United Church

This sermon explores sacrifice as a meta-virtue that encompassesgenerosity, hospitality, servanthood, and charity. Pastor John examineshow sacrifice is intrinsically connected to love, faith, and obediencethroughout Scripture. Beginning with Cain and Abel's offerings, thesermon demonstrates that appropriate sacrifice reflects our love for Godand recognition that everything belongs to Him. The message emphasizesthat while sacrifice is essential to Christian life, God values mercy,faithfulness, and intimate relationship with Him even more than sacrificeitself. Jesus's ultimate sacrifice on the cross serves as the model forbelievers, who are called to give sacrificially while extending mercy toothers rather than demanding sacrifices from them. The sermon concludeswith the paradox that Christians must make personal sacrifices cheerfullywhile showi

This sermon explores courage as a meta-virtue, examining its biblical definitionversus contemporary cultural understanding. The pastor defines biblical courage as"doing the thing that should be done despite significant opposition," emphasizingthat true courage stems from faith in God's presence and power. Drawing from thecardinal virtues tradition (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance), the messagedistinguishes between godly courage and foolhardy audacity or cowardice. Thesermon challenges believers to exhibit spiritual courage in everyday struggles, notjust dramatic circumstances, reminding the congregation that Christ's victory oversin and death provides the foundation for fearless living. The pastor warns againstcultural distortions of courage that celebrate rebellion against God or reality, insteadcalling for courage rooted in obedience to God's will, even unto death.

This powerful exploration of biblical honor challenges us to reclaim a virtue that has been largely forgotten in modern culture. Drawing from the Hebrew word 'kavod,' meaning weight or significance, and the Greek 'time,' meaning value or worth, we discover that honor is far more than a polite gesture—it's about ascribing the proper weight, value, and respect to God, others, and even ourselves. The message confronts us with Jesus' own words from Matthew 15, where He exposes the hypocrisy of honoring God with our lips while our hearts remain far from Him. This isn't just ancient history; it's a mirror reflecting our own worship, relationships, and daily interactions. We're reminded that honor must flow from genuine heart attitudes, not mere outward performance. The call to 'outdo one another in showing honor' from Romans 12:10 becomes particularly convicting when we consider our polarized culture, our fractured communities, and even our own families. Perhaps most challenging is the recognition that sometimes honoring our parents means living in such a way that others look at us and say, 'They must have great parents'—and similarly, our lives should cause others to honor our Heavenly Father. This week invites us to practice honor intentionally, recognizing it as a pathway marked by humility, righteousness, and love.

Division is Distraction: Celebrating Biblical Justice & Good News in Our WorldIn a world saturated with headlines of division and despair, we're invited to shift our gaze toward the remarkable ways God's people are quietly transforming our world through biblical justice. This message challenges us to move beyond political distraction and recognize the extraordinary good happening all around us. We discover that Christians, regardless of political affiliation, are the most generous givers—contributing more time, money, and even blood than their secular counterparts. We learn about stunning victories in child mortality rates, with millions of children's lives saved through clean water initiatives largely funded by faith-based organizations. Crime rates are dropping, drug overdose deaths are declining, and religious freedom is being protected in court after court. Perhaps most encouraging, we see denominations like the Southern Baptist Convention courageously confronting sexual abuse within their ranks, creating accountability systems that protect the vulnerable. Meanwhile, Gen Z and Millennials are returning to church in unprecedented numbers, nearly doubling their weekly attendance since 2019. This isn't naive optimism—it's recognizing that while icebergs of challenge surround us, we're not on a sinking ship. When we focus on outcomes rather than political personalities, we find countless reasons to celebrate how God is working through His people to bring justice, mercy, and flourishing to our broken world.

