December 18, 2016: The visitation of Joy

This week one week before Christmas 2016, Pastor Michael Hodge continues his look at Jesus through the lens of joy. What is true joy? Where does it come from? Is it man-made, or God-made? What are expressions and enhancers of true joy? All the answers are in his message today. Listen and be blessed! You can hear it here:

https://archive.org/details/01PastorMichaelHodgeTheVisitationofJoy

 And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

December 11, 2016: Jesus has come - The Messiah as Savior and Lord

This week, Pastor Hodge focuses in on one of the most basic, yet most not-followed concept is Jesus as Savior...and Lord. What does that really mean in our walk with Christ? Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon and find out!

We also had Connie sing "Mary, Did You Know?", and the lighting of our Advent candle, as well. We hope you are blessed by all of these recordings, and you can hear them here:



https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeJesusHasCome

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

December 4, 2016: The Word became flesh

This week, Pastor Hodge continued in John 1:14 and his message is on "The Word became flesh". When this happened, Jesus made his dwelling with us, and is the source of law and order (Colossians 1:16). We see God's splendor in Jesus, and is full of grace and truth. Listen to his message here on one of the most important parts of who Jesus is.

We had Dale do our special music this morning, and the Storeys lit the Advent candle of God's Word this morning. We hope you are blessed by these recordings, which you can hear by clicking on this link:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeTheWordBecameFlesh

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

November 27, 2016: God with us

This week, Pastor Hodge begins his series as we approach Christmas on Emmanuel: God With Us. He asks the question: is God really with us now? He explains how God has intervened in human history, and how he is with us today. Listen to his sermon today to find out how!

We also had Molly Blobaum do her children's sermon. And, special music: Wow. Just. Wow. Leslie, Roger and Karen nailed this out of the park. Listen and be blessed.

You can find all these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeImmanuelGodwithus

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

November 20, 2016: Do not commit adultery

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continues his series in the Ten Commandments by dealing with Exodus 20:14, which says simply: you shall not commit adultery. Pastor Hodge talks about how widespread it is, but how it is still wrong: fornication and forsaking of our first love results. Why is marriage sacred? And what does the affect of adultery have on the sacred? And what is Jesus greater challenge on this? How can we deal with it appropriately? Listen to his sermon today to find out, by clicking here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodge10Commandmentsadultery

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

November 13, 2016: You shall not murder

This week, Pastor Hodge looks at and expounds on Exodus 20:13, and Matthew 5:21-22. You would think that with three verses, there's not a lot to unpack. Murder is easy to define, right? But when you look at Scripture, there are several Hebrew words that describe killing, and that are used in these and related verses. Pastor Hodge also unpacks those, and you might be surprised at what God considers murder, based on the original texts!

We also had Pastor Hodge do the Children's sermon, and Dale Vesta did our special music. You can listen to his sermon and all of these sermon elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeYoushallnotmurder

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

November 6, 2016: Honor your father and mother (or, the responsibility of parents and children)

This week, Pastor Hodge focuses on Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-4, complementary Scriptures that show both the parents role, and a child's role in a Christian household. What is the parents responsibility to their children? And, just as importantly, what is the children's responsibility to their parents? While Christians aren't perfect in conduct or behavior even once saved, this is nonetheless what God demands us to do, which will make it well for our souls, relationships filled with love, and has implications for generations down the road.
Listen to his sermon here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgehonoryourfatherandmother

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

October 30, 2016: A day to remember: the Sabbath

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continues in his series in the Ten Commandments. First, we need to understand it in how it was a Jewish and a Christian celebration. Then, we need to understand Jesus' understanding of the Sabbath, and how it should help us, as the Sabbath was meant for us, after all. Listen to Pastor Michael Hodge's sermon to learn about the importance of having the Sabbath in our lives today.

We also had Mark Fagerstrom do his sermon today on pumpkins, and seeds. Listen to how this is illustrative of God's Seed.

You can hear both of these sermon elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeADayToRememberTheSabbath

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

October 23, 2016: Do not use the Lord's name in vain

This week, Pastor Hodge continued in the Ten Commandments, focusing on Exodus 20:7. What's in a name, and more specifically, what's in God's name? If we truly knew the Lord, we would not want to misuse His name. What ways do we use God's name in vain, and what are the consequences when we do? And what is our challenge on this? Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon and find out!

We also had Molly Blobaum do our children's sermon, and our men's quartet sang for us as well. We hope you enjoy and are blessed by all of these service elements, which can be found here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeTencommandmentsLordsnaameinvain

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

October 16, 2016: The Ten Commandments; Idols

This week, Pastor Hodge continued in his series on the Ten Commandments, and talked about idols. For those who do not know Christ, an idol can be lots of things. But, Christians can fall into idolatry as well. Are there any idols in your life? What are idols, specifically, as described int he Bible? Is a picture or artist's rendering there of an idol? Listen to this sermon to find out what idols are, and why we must eliminate them from our lives.

We also had Molly Blobaum do our children's sermon this morning on...air. What's that all about? Listen to find out!

You can hear these recordings here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeIdols

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

October 9, 2016: Motivation (or pluralism)

What motivates you? Maybe a sports team, going out for a jog? What should motivate us all the time? Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon and find out!

