Yesterday, we heard part 2 of our series on the parable of the Prodigal Son.  We looked at it, this week, through the eyes of the father.  And we learned something about the nature of God.  We learned that, although it pains him, he will allow us to leave him, if we so desire.  We also learned that he will receive us back with open arms when we come in a spirit of repentance.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TheProdigal2

Yesterday, we began a short series of messages on the parable of the prodigal son.  We looked at it from the perspective of the prodigal himself.  And we saw the effect sin has on our relationship with God, as well as how that relationship might be restored.  This message can be heard and downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TheProdigal1

On July 14, Pastor Nate Nash delivered the message in my absence.  He talked about Gospel-centered sanctification, how we are made holy through the gospel.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/GospelCenteredSanctification

We receive many blessings through Scripture, through the Word of God.  Yet, even though this is true, most of us neglect it.  We get so busy in our day to day lives, we get so busy in our service of God, that we often fail to listen to the Lord speak to us through his Word.  However, as believers, his Word must be our highest priority.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/OurHighestPriority

Sunday, July 7, 2013

So often, as believers, we begin to rejoice in the things we do for God; we begin to rejoice in the things he does through us.  However, as we hear in this message, this is not a valid reason for our joy.  Instead, we're to rejoice that we're saved.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/OurReasonToRejoice

The first few minutes of this week's message were lost.  However, you can pick up just fine.  We talked about evangelism, and our attitude toward those who reject Christ and his gospel.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/SharingGodsHeartForTheLost

Also, here is the link to Pastor Nate's message while I was on vacation on May 26th: https://archive.org/details/May26_201307

Yesterday, we talked about the forces of evil.  We often make the mistake of thinking that the forces of good and evil, that the forces of God and the devil, are equal.  We think of them as fighting it out with an undetermined outcome.  However, as we see, this is far from the case.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/PowerOverEvil

Also, here is the link to Pastor Nate's message from June 2nd, while I was on vacation: https://archive.org/details/June2_201306

Yesterday, we heard the last part of our series, "Trusting God When It Doesn't Make Sense." We looked at trusting God in the face of the miraculous.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TrustingGod8

This morning, we heard part 7 of our series, Trusting God When It Doesn't Make Sense.  We heard about trusting God when a loved one dies.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TrustingGod7

Here's part 6 of our series, Trusting God When It Doesn't Make Sense.  In it, we look at trusting God when we face impossible odds.  https://archive.org/details/TrustingGod6

Yesterday, we heard part 5 of our series: Trusting God When It Doesn't Make Sense.  We looked at trusting God when his call seems illogical.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TrustingGod5

Yesterday we heard part 4 of our series, "Trusting God When It Doesn't Make Sense." We talked about trusting God when there's no way out.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TrustingGod4

Yesterday, we heard part 3 of our series, "Trusting God When It Doesn't Make Sense." We talked about those times when it seems that God has changed his mind, and how we can trust God in the midst of them.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TrustingGod3

Yesterday, we heard part 2 of our series: Trusting God When It Doesn't Make Sense.  We looked at trusting God when his commands don't make sense to us.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TrustingGod2

Last week, Pastor Tomasz Chmiel, missionary to Ukraine, was with us.  He gave the message, which can be found here: https://archive.org/details/Chmiel

Yesterday, we began a new series of messages titled, "Trusting God When It Doesn't Make Sense." Part 1 deals with faith itself.  It's the foundation for the rest of the series, answering the question: What is faith?  It can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/TrustingGod1_201304

In John's account of the first Easter, he tells us that, upon seeing the empty tomb, he believed.  Prior to that, they didn't understand the Scriptures, that Jesus had to rise.  This is what we looked at on Easter Sunday, why Jesus had to rise.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/HeHadToRise

Today, we heard part 5 of our series on the Passion history.  We looked at Jesus' trial before Caiaphas.  The first couple minutes of the intro were not recorded.  But, you should be able to jump in just fine.  this message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/Passion5

