Nature & Nurture

Discovering the true essence of life lies in understanding and experiencing a deeper connection with God. This journey isn't just about learning; it's about a profound, personal encounter. In our upcoming series, we'll delve into who God is, and explore practices that help us connect with Him on a personal level. Whether you're new to faith or seeking more, join us to find a deeper connection with God. It’s an invitation to all who are thirsty: come, drink, and be satisfied.

This sermon discusses how the Sabbath serves as both a rhythm for rest and a form of resistance against modern consumerism and overwork, drawing parallels between ancient Egyptian slavery and today's culture of constant productivity and consumption. Pastor Ryan emphasizes that true contentment comes through Christ alone, not through accumulation of possessions or achievements, and encourages practical application of Sabbath principles through choosing contentment over accumulation, stillness over striving, and connection over crowds.

Pastor Scott discusses humanity's universal desire for nearness and belonging, explaining how we are separated from God due to sin but can be brought near through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Through Christ's blood, we receive both forgiveness and the promise of God's eternal presence, transforming us from outsiders to intimate members of God's family.

In this sermon, Pastor Will Medell emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath as a day of rest and joy, highlighting that it is a gift from God meant to remind us of our identity as His children rather than slaves to work and productivity. He encourages the congregation to embrace the Sabbath by disconnecting from daily responsibilities and trusting in God's provision, thereby experiencing true rest and joy.

The sermon discusses how both sons in the prodigal son story sought to fulfill their innate needs (acceptance, security, value, significance, and purpose) through either worldly pursuits or religious behavior, but both paths led to slavery. The father in the story represents the gospel - showing that true freedom and fulfillment of these needs comes only through accepting God's unconditional love and grace rather than through worldly success or religious performance.

Pastor Jim discusses the difficulty of observing the Sabbath in a fast-paced culture, defining it as an "absence of expectation and striving." He explains that true rest is achieved by first remembering God's nature and His works, which include His steadfast love and faithfulness. This remembrance, he argues, leads to a soul at peace, enabling one to truly rest and find victory, flourishing, and contentment.

This sermon focuses on understanding God's holiness - His complete uniqueness, perfection, and separation from everything else - and how having a proper, bigger view of God's holiness should impact how we live and find satisfaction in Him. The message culminates in showing how God's holiness, which should rightfully separate us from Him due to our sin, actually draws near to us through Jesus Christ who became unholy on the cross to make us holy.

Pastor Ryan emphasizes that Sabbath is a vital practice for nurturing a relationship with God, highlighting Jesus' ministry as the ultimate fulfillment of divine rest and redemption. He outlines the four stages of rest—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration—and encourages believers to cease their own efforts and find joy by resting in God’s completed work through Christ.

This sermon explores how to genuinely experience God's presence rather than merely having intellectual knowledge of Him, using Moses' request to see God's glory in Exodus 33-34 as the central text. Pastor Ryan emphasizes that while God's presence is essential and sometimes feels elusive, it becomes accessible through Jesus Christ, who perfectly unites God's justice and love, enabling us to have a transformative relationship with God that goes beyond simply seeking His provisions.