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February 8, 2026
Missions
David Schaller
In our look at the book of Jonah, we are going to reflect on a conversation that God has with his prophet, Jonah. This conversation will pull back the curtain to show Jonah’s shocking admission regarding the character of God toward his enemies. (Spoiler alert: No person—or nation!—is too far gone to receive God’s grace!) We’ll see how God tries to deal with Jonah’s heart attitude, and by the end we’ll be challenged to examine our heart attitude as well.
In our look at the book of Jonah, we are going to reflect on a conversation that God has with his prophet, Jonah. This conversation will pull back the curtain to show Jonah’s shocking admission regarding the character of God toward his enemies. (Spoiler alert: No person—or nation!—is too far gone to receive God’s grace!) We’ll see how God tries to deal with Jonah’s heart attitude, and by the end we’ll be challenged to examine our heart attitude as well.
February 1, 2026
Prayer
David Anderson
It’s never been more difficult to pray than it is today. The early church prayed like their lives depended on it, and we need to as well. They were convinced prayer changed circumstances and was a necessary precursor to the powerful works of the Holy Spirit. Thus prayer became a regular, spiritual habit and lifeline to God and His purposes for them ... We have been convinced of this for a long time as a community. Every year the elders go through a lengthy process of asking God what He wants us to pray for. This morning I'd like to tell you the 5 prayers he has led us to pray for in 2026.
It’s never been more difficult to pray than it is today. The early church prayed like their lives depended on it, and we need to as well. They were convinced prayer changed circumstances and was a necessary precursor to the powerful works of the Holy Spirit. Thus prayer became a regular, spiritual habit and lifeline to God and His purposes for them ... We have been convinced of this for a long time as a community. Every year the elders go through a lengthy process of asking God what He wants us to pray for. This morning I'd like to tell you the 5 prayers he has led us to pray for in 2026.
January 25, 2026
Unity
David Anderson
At the beginning of Ephesians 4 Paul urges the Ephesians and urges us “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” I think you can make an argument that this is one of the most difficult things that God asks us to do ... As we make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we aren’t the ones that have created this path. This is the path that was cut by our Savior. Though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, and emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. He humbled himself to the point of death, even death on a cross.
At the beginning of Ephesians 4 Paul urges the Ephesians and urges us “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” I think you can make an argument that this is one of the most difficult things that God asks us to do ... As we make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we aren’t the ones that have created this path. This is the path that was cut by our Savior. Though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, and emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. He humbled himself to the point of death, even death on a cross.
January 18, 2026
Stewardship Part 2
David Anderson
The Book of Philippians is written to a church in Philippi that was radically generous to Paul and the Gospel ministry. They were radically generous at the expense of their own needs. As Paul is thanking them for their partnership, he explains to them a supernatural work that has happened in his life. He says he has learned one of the most important secrets in life. What does it mean? Well, what’s the context? The context is that the church in Philippi had sent a gift to Paul, and Paul was thanking them for the gift. But Paul also says to them that God has taught him this huge important lesson or secret. Paul says, “I have learned in whatever situation to be content. To be brought low and abound. I have learned the secret of having plenty & being hungry. Having abundance & having needs.” So it makes us wonder—Paul, what’s the secret to contentment?
The Book of Philippians is written to a church in Philippi that was radically generous to Paul and the Gospel ministry. They were radically generous at the expense of their own needs. As Paul is thanking them for their partnership, he explains to them a supernatural work that has happened in his life. He says he has learned one of the most important secrets in life. What does it mean? Well, what’s the context? The context is that the church in Philippi had sent a gift to Paul, and Paul was thanking them for the gift. But Paul also says to them that God has taught him this huge important lesson or secret. Paul says, “I have learned in whatever situation to be content. To be brought low and abound. I have learned the secret of having plenty & being hungry. Having abundance & having needs.” So it makes us wonder—Paul, what’s the secret to contentment?
January 11, 2026
Stewardship Part 1
David Anderson
I don’t think I am overstating this when I say that one of the most significant thresholds in the Christian life is when a Christian hears and trusts God’s vision for his or her money and financial situation. I know that nothing is more personal and taboo than talking money and finances, but everything is connected to the Lordship of Christ. My worship of the Lord Jesus Christ is going to involve the things I treasure the most. You see, God has a whole different perspective on my money than I do ... in the little Book of Philippians, God reveals his heart in this very touchy area of our life.
I don’t think I am overstating this when I say that one of the most significant thresholds in the Christian life is when a Christian hears and trusts God’s vision for his or her money and financial situation. I know that nothing is more personal and taboo than talking money and finances, but everything is connected to the Lordship of Christ. My worship of the Lord Jesus Christ is going to involve the things I treasure the most. You see, God has a whole different perspective on my money than I do ... in the little Book of Philippians, God reveals his heart in this very touchy area of our life.
January 4, 2026
Discipleship Part 2
David Anderson
Every January we set aside the month to revisit our core distinctives, the truths that have defined us as a church for over 110 years—making disciples of all nations, trusting grace in community, teaching God's unchanging Word, and moving forward through bold prayer. The topic of stewardship has become part of this as well. We call this Vision Month.
Every January we set aside the month to revisit our core distinctives, the truths that have defined us as a church for over 110 years—making disciples of all nations, trusting grace in community, teaching God's unchanging Word, and moving forward through bold prayer. The topic of stewardship has become part of this as well. We call this Vision Month.
December 28, 2025
Discipleship Part 1
Ed Underwood
We are ending the year by kicking off Vision Month a little early with Discipleship Part 1. Our guest speaker, Ed Underwood shares about Discipleship: An intentional relationship that encourages one another to trust and follow Christ.
We are ending the year by kicking off Vision Month a little early with Discipleship Part 1. Our guest speaker, Ed Underwood shares about Discipleship: An intentional relationship that encourages one another to trust and follow Christ.
December 21, 2025
Love
David Anderson
The one-way love story of Christmas is the coming of the Christmas child to demonstrate the unconditional love and grace of God to the messy, sinful and broken lives of each and every one of us. This is not transactional love, which asks us to get our act together and make ourselves lovable. This is unconditional love—you don’t have your act together and you aren’t very lovable because of all of your sin and self-centeredness, but my love for you covers it all love! Jesus’ sacrifice proves that we are not dealing with a God who withdraws from us in silence, coldness and emotional distance when we are stuck in the mess of our sin, but pursues us while we are still sinners! ... J.esus didn’t come to give us a “to-do” list to be acceptable to Him. Jesus came to declare it is done! God’s love for us is sealed forever! And because you are forever sealed in the love and pleasure of God, your life is going to look so different and so is mine.
The one-way love story of Christmas is the coming of the Christmas child to demonstrate the unconditional love and grace of God to the messy, sinful and broken lives of each and every one of us. This is not transactional love, which asks us to get our act together and make ourselves lovable. This is unconditional love—you don’t have your act together and you aren’t very lovable because of all of your sin and self-centeredness, but my love for you covers it all love! Jesus’ sacrifice proves that we are not dealing with a God who withdraws from us in silence, coldness and emotional distance when we are stuck in the mess of our sin, but pursues us while we are still sinners! ... J.esus didn’t come to give us a “to-do” list to be acceptable to Him. Jesus came to declare it is done! God’s love for us is sealed forever! And because you are forever sealed in the love and pleasure of God, your life is going to look so different and so is mine.
December 14, 2025
Joy
David Anderson
Churches all over the world set aside a Sunday during Advent to talk about joy. For some of us, joy might be this elusive concept, a pipe dream. We understand it in theory, but we aren’t sure if we have ever experienced what joy really is. We know how to work hard. We know how to get by and get the job done. We know how to persevere and perform, but do we have joy? ... As you know, joy doesn’t come from our circumstances. It doesn’t come from our wins and loses each week. Joy transcends! Joy comes from our capacity to lift our heads and meditate and live out of the beauty, power and majesty of God that is all around us though we can’t always see it.
Churches all over the world set aside a Sunday during Advent to talk about joy. For some of us, joy might be this elusive concept, a pipe dream. We understand it in theory, but we aren’t sure if we have ever experienced what joy really is. We know how to work hard. We know how to get by and get the job done. We know how to persevere and perform, but do we have joy? ... As you know, joy doesn’t come from our circumstances. It doesn’t come from our wins and loses each week. Joy transcends! Joy comes from our capacity to lift our heads and meditate and live out of the beauty, power and majesty of God that is all around us though we can’t always see it.
December 7, 2025
Peace
David Newkirk
I want to take a moment to put Christmas into historical perspective. And I’m not just talking about human history—I’m talking all the way back to the beginning. It is easy to fall into the American Christmas trap, to sentimentalize little baby Jesus. But the coming of Christ was something bigger than just this sweet little baby Jesus that we tend to focus on at this time of year ... I want to emphasize that our experience of peace in a broken and fallen world doesn’t come about by sweet baby Jesus. It comes about by mighty King Jesus enthroned forever. Our confidence to not get swept away in sorrow, brokenness, anger or despair—despite what we are seeing around us— is rooted in Christ victoriously enthroned over all things! The peace we have access to was won by the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I want to take a moment to put Christmas into historical perspective. And I’m not just talking about human history—I’m talking all the way back to the beginning. It is easy to fall into the American Christmas trap, to sentimentalize little baby Jesus. But the coming of Christ was something bigger than just this sweet little baby Jesus that we tend to focus on at this time of year ... I want to emphasize that our experience of peace in a broken and fallen world doesn’t come about by sweet baby Jesus. It comes about by mighty King Jesus enthroned forever. Our confidence to not get swept away in sorrow, brokenness, anger or despair—despite what we are seeing around us— is rooted in Christ victoriously enthroned over all things! The peace we have access to was won by the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
November 30, 2025
Hope
David Anderson
Have you spent any time in the waiting room of the ER Room or Urgent Care lately? If you don’t come in with chest pains or you aren’t missing an arm or leg, you might be waiting for a long time. Every time the nurse opens the door to bring in the next person to do their vitals, you perk up and then you realize they aren’t calling your name. You look over the room and calculate when everyone came in and you wonder why your name isn’t being called. You think, “Is anyone going to show up for me? Is the door going to open and will my name be called?” This is where some of you find yourselves as we enter into this Advent season. Life might feel like you are in a miserable waiting room and you are desperate and you are waiting and waiting and waiting and it feels like no one is coming for you. No one is calling your name! It’s your marriage, your children, your aging parents, your health, your bank account - you're desperate! At the beginning of Luke, the people of Israel find themselves in a similar state of desperation. They are struggling to hope.
Have you spent any time in the waiting room of the ER Room or Urgent Care lately? If you don’t come in with chest pains or you aren’t missing an arm or leg, you might be waiting for a long time. Every time the nurse opens the door to bring in the next person to do their vitals, you perk up and then you realize they aren’t calling your name. You look over the room and calculate when everyone came in and you wonder why your name isn’t being called. You think, “Is anyone going to show up for me? Is the door going to open and will my name be called?” This is where some of you find yourselves as we enter into this Advent season. Life might feel like you are in a miserable waiting room and you are desperate and you are waiting and waiting and waiting and it feels like no one is coming for you. No one is calling your name! It’s your marriage, your children, your aging parents, your health, your bank account - you're desperate! At the beginning of Luke, the people of Israel find themselves in a similar state of desperation. They are struggling to hope.
