Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-14, 17, 23 These are three common visions of a life that can overcome the curse. We cling to them because they are something to do in the face of the challenges and sadnesses of a broken world. If I can just enjoy enough, become smart enough, or work hard enough, perhaps I can escape the chaos of the curse. But there is only one thing that can mend a broken world.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 We will often use bubbles to hide in to protect ourselves from reality - to make ourselves believe this is really home when it is not. We are nomads. No amount of wisdom or laughter or commercial success will change that. However, if death is a reality, then life becomes a gift - a privilege - and a purposeful endeavor.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 It's a question that has plagued the human mind from the beginning. Ecclesiastes is an exploration of that question beginning with the circular nature of life - that no matter how hard we try, we won't get answers. But is he looking in the right place?

Dr. Paul Gibson | Acts 1:1-11 Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1:4, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised...the Holy Spirit." The disciples had this promise, but still had to wait until the day of Pentecost to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How did the disciples handle this period of waiting? How do we handle the in-between of living in God's promises that are not yet fulfilled? The truth is that "The Waiting is the Hardest Part."

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 3:7-12 Building on the message from May 3, the church at Thyatira faced false teaching as well, and they did something about it - those who would not accept discipline were thrown out of the church. We have to realize why we have theological and doctrinal standards. These protect the Church while equipping the next generations. Strategic Priority 2!

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Timothy 1:3-7 Paul writes of the rich legacy of faith he was left by particular women, an important theme on Mother's Day.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 2:18-29 It is becoming increasingly hard to identify as a Christian and not take some heat for it or be faced with hostility. This was the situation for Thyatira as well. God writes to that church to encourage them to stand firm and to watch out for false teachers. This is why elders and deacons matter in the life of the church. Truth and doctrine must be guarded carefully.

Rev. Tanner Fox | John 11:38-44 Jesus reveals the power He has over death in this story with Lazarus. The same power that will bring Him back from the dead, defeating our final enemy and inviting us to walk in newness of life! Even after He is brought back to life, He is still wrapped in the grave clothes that He died in and needs the help of others to lay those aside and to truly embrace His resurrected life in Christ. How might this metaphor become an invitation to each of us?

Dr. David Swanson | James 4:1-10 People seem angry these days and it's mostly because they can't get what they want. On this Confirmation, we are grateful, because in the words of the Rolling Stones, you now have "what you need."

Dr. Jack Peebles | John 20:19-29 The risen Jesus appears to fearful, uncertain disciples - not with judgment, but with peace. His resurrection presence turns locked rooms into places of commissioning. Easter does not end at the empty tomb; it continues as the risen Christ sends ordinary people into the world, breathing new life and purpose into them.