greater

Our culture has exchanged the ancient idols, made of wood
and stone, for modern idols – money, control, technology, competing ideologies – you name it, someone’s made an idol of it. Hebrews reminds us that only Jesus deserves to be the center of our life, and only when He takes His rightful place in our life will everything else in our life fall into its proper place.

Bigger. Better. Stronger. [Part 1]

Pastor Michelle Snook

January 7, 2024

We are kicking off 2024 with a brand-new series we’re calling Greater. Over the next 12 weeks, we will be diving deep into the New Testament book of Hebrews. It’s a book that will help us understand how Jesus is truly greater; greater than any person, any system or organization, greater than anything.

There is only One who is truly the Greatest of All Time. His name is Jesus. I hope you’ll join us as we get to know Him better.

Catch Your Drift [Part 2]

Pastor Chris Voigt

January 14, 2024

There is something appealing about the idea of just drifting along, going wherever the tide or breezes carry you. On the surface it sounds relaxing or refreshing. After all…navigating the demands of daily life is hard work. We can feel pulled in a million difference directions. Who wouldn’t welcome an opportunity to just float for a bit? And ‘a bit’ isn’t usually a problem. It’s when coasting or floating along becomes the norm that we run into trouble. Because sooner or later, without course corrections, the current will carry you into places you never wanted or intended to go.

Hebrews is a book that will give us a deep understanding of the superiority of Jesus and remind us that He is worth following, with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Following Him requires both intention and action. You won’t grow to be like Jesus by chance.

The Myth of Greener Pastures [Part 3]

Pastor Michelle Snook

January 21, 2024

The letter of Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish followers of Jesus who were at risk of forgetting all that they had received in Christ and returning to the comfort zone of the past. It’s a pull we all feel at one time or another.

In the world of human endeavor and achievement, there is always room for improvement. Our world is caught up in the endless pursuit of whatever is faster, farther, higher, or better. Forever in search of greener pastures, we seem never to be satisfied.

The author of Hebrews reminds us that in Christ we no longer have to strive for bigger, better, faster or farther. In Christ, we are whole, healed, complete, forgiven. There is no greener pasture to be found than the hope we have in Jesus. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday.

One and Done [Part 4]

Pastor Chris Voigt

January 28, 2024

We are studying our way through the New Testament book of Hebrews in a series we’ve called, Greater. This letter was written to Jewish Christ-followers who found themselves experiencing hardships that had them longing for the old days. “It would be so much easier if we could just go back to the way things used to be!” But God had called them to something… or Someone… greater.

We are all pulled, in one way or another to settle for comfort and convenience. But God is calling us to something greater. It won’t be easy or without risk. But He is worth it. Are you up for the challenge? I hope you’ll join us this Sunday.

Move the Ball Down the Field [Part 5]

Pastor Chris Voigt

February 4, 2024

We are working our way through the New Testament book of Hebrews in a sermon series we’ve called Greater. The unidentified author of this letter is making the case that Jesus is greater than anything – than any other hope, dream, or system; prophet, priest or king. He’s about to take his readers to the next level in his rationale, when he realizes there’s a roadblock… his readers aren’t ready for what he has to say. They have some spiritual growing up to do.

Growing up physically – as long as you eat, breathe and sleep - just kinda happens. But growing up spiritually is a different story. It requires intentionality, determination, and perseverance. A good first step would be to join us on Sunday as we unpack what it means to grow up in your faith.

Melchize-Who? [Part 6]

Pastor Chris Voigt

February 11, 2024

In Bible times, names of people and places were very much given with the meaning in mind. There were even occasions when God changed someone’s name to reflect a new direction or calling He had given them. Sometimes it’s a nickname that holds deep significance – whether for good or not so good.

For the past several weeks, we’ve been studying our way through the New Testament book of Hebrews. Ironically, we don’t know the name of the author – but perhaps that is intentional. After all, the message of the book is that Jesus is greater than anyone or anything else.

As we come to the mid-way point of our study, we bump up against a rather unusual name. Certainly not one that would be included in any list of famous Bible names. But one that definitely has deep meaning and significance. I invite you to join us this Sunday as we take a look at the name and person of Melchizedek and why he is such an important biblical figure.

Obsolete [Part 7]

Pastor Chris Voigt

February 18, 2024

Over the last several weeks, we’ve been taking a deep look at how Jesus is greater than the Old Covenant system that the Jews were so familiar with. They were comfortable with they way things were. But the writer of Hebrews lays out a detailed case of all the reasons that Jesus is better. The old way is obsolete; there’s a better way now.

Interior Renovation [Part 8]

Pastor Jon Sprouse

February 25, 2024

Since the first of the year, we’ve been taking a deep look at how Jesus and the new covenant way of relating to God that He makes possible is greater than the old way. This week we’re looking at how Jesus changes the access we have to God and the difference that makes in our lives.

Ironing Out the Kinks [Part 9]

Pastor Michelle Snook

March 3, 2024

We’re discovering all the ways in which Jesus is greater than the Old Testament system of relating to God. Originally written to a group of Jewish Christ-followers who were experiencing difficulty and persecution for their faith; this letter was meant to encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus, to hold tightly to their faith, to keep on keeping on… because Jesus is greater!

Faith for Today [Part 10]

Pastor Chris Voigt

March 10, 2024

Over the past couple of months, we have been digging deep into the book of Hebrews in a series we’ve called, Greater: The Supremacy of Jesus through Hebrews. And, we covered some pretty heady theology. But now, we’re making a shift. We’re getting to the part where the rubber meets the road; where we figure out how these deep truths can make a real difference in our daily lives. As we gather this week, we’re taking a look at a very familiar chapter in Hebrews; one that is often referred to as the ‘Hall of Faith’. And as we unpack what faith looks like in the lives of those who follow Jesus, we may discover that it’s not exactly what we think it is.

Run for Your Life [Part 11]

Pastor Chris Voigt

March 17, 2024

There’s a famous line in the movie, Chariots of Fire, that has Eric Liddell saying, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure.” God did make him fast and he ran for God’s glory, but Liddell never said that. What he did say and what most people don’t know, is that he believed, “God made me for China.”

After winning the gold medal in the 400-meter race at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, Eric Liddell returned to China as a missionary. This was the race that mattered most to him… sharing the truth about Jesus with those who had never heard of Him.

Ultimately, Liddell ended up as a prisoner in a concentration camp during WWII, where he continued to serve, counsel, and love the other prisoners around him. An article on washingtontimes.com says, “In the concentration camp, Liddell became legendary and his witness for Christ astounded even many of his fellow Christians.”

Liddell died in the camp of a brain tumor, shortly before the end of the war. But he ran the race that God gave him until the very end. He ran for his life, for the glory of God. How about you?

All That and a Bag of Chips [Part 12]

Pastor Chris Voigt

March 24, 2024

Over the past 3 months, we’ve been on a journey through the New Testament book of Hebrews. We’ve spent weeks unpacking deep theological truths that have helped us to better understand why we believe what we believe, and given us a solid foundation for living every day with faith, hope, and love.

As we wrap up this series, which we’ve called Greater: The Supremacy of Jesus Through Hebrews, we’re getting down to the nuts and bolts of how these truths make a difference in how we live. Because if we only know the truth, but don’t live out the truth, we will stay stuck in the same ruts, in bondage to the same lies, trapped by the same old sins rather than living in the freedom that is ours because of Jesus. And it’s the living out of what we believe that makes all the difference in the world.