We are in full swing of the Christmas season. Christmas is a time for laughter, gifts, good meals, and being with family. In Matthew 1:1–17, we read about the unexpected people in Jesus' genealogy. Through the stories of Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth, we see God’s redemptive power at work in the broken, the bold, and the outsider. Discover how Jesus came not just for the faithful but also for the flawed, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
Two thousand years ago, on an ordinary night in the fields of Bethlehem, shepherds experienced an extraordinary moment that would echo through history. As they tended their flocks under the vast, quiet sky, they were suddenly interrupted by angels announcing the birth of the Messiah—a message that transformed an unremarkable evening into a pivotal moment of hope and joy. The proclamation brought with it the promise of peace and a joy that transcended immediate circumstances. What those shepherds heard that night was more than just news; it was a profound declaration that something fundamentally life-changing had entered the world—a message that continues to resonate with the same depth and potential even now, two thousand years later.
We live in a world where accidents happen, heart surgeries take place, and relationships break up on a regular basis. It’s situations like this where peace lacks in our lives. It’s in moments like these that we need the peace of Jesus. Jesus brings us a peace that surpasses all understanding. In our passage today, we’re going to look at three different responses to the birth of Jesus. We’ll see that Herod responded with fury, the religious leaders responded with knowledge, and the Magi came to worship Him. As we look at these different vignettes, ask yourself who you most relate to this Christmas season. Ask yourself if you’re allowing the Prince of Peace to bring you peace or if you find yourself stressed this month. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson teaches from Matthew 2:1-12 on how peace is found at the feet of Jesus.
Christmas might just be the best time of the year. It’s when families gather around the table, loved ones reconnect, and kids rejoice during their school break. More than that, it’s a time to slow down, take a breath, and reflect on the incredible love of God. Amid all the celebrations, Christmas reminds us of the greatest gift we’ve ever received: the arrival of Jesus. This Sunday, we’re kicking off a brand-new sermon series titled He Is Worthy. As we move closer to Christmas, we’ll be exploring the powerful themes of Advent. This week, Pastor Neal Benson taught on Luke 2:22–35, focusing on the hope we find in Christ.
We all have misconceptions about money that affect how we relate to it. In the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi teaches us that God’s people were withholding their tithe, which resulted in them robbing God. Often, we wouldn’t think that withholding a tithe equates to robbing God, but Malachi 3:6-12 shows us that this is what Scripture teaches. Listen as Pastor Neal Benson explains how we can honor God with our money and trust Him to provide for all our needs.
Near the end of the Gospel of Luke, we come across a story of generosity, a story of a widow who trusts God so deeply that she is willing to give every last penny she has to Him. Many people read this story and criticize the woman’s actions, but she teaches us about leaving a scarcity mindset and embracing a mindset of generosity. This story follows a warning from Jesus about religious leaders. Jesus cautioned His disciples to be wary of leaders who put on a show with flashy clothes, act self-important, take advantage of the poor, and are insincere in their faith. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson teaches us how generosity is an attitude of the heart.
Each of us has a different relationship with money. You might have grown up in a home with very little, but your family was extremely generous with what you had. Some of you grew up in a well-off home but saw your family constantly fighting and bickering about money. Each of us has our own unique experiences with money and a unique relationship to it. As we move into adulthood, we tend to relate to money in ways we learned as children. The Proverbs are a collection of wise sayings, most of them spoken by King Solomon. They teach us about trusting God, relationships, marriage, and money management. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson shares five lessons on money management from Proverbs.
Join us as we explore the powerful story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in John 6:1-13. In this message, Doug will dive into the significance of the resources God has given each of us and how even the smallest contributions can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Discover how Jesus used a simple boy's lunch to teach his disciples about faith, compassion, and the miracle of sharing. We'll reflect on what it means to respond to the needs around us and how God can multiply our efforts when we place our trust in Him. Tune in for insights that encourage you to see the potential in your own "brown paper bag" of resources!
When times get tough, where do you turn? Some of us turn to food, others to alcohol, and some to fitness. We want to be in control of something in our lives. Elijah lived during one of the most difficult times in Israel's history. The majority of the people had abandoned worship of the Lord their God and chose to worship idols. Ahab was dead, and his son had taken the throne. Ahaziah had the opportunity to lead Israel in the ways of the Lord, but he chose to follow idols instead. Listen in as Pastor Neal Benson teaches from 2 Kings 1 on how the Lord strengthens those who put their trust in Him.