Understanding God's Law and GraceThis sermon provides a comprehensive exploration of the Mosaic Law and its relationship to Christian faith today. The pastor addresses the common question of which Old Testament laws Christians must still follow by introducing a threefold categorization of the law: moral, ceremonial, and civil/judicial. The message emphasizes that while ceremonial and civil laws were fulfilled in Christ, the moral law remains binding on believers. The sermon demonstrates that the law was never meant to save anyone but rather to reveal humanity's universal need for Jesus Christ. Both Jews who had the law and Gentiles who didn't equally need salvation through faith in Christ alone. The teaching culminates in the recognition that Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law and became the sacrifice that frees believers from the law's penalty, making His blood the only pathway to eternal life.

The Danger of Judgment: Walking in God's KindnessThis powerful exploration of Romans chapter 2 challenges us to examine the dangerous territory of judgment and self-righteousness. We're confronted with a paradox: while we're called to hold fellow believers accountable within the church through gentle restoration, we have no standing to condemn those outside our faith community. The message draws a stark contrast between Jesus' righteous anger toward religious hypocrites and His tender compassion toward ordinary sinners. We see Him overturning tables in the temple yet sitting gently with the woman at the well. This reveals a crucial truth: our harshest judgments should be reserved for ourselves, not others. The sermon dissects three toxic forms of judgment—hypocritical, presumptuous, and self-righteous—showing how each one places us in God's seat rather than at His feet. The most convicting insight is this: when we post harsh criticism on social media or gossip under the guise of prayer, we become the very Pharisees Jesus condemned. What transforms hearts isn't our accusations but God's kindness. His loving mercy leads people to repentance, not our condemnation. This message calls us to ruthless self-examination, asking whether we're quick to see specks in others' eyes while ignoring the beams in our own. It's an invitation to repent of our judgmental attitudes and remember that we stand righteous only because of Christ's blood, not our moral superiority.

Biblical Justice in Action: Moving from Conviction to Community ImpactThis session challenges us to move beyond theoretical discussions of biblical justice into practical, tangible action. At the heart of the message is Genesis 1:27—the truth that every human being is created in God's image, which forms the foundation for how we treat others. We're introduced to a powerful framework for engaging in justice work: relief (direct aid like food and shelter), development (moving people toward self-sufficiency through education and mentorship), and social reform (changing the systems and policies that create dependency). What makes this particularly compelling is the recognition that biblical justice isn't just about grand national movements—it's profoundly local. The food pantry across the wall, the foster child in our community, the grieving neighbor who needs someone to sit with them—these are the frontlines of kingdom work. We're reminded of Zechariah's call to care for widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor, and challenged to contextualize these categories for today: foster children, trafficking victims, single parents, the homeless, the mentally ill, immigrants. The session invites us to audit our own involvement across different levels—local, regional, national, international—and prayerfully consider where God is calling us to invest our time, energy, and resources. The truth is, we can't do everything, but we can do something, and together our collective action creates the shalom God desires for our communities.Find more information at https://uefc.org/godngovernance

Understanding God's Wrath and GraceWhat stirs the wrath of a holy God? This powerful exploration of Romans 1:18-32 takes us on a sobering journey through the throne room of heaven and into the depths of human sinfulness. We're confronted with a vivid picture: God seated in unapproachable light, worthy of all glory, yet humanity repeatedly choosing to suppress His truth, exchange His glory for worthless idols, and embrace lies over reality. The passage reveals four critical areas that provoke divine anger: our damage to truth through suppression and deceit, our mental futility when we refuse to love God with our minds, our worship of created things rather than the Creator, and our sexual immorality in all its forms. What makes this message so compelling is its unflinching honesty about the gap between us and God—a chasm so vast that no human effort could ever bridge it. Yet this devastating diagnosis leads to the most beautiful cure: Jesus Christ, who absorbed God's wrath on our behalf. When we truly grasp how far we've fallen, we can finally appreciate how high Christ has lifted us. This isn't just ancient theology; it's a mirror held up to our modern struggles with pornography, idolizing family or reputation, accepting cultural lies, and calling evil good. The call is clear: value truth, fight for our minds, reject

