Sermons

“Flashes of Lightning, Pillars of Salt & the Circling of Vultures”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 17:20-37, January 18, 2026

Luke Series #63

Sometimes Jesus has some pretty heavy things to say. Jesus came His first time to share the good news of the kingdom far and wide (see Luke 4:43). He not only did that, but He performed the crucial act of redemption for all mankind in His crucifixion and resurrection. The King came to save us. But the King will come again to reign forever and that will involve the rescue of those who are His and the judgment of those who are not. Just as we need to live in the good news of His redemption each day, we also live in the hope and severity of His coming victory and retribution.

“Thanking and Being Thanked”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 17:7-19, January 11, 2026

Luke Series #62

God certainly deserves our thanks for all He does for us, but do we always give it? When I do something to serve God, do I deserve appreciation and blessings from Him? The two passages (vv. 7-10 and vv. 11-19) contrast both of these questions and the lessons we learn from them so well. We serve a gracious and wonderful Master — the fact that we are His is reason for our daily gratitude and the basis for loving obedience that needs no affirmation.

“Temptations, Forgiveness & Faith”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 17:1-6, January 4, 2026

Luke Series #61

Happy New Year! It’s back to the Gospel of Luke for us as we begin with three short teachings of Christ on some heavy topics. So much of living for Christ and growth in the faith comes with shifts in our thinking from a worldly viewpoint to a heavenly one. Adequacy in dealing with temptation and sin is not a matter of the size of our faith, but the faithfulness of our God.

“Holding on to Joy”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Philippians, December 28, 2025

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of happiness and merry-making with those we love, but for many it can be a depressing time of year. Why? The birth narrative of Jesus Christ is full of joyful moments, so this sermon from the “joy” passages of Philippians is a follow-up to that. In it we recognize that our circumstances are a factor in our joy, but that joy can be stabilized in our lives beyond our circumstances if we lean on Christ.

“The Mind of Mary”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 2:15-20, December 21, 2025

Advent 2025, Week 4

No human being ever experienced the birth of Jesus — the entry into the world of God-made-flesh — like Mary did. She knew Jesus in a unique way right from the beginning. That is not to say that it was easy for her to understand all that was happening. Yet, she employed her mind in a healthy and robust way in order to take in as much as possible. Perhaps we could learn from her in our efforts to know and love Jesus.

“Responding to Jesus”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Matthew 2:1-12, December 14, 2025

Advent 2025, Week 3

The birth of Jesus stands on its own as a crucial landmark in human history without the need of western commercialism or church tradition to add to it or help it along. God gave us everything when He sent His Son. And this demands a response from every creature God has made. There are good responses and bad responses. What kind of response will you make?

“The Heralds of the Christ Child”

A sermon by Jeff Nye from Luke 2, December 7, 2025

Advent 2025, Week 2

The news of Jesus’ birth went from angels to shepherds, and from shepherds to the little town of Bethlehem. Is that how you would’ve done it if you were in charge of the Nativity promotional team? We humans can’t send angelic messengers and we probably wouldn’t entrust something this big to untrained nobodies. Yet, here it is in Luke 2. This is what God wanted and what He still wants now: to give ordinary people the extraordinary role of telling the world about His Son.

“What Micah Foresaw”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Micah 5:2-5a, November 30, 2025

Advent 2025, Week 1

It is crucial to see and know the real Jesus. This advent season we are viewing the birth of Christ from the perspective of the different characters involved. This week is Micah — a prophet 720 years before Jesus who foresaw His birth in Bethlehem. What can learn from the prophets that help us capture the real Jesus?

“A View from Hell”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 16:19-32, November 23, 2025

Luke Series #60

In our final Luke sermon of 2025 before Advent begins, we finish off Luke 16 with a third parable in a row unique to Luke alone among the Gospel writers. This parable should not be viewed as a comprehensive theology of hell or heaven and neither should it be seen as a how-to lesson on salvation. More accurately this is the view of a man’s life in hindsight from hell and the harsh realities of what a person is missing when he is living life for himself, with no thought or God or others. Response to Jesus in this life is everything. There are no second chances after death.

“Jesus-Approved Shrewdness”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 16:1-18, November 16, 2025

Luke Series #59

Jesus continues to give sound teaching to His disciples, weighty challenges to the crowds and clear warnings to the religious leaders. Jesus connects the lost and found parables to a completely different kind of parable in an effort to make people think about earthly treasures, human relationships and heavenly rewards. Have you ever wondered what God wants you to do with your money — and with all your earthly goods and gifts? Listen in.

“The Lost & Found Parables”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 15, November 9, 2025

Luke Series #58

In the final verse of Luke 14 Jesus implores those with ears to hear his message and follow Him. Guess who stuck around to listen more? The tax collectors and sinners (15:1). And the scribes and Pharisees were not happy. But that’s the problem, Jesus says in the next three parables — they really should rejoice! As you listen to this message, grab hold of the heart of God and understand the depths of His love. Learn to rejoice when the lost are found.

“All-Inclusive Discipleship”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 14:25-35, November 2, 2025

Luke Series #57

Jesus wasn’t the kind of public figure who was trying to get “likes” on Facebook or hit a million views on YouTube. His popularity was not based upon dumbing down His message to the least common denominator and being happy with His following from there. If you were going to say, “I follow Jesus” He had demands and expectations of total allegiance and surrender that could leave you weak at the knees. His ultimatums were meant to ring in our ears and convict our wayward hearts and today’s passage is a prime example.

“Dinner Etiquette with Jesus”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 14:1-24, October 19, 2025

Luke Series #56

Would it be intimidating for you to have Jesus over for dinner? The formalities and protocol may not be what Jesus is watching, but He is always watching the heart. In this passage, the Pharisees get an earful from Jesus on kingdom dining etiquette, and he forces them to think about the high kingdom value of humility.

