‘Sorry’ is Hardest Word Dear Church Family, What a beautiful week we’ve enjoyed. When I see the Facebook-plastered panoramic pictures of white-limbed trees and Midwestern whiteouts, I almost miss the snow. I did say, almost! If you watched any college basketball this week you saw a beautiful example of conflict resolution. We hear so many… Continue Reading
February 15 Sermon Notes Humility in Practice James 4:7-10 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Bracketed off by calls to humility (verse 6 and verse 10), the section we’re in this morning issues two commands accompanied by one powerful promise: God draws near to the humble. To the broken, contrite and soft-hearted, God pours out His grace.… Continue Reading
Songs of Meaning Dear Church Family, I can hardly wait to worship God with you on Sunday. On this coming Lord’s Day, we’re singing two songs that address one common theological theme: the victory over sin enjoyed by those who are in Christ. One song, Rock of Ages, says so beautifully, “Let the water and… Continue Reading
You are invited to a fundraising dinner to support our mission team heading to Ethiopia in March with E3 Partners. We’ll gather in Heritage Hall on February 27 at 6:45 p.m. for a lasagna dinner. The cost is $20.00 per plate. Continue Reading
Our Winter Retreat is taking place THIS Friday, February 20-22, in Frazier Park at the Pine Mountain Club. We’ll be taking a tour through the book of Revelation with guest speaker Dr. Greg Harris, Professor of Bible Exposition at the Master’s Seminary. The cost for the weekend is $100.00, and scholarships are available if needed.… Continue Reading
2.8.2015 Sermon Notes Fight Club James 4:1-6 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Nothing tests our understanding of, and commitment to the gospel more than living with broken and sinful people (like us) on a broken and sin-cursed world (like ours). It’s fair to say that it’s in our relationships, perhaps, more than any other area, that… Continue Reading
When You Feel Most Alone Hello Church Family, I hope you’re having a great week. I pray that you’ve been able to see God’s grace in new and encouraging ways. If you are reading through the Bible this year as part of a daily schedule, you’ve likely already encountered this phrase multiple times: “And God… Continue Reading
Click here for PDF. Sermon Notes Two Kinds of Wisdom James 3:13-18 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Behind every decision we make there is a driving force or guiding principle, moving us to act the way that we act. There are two of these controlling influences, James says, and they’re starkly different. Complete opposites, really. And… Continue Reading
1.25.2015 Click here for PDF Sermon Notes What Our Words Say About Us James 3:1-12 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: A strong 2,000-pound stallion is easily led by a tiny device weighing only a few ounces. A high-powered ocean vessel glides upon the water, cutting back and forth through the waves, and is controlled by a… Continue Reading
What’s So Great About Being a Pastor? Hello Church Family, I want you to know that I’ve been very specific in my prayers for you this week: I have repeatedly asked God to give you great joy in Him, the kind of “fullness of life” that Jesus says He came to make possible (John 10:10).… Continue Reading