This powerful teaching invites us into a transformative exploration of biblical justice—not as mere punishment for wrongdoing, but as righteousness in action. Drawing from Genesis through the prophets and into the teachings of Jesus, we discover that justice means making things right, creating shalom where everything is as it ought to be. The session walks us through Scripture's consistent call to protect four vulnerable groups: orphans, widows, the poor, and resident foreigners. These aren't exhaustive categories but representative of all who cannot speak for themselves or protect themselves. We're challenged to see beyond literal definitions—orphans include foster children and trafficking victims, widows encompass single parents and divorcees, the poor extend to those struggling with addiction and mental illness, and foreigners remind us that every human deserves dignity regardless of documentation status. The heart-piercing truth emerges: we are called to speak for the voiceless, stand for the powerless, and treat every person with the dignity befitting God's image. This isn't about political affiliation but about Christ-like compassion. As we navigate our complex world, we're equipped with practical tools to evaluate information, engage in difficult conversations without destroying relationships, and practice our Christian civic responsibilities with wisdom and grace.

This exploration of Romans 1:18-32 confronts us with an uncomfortable yet essential truth: God's wrath is real, and it's actually comforting. We often live in an era of 'bobblehead Jesus'—a sanitized version of faith that emphasizes only love and acceptance while ignoring divine justice. But when we truly grasp that God's righteous anger burns against evil, we find comfort in knowing He shares our fury at the injustice, suffering, and brokenness we witness daily. The passage reveals three critical truths: first, that everyone knows God through creation itself, leaving us without excuse; second, that God's temporal wrath manifests when He 'gives people over' to their destructive desires, leading to the death of relationships, health, freedom, and joy; and third, that eternal wrath awaits those who persist in unbelief and disobedience. Yet this sobering reality makes the gospel shine even brighter—Jesus Christ stands as our shield, absorbing the full force of divine wrath that we deserve. His sacrifice transforms us from objects of wrath into beloved children, protected not by our goodness but by His righteousness. This message calls us to hold both truths simultaneously: trembling before God's holiness while resting securely in Christ's saving work.

This teaching session explores the intersection of faith and politics, addressing how Christians can engage in civic discourse while maintaining unity in Christ. The pastors establish frameworks for communication and debate, distinguishing between issues worth dying for, dividing over, debating about, or simply deciding on. They challenge binary thinking that divides people into "us versus them" categories and examine controversial concepts like patriotism versus nationalism. The session emphasizes that Christians' primary identity is in Christ, transcending political affiliations, and warns against over-realized eschatology that attempts to force prophetic fulfillment through political action. The teaching encourages believers to communicate with clarity, define terms carefully, and resist the cultural pressure to choose political tribes over Christian unity.Key Points:- The Four D's framework: Die for, Divide for, Debate for, and Decide for issues help categorize the importance of various topics- Three types of communication: Facts, Opinions, and Feelings must be distinguished to have productive conversations- Binary thinking creates false either/or scenarios and puts people in boxes based on single opinions- The "orchard analogy" illustrates how political left tends to focus on unhealthy trees (marginalized groups) while the right focuses on overall orchard health- Christians are neither left nor right but united in Christ, transcending political divisions- Patriotism (love of country) differs from nationalism (prioritizing one's nation at the expense of others)- Christian nationalism can arise from over-realized eschatology, attempting to fulfill prophecy through human effort- The significance of silence in the EFCA denomination allows unity on essential doctrines while permitting disagreement on secondary issues- Tribal trenches develop when groups feel threatened, leading to blame, defensiveness, and eventual conflict- Definitions matter greatly in political discourse, and ambiguous terms are often weaponized to divide peopleScripture Reference:- Mark 9:38-41 (Jesus teaching about not stopping those doing good in His name)- Galatians 3:28 (There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ)- Colossians 3:11 (No Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, but Christ is all)- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat)- Zechariah 7:9-10 (Do not oppress the widow, fatherless, sojourner, or poor)