“Kingdom Dynamics”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 13:18-35, October 12, 2025

Luke Series #55

The goal of Jesus’ earthly ministry was to preach the good news of the kingdom of God far and wide around the land of the Jews. The Messiah came to His own people and gave them the first chance to hear how the kingdom was progressing and growing. Some of the dynamics of the kingdom are described in the events and teaching of Jesus in this latter half of Luke 13. Listen in to how Jesus tells us what makes the kingdom of God tick and how we can be a part of it.

“Losing My Religion”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6, October 5, 2025

Luke Series #54

With all due respect to REM, we acknowledge that the song was not actually about religion in any way, but this sermon is. Religion is just a man-made system by which we organize the expression of our worship of God. Religion is true or worthless based on the truth or worthlessness of your concept of God and the worthiness of your worship. If you put religion before God and the worship of Him, you get the cart in front of the horse. In these passages from Luke, Jesus confronts the Pharisees on having created a religious system around the Sabbath worship that neither had a good concept of God nor had kept in mind the intent God had for that holy day.

“The Grace of Election”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Romans 9-11, September 28, 2025

Romans Overview, Part 5

God makes choices in perfect wisdom and goodness. He makes choices concerning the salvation of men and women. The Scriptures say it is so, but doesn’t give us comprehensive details on how God’s choices and our choices relate to each other. And we can leave much of that in His hands and be thankful that He chooses and saves even as we call on His name and follow Him in faith.

“A Primer on Repentance”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 13:1-9, September 21, 2025

Luke Series #53

What does God require of the sinner? It’s an interesting question. God is holy and just, so His good judgment awaits the one who offends Him. However, God is loving and gracious, so His forgiveness and life awaits the one who turns to Him. That “turning to God” is called repentance. In this sermon, we work through some misconceptions on sin and judgment as well as poor beliefs on God and man’s condition, in order to find the truth of what it really means to repent and find favor with God.

“Jesus-Focused Readiness for Everyone”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 12:35-59, September 14, 2025

Luke Series #52

In a series of teachings rounding out Luke chapter 12, Jesus lays down hard but solid truth regarding a life that is ready or isn’t ready for Jesus, both then at His first coming and at a time in the future at His second. To be “ready” doesn’t mean to live how you want now and then rush to get prepared when you know Jesus is just around the corner. It is constant, Jesus-focused living in faithfulness, wisdom, service and hope. Slackers and rebels face certain judgment. But in the grace of God, diligent followers find great blessing from the Master.

“The Rich, the Poor, and the Divided Heart”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 12:13-34, September 7, 2025

Luke Series #51

Back to our study of Luke’s Gospel! Chapters 10-19 are heavy with Jesus’ teaching as the crowds get thicker and the opposition gets angrier. But this passage is about the problems we have when fixated on earthly riches. Both anxiety and greed divide our hearts away from God to other things. God and His things have to be our first and foremost treasure in order to avoid the temptations of bowing to money.

“The Cure for Anxiety”

A sermon by Jeff Nye from Philippians 4:4-7, August 31, 2025

About 1 in 5 adults in America suffer from anxiety disorders. And people run to all kinds of self-help methods to deal with stress and worry, but they forget to run to God. In this very relevant message, Jeff reminds us what anxious people really need, and looks at Scripture where we can see the biblical writer crying out to God and choosing to trust Him.

“The Grace of Assurance”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Romans 5-8, August 24, 2025

Romans Overview, Part 4

If you are following this Romans overview series, you may have noticed that each title has the word “grace” in it. That’s because all the blessings of salvation that we have because of Jesus have come as a gift from God. Because He is gracious, we can live forever with Him. And we can KNOW this, and be secure in our salvation because of grace, too. God’s grip of grace holds us and keeps us for future glory.

“By Grace Through Faith”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Romans 3:27-4:25, August 17, 2025

Romans Overview, Part 3

Faith always has an object and a destination. For Christians, the living Lord Jesus has long been the object of our faith — who we believe and trust in. And though faith is a journey, we have always recognized that one day our faith will be sight when Jesus comes again and we all know Him face-to-face. Perhaps you wonder how and why faith plays such a big part in Christianity. The apostle Paul is our teacher in his letter to the Romans. May God impress this message upon your hearts.

“Adonai”

A sermon by Jim Levander from selected texts, August 10, 2025

Jonah Series #7

In this recap sermon on the book of Jonah, we attend to three separate prayers from the Scriptures that affirm some of the lessons we have learned about God’s sovereignty and mercy. Each prayer begins by addressing God effectually as “Adonai” or “Sovereign Lord,” and each prayer gives us an idea of how we need to see our God — as One who mercifully plans and acts, intervening in the lives of human beings and achieving His purposes either through human obedience, or in spite of human resistance.

“Perfectly Troubled”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Jonah 4:1-11, August 3, 2025

Jonah Series #6

Have you ever seen someone perform a task to perfection? It is rare, to be sure, but it can be so stunning to witness it. Have you ever seen someone perfectly troubled? You wonder, “Is that even a thing?” In the last chapter of Jonah, God helps Jonah see the flaws in his troubled thinking and anxieties over God showing mercy to his enemies. While at the same time we witness what it means for God to be perfectly troubled over the state of humanity — perfect pity, compassion and mercy. Now THAT’S a sight to behold.

“Who Knows?”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Jonah 3:6-4:2, July 27, 2025

Jonah Series #5

Sometimes, when things are going poorly, people might wonder if God really cares or not. They might decide to pray as a last ditch effort saying, “Who knows? Maybe God will have mercy.” This is basically what the King of Nineveh said. But the fact is, Love, Mercy and Compassion are intrinsic to God’s very nature. Jonah knew it … and thought God was too merciful. You can know His mercy, too. God wants to show it to you.

