Sowing and Reaping — Apr 24, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Galatians and he gives them one final warning. To give this warning he uses an analogy that goes back as far as history itself, the concept of sowing and reaping. Paul warns that if we sow to the flesh we will reap accordingly but if we sow to the Spirit we will reap the blessing of God. He then gives his final challenge in his own handwriting.

Gospel Relations — Apr 17, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Paul turns his attention to how we should relate to one another in the family of God. He starts with how we should not relate to each other. He then gives us very practical advice of what to do if we discover someone is in sin: he calls us to restore the person and bring them back into a right relationship with God and with the body. He then closes the section out by challenging us to bear one anothers burdens.

Gospel Freedom — Apr 10, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

The concept of Liberty (our freedom in Christ) is a major concept in the gospels and especially pointed out in Galatains 5:1. In our text this morning Paul gives warning to 2 things that will return us to bondage. The first being legalism, thinking that we can be good enough in and of ourselves to earn God's favor. The second being license, using our freedom to feed our flesh. Spirit-filled believers stay out of both ditches.

Through a Mirror - Brightly — Apr 3, 2016

Speaker: Jerry Flueckiger

Empty — Mar 27, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Grace to the Barren — Mar 20, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Paul again stresses the fact that legalistic adherence to religion is not what saves. He uses the story of Ishmael and Isaac as an allegory to point out the truth found in it. He brings shows us that Law and Grace cannot coexist side by side. We need to do away with the flesh and be born of the Spirit.

Testimony — Mar 13, 2016

Speaker: Dennis Miller

Dennis Miller shares his experience where he moved from a mindset of salvation through the Law to salvation through God's grace.

Gospel Response — Mar 6, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Paul wants the Galatians to become aware of the fact that they are falling back into bondage by trying to be please to God through the law.  He reminds them of how they first treated him even with his ailment. They responded so well now, but they are now joyless in their approach. Then he compares his response to that of the Judaizers. They were focused on themselves and Paul was focused on Christ.

Gospel Children — Feb 28, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Paul starts Galatians 3:26 with a controversial word "sons." He is telling us a spiritual truth that we need to hear for our day. And he let's us know that this great privilege comes because of our relationship to Jesus Christ, we are in Christ. Then he desires to wrap the section up in way that they would understand.

Law & Gospel — Feb 21, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Paul continues his letter to the Galatians to help them understand the role of the law. That the law does not undercut the promise given to Abraham 430 years earlier. He explains the law doesn't exist to impart righteousness, but to reveal sin.

Don’t Lose It — Feb 14, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Paul in Galatians 3 is shocked that the Galatians are so quickly leaving the gospel of grace empowered by the Spirit of God. He asks them to remember their own history with the Spirit. He then roots their experience in the word. He takes them back to Genesis and father Abraham and how it is by faith that the gospel is possible. The closes out the section by looking at the two paths you can take, living by the law or by living by faith!

Living the Gospel — Feb 7, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

The second part of Galatians we have Paul confronting Peter. Peter backed away from fellowshipping with the gentiles out of fear which led others away in this act of hypocrisy.  Paul confronts Peter for this because he was not acting in line with the truth of the Gospel. The judaizers were afraid that if the law was not followed as an entry point to salvation then sin would reign in the church. They have lost sight of the fact that the gospel changes us, so we live transformed lives.

Unifying Gospel — Jan 31, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

In the first part of Galatians 2, Paul tells about his trip to Jerusalem where he laid out the gospel that he preached among the gentiles. The result of the meeting was freedom for the gentiles. They did not have to follow Jewish customs to be a Christian. This meeting brought about a unity of the gospel. While doing so it excluded those calling for a strict following of Jewish customs.

Transforming Gospel — Jan 24, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Paul moves into the autobiographical section of Galatians. He is pushing back against the Judaizers and revealing the transformation that comes from the gospel. He tells of who he was before the gospel. He tells of God's actions in his life pre and post conversion. Finally, he tells us how God changes our people-pleasing nature.