In Romans 1:8-17, we encounter a powerful introduction to what many consider the most theologically rich letter in the New Testament. This passage invites us into Paul's heart as he expresses gratitude, reveals his prayer life, and unveils the essence of the gospel itself. What stands out immediately is Paul's emphasis on gratitude as a foundational spiritual practice—not just a polite nicety, but an antidote to the spiritual poisons we ingest daily from our culture, media, and circumstances. When we begin with thanksgiving, we position ourselves to receive God's truth with open hearts. The passage also challenges our modern understanding of faith as something we possess, like an object in our pocket, and reframes it as an active, living verb—something we do, walk in, and continually practice. Perhaps most compelling is Paul's declaration that he is 'not ashamed of the gospel,' which carries profound weight when we consider the social cost of faith in his context and ours. The gospel Paul preaches isn't merely a ticket from hell to heaven; it's the power of God for complete salvation—healing our relationships with God, transforming our daily walk, and covering us with divine righteousness. This passage reminds us that faith isn't static but dynamic, that the gospel connects the entire biblical story from the Old Testament to Christ, and that walking by faith is a lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and transformation.

Defining Roles and Responsibilities at the Intersection of Faith and PoliticsWhat does it truly mean to live as faithful Christians in a nation that was never intended to be a Christian theocracy? This session challenges us to examine the intersection of our faith and civic responsibilities with fresh eyes. We discover that America's founding fathers deliberately created a separation between church and state—not to diminish faith, but to protect both religious liberty and governmental integrity. The First Amendment wasn't designed to silence believers but to prevent the corruption that historically occurs when religious institutions and political power become entangled. We're reminded of the Johnson Amendment, which protects churches from becoming political pawns, ensuring that pulpits remain focused on the gospel rather than endorsing candidates for financial gain. The session calls us back to our primary biblical mandate found in 1 Timothy 2:1-2—to pray for those in authority over us. This isn't optional or occasional; it's a foundational responsibility. We're challenged to move beyond complaining about leaders to actually interceding for them by name, from the president to local commissioners. Beyond prayer, we're encouraged to vote thoughtfully, communicate with elected officials, and speak against immorality—but with crucial discernment. The example of John the Baptist confronting Herod reminds us that prophetic witness sometimes comes at great cost, yet Jesus himself didn't always confront political leaders directly. This calls us to prayerful discernment about when and how to engage, always maintaining consistency in our moral standards regardless of political affiliation.Homework Assignment: Engaging with Civic Responsibility Watch Session 1: If you haven't already, watch Session 1 of "God and Governance" to ensure you have a complete understanding of the foundation laid in the first session. Access it through the church app or website as recommended. Pray for Government Leaders: Dedicate time each day this week to pray for specific government officials at local, state, and national levels. Use the list mentioned in the session (e.g., President, Vice President, local mayor, senators) to guide your prayers, and ask for wisdom and integrity for these leaders. Engage with Scripture: Reflect on and write a brief paragraph about what 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and Romans 13:1-7 mean for Christians living in today's political climate. Consider how these passages might guide your interactions and attitudes toward governance and political engagement. Reflect on Current Issues: Identify one current political or social issue that you feel is relevant to your community or country. Research this issue, noting different perspectives and potential solutions. Reflect on where this issue might fall in the "Die, Divide, Debate, Decide" framework discussed in the session, and write a paragraph on how you think the church could constructively engage with this issue. Communicate with an Elected Official: Think of an issue you are passionate about or concerned with. Draft a letter or email to an elected official at the local, state, or national level, expressing your views respectfully and suggest any changes or actions you believe should be taken. If you choose not to send it, reflect on the reasons why and what might change your action in the future.

