Sermons

We continue the You Asked for It series by responding to five different requests concerning the Song of Songs.  We will look at the various ways the book has been understood and also try to understand the value of the book today.

Song of Songs Q & A Video

We conclude our series on Isaiah 53 by looking at the last three verses. We return to the LORD as the speaker as He tells us of His “righteous servant.” Learning these verses has encouraged my faith as I see that everything that happened to Jesus was part of God’s master plan. It is AMAZING! I look forward to sharing it with you — but read ahead!

This weekend we learn about the sacrifice of the LAMB that was slain for us in verses Isaiah 53 7-9.

We continue our study of Isaiah 53 this weekend by looking at verses 4-6. This is considered the peak and the very heart of the entire study of Isaiah 52 and 53. This is a special and fascinating passage, one that should be put to memorization!

To watch past weekend services including worship click HERE

Fill out your eCard by clicking HERE

Downloadable PDF of ISAIAH 53

We continue our series on THE FIFTH GOSPEL and we see that the Messiah is considered repulsive by many. The reason for that is He is considered of no importance. In fact, He is viewed as a “sucker plant” that is only good for destruction. It is hard to imagine that this “worthless” person could change the world. But He did!

To watch past weekend services including worship click HERE

Fill out your eCard by clicking HERE

Downloadable PDF of ISAIAH 53

For this Good Friday message, we will continue to see that Everything that happened in the first Holy Week was part of God’s plan.  Isaiah 53 is often called the Suffering Savior chapter.  It is also known as the “forbidden chapter.” (not read in the synagogues.). But, for Christians, Isaiah should be called the “first Gospel.”  It contains the birth, life, perfection, suffering, rejection, death, resurrection and the glory of the Messiah.

This weekend, we will tweak the Christmas series a bit and focus on YOU Shall Be Called.  We have learned the names for Jesus and how meaningful they are.  What if you could give yourself a nickname to define your good qualities or characteristics? What would that name be?  We will look at name changes and think about how each of us could set a “new name” for ourselves for 2019. I think you’ll find the concept interesting and challenging.

This weekend, we conclude our Christmas series by looking at the fourth name of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 — Prince of Peace.  We will be reminded that in these four names, that Jesus provides all that we need. 

We move to the third name of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, Everlasting Father, and we see why that name is important to us today.

We continue our study of the HE SHALL BE CALLED but looking at the need for a Mighty God.

We continue our HE SHALL BE CALLED series by looking at the name Wonderful Counselor.

We begin a series called, HE SHALL BE CALLED as we look at four nicknames for Jesus.  This week we will learn what happened in leading up to this famous text.  Then, each week we will focus on one name as we move towards Christmas.

Probably the question that I get most often recently is, Are We Living in the Last Days?  Because of what is happening around the world, many people are wondering if this could be the time spoken about by Jesus and the prophets.  In this message, we will do a Bible study to look at the prophecies, and how they are being fulfilled.  And, we will look at a Christian’s responsibility towards the end of times.

This message kicks off a 3-part series for Holy Week on the topic, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.  It takes a look at the Old Testament and teaches that everything that happened 2,000 years ago was part of the plan.  You will find it encouraging to read these prophecies and fulfillment.  This message focuses on Daniel chapter 2. 

We conclude a four-week study of one of the great verses in all of Scripture, Micah 6:8.  The third of God’s requirements for his people, is to “walk humbly” with Him.  Again, many times people focus on the word “humbly,” but I would suggest that the word “walk” should be our key word.  In this study we will try to understand what it takes to walk humbly with our God.

We continue in our study of Micah 6:8 by looking at the second thing that “really matters to God.” This second word is MERCY, and it is another word that is difficult to translate from Hebrew to English as we don’t have a word quite like it. However, we can see both descriptions and illustrations that help us to know what it means and how to live as people of mercy. After all, if it matters to God, it should matter to us!

In both the English and Hebrew languages, the word JUSTICE, can have multiple meanings. When Micah declared that one of the things “that the Lord is requiring of you,” is JUSTICE, it seems that we’d better know exactly what that means. In Micah 6:8, there are three qualities that God “requires” of us, and these will be our topics for the coming weeks. This week, we learn about three different meanings and usages for the word JUSTICE, and hopefully find an understanding of the meaning used here.

