Battle Hymn of the Republic – June 28, 2026
Today we continue our summer sermon series, taking an in-depth look at some of your favorite hymns and songs – their history, their words, their music, and the stories and theology behind them. As we approach our Independence Day celebrations this week, it’s no coincidence that we’re diving deep into a hymn that rose out of the question: what kind of nation are we going to be? The Battle Hymn of the Republic is filled to overflowing with references to apocalyptic Bible passages, found everywhere from Genesis to Revelation. We’re going to hear a couple of Scripture...
Read MoreShine, Jesus Shine – June 21, 2026
Today, we pick up again with our summer sermon series on our favorite hymns and songs, taking a closer look at the theology, stories, and encouragement behind them. Today’s song is one that doesn’t focus on any one particular Scripture passage, but picks up metaphors and snippets from all over the Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, all four gospels, and more. But I could only choose two for our readings today, so listen carefully for references to the light as we hear from the gospel according to John. Scripture: John 1:1-16 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,...
Read MoreIt Is Well With My Soul – June 7, 2026
Today, we begin our summer sermon series, looking at the ways our favorite hymns shape our minds and hearts. We’re kicking things off with a hymn that has one heck of a story behind it, and its power to comfort and anchor us in the storms of life is unparalleled. I’m going to invite you to grab your hymnal along with your Bible, and open it to hymn #840 – It is Well With My Soul. But before we dive in to the words and music of ‘It Is Well’, we’re going to hear from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul planted this church in a bustling city in Macedonia – a colony of the Roman...
Read MoreMay 31, 2026: We’re On A Mission From God
Today, we find ourselves once again in the gospel according to Matthew. Chapter 28 details Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, and in this gospel, the risen Jesus greets Mary Magdalene and tells her to send the disciples to Galilee, where he will meet them. There’s a few verses in between about the reaction of Pilate and the high priest, which wasn’t great, and then we pick up the story in verse 16. Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And...
Read MoreMay 24, 2026 – One Spirit (Pentecost)
Today is Pentecost Sunday, also known as ‘the birthday of the church.’ But why is it called ‘Pentecost?’ If you think back to Holy Week, you may remember that Jesus’ death and resurrection happened right around Passover, arguably the largest and most significant Jewish festival – both then and now. But Passover is part of a larger story, and so it’s tied to another Jewish festival called Shavuot. Shavuot celebrates two things: the wheat harvest in ancient Israel, and the giving of the law, the Torah, at Mt. Sinai. After Passover, for seven weeks the people count each day, building...
Read MoreMay 17, 2026 – Whatcha Lookin’ At?
Today, we celebrate Ascension Sunday – the day we see Jesus ascend to sit at the right hand of God the Father. So we’ll be diving into Acts. The full title of this book ‘Acts of the Apostles’, which is a surprisingly accurate description. Written by the same person who wrote the gospel according to Luke, Acts is all about what happens after Jesus – when he’s no longer with them in flesh and blood and they have to figure out how to live and be and work and worship now in light of this crucified and risen Savior. Acts is when the people of God start figuring out what it...
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