In Romans 1:1-7, we encounter a powerful introduction that reveals the very heart of the gospel message. Paul identifies himself not as a celebrity or self-made leader, but as a slave of Jesus Christ—a radical declaration that challenges our modern notions of independence and autonomy. This isn't oppressive slavery, but willing surrender to the One who is smarter, kinder, and more loving than we could ever be. When we accept the free gift of salvation, we discover it actually costs us everything: our plans, our will, our entire lives. Yet this surrender leads to true freedom, peace, and joy. The passage then unveils Jesus in His full glory—the eternal Son who humbled Himself at the incarnation, walked among us as both Son of God and Son of Man, died on the cross, and was resurrected as the Son of God in power. This resurrection marked His return to the fullness of divine glory, appointed by the Holy Spirit as ruler over all. We're reminded that this gospel wasn't a new invention but the fulfillment of ancient prophecies spoken through the prophets, promised to King David, and now revealed in Christ. As those loved by God and called to be saints, we're invited into a life of obedient faith—not legalistic rule-following, but a loving response to the One who gave everything for us. In times of division and chaos, we can rest in the blessing Paul offers: grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

At the heart of this transformative teaching lies a profound challenge: learning to navigate the turbulent waters of political and social disagreement without sacrificing the unity Christ calls us to embody. We're invited into a sacred space where difficult conversations become opportunities for spiritual growth rather than relationship destruction. The foundation rests on Colossians 3:1-17, which calls us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—the very qualities we desperately need when discussing controversial topics. What makes this approach revolutionary is the recognition that our opinions about earthly governance need not be inseparably tied to our relationship with Jesus Christ. We're challenged to develop three critical frameworks: understanding what Scripture says directly, discerning how to apply biblical principles to modern situations, and navigating areas where the Bible remains silent. The fruit of the Spirit from Galatians becomes our conduct standard—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We're reminded that reconciliation often requires walking through difficult conversations rather than avoiding them, and that God works in ways beyond anything we can imagine. The ultimate goal isn't to prove ourselves right or others wrong, but to seek first to understand, then to be understood, always remembering that loving God and loving people remains our primary calling above all political positions.HomeworkYour homework for this week: Read Colossians 3:1-17 at least three times. Let these words sink deep into your heart as we prepare for the conversations ahead.

We stand at the threshold of one of Scripture's most transformative books—Romans. Written to a church fractured by cultural and theological divisions between Jewish and Gentile believers, this letter speaks powerfully to our own divided times. The church in Rome faced real tensions: Jews who had been expelled and then returned found their worship practices displaced by Gentile traditions. Sound familiar? We too navigate differences of opinion, political affiliations, and varied perspectives on how to live out our faith. Yet Paul's message cuts through all our divisions with a singular focus: we are being conformed to the image of Christ. This isn't about cultural Christianity or maintaining comfortable traditions—it's about laying everything on the altar. Following Jesus costs us everything precisely because it's worth everything. As we journey through Romans together, we'll wrestle with the complexities of the gospel, learn how to think and act as transformed people in a broken world, and discover what true unity looks like when we seek God first and love each other well, even in disagreement.

Pastor Chris brings us the ninth installment of our Walking In Wisdom Series.

Dave brings us the eighth installment of our Walking In Wisdom Series.

Pastor John teaches us the importance of humility in the next installment of our Walking In Wisdom Series.

Phil brings us the next installment of our Walking In Wisdom Series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Walking in Wisdom series, Healthy Relationships.

Pastor Chris kicks off our new series on the book of Proverbs, Walking In Wisdom.

Pastor Chris teaches us the importance of making decisions that are in alignment with God's will in the final installment of our Experiencing God series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Experiencing God Series.

This week Pastor Chris teaches us how faithful giving leads to experiencing God.

Pastor Chris teaches us about the importance of service in this week's installment of our Experiencing God series.

Pastor Chris teaches us about the power of celebration in this installment of our Experiencing God series.

Pastor Chris teaches about the Lord's rest in this week's installment of our Experiencing God series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Experiencing God series.

Pastor Chris brings the next installment of our Experiencing God series.