Yesterday, we heard part 4 of our series on the Passion History.  We looked at the exchange between Annas and Jesus, following  his arrest.  This message can be  heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/Passion4

This past Wednesday, Pastor Nate Nash brought the message for our Lenten worship.  He continued our look at the contrasts of the cross, talking about sorrow and joy.  This message can be heard at https://archive.org/details/SorrowAndJoy

Yesterday, we heard part 3 of our Sunday morning Lenten Series, "The Passion History." We looked at Jesus' arrest and found that, even though it seems that the chief priests and Pharisees are in control of this situation, Jesus was really in control.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/JesusTakenCaptive

Pastor Tom Olson of Newark, Ohio was the main speaker for our men's conference last week.  The theme of the conference was "Embracing Your Life." Mr. Scott England also shared with us.  Some of our recording was a bit off.  The first couple minutes of the first session was missed, as was the ending minutes of session 2.  But we pray the messages bless you.

Session 1: https://archive.org/details/EmbracingYourLife1

Session 2: https://archive.org/details/EmbracingYourLife2

Session 3: https://archive.org/details/EmbracingYourLife3

This week, we heard part 2 of our Lenten series on The Passion.  We looked at the agony of Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and what this means for us.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/Passion2_201302

Part 2 of our mid-week series, "The Contrasts of the Cross" was brought by Pastor Nate Nash.  He talked about hatred and love, which are both seen in the cross of Christ.  This can be heard at https://archive.org/details/HatredAndLove

Yesterday, we began a series of messages to carry us through the Sunday mornings of Lent on the Passion History.  In our first message, we looked at some disturbing news that Jesus delivered to his disciples after the Last Supper.  He told them that they'd all fall away.  This message can be heard or downloaded at https://archive.org/details/Passion1_201302

In the American church, it's easy for us to become focused on ourselves and to lose sight of the heart of God.  We seek to build our own kingdom instead of God's.  But if we're to get on track, we must recapture that vision.  We must understand God's heart, and we must share that heart.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/Radical5

Parts 3 and 4 of our Radical series were lost due to computer problems in our sound booth.  We're sorry for what you missed.  But we hope this message will bless you.

Last week, we began a series of messages that goes along with the book Radical by David Platt.  In the first message of this series, we see that, in order to follow Jesus, we must be willing to leave everything to follow Jesus.  Nothing in life, not even that which we hold most dear, can hold us back.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/Radical1

In part 2 of this series we see that, in the Christian life, we do not focus on possessions or material wealth.  We cling loosely to them, realizing that we're to use them to serve the Lord and to bless other people.  We focus first and foremost on the Lord and on the things of the Lord.  We have some wierd audio overlap for the first minute of this recording.  Believe it or not, we had it at the church as well.  But it clears up quickly.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/Radical2

Even though we know about the birth of Christ, this message often fails to impact us as it should.  Even though we know that he's delivered us from death and everlasting condemnation, we continue to fear death.  And we're unsure that we'll be saved in the end.  However, knowing that the Savior has come should fill us with peace.  Knowing that he's come, we can depart in peace, knowing what God has in store for us.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/SeeingTheSalvationOfGod

Even after it had been revealed to him by God, and even after he'd pointed Jesus out to the people as the Savior, John questioned this fact. After he was arrested, he asked Jesus if he is the one to come. This is a question that's on many of our heearts at times. So, can we be sure?  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/CanWeBeSure

Before Jesus began his ministry, God sent John the Baptist to prepare the people.  John did this by proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  He revealed to the people their sin, their defilement, and their need for cleansing.  In the same way, God prepares us for the Savior by calling us to repentance.  We must first see our sin and our need for cleansing before we can receive his salvation.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/PreparingForTheSavior

As Jesus entered into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, his followers celebrated the coming of the Savior promised by God; they praised Jesus as this Savior.  This is what we do each Christmas season.  We celebrate the coming of our Savior.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/TheSaviorHasCome

