It’s a Blood Issue

Is racism an issue for the church to address today? Speaker Brennan Coughlin calls the church to transform the world in its’ thinking about race issues, not to let the world transform it. In this passionate focus on Revelation 5:9 Brennan points out that Jesus’ mission was to destroy racial, ethnic and national barriers in favor of a church where Jesus’ blood unites people from “every tribe, language, people and nation.” He calls us to remember we are a body that has been purchased by the blood of Christ and that, in turn, is called to reach out to others regardless of race.

Easter Sermon

“Where, O death, is your victory?
  Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Shepherd’s Field Orphanage: Tim Baker

Tim Baker, Founder and President of Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village, shares his story of God’s faithfulness in the journey that led them to start an orphanage for special needs children in China. Tim’s heart for these children, who are often abandoned by their families as unwanted or useless, comes through with passion as he describes the sovereign twists and turns along the way. This presentation is filled with personal stories of how these children come to Shepherd’s Field, and how their stories shape the direction of their ministry to these Chinese kids that Jesus said in Matthew 19,” the kingdom of heaven belongs to”.

The Change from BC to AD

“The infinite abyss can only be filled by an immutable and infinite object…God.”—Blaise Pascal

All of history, as well as our own spiritual lives, can be divided into two eras, the BC, Before Christ, and AD, After Christ. From Ephesians 2:4-10, Pastor Mark, explains how Before Christ we were spiritually dead, disconnected from God and bent on self-dependence. Yet, by His mercy, we crave something more. “We are hardwired to find what we are seeking in Jesus” (Paul Tripp) After we embrace Christ, we “come to life” in a completely new way, as we leave behind our old self-dependence and enter into our new life in Christ.

The Lord’s Supper

“Now to you who believe, this Stone is precious.” Everyone has a cornerstone; something they try to build their life around and on. But unless this foundational stone is Christ,
the building of our lives becomes misaligned and unsteady. Pastor Mark unpacks the architectural symbolism of I Peter 2: 4-9, revealing the reality and reason for the preciousness of Christ, our perfect Cornerstone.

Its Not the Path…

In anticipation of better circumstances ahead, do you ever say, “One day I will….?” Do you long to travel a different path than you are currently on? Jesus calls us to invite His Spirit into our daily journey, just as did the good Samaritan on the road to Jericho. Authentic Biblical faith embraces the realities of the journey and infuses Christ into them. Through vignettes, personal accounts, and Scripture from Colossians 3:12-17, Bruce Main of Urban Promise, Camden, exhorts us to embrace the road Christ has called us to travel and to invite His presence with us on that road.

Jesus and the Sinful Woman

“Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” Luke 7:36-38

Christmas Sermon

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Luke 2:25-26

Joy that Replaces Fear

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11

Shepherds Ministries

Shepherds Ministries, a nationally recognized organization founded on Jeremiah 23:4, provides compassionate Christian care, vocational education and job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, helping them attain appropriate independence with fulfilling jobs and lives, while also providing for their spiritual development.