Sermons

We study the last verses of Romans 16 to see Paul’s “watch out,” a few more greetings, and a benediction. It is a wonderful closing to a beautiful letter. I will also have the opportunity to “hand the baton” to Pastor Josh, and we will pray together for him and his family and ministry!

We began our study of Romans on October 9, 2022. This weekend, we begin the last series. We will break Romans 16 into two parts and learn about the leaders and workers in the church in Rome and then read Paul’s farewell and benediction. It is a chapter that is often overlooked because it contains so many names — but there is still much we can learn and apply.

We conclude this short series on THE ROAD TO . . . by looking at the Road to Glory where Jesus suddenly appeared to two of His followers on that first Easter. It is an amazing story because of what these two followers had missed — all of their lives — and how Jesus was able to teach them “along the road.”

Today, we will look at The Road to Suffering.

*There are no fill-in-the-blank notes for our Good Friday service*

We finish the “mini-series” on the weaker brother and learn how important it is to be a true brother or sister in Christ and watch out for one another.

As we move closer to Christmas, we will step back into Zechariah's story in Luke chapter one. When his pain had skewed him toward doubt, God gave him the severe mercy of silence. But God's mercy didn't stop there. As we consider what happened next for Zechariah, we will get a good look at how we can follow God's mercy out of our doubt and into a faith that leads us to peace in Christ.

We will follow Mary from her first moment of submission to the Lord through her next faithful steps. We'll get a chance to learn from the behavior of someone who is capable of deep and courageous faith.

We continue our series, The Path of Peace," by following the gospel of Luke into the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Just as Zechariah's path of peace began with an angelic visit, we'll see Mary challenged with her own journey by a direct intervention from the Lord.

We will step into a new series called, "The Path of Peace." We'll work through Luke 1 and 2 as it walks us up to and through the gospel account of the birth of Jesus. We'll begin with the account of a Jewish priest named Zechariah, who finds himself face-to-face with an angel. But where we might expect a devout servant of God to respond with humble faith, he actually demonstrates doubt and takes the angel to task. We'll see that familiarity really can breed contempt. But that's not where the story ends.

We conclude our conversation about forgiveness in Colossians 2:13-14. It's a short text, but it's packed with meaning and value for us as we seek to get a better handle on such a critical aspect of Christianity. We're called to be people who forgive from the heart, and the best way to get a handle on that is to understand the way that God has forgiven us.

Simple Prayer of Forgiveness:

Heavenly Father, in Christ you have forgiven me for all my sin and the hurt it has caused. Because of your forgiveness, and the new life I have in Christ, I forgive [insert name] for [insert offense]. Please help me to release any bitterness, resentment, or antagonism that surfaces in my heart toward them, so they can see Christ in me. Amen.

It’s hard to know how to sufficiently say “Thank you” for the roles ECC people play in the church and community. But anything we do pales in comparison to a day that is coming. I’m calling it Thanksgiving Upside Down. Instead of us expressing our thanks to God, this is a day of reversal in which the Lord has chosen to express thanksgiving to us! Is that surprising to you? How does it work? Join us this weekend as we investigate this upcoming day.

We begin Ruth 3 in our summer series, “Growing, the book of Ruth”. In this chapter, the “waiting” time is over. God is prompting action that will change the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz forever.

We will do our second message in "Gleaning, the book of Psalms" in which we reflect on the lessons learned in our summer series, “Growing, the book of Ruth”. In Ruth 2, Naomi has begun thinking that maybe, just maybe she can hope again. We will spend time in Psalm 121, a psalm of hope.

Before we move into our Christmas series, we’ll study 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and 17-19 and contrast the cultural “good life” with the biblical “good life”. At the close of the message, we’ll ask which of the two roads we’ll choose.

We continue our series on MY FAVORITE PSALM. The second psalm is PSALM 73, and we will learn about having a proper perspective. All of us go through confusing, challenging times. We can become disappointed with God and our circumstances in life. In these times, Psalm 73 helps believers, like myself, to be honest with God. It helps us reorient ourselves to reality when we’ve lost our way, and it is an enduring source of comfort when life is really tough.  

If you missed the live broadcast of the last sermon, click HERE

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This weekend Sam Ward will be sharing  a stand-alone message, "Who Said That to You?" We will be diving into Genesis and taking a look into when "advice" may be deceit in disguise.

