Dr. David Swanson | John 20:10-23

We have a tendency to hang on to things in life "in case we might need them." We can even try to "hang on" to Jesus as if He is just for us. To the contrary, Jesus welcomes us, but then He sends us out into the fullness of Kingdom life. You are meant for more!

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 30

God transforms the hard things in David's life, his mourning, into dancing - not from happiness, but from joy.

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 5:5

Meekness is an often misunderstood quality, one often associated with being a doormat. It is not that, but a quality of heart that is humble and other-centered. Like Jesus.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Acts 7:54-60, Matthew 5:10

As our culture becomes more and more hostile to Christian faith, the reality of persecution looms larger. 

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 5:9

In a world of agitation and anger, which we are easily dragged into, how can we become people of peace?

Rev. Tanner Fox | Matthew 5:3

The blessing of being poor in spirit.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Matthew 5:4

We all live in the grief and mourning that comes with life. In the body, and through Christ, we are also comforted.

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 16:25-34

The Philippian jailer was one regularly inflicting pain and suffering on those under his charge, including putting Paul and Silas in stocks. We're not sure what role it played in their beatings, but it was likely significant. He was a calloused, cruel man, and yet he is transformed, his heart becoming filled with care and compassion.

Dr. David Swanson | Numbers 12:1-3, 9-15

Though Miriam had a huge role in the exodus, she becomes envious and gossips about Moses, likely envious of his standing with God. Her skin is made leprous, and she is left outside the camp for a week. 

Dr. David Swanson | Jonah 1:1-12

Jonah is famous for his disobedience, but more than that, we see that he did not love the Ninevites and remains angry even at the end. We are all works in progress - sometimes, God leaves the end of the story up in the air.

Dr. Case Thorp | Psalm 131:1-3

As a pilgrim coming to worship at the temple in Jerusalem, David reaches deep into his heart and discovers the still small voice of God, but in the same manner, the maturity to which Christ calls us all.

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Samuel 9:1-11

Mephibosheth is one of the great stories of transformation in the Bible as he goes from being a cripple to eating at David's table. He goes from nowhere (Lo Debar) to somewhere by God's grace.

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Kings 18:18-21

True transformation is only possible when we have truly yielded to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. Do we want to change or do we just say that, instead desiring in our hearts to keep doing the very same things?

Dr. David Swanson | Joshua 1:1-9

As we move into this series on the transforming power of God, we have to understand how it works and why we sometimes fight it.

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 16:11-15

Lydia's baptism gives us a perfect window into baptism as inclusionary event, family event, community event.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Joshua 2:1-3 

The Lord wrote an amazing story about Rahab's life with unexpected twists and turns. How might the Lord be writing your story?

Bret Allen | Luke 2:18-19

Dr. David Swanson | Isaiah 57:14-16, 18-19

The birth of Christ can seem like folklore of fairy tale at times, raising as many questions as it answers. How do we know that this child really was God? How does this moment help us answer some of the bigger questions life? Jesus helps us crack the code. He is the means by which we understand everything else and so we make Him Lord.

Merry Christmas!

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 1:5-22, 62-64

Zechariah becomes our example of one who has lost the wonder, the "magic" of faith – and for us – of Christmas. He is told about a great thing, but he is the ultimate skeptic. The season of Advent is a time to remember the wonder of God, the incarnation of God, and the hope of all it means so that, like Zechariah, our mouths are opened in praise.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 2:8-14

The simple words of th angels to the shepherds resonate with us and seem almost impossible. How can we stop being dominated by fear and anxiety? it is a complex issue, but one in which Christ bears great hope.

Rev. Alexa Rossi | Isaiah 9:2-7

With the birth of Christ, God reveals that his plan of redemption finds its fullness in a child. Darkness is no more because of the character and eternality of this man Jesus, who is the light dawning as living hope. We don’t manufacture optimism in challenging circumstances, we choose hope even when there’s no evidence that circumstances will get better–because the strength of our hope lies in a person whose life overcomes even death.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 2:1-7

In a world that encroaches on us from every side, how can we make room for Christ this Advent?

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 9:9-13

Matthew 9 shows us how a life can be transformed from one burdened by money to one centered in generosity.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Romans 5:1-8

Paul offers us a vision of the cross of Jesus that is strong enough to hold us in our suffering. The experience of the Christian in suffering is unique to that of the world. Only Christians can live with hope IN suffering and see all the ways removes, remolds, reinforces our dependencies and delight in Jesus.

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Chronicles 29:16-17

Paul offers us a vision of the cross of Jesus that is strong enough to hold us in our suffering. The experience of the Christian in suffering is unique to that of the world. Only Christians can live with hope IN suffering and see all the ways removes, remolds, reinforces our dependencies and delight in Jesus.