When will the end come?  When will Christ return?  Jesus tells us that no one knows the day or the hour.  But we can know that the season is approaching.  Yet, until it all unfolds, we must watch and wait.  http://archive.org/details/WatchingAndWaiting_438

The end times is a subject that fascinates just about everyone.  We want to know exactly what's going to happen, and we want an idea of when it will take place.  However, when asked about it in Mark 13, Jesus focus was a bit different.  He told his followers how they were to live in the end times.  To hear this message, go to this link  http://archive.org/details/LivingInTheEndTimes

In 1 Timothy 2, we're called to pray for all people.  In particular, we're called to pray for those in authority over us.  Yet, for whatever reason, this is an area where many of us tend to fall short.  http://archive.org/details/PrayingForOurAuthorities

We're often discouraged in evangelism because of the response of the world to the gospel, and because of our own failures.  It feels like we'll never accomplish the mission entrusted to us by Jesus, to make disciples of all nations.  However, in Revelation 7, we see that it will be accomplished; we see that God's plan will be fulfilled.  He will use imperfect vessels like us to gather people from all nations before the throne.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/TheFulfillment

In the church today, the teaching is often controlled by the people.  Our goal is to keep people comfortable and happy.  We don't want to offend people by what is said.  So we fail to proclaim the whole of God's Word.  However, like Jeremiah, the faithful proclamation of God's Word must be our first concern.  http://archive.org/details/OurFirstConcern

We know that we can't take it with us.  Yet, even with this knowledge, we continue to live only for wealth.  In Ecclesiastes 5, Solomon points out that this is meaningless and shares with us about a greater blessing.  http://archive.org/details/ClingingToTheMeaningless

In Mark 10, we hear about a man who came to Jesus, asking how he might receive eternal life.  This seems encouraging.  He's seeking salvation from Jesus.  However, when Jesus tells him to sell all he had and to give to the poor, the man turned away.  Because he loved his wealth, it was too great a sacrifice.  In the same way, many of us have sins that we're unwilling to give up for the kingdom of God.  We value our sin more than the Lord.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/TooGreatASacrifice

After God miraculously provided for the needs of his people in the wilderness, they became discontent.  Instead of being thankful for his blessings, the people grumbled against them.  Are we content with the blessings God's given us?  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/ContentWithGodsBlessing

Last week, our message was lost due to problems in the sound booth.  This week, however, we heard part 8 of our series, "The Names of God." We looked at the name, found in Jeremiah 23, "The Lord Our Righteousness." This message can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordOurRighteousness_465

The first couple minutes of this recording was lost, but I hope the rest of it will bless you.  Yesterday, we heard part 6 of our series, "The Names of God." We talked about the name, "The Lord of Hosts." This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordOfHosts

Yesterday, we heard the fifth part of our series, "The Names of God." We looked at the call of Gideon, and we heard the name, "The Lord Is Peace." This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordIsPeace

Yesterday, we heard part 4 of our series, "The Names of God." We focused upon the name: The Lord Our Sanctifier.  We see in this name that it's the Lord who makes us holy.  It's not something we do or achieve for ourselves.  This too is a gift of grace.  It can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordOurSanctifier

Yesterday, we heard the third message of our series: The Names of God.  We heard a name, given by God to himself, which again reveals his character.  We focused on the name: The Lord Your Healer.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordYourHealer

This week, we heard the second part of our new series, "The Names of God." This week, we looked at a name, given by Moses: "The Lord My Banner." Once again, it reveals an aspect of God's character that fills us with hope.  It can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordMyBanner

This week, we began a new series of messages, titled: "The Names of God".  We're looking at the names of God, as seen in the Old Testament, and what they reveal to us about his character.  This first message of this series can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordWillProvide_994

