2018 Audio Sermons

12/16 - "Set Free"

Jesus has called us to serve those in prison. We can do that through Village Initiative.
12/16 - Bill Crossman and Randy George

They share stories of transformation through prison ministry and the work of Village Initiative.
12/9 - Sermon - "Hopefully: Expectations of Hope"

A disciple should have confidence about better, eternal things to come because of the inheritance awaiting us.
11/18 - Sermon - "The Golden Rule" - Shane Hall
11/11- Sermon - "What Happened? Too Little, Too Late"

Although Hezekiah and Josiah were godly people, they could not stop the wrath that was coming because of rampant disobedience. In our own time, we may not change the world, but we can make pockets of redemption.
11/4 - Sermon - "What Happened? Another Chance"

The work of Elijah and Elisha could have been a powerful renewal for the people of Israel. God has always offered opportunities for His people to return.
10/28 - Sermon - "What Happened? Itching Ears"

The kings refused to listen to the prophets, especially when they prophesied against the kings. Israel refused to repent.
10/21 - Sermon - "What Happened? High Places"

The people began to worship at high places alongside their worship at Jerusalem. They did not realize that the high places were competition with God, not something that could fit easily with God. The high places today can look so very attractive, and even spiritual, but they divert attention away from God.
10/7 - Sermon - "What Happened? A Great Start"

The foundation of the nation of Israel was David's heart, Solomon's wisdom, and prosperity. Maintaining that foundation required continued humility, passion, and discipline.
9/30 - Sermon - "Ministry: Yours, Mine, and Ours"

Ministry expands in an unlimited way through the creativity and compassion of each member. Individual members of the body need teams of support. All the teams work together in unity.
9/23 - Sermon - "Ministry: Money Talks"

Being generous with money opens up doors in meeting people's needs, in building unity within the church, and in the giver's spiritual growth.
9/16 - Sermon - "I Am a Child of God" - Shane Hall
9/9 - "Ministry: Let's Give Praise to the Lord and I Will Feel All Right"

The call of ministry is to bring reconciliation to all people no matter their expected response. The greatest joy is experienced when testifying about Jesus.
9/2 - "Ministry: Poor, Unfortunate Souls"

A ministry of helping those in need is about more than charity. It is about dignity, respect, and equality. Jesus made those in need into a kingdom.
8/26 - "Summer Reading: Final Score" - Shane Hall

We can anticipate a wonderful home in heaven after we claim the victory in Jesus.
8/19 - "Summer Reading: Same Team" - Shane Hall

The church is the greatest institution, with the greatest Savior and the greatest responsibility.
8/5 - "Summer Reading: Devil"

Satan has deceived the whole world. Jesus' disciples live in the knowledge that the devil is active and that his time is limited.
7/29 - "Summer Reading: Lamb"

Jesus is worthy to be worshiped because he died, and by his blood we are rescued.
7/22 - "Summer Reading: Faithful"

Jesus has been faithful to the plan of the Father. If we remain in Jesus, we also will be faithful to his commands.
7/15 - "Summer Reading: Love"

Love is redefined by God in the giving of Jesus. If He showed His love in such real ways, we also ought to love one another in real, substantial ways.
7/8 - "Summer Reading: Truth"

The truth is Jesus himself. Receiving the truth can only happen through humility, realizing that one is in slavery to falsehood and sin.
7/1 - "Summer Reading: Life"

Eternal life is a description not only of the length of time, but also of the quality of heavenly life. Jesus gives abundant life.
6/24 - "Summer Reading: Sight"

When we see Jesus, we see the Father. Out of all the signs Jesus showed, we see God most clearly at the cross.
6/17 - "Summer Reading: Light"

Jesus is the light of the world. Although the light shines brightly, he is in competition with darkness for the hearts of people. Which shall you choose to love?
6/10 - Samson Raj from Hyderabad, India

Pursue the presence of God.
6/3 - "Our Mission: Lead the Way"

In our becoming, growing, and going, God has given leaders to help us all be leaders.
5/27 - "Our Mission: Outies"

As we go into the world as strangers, we serve in heavenly ways and teach heavenly truths.
5/20 - "Our Mission: Innies"