This week we will explore the theme of God's glory and its implications to us. The LORD has designed for His glory to be spread throughout the whole earth since the days of Adam and Eve, and it is just as true today. Where do we see this in the Bible? What is our role in all of this? Let's find out together.

We finish our series GIVING CHRISTMAS by reflecting on what we learned from the Magi and how we can apply that to our lives in 2023.

We begin a new 6-part series called GIVING CHRISTMAS.  The backdrop will be the Magi of Matthew’s gospel, but the focus will be on how we can give better gifts — not just at Christmas, but as a daily practice. 

As Christians, we declare that Jesus is the Son of God and that we want to follow Him. But what does following Jesus really look like? We’ll explore what it means to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. Through God’s Word, we’ll see that it's not a call to simply do more or try harder, but to rest in His love and allow the Lord to empower us to live a victorious life! 

We study the third commandment about the importance of God’s Name.  This may be the toughest commandment on the first tablet for today’s Christians.  The key to this study is to learn what it means to “take up” God’s Name.

We move to the second commandment in our series and learn what God means when He warns us about “making images and bowing down to them.”  This is a very practical commandment even 3,000 years after it was given.

We conclude our series on TWO PATHS by looking at Judas Iscariot and Simon Peter.  We are reminded that they both made HUGE mistakes, but that it isn’t the sin, but how we respond that matters.  

December 27-28, 2019

We see the third angel appearance in a visit to Joseph and we learn that God really cares about those He has created.

We conclude our series on the Beatitudes by looking at the “extra” Beatitude (or the wrap-up) that Jesus gave us.  This last statement has great hope and joy!

We are challenged to understand why Jesus said that we could be happy to be persecuted.  No rational person wants to be persecuted.  We are not expected to be radicals to invoke persecution.  Happiness is found in persecution only when we share in the suffering of Jesus.

We’re living in a world and a time that is very good at dividing people, but not very skilled or inclined at uniting people. This beatitude speaks directly to our life and times, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” We want to be skilled peacemakers! This weekend's beatitude tells us that when we bring people together, we resemble our Father in heaven.

We move to the sixth Beatitude. This is the one that really doesn’t seem to fit into Jesus’ teaching or the chart — at first glance.  It is the one that makes little sense if you don’t take time to really study it.  Take a look at this and think about what it means to you, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” To many, it probably will be confusing and counter-productive.  We will learn all about it this weekend!

Beatitudes Journal

We continue our Beatitude series by starting the second set of four Beatitudes.  This weekend, we look at being merciful and what that really means.  

Beatitudes Journal

We move to the fourth Beatitude and learn about righteousness.  We will see that the progression of our faith continues as we seek to live in purity.  This may be my personal favorite of the Beatitudes because it is choosing to live rightly — it is not commanded!

Beatitude Journal

We continue our Beatitude series by looking at the third Beatitude and being reminded of the progression that Jesus teaches.  Once you realize that you have nothing to offer God towards salvation (Beatitude #1) and then mourn over your sin (Beatitude #2), the next step is to yield control to Christ and others (Beatitude #3).  Meekness has become a bad word in our society but you will see this weekend, that God thinks it is a good thing.

We continue our Beatitude series with the idea of “mourning over sin” and how the Lord brings comfort.  This will be a wonderful reminder that you don’t hear anywhere today but from God’s Word.

Beatitudes Journal

We continue our study of the Beatitudes and study the first one after doing an overview last week. We will be reminded that Jesus has accomplished everything for us (as we learned a few years ago in Colossians — Jesus + Nothing = Salvation).

Beatitudes Journal

We begin a summer series called “The Secret of Happiness” as we study The Beatitudes in great detail.  This weekend, we will do an overview of the Beatitudes which will help us find context for this amazing section of Scripture. 

Beatitudes Journal

This weekend, we wrap up this short series on the Parable of the Sower.  We will examine each type of soil the seed was scattered upon.  Our study will help us to understand what keeps people from following Jesus.  It should also challenge us to consider how we can best align our hearts fully with the purposes of God’s will.