What is your background?  Where have you come from?  Many of us are interested in genealogy; we're interested to learn about our roots.  One thing we discover as we look at our roots is that we're a sinful people.  We learn that we were once separated from God; we were once outside of his kingdom.  But we've been brought near because of Jesus.  It's only through him that we are saved.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/RememberYourRoots

I took vacation this past week.  But, on July 8th, we heard the last part of our series: Man Up!  We looked at the apostle Paul.  And we saw that, in spite of the opposition he faced, he never quit.  And neither should we.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/NeverGiveUp_153

Yesterday, we heard the 8th sermon of our series, "Man Up!" We looked at Daniel and saw that the man of God will remain faithful to God at all costs.  It can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/FaithfulAtAllCosts

In part 7 of our series, "Man Up!", we saw that the man of God will do all he can to eliminate evil influence from those under his care.  My introduction failed to get recorded, but the content is there.  So I hope you'll be blessed by it.  It can be found at http://archive.org/details/EliminatingEvilInfluence

In part 6 of our series, "Man Up!", we heard that the man of God will desire, more than anything, to serve those under his care.  His life will not be focused on serving himself, but on serving God and others.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/ADesireToServe

Yesterday, we heard the fifth message of our series, "Man Up!" We saw that, as believers, we need each other.  We're under attack from every side, and we need the support of our brothers in Christ if we're to survive.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/StandTogether

On May 20, before I took a vacation, I preached the fourth message of our series: "Man Up!".  We saw that the man of God values obedience more than blessing.  It's more important to him that he honor God than that he attain a worldly blessing that he desires.  This message can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/ValuingObedience

As we celebrated Mother's Day, we looked at the example of Jochebed in Exodus 2.  We learned from her that the love of a mother is to be selfless.  The woman of God will be more concerned about the life and welfare of her child than she is about herself and her own desires.  This message can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheSelflessLoveOfAMother

Yesterday, as seven of our young people confirmed their faith, we considered the importance of laying God's Word in our heart.  We saw that, in this, there's great blessing for us and for future generations.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/LayingHisWordInYourHeart

Yesterday, we heard the third message of our series, "Man Up!" We talked about Joshua and Caleb.  They were willing to trust God and stand against the crowd even when everyone else had made up their mind to reject God's blessings and return to bondage.  As men, we must be willing to trust God no matter what the crowd is doing; we must be willing to serve him even if it's unpopular.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/AgainstTheFlow

Yesterday, we heard part 2 of our series, "Man Up!" We looked at a man named Phinehas in Numbers 25.  He stood up against sin because he was jealous for God.  And he was blessed for doing so.  In the same way, we're to be jealous for God.  We're to stand up against sin wanting people for the Lord, and for the Lord alone.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/JealousForGod

Yesterday, we began a new series of messages titled, "Man Up!" We're looking at the calling God has placed on the lives of men. We're doing this by looking at men of faith in Scripture, and how they lived out their faith. In our first message of this series, we looked at Abraham. The character trait we see in him, that we also need, is faith in the Lord. This is the foundation of everything else we'll be considering. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/BelievingGod

On Maundy Thursday, we heard about the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. We learned that, during this time, he performed an act of humble service for them. He then instructed them to love one another as he'd loved them. Jesus says that people will know we're his disciples by our love. Is this what people see when they look at us? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/AsJesusLoved

On Good Friday, we finished our series looking at the questions of Lent. As Jesus was being led away to his death, some women followed him and mourned for him. Jesus turned to them and told them they were not to mourn for him, but for themselves. He told them of a terrible time that would come upon them. Then he asked, "..i they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" This message can be heard at: http://archive.org/details/WhenTheWoodIsDry

On Easter, we reflected on the significance of Jesus' resurrection. So many people in the church today don't get it. This can be heard at http://archive.org/details/WhyTheResurrection

Finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate wanted to release him. Each year, he would release to the Jews one prisoner. And along with Jesus, Pilate had in custody a notorious criminal named Barabbas. Pilate asked the Jews who they wanted released to them, Jesus or Barabbas. The chief priests told the people to ask for the release of Barabbas. Pilate then asked them what he should do with Jesus.