“The Word of the Lord Came a Second Time”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Jonah 3:1-5, July 20, 2025

Jonah Series #4

In His kindness and mercy, God cares about people and works for their good. In His holiness and justice, He holds them accountable for their evil and rebellion. Who but a truly good, wise and sovereign God could satisfy both of these and change men’s hearts without completely overtaking the human will? In this short passage, our reluctant prophet receives a second chance from God, and the city of Nineveh gets a second chance to receive God’s gracious warning, and the sovereign influence of the Lord gets the redemptive ball rolling towards faith and repentance.

“The Prayer of the Cornered Prophet”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Jonah 1:17-2:10, July 13, 2025

Jonah Series #3

Jonah tried to run from God and now there’s no way out but to acknowledge God — the all-powerful, perfect, merciful God has backed Jonah into a corner — specifically into the belly of a great fish. And so Jonah prays. But is his heart really in it? Is the running prophet now on board with what God is doing? Does a sovereign God undermine the choices and desires of His servants for His greater purposes … and for their own good?

“Salvation by Grace”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Romans 3:21-26, July 6, 2025

Romans Overview, Part 2

Though this mini-series on Romans is technically an overview, this sermon slows things down in order not to miss a combination of big truths of salvation that Paul packs into a few short verses. Big picture? There is no distinction between Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free — we are all sinners who fall short of God’s glory, and we are all freely given the chance at the foot of Christ’s cross to find forgiveness and freedom and eternal life. Beautiful.

“You Can Run, But …”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Jonah 1:1-16, June 29, 2025

Jonah Series #2

We all know Jonah as the prophet who ran from God. But have you considered all that God is doing in this story to overrule this one human act of disobedience? The choices of the fleeing prophet cannot stand against the will of God. The pagans wrapped up in this mess will be confronted with God as well. If we believed in the kind of sovereignty of God that this story suggests, how would we live each day?

“Whose Story Is It?”

A sermon by Jim Levander from 2 Kings 14:23-29 and Jonah 1:1-2, June 22, 2025

Jonah Series #1

The story of Jonah is a pretty well-known Old Testament story — the prophet of the Lord who tried to run away from God and got swallowed by a really big fish, right? But Jonah’s story begins long before the one described in the book of the Bible named after him. And his story affects others’ stories even as theirs affects his. AND, this story has been handed down through centuries for everyone to learn from. So, whose story is it? Join us on this trek to find the owner of this story.

“The Grace of Conviction”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Romans 1-3, June 8, 2025

Romans Overview, Part 1

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to Rome before he ever had a chance to visit there and he wanted them to know his gospel well before he arrived. Romans is a treasure for understanding salvation and the righteousness of God. Dave takes us through the “bad news” of the good news of the gospel in this overview message of the first three chapters.

“Missions Mindset: Sacrifice”

A sermon by Jim Levander from 2 Corinthians 4, May 31, 2025

Missions Month #5

This sermon is dedicated to the late Ron Pontier — a long-time pilot with AIM AIR who was taught by God early in his ministry years what it meant to sacrifice for the gospel. Christians are like fragile clay jars, filled with the glory of God in the gospel light of Christ, available to be poured out, and susceptible to being broken or even shattered in the process. What are you ready to give up for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

“Missions Mindset: Sending”

A sermon by Jeff Nye from 3 John 5-8, May 25, 2025

Missions Month #4

Paul asks a string of essential questions on missions in Romans 10:14-15. God is certainly sovereign over His redemptive plan, but it is the responsibility of those who are in Christ to preach to the lost and to send out preachers! The church must have a sending mindset when it comes to global mission for Christ — supporting, praying for and caring for those they send.

“Missions Mindset: Calling”

A sermon by Jim Levander from 2 Timothy 1:1-14, May 18, 2025

Missions Month #3

The Great Commission is a command to every believer and part of the salvation process includes a calling from God that sets us on a path of faith and obedience to Christ’s commands. Every day can contain instances of specific nudges from God to be on mission and share His gospel. However, some followers of Christ are called to specific places, into specific gospel positions for specific purposes over the long haul. This is often what’s referred to as a missionary calling. This message explores that important mindset.

“Missions Mindset: Love”

A sermon by Jim Levander from selected passages in Acts, May 11, 2025

Missions Month #2

Paul tells the Corinthians that the compelling factor behind all his missionary endeavors is the love of Christ. In our plans, goals, calling and daily opportunities to reach lost people for Christ, surely this must be our core motivating factor as well. The love of Christ, teaches us how to look at people like God does, strengthens our level of commitment to the gospel, and straightens out our priorities.

“Missions Mindset: Prayer”

A sermon by Jim Levander from selected passages in Acts, May 4, 2025

Missions Month #1

This message is the first in a series on the mindset behind proper engagement in Christian mission. The saints of God who make up the church of our Lord Jesus Christ have been sent by Christ on His mission to make disciples, whether that be your neighbor or co-worker, or a person from another ethnic group living halfway around the world. To reach these people, one must have a mindset that values AND practices prayer. Success in missions always comes with trusting prayer.

“The Light in You”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 11:33-12:12, April 27, 2025

Luke series #50

Jesus is the Light of the world. In what sense? He gives the light of truth in His teaching and actions. He exposes the evil that lies in the darkness of men’s hearts. He makes a way for the Holy Spirit to light up the inner human spirit with salvation and love and hope and truth. This message explores the idea that we can either be light inside or dark — and we need to know which we are, what are the consequences, and what can be done about it. [disclaimer: this could’ve been two sermons, sorry about the length. But the study is worth it.]

“How Was Your Week?”