Much of our mission to the world is accomplished by our life within the church. How we treat one another within the church and how we take care of the inner life glorifies God in the eyes of others.
5/13 - Mother's Day - Shane Hall
5/6 - "Our Mission: Weakness"

While we should consider our gifts and strengths, our failures also drive us to the work of displaying God's grace and mercy.
4/29 - "Our Mission: My Place"

The church has its function in the larger body of Christ, and each individual within the church has his/her part to play.
4/22 - "Our Mission: Right Here, Right Now"

While the church has a place within all of creation, we have been chosen for our time and our place, gifted with specific gifts for what the body needs.
4/15 - "Our Mission: The Revealing"

Because the church is the body of Christ, God has placed it at the center of His plan for humanity and all creation.
4/8 - "Be Careful Little Eyes" - Shane Hall

We are in a battle with online influences for the hearts of our children.
4/1 - "The Return of Love" - Easter

Three individual interactions with the resurrected Jesus (Mary Magdalene, Thomas, and Peter) show the personal care and attention of our Lord.
3/25 - "Amazing Love"

Jesus was crucified because of love. We were unworthy, but he elevated us to the level of friend by his own choosing.
3/18 - "We Are Family" - Homecoming Day

Our bond is in Jesus and grows stronger when we are more devoted to God's will. Our relationships have been completely re-defined by Jesus, connecting us to one another and to the world as kin.
3/11 - "The Dark Night: God"

Although the purpose of the Dark Night is to get closer to God, God Himself may be the silent, distant, even disappointing one. The essence of being God's people is that Israel wrestles with God.
3/4 - "The Dark Night: Ministry"

Doing the work of God's kingdom, having an eternal purpose, should be the most exciting time possible, but one can quickly lose one's exuberance. The pressures working against you, the lack of success, and the inherent loneliness can make one question one's value and God's power.
2/25 - "The Dark Night: Church"

Life in the church can be hurtful or unfulfilling. As good as the church is, our disappointments in the church keep us from substituting religion for a direct connection with God.
2/18 - "The Dark Night: Co-Dependence"

It is good for our faith to include people and to affect our relationships, but it should not be dependent on how faithful others are nor how many people share our faith. Disappointment and loss should turn us toward dependence on God.
2/11 - "The Dark Night: Highest Value"

Everyone must answer the questions, "What do you want more than anything else?" and "What are you willing to lose in order to get it?" Becoming intimately connected with God must be the highest goal, but because of that goal's inherent competition with all other goals, one must let go of everything else.
2/4 - Shane Hall - Small Group Ministry
1/28 - Sermon - "Keep It Simple: Too Simple"

John may use simple language, but everything is wrapped up in the statement, "God is love." If we are God's children, we will love actively and sacrificially.
1/21 - Sermon - "Keep It Simple: Gym Membership"

The most important training we can do is spiritual training because it is effective all the time, including eternity.
1/14 - Sermon - "Keep It Simple: SOS"

Jesus came to save sinners. Those who are willing to accept both their need and his help will find forgiveness.

​2017 Audio Sermons

12/31 - Sermon - "Keep It Simple: GOAT"

The two most important commands are to love God and to love neighbor. Everything must fit within their authority.
12/24 - Sermon - "Keep It Simple: He Came"

The coming of Jesus into the world connected us in the deepest way to the compassionate heart of God. We are humbled to give thanks.
12/17 - Sermon - "Keep It Simple: You Were Slaves"

There are many characteristics that identify you as a person, but God gives you a new story: you were rescued from slavery. That story affects your relationship not only with the God of grace, but also with one another as fellow slaves.
12/10 - Sermon - "Keep It Simple: Slow to Anger"

The summary phrase identifying the chief characteristic of the Lord throughout the Old Testament is that He is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."
11/19 - Sermon - "Keep It Simple: Be Thankful"

I will start a short series on "The Simple Things" of faith. Even though they are simple to state, they meet with many obstacles, and they will take a lifetime and beyond to fully integrate into our lives. The first "Simple Thing" is to see what God has done and respond in thanksgiving.
11/12 - Sermon - "New"

