Sandcastles Before Tide, Part 1
The parable of the foolish man who built his house on the sand is one that everyone is familiar with. Many of us learned it as kids, growing up. But how does the parable relate to our lives today? In other words, what are the sandcastles in our own society? In this message Stephen offers some convicting answers.
A Learner's Permit for Life, Part 2
When we pray and ask God for wisdom, what exactly are we asking for? An answer? An inner compulsion to do something or not do something? A sign from heaven, perhaps? In this message Stephen takes us back to James' convicting letter to remind us what Godly wisdom is really all about. Contrary to popular opinion, it's not a matter of the mind . . . it's a matter of the heart.
A Learner's Permit for Life, Part 1
When we pray and ask God for wisdom, what exactly are we asking for? An answer? An inner compulsion to do something or not do something? A sign from heaven, perhaps? In this message Stephen takes us back to James' convicting letter to remind us what Godly wisdom is really all about. Contrary to popular opinion, it's not a matter of the mind . . . it's a matter of the heart.
A Foretaste of Freedom
What did Barabbas have to do? Walk out of prison and accept his freedom. That is it! Why? Because his freedom had been paid by the Lamb who literally hung on his cross. What an illustration of Christ's redemptive mission this is. And to this day, salvation comes to those who simply accept the freedom offered by Christ.
The Surrender of Bliss
One of the easiest choices to overlook in the Christmas story is the choice made by Joseph. But his choice to wed Mary despite the scandalous allegations leveled against her is one of the most incredible and self-sacrificing choices of all. It was a decision that changed his life, reputation, and social standing forever. Matthew might not tell us much about Joseph in his inspired Gospel account, but what he does reveal is invaluable to the Gospel story. So let's join Stephen as he unfolds it in this message.
The Father's Gift
This is Christmas from the perspective of the Father. We hear it in the joy of the Father's announcement about the Son; We sense it in the satisfaction in the Father's affirmation of the Son; We understand it in the love in the Father's address through the Son. Christmas is about a Father's gift to a prodigal world!
The Lamb Keepers
In Philippians 2 the Apostle Paul talks about the humility of Christ. He says that Christ set His Kingly attributes aside to wear the garb of lowly humanity. But He didn't just stoop low enough to become a man . . . He stooped low enough to become a poor man. So this holiday season, as you look at nativity scenes everywhere, remember that Christ didn't have to be born in a stable . . . He chose to.
Mary Had a Little Lamb
After 400 years of silence, the Word of God finally broke through the heavens. This time it was in a way so miraculous that many today still deny it. God didn't send a messenger or a prophet or a priest like He had in the past. He sent His own Son!
The Inside Story
At this time of year, it's natural for our attention to turn to the Babe in the manger, but let's not forget his earthly parents in the process. Mary and Joseph showed remarkable faith in God during the first Christmas story and we can learn a lot from their example.
The Song of Mary
If you had been Mary, would you have struggled with pride at times, knowing that of all the people God could have chosen to give birth to His Messiah, He had chosen you? I think most of us would have. But in Luke 1:26-56, we discover the astonishing truth that instead of boasting in herself, Mary spends thirty verses reveling in the fact that the Redeemer--her Redeemer--had come at last! So let's join Stephen now as he gives us a fresh look at the legacy of a woman who truly was unlike any other.