February 23, 2025
Pete & Paul Part 2
David Newkirk
We'll be launching a study of Acts next week. To do that well, we're taking this week to look at another of Acts' main characters, the Apostle Paul. We're going to see how Saul of Tarsus, a fervent persecutor of the early church, is transformed into a passionate apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. What amazes me about Paul is how he acknowledged his need for Christ. Many times throughout his letters, I am in awe of how Paul boasted in the power of his weakness. He knew that he could not do this mission or any part of life without complete dependence on the Spirit. I love that he looked situations in the face and acknowledged his great need for God. He lived and modeled a life of dependence that I envy. In the hardships, trials, criticisms, and pain, Paul embraced each one, surrendered to God and lived in contentment. .
February 16, 2025
Peter & Paul Part 1
David Newkirk
We are going to be starting the book of Acts in just a couple of weeks. And to do that well we need a good picture of who Peter was. Luke, the author of Acts, deliberately sets up a number of parallels between the ministry of Peter in the first half of Acts and that of Paul in the last half. This week we look at Peter; next week we will look at Paul. Peter is my guy. A guy that I want to sit around a fire with. A guy that started with good intentions. A guy that crashed and burned numerous times. A guy that was given grace and hope and a guy that came back and led the early church. And today, maybe you relate to Peter like I do.
February 9, 2025
Missions
David Schaller
If we are completely honest with ourselves, many of us have entertained the thought – what does missions have to do with ME? How do I play a part in the mission efforts of God? I believe the book of Acts helps us address this question. I think it will give us a very clear truth that will help connect the dots between missions, missionary work and our lives.
If we are completely honest with ourselves, many of us have entertained the thought – what does missions have to do with ME? How do I play a part in the mission efforts of God? I believe the book of Acts helps us address this question. I think it will give us a very clear truth that will help connect the dots between missions, missionary work and our lives.
February 2, 2025
Prayer
David Anderson
The longer I serve the Lord, the more I want to be around men and women who believe God is going to move in ways that most people can’t see. There certainly is a place to calculate life through human reason in the name of being “practical,” but how I want to spend the remaining years of my life is dreaming with Jesus about things you can’t see with the naked eye.
The longer I serve the Lord, the more I want to be around men and women who believe God is going to move in ways that most people can’t see. There certainly is a place to calculate life through human reason in the name of being “practical,” but how I want to spend the remaining years of my life is dreaming with Jesus about things you can’t see with the naked eye.
January 26, 2025
Unity
David Anderson
It is pretty amazing when someone comes to Christ. It is awesome when people are generous with their resources. It is really cool when someone starts using their spiritual gifts. But in my opinion, there is nothing more thrilling than when a person in our church decides that unity is worth it. When someone extends forgiveness where they have been hurt. When the Body loves sacrificially and selflessly. In the book of Philippians, Paul says to the saints - you want to make my apostle's heart leap in my chest? Be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. I feel the same way.
It is pretty amazing when someone comes to Christ. It is awesome when people are generous with their resources. It is really cool when someone starts using their spiritual gifts. But in my opinion, there is nothing more thrilling than when a person in our church decides that unity is worth it. When someone extends forgiveness where they have been hurt. When the Body loves sacrificially and selflessly. In the book of Philippians, Paul says to the saints - you want to make my apostle's heart leap in my chest? Be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. I feel the same way.
January 19, 2025
Stewardship Part 2
David Anderson
One of the things that triggers anxiety more than anything else is finances. For many of us, financial fears & burdens feel particularly heavy and overwhelming. You might be playing the "which bill will I try to pay this week” game. You might have funds that once brought security and confidence, but are now bringing uncertainty and fear. You might be out of work or underemployed and it feels like every day another financial sandbag is thrown on you. You might be a single mom raising children, pinching every penny you can. We have families who literally have nothing this week because of the devastation of the fires. I was talking to one of our dear families and praying for them as they stood in line to talk to FEMA. The disciples and crowds that Jesus is addressing in Matthew 6 know these anxieties well. This is the type of person Jesus is talking to.
One of the things that triggers anxiety more than anything else is finances. For many of us, financial fears & burdens feel particularly heavy and overwhelming. You might be playing the "which bill will I try to pay this week” game. You might have funds that once brought security and confidence, but are now bringing uncertainty and fear. You might be out of work or underemployed and it feels like every day another financial sandbag is thrown on you. You might be a single mom raising children, pinching every penny you can. We have families who literally have nothing this week because of the devastation of the fires. I was talking to one of our dear families and praying for them as they stood in line to talk to FEMA. The disciples and crowds that Jesus is addressing in Matthew 6 know these anxieties well. This is the type of person Jesus is talking to.
January 12, 2025
Stewardship Part 1
David Anderson
It's been a tough week, and we're all reeling from the heartbreak and devastation of these fires. We'll be gathering on Sunday, as always, to worship, to pray, and to hear what the Lord has for us. This week is the second in our Vision Month series, and we'll be looking at stewardship:
Jesus says, “Treasure not earth treasures, but heavenly treasures.” Everything at the center of our souls treasures something. If I have this something, everything is worth it. If I have this, I’m worth it. Everyone has a something; it might be family or money or romance or health. How do we break this? We treasure Jesus. Jesus becomes our precious. This is where freedom is found.
It's been a tough week, and we're all reeling from the heartbreak and devastation of these fires. We'll be gathering on Sunday, as always, to worship, to pray, and to hear what the Lord has for us. This week is the second in our Vision Month series, and we'll be looking at stewardship:
Jesus says, “Treasure not earth treasures, but heavenly treasures.” Everything at the center of our souls treasures something. If I have this something, everything is worth it. If I have this, I’m worth it. Everyone has a something; it might be family or money or romance or health. How do we break this? We treasure Jesus. Jesus becomes our precious. This is where freedom is found.
January 5, 2025
Discipleship
David Anderson
Most people get excited about big numbers and large gatherings. We get excited about small numbers and small gatherings we call discipleship - groups of two, three or four that open the Word of God & speak the truth of God’s Word to each other in relational love with the help of the Holy Spirit. More than the perfect sermon series or a series of lectures, it is in these relationships that the Word of God can be questioned and absorbed and integrated in a way that no other structure offers. In discipleship you have truth and you have love.
Most people get excited about big numbers and large gatherings. We get excited about small numbers and small gatherings we call discipleship - groups of two, three or four that open the Word of God & speak the truth of God’s Word to each other in relational love with the help of the Holy Spirit. More than the perfect sermon series or a series of lectures, it is in these relationships that the Word of God can be questioned and absorbed and integrated in a way that no other structure offers. In discipleship you have truth and you have love.
December 29, 2024
Why Discipleship?
Ed Underwood
A relationship that encourages one another to trust and follow Jesus Christ. Rather than a call to obedience to the Great Commission, which would be appropriate because it is what Jesus asked us to do, and it is His one and only plan for reaching the world with His love and grace. I want to invite you to the wonder of a lifetime of disciple-making, dividing it into three phases –your future, your present, and your past, from the perspective of those who have been discipled to become disciple-makers. If you were to ask me, “Why Disciple?”I would give you these three reasons – one, concerns your future beginning today; two, speaks to the present you want to live during the most productive years of your life; and three, what any believer would want to feel about their life as they look back on it in old age.
December 22, 2024
Love
David Anderson
We get to love this Christmas because we were first loved. And because we were first loved, God is the One who is underwriting every sacrifice of love that comes out of your heart this week. God is funding this whole thing. Even our gifts to Him & others, He has paid for. You are playing with house money and you are called to spend every ounce of His love you received in Christ Jesus on others this Christmas.
December 15, 2024
Joy
David Newkirk
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:8-11
Pastor David Newkirk shares about Christmas joy on this third Sunday of the Advent season.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:8-11
Pastor David Newkirk shares about Christmas joy on this third Sunday of the Advent season.
December 8, 2024
Peace
David Anderson
Jesus is fully aware of our troubled, worried and always anxious hearts. He is thinking about all of that fear that we carry in our hearts and lives. He is thinking about all that fear that flows through our lives and lands on our children and grandchildren. He is thinking about all those scenarios that we run through every day, thinking if we just run through those scenarios one more time, we will have some magical breakthrough. Jesus is in the business of caring for our heart - the peace of our hearts, and the fearlessness of our hearts, and the untroubled waters of our hearts. He wants His people to be free from fear and full of peace right now.
Jesus is fully aware of our troubled, worried and always anxious hearts. He is thinking about all of that fear that we carry in our hearts and lives. He is thinking about all that fear that flows through our lives and lands on our children and grandchildren. He is thinking about all those scenarios that we run through every day, thinking if we just run through those scenarios one more time, we will have some magical breakthrough. Jesus is in the business of caring for our heart - the peace of our hearts, and the fearlessness of our hearts, and the untroubled waters of our hearts. He wants His people to be free from fear and full of peace right now.
December 1, 2024
Hope
David Anderson
In Romans 15, Paul prays a prayer of hope over the Christians in Rome that I want us to pray as we begin this season of Advent leading up to Christmas. When things take a wrong turn this Christmas season - and they will - this is the prayer that I want you to repeat to yourself. When the same destructive and hurtful thoughts come into your heart this year, this is what I want you to pray. When the kids can’t see you on Christmas or all the kids are fighting or nothing is going as planned, this is what I want you to pray: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
In Romans 15, Paul prays a prayer of hope over the Christians in Rome that I want us to pray as we begin this season of Advent leading up to Christmas. When things take a wrong turn this Christmas season - and they will - this is the prayer that I want you to repeat to yourself. When the same destructive and hurtful thoughts come into your heart this year, this is what I want you to pray. When the kids can’t see you on Christmas or all the kids are fighting or nothing is going as planned, this is what I want you to pray: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
February 4, 2024
Missions
Andy Andersen
One of our COD missionaries, Andy Andersen, will be sharing Scripture passages that motivates him in his ministry among the Nyamwezi in Tanzania.
One of our COD missionaries, Andy Andersen, will be sharing Scripture passages that motivates him in his ministry among the Nyamwezi in Tanzania.
January 28, 2024
Unity
David Newkirk
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. (Phil. 2:1-2)
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. (Phil. 2:1-2)
January 21, 2024
Stewardship
David Anderson
We're heading into the third week of our Vision Month. Week 1 was about Discipleship, and last week we talked about Prayer. This Sunday's focus is Stewardship. Why does God give us money? And what happens when we take the courageous step of stewarding our money according to God's plan? Join us Sunday as Lead Pastor David Anderson answers these questions, and invites us into this tough but worthwhile journey.
We're heading into the third week of our Vision Month. Week 1 was about Discipleship, and last week we talked about Prayer. This Sunday's focus is Stewardship. Why does God give us money? And what happens when we take the courageous step of stewarding our money according to God's plan? Join us Sunday as Lead Pastor David Anderson answers these questions, and invites us into this tough but worthwhile journey.
January 14, 2024
Prayer
David Anderson
Early last year we started a long process with our elder board where we began praying and fasting for God’s direction for 2024. We asked each elder to meet with God and ask Him where is God wanting to take us in 2024. The fear of spiritual leaders is that you are going to stand before your church family and call on them to pray for God's specific movement in an area, and then that prayer request will fall flat on its face. What if God doesn't give us what we ask? But God hasn’t done that to us. Instead, what we are seeing is a God who delights to give wonderful gifts to His children as we cry out together for His heart and will. When we publicly take our stand upon the irrevocable promises of God and call upon Him to act in accordance with His Word, how can this fail? THIS YEAR WILL BE NO DIFFERENT.