We will hit pause on our summer series, "Growing, the book of Ruth", and shift to our first message in "Gleaning, the book of Psalms". We will spend time in Psalm 142, a psalm of lament.

We are continuing our series called MY FAVORITE PSALM. Psalm 8 is a psalm of praise for God’s big creation and small humans. That includes you! Not only is it the first psalm of praise in the Bible, but it has a couple of connections to Jesus that might surprise you.

If you missed the live broadcast of the last sermon, click HERE

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A one‐man musical about DAVID, the giant killing, song writing, chosen king who wrote psalms still sung today. Starring Sam Ward, this 45 min piece is the second half of his one-man musical, "David". 

A one‐man musical about DAVID, the giant killing, song writing, chosen king who wrote psalms still sung today. Starring Sam Ward, this 45 min piece is a preview of a full‐length musical to be performed downtown with all‐for‐One Productions in February. 

We move back to the Gospel of Mark starting in chapter 6. Jesus had become so popular that pushback was beginning from His family, friends, and political leaders.  Jesus left the crowds and returned home to continue His ministry.

This message looks at the relationship of being an employee. We will see that we are called to obey our employer in everything. In today’s text, we will look at four ways that can help us be obedient to our employer all the while keeping in mind that the Lord is our ultimate boss, who we are ultimately serving.

We begin a new 6-part series on great women of faith. Being Mother’s Day weekend, we will begin with the mother of the Jewish people (and, in a sense, the mom of all believers), SARAH. We will focus on the word FAITHFULNESS to describe Sarah and, of course, reflect on our own faithfulness.

This weekend we end our series on MY FAVORITE PSALM. In Psalm 19, we will read of the profound revelation of God through His creation and His Word. This Psalm is a reminder that God's revelation is in creation, and His Word is intended to guide us, transform us, and draw us closer to Him.

If you missed the live broadcast of the last sermon, click HERE

This weekend we end our series on MY FAVORITE PSALM. In Psalm 19, we will read of the profound revelation of God through His creation and His Word. This Psalm is a reminder that God's revelation is in creation, and His Word is intended to guide us, transform us, and draw us closer to Him.

If you missed the live broadcast of the last sermon, click HERE

We continue in The Women of Faith series as we learn about Abigail.

We continue in The Women of Faith series as we learn about Abigail.

This weekend, we’ll take another moment to reflect on the stories of Naomi and Ruth, exploring their journeys. We will also reflect on our own experiences, examining them through the insightful lens of Psalm 107.

We continue in The Women of Faith series as we learn about Abigail.

If asked, what would you say might be the three most important words to focus on in the upcoming year? Today we'll take a look at some that emerge from a short study of the book of Acts, and how those words might influence our life together. 

We continue our series on MY FAVORITE PSALM, in which Psalm 95 is a song that will lead us through worship and then bring us to a challenge: What will I do if I hear the voice of God? Psalm 95 is the most talked about Old Testament passage in the New Testament (Hebrews 3-4) and has far-reaching implications. After the music and after the singing, where do we find the voice of the Lord?

If you missed the live broadcast of the last sermon, click HERE

We continue our study of Titus by looking at the connection between God’s grace and the way we live. As we have already been learning, the point of the whole text is to align our lives with the Word.

We continue with the ELISHA series by looking at the story of Naaman being healed from leprosy. Join us as we learn not only how Elisha healed him, but also the significance of their encounter.

We continue the series on MY FAVORITE PSALM as we look at Psalm 23, the most famous psalm and probably the most famous passage in the entire Scriptures. And there's a good reason it's so well-loved! So let's look at it together this weekend as we join together and allow the Good Shepherd to "restore our souls."

If you missed the live broadcast of the last sermon, click HERE

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This message will lead us into Daniel chapter five and will walk us through the Lord's interaction with another Babylonian king who had a big lesson to learn. We'll see that the lessons the Lord offers us are not for trivia or entertainment. They're for our instruction to help us yield to the Lord and find life in Him.

This weekend we will take a look at Ephesians 2:1-10. We will see some of the themes we have been studying in Romans embedded in this passage and will be challenged to build our lives on the foundation of God's grace.

If you missed the live broadcast of the last sermon, click HERE

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Join us as we continue our study on salvation by looking at Abraham's example in this section of Scripture. As we see God's work in his life, we will be encouraged in our own faith journey.

