Sermons

This morning Pastor Dell started our new series, "I Believe" by looking at the first line of the Apostles' Creed, 'I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,'. This line is far more than a religious formality. It is a personal declaration that shapes how we see God, ourselves, and everything around us. God is not a distant force or vague spiritual concept. He is a Father who adopts us through Christ, a Creator who made us with purpose, and an Almighty Ruler whose authority extends over every part of life. Because He is Father, we are not spiritual orphans. Because He is Creator, our lives are not accidental. Because He is Almighty, we can trust Him even when we cannot see what He is doing. The real question is not simply whether we believe God exists, but whether the way we actually live reflects that belief.

Pastor Dell continued our series on 1st Corinthians, "A Church Worth Becoming" as looked at 1 Corinthians 9:1-27. Paul demonstrates a radical approach to Christian living by voluntarily surrendering his legitimate rights as an apostle for the sake of advancing the gospel. Though entitled to financial support and other benefits, he chose to work with his own hands to avoid creating barriers to faith. His example challenges believers to examine what rights, preferences, or entitlements they might need to lay down for others' spiritual benefit. Paul's willingness to become all things to all people shows how love removes obstacles to faith through cultural adaptation without doctrinal compromise. Like an athlete training for competition, Christians must exercise spiritual discipline and self-denial to remain effective for God's mission.

Pastor Dell concluded our 3-week Vision series, looking at the topics of giving, praying, and fasting found in Matthew 6:1-18. Jesus assumes that giving, prayer, and fasting are natural parts of following Christ, not optional activities. These three disciplines position us to receive God's rewards and develop a deeper relationship with Him. Giving involves our time, talent, and treasure - flowing from a surrendered heart rather than obligation. Prayer is a secret communion with God that transforms our public spiritual life. Fasting means going without food for spiritual purposes, using hunger pangs as reminders to seek God more than physical satisfaction. These practices aren't about earning God's favor but positioning ourselves for transformation that overflows to impact our communities for Christ.

Pastor Dell kicked off the new year looking at how we need to continue to be in a transforming relationship with Christ as we seek to impact and guide others. Many people know facts about Jesus but lack genuine intimacy with Him. The story of the woman at the well in John 4 reveals how Jesus offers living water that becomes a fresh bubbling spring within us. This spiritual intimacy goes beyond religious knowledge to experiencing God's transforming presence. Jesus promises that those who worship in spirit and truth will find the abundant life He offers. The key is moving past our focus on physical circumstances to embrace the spiritual reality of a relationship with Christ.