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.

Life in the Spirit — May 10, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

In looking at what Spirituality is we ask ourselves how do we live a life in the Spirit. In order to answer this we would have to determine who is on the throne of our life.  To live this life in the Spirit we need to stay connected to Jesus in order to grow in our relationship to Him. We then need to cultivate our lives with individual and corporate worship.

The Life to Live — May 3, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Discipleship and the Christian life:the very core of the early Anabaptist. To live all your life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ takes Discipleship. This call to discipleship is a call to deny yourself in order to follow Him. It is a call to power--not a power of the will or strength of self, but an acknowledgement of our weakness and frailty and reliance on His strength. It is a call to conform to Jesus. We are all being formed into the image of something, but are we aware of what that is? Is it Jesus?

What Is Order and Unity — Apr 26, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Often when we think about order, we picture rows and neatness.  We imagine an orchard, but God's order is more like the woods, where we see variety and diversity just like the church. In the midst of the diversity is unity. Unity is not uniformity, but finding harmony in the midst of differences. Unity must have a unifying source. Jesus's great prayer of unity in John 17 starts with the importance of the truth of His word.

Doing Ministry — Apr 19, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

When we think about the church and the ministry it offers, we should remember that it is a continuation of Jesus ministry on earth.  There are some who are called to leadership positions, but that does not make their call anymore valid or important in the body of Christ. We are all accountable for the talents God has given us.

Discipline is Love — Apr 12, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We have rejoined our series of the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. We are looking at article 14 and the very sticky subject of Discipline in the Church. We will examine what discipline is and see that at its root, it's a positive thing.  We will examine why we discipline and see that it's because the world is watching.  Finally, we will look at how discipline works in the church.

Easter: Resurrection — Apr 5, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Resurrection!  What thoughts come to mind when we think about this term? On Resurrection Sunday one of the thoughts that should come to mind is joy. Jesus was the first to experience this joy. For it to be a source of joy for us we need to believe that it is true--that Jesus rose from the dead just as scripture tells us. As we think about the resurrection we should always think about the future joy of our resurrection.

Wash What? — Mar 29, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

At the Last Supper in the book of John, Jesus performed an act that shocked his disciples--he washed their feet. Jesus modeled the humility that is required of us. He performed an act of service for his disciples and gave them an example to follow.

Do This in Remembrance of Me — Mar 22, 2015

Speaker: Darren Kloepper

What Is Baptism? — Mar 15, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Article 11 of the Confession of Faith is Baptism. We are moving into more of distinguishes the Mennonite Church from other churches. We see that Batpism is a sign, just like the miraculous signs that God performed throughout scripture. We see that it is a pledge before the congregation to walk in the ways of Jesus, but also a pledge to the congregation to be a part of the body. The baptism is by Spirit, blood, and water.

The Mission of Church — Mar 8, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Article 10 of the Confession of Faith, The Church in Mission, points us outside of ourselves. It tells us that we are about the Kingdom of God and not just our own congregation. We see that there are no geographical boundaries that should stand in the way of taking the message to the world.  The church in mission is about word and deed.

The Church — Mar 1, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Article 9 of the Confession of faith tells who is the church. This is an important designation for us to keep in mind before we jump into what the church does. The Confession says that we are an assembly, a gathering of those who have experienced the salvation we examined last week. We are a new society empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our mandate as a church; not dependent upon the benevolence of any government. We are the body of Christ and as such we are dependent upon each other.

What Is Salvation? — Feb 22, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Last week our sermon took us down the road of sin, a topic we do not like to think about much. However, it is necessary to understand bad news if we are ever going to grasp the good news of the gospel. This morning we will see that Jesus is the source of our salvation. We will look at who can receive salvation and how it is received. We will examine the impact salvation has on our lives.

What Is Sin? — Feb 15, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Article 7 of the Confession of faith is sin. In our day and age we have trained ourselves to ignore sin, but we can't read very far in scripture before we are confronted with its reality. We will look at the source of sin, what sin is, and what the results of sin are.