You and I are confronted with the same question every day. What will we do with Jesus? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/WhatShallIDoWithJesus

Last night we finished up our mid-week Lenten series, looking at Jesus' condemnation of the religious leaders in Luke 11. He again addresses the lawyers, telling them that they'd taken away the key of knowledge. What does this mean? Do we sometimes do the same thing? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/HinderingSalvation

As Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate, he said that he's the bringer of truth. Pilate responded by asking: "What is truth?" Then, he left. Many people today have the same attitude when it comes to the truth. What's yours? This message can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/WhatIsTruth_649

Last night, we continued in our series from Luke 11, looking at Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees and lawyers. He brought out the fact that, although the claimed to honor the prophets, their hearts were really no different than their fathers'. The truth was that they wanted to silence the voice of God. We often have the same attitude in the church today, claiming to honor his Word but seeking to silence his voice. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/FalseHonor

After he was arrested, Peter followed Jesus to the home of the high priest. While there, he was asked by a servant girl if he was one of Jesus' disciples. Peter denied it. As believers, we will be asked whether we are followers of Jesus. How will we answer? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/OneOfHisDisciples

On Wednesday night, we looked at Jesus' first accusation against the lawyers. He told them that they placed burdens on people that were difficult to bear. And they, Jesus said, were not willing to help. How might we be guilty of this sin? This message can be heard here: http://www.archive.org/details/BurdeningOthers

This week, we had Pastor Paul Nash, Home Missions Director of the AFLC with us. He spoke at our men's conference on Friday and Saturday, as well as at worship on Sunday. There's a lot of content here, so I'll be uploading it gradually.

The first session of our men's conference can be heard or downloaded here: http://www.archive.org/details/MensConferenceSession1

The second session of the men's conference can be found at this link: http://www.archive.org/details/MensConferenceSession2

The fourth session of the men's conference can be heard here: http://www.archive.org/details/MensConferenceSession4

We have a glitch with session 3 that we're trying to work out. We hope to have it available soon.

This past Wednesday, we continued our series on Luke 11. As Jesus addressed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, he said that they were unmarked graves. What does this mean? How might we also be unmarked graves? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/UnmarkedGraves

In the second message of our Lenten series, we jumped forward to the events of Jesus' arrest. As the soldiers came for him, Jesus approached them and asked whom they sought. In doing so, he turned himself over to them; he submitted himself to the will of God. Are we willing to do the same? Are we willing to submit ourselves to the will of God, no matter what it means for us? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/WhomDoYouSeek

On the Wednesday's of Lent, we have another series going. In it, we're looking at Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees in Luke 11 because of their hypocrisy. And we're seeing how we often display the same attitudes. The first message of this series failed to be recorded. So we're jumping in with message 2.

This week, we heard how the Pharisees had a love of honor. Do we possess that same love? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/TheLoveOfHonor

Peter boldly asserted that he would lay down his life for Jesus. But, that very night, he denied the Lord three times. Like Peter, we often overestimate our faith. We say that we believe in him; we say that we love him. But then we deny him in word and deed. We must look to the Lord who will not only forgive us, but strengthen us that we will sacrifice all for his sake. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/WillYouLayDownYourLife

As believers, we know that God wants to use us; we know that he wants us to serve him. And most of us would say that we're willing to do so. But not many of us have prayed that God would use us; not many of us have asked God to do great things through us. When we look at ourselves compared to other believers, to those who've accomplished great things for God, we feel unworthy and inadequate. However, they can inspire us to serve. They can motivate us to seek to be used by God. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/UseMe_15

When we bring our needs and requests to God, we carry with us a lot of expectations. We fail to realize that these expectations can actually hinder us from receiving the blessing of God. We must drop our expectations, realizing that God is not bound by them. And we must simply look to him and trust in him. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/AHindranceToBlessing

