What does preaching against racism have to do with the gospel? Everything. The biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration offers us a guide to explore history, examine the present, and build hope for the future in terms of dismantling racism and pursuing God’s multi-ethnic Kingdom together.
Scriptures Used: Luke 4:16-21, Ephesians 2:11-22
God created the earth as good and assigned his human creations the job of “tending the garden.” As with everything else, mankind botched that task, and as a result nature is corrupted. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to witness by returning to our original calling: using the earth’s resources wisely and generously for good, and restoring the broken world to beauty where we can, in practical ways.
Scriptures Used: Genesis 1:24-31, 2:15-22; Luke 12:22-34
Meaningful discussion points:
What is one creation care practice you can start (or restart) this week? 2. What is a natural setting in your local area that causes you to be in awe at God’s creative beauty and to worship him? Plan some time to get away to this spot and spend some time in prayer.
The Bible has a great deal to say about politics. Today’s sermon will look at several passages which give us principles to live by as we engage in our world today.
Scriptures Used: Romans 13:1-8; John 19:1-11
What is essential for the Church, and for followers of Christ? These three: worship, discipleship and mission -- can repeatedly be found in Scripture as central to the Church and for the Christian walk. Join us as we look at two passages of Scripture that expound upon these three critical components of the Christian life.
Scriptures Used: John 7:37-38; Luke 8:26-39
The Word/Law is more than “information” - it is “formation” as we meditate on the Word and let it shape us. We have a tendency to read the Bible for information rather than for formation. God invites us to obey him through his Word, as a response to his love for us.
Scriptures Used: Ps 119: 41-44, 97-112, John 1:1-5, 14
Do you want to make 2020 your best year yet? Mary McDonald preaches on how to use Psalm 96 to help make 2020 your best year yet.
Scriptures used: Psalm 96, John 5:24
Sometimes it’s hard to feel joyous when there is so much chaos going on around us. There are three things that we can do to help find the joy God desires us all to embody.
Scriptures Used: Psalm 100; Revelation 2:2-5
This sermon was delivered during the Bishop’s annual parish visit.
Scripture Used: Psalm 126; Nehemiah 6:1-9 and 8:13-18; Mark 4:26-34
Waiting can be incredibly exciting or terrifying. How can we wait with hope and expectation? Psalm 130 gives us guidelines for waiting.
Scriptures Used: Psalm 130, Luke 18:9-14
Meaningful Conversation Starters: What does it look like for you to prepare for Christmas? What would it take for you to get ready?
Psalm 107 encourages us to remember the power of God that saves us, and others. It reminds us to witness verbally, publicly and boldly of that saving power, trusting for ourselves and others.
Scriptures Used: Psalm 107:1-43; Luke 4:16-30
The "imprecatory" psalms - the psalms of anger against injustice - are rarely read or preached on in church. This is unfortunate because they are a gift: Spirit-inspired words to voice righteous indignation about the very real evils in the world. Paul calls on us to be truthful -- to "BE ANGRY, and do not sin." These psalms allow us to do this, with humility (recognizing our own sinfulness), and to give our anger to God to handle it in his way and his time.
Scriptures Used: Psalm 58 and Romans 12:14-21
Psalm 27 is one of confidence in the Lord’s ability to be light, salvation and a stronghold for those who put their trust in Him. It teaches the importance of a relationship with Jesus that is personal, a priority and protective.
Scriptures Used: Psalm 27:1-14; John 4:1-26
In Psalm 143 David shows us how to respond to situations that threaten our bodies, minds or spirits. In doing so, he takes us beyond our experience to desire a greater good for ourselves, others and God.
Scriptures used: Psalm 143:1-12; Matt 10:26-39
The Psalms were the official hymnbook of God’s people for over 1500 years. Today, they provide language that take us where we would not (and perhaps could not) go -- giving us new reasons to be thankful, to praise, to have faith in trials, to lament and to pray against injustice and oppression. They are God’s language for calling out our souls.
Scriptures used: Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 7:12-29
Science and faith are often viewed as incompatible, according to a majority of Americans. Is it really true that these two are really in conflict? How do Christians relate to science in ways that are faithful to the Christian faith, but also to the true nature of science itself?
Scriptures Used: Psalm 19, Mark 4:35-41
What does the bible say about faith making us better people? John 15 has some incredible insights what fruit can come from a life that is abiding in Jesus, which includes very practical character traits like love, joy, friendship and more!
Scriptures Used: Col 1:3-14; John 15:1-17
How do we talk about emotional, often conflictual topics and leave as friends? This sermon will address the heart we approach such conversations with, as well as the skills we need to be peace-makers.
Scriptures Used: 2 Tim 2 : 14-26; Matt 5 : 1-16
What is curiosity and why is it important? What is the opposite of curiosity and what are the costs related to the lack of it?
Scriptures used: Prov 1:1-7; Matt 13:1-23
What happened in Athens in the 1st century, when the Apostle Paul met with the people there (also recorded in Acts 17). Why does it matter for us today?
Scriptures used: Acts 17:16-34; Matt 16:13-20
Why would you or I take the risk to be a part of a gathering of followers of Jesus (church), when there’s so much negative press in the media about what happens when Christians gather together? Today we’ll learn from a story of a paralyzed man, the nature and value of true community.
Scriptures used: Mark 2:1-12; Gal 6:1-10
110 Roanoke St E
Blacksburg Virginia, 24060
540-217-3210
Morning Worship - 9:15am
PO Box 924
Blacksburg, VA 24063
540-217-3210
