2008 Sermons

November 30-December 25, 2008
We often become so caught up in the shopping frenzy of Christmas that it can be easy to overlook the true reason for the season. Jesus is the greatest gift that mankind has and will ever receive. Join us as we seek to rediscover the wonder and magic of his birth, and what it means for us today.
Week 1     2     3     4     Christmas Eve

November 22 & 23, 2008
We have all heard the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus heals. He then instructs them to go show themselves to the priests. Yet only one comes back to Jesus and offers heart-felt thanks for his healing. We have trouble imagining how the other nine could be so ungrateful, or at least so neglectful of showing their thanks. But how often do we turn forgetful ourselves? Do we remember to give thanks? Do we remember whom to thank?
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November 15 & 16, 2008
The need to worship is woven right into us, into all people. The fact of the matter is we WILL worship; the only question is what or whom. Taken a step further, we become what we worship. So if we worship the Lord God, our creator and redeemer, we become Christlike. That is simply how it works.
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November 8 & 9, 2008
God is the Good Shepherd, the one who protects, guides, and cares for his sheep. But who are his sheep? Where would we find them? What is a church? Why go? You would get a variety of answers if you were to ask anyone on the street. Let’s take a closer look at these basic questions.
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November 2, 2008
2008 has been a year unlike recent others. It has been a generation since our economics have experienced such a time of unsettling turbulence. People are turning to the church for some sense of stability and direction. Now more than ever, the church needs to confidently move forward, financially as well as spiritually. Learn how to stand firm in faith and action in this economically troubled time.
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November 1, 2008
There is more to God’s message than just four verses. However, there are four specific verses that Jesus spoke, which can sum up everything in the Bible. Learn what they are and how to apply their lessons to your life.
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November 2-23, 2008
What is holding you HOSTAGE? Worry, depression, scarcity, anger? Over the next 4 weeks we will speak directly to these constraining and confining issues and show you how to overcome them. Learn how to break free!
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September 6-October 26, 2008
We’ve all heard them: the parable of the sower, the story of the Good Samaritan, the parable of the prodigal son. But have we really HEARD them? These stories and the lessons they teach are as relevant to us today as they were in Jesus’ day. Join us as we seek to hear them with a fresh ear!
Week 1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8

October 12-November 16, 2008
“I want to grow closer to God.” “I wish I could be sure the ‘God-stuff’ is for real.” “I wish God would talk to me like the people in the Bible experienced it. Does God do that anymore?” In days like these it would be nice to know that God is real, close by and in control. But how can we know for sure? For these six weeks in the Early Service we will be exploring the different ways we can expand our understanding of God’s work in our lives, how we can know God in a more intimate way, and still live with the mystery of God’s unfailing grace.
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October 5-26, 2008
In the midst of this election season, Edlen is challenging us to look beyond the broader presidential election so that we may consider the pressing “elections” we need to make in our personal lives. These personal elections lead us to become fully developing followers of Christ for the transformation of the world.
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September 7-28, 2008
God speaks to us in many different ways. Join us as we experience messages from God through popular music, including “Another Day in Paradise” by Phil Collins, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2, “I Choose” by India.Airie, and “Horsehead” by The Black Crowes.
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September 7-October 5, 2008
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is a ritual we all go through—take the bread, dip it in the cup, and go back to our seats. But what is this ritual? Why do we do it? What does it mean? How can it change our lives? Who gets to participate? As we commune with God and each other let’s explore some of the facets of this mystery we call Holy Communion.
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August 30 & 31, 2008
Do you thirst for God? Do you live and breathe God? If your answer is yes, then the holy habit of prayer will be as natural as eating or drinking. If your answer is no, then the holy habit of prayer must become part of your journey to this joyful thirst. Join us as we examine the path to a more meaningful prayer life.
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August 23 & 24, 2008
Despite having the greatest news of all, despite the promise of a restored relationship with God that transcends the troubles and anxieties of our day-to-day lives—despite the Good News, why are so many of us reluctant to invite our friends, family, and neighbors to hear this Good News proclaimed and to see it lived? We’ll learn how to be better and more confident at inviting others to join us.
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August 17, 2008
In Corinthians 9:24, Paul tells us to run our faith race in such a way as to win. Join us as we explore what it means to be an athlete for Christ and the importance of winning our faith race.
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July 12-August 17, 2008
God has promised Abraham a large family and, despite himself, Jacob is going to be the one whom God uses. Join us as we take a look at the stories of Jacob and his twelve sons. We’ll see that God can work through even deceitful people and messed up families!
Week 1     2     3     4     5     6

July 7-August 10, 2008
Experience uplifting and empowering messages inspired by some of your favorite movies. From popular films such as Independence Day, Horton Hears a Who, Edward Scissorhands, Ice Age, and The Great Debaters, you will hear “faithtalks” that speak to your spirit and feed your soul.
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July 17, 2008
Life is uncertain. We never know what is around the corner. However, we worship a God who does know. So we can rest easy and know that our God is in control, and that no matter what happens, we can lean on him for help and comfort.
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July 5 & 6, 2008
As we consider the freedom we have by living in this country, we also know we are so very grateful and blessed to be members of God’s family. However, this privilege also brings with it certain responsibilities. What does God require of us? What does it mean to be a member of God’s family?
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May 17-June 29, 2008
Don’t you just love a good comeback story? Stories where, with God’s help, people overcome impossible odds to ultimately achieve God’s will for their lives? What can we learn from their stories that will help us see and follow God’s plan for us? Learn from the experiences of Peter, Ruth, Samson, Jonah, Elijah, David, and Jesus, the ultimate comeback story of all time!
Week 1    2    3    4    5    6    7

May 10 & 11, 2008
The birth of the church. The day the Holy Spirit came down and empowered a group of timid believers to go forth and boldly spread the Gospel. Hear their story and learn how the Spirit can empower you!
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March 29-May 4, 2008
The Israelite army marching around the walls of Jericho. Gideon and his men in the valley near the Hill of Moreh. The disciples in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. What do they all have in common? They were united in their faith and empowered by God. So the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. The vast Midianite army was defeated by a small band of 300 men. 3000 people came to believe in Christ in one day. When we are united in faith, we are unlimited in what we can do.
Week 1     2     3     4     5     6

March 15-23, 2008
From his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his tragic walk to the Cross, Jesus overcame all to do God's will. Follow his footsteps as we celebrate the most important season of the Christian year, and learn how you can accept and embrace the most wonderful gift that mankind will ever receive.
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February 23-March 9, 2008
Rahab. Abraham. David. Three ordinary people with extraordinary faith. Their lives were filled with serious challenges, yet they were unwaivering in their faith in the God of Israel and his ability to carry them through sometimes life-threatening trials. Their God is our God, and we can have the same strength of conviction and faith.
Week 1     2     3

January 5-February 17, 2008
We all need exercise. It is just as important to exercise our souls as it is to exercise our bodies. This series will help you experience an uplifting “Crosstraining” workout for your spirit. Find ways of dramatically improving the most important areas of your life, and learn how to have a healthy spirit, as well as a healthy body!
Week 1     2     3     4     5     6     7