Early last year we started a long process with our elder board where we began praying and fasting for God’s direction for 2024. We asked each elder to meet with God and ask Him where is God wanting to take us in 2024. The fear of spiritual leaders is that you are going to stand before your church family and call on them to pray for God's specific movement in an area, and then that prayer request will fall flat on its face. What if God doesn't give us what we ask? But God hasn’t done that to us. Instead, what we are seeing is a God who delights to give wonderful gifts to His children as we cry out together for His heart and will. When we publicly take our stand upon the irrevocable promises of God and call upon Him to act in accordance with His Word, how can this fail? THIS YEAR WILL BE NO DIFFERENT.
January 7, 2024
Discipleship
David Anderson
I think if Jesus had an opportunity to speak to our hearts in 2024, He would say, "Slow down with Me. Trust Me. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone. Let me calm your restless heart. Let me take on your yokes. Let's simplify life and not let the bankrupt urgency of this world steal the spiritual vibrancy that I have promised through My Spirit." I think Jesus would ask us to slow down and prioritize a few people this year in a discipleship relationship.
I think if Jesus had an opportunity to speak to our hearts in 2024, He would say, "Slow down with Me. Trust Me. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone. Let me calm your restless heart. Let me take on your yokes. Let's simplify life and not let the bankrupt urgency of this world steal the spiritual vibrancy that I have promised through My Spirit." I think Jesus would ask us to slow down and prioritize a few people this year in a discipleship relationship.
December 31, 2023
When You Most Need to Come to Jesus
Ed Underwood
As we approach the last day of 2023, I want to focus on a benediction to the book about the superiority of Jesus. Or, to put it another way - Jesus is better: the Book of Hebrews. This message is for all of us who need the Jesus that the writer of Hebrews talks about. Maybe you're trying to "get your life together" before drawing near to Jesus. Or maybe you struggle with guilt and shame and don't think that Jesus would want to hear from you. I want you to know that the benediction of Hebrews is for you and for me.
As we approach the last day of 2023, I want to focus on a benediction to the book about the superiority of Jesus. Or, to put it another way - Jesus is better: the Book of Hebrews. This message is for all of us who need the Jesus that the writer of Hebrews talks about. Maybe you're trying to "get your life together" before drawing near to Jesus. Or maybe you struggle with guilt and shame and don't think that Jesus would want to hear from you. I want you to know that the benediction of Hebrews is for you and for me.
December 24, 2023
Love
David Anderson
God deeply, deeply loves you. He is not calloused towards your painful circumstances this Christmas season. He is not ignoring them either, but the gift that God wants to give you above every other gift isn’t a few days of the right circumstances. It isn’t drastic transformation of all our challenging circumstances. It isn’t even the best cheese log this Christmas season. Christmas isn’t about us being given a thing or a circumstance. Christmas is about us being given a Person. Christmas is when God gave the greatest gift, the gift that no one can afford, no one can earn, & no one but God can give. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
God deeply, deeply loves you. He is not calloused towards your painful circumstances this Christmas season. He is not ignoring them either, but the gift that God wants to give you above every other gift isn’t a few days of the right circumstances. It isn’t drastic transformation of all our challenging circumstances. It isn’t even the best cheese log this Christmas season. Christmas isn’t about us being given a thing or a circumstance. Christmas is about us being given a Person. Christmas is when God gave the greatest gift, the gift that no one can afford, no one can earn, & no one but God can give. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
December 17, 2023
Joy
David Newkirk
What is joy? Where does it come from in our lives? Is it even available in the lives we have been given?
What is joy? Where does it come from in our lives? Is it even available in the lives we have been given?
December 10, 2023
Peace
David Anderson
There isn't a person reading this who doesn't want peace. Our version of peace is that perfect tranquility will somehow miraculously descend on our lives, or that God would bring peace to every conflict and challenge in our lives. Jesus' version of peace looks so different than ours. What's his version? Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinner reconciled.
There isn't a person reading this who doesn't want peace. Our version of peace is that perfect tranquility will somehow miraculously descend on our lives, or that God would bring peace to every conflict and challenge in our lives. Jesus' version of peace looks so different than ours. What's his version? Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinner reconciled.
December 3, 2023
Hope
David Anderson
We have entered into the season of Advent. In Advent, we remember and celebrate and wait with the people of God from the beginning of time for the coming of the Savior of the world. As we celebrate the arrival of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem on Christmas Day, we are also preparing & anticipating something else. We don’t have to wait for the Savior of the world to arrive in Bethlehem, but we're waiting for something, aren't we? Advent is the hopeful wait for that Savior to return again and make this broken and sinful world whole, to make you and me whole! What is the nature of our hope?
We have entered into the season of Advent. In Advent, we remember and celebrate and wait with the people of God from the beginning of time for the coming of the Savior of the world. As we celebrate the arrival of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem on Christmas Day, we are also preparing & anticipating something else. We don’t have to wait for the Savior of the world to arrive in Bethlehem, but we're waiting for something, aren't we? Advent is the hopeful wait for that Savior to return again and make this broken and sinful world whole, to make you and me whole! What is the nature of our hope?
April 9, 2023
Easter
David Anderson
The writer of the gospel of John wanted every one of his readers to know that Jesus had a body, and that this very body rose from the grave. That we have a resurrected Living God in human form who was victorious over sin and death. This is the lynch pin of the universe and the thesis statement of a new story God is writing about each of us.
The writer of the gospel of John wanted every one of his readers to know that Jesus had a body, and that this very body rose from the grave. That we have a resurrected Living God in human form who was victorious over sin and death. This is the lynch pin of the universe and the thesis statement of a new story God is writing about each of us.
March 19, 2023
Celebration Sunday
David Anderson
Sunday is our celebration of God's powerful move among us in retiring our Worship Center mortgage. But it's so much more than that! We have experienced Jesus' love in our inner beings! This has created an expectation of God's movement among us, an anticipation that He will continue to move in the months and years ahead.
Sunday is our celebration of God's powerful move among us in retiring our Worship Center mortgage. But it's so much more than that! We have experienced Jesus' love in our inner beings! This has created an expectation of God's movement among us, an anticipation that He will continue to move in the months and years ahead.
February 12, 2023
Love
David Newkirk
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, there's lots of talk of love. If we really want to understand where love comes from and how it works, it’s best to talk to someone who is defined by that word.
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, there's lots of talk of love. If we really want to understand where love comes from and how it works, it’s best to talk to someone who is defined by that word.
February 5, 2023
Missions
Rob (COD Missionary)
Biblical history shows God seeking togetherness and blessing for everyone. Abraham's call is to bless all the nations. What does that mean for us today as a church? How do we live that out as disciples of Jesus? Join us Sunday as one of our COD missionaries, Rob, tackles these questions. This week will conclude our Vision Series with a focus on missions.
Biblical history shows God seeking togetherness and blessing for everyone. Abraham's call is to bless all the nations. What does that mean for us today as a church? How do we live that out as disciples of Jesus? Join us Sunday as one of our COD missionaries, Rob, tackles these questions. This week will conclude our Vision Series with a focus on missions.
January 29, 2023
Unity
David Anderson
What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself”? And what does this actually look like? Join us Sunday as Lead Pastor David Anderson takes us into Week #4 of our Vision Series, with a message on Unity from the book of Galatians.
What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself”? And what does this actually look like? Join us Sunday as Lead Pastor David Anderson takes us into Week #4 of our Vision Series, with a message on Unity from the book of Galatians.
January 22, 2023
Prayer
David Anderson
If you are the king or queen of a country, who has access to you? The most significant people in your country do - the movers and shakers of society. But there are a few others who get to see you, and those are your children. Children have access to their father in a way that the movers and shakers envy! Friends, we can approach our Heavenly Father in that same way in prayer. We are cherished and unconditionally loved by Him!
If you are the king or queen of a country, who has access to you? The most significant people in your country do - the movers and shakers of society. But there are a few others who get to see you, and those are your children. Children have access to their father in a way that the movers and shakers envy! Friends, we can approach our Heavenly Father in that same way in prayer. We are cherished and unconditionally loved by Him!
January 15, 2023
Financial Stewardship
David Newkirk
We're heading into Week 2 of our Vision Month! Last week was Discipleship; this week we'll be talking about the importance of Stewardship.
· Why is our relationship to money such a big deal?
· What is the correlation between giving and spiritual growth?
· What does sowing and reaping have to do with finances?
We're heading into Week 2 of our Vision Month! Last week was Discipleship; this week we'll be talking about the importance of Stewardship.
· Why is our relationship to money such a big deal?
· What is the correlation between giving and spiritual growth?
· What does sowing and reaping have to do with finances?
January 8, 2023
The Word & Discipleship
David Anderson
This Sunday we'll be looking at discipleship in Matthew 28, where Jesus commissions each and every one of us with some breathtakingly simple instructions. It's our call as a church and our call as members of this family. Our calling in the Christian life is to be discipled and make disciples!
This Sunday we'll be looking at discipleship in Matthew 28, where Jesus commissions each and every one of us with some breathtakingly simple instructions. It's our call as a church and our call as members of this family. Our calling in the Christian life is to be discipled and make disciples!
January 1, 2023
Confidence in God in 2023
Ed Underwood
How can we have confidence when life hurts? What comfort does the Lord offer in the midst of the uncertainty of life?
How can we have confidence when life hurts? What comfort does the Lord offer in the midst of the uncertainty of life?
December 25, 2022
What is the Christmas Spirit
David Anderson
We are told that on Christmas of all days, we need to have the Christmas spirit. What does this mean? What is the Christmas spirit?
We are told that on Christmas of all days, we need to have the Christmas spirit. What does this mean? What is the Christmas spirit?
December 18, 2022
The Love of Jesus
David Anderson
Who is your hero? What might it be like to meet him or her? As we come to Christmas as disciples of Jesus, we get to meet our hero. What will he be like? Will He see me? Is He interested in my story?
Who is your hero? What might it be like to meet him or her? As we come to Christmas as disciples of Jesus, we get to meet our hero. What will he be like? Will He see me? Is He interested in my story?
December 11, 2022
That Your Joy May Be Complete
David Anderson
More than any other time in human history, we as human beings are asking the question, "What is going to make me happy?" What about you? What is going to make you happy?
More than any other time in human history, we as human beings are asking the question, "What is going to make me happy?" What about you? What is going to make you happy?
December 4, 2022
The Gospel of Peace
David Newkirk
Peace is hard to come by these days. How can we find "peace that surpasses understanding" and have it permeate our lives?
Peace is hard to come by these days. How can we find "peace that surpasses understanding" and have it permeate our lives?
November 27, 2022
Hope Doesn't Disappoint
David Anderson
As we begin to think about Jesus, His incarnation, His coming during the Christmas season . . . as we look over into the manger on a cold night in the City of David and see Jesus' tiny little body, Christians all over the world are invited into something. We are invited into the Hope of Jesus!
As we begin to think about Jesus, His incarnation, His coming during the Christmas season . . . as we look over into the manger on a cold night in the City of David and see Jesus' tiny little body, Christians all over the world are invited into something. We are invited into the Hope of Jesus!
April 17, 2022
Easter
David Anderson
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures . . . (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures . . . (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
February 13, 2022
The Long Sacred Look
Ed Underwood
How do we handle life when we become discouraged and weary? How can we find rest for our souls?
How do we handle life when we become discouraged and weary? How can we find rest for our souls?
February 6, 2022
Missions
David Schaller
What story of God's goodness do you have to tell? And why is it important to share it?
What story of God's goodness do you have to tell? And why is it important to share it?
January 30, 2022
Unity
David Anderson
What does unity look like in these chaotic times in our world and in our nation and in our own community? How do we maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?
What does unity look like in these chaotic times in our world and in our nation and in our own community? How do we maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?
