Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.Joy from the pastCultivating awe (1,3): (1) “fortunes” = “captives” (2) “like those who dream” — a turn of events that is hard to process, like recovering from a life-threatening illness (Naaman, Jesus’ miracles, resurrection) (3) sometimes feel the Lord is not near or paying attention (cf. Psa...  Read More

I have recently been involved in premarital counseling sessions with four different couples. Over the years I have officiated a number of weddings and conducted dozens of counseling sessions for those getting married. We talk about all kinds of topics, but one of my favorite to talk about is holidays. Even after years of marriage, the holidays can be the least peaceful time of the year. Even thoug...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. Intro: (1) God is our only true source of security (2) new grad survey (3) 5 characteristics of the Lord that offer security to us after we place faith in ChristGod Stabilizes: (1) “Mount Zion” = Jerusalem (2) God’s offer of stability pictured by immovable mountains (cf. Mark 11:22-23) (3) sec...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.Intro: (1) advent intro (2) Psalm 124 — thinking about how God helps us, sometimes in ways we don’t even think about (guy who packed the parachute) (3) four ways to experienceGod’s helpConfessing our dependence (1-2): (1) first half of an “if-then” statement that David is encouraging Israel to...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. Intro: (1) what does it look like to be filled with the Spirit? (2) first must recognize our spiritual emptiness apart from Christ (cf. Jeremiah 2:13, John 4:14, 7:37-38) (3) all forms of spirituality outside of Christ are empty, for it is only through Christ that we can be filled with God via...  Read More

I recently ran across the following quote: “Maturity requires suffering. Some of [the suffering] may be petty, some of it may be serious, and some of it may be so psychologically scarring that you’ll be getting over it for a long time.” Suffering comes in a variety of forms and can ebb and flow through various seasons. But one thing is for sure: it is often the catalyst for spiritual maturing. Her...  Read More