A Palm Sunday sermon by Dave Curtis from John 12 & 17, April 13, 2025

For Christians all over the world Palm Sunday begins a special week; we call it “Holy Week” or “Passion Week” and we have special services and invitations to greater reflection on the greatest week in history — the week that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead. In this sermon, we look at the elements of this week leading up to Jesus’ arrest and we can’t help but see that He is focused, in control, and ready to do the Father’s will.

“The Offense of Being on the Fence”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 11:14-32, April 6, 2025

Luke series #49

Just another day in the ministry life of Jesus as He casts out a demon, but from this experience the fickle crowd has mixed feelings. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus addresses this crowd of fence-walkers each keeping a distance from Jesus for different reasons. He does not mince words as He challenges people to stop wavering and follow Him.

“How Much More”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 11:5-13, March 30, 2025

Luke series #48

This is the last of three sermons on prayer. The first answers the question, “Why pray?” The second answers how to pray, and this one goes to the very core of our hopes and fears — “Will God answer my prayers?” Jesus speaks to this question with no uncertainty, encouraging us to boldness and assurance.

“Jesus’ Template for Prayer”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 11:1-4, March 23, 2025

Luke series #47

For those new to praying to the Almighty God, prayer can be intimidating — what do I say? What can I say? For those who have grown up in the church and have seen prayer modeled for many years, it can still be mysterious, or it can be taken for granted. Jesus taught His disciples a template for prayer. This short prayer reminds us of the basics of how we need to think about God, ourselves and our needs in light of the truth, and then we can fill in the blanks with our specifics.

“One Thing Is Necessary”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 10:38-11:13, March 16, 2025

Luke series #46

The body of person needs food and water to sustain life. The spirit of a person needs … what? This is the first of three sermons focusing on Jesus’ teaching on prayer. We need communion with our God and Jesus gives us access to Him. Mary chose what she knew she needed. Martha learned from Jesus that Mary’s choice was best. In the distracting world we live in, only one thing is truly, preeminently, necessary.

“The Teacher, The Expert and The Samaritan”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 10:25-37, March 9, 2025

Luke series #45

The story of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ best known stories, but it is only understood in the context of why He told the story in the first place. Jesus is being tested on the law and on the hope of eternal life. On the surface, the expert gets Jesus’ position. But deeper down, there is a world of difference. Jesus knows just how to poke at this expert’s problem.

“True to God’s Word”

A sermon by Jeff Nye from various passages, March 2, 2025

If Bible sales are up, why do other stats say that people are engaging with the Bible less? Perhaps people have lost the truth about what this Book really is and why it is so precious to humanity. In this message, Jeff helps us sort out the truth about the Bible, its ultimate authority over our lives and its inerrant truth that brings us to God.

“Blessed”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 10:1-24, February 23, 2025

Luke series #44

Jesus sends out 72 disciples with instructions that are very similar to the beginning of chapter 9 where He sent out the Twelve. When they return with the blessing of their success on their lips, Jesus explains what real blessing is — what the very foundation of all blessing is. Are you a person of peace that will listen to Jesus and find such blessing in Him?

“What Did I Miss? Part 2”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 9:49-62, February 16, 2025

Luke series #43

Jesus is on a mission to get to Jerusalem and His disciples think they are totally with Him and know where this is all going, but they are missing things. As Jesus gets going towards His main objective of suffering and sacrifice in Jerusalem, He rebukes and commands and destroys presumptions from the road, digging to the heart of discipleship and what it really takes to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him.

“What Did I Miss? Part 1”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 9:37-48, February 9, 2025

Luke series #42

Jesus’ disciples did not capture a fraction of all that Jesus was and did while they walked with Him before Calvary. They missed important stuff. We all would have. Perhaps we even miss stuff about Jesus today for the same reasons the disciples did. With this message enter a two-week study about the missing elements of the disciples’ faith and ours from the end of Luke 9.

“What Is Your Greatest Need?”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from John 6, February 2, 2025

The answer to the question of the title is “Jesus”. Some may scoff, saying this is too simplistic, too religious, too stereotypical of one-dimensional evangelicals. But in John 6, Jesus Himself offers Himself to the world as its greatest need. He is the Bread of Life. Eat of Him and live. Too hard to believe? Read John 6 and listen in. Jesus is patient with unbelievers. He wants to provide your greatest need.

“His Ways Are Higher Than Our Ways”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 9:28-36, January 26, 2025

Luke series #41

Jesus is revealed in glory before Peter, James and John and talks with long-dead prophets, Moses and Elijah. This event is called “The Transfiguration” and it is an other-worldly experience during Jesus’ ministry life. It also is full of biblical symbolism that shows us more of who Jesus is — informing our theology of Christ. And with a good theology always comes a good practice of faith.

“Confessing Christ”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 9:18-27, January 19, 2025

Luke series #40

Peter says some big words concerning Jesus that have implications for all of us who would follow Jesus. What does it mean to make a “confession of faith”? Following Jesus is not optional, next-level Christianity. It is the expected response to confessing Christ.

“Jesus Can Supply Any Need”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 9:10-17, January 12, 2025

Luke series #39

This is the last “Jesus CAN” message before a major shift in Luke’s Gospel. The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 is in each of the four Gospels. It’s important! What does it mean across redemptive history that Jesus is a provider of needs? And how can we live in this day and age believing that Jesus CAN?

“Jesus Can Empower Any Mission”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 9:1-10a, January 5, 2025

Luke series #38

Ok, Jesus can do a lot of things — amazing things — but what can He do with me and you? Can we be of any service to our Creator, Savior and Redeemer? Yes! Jesus does expect His Church to be on mission with Him and, thankfully, He does empower that Church to do what He asks. We’re back to our study in Luke and our miniseries within that explores all that Jesus can do and how it affects us.