He Created Us — Feb 8, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Last week we looked at creation in general this morning we will be looking at Article 6 "The Creation and Calling of Human Beings". One of the most amazing truths in all of scripture is that we have been created in God's Image. We have heard this many times but what are some practical ways are we to live out this image? There is only one perfect image of God, that is Jesus Christ.

Creation and Providence — Feb 1, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

Article 5 of the Confession of Faith is creation of is "Creation and Divine Providence". We need to understand the scripture places a heavy significance upon the fact that God created. We also understand that creation depends upon him to sustain it today, and yet God is separate from His creation.  Finally we see that His creation is spectacular.

It Is God-Breathed — Jan 25, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

As we continue our journey through the confession of faith we are looking at Article IV: Scripture. There are three points about scripture from the confession that we will focus on this morning.  We will see that it is inspired by God, this makes it trustworthy, which in turn gives it authority.

Can You Hear Me Now? — Jan 18, 2015

Speaker: Jerry Flueckiger

Who Is The Son? — Jan 11, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

This morning, we unpack who Jesus is in 30 minutes--no small task.  We are looking at the offices that Jesus has: Prophet, Teacher, Priest, and King. If we truly catch a glimpse of who Jesus is it will cause us to surrender to Him!

What We Believe About God — Jan 4, 2015

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We are beginning a sermon series "This I confess, This I believe" where we will look at the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. This morning we will look at the three-in-one God, the Trinity. We will look at why God created us and we will see what God have revealed to us about himself.

Loving God, Loving Others — Dec 28, 2014

Speaker: Jerry Flueckiger

We can't claim to love God without loving each other.  We can say that we love each other, but our actions must reflect that.  When we follow the example of Jesus, we will be given victory, which is not domination, but transformation.

MUSIC SUNDAY — Dec 21, 2014

Speaker: Jeff

The Coming of Joy — Dec 14, 2014

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

The Coming of Peace — Dec 7, 2014

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

During this time of year we hear a lot about peace but see a lack of it all around us. We will look at how the Messiah came to bring us peace with God and the peace of God. We look at what to do when peace is not our reality.

The Coming of Hope — Nov 30, 2014

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

As we enter the Advent season we remember that it is a season filled with hope. We as Christians can look back and imagine what it was like to hope for the coming Messiah, and we rejoice that the Messiah has come.  Yet there are things in our lives that fill us with despair instead of hope. We live in a time that we have a hope of Jesus coming and drying every eye.

By Loving the Church — Nov 23, 2014

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We are finishing up our pursue series with looking at pursue belonging by loving the church. We love the church because we are told that He will build it. We love the church because it is a victorious church. And we love it because it is precious to God.

By Praying — Nov 16, 2014

Speaker: Jeff Linthicum

We pursue belonging by praying. It was a key component of the early church and it needs to be a key component of the church today as well. One of the reasons is that God will bring a shaking and by prayer we can be prepared. And after being shaken there is a filling.

Let Us Build — Nov 9, 2014

Speaker: Al Taylor

We all have a call from God to be workers toward change, but sometimes we don't get involved because the problems seem so insurmountable.  There is work to be done and we must stop making excuses.  We must bring God's answers to the world.

Jesus in Lively Encounter with the Religions — Nov 2, 2014

Speaker: David Shenk

Every religion tries to answer 3 questions: what is the meaning of life, how do I find forgiveness for my mistakes, and what is my final destination after death.  Jesus has the answers to all fo these questions and we need to carry Jesus to others so they may see, too.

By Dying to Self — Oct 26, 2014

Speaker: Pastor Jeff Linthicum

We are continuing our journey of pursue belonging, by dying to self. To be a part of the body and belong together it takes sacrifice of not demanding my way, it requires service to and for each other, it also involves love. Jesus showed us what love was by calling a child to himself and challenging his disciples to welcome the little ones in his name. We love by welcoming in his name and this entails much.

Coach Jesus — Oct 19, 2014

Speaker: Jerry Flueckiger