This week we will look at Matthew 13:1-17. We focus on the question the disciples asked Jesus, "Why do you teach in parables?" We will find that those who seek the Truth, live a privileged and abundant life.

It is with great pleasure we welcome Dr. Daniel Henderson to ECC this weekend and pray that you also will find his encouragement for worship-based prayer a blessing!
 

Pastor Denny's Preview

Pastor Denny's Preview

Pastor Denny's Preview

Pastor Denny's Preview

We begin a four-week series on Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus.  We will learn that he wasn’t forgotten by God and we aren’t either. 

Pastor Denny's Preview

This message will investigate what the Scriptures teach about welcoming the stranger. God sent both the people of Israel and Jesus through Egypt on the way to completing His plan of salvation. He sent them to a land where they were aliens and strangers. As we thankfully consider all of the blessings that are ours in Christ, let us remember that all of us were at one time alienated from God. 

Today we celebrate Mother’s Day by taking a break from the Luke series and looking at a very special mom.  This woman was willing to risk everything for the sake of her daughter, which is likely true of most moms.  But the way she approaches Jesus and the things she says, make us both smile and cheer.  Today we take a moment to remember the beauty of motherhood.

Today we conclude our series by looking at the main reason that people would reject — the story of the resurrection. If it really happened, it is the most amazing event in history!  In our study, we will look at evidence that helps us understand the reasons why we would believe this incredible Easter story.

Today we begin a short Holy Week series that will look at four of the major reasons that people have rejected Jesus throughout the generations. In this study, we will see how the Bible depicts Jesus as sinless and determine how we should respond to this.

We come to a passage that, at first, will seem a bit odd to read on Easter Sunday. But we will be reminded that almost every great victory is preceded by great determination. On the night before He died, Jesus had the choice to take the difficult path, drink the cup, or not. We can only celebrate an empty tomb because of the empty cup!

We start a three-part focus on the words, “The Cup,” and particularly what Jesus meant by this phrase. We see Jesus use these words several times in Scripture, without really explaining their meaning.  In the passage, he asks disciples if they can drink from “the cup,” and obviously, they don’t understand His meaning either. We will continue to look at these words on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

We look further at the topic of INVESTING, by being reminded of how to handle our RESOURCES.  These resources include many things: money, time, talents, gifts, etc., but the bottom line is that we invest them wisely.  This can be a delicate topic, but it is one of the core issues for Christians and the Bible has much to say!

Near the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus listed seven “Woes” to the church people of that day.  It seems that they had totally misconstrued what God really wanted from them.  So Jesus made it perfectly clear!  The fourth specific scolding is a wonderful reminder of the three things that really matter to God.  Everything else is secondary.  As we start a new year, let’s focus on those things that are most important.

* Click here to download this weekends Keynote.

There are times that we look around and feel like our life really isn’t that important. Does it even matter that I’ve lived on this planet? Have I made a difference in the lives of others? The good news is that even though we sometimes don’t recognize it, our lives do matter — to God and to others. In this message, we will learn about the importance of every life.

We begin a four-week series where we will study the conversations that Jesus had with outsiders.  From these, we can learn how to have better dialogue with our neighbors.  In this study, we look at a woman in great need and how Jesus responds to her.

We celebrate our living Lord as we conclude the Gospel of Mark and look at BOTH His death and resurrection. Mark combines the two stories nicely. We will see how His burial and His empty tomb must be understood as a whole. Join us at any of our regular service times (Saturday at 6:00 pm, Sunday at 9:30 am and 11:00 am) either in person in all locations or online. Full children's programming (nursery - 5th grade) will be available.

Our Good Friday service is at 12 noon. The service will be an opportunity to sense sorrow (in a smaller way) like those first disciples must have sensed. We will take Holy Communion together!

To watch past weekend services including worship click HERE

Fill out your eCard by clicking HERE

For this service, there are only completed notes.

We go back to Mark 11 and study the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. We want to understand why this parade of people marks the beginning of Holy Week and what really happened. The people wanted to proclaim Jesus King, but they didn’t understand His Kingdom.