This weekend we see how pridefulness can get in the way of our faith in the God of promise as we continue our series “God’s Gift God’s Grace”.

During our worship services this weekend, we will conclude our series by exploring petition and commitment (Psalm 119:25-32). 

For a link to our video prayer guides click HERE.

The book of Titus is moving toward its climax as it builds on its repetitive theme of doing good. We are not just saved from! We are saved for! We are saved for doing good which will benefit all mankind. But most strikingly, this brings beauty before the eyes of the non-Christian.

We continue our series by watching the soldiers arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and walk Him to Caiaphas’ house. Throughout the chaos, Jesus was under control... and in control. Peter, on the other hand, was controlled by fear. From the interactions between Jesus and Peter, we learn the good news that faith brings an end to fear.

This weekend we’ll be hearing from a familiar voice, Frank Y., who is the Executive Director of U.B. Global. His powerful voice is for our call to bring the gospel to people who have never heard it before. Our commitment to global missions is core to who we are as a church, and we’re grateful for people like Frank who help us keep that value in focus.

As Christians, we declare that Jesus is the Son of God and that we want to follow Him. But what does following Jesus really look like? We’ll explore what it means to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. Through God’s Word, we’ll see that it's not a call to simply do more or try harder, but to rest in His love and allow the Lord to empower us to live a victorious life! 

Good habits will help to shape the person you are now and the legacy that you want to leave behind.  This message explores the idea of making our friends and friendship a priority in our lives.

We learn how Peter assured believers that Jesus would return for His church in spite of mocking voices that challenged God's promise.  In our own walk this passage will encourage us that this promise still holds true today.  Some day we will "Be Gone", but for now God's patience keeps the door to eternity open for everyone who will repent.

We learn to prepare for and endure hardship and suffering in order to exchange them for an assured glory.  Peter has instructed the church to act as servants, to stay humble, and to resist the devil as we walk through all types of suffering.”

We will look into the ugly power of jealousy as we move into Numbers chapter 12.  We will learn that our jealousies sometimes focus us on things that don't matter, and we will see that God has no room for us to be jealous of those who have authority over us.

We are challenged to understand why Jesus said that we could be happy to be persecuted.  No rational person wants to be persecuted.  We are not expected to be radicals to invoke persecution.  Happiness is found in persecution only when we share in the suffering of Jesus.

Peter turns a corner this week in our passage moving from a description of salvation to what is required of each of us in response to this great gift. We find that this gift has an impact on each of our relationships! This weekend, in light of the gift of salvation given to us, what is the appropriate response to Him and to other people?

We will be encouraged to learn that God has given us a pathway to avoid failing in our Christian walk.  None of us are special.  We all are tempted by the same types of things.  God has made us new, given us a legacy to live up to, and taught us to rely on Him for everything.  God Himself provides us a way out of all temptation.

It is with great pleasure we welcome Dr. Daniel Henderson to ECC this weekend and pray that you also will find his encouragement for worship-based prayer a blessing!
 

Daniel Henderson is dedicating his full-time efforts to help congregations across the country experience renewal and turn-around as he speaks to thousands each year at conferences and prayer events. To learn more about Daniel's ministries visit his website: www.strategicrenewal.com 

In our passage today, Jesus again focuses on the Kingdom of God.The challenge for both the Pharisees and the disciples is whether they can shift their point of view regarding the Kingdom. Our challenge will be the same. Will we live as if Jesus’ teaching is true: the Kingdom is here, in our midst? 

We see another contrast between the religion of the Pharisees and the heart of Jesus.  As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus shows us a new way of relating to God and furthering His kingdom.

We will look at an amazing story from the book of Acts and be challenged to be BOLD in our faith.  As we approach a new school-year, let us strive to live our faith, share our faith and pray for more boldness to impact our homes, schools and community with the message of Jesus!

As the Israelites stood on the brink of entering the promised land, they were commanded to pass along a legacy of faith to the next generation.  This intentional effort on their part would be crucial for their continued prosperity in the land as the people of God.  Today it is no less urgent that we pass along our faith to the generation coming behind us.  We will explore some "legacy principles" that will assist us in leaving a legacy that will make a difference for all of eternity.