Know the Gospel — Jan 17, 2016

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We are starting a sermon series in the book of Galatians. In the introduction we see Paul defending his authority as an Apostle with a capital "A".  He defends his rights to define the gospel to the church in Galatia. He lays out a basic understanding of what the gospel is and then declares his amazement at how those in Galatia are turning from it. He then gives his gravest warning in all of scripture for those who would pervert the gospel.

It’s About Time — Jan 10, 2016

Speaker: Jerry Fluckiger

One of our biggest stresses is time.  Paul was also concerned about time; he wasn't concerned about our daily schedules, but God's time.  God will break into history at the second coming of Christ and in our everyday experiences with Him.  Through His spirit, we can live in His time.  There should be an urgerncy in us to share the good news in the right time.

Be My Guest — Jan 3, 2016

Speaker: Jerry Fluckiger

Jesus claims to be the bread of life--spiritual life, not physical life; we must remember this when we come to the communion table.  He still welcomes us to be His guests.  When we come to the table through faith we are strengthened to go in His name.

Look Ahead — Dec 27, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

As we come to the end of one year and are on the verge of another year, it is a good time to reflect on Paul's words forgetting what is behind. Paul is a great example of never thinking we have arrived in our spiritual journey. He reminds us to not get tripped up by the things of the past whether good or bad. He tells us to keep pushing forward for what it is God has for us.

A Time of Love — Dec 20, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

The last Sunday of Advent we are reminded of the love of God. All of the themes we look at represent a characteristic of our Father in heaven. During the Christmas season it is easy to think of the love God has for us or the love we have for Him, or even the love for family. But God showed us the depth of His love by dying for us when we were he enemies. This is the kind of love that should challenge us this holiday season.

A Time of Joy — Dec 13, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Joy is something that is misunderstood in our day. We look for it in things and events instead of to God. God is not a killjoy; He is the author of joy.  If we want to experience it we need to go to Him for it. Since He is the one in which it is found, the things of the earth should not be able to steal our joy. Even in the midst of the struggles of our time we can go to Him and experience His joy.

A Time of Peace — Dec 6, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We are living in a time of darkness. It seems there is no peace in the world. It is easy for us to think that Jesus who came as the prince of peace is failing at his job, but he told us these things would be. The truth of the matter is the church has the answer to the darkness in the world and it is Jesus. He came to establish his kingdom and his kingdom will continue to grow right on into eternity.

A Time of Hope — Nov 29, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

As we enter into the Advent season it is important that we remind ourselves what is it about this season that fills us with hope? Is it the lights, is it the presents, is it family gathered together? Or is it the hope we have in our savior Jesus Christ? The prophetic word given to Zechariah and Elizabeth had it been understood in its entirety would have brought hope then. For the couple but also for the nation, the Messiah was coming. It also brings about hope for us today. The fact that the Messiah had come for all nations not just the nation of Israel is what fills us with hope even today. This all comes from God who is a God of Hope.

The Lamb of God — Nov 22, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

The Lion of Judah — Nov 15, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Mission Festival — Nov 8, 2015

Speaker: Steve Shank

Mission festival message from the evening of November 8.

Mission Festival — Nov 8, 2015

Speaker: Steve Shank

Mission festival message from the morning of November 8.

Mission Festival — Nov 1, 2015

Speaker: Wesley Furlong

Mission festival message from the evening of November 1.

Mission Festival — Nov 1, 2015

Speaker: Wesley Furlong

Mission festival message from the morning of November 1.

Choose This Day — Oct 25, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

In chapters 23 and 24 Joshua is coming to the end of his life and he reminds the nation of Israel of their entire story. He doesn't start at the gift of the promised land but he goes back to God's promise to Abraham. He then challenges them to choose who they will serve and declares that he and his household will serve the Lord. This is a natural order that starts with our decision. Then it is a response of our household before it goes to the broader general public.

