What would you say is the opposite of peace in your life? Whatever you identify as your answer, the Bible promises that Jesus comes to bring not only the fulfillment and completion of that emptiness, but also of every incomplete reality in the world. Listen in today as we learn from the words of the prophet Jeremiah about God's vision for peace, even in the darkest of circumstances in our lives - plans for redemption, restoration, and reconciliation.
Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6; John 17:1-5)
Nothing in our world is "everlasting" - not kings, not parents, not batteries, not milk! But the prophet Isaiah tells of a day when a Son is to be born who will be called "Everlasting Father." How are we are to understand how a son can be "Father" and how one born can also be called "Everlasting"? Listen in today as we learn from Jesus' words himself from John 17, and see the powerful relevance of Jesus today being "Everlasting Father."
Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 5:1-14)
There are times in life when we are so aware of our weakness that we just need something or someone strong to lean on. The prophet Isaiah tells us that the coming son Savior is the "Mighty God." Listen in today as we learn truly what it means that God is Mighty, learning from a magnificent vision of victory at the end of all things - Jesus as both the Lion and the Lamb.
Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:1-7)
We live in a time where having a counselor or therapist no longer comes with a social stigma. But still our brokenness, weariness, depression, and anxiety remains. For the season of Advent we turn in hope to the coming Son of God, who was born with titles unmistakably filled with meaning. Today we learn about how Jesus is the true and Wonderful Counselor of the world, and for you and me.
The People of the Kingdom (Colossians 4:7-18)
No one likes to be called a nobody. But the reality is that most of us live out our days on earth in relative anonymity to the wider world. Does our life have any lasting purpose then? If we’re not famous or popular, can we make a difference? Listen in today as we conclude our Fall series in the book of Colossians, and learn about obscure Christians who had an extraordinary role to play in God's unfolding drama of redemption.
The Seasoning of the Kingdom (Colossians 4:2-6)
We can all probably think of some of our favorite foods and meals we've had in life. Is it just the ingredients that make them special or rich, or is it more so about the seasoning that accompanies them? Listen in today as we apply that same logic to some of the core practices (or "ingredients") of the Kingdom of God, and learn from Paul what flavor-filled seasoning brings those practices to life.
The Family of the Kingdom (Colossians 3:18-4:1)
What is real family in the Kingdom of God look like? At first glance, it may look totally strange or counter to what we see in our modern culture. But listen in today as Dr. Dan Darko (Professor of New Testament at Gordon College) teaches us more about what true mutuality can look like in all our relationships.
The Life of the Kingdom (Colossians 3:1-17)
What is true life and where do we find it? Listen in today as we learn together from Colossians 3:1-17, and how Paul teaches us that our life is actually found somewhere totally else if we are "in Christ." Where is it? How do (or can?) we get access that life? The answer is found unexpectedly with an emphasis on what we choose to set our mind on, and if we are willing to fundamentally change.
The Substance of the Kingdom (Colossians 2:16-23)
Are you a superstitious person? Are you a rule-follower? Are either of those things important in the Kingdom of Jesus? Listen in today as the apostle Paul explains to us what the true substance ("real stuff") of the Kingdom of God is, and what are only shadows.
The Assurance of the Kingdom (Colossians 2:1-15)
Is Christianity simply an insurance policy or instead a grand, eternal assurance? Listen in to this sermon from October 9 as we learn about the greatest assurances of the Kingdom of Jesus, things we can find full hope in only in the Gospel - community, truth, freedom.
The Ministry of the Kingdom (Colossians 1:24-29)
Do your wounds, pains, sorrows have any purpose? Listen in to this sermon from October 2 as we learn what the ministry of the Kingdom of Jesus truly is - the ministry of hurting, hiding, and heralding.
"And You..." (Colossians 1:21-23)
"FOMO" ("fear of missing out") is a common way some people today live out their life. As you listen in to Alan Vance preaching on the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from Colossians 1:21-23, consider if this good news is something you would fear to miss out on. Living for Christ's Kingdom offers us the greatest possibility for true life - because it alone offers us reconciliation to God.
Christ the King (Colossians 1:15-20)
There are so many authorities in life. How can we possibly put all the pieces together to know how to live in the one right way that life was meant to be lived? Listen in today to consider Jesus Christ as the true King of the true Kingdom.
Christ's Kingdom (Colossians 1:1-14)
What is it about kingdoms that draws us? Disney princesses, the British royal family, and towering castles... they are alluring and enduring in our imaginations. Listen in today as we begin a new series in the book of Colossians, and learn together about the one, true and lasting real Kingdom. What does it mean to live for this Kingdom in the here and now? Explore with us together this fall.
Everything You Ever Wanted (Psalm 37)
In our final sermon on the Psalms for the summer we come to a Psalm that promises us everything we ever wanted. How can that be true? Could something that magnificent actually be reality? Listen in as we learn about God's great desire for us to be fully dependent on Him and to find our deepest delight in Him.
The Sleeping God (Psalm 44)
Do you ever feel like God is sleeping in public? David felt that way in Psalm 44. Listen in with us today as we learn how God is completely in control and at rest simultaneously, loving us even when He seems asleep.
Does He Hear Me? (Psalm 28)
In a world of deep and growing connectivity, why does often feel like God is silent? Is He actually silent? Listen in today as we learn from David in Psalm 28 about how to pray when God feels distant and quiet.
The Coming King (Psalm 72)
It's easy to see that our world is broken. What then can give us hope in such shaky times? Listen in today as Alan Vance gives the hope of the coming True King from Psalm 72.
The Riddle of Life (Psalm 49)
Have you ever compared your circumstances to somebody else, or wondered why some people seem to easily flourish and others don't? Psalm 49 invites us to investigate this as one of the great riddles of life. Listen in to this sermon from July 31 and learn our priceless value, the gift of our circumstances, and the everlasting reality of the soul.
My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
Most of us don't own sheep, or even see sheep very often. How then is the image of God being our shepherd so meaningful for so many of us in the modern world? Listen in today as we hear how God humbly, lovingly, courageously shepherds our souls. Is He your shepherd?