January 23, 2022
Prayer
David Newkirk
Next Gen Pastor David Newkirk is continuing Vision Month with a look at prayer. He'll be answering 5 questions about prayer, including - Why should we pray? and How long should we pray?
Next Gen Pastor David Newkirk is continuing Vision Month with a look at prayer. He'll be answering 5 questions about prayer, including - Why should we pray? and How long should we pray?
January 16, 2022
Stewardship
David Anderson
My prayer for my life and for my kids' lives and for you all is that you would live life in such a way that you can leave the shallow end of the pool and swim with your loving and reliable Savior. It's so easy, especially when it comes to money and the pursuit of money, to get stuck in the shallow end.
My prayer for my life and for my kids' lives and for you all is that you would live life in such a way that you can leave the shallow end of the pool and swim with your loving and reliable Savior. It's so easy, especially when it comes to money and the pursuit of money, to get stuck in the shallow end.
January 9, 2022
Discipleship 2022 Part 2
David Anderson
As we walk into 2022, what is our calling as a church? And what is your calling? According to the infallible, inerrant, holy Word of God, what do our lives need to be about?
As we walk into 2022, what is our calling as a church? And what is your calling? According to the infallible, inerrant, holy Word of God, what do our lives need to be about?
January 2, 2022
Discipleship 2022 Part 1
Matt Ketterling
We at COD are committed to personal discipleship because the eternal life of the incarnate God is spread through his people incarnating the gospel.
We at COD are committed to personal discipleship because the eternal life of the incarnate God is spread through his people incarnating the gospel.
December 26, 2021
The Wonders He Has Done
David Newkirk
James 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you ill? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up—and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness. 17 Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and there was no rain on the land for three years and six months! 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land sprouted with a harvest.”
James 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you ill? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up—and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness. 17 Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and there was no rain on the land for three years and six months! 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land sprouted with a harvest.”
December 19, 2021
Love
David Anderson
There are so many things I want you to clearly understand about our Christian faith in these days before Christmas. There are so many things we can talk about, but there is one thing that I want you to understand above everything else. It is the absolute foundation of the Christian story. As we celebrate Advent, we keep this to the very end. This is the grand finale of the Christian message - being secure in the unshakable love of God for us!
There are so many things I want you to clearly understand about our Christian faith in these days before Christmas. There are so many things we can talk about, but there is one thing that I want you to understand above everything else. It is the absolute foundation of the Christian story. As we celebrate Advent, we keep this to the very end. This is the grand finale of the Christian message - being secure in the unshakable love of God for us!
December 12, 2021
Joy
David Anderson
Joy in Christ is the deep, good feeling in loving Him and believing in Him. It's the echo in our emotions - our hearts - of experiencing Christ as precious and reliable. It's the deep, good feeling of being attracted to Him for who He is and being confident in Him for what He will do.
Joy in Christ is the deep, good feeling in loving Him and believing in Him. It's the echo in our emotions - our hearts - of experiencing Christ as precious and reliable. It's the deep, good feeling of being attracted to Him for who He is and being confident in Him for what He will do.
December 5, 2021
Peace
David Anderson
Many of us are in the process of sending out Christmas cards, and we might have a picture of the manger or baby Jesus and the cards are going to read: Peace On Earth. Christmas is about "peace on earth." What does it mean? What is the "peace on earth" that Jesus was to bring?
Many of us are in the process of sending out Christmas cards, and we might have a picture of the manger or baby Jesus and the cards are going to read: Peace On Earth. Christmas is about "peace on earth." What does it mean? What is the "peace on earth" that Jesus was to bring?
November 28, 2021
Hope
David Newkirk
What does HOPE look like to you? We often believe if this or that occurs, we will be satisfied and safe. Jesus is telling us something different. Jesus is offering a living and eternal hope!
What does HOPE look like to you? We often believe if this or that occurs, we will be satisfied and safe. Jesus is telling us something different. Jesus is offering a living and eternal hope!
November 21, 2021
Jesus is our Peace
David Anderson
Do you have peace? Do you have peace between you and God? Between you and others? At times we can certainly experience a level of happiness in this world through good circumstances, worldly success and financial means, but have you ever experienced deep seated, rooted peace?
Do you have peace? Do you have peace between you and God? Between you and others? At times we can certainly experience a level of happiness in this world through good circumstances, worldly success and financial means, but have you ever experienced deep seated, rooted peace?
November 14, 2021
We Don't Wrestle Against Flesh and Blood
David Anderson
Paul begins this whole section in Ephesians 6 by saying - be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. This is one of the main themes of Ephesians. And it is important to how we live life as followers of the Lord Jesus.
Paul begins this whole section in Ephesians 6 by saying - be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. This is one of the main themes of Ephesians. And it is important to how we live life as followers of the Lord Jesus.
November 7, 2021
Working as to the Lord and Not to Man
David Anderson
Have you ever watched a movie in which a trained animal performed? Did you ever think - how do they do it? In nearly every case, the animal does not belong to the actor, who appears to be giving the animal his cues. The animal is looking beyond the actor, to who stands nearby, off-camera, giving it every command. The animal is not obeying the actor, but its owner. I think most of us struggle with authority. Add to that very imperfect authority and it pushes us over the edge. But Paul says we need to look past our boss, teacher, coach, or church leader to our owner.
Have you ever watched a movie in which a trained animal performed? Did you ever think - how do they do it? In nearly every case, the animal does not belong to the actor, who appears to be giving the animal his cues. The animal is looking beyond the actor, to who stands nearby, off-camera, giving it every command. The animal is not obeying the actor, but its owner. I think most of us struggle with authority. Add to that very imperfect authority and it pushes us over the edge. But Paul says we need to look past our boss, teacher, coach, or church leader to our owner.
October 31, 2021
Spirit Led Families Part 2
David Anderson
Our kids' calling isn't just to survive this world, but to realize they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. They also need to realize that this isn't something we can do! We need the Holy Spirit to fill us, to empower us, to motivate us, to change us.
Our kids' calling isn't just to survive this world, but to realize they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. They also need to realize that this isn't something we can do! We need the Holy Spirit to fill us, to empower us, to motivate us, to change us.
October 24, 2021
Spirit Led Families Part 1
David Anderson
Nancy and I always knew we wanted kids. It was always the plan . . . and we had lots of conversations about it. But one thing we didn't discuss before we had kids is - what is the goal of parenting? What are we shooting for? How would we define success?
Nancy and I always knew we wanted kids. It was always the plan . . . and we had lots of conversations about it. But one thing we didn't discuss before we had kids is - what is the goal of parenting? What are we shooting for? How would we define success?
October 17, 2021
The Purpose of Marriage
David Anderson
What's the purpose of marriage? Why do we get married? This Sunday we get to revisit one of the most famous passages about marriage in the whole Bible, and the Apostle Paul tells us the purpose of marriage.
What's the purpose of marriage? Why do we get married? This Sunday we get to revisit one of the most famous passages about marriage in the whole Bible, and the Apostle Paul tells us the purpose of marriage.
October 10, 2021
The Mystery of Marriage
Ryan Berkman (Student Ministries Pastor)
In a world that disrupts, devalues, and debunks just about every aspect of the biblical institution of marriage, Christian marriages should radically stand out because they point to a far greater reality than what can be plainly seen. Paul reveals this mystery of biblical marriage in Ephesians 5:22-33, and it should completely change the way we think about the relationships between husbands and wives.
In a world that disrupts, devalues, and debunks just about every aspect of the biblical institution of marriage, Christian marriages should radically stand out because they point to a far greater reality than what can be plainly seen. Paul reveals this mystery of biblical marriage in Ephesians 5:22-33, and it should completely change the way we think about the relationships between husbands and wives.
October 3, 2021
Walk in Wisdom
David Newkirk
It is easy to look down on or judge people who appear to be unwise in life, isn’t it? But let me ask you this question - have you ever done something foolish? Have you ever had that moment when you felt like such a fool? Some of us don’t just do unwise things every once in a while; some of us have lives characterized by them. No one wants to live a foolish/unwise life. What does it take to live a wise life? That is the question Paul answers in the middle of Ephesians 5.
It is easy to look down on or judge people who appear to be unwise in life, isn’t it? But let me ask you this question - have you ever done something foolish? Have you ever had that moment when you felt like such a fool? Some of us don’t just do unwise things every once in a while; some of us have lives characterized by them. No one wants to live a foolish/unwise life. What does it take to live a wise life? That is the question Paul answers in the middle of Ephesians 5.
September 26, 2021
Children of Light Expose Darkness
David Anderson
Last week we learned how walking as children of light begins in the most private & intimate parts of our life & sexuality. This week we will learn that walking as children of light involves exposing darkness. Walking as children of light involves going into the basement of our lives and facing the daunting monsters down there with humility, while trusting God’s assessment, redemption and cleansing of those very broken places.
Last week we learned how walking as children of light begins in the most private & intimate parts of our life & sexuality. This week we will learn that walking as children of light involves exposing darkness. Walking as children of light involves going into the basement of our lives and facing the daunting monsters down there with humility, while trusting God’s assessment, redemption and cleansing of those very broken places.
September 19, 2021
How to Walk as Children of Light in a Sexual World
David Anderson
How do we walk as children of light? It begins in the most private and intimate part of our life and sexuality. Sex is a beautiful and good gift from God. As Christians we are the sex experts.
How do we walk as children of light? It begins in the most private and intimate part of our life and sexuality. Sex is a beautiful and good gift from God. As Christians we are the sex experts.
September 12, 2021
Forgiveness That Leads to Freedom
David Anderson
Paul in Ephesians reminds us who we were and we aren’t anymore - we were dead in our trespasses & sin, but by grace we have been made alive in Jesus. We have been raised up with Him and we are seated with Him. Instead of the lifelong, living death of bitterness and cynicism, Jesus offers another path! Instead of taking vengeance, demanding our perceived justice, obsessing with inner fantasies of vindication, there is another way!
Paul in Ephesians reminds us who we were and we aren’t anymore - we were dead in our trespasses & sin, but by grace we have been made alive in Jesus. We have been raised up with Him and we are seated with Him. Instead of the lifelong, living death of bitterness and cynicism, Jesus offers another path! Instead of taking vengeance, demanding our perceived justice, obsessing with inner fantasies of vindication, there is another way!
September 5, 2021
4 Vices to Take Off 4 Virtues to Put On
David Anderson
We have been praying for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit for two years, and praying that God would move us forward together. How do we move forward together? Starting in v 25 of Ephesians 4, Paul gives us 4 vices to take off and 4 virtues to put on. These are concrete exhortations that flow right out of our new identity. Each of the exhortations has to do with personal relationships within the body of Christ - we are members of one another (vs. 25).
We have been praying for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit for two years, and praying that God would move us forward together. How do we move forward together? Starting in v 25 of Ephesians 4, Paul gives us 4 vices to take off and 4 virtues to put on. These are concrete exhortations that flow right out of our new identity. Each of the exhortations has to do with personal relationships within the body of Christ - we are members of one another (vs. 25).
August 29, 2021
The Third Call
Colin McDougall Jr. (COD Missionary)
Calling and naming are powerful actions. God named Gideon "Man of Valor" and He called him out of hiding. Jesus named Simon "The Rock" and He started to build a church around him and his testimony. Jesus called fishermen and made them fishers of men. Let's look at Luke 6:12 to see how Jesus did that and what it means for you and me.