Also, Holy Week begins this weekend and it is the week that truly shaped our world (even those who don’t believe) around the name of Jesus Christ. To help us celebrate this special week, we have provided daily devotionals HERE

We look at Mark’s explanation of the crucifixion. He doesn’t deal with the details of how Jesus died or His wounds as much as he shares the reaction of the people around Jesus. And he shares one unique detail not found in the other Gospels.  

To watch past weekend services including worship click HERE

Fill out your eCard by clicking HERE

We continue our series called DEAD OR ALIVE by examining the events that take place immediately before Jesus is placed on the cross. Mark shares this “ briefly and clearly ” — but it is no less powerful. In all of it, we realize Who was really controlling the scenario.

We continue our series Dead or Alive, and we move further into the early morning hours of the day Christ will be crucified. We’ll see two important parts of the story are happening at the same time. Jesus is going through His trial in front of the religious establishment, and Peter is going through his “trial” trying to remain incognito in the courtyard nearby. One remains strong and the other had to face his weakness.

This weekend, we continue our series Dead or Alive, and we move into the early morning hours of the day Christ will be crucified. Mark allows us to see the stress and turmoil that the Son of God was feeling as He prays in the garden. As He poured out His concerns to His Father, He eventually released himself into the Father’s care and moved forward to face what felt like an overwhelming situation. When you face a stress-filled situation, remember that you have a great High Priest who understands what you are going through. (Hebrews 4:14-16). 

We continue our series DEAD OR ALIVE as we move into the final 24 hours before Christ goes to the cross. Mark allows us to see the joy and sorrow mixed into his last supper with his closest friends. In this time, he initiates a perpetual reminder of the cross, Holy Communion, which we celebrate as a church family this weekend.

To watch past weekend services including worship click HERE

Fill out your eCard by clicking HERE

We begin the DEAD OR ALIVE series as we experience the last few days of Jesus’ ministry. This first study reminds us of Judas and the reason for his betrayal. It is another Mark “sandwich”, and it is fascinating how he presents it.

We finish the short PROPHECY series from Mark 13 as we see the second sign of the second coming. In his typical style, Mark takes a difficult issue and simplifies it for our benefit.

We begin a 2-part series on the PROPHECY. The disciples asked two questions that people are still asking today. Jesus answered very clearly but it seems many people have not paid much attention to His answers. We will break those down over the next two weeks and hopefully have a more clear understanding of how the end will take place.

We conclude our series on TOUGH QUESTIONS as we see Jesus ask a final question and then teach a powerful lesson.  It is a passage of Scripture that demands context to really understand it.  And Jesus doesn’t pull any punches as He talks about the religious leaders. 

This weekend we continue our series "Tough Questions" from Mark chapter 12. In this weekend's passage, Jesus is asked to articulate which of the 613 commandments was the most important. We will be inspired and challenged as we take a close look at His answer and the interaction He has with a teacher of the Law.

We continue our series on TOUGH QUESTIONS by looking at a question about marriage in heaven. We’ll see this question is a smokescreen for a much deeper question. The answer that Jesus gave again left his audience astonished and leaves us with some decisions about our response.

We continue our series on TOUGH QUESTIONS by looking at a question about paying taxes. The answer that Jesus gave even impressed His detractors.  When you take time to really understand it — it is amazing!

We begin a new series from Mark 12 called TOUGH QUESTIONS. In this study, we see five questions that are asked and answered. It is another “Mark sandwich” and it has some fascinating lessons. In this first section, verses 1-12, we hear Jesus tell a parable, then ask a question, and give an answer. His answer teaches about the powerful concept of a CORNERSTONE.

We conclude our study on CONTRASTS by looking at a fruit tree that has no fruit and a mountain that moves. We also see Jesus out-thinking the most powerful and intellectual people in the land. This is a classic account that gives us much to chew on.

We look at three accounts that are lumped together in the Gospel of Mark.  In all of these, we see "blind people” but in one, we see a blind man that can see better than anyone else.  It is our continuing study of the CONTRASTS. 

THIS WEEKEND We meet a young leader who is concerned about his eternity. The problem for him is that he wants to have multiple gods — and that doesn’t work. Jesus’ answer to this man’s very important question is wonderful to study and has multiple components. We will unpack that answer together.