God is doing new things, bringing new heavens and a new earth, so we should not be like those in the past who have acted rebelliously.
11/5 - Sermon - "Righteous"

The story of redemption and grace does not dismiss the need for righteous living; rather, it should motivate righteousness. Now that we are free, let us not use our freedom for selfishness.
10/29 - Sermon - "Afflicted"

The message is that the lowly are raised, the abandoned are rescued, and the thirsty are filled. The messenger of that message is as afflicted as his audience.
10/15 - Sermon - "Me, Myself, and I Am"

God takes credit for all that has happened, making the idols look like what they are--nothing. Israel is special because God is with them.
10/8 - Sermon - "Comfort My People"

When repentance has taken place, the Lord is ready to enact His justice on behalf of His people. Those who trust in the Lord can expect a future of rest and blessing.
10/1 - Sermon - "Woe to Wow"

Isaiah's prophecies move back and forth between destruction and rescue. While the message is hopeful, real hope comes through repentance.
9/24 - Sermon - "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"

God will punish all the world for its arrogance. The people of God are also punished, but they are the seed of restoration.
9/17 - Presentation on work in Guatemala - Jack Hudkins and Darin Kennedy
9/10 - Sermon - "Game of Thrones"

Kings of Israel and Judah come and go, as well as kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon, but the one true King, the Lord, is always in charge. His kingdom is made up of the remnant, led by a child, and filled with righteousness.
9/3 - Sermon - "Eight Days a Week"

The problem with the people of Judah was that appearances were prosperous and religious, but underneath they were abusive toward the weak and idolatrous with their wealth. Worship to God comes from righteousness and leads to righteousness. It cannot be separated from daily life.
8/27 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Neither Snow Nor Rain Nor Heat Nor Gloom of Night"

Paul never stops looking for people to save. Whether as a prisoner or free man, before sailors or Caesar, Paul never stops. Someone is always ready to respond, so our job is to speak.
8/20 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Who's in Charge?"

As Paul is confronted by crowds and Roman soldiers and government officials, he could have given up or been stopped.  But the Lord has plans for Paul, and nothing prevents the Lord's will from being accomplished.
8/13 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Challenges"

As the gospel spreads among different cultures, it comes up against many different ideas, forms of power, and challenges from within.  But the church keeps moving.
8/6 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Expansion" - Shane Hall preaching
7/30 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Surprise"

The Lord provides many surprises to the church changing the way people think and how they treat people.
7/23 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Proclaim"

The early disciples followed Jesus' example in proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. Even opposition could not stop their mission.
7/16 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: The Spirit"

Because the Holy Spirit was deeply involved, the church had the courage to move, speak, and expand. Life in the Spirit is one of growth.
7/9 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Sacrifice of Love"

Jesus has a strange relationship with Jerusalem. At one point, he speaks judgment against them and prophecies destruction of the city. The next moment, he proclaims his love and dies for them. It is the representative relationship between God and all humankind.
7/2 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Rich Man, Poor Man"

In Luke, those that are poor are given special attention by the Lord and should be given special attention by disciples. Those that are rich carry a heavy burden that leads to eternal consequences.
6/25 - Sermon - Shane Hall - "Repentance"
6/18 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Teach Us to Pray"

Jesus taught by example and word how to pray. In Luke-Acts, prayer opens up people to experience great things of God.
6/11 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: Release"

In the same way Jesus rescued many from their physical ailments, he set them free from their sin. He saw the sinful as sick and in need of a doctor.
6/4 - Sermon - "Summer Reading: It's Time"

God set everything for the perfect time for Jesus' coming into the world and for his ministry. In Jesus, now is a good time.
5/28 - Sermon - "Great Change: Get Dressed"

As Christians put on a new self, they are clothed with the armor of God, making them fit for the mission.
5/21 - Sermon - "Great Change: Serve"

Both slaves and masters are to serve the Lord first. Our primary identity will affect all the other hats we wear.
5/14 - Sermon - "Great Change: The Blessing"

The relationship between parent and child is caught up in the Lord to a place of blessing if we all will allow it.
5/7 - Sermon - "Christly Spouses"

Paul uses the highest level metaphor that he knows to describe Christian marriage--the relationship of Christ and the church. Submission and sacrifice work together in humility and trust.
4/30 - Sermon - "Desperate Singing"