“Haste! Haste, to Bring Him Laud”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Romans 3:9-26 and other texts, December 22, 2024

Advent 2024, Week #4

There is great motivation behind our adoration of Christ. He did what only He could do to save us. The song for the fourth Sunday of Advent is “What Child Is This?” and it asks us to identify the Babe, the Son of Mary, and why He came. The song answers its own questions and brings us from the manger to the foot of the cross where Jesus meets our greatest need.

“Evermore and Evermore”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 1:26-38 and other texts, December 15, 2024

Advent 2024, Week #3

Adoration is forever! The song of week three is “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”, and ancient Christmas carol with a timeless message. Jim helps us see, from the Scripture behind the song, that Christ will be praised for His incarnation (His taking on humanity) forever, and we need to join the everlasting chorus.

“Glory to the Newborn King!”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Luke 2:8-20 and other texts, December 8, 2024

Advent 2024, Week #2

In week two of our adoration theme for advent, Dave helps us in a study of the glory of Christ and what it means to glorify Him from the carol, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. We are reminded that to God alone belongs glory and that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The shepherds of 2,000 years ago saw a different side to God’s glory in a manger in Bethlehem and returned glory and joyful praise to God.

“O Come Let Us Adore Him”

A sermon by Jeff Nye from Luke 2:8-20 and other texts, December 1, 2024

Advent 2024, Week #1

Our Advent series for 2024 is focused on the adoration of the incarnate Christ and we are taking this one Christmas carol at a time. Jeff walks through the Scriptures behind the carol, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” in this initial invitation this Christmas season to come and adore Jesus. Let’s join the cosmic chorus!

“Jesus Can Reverse Any Tragedy”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 8:40-56, November 24, 2024

Luke series #37

The story of the woman suffering from bleeding is sandwiched into the story of Jairus, the synagogue ruler, seeking healing for his daughter. Few circumstances in life can match the tragedy of the loss of a child. Jairus is staring this in the face. He wants Jesus to stop the tragedy from happening, but once he hears the news of her death, he is ushered to the brink of faith and despair. Can Jesus reverse a tragedy? Yes … He … CAN.

“Jesus Can Relieve Any Suffering”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 8:40-48, November 17, 2024

Luke series #36

Suffering comes in all shapes and sizes, and most often it doesn’t make appointments with us to tell us it’s coming. In this story of a suffering woman, desperate for relief, we see faith and God’s power at work, but we have the opportunity to learn so much more as well about this unavoidable thing called suffering.

“Jesus Can Break Any Chain”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Luke 8:26-39, November 10, 2024

Luke series #35

In episode 2 of our “Jesus Can!” series within Luke, Jesus comes ashore on the other side of Lake Galilee and is confronted by a man with MANY demons. He’s wild-eyed, naked, bruised and scarred, and running amongst tombs with broken chains hanging off the shackles on his wrists. Physical chains he can break, but not the spiritual. Can Jesus break the spiritual bonds off this man? Off us?

“Jesus Can Calm Any Storm”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 8:22-25, November 3, 2024

Luke series #34

By divine authority and power, Jesus calms a storm on Lake Galilee much to the surprise — and fright! — of His disciples. They question His identity and Jesus questions their faith. Perhaps these questions are helpful for us to look at, too. This sermon is the first in a miniseries of sermons in Luke with the theme of “Jesus CAN!”

“You Got Your Ears On?”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 8:4-21, October 27, 2024

Luke series #33

Jesus is intent on His words being heard and His teachings being obeyed. Makes sense since they are the very words of the God who made us and saves us. The Parable of the Sower is the classic parable on what acceptable “hearing” is for Christ’s followers.

“Serving the Savior”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 8:1-3, October 20, 2024

Luke series #32

Jesus had a support base for His itinerant ministry. A group of women whose lives had been changed by Him provided for Him and the Twelve during their second Galilean tour. Take a closer look at these ladies and see what it means to serve the Savior well.

“Forgiveness at the Dinner Table”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 7:36-50, October 13, 2024

Luke series #31

When you’re forgiven, it changes everything. A great weight of guilt and shame are lifted off of your life. Jesus came to remove such burdens that men and women might have the opportunity to commune with God without the baggage. In our story from Luke today, we have the scene of a woman responding to that forgiveness. It was clumsy, practically scandalous, but simply beautiful — and it shows us an important connection to apply to our lives.

“He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease”

A sermon by Jeff Nye from selected passages, October 6, 2024

John the Baptist was okay with the fact that his ministry would fade while Jesus’ ministry took off. He was okay with it because he realized he was just one instrument in the glorious plan of God and He trusted that God to do what is good and right with him. Do you know how to surrender to God? Jeff helps us with this process in this message.

“Jesus, John & Wisdom’s Children”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 7:18-35, September 29, 2024

Luke series #30

Luke has established Jesus’ power and authority which undergird His mission and teaching. But what has happened to John the Baptist? And what does he think of Jesus’ ministry. Today, we hear a flicker of doubt from the dungeon and hear Jesus’ merciful response, but also a lesson in trust — that the wisdom of God seen in both Jesus’ and John’s ministry cannot fail to produce the outcome He desires.

“Marvel Stories”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 7:1-17, September 22, 2024

Luke series #29

Jesus has finished His sermon on mercy and now He has the opportunity to show it twice in two different towns. Jesus practices what He preaches! And as observers of his power and mercy we learn what it is to walk in faith behind this great Master. It is easy to marvel at Jesus, but will He marvel at our faith?