We begin a new 4-part series on CONTRASTS. The purpose of this section is to help us to think like the LORD, not like the WORLD. In this first study, we will talk about the sanctity of marriage and the faith of a child.

Last weekend, we studied an event that only happened once in human history – the transfiguration of Christ. This weekend, we get to explore what happened as soon as Jesus, Peter, James, and John came down from that amazing spiritual experience on the mountain top. As we explore the Word, we’ll see some of Jesus’ emotions emerge as He demonstrates His wondrous power in a high-stakes encounter with a desperate father. We will also gain some insights into prayer. I can’t wait to dig into the passage together!

We continue our series on THE WAY OF THE CROSS and learn about the moment that Jesus TRANSFIGURED. It is the only time in the Gospels that Jesus revealed His nature as God in front of some of His followers. From it, we learn some wonderful lessons! We will also talk about the “sticky wicket” problem that we teased about last weekend. This weekend is also WORLDWIDE COMMUNION, so we will share in Holy Communion together in all services.

THIS WEEKEND We start a new four-part series that I have titled THE WAY OF THE CROSS. This is the first time that Jesus shares the plan of His suffering and death. He does so because now they understand WHO He is. This is one of the most important teachings in Mark!

We conclude our series on THE PEAK by seeing Simon Peter’s words, “You are the Messiah.” We will see WHY this is so important and HOW it changes everything going forward. It will again remind us of Mark’s wonderful writing, guided by the Holy Spirit.

THIS WEEKEND We look at the second feeding miracle of Jesus, The Feeding of the 4,000. We will understand why Jesus feed groups twice — as there was a very intentional purpose. And we will see that the disciples are still not understanding the depths of His teaching.

THIS WEEKEND We continue our series on THE PEAK of Jesus’ ministry and look at two miracles that were performed among the Gentiles. Jesus keeps showing the people of His day that “what was unclean is now clean!”

We look at the hand-washing tradition of the Jewish people and how traditions can sometimes cause us to miss the main point.  We see Jesus’ powerful and novel teaching about traditions vs. Scripture.  (Can touching something or eating something make you spiritually unclean?) This is the third study in our series, THE PEAK.

We study one of the most famous miracles of Jesus — walking on the water.  Many Christians don’t understand the purpose of this miracle: was Jesus just showing off?  We will see WHY Jesus walked on water and HOW this continues to prove that He is God. 

We begin a new series that includes six accounts that represent the PEAK of Jesus’ ministry (from an earthly perspective).  These are some of our favorite passages in the Gospels! This week, we study the famous story of the FEEDING OF THE 5,000 and will see what I believe to be some new thoughts.  We will close our service with Holy Communion.

We look at the PUSHBACK faced by Jesus and the disciples in the sad story of the death of John the Baptist.  This account in Mark is very unique when compared to the rest of his writings and so I think you will find it very interesting.  

We move back to the Gospel of Mark starting in chapter 6. Jesus had become so popular that pushback was beginning from His family, friends, and political leaders.  Jesus left the crowds and returned home to continue His ministry.

This message concludes the POWER PART 2 series by looking at the raising of a dead girl.  The account is amazing for the many different kinds of lessons it teaches.  We will also learn some interesting perspectives about Mark’s use of the “sandwich.”

We are at the third account of the POWER PART 2 series as we see the woman who touched the hem of His cloak.  Although a child could read this and understand the point—as always, there are some hidden gems that we need to “mine” to find.  And it is pretty amazing!  We are also going to learn about Mark’s unique writing style that makes his Gospel unique!

In this message, we see Jesus's power over not just one, but thousands of demons.  

To watch past weekend services including worship click HERE.

Fill out your eCard by clicking HERE.

This message starts a four-part series on THE POWER OF JESUS (Part 2).  In the earlier POWER series, we saw that when Jesus performed a miracle, people were amazed!  With the miracles we are about to study, we see that the people were AFRAID!  These four miracles show POWER in the following ways:  Over Nature, Over Thousands of Demons at One Time, Over Disease (through “stealing” a miracle, and Over Death.  These four are mind-blowing!  This message looks at His POWER over Nature.