Calling and naming are powerful actions. God named Gideon "Man of Valor" and He called him out of hiding. Jesus named Simon "The Rock" and He started to build a church around him and his testimony. Jesus called fishermen and made them fishers of men. Let's look at Luke 6:12 to see how Jesus did that and what it means for you and me.
August 22, 2021
God's Free Flow Of Grace
David Schaller
You might be familiar with the story of how something powerful gripped a hardcore Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus. Something radical happened to him. Saul went from trying to arrest and put in jail and help kill Christians, to going to jail for helping Gentiles know Christ. He wrote Ephesians - the book we are in right now - from prison. Something happened to Saul (later Paul) that nothing in the natural world could explain. Something happens to each of us when we trust Christ and allow His Holy Spirit to work in us. Today we're going to look at what can happen when we embrace God's grace in our lives.
You might be familiar with the story of how something powerful gripped a hardcore Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus. Something radical happened to him. Saul went from trying to arrest and put in jail and help kill Christians, to going to jail for helping Gentiles know Christ. He wrote Ephesians - the book we are in right now - from prison. Something happened to Saul (later Paul) that nothing in the natural world could explain. Something happens to each of us when we trust Christ and allow His Holy Spirit to work in us. Today we're going to look at what can happen when we embrace God's grace in our lives.
August 15, 2021
Putting off the Old Putting on the New
David Anderson
My heart's desire this morning is that you would clearly know who you are and who you are not. In the section of Ephesians we're going to study this morning, Paul urges Gentile Christians to make a clean break from their old identity and relationship to the world, and tells us to fully embrace, by daily putting on, conforming our lives to our new identity.
My heart's desire this morning is that you would clearly know who you are and who you are not. In the section of Ephesians we're going to study this morning, Paul urges Gentile Christians to make a clean break from their old identity and relationship to the world, and tells us to fully embrace, by daily putting on, conforming our lives to our new identity.
August 8, 2021
Growing Up In Christ!
David Anderson
God is fulfilling His plan of filling the earth with His grace and truth through the church. Our mission is to fill the world, in every place, with the redemptive message of Jesus. Jesus has given us gifted men and women to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ.
God is fulfilling His plan of filling the earth with His grace and truth through the church. Our mission is to fill the world, in every place, with the redemptive message of Jesus. Jesus has given us gifted men and women to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ.
August 1, 2021
Walk Worthy
David Newkirk
In Ephesians 4, Paul is urging us to walk worthy of our calling. What does that mean? What would this look like? What would a life that is worthy of our calling look like in specifics? Paul is going to give us a number of virtues that show us if we are walking worthy of our calling.
In Ephesians 4, Paul is urging us to walk worthy of our calling. What does that mean? What would this look like? What would a life that is worthy of our calling look like in specifics? Paul is going to give us a number of virtues that show us if we are walking worthy of our calling.
July 25, 2021
Who Are We Fighting For?
Ed Underwood
Are you ready to experience the abundant life promised in Ephesians 3:20-21? The good news is that this is exactly what Jesus wants to give you. The bad news is that you can’t do it alone. And the bad news gets worse. There’s a legion of powerful beings dedicated to preventing you from experiencing Jesus’ best life for you. The all-consuming purpose of Ephesians is to promote unity in the church. That means that your experience of this abundant life depends upon your commitment to unity in the community of faith. I want to show you how God has provided everything you need to win the battle. However, your victory depends on how you answer the question posed in today’s deep dive into Ephesians 6:10-20, “Who are we fighting for?”
Are you ready to experience the abundant life promised in Ephesians 3:20-21? The good news is that this is exactly what Jesus wants to give you. The bad news is that you can’t do it alone. And the bad news gets worse. There’s a legion of powerful beings dedicated to preventing you from experiencing Jesus’ best life for you. The all-consuming purpose of Ephesians is to promote unity in the church. That means that your experience of this abundant life depends upon your commitment to unity in the community of faith. I want to show you how God has provided everything you need to win the battle. However, your victory depends on how you answer the question posed in today’s deep dive into Ephesians 6:10-20, “Who are we fighting for?”
July 18, 2021
He Is Able To Do Far More!
David Anderson
I've noticed that there are spenders and savers. When Nancy and I got married, we knew what we were getting into. I knew she enjoyed spending a little more and she knew I enjoyed saving a little more. It was interesting as those values clashed early on. When it comes to your spiritual life, when it comes to all that God is offering us in book of Ephesians (Paul says that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places) - does God want us to be spenders or savers?
I've noticed that there are spenders and savers. When Nancy and I got married, we knew what we were getting into. I knew she enjoyed spending a little more and she knew I enjoyed saving a little more. It was interesting as those values clashed early on. When it comes to your spiritual life, when it comes to all that God is offering us in book of Ephesians (Paul says that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places) - does God want us to be spenders or savers?
July 11, 2021
Living Out the Fullness of God
David Anderson
We have come to the end of the first half of the book of Ephesians. The first three chapters describe who God is, what He has done in Jesus Christ, and who we are as the church in light of what God has done. There are no commands in these first three chapters - just statement after statement about what Christ has done. Starting in chapter 4, Paul introduces the commands. Before this transition happens, though, what does Paul do? He prays for these dear saints in Asia Minor. And do you know what he prays for?!
We have come to the end of the first half of the book of Ephesians. The first three chapters describe who God is, what He has done in Jesus Christ, and who we are as the church in light of what God has done. There are no commands in these first three chapters - just statement after statement about what Christ has done. Starting in chapter 4, Paul introduces the commands. Before this transition happens, though, what does Paul do? He prays for these dear saints in Asia Minor. And do you know what he prays for?!
July 4, 2021
God's Plan From The Beginning
David Anderson
In Ephesians we see that Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and bring to light the plan of the mystery hidden for ages. We think the mystery is salvation by grace through faith. This is the crux of our faith, but it is not the mystery Paul is talking about. The mystery that was hidden but now revealed is Jew and Gentile in one body. The mystery is that the redeemed now include the Gentiles, who have come near by the blood of Jesus. Jesus is God's agent of unifying and God's greatest unity project is the church - all nations together, reconciled to one another, worshipping God and loving one another.
In Ephesians we see that Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and bring to light the plan of the mystery hidden for ages. We think the mystery is salvation by grace through faith. This is the crux of our faith, but it is not the mystery Paul is talking about. The mystery that was hidden but now revealed is Jew and Gentile in one body. The mystery is that the redeemed now include the Gentiles, who have come near by the blood of Jesus. Jesus is God's agent of unifying and God's greatest unity project is the church - all nations together, reconciled to one another, worshipping God and loving one another.
June 27, 2021
Don't Be Discouraged
David Newkirk
Have any of you felt discouraged this past year? How about this - how many of you have you felt discouraged this past month? I know I have. In the part of Ephesians we'll be looking at on Sunday, Paul tells the church not to lose heart, not to be discouraged. What does he say about handling discouragement in Ephesians 3?
Have any of you felt discouraged this past year? How about this - how many of you have you felt discouraged this past month? I know I have. In the part of Ephesians we'll be looking at on Sunday, Paul tells the church not to lose heart, not to be discouraged. What does he say about handling discouragement in Ephesians 3?
June 20, 2021
Strangers and Foreigners Made Citizens and Brothers
Matt Ketterling
Ephesians 2:19–22
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19–22
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
June 13, 2021
The Peacemaker Making Peacemakers
David Anderson
Ephesians 2 proclaims that the Prince of Peace has come. The promised Messiah of peace has come and He has come to bring peace to a very divided and chaotic world, starting with our own hearts. Verses 1-10 describe the vertical peace that we can have now by grace through faith. Then Ephesians 2:11-3:13 describes the horizontal peace that is achieved through Christ to bless this new mysterious community that has been revealed. Both Jew and Gentile have full access to Christ and His promises and experience these blessings in this multi-ethnic community we call the church.
Ephesians 2 proclaims that the Prince of Peace has come. The promised Messiah of peace has come and He has come to bring peace to a very divided and chaotic world, starting with our own hearts. Verses 1-10 describe the vertical peace that we can have now by grace through faith. Then Ephesians 2:11-3:13 describes the horizontal peace that is achieved through Christ to bless this new mysterious community that has been revealed. Both Jew and Gentile have full access to Christ and His promises and experience these blessings in this multi-ethnic community we call the church.
June 6, 2021
Brought Near By The Blood Of Jesus
David Anderson
Our vocation, our calling as a church is to proclaim to all the nations that we who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Jesus! That every nationality, every people group, every person has a place at the table through the Lord Jesus Christ. During this 5-week mini series, we are praying for God’s direction on how we can cooperate with the Spirit’s mission of reconciliation, peace and unity. Pray with us for humility, God’s grace and a passion for the peace and unity Jesus desires for us to experience in His church.
Our vocation, our calling as a church is to proclaim to all the nations that we who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Jesus! That every nationality, every people group, every person has a place at the table through the Lord Jesus Christ. During this 5-week mini series, we are praying for God’s direction on how we can cooperate with the Spirit’s mission of reconciliation, peace and unity. Pray with us for humility, God’s grace and a passion for the peace and unity Jesus desires for us to experience in His church.
May 30, 2021
Grace Through Faith
David Anderson
We are God's poem or new creation, showing forth His name and glory. The reason for His workmanship is that we would shine in the coming ages - that He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:7). We are God's workmanship, created in, through and by Jesus Christ. Our job is to accept this new spiritual DNA and heart that Jesus has given us, and walk in the "good works" that He has always dreamed for us.
We are God's poem or new creation, showing forth His name and glory. The reason for His workmanship is that we would shine in the coming ages - that He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:7). We are God's workmanship, created in, through and by Jesus Christ. Our job is to accept this new spiritual DNA and heart that Jesus has given us, and walk in the "good works" that He has always dreamed for us.
May 23, 2021
But God!
David Newkirk
Why did Jesus save you? I know there are multiple answers to this question. There is only one answer that towers above all the others. It is the ultimate answer to that question. And it is recorded very clearly in Ephesians 2
Why did Jesus save you? I know there are multiple answers to this question. There is only one answer that towers above all the others. It is the ultimate answer to that question. And it is recorded very clearly in Ephesians 2
May 16, 2021
Life Before Christ
David Anderson
Why does the Bible talk so much about sin and brokenness? Because the Bible wants us to have a poor self-esteem? Because the Bible wants to cruelly put us in our place? No. The Bible talks so much about our sin and brokenness because liberation comes not in denying our depravity, but in declaring our depravity and our utter dependence on the grace of God.
Why does the Bible talk so much about sin and brokenness? Because the Bible wants us to have a poor self-esteem? Because the Bible wants to cruelly put us in our place? No. The Bible talks so much about our sin and brokenness because liberation comes not in denying our depravity, but in declaring our depravity and our utter dependence on the grace of God.
May 9, 2021
That We Would Experience God
David Anderson
Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1 is that we would take hold of all that God is offering us. After teaching us about the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places that have been lavished on us through the unifying power of the cross of Jesus Christ, Paul prays. His prayer is that we would experience God. His prayer is that we would not be blinded by the things of this world, and that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened.
Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1 is that we would take hold of all that God is offering us. After teaching us about the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places that have been lavished on us through the unifying power of the cross of Jesus Christ, Paul prays. His prayer is that we would experience God. His prayer is that we would not be blinded by the things of this world, and that the eyes of our hearts would be enlightened.
May 2, 2021
God's Plan & Presence
David Anderson
Our loving heavenly Father wants all of His children to feel secure in His steadfast love. One of the most significant sentences in the Bible is found in Ephesians 1:9-11. One sentence - 202 words in the Greek - describes God's unchanging and powerful love taking over our lives. In this sentence, Paul exclaims to God's anxious and precious children: 1) There is a plan. God works all things according to this plan and Jesus is the center of that plan, and 2) To assure us, He gives us the Holy Spirit as the seal and guarantee of our future inheritance and a promise that He is going to finish the plan.