“We Need the Teacher”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 6:43-49, September 15, 2024

Luke series #28

In His Sermon on the Plain, Jesus mentions that a disciple is never above his teacher, but the teacher should fully equip the disciple to be just like him (Luke 6:40). Today we study the ending of Jesus’ message, where He challenges those listening to make sure they have a good teacher and that they are good students. Who can give us teaching foundational to life? We turn to Jesus, our Rock …

“The Way of Mercy, Part 2”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 6:36-42, September 8, 2024

Luke series #27

Jesus continues His sermon on mercy, re-focusing his attention on those who witness wrongdoing in others. When righteousness is breached, what does it mean to show mercy like God shows mercy? Again, Jesus lays down a challenge to His hearers to lay aside censoriousness and forgive above and beyond.

“The Way of Mercy, Part 1”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 6:27-36, September 1, 2024

Luke series #26

The hostility of our enemies evokes all kinds of upsetting emotions from us and provokes actions of retaliation or resignation. But this is not Jesus’ way of responding to insults, persecution, callous disregard and hatred. Jesus calls us to be merciful as God the Father is merciful. Isn’t it the aggressor that needs a prompting to be merciful? Jesus speaks the way of mercy for the victim and, in so doing, shows the victim how to rise above.

“Whoa! & Woes”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 6:17-26, August 11, 2024

Luke series #25

Matthew’s Gospel carries Jesus’ famous talk: “The Sermon on the Mount,” but Luke has a shorter version that takes place on a plain. Jesus was an authoritative teacher, probably using some of the same material as He moved on to other places. He begins this sermon with blessings and woes, and it hits hard, going right to heart … by way of the bank account. What is He asking us to do?

“Show Yourself Approved”

A sermon by Jim Levander from 1 Timothy 2, August 4, 2024

Word of God series #7

Growing up in the AWANA program, I loved learning the Word of God. But did I realize how important it was to be an approved workman for the Lord? We all have to learn diligence in our study of the Scriptures so that we can be the servants of His Word that He calls us to be.

“The Deep Things of God”

A sermon by Jim Levander from 1 Corinthians 2 and other texts, July 28, 2024

Word of God series #6

Any man, woman or child from any culture who can read the Bible in their own language can understand it, at least in the essentials of the faith. And any believer has the distinct advantage of the indwelling Holy Spirit to help make that understanding come alive in their hearts and minds for faith and practice. The doctrines of perspicuity and illumination are in view in this message. The deep things of God have been opened up to us by a God who wants to be known.

“His Word Is Enough”

A sermon by Jim Levander from 1 Kings 21 and other texts, July 21, 2024

Word of God series #5

God’s purposes in revealing Himself to humanity are directly related to the sufficiency of His Word to give us all we need to know. He didn’t give us a comprehensive history book, a physics textbook or even a systematic theology tome. He wanted to show us Himself and the way to Himself as items of ultimate importance. For these, the Bible is enough.

“You Who Tremble at His Word”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Isaiah 66:1-6, July 14, 2024

Word of God series #4

The Bible is God’s special revelation to humanity, with all of its words true and reflecting the full intent of God’s communication to us. And so, it also holds God’s authority over us. What it says, goes! Isaiah ends his book of prophecy challenging his readers/listeners to tremble at the word of God — to treat it with the awe and reverence and obedience that it demands.

“Your Word is Truth”

A sermon by Jim Levander from selected texts, July 7, 2024

Word of God series #3

Inherent to the Doctrine of Inspiration of the Scriptures is the Doctrine of Inerrancy. If God is completely without falsehood and deceit in all He is, says and does, then His Word will reflect that same level of infallibility. In this message we discuss terms and definitions, look at various Bible passages that show that both God and His Word are utterly true in all they affirm, and then consider the implications of such a Book as this.

“Breath of God”

A sermon by Jim Levander from 2 Timothy 3:14-16; 2 Peter 1:16-21, June 30, 2024

Word of God series #2

Christian orthodoxy has long held that the Bible is the Word of God. But in what sense? Our message today deals with two great passages of the New Testament that are the basis of the Doctrine of the Inspiration of the Scriptures. There is more to the Bible than most people believe and, therefore, all the more reason to pat attention to what it says.

“He Speaks, and, Listening to His Voice …”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Psalm 19, June 23, 2024

Word of God series #1

In this psalm of David, Israel’s singer-shepherd-king is convinced that God speaks to man, both through nature and through human language. The apostle Paul agrees with him in the New Testament book of Romans. And these two great, Spirit-filled writers both agree that God’s Word always invokes a response in the listener. With this psalm and sermon we begin a brief series on the Bible: what it is, how it came together, why it is important and how should we handle it.

“The Counter-Cultural Home Leadership of the Godly Man”

A Father’s Day sermon by Dave Curtis from 1 Peter 3:7, June 16, 2024

On Father’s Day we thank God for creating the family and especially for establishing fathers in their roles as head of the household. God has a purpose for how He made male and female, husband and wife, father and mother. In this message we learn that how a man loves and serves his wife is directly related to how well he raises his children and leads his family.

“Jesus Chooses His Team”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 6:12-16, June 9, 2024

Luke Series #24

What do you do before making a difficult and important choice? The choosing of the 12 disciples for Jesus was such a choice, and He spent all night in prayer. We look into this specific choice of Jesus’ early ministry as well as the broader issues of God’s way of making choices and imitating Him as His chosen people. Do you believe that it is by God’s sovereign choice you are part of your local church with all those other people He chose and that He can use that for His glory?

“And They’ll Know We are Christians”

A sermon by Jim Levander from John 13:35, June 1, 2024

Have witnessed real love in the local church? Seen it in action? Serving your spiritual family members the way Jesus exemplified it in the washing of the disciples’ feet? People who are critical of the church are quick to point out all our problems of hypocrisy, but it’s hard for them to find any ammunition with a church that loves one another. In this message, we examine the love that should be obvious in us.

“What’s the Good News?”

A sermon by Jim Levander from John 3:1-18, May 26, 2024

When Jesus came into the world as one of us He brought good news … indeed, He was the good news! The word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’. What does it mean to share the gospel? What are the essentials that must be shared? Find out in this message on the one message that has eternal significance.

