisdom, justice, and righteousness, and (3) a future rescue so great it will overshadow the exodus itself.
A Word of Peace
Originally preached December 7, 2025.
scripture
Isaiah 40:1–11
summary
Though Israel felt abandoned, God announced that exile would end, sins would be forgiven, and He Himself would come to bring peace. The passage contrasts human frailty with the unshakable permanence of God’s Word and calls the people to prepare for His arrival. God comes both as a mighty King revealing His glory and as a gentle Shepherd who carries and cares for His flock. This is the peace of Advent—God drawing near to restore His people with strength and compassion.
A Word of Joy
Originally preached December 14, 2025.
scripture
Malachi 4:1–6
summary
Malachi ends the Old Testament with both a warning and a promise. God is coming in judgment, but for those who fear His name, He is coming in healing, freedom, and joy. This passage teaches us that real joy is not pretending judgment doesn’t exist—but trusting the God who brings justice and restoration.
A Word of Love
Originally preached December 21, 2025.
scripture
Deuteronomy 18:15–19
summary
Deuteronomy 18:15–19 is presented as a promise of a coming prophet like Moses who will speak God’s words and mediate between God and His people. Israel is called to listen to him rather than reject his authority, since his message is God’s own. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who comes as the true mediator, revealing God and reconciling people to Him through love. His command is love, and his people are called to reflect that love in how they live.
The Word Himself
Originally preached December 24, 2025.
scripture
John 1:1–14
summary
John 1:1–14 is presented as the heart of Christmas: Jesus, the eternal Word, is Creator, Light, Savior, and the One who reveals God’s glory by becoming flesh. Though the world was marked by darkness and rejection, Christ entered it to bring life and adopt believers into God’s family by grace. Christmas is the celebration of God’s grace and truth made visible in Jesus, who gives hope, peace, and light in a broken world.
Oh, the Promise...
Originally preached December 28, 2025.
scripture
Judges 13–16
Begin This Year in Prayer
Originally preached January 4, 2026.
scripture
Colossians 1:3–11
summary
Colossians 1:3–11 calls believers to pray with thanksgiving for God’s work in others and to ask that they be filled with spiritual wisdom, strengthened for endurance, and made fruitful in good works. The focus is less on changing circumstances and more on growing in knowledge of God and living a life worthy of the Lord.
Behold My Servant
Originally preached January 11, 2026.
scripture
Isaiah 42:1–12
summary
Isaiah 42 introduces God’s Servant—chosen, upheld, and empowered by the Spirit. This Servant brings justice not by crushing the weak but by restoring them. His mission extends beyond Israel to the nations, resulting not only in renewal and freedom but also in a global response of praise. Justice leads to restoration, and restoration leads to worship.
When the Word Is Opened
Originally preached January 18, 2026.
scripture
Nehemiah 7:73b–8:18
series
Rebuild
summary
When God restores His people, He does so not only by rebuilding structures, but by reforming hearts through the clear reading, faithful explanation, and joyful obedience to His Word.
Repentance & Remembrance
Originally preached January 25, 2026.
scripture
Nehemiah 9:1–37
series
Rebuild
summary
When God restores His people, He does so not only by rebuilding structures, but by reforming hearts through the clear reading, faithful explanation, and joyful obedience to His Word.
Dedicated Together
Originally preached February 8, 2026.
scripture
Nehemiah 11–12
series
Rebuild
summary
After the wall is completed, Jerusalem still lacks people. Leaders live there, but most prefer the towns and villages. One-tenth of the people are chosen to relocate, and some willingly volunteer. This moment reveals that God’s work doesn’t move forward by structures alone—it requires people who are willing to step into less comfortable places for the sake of God’s purposes.
When Reform Turns Harsh
Originally preached February 15, 2026.
scripture
Nehemiah 13:1–31
series
Rebuild
summary
Nehemiah 13 shows the final stage of Israel’s restoration slipping into both compromise and overzealous reform. The people misapply Scripture in ways that become exclusionary, while Nehemiah responds to real problems with intense but often harsh and inconsistent actions that mix faithfulness with anger and overreach. The chapter ends with repeated appeals for God to “remember” him, highlighting the tension between sincere devotion and flawed motivation. Overall, it warns that both compromise and uncontrolled zeal can distort God’s work.
The Son, Prepared
Originally preached March 1, 2026.
scripture
Matthew 3:13–17
series
Prepare the Way
summary
In Matthew 3:13–17, Jesus comes to John to be baptized. John hesitates, recognizing Jesus’ superiority, but Jesus insists “to fulfill all righteousness.” As Jesus is baptized, heaven opens, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” In the sermon, this moment was presented as a decisive beginning: Jesus is anointed as King by the Spirit of God, steps fully into His mission, and receives divine affirmation and empowerment for the work ahead.
for reflection:
What does it mean for you personally that Jesus began his mission in humble obedience and submission to righteousness rather than self-assertion?
Where in your life are you being invited to “fulfill all righteousness,” or to obey God even when it feels unnecessary, uncomfortable, or confusing?
How should the Father’s declaration over Jesus (“beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”) shape the way you understand your identity and security in Christ?