This message concludes our series on the PARABLES by studying a short parable on the mustard seed.  It is a fascinating study of how God’s Kingdom works.  

This message continues our series on the Parables of the Gospel of Mark by looking at the second one about planting — The Parable of the Growing Seed.  In this parable, we are reminded that God handles the process of growth and fruit.  We will also look at the application that Jesus shared from last week’s study on the Four Soils.

This message kicks off a study of the first of Jesus’ parables found in the Gospel of Mark.  It is often called “the parable of the sower,” but it's possible that title misses the point.  Learn about four soils and how they can help us understand people and the Gospel. 

This message concludes our series called SHAKING UP THE STATUS QUO by looking at the religious leaders who believed that Jesus was working with the devil and Jesus’ family, who thought He was crazy.  This kind of reaction often happens when we can’t explain something naturally.  The response of Jesus is classic and powerful!

In this message (Mark 3:7-19), we will be challenged to examine our own relationship with Jesus through His calling of His twelve apostles.

We go back to the Gospel of Mark and continue our series called SHAKING UP THE STATUS QUO.  In this message, we’ll contrast the “old wineskins” of the Jewish religious establishment and the “new wineskins” introduced by Jesus. In our passage this week, we’ll teach on the Sabbath, and we’ll contrast “looking good” (old wineskins) with “doing good” (new wineskins).

This message begins a new series in the Gospel of Mark called Shaking up the Status Quo.  In the next four messages, we will see Jesus challenging the religious people of His day.  He actually throws them into a panic.  It seems that they (and most religious systems) are focusing on the wrong things!  In this message, we see Jesus spend time with “sinners” and break human traditions.  He gives some wonderful illustrations to explain the system of grace.

This message concludes our series on THE POWER OF JESUS by reading a Bible classic — the account of the paralytic lowered through the roof.  Although you have probably heard and read this story since you were a child, we want to gain some new insights into the POWER that Jesus exhibited.  It is a wonderful account recorded by Mark that has lots of different people and emotions!

This message continues our series on Jesus’ POWER by seeing His ability to heal a disease that even today has no cure.  It is only a few verses but has some powerful lessons for us!

In this message, we will see more demonstrations of Jesus’ power. We will also gain wisdom from Jesus’ example about how to truly flourish as human beings.

This message explores an event that takes place during a worship service at a synagogue. As we dig into this passage of scripture, we will learn about Christ’s power as we explore important contrasts between Jesus and other religious leaders of His day.

This message completes the Preparation series in the book of Mark. In this passage (Mark 1:16-20), Jesus will call the first four of His twelve disciples. He is looking for specific people, and calling for a specific response, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” A movement is beginning that will take the Good News into all the world. Jesus is gathering the 12 disciples to prepare them to keep the movement going after He was gone. They were successful. The baton has now been passed to us, but the instructions remain the same, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”

To watch past weekend services including worship click HERE.

Fill out your eCard by clicking HERE.

This message advances our series in Mark 1 by looking at the baptism, temptation, and message of Jesus.  It is a lot in a short passage, but that is Mark’s style and the way we will attempt to study His gospel.  In this passage, Jesus shows His CREDENTIALS to qualify as King, Messiah, and Son of God.

The Gospel of Mark begins with Jesus at the age of 30 and doesn’t include a genealogy, birth story, or childhood.  We learn about the life and ministry of John the Baptist and how sometimes our calling is not an easy one, but that faithfulness is rewarded.

This message begins our many months' study of the Gospel of Mark.  In this overview lesson we learn about Mark the Gospel, Mark the man, Mark the symbol, Mark the outline, and Mark the message. 

Today we see one of history’s most impressive buildings being built and we see how essential Herod’s Temple was for the life and ministry of Jesus.  
The Gospels are full of references to this Temple and, in all of it, we understand God’s miraculous timing.  For Jews and Christians, this is the world’s most famous Temple.

This message will discuss our responsibility to step out in obedience to whatever God is calling us to do, in order to share his Truth with others. We'll be specifically talking about Biblical Worldview, Biblical Holism and Reconciliation of broken relationships.