Recent, violent riots combine with the recent pandemic to raise questions about just what kind of moment we are living in. There is a temptation to fear, because the times are unfamiliar to us, and many things that seemed secure are now in question. In this message, we consider how the once-and-for-all hope in Christ gives Christians hope for this time and for all others.

Mark 1:29-31
In this very short episode, Mark shows us what it means to "repent and believe the good news" that the Kingdom of God has come with Jesus Christ. When Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law of a deadly fever, we learn that he has come to free us from the fear of death. In response, like this woman he healed, our part is to live within the will and the ways of God Jesus teaches his followers. In this way, we live in freedom and in the hope of being raised from the dead someday to live forever with Jesus in heaven.

The Coronavirus pandemic has gotten everyone's attention. Numbers of cases of people infected with this new virus increase rapidly, and some people are dying. There is more that is unknown about this disease than is known. At such times, fear begins to distort the reality of the situation.
This sermon highlights current facts about the disease according to trusted experts. Several suggestions are made regarding how Christians can see these developments, finding hope rather than fear and panic.

Sunday morning sermon on James 1:1
James writes to the church as "the Diaspora"--God's people scattered among the non-Christian nations. As an allusion to God's promises to exiled Israel through his prophets, this identity as God's "scattered" people points to God's promise of regathering His people one day in the perfected Kingdom of God.