Our loving heavenly Father wants all of His children to feel secure in His steadfast love. One of the most significant sentences in the Bible is found in Ephesians 1:9-11. One sentence - 202 words in the Greek - describes God's unchanging and powerful love taking over our lives. In this sentence, Paul exclaims to God's anxious and precious children: 1) There is a plan. God works all things according to this plan and Jesus is the center of that plan, and 2) To assure us, He gives us the Holy Spirit as the seal and guarantee of our future inheritance and a promise that He is going to finish the plan.
April 25, 2021
To the Praise of His Glory
David Newkirk
Who are we? What is our identity? How does our identity affect our actions? These are questions that Paul addresses in the Book of Ephesians. He is writing to the church in Ephesus and to churches in the surrounding region. They have thrown their idols away and in this letter Paul is telling them who they are and what they have gotten into when they came into the kingdom of God and the church of Christ. He puts them (and us!) into perspective right away.
Who are we? What is our identity? How does our identity affect our actions? These are questions that Paul addresses in the Book of Ephesians. He is writing to the church in Ephesus and to churches in the surrounding region. They have thrown their idols away and in this letter Paul is telling them who they are and what they have gotten into when they came into the kingdom of God and the church of Christ. He puts them (and us!) into perspective right away.
April 18, 2021
Grace & Peace
David Anderson
As we jump into Ephesians, the whole letter needs to be understood in light of who is writing, who they are writing to, and why they are writing it. What do we know about Paul? What do we know about the Ephesians? Why is Paul writing these things?
As we jump into Ephesians, the whole letter needs to be understood in light of who is writing, who they are writing to, and why they are writing it. What do we know about Paul? What do we know about the Ephesians? Why is Paul writing these things?
April 11, 2021
Uniting the Divided
David Anderson
Paul says that Christ has come to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. The church is the mystery that God has revealed and is the prototype of His ultimate plan of reconciliation. Jesus has recreated a new humanity, a multi-ethnic community we call the church, where the Holy Spirit will free us from strife, jealousy, rivalry and selfishness and launch us where His unity must permeate every aspect of our stories and lives together.
Paul says that Christ has come to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. The church is the mystery that God has revealed and is the prototype of His ultimate plan of reconciliation. Jesus has recreated a new humanity, a multi-ethnic community we call the church, where the Holy Spirit will free us from strife, jealousy, rivalry and selfishness and launch us where His unity must permeate every aspect of our stories and lives together.
April 4, 2021
Easter Sunday
David Anderson
The Christian faith is unique among all that has been offered or will be offered, because it is founded on the living person of Jesus Christ, who was raised bodily from the dead. More than anything, Christianity is founded on the living Lord Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins, risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, and returning soon in power and glory.
The Christian faith is unique among all that has been offered or will be offered, because it is founded on the living person of Jesus Christ, who was raised bodily from the dead. More than anything, Christianity is founded on the living Lord Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins, risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, and returning soon in power and glory.
April 2, 2021
Good Friday
We're so glad you've joined us virtually for this Good Friday remembrance.
Before the start of the service, we encourage you to collect some bread and juice for use during the communion time. And if you can find a nail and a penny, those will be useful during the service as well.
Before the start of the service, we encourage you to collect some bread and juice for use during the communion time. And if you can find a nail and a penny, those will be useful during the service as well.
March 28, 2021
Spiritual Gifts Conclusion
David Anderson
Today we finish our time in I Corinthians 12. Paul declares to us that there are many people with many gifts, but ONE Spirit and this ONE Spirit has very intentionally, strategically and dramatically placed us in the Body of Christ. All the members of the body are interdependent on one another. None is more important than another and each plays such a significant role. We grow and thrive together or we don't grow at all!
Today we finish our time in I Corinthians 12. Paul declares to us that there are many people with many gifts, but ONE Spirit and this ONE Spirit has very intentionally, strategically and dramatically placed us in the Body of Christ. All the members of the body are interdependent on one another. None is more important than another and each plays such a significant role. We grow and thrive together or we don't grow at all!
March 21, 2021
Spiritual Gifts Pt. 3
David Newkirk
The diversity within the body of believers is by God's own design. Each member of the body has divine placement. You have been given a gift by God Himself. The same God who knows you and loves you knows the body of Christ and loves the body of Christ. And your gift is a perfect match for what this body of Christ needs!
The diversity within the body of believers is by God's own design. Each member of the body has divine placement. You have been given a gift by God Himself. The same God who knows you and loves you knows the body of Christ and loves the body of Christ. And your gift is a perfect match for what this body of Christ needs!
March 14, 2021
Spiritual Gifts Pt. 2
David Anderson
The things that are so important to us today are the same things that were important in the days of the Corinthians - race, money, gender. "Out there" we size each other up by our ethnicity, by our economic capacity or lack thereof, by whether we are male or female. "In here" all of these distinctions dissolve. None of these things that are so important to people "out there" affect our standing before Christ. In the Body of Christ we all have the same relationship before God - we belong to Him and His family belongs to us! No other place exists in the universe where Jew/Gentile, free/slave come together and worship and serve in true unity. It is absolutely amazing! There's nothing like it! It is in the Body of Christ that Christ reconciles the nations, the tribes, the race and socio-economic disparity.
The things that are so important to us today are the same things that were important in the days of the Corinthians - race, money, gender. "Out there" we size each other up by our ethnicity, by our economic capacity or lack thereof, by whether we are male or female. "In here" all of these distinctions dissolve. None of these things that are so important to people "out there" affect our standing before Christ. In the Body of Christ we all have the same relationship before God - we belong to Him and His family belongs to us! No other place exists in the universe where Jew/Gentile, free/slave come together and worship and serve in true unity. It is absolutely amazing! There's nothing like it! It is in the Body of Christ that Christ reconciles the nations, the tribes, the race and socio-economic disparity.
March 7, 2021
Spiritual Gifts
David Anderson
Do we have "superpowers" as Christians? I believe we do. I believe Scripture clearly states that we do. I believe the Holy Spirit has given you or will give you a spiritual gift and it is a superpower. It's supernatural. It's not you; it's God. Your neglect or use of your gift will send ripples into eternity.
Do we have "superpowers" as Christians? I believe we do. I believe Scripture clearly states that we do. I believe the Holy Spirit has given you or will give you a spiritual gift and it is a superpower. It's supernatural. It's not you; it's God. Your neglect or use of your gift will send ripples into eternity.
February 28, 2021
Walking in the Spirit Conclusion
David Anderson
It was so important to Paul that the new believers in the book of Galatians knew how to move from defeat to hope, how to move from failure to maturity. how to move from darkness to light. In verse 16 of Galatians 5, Paul explains the key to the life Jesus is offering. It is this idea of walking, peripateo. Walk by the Spirit, Paul says, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
It was so important to Paul that the new believers in the book of Galatians knew how to move from defeat to hope, how to move from failure to maturity. how to move from darkness to light. In verse 16 of Galatians 5, Paul explains the key to the life Jesus is offering. It is this idea of walking, peripateo. Walk by the Spirit, Paul says, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
February 21, 2021
Walking in the Spirit Pt. 2
David Newkirk
How do we know the difference between our flesh and the Holy Spirit within us? The Spirit will want to please God; the flesh will want to please ourselves. When we submit to the Spirit's presence in our lives - meditating on the Word of God and offering praise and worship in spite of what we're feeling or experiencing - the Spirit wins out over our flesh and influences our actions.
February 14, 2021
Walking in the Spirit Pt. 1
David Anderson
This week we're spending time in four verses - Galatians 5:13-16. The logic of these four verses is simple. We are called to live as liberated, freed men and women, boys and girls. We are called to express every ounce of the Spirit in us through our new heart and new nature. We are freed through love to serve one another. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.
This week we're spending time in four verses - Galatians 5:13-16. The logic of these four verses is simple. We are called to live as liberated, freed men and women, boys and girls. We are called to express every ounce of the Spirit in us through our new heart and new nature. We are freed through love to serve one another. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.
February 7, 2021
Missions
David Schaller
In our passage today, we'll see Jesus reacting to a very tragic situation involving a soul crushing state of affairs. As tragic as seeing an unresponsive person or car accident, the situation Jesus was observing involved the eternal consequences of people's souls. In our passage this morning we'll see what Jesus invites His disciples and us to do to address the deep spiritual need of those around us who are spiritually lost and without hope.
January 31, 2021
Unity
David Newkirk
Everywhere we look these days division is apparent. And the divides keep growing even when we seek to heal them. In John 17 Jesus prayed a prayer - the longest recorded prayer by Him in the Bible. In that prayer He gives you and me a secret. He tells us something and does something that can be life transforming in light of all that we are facing today.
Everywhere we look these days division is apparent. And the divides keep growing even when we seek to heal them. In John 17 Jesus prayed a prayer - the longest recorded prayer by Him in the Bible. In that prayer He gives you and me a secret. He tells us something and does something that can be life transforming in light of all that we are facing today.
January 24, 2021
Stewardship
David Anderson
Jesus says to treasure not earthly treasures, but heavenly treasures. At the center of our souls we all treasure something. If we have this "something", everything is worth it. we all have something. It might be family or money or romance or health. Freedom is found when this something is Jesus, when we treasure Jesus. This is where freedom is had.
Jesus says to treasure not earthly treasures, but heavenly treasures. At the center of our souls we all treasure something. If we have this "something", everything is worth it. we all have something. It might be family or money or romance or health. Freedom is found when this something is Jesus, when we treasure Jesus. This is where freedom is had.
January 17, 2021
Moving Forward Through Bold Prayer
David Anderson
In the third chapter of Ephesians, Paul prays for the people of God. He prays that according to the riches of His glory, God may grant us to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in our inner beings. Strengthened to comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of the love of God, to be filled with all the fullness of God.
In the third chapter of Ephesians, Paul prays for the people of God. He prays that according to the riches of His glory, God may grant us to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in our inner beings. Strengthened to comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of the love of God, to be filled with all the fullness of God.
January 10, 2021
Discipleship Pt.2
David Anderson
Discipleship. It's our bread and butter, so essential to the lives of those who love the Lord Jesus. As we start this new year, we want to encourage you to take a step into discipleship. Find out what happens when you intentionally share life, time and experience with other believers around the Word of God.
Discipleship. It's our bread and butter, so essential to the lives of those who love the Lord Jesus. As we start this new year, we want to encourage you to take a step into discipleship. Find out what happens when you intentionally share life, time and experience with other believers around the Word of God.
January 3, 2021
Discipleship Pt.1
Matt Ketterling
The complementary pair of gospel truth and deep relationships has been and remains a hallmark of the ministry of Church of the Open Door. In fact, working out the transformation of the gospel with a handful of committed friends is what we call discipleship.
The complementary pair of gospel truth and deep relationships has been and remains a hallmark of the ministry of Church of the Open Door. In fact, working out the transformation of the gospel with a handful of committed friends is what we call discipleship.
December 27, 2020
Hindsight is 2020
David Newkirk
I can tell you this about 2021. If you live according to His will, if you are willing to say yes to Him even when He says no to you - if you do this, then 2021 may not be a problem-less year, but it will be a God-filled year.
I can tell you this about 2021. If you live according to His will, if you are willing to say yes to Him even when He says no to you - if you do this, then 2021 may not be a problem-less year, but it will be a God-filled year.