“With All Boldness”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Acts 28:30-31, May 19, 2024

The book of Acts in the New Testament ends with the apostle Paul in Rome, under house arrest sharing the gospel with any and all visitors WITH ALL BOLDNESS. Of course he was! He was the apostle Paul. But perhaps boldness was not just a gimme for the great church planter, and maybe we can find boldness to share the gospel the same way he did. Here’s a look at how to recapture the boldness of the apostles and make Christ’s name known in our town and in our day.

“Mothers: The Original Unsung Heroes”

A Mother’s Day sermon by Jeff Nye, May 12, 2024

Psalm 139 poetically expresses God’s wisdom in forming us in our mother’s womb. Mothers initially bear the burden of childbirth, yet a whole lifetime of burdens — some a joy to bear, and others hard — go with the mom who loves her child. Today we celebrate the unsung heroes of everyday life — the moms who gave and gave so we could become what God wants us to be.

“Jesus, Handling the Opposition”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 6:1-11, May 5, 2024

Luke Series #23

The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is hard for some people to accept — especially those steeped in contrary religious traditions. Yet Jesus didn’t ignore or shy away from His opposition. He hit them head-on with challenges that should have convicted them to honest investigation into His claims. We need to learn from Jesus how to handle opponents.

“The Righteous & the Sinners”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 5:27-39, April 28, 2024

Luke Series #22

What kind of people did Jesus come to save: the righteous or the sinners? What kind of people will want to follow Jesus: the righteous or the sinners? The end of Luke 5 contains a tense but rich interchange between Jesus and the religious leaders in which Jesus challenges their thinking about their Old Covenant traditions and the New Covenant framework that He is laying out. Frankly, they don’t mix well.

“What Is Man?”

A sermon by Dave Curtis from Psalm 8, April 21, 2024

Who am I? There are lots of people asking this question these days and trying to find the answer in themselves. But the answer actually comes from our Maker — the One who made us in His image and redeems us through His Son. This message stirs us to gratitude to God for the value of human life.

“Jesus & the Authority Paradox”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 5:17-26, April 14, 2024

Luke Series #21

The people hearing Jesus teach, and watching Him do marvelous works of healing and deliverance, were dealing with a major paradox in play right in front of them. This Jesus seems like an average man (which He was!) but He speaks and acts like He has divine authority (which He did!). To those who could not accept the paradox of the God-man, Jesus’ authority was a stumbling block. But to those who could … and can, Jesus offers forgiveness of sins. Which are you? Have you known the wonders of His authoritative forgiveness?

“If You Are Willing”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 5:12-16, April 7, 2024

Luke Series #20

Jesus powerfully healed many people from all kinds of diseases and ailments — the Gospels only mention a few stories in detail. This story about the leper that comes to Jesus must have been a memorable one for those who witnessed it. The leper’s approach to Jesus and Jesus’ simple, but remarkable response show us some of the basics of the relationship between disciple and Master.

“He is God of the Living”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Matthew 22:23-33 and other texts, March 31, 2024

Resurrection Sunday 2024

On Easter we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe this to be a historical event and a bodily resurrection. What is the impact of this on our everyday lives? God is God of the living — listen and hear what that means.

“Hosanna Stones”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 19 and other texts, March 24, 2024

Passion Week 2024

On Palm Sunday we celebrate and commemorate the coming of Jesus into Jerusalem as rightful King. We can only imagine how the scene must have looked on that day 2,000 years ago as a couple million people would have been crowded around that ancient city for the Passover Feast. Imagine the volume of the crowd as they shouted, “Hosanna!” But not all were impressed, and some called for restraint. But Jesus said, “If they remain silent, the stones would cry out!” The praise of Jesus is essential and here’s why.

“From the Old Testament to the Cross”

A sermon by Jeff Nye from Psalm 22 and other texts, March 17, 2024

Passion Week 2024

There are at least 28 Old Testament prophecies directly pertaining to Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. In this message, Jeff will lead us through many of them, focusing on Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. The Old Testament is the bud of the New Testament flower!

“A Great Fish Story”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 5:1-11, March 10, 2024

Luke Series #19

The calling of the first disciples to Jesus’ ministry happened in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. It included a miraculous catch of fish that brought shock and awe to a seasoned group of fishermen and brought Simon Peter to his knees. This is a story that shows the formation process of a new disciple — a committed follower of Jesus. It is a story with implications all followers of Jesus must grapple with today.

“Authority on Display”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 4:31-44, March 3, 2024

Luke Series #18

All four Gospel writers in the New Testament testify that Jesus taught like no other Rabbi, healed like no other prophet, cast out demons like no exorcist of His time. And His exceptional way with everything was based upon His authority. It was not just an air of authority he donned when He needed to be influential. It is part of Who Jesus is.

“The Testing of Nazareth: Hometown Rejection”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 4:14-32, February 25, 2024

Luke Series #17

Jesus seemed to understand that He would be rejected in His hometown, and in the end He didn’t seem to dwell on it as a great loss. How does rejection fit into the ministry of the Messiah and redemption of the world? Christians really need to learn how to see rejection through Jesus’ eyes.

“The Testing of Nazareth: Hometown Expectations”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 4:14-30, February 18, 2024

Luke Series #16

Jesus has faced off with the devil in the desert and won a decisive victory, passing the Father’s test. Now Jesus has a test for His hometown. Will they accept Him, believe in Him? This is part one where we are examining the scene Luke chose to set the tone for the ministry of Jesus in his Gospel record.

