Do whatever you need to do to become a 'Berean', one whom examines the scriptures every day:

• Choose a good translation of the bible that works for you
• Get some resources to aid your reading experience:
  • Commentaries
  • Bible dictionaries
  • Guides for understanding
• Stay open to God's transformative work as you read scripture

The grace of God is told and demonstrated throughout the bible. Keep searching, keep reading.

The book of Revelation is a letter that was written during a period when men and women were asking the same questions about life that we ask today, and they were eager and desirous of rescue from the pains of their lives. The treatment of this writing has ranged from complete avoidance due to its complicated imagery and metaphors, to outlandish conclusions being established that cause hysteria and spiritual frenzies. Let's pause and take another look at the Revelation.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless results in us doing something. What is written is for our hearts, and thus to be lived in our lives.

What can we learn by reading someone else's mail?

The collection of Psalms represents the largest book in the Bible and the most quoted throughout scripture. These songs (poems) include genuine expressions of the heart. The psalms are raw, real, and relevant to our own experiences.

On this Sunday, we will celebrate our high school graduates. As an encouragement, we will briefly explore the unique book of Daniel as it portrays the resiliency of young people as their faith literally came under fire.

The Old Testament contains a collection of writings that were produced to offer instructions about life on earth. The Human condition is one full of questions like, “Why do good people suffer?” and “Why do bad people prosper?” In many ways, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs provide direction and wise words about life. While some questions are answered, other questions are raised. Wisdom literature gives us a space to wrestle with life’s toughest questions.

The Minor prophets represent a collection of 12 short oracles. In its original form, the “Twelve” prophecies were written on one scroll. The word minor refers to the length of their messages, not their importance or impact. In fact, the Minor Prophets contain some of the most hard-hitting judgments against the people of God particularly as it pertains to the way they treated other people. The voices of these prophets are not to be disregarded.

A large portion of the Old Testament is dedicated to the stories and messages associated with prophets. The prophets in the Old Testament were called to be “God’s Mouthpiece!” The books that bear the name of the prophets contain weird imagery and strong language for the purpose of enforcing the covenant of God and calling people to return to Him.

The book of Acts is the fifth gospel, the story of Jesus' incarnation in the people of his church.

Jesus, the savior of the world, is risen from the dead! He has left us a legacy of hope.

Peter was ready to kill for Jesus, but wasn't willing to die for Jesus!

In a word, one could argue that the sole goal of the four gospels is “discipleship”. That is, these portrayals of Jesus were written for the purpose of making followers of Jesus. In this sermon, we will dive deep into the reports that describe Jesus calling men, women, and children to follow him.

"We are all a compilation of God and gangsta', healing and hurt, truth and tragedy, and passion and pain."

- Joie Rasberry

The Gospels report the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus’ story would be an empty tale if not for the inclusion of his many encounters with people. The gospels report that Jesus interacted with a variety of different people, and God used him to demonstrate great love toward friends, a confounding love toward his enemies, and a radical love toward strangers.

The life of Jesus, the savior of the world, is chronicled in four separate accounts. We call these writings the Gospels. The four separate gospels share a lot of material, while maintaining their own unique perspective on the life of Jesus. In this sermon we introduce the importance of the story of Jesus as it pertains to our reading of scripture.

A large portion of the Old Testament contains detailed narratives about the ancient followers of God, namely the descendants of Jacob (the Israelites). The ups and downs of a religious community is chronicled in passionate, disappointing and often humorous detail. In this sermon, we will spotlight a few of the major stories included in the section of the Old Testament, often referred to as the Historical Books.

In short, Torah means law. In Judaism, Torah represents the 'the substance of divine revelation to Israel, the Jewish people: God’s revealed teaching or guidance for humankind.' We are accustomed to defining Torah as the first five books of the Old Testament (also called the Pentateuch). In this overview of the first five books of the Old Testament, we will discuss the major themes and revelations regarding the character and personality of its main character, Yahweh.

Visual Commentary: Exodus 34:6-7

The book of Genesis is not merely a text to refute competing origin stories. Genesis is a rich text that attempts to answer deeper questions related to our complex anthropology. Genesis sets the stage for the grand narrative that is authored by God and is revealed throughout the remainder of the bible.

All scripture is "Inspired by God" or "God- Breathed." During our worship time we will focus together on reading scripture, singing scripture, and praying scripture. Using various texts we will "inhale and exhale" the breath of God in this worship encounter with God.

All scripture is "Inspired by God" or "God- Breathed." During our worship time we will focus together on reading scripture, singing scripture, and praying scripture. Using various texts we will "inhale and exhale" the breath of God in this worship encounter with God.

The bible we are 'taking another look at' has a rich history and a compelling story. It has been beautifully composed, carefully preserved, and dutifully passed down through the ages to us. What a blessing to have the bible in our possession.

Read the bible to hear what it is speaking into your life. Sadly, "Speak where the bible speaks and be silent where the bible is silent" has turned into a battle cry to tell others what the bible speaks to them. In other words, we are so quick to tell others what the bible says without first embracing its life and truth for us.

The Bible stands as the sole authority in the life of the Christian church. While creeds and unspoken rules may exist, their origins often come from an interpretation of scripture. In this sermon we will explore how the Bible became our authority, and the desired results of that authority in our lives.

In this introductory sermon, we share our plan to read and preach through the Bible during the first six months of the year. The Bible is a collection of ancient words that have been preserved to reveal God’s identity, our identity and our role in the grand story of God.