Stories capture people's attention, especially the most amazing Story of all time: The Story of the Bible, The Story of the Gospel and your personal Story.  Having "salty" conversations with others will lead to opportunities to share the Story.  Are you prepared?

This message will continue our study of God's Kingdom Rules by looking at the next three commandments, which deal with our relationships with others. These commandments are based on God's perfect plan for his people who are created in his image.  We will discover through these next three commandments that inward attitudes always precede outward actions.

We stand at a pivotal moment. Not an earth - shattering, change - your - life kind of thing, but a moment in time where we pivot from one year into the next. As we look back and thank Him for what He did in our lives this past year, we’d also be wise to consider what He’s got ahead for us.

We return to our study of Nehemiah, and we see how he overcomes a large and unforeseen obstacle.  In three short acts, we get a glimpse of how a leader calls his people to obedience and the work of the Kingdom resumes in earnest!

We continue the series that will focus our attention on intentional conversations that Jesus had with outsiders. In today's study, we'll take a peek at the nighttime conversation Jesus has with Nicodemus.

This message turns the tables and take a look at parents.  Those are the people who once were kids, but now they bear the awesome privilege– and weighty responsibility– of leading a home to be an environment where Christ is honored through the lives of those who live there.

As we conclude our GET SMART-er series, we're continuing to gain wisdom in how we handle the resources entrusted to us. This message will take a peek at how we hold the financial resources in our grasp in order to see how effective we are at stewarding our TREASURE.

This message will discuss our responsibility to step out in obedience to whatever God is calling us to do, in order to share his Truth with others. We'll be specifically talking about Biblical Worldview, Biblical Holism and Reconciliation of broken relationships.

This message teaches us about how Evangelism is “awkward” but sowing seed can be quite natural – if we let God do His part.

Impacting your world can seem pretty intimidating, perhaps even presumptuous. Yet Christ has called us to be a church that makes a global impact. This weekend we’ll consider how we get plugged into His power, purpose and our place of ministry in the world.

This message continues the series on an amazing man. We will see how his devotion and commitment, his dedication and calling led him to continue the great ministry of his mentor Elijah. We will learn the value of leaving a Godly legacy for those who follow in their walk of faith. We will see what can be accomplished if we invest ourselves in others and be challenged to pick up our Mantle, the one the God has for us, and “Pass It On” to others so that the message of God keeps going, and going and going!

Our focus is THANKSGIVING and we will learn to be more thankful for the many gifts our Lord has given.

There are no printed notes for this weekend.

We will take a break from Romans to look at the book of Acts to study what it means to be “Professionals Without Borders.”

If you missed the live broadcast of the last sermon, click HERE

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This message is going to encourage you to take a look back, and a look forward in time.  As we do, we are going to interact with a passage in which Jesus continued to teach His disciples what is going to be expected of them looking forward. In one verse, we will begin to see what a surrendered life looks like and what we can expect in
the process. 

This weekend we're taking a look at Peter and John's interaction with a lame man in Acts 3. We'll be studying their responses in order to identify our responsibility in responding to people in situations of need.

This message focuses on Partnerships in Ministry. We will be looking at Paul's letter to the Philippians and identifying the common elements that unite us as a church with our local ministry partners.

We are again learning about Freedom in Christ, with a challenge about the "traps" the enemy so slyly tries to lure us into.

We continue the series that will focus our attention on intentional conversations that Jesus had with outsiders. In today’s study, we’ll look at a conversation Jesus had with Zacchaeus.

We will conclude our conversation series. We will focus on the conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well.

We will look at the recognition of what Christ accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection as the demonstration of the relationship God established with us. The Father desires we have a relationship with His Son, and If we see Christ for what He has done, and fall in love with Him as God intends, we have opportunities to see His Kingdom come to the world. Destiny Rescue is one of those opportunities.

Today we will be exploring the symbolic meaning of the Jewish wedding in Biblical times and how it is a reality that symbolizes the relationship between the bridegroom (Christ) and his bride (the church).

We live in a society filled with conflict, division, and people demanding their “rights." As believers, we are called to live differently, but what does this look like and how do we do it? Today we will learn from Paul that being a follower of Christ involves living radically different lives. In order for us to truly stand out within our culture, we need to be willing to live selflessly, giving up everything we have in order to glorify God and build His Kingdom.