“Tested in the Wilderness”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 4:1-13, February 11, 2024

Luke Series #15

A temptation from the devil and a test from the Father — Jesus experiences both at once after 40 days of fasting in a dry, inhospitable countryside. How will the Son of God do when reduced to His weakest human state and faced with desirable choices? The fact that Jesus faces His temptations from completely human terms and responses provides ample application for us in our temptations. God, in His sovereignty is willing to use the devils ploys to test us and strengthen us.

“Family Tree in Context”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 3:23-38, February 4, 2024

Luke Series #14

Between two key events at the start of Jesus’ ministry, Luke shoehorns in this genealogy. And anyone interested in studying the Bible faithfully should be asking a bunch of questions … What purpose does this serve in helping us understand Jesus’ life and ministry? How is it different from Matthew’s version? How can this possibly apply to me? God has not wasted words in giving His truth to us and so we need to take them all into account.

“Which Cousin Is the Christ?”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 3:15-22, January 28, 2024

Luke Series #13

We come in this passage to the climax of John the Baptist’s ministry — the two cousins meet and Jesus is baptized with a dramatic showing on the part of the Divine. But there was confusion hanging about as to the identity of the Messiah, the Christ. Luke uses the events of this narrative to show us that Jesus is the greater over John and that Jesus is certainly the Christ. Everyone who follows Jesus today should be really clear on this and able to share it boldly.

“Avoiding the Axe”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 3:7-14, January 21, 2024

Luke Series #12

John the Baptist was quite a preacher. He called his people a “brood of vipers” and told them they were like a tree and the wrath of God was like an axe lined up and ready to take the tree down. But John offered people a chance to avoid the axe through repentance. Do you know what it means to repent?

“Prepare the Way”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 3:1-6, January 14, 2024

Luke Series #11

The adult ministries of John and Jesus begin in chapter 3 of Luke. In the first six verses, Luke gives us several facets of the setting of these two ministries and what God is doing in them. God is making a way for us through His servant and His Son.

“First Words”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 2:40-52, January 7, 2024

Luke Series #10

We worship the Baby in a manger with the Magi and we worship the resurrected Christ with the disciples, but what about the 12-year-old Boy Jesus who so confused His parents? In this one biblical narrative we have of Jesus’ later childhood, we get a glimpse of His humanity and His divinity. We see Him grapple with His identity like any other human, and yet uniquely as the Son of God.

“Fulfilled”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 2:22-40, November 12, 2023

Luke Series #9

Simeon and Anna were faithful, old attenders in the temple in Jerusalem waiting for the fulfillment of prophecies made long before their time. But they waited with expectancy! When the baby Jesus was brought in for that first time, they realized much of their hopes and dreams for their people and the world were to be fulfilled in this boy. Let’s consider fulfillment from the point of view of this passage.

“Christ the Lord Is Born”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 2:1-21, November 5, 2023

Luke Series #8

Like the other three Gospel writers, Luke has a story to tell that goes beyond entertainment to the very heart of what it means for man to relate to God. How is Luke using the story of Jesus’ birth to tell us the Good News from his perspective? Much on the identity of this newborn baby Jesus is revealed in events planned and controlled by God affecting all mankind. We can’t just read it without wondering: “What do I have to do about this?”

“Old Story, New Dawn”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 1:67-80, October 29, 2023

Luke Series #7

Mary & Zechariah both offer of poems of praise and prophecy in the first chapter of Luke. In them we see the relationship between the age-old story of the redemption of man through the offspring of Abraham and David, and a new dawn in that story in these two baby boys that will bring that wonderful plan of God to its fullness. Here we see the connection between the Old and New Testaments.

“The Hand of God”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 1:57-66, October 22, 2023

Luke Series #6

Luke has introduced the Son and he has introduced the Spirit early in his Gospel. Well, there are three Persons of the Trinity, so how has He introduced God the Father? This passage is especially suited to show the Father’s role in the gospel message as we take a look at the movement and placement of the hand of the Lord in these opening events of the lives of Jesus and John the Baptist.

“The Spirit at Work”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 1:35-56, October 15, 2023

Luke Series #5

Luke also introduces us to another Person of the Trinity — the Holy Spirit. In his first four chapters detailing Jesus’ conception, birth, and early ministry, the Holy Spirit and His work is mentioned 12 times. This builds our awareness of the powerful background work of our God in His redemptive purposes and in the lives of His people to draw us all to Christ.

“A Son Named Jesus”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 1:30-35, October 8, 2023

Luke Series #4

We come back to our passage from last week, but this time we ask the question, “How is Luke introducing Jesus to us?” Well, hold on tight, because through the words of the angel Gabriel, Luke breaks open some huge theological implications on who this son named Jesus will really be. Until you compare the wording here to the prophecies of the Old Testament, you don’t realize the staggering claims to divinity and authority that are given to Jesus here.

“A Tale of Two Wombs”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 1:26-38, October 1, 2023

Luke Series #3

It is hard to miss the similarities between the stories of John’s and Jesus’ conception announcements. Our author, Luke, intends for us to draw some parallels and learn something about the Christian faith right from the beginning. So here we explore the tale of God miraculously opening two different wombs for His great plans and purposes … and our great joy.

“The Wait Is Over”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 1:5-25, September 24, 2023

Luke Series #2

For four hundred years God’s people had waited for God to speak to them again and fulfill promises made long ago. Luke does not miss this important event of the angelic announcement of John’s birth, and he writes in a way that reminds each of us not to doubt even when the wait is long.

“An Orderly Account of Extraordinary Events”

A sermon by Jim Levander from Luke 1:1-4, September 17, 2023

Luke Series #1

What is a “Gospel”? We start our study of Luke with a look at why the author would write something like this in the first place. This Gospel is one of four good news stories of Jesus’ life, teaching, works, death and resurrection. And Luke is determined to give his readers a good working narrative of these extraordinary events from long ago. The story of Jesus is just as necessary and relevant today as it ever has been. Won’t you listen in?