The 2016 Model — Oct 18, 2015

Speaker: Jerry Flueckiger

Near the end of the book of Joshua the tribes of Israel receive their promised inheritance. The tribes east of the Jordan honored God with an altar, which was misunderstood by the western tribes who were ready to go to war over what they perceived as blasphemy. Phineas was chosen and sent to confront the eastern tribes and did a remarkable thing—he listened to what they had to say.  Engaging and listening others prevented a military battle in this case--what could it prevent in our lives?

Promise Kept — Oct 11, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

One of the great things we know about our God is that He is one who keeps his promises; we don't have to worry whether it his word is true or not. In chapter 21 of Joshua the land has been conquered and it has been divided and now the Israelites are being reminded that God keeps his promises. His promise of land and rest were two examples that were used to remind the nation of his faithfullness.

Place of Refuge — Oct 4, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

In chapter 20 we see God instructing Joshua to set up cities of refuge for those who accidently and unintentionally took a life.  There was a time when the high priest passed that there was a pardon for the offender. The cities were accssible to all. We find all these things in our refuge from sin: Jesus Christ.

The Inheritance — Sep 27, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

God has an inheritance for each of us, but we must boldly claim it for ourselves even in the face of adversity.  Do we have the confidence in God's words to step out and grab what he has promised us?

Dividing the Land — Sep 20, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Caleb waited patiently for 45 years to receive the land that God promised to him.  Once it was time to receive his blessing, he stepped forward with confidence to claim his promise.  The rest of Israel had to follow his example and clear the land of its inhabitants before they were fully at peace.

Stay on Track — Sep 13, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

When God gives us a calling, we must stay on task until we see it to completion.  When we step in faith into God's caling for us, we will face obstacles, but we cannot be deterred.  We must remember that our enemy is Satan and have the confidence that God will overcome him.

Ruse: or a Wily Subterfuge — Sep 6, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

In Chapter 9 of Joshua we see most of the kings of Canaan came together to make war with the Israelites. There was one exception, the Gibeonites they opted for a different route, they were going to rely on a ruse. Why did they go to this? It is because they had heard of the fame of the God of the Israelites. The ruse resulted in their deliverance from death to life and gladly embraced their role as a slave.

Returning and Renewal — Aug 30, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

In Joshua chapter 7 we saw how the nation dealt with the sin in their midst. Now in chapter 8 we see God giving them a new beginning dusting them off and moving in their mist again. He gives them a new plan to defeat Ai with. God is a God of variety he does things in a number of ways. Then we see the nation renewing their commitment to their God.

Insider or Outsider — Aug 23, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

In Joshua chapter 7 we see the Israelites defeated at Ai. We are quick to point to the sin of Achan, but we miss the sin of Israel in this process. They were guilty of the sin of presumption. They felt they didn't need to seek God for guidance before this battle. A sure sign of presumption is when we blame God for things not going our way. They turn to God and then dealt with the sin in their midst.

Holy Violence — Aug 16, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

In the later part of Chapter 6 we are faced with a troubling part of the book of Joshua. The destruction of old, young, men women, and even livestock. These verses and others like it in Joshua and other parts of the Old Testament has caused great concerns over the years. To understand what is happening we need to understand who was living in the land and what was it like. Once we see that we will need to be reminded that God judges sin. In light of God's judgment though we see His Grace in Jesus Christ.

Walls Come Down — Aug 9, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

When Joshua led the Israelites to Jericho, God had already fought and won the battle.  The Israelites fought from a position of victory, rather than fighting for victory.  Faith was the key to the Israelites' victory and they glorified God for His triumph.

Yield — Aug 2, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

It is tough for us to yield in our lives. We have our plan our purpose and no one should get in the way of it, not even God. In Joshua chapter 5 we see the Israelites had just crossed the Jordan river and were ready to march through the land, but they yielded to God. They yielded for a symbol, they yielded for a celebration, and they yielded for a stranger.