Even though the world is full of darkness, the people of God are able to sing, leading lives of joy and thanksgiving.
4/23 - Sermon - "The Provider" - Shane Hall
4/16 - Sermon - "The Way of Love"

The cross of Christ is the greatest act of love ever seen, and it is the greatest path that we will ever follow.
4/9 - Sermon - "Great Change: Light"

We have seen a great light in the good news of Christ, lifting us out of darkness and awakening us from our paralyzing sleep.
4/2 - Sermon - "Great Change: Axis of Evil"

Those in the world are given over to the desires of the flesh, whether sexual immorality, impurity, or greed. Disciples of Christ are devoted to goodness, righteousness, and truth. One cannot play with other gods.
3/26 - Sermon - "Great Change: Let It Go"

Anger leads a disciple away from his identity, making him vulnerable to the devil's ways. Instead, a disciple must live by compassion and forgiveness.
3/19 - Sermon - "Great Change: Watch Your Mouth"

One of the transformations that should take place in the life of a disciple is in speech. Truthful speaking includes encouragement, teaching, and praise, avoiding arguments, deceitfulness, and immorality.
3/5 - Sermon - "Great Change: Mature"

The greatest mark of completeness and maturity and the best instrument for reaching maturity is working together. When each part of the body works, communication takes place in love, and each blessing is humbly received, then we approach the fullness of Christ.
2/26 - Sermon - Shane preaching - "What They Had Done"

It is good to celebrate what God is doing at Blue River.
2/19 - Sermon - "At Home Going Home"

As foreigners and exiles here on the earth, we long for our heavenly home. But we are thankful for the people with whom and places where we got a taste of what is in store for us, prepared for eternity, and did heavenly work right here and now.
2/12 - Sermon - "Great Change: My Prayer"

Paul prays that the Ephesian church will be strong and faithful in their inner being so that God might accomplish great things in and through them.  We will pray together.
2/5 - Sermon - "Great Change: Gracious Work"

The gospel has brought unity to all people in Christ, and Paul himself is a messenger of that gospel. Paul fulfills his part in the gospel expansion because of the grace of God.
1/29 - Sermon - "Great Change: Unity"

God has ended the walls of separation between us, whether they be nationality, experience, or righteousness. We all have to rely on the same things: grace, the work of Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
1/22 - Sermon - "Great Change: More and More"

No matter how good it is right now, there is always more to experience of God's fullness. God is incredibly generous, so hunger, seek, and enjoy.
1/8 - Sermon - "Great Change: Adopted"

We have been chosen not to be servants nor to be recipients of charity, but to be children. As adopted children, we are given the full inheritance. It is vital for disciples, especially new Christians, to know they are directly connected to God as His children.
1/1 - Sermon - "Great Change: A New Start"

The people of Ephesus came a long way spiritually in order to worship Jesus. Because they were new to faith, they would need power tools that would help them to walk faithfully.

2016 Audio Sermons

12/25 - Sermon - "Anticipation: Small Town"

While the powers of kingdom and empire seem to rule the world, the remnant will be led by the Messiah from the small town of Bethlehem. God uses what is small to usher in His kingdom.
12/4 - Sermon - "Anticipation: Servant"

Isaiah 53 was an important passage for understanding how God's plan used suffering and lowliness to accomplish His great victory.
11/27 - Sermon - "Anticipation: A Hymn"

Psalm 118 was sung by Jesus and his disciples before proceeding to the Mount of Olives as part of the Hallel.  The psalm anticipates victory, resurrection, and the upending of the world, which happens in the cross.
11/20 - Sermon - "The Testimony of Thanksgiving"

Thanksgiving is a powerful weapon against selfishness and a powerful testimony to the nations.
11/13 - Sermon - "Anticipation: Forsaken"

Psalm 22 is a very important passage in anticipation of Jesus' crucifixion, especially in the cry of Jesus and the taunts of the crowd. How does one know the Scripture and yet still act with such blind hatred?
11/6 - Sermon - "Anticipation: Temple"