December 20, 2020
The Word Became Flesh
Advent Series
David Anderson
There is so much speculation about God. We all can make so many inferences about Him, but it's His Word that is the clearest and ultimate revelation of who He is. How we are feeling about God today needs to be rooted in His Word.
David Anderson
There is so much speculation about God. We all can make so many inferences about Him, but it's His Word that is the clearest and ultimate revelation of who He is. How we are feeling about God today needs to be rooted in His Word.
December 13, 2020
Good News of Great Joy
Advent 2020
David Anderson
The Bible says that Christmas is about great joy! It isn't just an occasion for joy if you get the right gift or the right people come for Christmas or the wrong people don't - Christmas joy transcends! It rises above our present circumstances and offers what the Bible says is GREAT JOY!
David Anderson
The Bible says that Christmas is about great joy! It isn't just an occasion for joy if you get the right gift or the right people come for Christmas or the wrong people don't - Christmas joy transcends! It rises above our present circumstances and offers what the Bible says is GREAT JOY!
December 6, 2020
The Prince of Peace
Advent 2020
David Anderson
Jesus came to give us peace! Jesus came to give deep, heart and mind guarding peace in the midst of COVID-19, in the midst of divisive elections, in the midst of racial unrest, in the midst of all your personal discouragement. Jesus says, "My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). It's ours for the taking!
David Anderson
Jesus came to give us peace! Jesus came to give deep, heart and mind guarding peace in the midst of COVID-19, in the midst of divisive elections, in the midst of racial unrest, in the midst of all your personal discouragement. Jesus says, "My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). It's ours for the taking!
November 29, 2020
Share Hope
Advent 2020
Ed Underwood
The wonder of Christ’s humility, demonstrated on the first Christmas, offers the only lasting hope to our world. Praising Him for His willingness to come down soothes our souls during the hopelessly hurtful times of life. May the Lord use the words of Psalm 113 to lift our hearts in worship of the One who is worthy of our praise, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ed Underwood
The wonder of Christ’s humility, demonstrated on the first Christmas, offers the only lasting hope to our world. Praising Him for His willingness to come down soothes our souls during the hopelessly hurtful times of life. May the Lord use the words of Psalm 113 to lift our hearts in worship of the One who is worthy of our praise, Jesus Christ our Lord.
November 22, 2020
The Difference Maker
Revive Us Series
David Newkirk
There is a lot that the Holy Spirit does in the life of a believer. There is one action that I think is perfect to focus on as we end this series on Who Is The Holy Spirit: it's transformation. We are literally changed by the Holy Spirit. He makes the difference! The question we need to answer today is - how do we get this done?
David Newkirk
There is a lot that the Holy Spirit does in the life of a believer. There is one action that I think is perfect to focus on as we end this series on Who Is The Holy Spirit: it's transformation. We are literally changed by the Holy Spirit. He makes the difference! The question we need to answer today is - how do we get this done?
November 15, 2020
The Holy Spirit Who Dwells In Us
Revive Series
David Anderson
Our Savior promises a fountain of water springing up in us. To the one who believes in Him will flow rivers of living water. Do you have a river of life flowing out of you?
David Anderson
Our Savior promises a fountain of water springing up in us. To the one who believes in Him will flow rivers of living water. Do you have a river of life flowing out of you?
November 8, 2020
Our Advantage
Revive Us Series
David Anderson
The Christian movement was a real mission impossible. In this context of mission impossible in John 15 & 16, Jesus tells his disciples that He is going away. And not only is He going away, but He says that it is to their advantage that He leaves. In what world would it be good for Jesus to go away?
David Anderson
The Christian movement was a real mission impossible. In this context of mission impossible in John 15 & 16, Jesus tells his disciples that He is going away. And not only is He going away, but He says that it is to their advantage that He leaves. In what world would it be good for Jesus to go away?
November 1, 2020
The Uncontrollable Spirit
Revive Series
David Anderson
John ends chapter 2 telling that Jesus knew all men. The One who knows all men now begins a series of interesting conversations with individual men and women with diverse backgrounds and worldviews. He begins with Nicodemus and then in chapter 4 he meets the Samaritan woman and the Gentile officer and in chapter 5 it's the man at the pool of Bethesda. What does he talk about with them?
David Anderson
John ends chapter 2 telling that Jesus knew all men. The One who knows all men now begins a series of interesting conversations with individual men and women with diverse backgrounds and worldviews. He begins with Nicodemus and then in chapter 4 he meets the Samaritan woman and the Gentile officer and in chapter 5 it's the man at the pool of Bethesda. What does he talk about with them?
October 25, 2020
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Revive Us Series
David Newkirk
Brothers and sisters, when you placed your faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sin, everything changed! Everything changed for you! You have been given the Holy Spirit. You have been given a new nature. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to make the new nature work. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to grow spiritually.
David Newkirk
Brothers and sisters, when you placed your faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sin, everything changed! Everything changed for you! You have been given the Holy Spirit. You have been given a new nature. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to make the new nature work. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to grow spiritually.
October 18, 2020
Walk as Children of Light
Revive Series
David Anderson
How does Scripture describe spiritual reality and spiritual truth? More than any other imagery, Scripture uses what? Light and darkness. Light is always used of God and darkness is often used of deception, blindness, sin and death. The message that Jesus Christ brings into this world is that His light can conquer the darkness of any heart.
David Anderson
How does Scripture describe spiritual reality and spiritual truth? More than any other imagery, Scripture uses what? Light and darkness. Light is always used of God and darkness is often used of deception, blindness, sin and death. The message that Jesus Christ brings into this world is that His light can conquer the darkness of any heart.
October 11, 2020
God's Passion For the Powerless
Revive Us Series
David Anderson
Our biggest problem is that we want to separate the sins "out there" in society from the sin in our own hearts. I think the average person thinks the problem is out there and not in us. The question I have this morning is this - Is God asking us to reexamine ourselves regarding the issues of justice?
David Anderson
Our biggest problem is that we want to separate the sins "out there" in society from the sin in our own hearts. I think the average person thinks the problem is out there and not in us. The question I have this morning is this - Is God asking us to reexamine ourselves regarding the issues of justice?
October 4, 2020
That Your Joy May Be Full
Revive Series
David Anderson
As we continue our series, Revive Us: Confession, I want to direct our attention to I John 1. John begins John 1 by explaining to us that Jesus has come. He gets descriptive - we have seen him with our eyes (the disciples), we have handled Him. Christ has come and we, the apostles, bear witness of the life the Father has manifested to us. We have experienced fellowship and intimacy with Him and we want you to experience the same with us and with the Father and with each other.
David Anderson
As we continue our series, Revive Us: Confession, I want to direct our attention to I John 1. John begins John 1 by explaining to us that Jesus has come. He gets descriptive - we have seen him with our eyes (the disciples), we have handled Him. Christ has come and we, the apostles, bear witness of the life the Father has manifested to us. We have experienced fellowship and intimacy with Him and we want you to experience the same with us and with the Father and with each other.
September 27, 2020
Dealing with Consequences
Revive Us Series
David Newkirk
Today we are all dealing with consequences. If we take a moment right now, every single one of us can trace back some consequence we are facing right now to the root cause. Some are easy to identify; others are more difficult. There is a "master key" that can provide you with hope to deal with whatever circumstances you find yourself in. - Pastor David Newkirk
David Newkirk
Today we are all dealing with consequences. If we take a moment right now, every single one of us can trace back some consequence we are facing right now to the root cause. Some are easy to identify; others are more difficult. There is a "master key" that can provide you with hope to deal with whatever circumstances you find yourself in. - Pastor David Newkirk
September 20, 2020
The Lord is Our Hiding Place
Revive Series
David Anderson
King David says in Psalm 32:7 - "You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." David knows the sin cycle well. David knows how sin compounds sin. Cover up causes more cover up. But, when you confess your sins, you are all out in the open. That is the moment God can bring His protecting guidance and deliverance. It is at that moment that God guides our hearts. It is at that moment that He becomes our hiding place. Before confession we are hiding from Him; after confession He is our hiding place, our refuge.
David Anderson
King David says in Psalm 32:7 - "You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." David knows the sin cycle well. David knows how sin compounds sin. Cover up causes more cover up. But, when you confess your sins, you are all out in the open. That is the moment God can bring His protecting guidance and deliverance. It is at that moment that God guides our hearts. It is at that moment that He becomes our hiding place. Before confession we are hiding from Him; after confession He is our hiding place, our refuge.
September 13, 2020
Uncover to be Covered
Revive Us Series
David Anderson
Can you handle the weight that you are carrying this morning? Today there are many of us who are stumbling around life with too much weight for us to bear. I want to get very specific about what I am talking about. When you finally pull the plug on all your distractions and there's a window of silence - where does your heart race to? What is that thing? We are weighed down with sin and we are left with feelings of hopelessness. - Pastor David Anderson
David Anderson
Can you handle the weight that you are carrying this morning? Today there are many of us who are stumbling around life with too much weight for us to bear. I want to get very specific about what I am talking about. When you finally pull the plug on all your distractions and there's a window of silence - where does your heart race to? What is that thing? We are weighed down with sin and we are left with feelings of hopelessness. - Pastor David Anderson
September 6, 2020
Revive Us: Confession
Revive Series
David Anderson
All year we have been praying, "Father, pour out your Spirit on us and move us forward together." How is this going to happen? You study the great revivals in the history of Christianity and you notice there are two main things that happen: 1) there are a whole lot of people praying for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and 2) confession is happening. I don't know what God is going to do in this series. I certainly can't control it. I certainly can't coerce it. But we can pray and open up our hearts to the Living God.- Pastor David Anderson
David Anderson
All year we have been praying, "Father, pour out your Spirit on us and move us forward together." How is this going to happen? You study the great revivals in the history of Christianity and you notice there are two main things that happen: 1) there are a whole lot of people praying for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and 2) confession is happening. I don't know what God is going to do in this series. I certainly can't control it. I certainly can't coerce it. But we can pray and open up our hearts to the Living God.- Pastor David Anderson
August 30, 2020
Perfect Peace
John 14:27
David Newkirk
How do we find perfect peace? The answer may seem simple. We need to look at what we are putting into our lives. What are we putting into our life, our minds, our family, our marriages and our friends?
David Newkirk
How do we find perfect peace? The answer may seem simple. We need to look at what we are putting into our lives. What are we putting into our life, our minds, our family, our marriages and our friends?
August 23, 2020
Set Free. By Grace. For Good
Titus Conclusion
David Anderson
The church's calling is to embody the grace of God in so full a way that its life is radically different from the depraved expectations and values of our culture. The life Jesus dreams for us is a life that He has lavishly given to us "through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, who He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior." We have been set free by grace for good - David Anderson
David Anderson
The church's calling is to embody the grace of God in so full a way that its life is radically different from the depraved expectations and values of our culture. The life Jesus dreams for us is a life that He has lavishly given to us "through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, who He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior." We have been set free by grace for good - David Anderson
August 16, 2020
Team Work & Good Works
Titus 3:12-15
David Anderson
All through his epistles, Paul couldn't wait to tell his readers that they weren't alone; they were a part of a body with many members, and although there were many, they were one fabulous, dynamic body. The Holy Spirit baptized them and strategically placed them squarely in the Body of Christ to thrive.
David Anderson
All through his epistles, Paul couldn't wait to tell his readers that they weren't alone; they were a part of a body with many members, and although there were many, they were one fabulous, dynamic body. The Holy Spirit baptized them and strategically placed them squarely in the Body of Christ to thrive.