We all relish our freedom. It's true politically and in the church. We enjoy those things that God has not forbidden, and we don't let anyone strip us of our rights. However, when it comes to this freedom, there's something else we have to consider: the welfare of others in the church. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/TheProperUseOfFreedom

We have so many responsibilities and commitments in life, that we have little time for much else. In fact, we put so much of ourselves into these commitments that we have little time for the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul expresses his desire that the people had an undivided devotion to the Lord. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/FullyDevoted

Speaking to Jeremiah, God says that he knew him before he was formed in the womb. God says that, before he was born, he consecrated him as a prophet. We learn from this that, through abortion, we destroy a life that God knew; we destroy a life that he made for a purpose. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/BeforeYouWereBorn

We often wish that he could hear from God; we wish we could hear his voice speaking directly to us. We envy those from Scripture, men like Moses, Abraham, and the prophets who heard the voice of God. But, when it comes right down to it, do we really want to hear his voice? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/HearingGod_849

Where did we come from? How did life begin? There are questions asked by pretty much everyone. The message of society today is very different than that of the Bible. What are we to believe and why does it matter? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/TheBeginning_681

Death is a subject that makes most of us uncomfortable. Even though we realize that everyone dies, we'd rather not think or talk about it. However, because of the coming of the Savior, we can have peace in the face of death. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/DepartingInPeace

The message of Christmas is absolutely incredible. It's so incredible that, like the shepherds in the Christmas story, we should want nothing more than to share this good news with others. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/MakingJesusKnown

According to the angel who spoke to Mary, it was because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit that he was called holy, the Son of God. Apart from the miracle of Christmas, salvation would not be possible. This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/SonOfTheMostHigh

As Mary praised God because she would bear the Son of God, she says that God's mercy is for those who fear him. Why is the fear of the Lord the key to mercy? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/TheKeyToMercy

Just as we prepare ourselves for Christmas, the people of Jesus' day had to be prepared for his coming. God prepared them by sending John the Baptist, who proclaimed to the people a baptism of repentance, and who pointed them to the coming Savior.

In these two ways, through repentance and the message of Jesus, we are also prepared for him. We're prepared to receive his salvation, we're prepared for his return, and we can use this message to prepare others for Christ as well.

This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/PreparingForJesus

Yesterday, we started the season of Advent with a message titled "Longing for Salvation." We heard how, during the Christmas season, we not only remember Jesus' birth, but we also long for him to come back; we long for him to deliver us from this world of sin and evil. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/LongingForSalvation

On Thanksgiving, we heard a message titled "The Blessing of Thanksgiving". We learned that, by expressing thankfulness to God, by remembering what he's done for us, we're enabled to trust in him in the present. This message can be found at http://www.archive.org/details/TheBlessingOfThanksgiving

Yesterday we heard the fourth and final part of our series, "Living In the End Times". We heard that, as we await the Lord's return, we're to use our gifts to serve one another. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/UseYourGifts

Yesterday, we heard the third part of our series, "Living in the End Times." We heard that, as we await the Lord's return, we've been called to show hospitality to one another. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/Hospitality_401

Yesterday, we heard part 2 of our series, "Living In the End Times". We heard that, as we anticipate the return of Christ, we're to love one another earnestly. Even though this sounds common sense, and even though it seems easy to obey, it's much more difficult than we realize. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/EarnestLove

Last week, we joined with the other churches in Northwood for a community service, put on by a group known as Harvest for Kids.

Yesterday, we began a series of messages that will take us up to Thanksgiving. We're told in Scripture that Jesus will soon return; we're told that the end will come. And we're told that we're to be prepared. So, how are we to live in the end times?