Jesus not only claimed the place of the temple as his Father's, but he also assumed the work of the temple in his own body. No one is excluded any longer because of uncleanness because Jesus brings healing and forgiveness.
10/30 - Sermon - "Personal Prayer" - Shane Hall

We can pray more and pray better following the model of Jesus' prayer.
10/23 - Sermon - "Anticipation: King"

Jesus as the Son of David was King of Israel, but Jesus did not fit the image of an earthly king; instead, he led through mercy and heartfelt devotion.
10/16 - Sermon - "Anticipation: Out of Egypt"

Jesus is prefigured in the Exodus from Egypt, whether as the Passover Lamb, the rescue through the Red Sea, or even the provision of the wilderness. But people still crave the fleshpots of the land of Egypt.
10/9 - Sermon - "Anticipation: Seed"

God made promises to Abraham, and Abraham trusted them in faith. Part of the promise had to do with blessing all the families of the world, but the Israelites were more interested in their favored status.
10/2 - Sermon - "Anticipation: Light"

God's nature is seen from the very beginning of creation when He created light. Jesus also came as the light of the world, but people love darkness.
9/25 - Sermon - "Selfish Christianity: No Balance"

Some love to hear encouragement; some love to hear the rules. Why do "itching ears" have so much authority? It is better to listen humbly and to examine one's life concerning what is true.
9/18 - Sermon - "Selfish Christianity: Competition"

Within the body of Christ are members with different gifts and responsibilities. There cannot be a stratifying of gifts by importance because all are important and love ties them all together.
9/11 - Sermon - "Selfish Christianity: Judging"

One of the most arrogant and self-centered positions a Christian can take is to judge and criticize others. A more appropriate position is to examine oneself, to mourn for the sins of others, and to win others back with truth and grace.
9/4 - Sermon - "Selfish Christianity: Whitewashing"

The pleasant moments of community worship can often mask over the real problems of discipleship in every other place and time of the week. One must realize that the non-religious places are the most important to God.
8/21 - Sermon - "Casualties of a Carnal Mind" - Shane Hall
8/14 - Sermon - "Selfish Christianity: Big Plans"

David wanted to build a temple, but God told him not to. This could have been a blow to David's ego, but he humbly accepted God's plan.
8/7 - Sermon - "Selfish Christianity: Sacred Cows"

The story of "The Golden Calf" in Exodus reveals the heart of idolatry--the desire to form God into an image we can handle. Our God will always be beyond us, and our relationship with Him is through trust, not control.
7/31 - Sermon - "Catching a Wave: Unbridled Praise"

All creation gives praise to God, even the seas. The church's praise participates in, and even leads, the unbridled praise of creation.
7/24 - Sermon - "Catching a Wave: Stormy Weather"

Jesus seemed completely at home in a storm, sleeping in the back of the boat or walking on water. He brings peace in even the most difficult of circumstances, challenging his disciples' faith.
7/17 - Sermon - "Catching a Wave: Baptism"

Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River is a wonderful story of humility. Submission to God is of utmost importance to our relationship with Him.
7/10 - Sermon - "Catching a Wave: Riverside"

In several places in Scripture, the river is a place to experience something unexpected about God.
7/3 - Sermon - "Catching a Wave: In God's Hands"

Moses's name means "drawn out," and he was always pulled out of danger whether in a basket on the Nile as a baby or on the shore of the Red Sea. God rescues.
6/26 - Sermon - "Catching a Wave: Controlled Chaos"

Creation is not only bringing something out of nothing, but it is also characterized in Scripture as bringing chaos under control, most especially seen in establishing boundaries for the oceans and seas.
6/12 - Sermon - "Ready to Lead--Ready to Follow" - Shane Hall

Good leaders must first submit to God.
6/5 - Sermon - "Partnership"

Our unity is a working relationship. When we work together, our passion for one another grows as well.
5/29 - Sermon - "Deacons"

We will be selecting new deacons, and we can see God's plan for deacons to expand the work and ministry vision of the church, to take us places where we have not gone before.
5/22 - Sermon - "Elders"

We will be selecting a new elder at the beginning of June, and it would be good to reflect on God's plan for elders in the church. They are to shepherd, teach, and pray.
5/8 - "Look, Mom!"

