Small Run
Big idea: Joseph is treated harshly by his brothers and thrown into a cistern in the desert. He is eventually sold into slavery in Egypt. His life takes many twists and turns until he finally is elevated to power in Egypt. After his family has to come to Egypt to be saved, Joseph faces how to respond to the pain they caused him. Rather than seek revenge, Joseph sees God’s work in what was supposed to be the end of his life. God won’t waste your pain in the wilderness, he will use it to bring him glory and to bless others.
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Nov. 2nd Today, we are celebrating All Saints' Day, a significant occasion where we remember those who have believed in Jesus as their Savior and have departed from this world. Each of us has loved ones, such as a father, uncle, aunt, brother, or sister, who are now with the Lord. This remembrance is essential because we aspire to follow in the footsteps of these faithful individuals. They serve as examples for us to follow in our own lives.
Nov. 9th Paul beautifully reminds us that even though our “outward man” may be facing the trials of aging and wear, it’s the “inward man” that experiences a renewal, growing stronger and more vibrant with each passing day!
Oct. 26th Psalm 130 is one of the Psalms of Ascent, focusing on our approach to the sanctuary.
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Jan. 18th Big Idea:It is often said that knowing Jesus can happen in a single moment with a simple prayer, while following Jesus is a lifelong journey. Throughout His ministry, Jesus uses His words strategically to call people from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles to follow Him.
Our task this week is to answer the question: What happens when we decide to follow Jesus? By answering this question, we can truly understand what it means to go All In for Jesus
Nov. 16th Jesus saves us from sin and shallow religion. Jesus teaches about doing our acts of giving, praying, and fasting, in private, not in public to be seen by others. Why would doing these things in secret rather than out loud be important? Because God is building in us a solid core of self-giving love that is not addicted to the approval of others.
You officially have twenty-four days of shopping until Christmas. Don’t worry because we can shop any time of the day or night and just wait for the packages to arrive in the mail. According to the Washington Post, UPS will ship somewhere around 750 million packages this holiday season. They’ll do the work, and all we have to do is click and wait.
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Big idea: After Elijah’s greatest moment as a prophet, he runs away in fear from Queen Jezebel. He hides in a cave at Mt. Horeb. God asks him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah is there because he feels afraid and vulnerable. God promises to speak to him, but He doesn’t speak in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. Instead, Elijah hears God in a gentle whisper. Sometimes, when we feel our most vulnerable, we need to be very quiet to hear God speaking to us.
There are various traditions and customs we observe, and I often find myself questioning their origins. For instance, every year I decorate my home with vibrant lights that twinkle cheerfully against the night sky, yet I can’t quite put my finger on the reason behind this practice. I like to believe it’s a reflection of the belief that Jesus is the Light of the World, illuminating our lives with hope and love.
Then there's the tradition of passing peace during our gatherings. This practice feels significant, yet I wonder how effectively we embody its meaning in our daily lives. Are we truly embracing the spirit of this gesture, fostering genuine connections and extending goodwill to one another? It makes me reflect on how we can make these traditions more meaningful and impactful in our interactions.
Dec. 28th Sing, Sing, Sing a new song unto the Lord.
Sermon Title: Series: The Cast of Christmas Sermon: Magi: Adoration and Worship/ December 21st
Church Sign: "Worship is wisdom. Wisdom is worship."
Welcome: Good morning, Ironton First!
Big Idea: If you’ve heard the account of the Magi—or the wise men—many times, you might be eager to align the images in your mind with what the Bible actually says. As we look ahead to exploring different responses, let’s first prepare ourselves to uncover the true picture painted in Scripture. If you have your Bible handy, get ready to open it to Matthew 2. We’ll delve into Matthew 2:1–12 and anticipate the fascinating reactions to the remarkable events of Christmas that await us!
Jesus often gives commands that seem backwards from anything we hear elsewhere in the world around us. As part of His famous 3-step command to living life, Jesus first says that we must be people who deny ourselves. This doesn’t mean that we mope around in life having no fun. Instead, Jesus is calling us to give up our old ways of doing things and enter into the abundant life of Christ.
Welcome: Good morning, Ironton First!
Welcome: Good morning, Ironton First! Today, as we delve into 1 Samuel 24:1-7, we’ll discover the power of patience in waiting on the Lord. Embracing the wisdom of the 23rd Psalm is a wonderful beginning.
Pastor: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:1-7
Kids: Choosing right or wrong.
Big Idea: The teaching this week in Matthew’s Gospel highlights Jesus’s ongoing interactions with the Pharisees, and it's actually where we get the saying, “Practice what you preach.” The passage can be broken down into three sections, each reflecting some key themes that appear throughout Jesus’s life and teachings.
Prayer: “Father God, give us a new portion of the heart and mind of Christ today. Help us to follow his example of consistency, humility, and authenticity in all our interactions with others as we follow you on this path of Kingdom living. Amen.”
Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 6:1-18, Matthew 18:28-30, Philippians 2:5-11
We need to learn to remain resolute and steadfast in our faith in Jesus. Apart from Him, we have no hope. He is the way, the truth, and the firm and secure anchor in our lives.
Today, we're jumping back into our exciting Anchor series! Just to refresh your memory, an anchor is a remarkable invention that has supported fishermen and sailors for centuries. At its essence, it’s a powerful device that secures a vessel to the waterbed, preventing drifting due to wind or currents.
While simple in design, the anchor's purpose is profound! It must be strong enough to withstand immense pressure from the boat.
Big Idea: As believers, we are encouraged to remain steadfast and committed in our faith through every trial and storm that life may bring. Jesus anchors us. He is our great hope, salvation, and savior. Prayer: “Jesus, you are our anchor and hope. You are the steadfast and secure one. Please help us let go of any other thing or person that we’re holding onto when you are the one we need.” Scripture: Hebrews 6:19, Matthew 14:25-31 Kids' Message: Anchors Away
In a world where isolation often seems like the norm, Life is Better Together reminds us that we were created for connection, and our faith was never meant to be experienced in isolation. Jesus promises to be present when we gather in His name, and that presence is what makes church more than just a building—it’s a community where we find encouragement, purpose, and hope. This sermon will explore the power of community, the presence of Jesus, and the importance of church as a conduit of God’s love to members and to the community around us. Life is better when we have people to walk together with.
Think: We were designed for connection, not isolation. The presence of Jesus makes our gathering powerful.
