Sermon Notes Experiencing Forgiveness Matthew 6:12, 14-15 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: The unwavering witness of Scripture is that forgiveness from God—the pardon for sin—is a free gift, not a reward for anything we do or don’t do. It’s not based on our goodness, church attendance, offerings, rule keeping, baptism, or anything else. The good news… Continue Reading
Bullets, Bunkers and the Unflinching Faith of a Country Boy Hello Family, I hope you’re enjoying your summer. I have been praying for you this week, that God would uphold you with his right hand and satisfy your soul with the richness of his presence (Psalm 63). I have often made the point, either in… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes The God Who Hears Matthew 6:11-13 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Naturally, it is appropriate and right for God’s people to come to their Creator and simply worship and praise him. He is, after all, God. Even so, biblical prayer is at the very heart petitionary. It involves God’s people bringing their needs to… Continue Reading
We’re Planting A Church Hello Family, I almost entitled this post: “We’re Having a Baby”—that certainly would have been an attention-grabber—but I didn’t want my cell phone blowing up with texts and calls from people who reached out before they read the article. The reality is “We’re Planting a Church” is a more accurate caption,… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Pray Like This Matthew 6:9b- 10 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: While it’s good to recite the Lord’s Prayer precisely as it reads, it’s not a secret formula. Jesus is not concerned about repeating specific words, but about teaching his followers a way to pray: principles to be extrapolated so that even when we use… Continue Reading
A (Realistic) Word to Our Graduates Hello Family, I have thanked God for you many times this week, as the testimonies of your love for God and one another have come across my desk repeatedly. I am grateful to be part of such a caring and sacrificial church. While I normally use this up-to-700-word essay… Continue Reading
English speaking Christian families are needed to host Chinese students this summer for 1-2 week sessions. Families receive a $32.00 stipend per student, per night, or $224 per week (min. 2 students per home). You can make a huge impact on these students by opening your home. For more information or to sign up, please contact… Continue Reading
JH Summer Camp is almost here! JH is going to Yucaipa Regional Park, June 26-30. Please register Sunday mornings in the Foyer, in the Church Office during office hours (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), or at Youth Group on Thursdays. Click here for more information. Continue Reading
Sermon Notes No Reward for Empty Words Matthew 6:1-9a Pastor John Sloan Introduction: There was no sin that caused Jesus to say to the offending party, “You are hopelessly beyond redemption.” But it is clear in the Gospels that Jesus is disgusted by theatrical righteousness. There is a form of outward piety—noble acts done for… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Enemies Who Have Been Loved Matthew 5:34-48 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: First-century Jewish leaders had no problem with the command to “love one’s neighbor as oneself,” but they had a very narrow definition of neighbor. Only someone who was racially, ethnically, culturally and religiously just like them fit that description. Yet, Jesus radically… Continue Reading