In the book of Proverbs, the picture of Wisdom is defined by one's mother. She supplied you with what you needed, she instructed you in the right way, and she is the best example for you to discern what is good.
4/24 - Sermon - "Toughening Up"

People may be suffering, but that is only disciplining a strong, tenacious faith. At the end of discipline, we can claim holiness, righteousness, and peace. Christians must be tougher, less prone to whine and give up.
4/10 - Sermon - "Bloodborne"

Jesus' sacrifice has opened the way to freedom from sin, intimacy with God, and holy living. We must take full advantage of such a wonderful gift.
4/3 - Sermon - "How Much More!"

While God's covenant with the Israelites was incredible, what has happened in Jesus has far surpassed it. If Jesus surpasses even what was established as holy, then we cannot ever find anything as good and powerful as him.
3/27 - Sermon - "Forever"

In Hebrews, Jesus is compared with one of the most mysterious characters in the Bible, Melchizedek. The point of this "mature" teaching is that God has done all this, and so Jesus is the perfect high priest forever.
3/20 - Sermon - "On Our Behalf" - Shane Hall

Moses' intercession for the people on Mt. Sinai is a remarkable action by the man. In that action he typifies the Christ. And it does us good to see how similar we are to the people for whom he interceded. Christ's intercession on our behalf is greatest of all.
3/13 - Sermon - "Hebrews: Are You Ready for This?"

One thing that prevents us from going forward is our immaturity and our unwillingness to mature. The work is not done until the crop is produced and the field is harvested.
3/6 - Sermon - "Hebrews: Daily Reckoning"

We have to make a continual decision to follow Christ. If we rest on our laurels, we will miss the greater rest that God makes available.
2/28 - Sermon - "Hebrews: The Human Touch"

Jesus is superior to everything else not only because he has more power and authority, but also because he shows unbelievable compassion. He actually became like us.
2/21 - Sermon - "Hebrews: Angels Are Cool, But Jesus..."

The audience of the Book of Hebrews was excited when they first became Christians, even when they suffered for their faith. But they have grown tired and want to return to a quiet, safe place.
2/14 - Sermon - "Hebrews: Not What It Used to Be"

The audience of the Book of Hebrews was excited when they first became Christians, even when they suffered for their faith. But they have grown tired and want to return to a quiet, safe place.
2/7 - Sermon - "Seed Fell" - Shane Hall

We must have good soil in order for the word of God to be implanted within and useful to us. One must hear it, understand it, and do it.
1/31 - Sermon - "Gospel: Connected"

The gospel connects us not only with Jesus, but also with one another. The work of spreading the gospel is done through love and partnership of the most intimate nature.
1/24 - Sermon - "Gospel: Compelled"

Because of what Jesus has done for us and how Jesus has chosen us, we must testify to the gospel. Our entire interest lies in connecting people with Jesus, and we will do whatever it takes to make that happen.
1/17 - Sermon - "Gospel: Jesus"

The gospel is first and foremost a testimony about Jesus as Messiah and risen Lord. From that core witness, the rest of the gospel concerning the kingdom, eternal life, and righteousness are derived.
1/10 - Sermon - "Gospel: Value"

After the woman anointed Jesus with perfume, Jesus made her inseparable from the preaching of the gospel. She is central to the gospel because she acknowledged Jesus as the center of the gospel.
1/3 - Sermon - "Gospel: Freedom" - Luke 4

The gospel is preached to and accepted by those who know poverty, hardship, and oppression. The church's mission must be primarily to those in need
12/27 - Sermon - "Gospel: Kingdom" - Matthew 2, 4

The invading of the kingdom of God is good news. People find healing, forgiveness, and life. Those who do not welcome the kingdom are those interested in their own power.
12/20 - Sermon - "Gospel: Joy" - Luke 2

The angels announced good news to the shepherds that the Messiah had been born. This was to mean joy for all people. The message of Jesus continues to mean joy for all who believe.
​12/13 - Sermon - "Gospel: Rescue" - Isaiah 52

In the Old Testament, "good news" was proclaimed when the Lord's power conquered the enemies of His people. That imagery of deliverance is still true in the conquering power of the gospel of Christ.