Confronting Sin Through Accountability and Confession - This sermon addresses the universal problem of sin and emphasizes the importance of confession and accountability in overcoming it. The pastor discusses how sin affects our relationship with God and others, and presents a biblical approach to dealing with sin through honest confession and accountability partnerships. He stresses that while we are set free from slavery to sin through Christ, it remains an ongoing battle that requires intentional strategies to overcome.Key Points:- All humans have a sin problem that separates us from God and damages relationships- Confession and accountability are crucial tools for overcoming sin- Walking in the light requires fellowship with other believers- Excuses and hidden sin hinder spiritual growth and healing- Accountability partnerships should be built on trust, honesty, and grace- Rigorous honesty in confession is necessary for putting sin to deathScripture Reference:- 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2- James 5:13-16- Romans 8:13

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Experiencing God series.

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In this powerful message, we're reminded that relationships, especially our relationship with God, require intentional effort and deep listening. The central theme revolves around hearing God's voice, primarily through Scripture. We explore Hebrews 1 and John 1, which beautifully illustrate how God speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is described as the living Word. This imagery invites us to see the Bible not just as text, but as a living connection to God Himself. As we delve into the nature of Scripture, we're challenged to approach it not as a magic charm or a simplistic answer book, but as the ultimate authority and a pathway to knowing God intimately. The message encourages us to study the Bible with the goal of worshiping in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in John 4. This perspective transforms our Bible study from mere academic exercise to a deeply personal encounter with the Divine, urging us to seek God's voice in every page and apply His wisdom in our daily lives.

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter times of silence from God. This silence can be perplexing, but it's crucial to understand that it may serve a divine purpose. God sometimes uses silence to stretch us, strengthen our faith, or prepare us for what's next. The story of Elijah hearing God's 'still small voice' reminds us that God doesn't always communicate in expected ways. We're challenged to broaden our perception of how God speaks, whether through visions, dreams, or other means. This message encourages us to lean in during times of silence, much like we do when someone whispers. It's an invitation to deepen our relationship with God and grow in spiritual maturity. As we navigate these quiet seasons, we're reminded of Philippians 1:6 - God, who began a good work in us, will be faithful to complete it. This assurance can bring comfort and perseverance when God seems distant.

In our exploration of experiencing God, we're reminded that He is sovereign and communicates with each of us uniquely. The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 beautifully illustrates this - God wasn't in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a whisper. This teaches us that there's no one-size-fits-all formula for hearing God's voice. We're encouraged to set aside our expectations and open ourselves to God's individual approach to us. The message emphasizes that God deeply desires to communicate with us, as seen in Jesus' words in John 14:21. We're challenged to believe this truth and to actively listen for God's voice in our lives, understanding that our relationship with Him is personal and unique. This insight invites us to approach our faith journey with renewed anticipation and humility, eager to experience God in fresh, unexpected ways.

Guest speaker Pastor Rob Chadwick explores the Great Commission with us.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Road to Redemption Series.In this powerful exploration of John 15, we delve into the profound metaphor of Jesus as the true vine and God as the gardener. This imagery beautifully illustrates our relationship with Christ and the importance of remaining connected to Him. The central message revolves around the concept of 'abiding' or 'remaining' in Jesus, emphasizing that our spiritual fruitfulness depends entirely on our connection to Him. We're reminded that apart from Christ, we can do nothing of eternal value. The passage also highlights God's role in pruning us for greater fruitfulness, a process that might be painful but is ultimately for our growth. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to examine our own lives: Are we truly abiding in Christ? Are we allowing God to prune away what's unproductive in our lives? This message encourages us to deepen our faith, to love one another as Christ loved us, and to trust in the process of spiritual growth, even when it's uncomfortable.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Road to Redemption Series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Road to Redemption series.

Phil kicks off our new series titled Road to Redemption.

Dave brings us the final installment of our Acts of the Apostles series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Acts of the Apostles series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Acts of the Apostles series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Acts of the Apostles series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Acts of the Apostles series.

Pastor John brings us this week's message.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Acts of the Apostles series.

Pastor Chris brings us the next installment of our Acts of the Apostles series.

Pastor John brings us the final installment of our Christmas 2024 series, Light of the world.