Remember — Jul 26, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We live in a culture that seems to have lost its ability to remember and reflect on the things of the past. In Joshua chapters 3 and 4 we see God moving in the life of the nation of Israel. He calls them to prepare for what will happen, He calls them into action to cross the Jordan river, and He calls them to remember what He has done.

Through the Eyes of Faith — Jul 19, 2015

Speaker: Darren Kloepper

In the story found in Joshua 2, we discover God's favor, humanity's fears, and genuine faith. God was doing something great in the life of a nation, but also in the life of a Gentile prostitute. God had a journey for both that would intersect and ultimately direct God's plans for history. God also has a journey for us that will undoubtedly include fears and require great faith. Listen today and sense how God might show you His favor as He invites you on a journey from Egypt, through the desert, and into the Promised Land

Strong and Courageous — Jul 12, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

As we begin a sermon series through the book of Joshua, we see that God's plans are bigger than any one person; even as Moses has died, God has prepared a new leader for the Israelites to lead them into the Promised Land.  We see that God will fulfill the promises he has made.  Finally, we will see that as we meditate on the things of God, our lives will be transformed and we will be successful, but success in God's eyes is not the same as success in man's eyes.

Now and Then — Jul 5, 2015

Speaker: Jerry Flueckiger

In the conclusion of our sermon series on the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, we examine article 24, The Reign of God.  We look through the eyes of John in his record in the book of Revelation and we see God at the center of all worship and praise.  Jesus stands next to the Father as a lamb slaugtered for our atonement from sin.  We see a picture of spontaneous praise that lasts forever.

Jesus Is Lord — Jun 28, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We examine the relationship of a Christ follower to his or  her government.  We should put our faith and trust in the King of kings and Lord of lords and not in any earthly government, no matter how good and right it may seem.  As Christians, our allegiance must be to God and not divided between the heavenly Kingdom and an earthly one.

The Peace of Christ — Jun 21, 2015

Speaker: Jerry Flueckiger

In article 22 of the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, we look at Peace, Justice, and Nonresistance.  We see that peace is proactive and not just the absense of trouble.  We see that we are unified not because of well-planned services or events, but because we draw close to Jesus-the source of all peace.  He alone can bring together different groups, breaking down dividing walls.

Give Him All — Jun 14, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

When we examine stewardship, we begin to realize that it involves more than just finances--it should impact everything in our lives.  Everything we have is God's, but He has entrusted it to us.  How do we use what He's given us for His purposes?  Are we as careful with how we spend our time as we are with how we spend our money?

Truth Spoken Here — Jun 7, 2015

Speaker: Marion Bontrager

We examine the Confession of Faith says about Truth and the Avoidance of Oaths.  In our world, full of corruption and broken promises, oaths and ceremonies are necessary to force people to tell the truth.  Jesus calls for honesty in all circumstances, which should make oaths unnecessary in our lives.

How Long Will You Last? — May 31, 2015

Speaker: Daniel Steffen, Victoria Richardson, Jaci Gorrell

On graduation Sunday, we recall the story of Daniel being to the lions and reflect on what "lions" we will face in our day-to-day lives.

The Promise Fulfilled — May 24, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

As we celebrate Pentecost, we examine the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, opening the door to reconciliation; the Holy Spirit resides in us, revealing God to us; and the Holy Spirit empowers us for the situations we face.  Do we put ourselves in positions that require God's power?

Family, Singlesness, and Marriage — May 17, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We see that family has been important to God from the very beginning of time. It starts in the physical family and we see in scripture that even in the Old Testament that God was concerned not just about the patriarchs but the family which would follow. Yet we see Jesus changes the focus of the family to the spiritual family. In this family we have two different states--married and single--and they are both good and pleasing to God.