August 9, 2020
Useful, Profitable Good Works
Titus 3:8-11
David Anderson
The grace and gospel of Jesus Christ isn't just the entrance into eternal life; it is actually the whole thing. It's not just the ABCs of the Christian life; it's A to Z. It's not kindergarten; it's college and post-graduate and doctorate. We never graduate from grace and move on to more sophisticated things. It's the beginning and the end!
David Anderson
The grace and gospel of Jesus Christ isn't just the entrance into eternal life; it is actually the whole thing. It's not just the ABCs of the Christian life; it's A to Z. It's not kindergarten; it's college and post-graduate and doctorate. We never graduate from grace and move on to more sophisticated things. It's the beginning and the end!
This faithful saying is what we whisper in our babies' ears the day they are born. This is the last thing we say to our aging parents before they go into the arms of Jesus. This is what we repeat every moment of every day in between.
August 2, 2020
By His Grace!
Titus 3:3-7
David Anderson
"We are going to take the next three weeks and return to Titus and finish it. Paul tells Titus that there is a message that needs to be reaffirmed constantly for these baby Christians on the island of Crete. There is a faithful saying that they need to tattoo on their hearts. It is what will move them forward in all the good works God has for them."
David Anderson
"We are going to take the next three weeks and return to Titus and finish it. Paul tells Titus that there is a message that needs to be reaffirmed constantly for these baby Christians on the island of Crete. There is a faithful saying that they need to tattoo on their hearts. It is what will move them forward in all the good works God has for them."
July 26, 2020
An Invitation to Hope
Isaiah 40:27-31
David Schaller
"To wait for the Lord" means to live with the tension of promises revealed but not yet fulfilled. It is waiting on tiptoe, waiting with eager, expectant, confident longing. Waiting is what faith does before God's answer shows up. - Pastor David Schaller
David Schaller
"To wait for the Lord" means to live with the tension of promises revealed but not yet fulfilled. It is waiting on tiptoe, waiting with eager, expectant, confident longing. Waiting is what faith does before God's answer shows up. - Pastor David Schaller
July 19, 2020
Facing Your Fear
Luke 10:38-42 & Psalm 139
David Newkirk
"God has designed and given us a variety of responsibilities, opportunities and abilities that affirm our self-worth. Imagine for a moment what it would feel like to lose an important skill, ability or role. One of the challenges of this kind of loss is losing our connection with God. Part of dealing with this is remembering who we are in Christ, and not seeing our significance only through what we do. How can we build our identity in Christ no matter what life throws at us?"
David Newkirk
"God has designed and given us a variety of responsibilities, opportunities and abilities that affirm our self-worth. Imagine for a moment what it would feel like to lose an important skill, ability or role. One of the challenges of this kind of loss is losing our connection with God. Part of dealing with this is remembering who we are in Christ, and not seeing our significance only through what we do. How can we build our identity in Christ no matter what life throws at us?"
July 12, 2020
Through Love Serve One Another
Galatians 5:13-15
David Anderson
"Only a changed heart can love the way this world is desperately seeking. What does this world need more than anything? The love of a freed, redeemed heart is what the world is thirsting for. As we pray for revival and pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this family, this is the love we are praying for." Pastor David Anderson
David Anderson
"Only a changed heart can love the way this world is desperately seeking. What does this world need more than anything? The love of a freed, redeemed heart is what the world is thirsting for. As we pray for revival and pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this family, this is the love we are praying for." Pastor David Anderson
July 5, 2020
Stand Firm in the Lord
Ephesians 6:13-20
David Newkirk
Pastor David Newkirk shares from Ephesians 6, urging us to stand firm in the Lord as we face spiritual battles. Come be encouraged by God's Word. Come be strengthened by this community of believers - we need each other more than ever!
David Newkirk
Pastor David Newkirk shares from Ephesians 6, urging us to stand firm in the Lord as we face spiritual battles. Come be encouraged by God's Word. Come be strengthened by this community of believers - we need each other more than ever!
June 28, 2020
Love One Another
I John 4:7-12
Colin McDougall Sr.
Hear about God's deep love for us and His desire that we should love one another. COD missionary Colin McDougall will be sharing from I John 4, and we'll be honoring him for decades of faithful ministry as he transitions into retirement.
Colin McDougall Sr.
Hear about God's deep love for us and His desire that we should love one another. COD missionary Colin McDougall will be sharing from I John 4, and we'll be honoring him for decades of faithful ministry as he transitions into retirement.
June 21, 2020
Signs of a Revived Church!
Acts 2:41-47
David Anderson
Revival and Church of the Open Door's instrumental place at this time in history. The Lord is at work in amazing ways.
David Anderson
Revival and Church of the Open Door's instrumental place at this time in history. The Lord is at work in amazing ways.
June 14, 2020
Let Us Go Into the House of The Lord
Psalms 122
David Anderson
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord!'" This verse from Psalm 122:1 perfectly expresses our excitement about gathering together this weekend!
David Anderson
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord!'" This verse from Psalm 122:1 perfectly expresses our excitement about gathering together this weekend!
June 7, 2020
One
John 17:20-26
David Anderson
It can be hard to hope right now, but the prophet Jeremiah gives us a wonderful gift in the book of Lamentations. He lets us see inside his heart and mind during his darkest days. He gives us a look at lament - the quest to connect our brokenness with the faithfulness and mercies of God.
David Anderson
It can be hard to hope right now, but the prophet Jeremiah gives us a wonderful gift in the book of Lamentations. He lets us see inside his heart and mind during his darkest days. He gives us a look at lament - the quest to connect our brokenness with the faithfulness and mercies of God.
May 31, 2020
Let Each Esteem Others
Philippians 2:1-11
David Anderson
This is what I believe Jesus is saying to each and every one of us this morning through the book of Philippians: I know you know how to fight; I want you to know how to love. I know you have opinions and know how to express those opinions, but I want you to know how to humble yourself and esteem others better than yourself. I know you know how to have a temper tantrum, but I want you to show the Body of Christ and this lost and dying world what mature, robust discipleship to Me looks like.
David Anderson
This is what I believe Jesus is saying to each and every one of us this morning through the book of Philippians: I know you know how to fight; I want you to know how to love. I know you have opinions and know how to express those opinions, but I want you to know how to humble yourself and esteem others better than yourself. I know you know how to have a temper tantrum, but I want you to show the Body of Christ and this lost and dying world what mature, robust discipleship to Me looks like.
May 24, 2020
Great is His Faithfulness
Lamentations 3:19-31
David Anderson
It can be hard to hope right now, but the prophet Jeremiah gives us a wonderful gift in the book of Lamentations. He lets us see inside his heart and mind during his darkest days. He gives us a look at lament - the quest to connect our brokenness with the faithfulness and mercies of God.
David Anderson
It can be hard to hope right now, but the prophet Jeremiah gives us a wonderful gift in the book of Lamentations. He lets us see inside his heart and mind during his darkest days. He gives us a look at lament - the quest to connect our brokenness with the faithfulness and mercies of God.
May 17, 2020
Jesus Calms the Storm
Mark 4:35-41
David Newkirk
Why is this happening? Does God know? Does He care? How do I reconcile the presence of a loving God with the problem of evil?
David Newkirk
Why is this happening? Does God know? Does He care? How do I reconcile the presence of a loving God with the problem of evil?
May 10, 2020
Happy Mother's Day
Ephesians 5:1
David Anderson
Happy Mother's Day! Find encouragement and hope from the stories of three experienced moms as they share their journeys of faith and motherhood.
David Anderson
Happy Mother's Day! Find encouragement and hope from the stories of three experienced moms as they share their journeys of faith and motherhood.
May 3, 2020
Jesus Can Satisfy
John 6:35-58
David Anderson
We are in such fertile ground to hear the voice of Jesus! The coronavirus has turned our words upside-down. Our daily routines have been disrupted. He has stripped from us so many of our coping mechanisms and distractions. What is Jesus saying to you? What does He desperately want to say to you?
David Anderson
We are in such fertile ground to hear the voice of Jesus! The coronavirus has turned our words upside-down. Our daily routines have been disrupted. He has stripped from us so many of our coping mechanisms and distractions. What is Jesus saying to you? What does He desperately want to say to you?
April 26, 2020
Wait on the Goodness of The Lord
Psalm 27
David Anderson
The Psalms are such gifts to our hearts during this time. They give us permission to stop pretending that everything is okay. We don't have to pretend everything is okay! They give us the ability to ask real questions about whether God is enough as we face today.
David Anderson
The Psalms are such gifts to our hearts during this time. They give us permission to stop pretending that everything is okay. We don't have to pretend everything is okay! They give us the ability to ask real questions about whether God is enough as we face today.
April 19, 2020
Our God is Greater
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
David Newkirk
God became human so that we can approach Him. Freely. When we have a hard day, when we feel rejected, when we go through pain, Jesus says - I get that! Bring it to me. Receive mercy, and find the grace you need for your journey.
David Newkirk
God became human so that we can approach Him. Freely. When we have a hard day, when we feel rejected, when we go through pain, Jesus says - I get that! Bring it to me. Receive mercy, and find the grace you need for your journey.
April 12, 2020
Easter
Titus 3:4-7
David Anderson
This is an odd Easter morning. You may not even be sure why you agreed to watch this, but here you are. And I believe that on Easter 2020, in the midst of all of this coronavirus tragedy, the God of the universe is calling to you and wants to make you new!
David Anderson
This is an odd Easter morning. You may not even be sure why you agreed to watch this, but here you are. And I believe that on Easter 2020, in the midst of all of this coronavirus tragedy, the God of the universe is calling to you and wants to make you new!
April 10, 2020
Good Friday
To fully enter into the joy of Easter, we must first enter into Jesus’ suffering. Good Friday reminds us that Easter came at an incredible cost. It shows us a picture of humanity at its worst, and God’s selfless love at its best.
April 5, 2020
Words of Comfort: You Have Hedged Me Behind and Before!
Psalm 139
David Anderson
In Psalm 139, David - the man after God's own heart - was facing pain. In the midst of this pain, he gives us a gift. David gives us back our perspective. He gives us hope.
David Anderson
In Psalm 139, David - the man after God's own heart - was facing pain. In the midst of this pain, he gives us a gift. David gives us back our perspective. He gives us hope.
March 29, 2020
Words of Comfort: He's The God Of All Grace!
I Peter 5:8-14
David Newkirk
If we are suffering - as we are suffering - this is what we need to know: He gives more grace. He gives more grace. When we incorporate this truth into our lives, it allows us to lean on HIm for the strength we need. He's the God of all grace!
David Newkirk
If we are suffering - as we are suffering - this is what we need to know: He gives more grace. He gives more grace. When we incorporate this truth into our lives, it allows us to lean on HIm for the strength we need. He's the God of all grace!
March 22, 2020
Words of Comfort: God Is For Us!
Romans 8:31-39
David Anderson
What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? How can we as a community encourage each other by reminding one another about these truths from Romans 8?
David Anderson
What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? How can we as a community encourage each other by reminding one another about these truths from Romans 8?
March 15, 2020
Titus: The Problem with ``Us Versus Them``
Titus 3:3
David Anderson
Something happens to us when we start developing an "us versus them" mentality. The only thing, and I mean the only thing, that makes us different as believers than anyone else in this world is the miraculous grace and love of Jesus Christ.
David Anderson
Something happens to us when we start developing an "us versus them" mentality. The only thing, and I mean the only thing, that makes us different as believers than anyone else in this world is the miraculous grace and love of Jesus Christ.