In this first message, based on 1 Peter 4:7-11, we hear that we're to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of our prayers. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/SelfControl_111

We all want the grace of God for ourselves. We want it also for our family and friends. We even want it for many people that we don't know, for those we deem good people. However, there are certain people we believe to be unworthy of God's grace. If God is generous with them, we resent his grace. However, we should never resent the grace of God. We should always rejoice in it. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/RejoicingInGodsGrace

Yesterday, we heard from missionaries Steve and Alberta Knudtson. They shared with us about missionary life and also about the vision they have for ministry. Their message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/SAKnudtson

In the church today, even though we can articulate the gospel message, and even though we can recite John 3:16 from memory, many of us are depending on ourselves to earn forgiveness; we're depending on our obedience to the law to earn salvation. However, according to Galatians 3, by doing so, we remain under the wrath of God. We're saved only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/InGodWeTrust_414

Most people in our society know of Jesus. But they have many different ideas about him. And many of these ideas are not Scriptural. We sometimes think these differences are no big deal. But they are a big deal. Believing Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God, is the foundation of the Church.

We had some audio glitches during this message, which you will hear in the recording. We were attempting to fix them, and eventually switched microphones. I hope it's not too distracting, but the entire message is available. It can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/WhoIsThisJesus_386

Our God is deserving of worship; the Lord is worthy of our praise. And we're called to worship him. However, no matter what we do, his praise will go forth. No one and nothing can stop his praise from going forth. But are we giving him the praise he's due? This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/HeWillBePraised

Young people have been leaving the church at an alarming rate. What can we do to stop the bleeding? This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/PassingItOn

We often declare that our life is our own; we say that this is our body. And what we're saying is that no one can tell us what to do; we're saying that we're in charge of our own life. However, in Colossians 1 we're told that we were created by Jesus and for Jesus. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/CreatedByHim

We all have many things that we value in life. But what is most important to you in life? Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is so valuable, that we should be willing to sacrifice everything in order to possess it. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/OurGreatestTreasure

The church in our nation is heading in many different directions; their are many different priorities on which they focus. But what does Jesus tell us about the mission of the church? What should be our primary focus? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/TheMissionOfTheChurch

This week, Pastor Elden Nelson, president of the AFLC, was with us to install Pastor Kent at Ebenezer. He delivered a message about the call of God that can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/Installation

Here is my first message as pastor of Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church. We all have limitations. This includes me, as a pastor. If I try to do it all, it will take away from my primary calling, which is the ministry of the Word. So, as a church, we need everyone to pitch in. The more who serve and use their gifts, the more lives we'll touch for Christ. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/Limitations

Below is the link to my final sermon as pastor of Grace Free Lutheran Church in DeKalb, IL. In it, I focused on the call of God and how, as his people, we must follow his call. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/PastorKentsFinalSermonAtGflcDekalb

We often fail in our calling because we don't feel qualified to carry it out. However, as we see in 1 Corinthians 1, this is how God intends it to be. He calls and uses those who aren't qualified. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryUnqualified

In the church today, we too often fail to expect God to work through us as we serve him. We don't believe that God will do the miraculous through us. However, because of God's calling, we should expect him to do great things. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryExpectingGreatThings

Yesterday, we heard the last message in our series on Christian parenting. We heard how we must find the right balance. Just as we must not be permissive, neither must we provoke our children to anger. We must not do this because it hinders our ability to train them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryRightBalance

Yesterday, we heard the third part of our series on Christian parenting. And we learned that discipline is essential if we're to raise godly children. Even though no one enjoys disciplining their children, they do it out of love for their children and out of a desire for their salvation. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryDiscipline

Yesterday, we continued our series on Christian parenting. We heard that, according to Scripture, it's the parents' responsibility to instruct their children in the Word of God. God says that we're to immerse our kids in his Word. So, even though others might help us in this, it's our responsibility first and foremost. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperrySharingtheWordofGod

Yesterday, I started a series of messages on Christian parenting. We heard that the goal of Christian parents is to raise their children in faith. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheGoalofChristianParents