This is Your life:

Lessons From Our Old Testament Family

Have you ever wanted to spend time with some of the folks—or characters—in your family heritage? I would (and some of mine are real characters). During September and October—a wonderful time in the life of the church—we will be hearing from some of the stellar voices among our Old Testament family. What do they have to say to you and me? What do they have to say to SPC at this turning point in our church life? The portrait of each one hangs in our Biblical Hall of Fame. When asked to speak, they readily respond and their voices are gifts to us all. Listen...

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Date & Sermon	Pastor	Scripture
10.12.08 David: When God Voted “No” on the Building Project Key Concept: HUMILITY When David was at the summit of his life—when his achievements were known to all—when he believed he could do anything—and wanted to—God stepped in and said something many of us need to hear. It is a word of affirmation. After all, David was incredibly gifted and a high achiever if there ever was one. But he was one player in God’s mighty story. David’s dream to build a house for the Lord would be accomplished—but not by David. No one does it all. We all build on what others have provided and others will continue the journey after we are finished. Where in your life has God said, “No, that is not necessary. But because it was in your heart to do it—that is enough.”	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	II Samuel 7:1-11, 16
10.19.08 Two for Flinching Key Concept: MISSION Have you ever felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit and chosen to ignore it? Do you know the feeling of being afraid, reluctant or disinclined to obey the call of God? Jonah heard God’s call on his life and he ran in the opposite direction. The next time you sense God inviting you to participate in His work, what will be your response? Will you listen, consider, entertain and then find reasons to not take action? Or will you push through the excuses, beyond the fear and past the uncomfortable to true obedience?	Chris Griggs, Associate Pastor	Jonah 1:1-3:3
10.26.08 Isaiah: When You Stand at the Place Where It All Begins Key Concept: WORSHIP What is the center of all things for the Christian? And the Church? What is your primary role? Mother? Father? Student? Provider? Citizen? Our brother and one of the major prophets of Biblical faith sets before us a powerful scene which was the pivotal moment of his life. You can read all about it in Isaiah 6. It is really a testimony.	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Isaiah 6:1-7

Prior sermon series archives are available. Email your request to webmaster@spconline.org

Date & Sermon	Pastor	Scripture	Listen
This is Your Life: Lessons From Our Old Testament Family
10.5.08 Who are the Saints? Key Concept: CAREGIVING Not many folks I know would consider themselves as saints. Not by a long shot. You hear it said, “Well, I’m no saint but…” Or it will be said of him or her, “Now there is a real saint.” You find the word used often in the Bible—places like Psalm 16, 30, 31, 34. Paul uses the word frequently as does John in Revelation. Well, who are the saints? What do they look like? What do they do? Would you know if you met one? A character in a major novel, an alcoholic priest, says, “You know, all I ever wanted was to be a saint.” Would you agree?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Hebrews 11:31-12:3
9.28.08 Elijah: The Cave Trip Key Concept: COURAGE Do you ever feel that you are all alone when you are trying to follow Christ? Elijah found himself once feeling exactly that way and got out of town as fast as his legs would carry him. He held up in a cave somewhere in the wilderness where no one could find him. But God did find him, and met him at the cave in what turned out to be one of the most powerful scenes in the Bible. Read I Kings 19 and listen to what God says to this amazing wilderness prophet and hear what God would say to you.	Chris Griggs, Associate Pastor	I Kings 19:1-14
9.21.08 Nehemiah: No Time for Cellar Voices Key Concept: FOCUS Carlyle Marney, one of the greatest preachers in the U.S., once preached a sermon entitled, “Cellar Voices and Balcony People.” Everyone has cellar voices; voices of distraction or discouragement or fear; voices that drain you of energy and detour you from the road God would have you walk. Someone once said that it is difficult to remember that your main task is to drain the swamp when you are knee deep in alligators. So it is. Nehemiah is one of the giants of our Old Testament family and has a word here for you.	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Nehemiah 6:1-9
9.14.08 Your People Will Be My People Key Concept: UNITE The subtitle to Gary Thomas’ book Sacred Marriage is, “What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?” That question extends to all of our relationships built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. God has something to teach us when we are united in real relationship with one another. Perhaps it is in the midst of relationship with God and one another that we actually become holier people. Ruth—a foreigner from a despised people—dedicates herself to friendship with her mother-in-law, Naomi, during the darkest season of Naomi’s life. What do we have to learn from Ruth about unity and commitment to one another?	Becki Barrett, Associate Pastor	Ruth 1
9.7.08 Abraham and Sarah: When the Past is Prologue Key Concept: PROMISE Antonio says it: The Tempest, Act II, Scene I, Lines 253-54 “What’s past is prologue.” Those words are carved on the National Archives Building in Washington D.C. The words indicate that all of history is given to us as a challenge to the opportunities for our time. Sometimes that is hard to believe. In other words, hope and promise are often in short supply. We will be listening to what Abraham and Sarah have to share with us about living with a God who does not seem to get in a hurry—and what their words meant for them, and for us.	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Genesis 15:1-6
The Gospel of John Sermon Series Close Encounters: people whose lives were changed by Jesus
8.31.08 Mary Magdalene This is one of the most beautiful scenes in the Bible. Mary Magdalene had remained at the tomb with nothing but memory and grief as her only companions following the death of one she loved. Resurrection hope had to come to her—as to us—from beyond ourselves and a gift from the hand of God. To Mary, Peter, and all the followers of Jesus it came as a shock—a magnificent surprise.	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	John 20:1-18
8.24.08 Thomas and Philip So much of the Gospel of John is told to people whom Jesus wanted to prepare for his departing. What instructions—what promises does our Lord give us in order for us to live with trust and confidence while he is physically absent? Both Thomas and Philip ask questions followers of Jesus ask today. What do Jesus words mean to us—and for us?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	John 14:1-14
8.17.08 Mary, Martha, and Lazarus These three are close friends of Jesus who live in Bethany, about two miles outside Jerusalem. Strange that Jesus seems almost casual in his response to the news that his friend had died. This is one of the moments when Jesus is scolded by a friend. What does this story tell us about our Lord and the basis of the Christian Hope?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	John 11:1-44
8.10.08 All I Know The Blind Man in John chapter 9 is forced to give testimony to the Pharisees about the miracle Jesus has performed in his life. Under great pressure, he powerfully claims what he knows: Jesus Christ gave him sight. He was blind and now he sees. The Blind Man calls us to consider and claim the many ways Jesus has restored our sight—given us hope—provided a new lens to see ourselves and our world. What is God calling you to see that you are blind to? How can we remove our worldly blinders and see Jesus, ourselves and our world more clearly?	Becki Barrett, Associate Pastor	John 9:1-41
8.3.08 The Man by the Pool of Bethesda Thirty-eight years is a long time to wait for anything…much less to be healed. In that length of time you can learn to live as a victim of sorts. Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to be healed?” Then, when Jesus healed the man, some folks were upset because it happened on the Sabbath when no work was to occur. Can you imagine—you wait for thirty-eight years for something and then you get it on the wrong day? What does that event say about God and why it is important for us?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	John 5:1-9
7.27.08 The Samaritan Woman Who is this woman of Sychar and how does a simple meeting at a water well lead to an entire village coming to the Savior of the world? How does a chance meeting in the middle of the day change an entire community? Was that meeting mere chance or something having to do with God’s purpose for the world?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	John 4:1-42
7.20.08 Nichodemus John says that Nichodemus was a member of the ruling council. He was a religious figure who held a leadership position among his people. Presumably, he had spent his life putting a life together that would warrant the approval of others. What does Jesus say to him at their night meeting and how does their conversation present an eternal challenge or invitation to you and me?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	John 3:1-17
7.13.08 Nathaniel and other Disciples “How do you know me?” Nathaniel asked Jesus. Many people find incredible the fact that the Lord knows us, speaks our name, calls us into a personal relationship with Him. When Nathaniel challenged Philip’s testimony regarding Jesus, Philip replied, “Come and see.” That invitation is yours today. Come and see! Come and see for yourself who Jesus is.	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	John 1:43-51
7.6.08 John This prologue or introduction in the gospel tells us much about the writer and his view of Jesus. It is not by accident that the symbol for John’s gospel is the eagle. He begins by witnessing to the grandeur of the one who is the very incarnation of God—the Word of God made flesh. Some have called this prologue a hymn. Good enough. Some things have to be sung because mere words fail to convey the glory. What strength and power do John’s words bring to the man on the street in our time?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	John 1:1-18
How the World Began - Genesis Sermon Series
6.29.08 If Everyone Just Spoke Tex...uh...Washingtonian Why is communication among people so difficult? It seems so hard for us just to say what we mean…and to listen to others. Communication, community, communion…all have a common root meaning. Doesn’t God want us to get together? Friends, families, tribes, and nations all seem to find straight forward exchange a great hurdle. Why?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Genesis 11:1-9
6.22.08 The Unfamiliar Passions of God Brian Cress, the Director of Development for the International Justice Mission will be joining us for worship as guest preacher on June 22nd. He will be preaching on God's call to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). IJM is a human rights organization that rescues victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery and oppression. IJM documents and monitors conditions of abuse and oppression, educates the church and public about the abuses and mobilizes intervention on behalf of the victims.	Brian Cress, International Justice Mission	Psalm 10: 1-2, 7-11, 14-18
6.15.08 How Long Can You Tread Water? Remember Bill Cosby’s rendition of the Noah story? The warning, the flood, the rainbow, the promise…how does this part of God’s Word help to shape our confidence and hope?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Genesis 8:6-20
6.8.08 A Family Affair It is not long after the expulsion from the Garden of Eden that jealousy and murder enter the picture. What does the story of Cain and Abel have to say to our world today? A great modern adaptation of this story is found in John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. If you haven’t read it, it is great for summer enjoyment.	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Genesis 4:1-16
6.1.08 Your Eyes Will Be Opened and You Will Be Like God The story of humanity’s first sin teaches us much about the nature of human beings and our propensity to turn from God. But what does this story teach us about God? What kind of a God would create a world so fragile that it could be wholly wrecked by the actions of one of His created beings? What kind of a God would entrust the goodness of the earth to the human capacity to obey His commands? After the fall, the man and woman stood before God naked, and vulnerable — but it is God who first made Himself vulnerable by entrusting human beings with the ability to choose to love Him or to turn from Him.	Chris Griggs, Associate Pastor	Genesis 3:1-13
5.25.08 Where Does the Buck Stop? When someone asked GK Chesterton what the problem with the world was, he replied, “I am!” What did he mean? Is that true of you and me? What does the Bible mean by sin? If you were asked whether people were basically good or evil, what would you say? When Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, God made clothes for them. Is that significant?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Genesis 2 (selected verses)
5.18.08 How it All Got Started “In the beginning, God…” What does it mean to know that all things originate with God…whom we have come to know as Father…in Jesus Christ? What does it mean that God looks at His creation…including us…and continuously calls it good? Do you agree with that?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Genesis 1:26-31
Work It Out
5.11.08 Work It Out While following Jesus is a lifelong (and ultimately eternal) endeavor, it is also one which must be regularly renewed, renegotiated – or abandoned. When we see in this passage Jesus challenging a man who is already a disciple to “follow me” we learn that Jesus constantly re-calls us to the totality of discipleship. In his letter to the Philippians the apostle Paul refers to this experience of renovating and renewing our discipleship as “working out our salvation” and he invites us to do it “with fear and trembling” intensity. Are you ready to consider afresh the invitation of Jesus Christ to discipleship?	Zach Walker, Sr. High Youth Director	Matthew 8:18-22
Nouwen’s Life of the Beloved: Christ-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World
5.4.08 The Sacramental Life When we celebrate Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper, we take the bread, give thanks, break it, and give it to those who will receive it in the name of Jesus. Why are those 4 words—TAKEN...BLESSED...BROKEN...GIVEN—so central to the Christian life? Is it just bread we are talking about?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Luke 24:13-35
4.27.08 Given This hymn from Philippians is one of the great statements in the New Testament regarding Jesus. It says that Jesus’ life was given or poured out to the glory of the Father. Romans 12 speaks of our being “living sacrifices.” What does that mean for you?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Philippians 2:5-11
4.20.08 Broken In her book Broken for You, Stephanie Kallos says, “The next time you break something, consider the action that might not immediately come to mind: Say a prayer of thanks over what has been broken. Then, give it a place of honor. Build it a shrine.” Although brokenness is a part of the Christian life of discipleship, Jesus is present and offers us hope in facing and dealing with this reality. Scripture calls us to face our brokenness in the light of a God who meets us in the depths of our humanity and calls us into a hopeful future.	Becki Barrett, Associate Pastor	Isaiah 61 John 1:1-18
4.13.08 Blessed The Bible says that children would flock to Jesus so he could lay hands on them and bless them. Are you blessed by God? The scripture talks about a wrestling between Jacob and a stranger on the banks of the river just before Jacob faced his brother, Esau, whom he had cheated years before. What is that story all about and what does it have to do with you and me?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Genesis 32: 22-32
4.6.08 Taken Jesus said, “You did not choose me; I chose you.” Do you believe that you have been chosen by God? How would your life be different if you knew that you were so chosen? How did Jesus understand and live out His “purpose?” How do you? Someone once said, “God voted and you’re elected.” Do you agree? What do you think that means?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Jeremiah 1:4-10
3.30.08 Who is the Beloved? At Jesus’ baptism, there was heard a voice from heaven: “You are my son, the Beloved; my favor rests on you.” What does it mean for that word of affirmation-blessing to come from God—through Jesus—to you and me? What is baptism all about? Is it something we do or a response to that Word that the Eternal One delivers to us? What difference would it make for you to know that you are “Beloved” of God—that His favor rests on you?	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Luke 3:15-22
Easter Holy Week
3.23.08 Easter Sunday 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45am Has Christ ‘Eastered’ You? What does it mean for anyone to know Christ and the power of His resurrection? Does it mean that you never have doubts? Does it mean that your problems all disappear? Does it mean you walk around with some kind of glow? What does it mean? Our brother, Paul, the Apostle, will set before us what it means to know “resurrection power”…today. As part of your Holy Week discipline…read through Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Happy Easter! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Colossians 3: 1-17
3.22.08 Family Easter Service 6:00pm Come celebrate Easter as a family on Saturday, March 22 at 6pm. Join us for a kid-friendly service filled with lively worship, interactive teaching and a chance to connect as a family around the power of the Easter message. Our 4th grade kids will be given a bible and there will be refreshments, of course!	Erin Griggs, Associate Pastor
3.21.08 Good Friday 7:00pm The Good Friday service will consist of a series of 6 monologues centering around people grappling with the significance of the cross and Christ's sacrifice. In addition there will be a short message, music and communion.	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor
3.16.08 Palm Sunday 9:00 & 10:45am At A Distance Luke seems to make the point that folks who loved Jesus and considered themselves to be His followers stood “at a distance” when He was crucified. What does that mean? You hear people today say, “We used to be close; now we are so distant.” Sometimes distance is necessary to get perspective on things. How did you come to faith? Did you rush right in…or did you move more slowly, beginning…“at a distance?”	Jerry Hilton, Interim Senior Pastor	Luke 19: 25-40 Luke 23:44-49

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