From Easter 1989 to Easter 2024 - He is Risen, Indeed!

Palm Sunday, 2024

Palm Sunday reminds us of how quickly we can turn from worship of God to other things. In this video, I share a few thoughts on how our understanding of this can open some new doors.

Pastor Sam 

Who are you? God knows - and that's good!

In Genesis 32, vv. 24 - 30 we find the story of Jacob wrestling with God. 

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”

But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

The man asked him, “What is your name?”

“Jacob,” he answered.

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”

But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.

So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”

When God asked Jacob, 'What's your name?' It was a question really asking... 'Who are you?' The answer was known by God - but Jacob's admission of the truth became his place of beginning.  

Check out my video for a few words of encouragement on how answering this for ourselves can become our place of beginning as well.  

Blessings, 

Pastor Sam 

Happy New Year & The 'Goodness' of God

As we begin 2024 we would do well to remember that the 'goodness' of God is a blessing that goes beyond our circumstances. It is a gift (grace) that draws us to God by giving us the eyes and the heart to see that - no matter what happens - God continues to pursue us with His mercy, love, and promise. (Psalm 23)

Check out my video to hear a few thoughts as to why I believe this will be essential to any who might find true joy in 2024.

Blessings, Pastor Sam

Finding Joy at Christmas

The Joy that came with the advent of Christ was not circumstantial. It was spiritual - and something we all need. Good tidings of great joy for all people was a message announced to lowly shepherds referencing more than a baby. This was Emmanuel! And this was...

Joy, indeed!  Pastor Sam 

A Word and Reminder Regarding Israel and Our Hope

In light of the recent and horrific events taking place in Israel, many have asked me how this might relate to Christ’s return - if at all. To be clear, Israel has been brutally attacked in a most despicable and cowardly way by a terrorist group that uses Gaza and other territories as a shield for their evil. However, for those who seek and are praying for Crhist's return, here’s a word of encouragement and hope regarding what we cannot know and... what we can. 

God is sovereign over all things. Israel will not fall, but stand. And salvation in Christ is sure. 

Praying for Israel -

Pastor Sam 

‘Calling out the Called’ - a message for all time!

Here's an encouraging video on the calling of God and the blessedness of our salvation in Christ.  Indeed, He is calling still - as I often say, 'calling out the called' - and it is our joy, great and only task to hereald this news. 

Sam