Also, why do people clap, and what does that have to do with the Children's sermon? Listen to Molly's sermon to find out!

You can hear both of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeMotivation

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

October 2, 2016: The ethics of the Kingdom

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on Matthew 22:35-40, and Exodus 20:1-17. We see our world falling apart morally. How is this happening, and what are we, as Christians, subjected to in our behavior and morals? Who or what defines them? Pastor Hodge answers these questions in his sermon today.

You can hear it here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeTheethicsoftheKingdom

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

September 25, 2016: The value of our Kinsman-Redeemer

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge concludes his series in the book of Ruth. And here, we tie Naomi and Ruth and their need for a Kinsman-Redeemer. If the line of Jesus will continue, Boaz must be the Kinsman Redeemer. But, the one first in line declines the offer, and Boaz accepts. Over 2,000 years later, what does that mean for us, and how is Jesus our Kinsman-Redeemer? Listen to the sermon today to find out!

We also had Molly Blobaum's children sermon. What is true richness? And the kids were asked: what would YOU do if you were rich? Some of their answers were interesting, and some were quite funny. Listen to her sermon today on what true riches are!

You can hear them both here:

https://archive.org/details/Kinsman-RedeemerInChrist

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

September 18, 2016: The important marriage of Boaz aand Ruth, or: let's make a deal!

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge concludes his series on the book of Ruth. This week, Boaz needs to take care of a big problem now: Naomi's deceased husband's property is up for sale. The Kinsman-Reedemer gets first rights to buy it, then Boaz. But if Boaz doesn't buy it, Boaz cannot marry Ruth. What happens after that, and why this is important to us today is found in the rest of his sermon...listen to it and find out!

We also had our 4 confirmation students receive their Bibles, and Molly Blobaum did our children's sermon today. Finally, the Seldals did our special music this morning. All of these service elements can be found here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgetheimportantmarriageofBoazandRuth

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

September 11, 2016: Ruth catches her man

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge expounds on Ruth 3:6-18. In these passages, Ruth does what Naomi commands her, and then she begins her proposal: she uncovers Boaz's feet and lies down. Boaz wakes up to this, and realizes what is happening. What it means for us today is quite interesting! Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon today.

Also, today was our "Rally Sunday", our first day of our Sunday School for the kids and adults after our summer off. Here, Molly talks about the new things we'll see this year, and how God provides for each of us.

You can hear both service elements by clicking here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeRuthCatchesHerMan

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

September 4, 2016: Naomi finds a man for Ruth

This week, Pastor Hodge continues in his series in the book of Ruth, specifically in Ruth 3:1-5. Here, Naomi takes on the role of a parent seeking to prearrange a marriage, as was common in those times. She thinks Naomi is a good prospect, and has a plan to make it happen. What does that mean for us thousands of years later? Listen to find out right here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeNaomifindsamanforRuth

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

August 28, 2016: Recognizing the presence of God

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continues his series in the book of Ruth on recognizing the presence of God. After Naomi has gleaned the field and done a great job, Boaz shows hospitality and kindness to Ruth. He also instructs his workers, essentially, to leave her alone. Jesus has done the same for us! Listen how as Pastor Hodge expounds on Ruth 2:14-23.

We also had special music today with the Fagerstroms and friends, and Molly Blobaum did her sermon on friends. Finally, we also had the Gideons to come and present to us how giving to them brings Bibles to hotels, those on the street, and those who realize what this world offers is nothing...and then see Jesus offers eternal life.

You can listen to all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/04PastorMichaelHodgeRecognizingthepresenceofGod

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

August 21, 2016: Boaz finds a jewel in his field

This week, Pastor Hodge continues his series in the book of Ruth. This week, as she gets permission to, and gleans the fields...she finds favor with Boaz as he returns to his field. He treats her well, and she wonders why. His response should be ours: a woman of integrity and character got her the same. Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon on this section of Ruth.

We also had Connie do our special music, and Molly did her children's sermon on crayons, as students go back to school this week.


You can find the link to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeBoazfindsajewelinthefield_201608

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

August 14, 2016: There's no place like home

Today, Pastor Michael Hodge continued in his series in book of Ruth. He expounded on Ruth 1:15-22. Naomi has experienced terrible tragedies, and here we see daughter in law Ruth wants to support and be with Naomi. Naomi encourages Ruth to leave, but Ruth makes an oath to be with her and support her.

Both arrive back in Bethlehem, but Naomi tells her family and friends there what has happened, and that the Lord is against her. But is that true? And is everything bad that happen to us God's fault?? Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon today to find out.

We also had Dale Vesta sing our special music today, by request. We hope you enjoy it! You can hear both service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeTheresnoplacelikehome

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

August 7, 2016: Naomi's trauma

This week, Pastor Hodge begins a short series on the book of Ruth. Ruth is story of tragedy, honesty, but ultimately, hope. Naomi's husband dies, and then her two sons die. She feels that God is against her. But what is the truth in this situation, and what is our challenge when very hard times hit? Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon today to find out.

We also had our Vacation Bible School (VBS) students come up to sing a few of their songs. We hope you are blessed by it.

You can hear all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeNaomistrauma

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 24, 2016: Radical redemption

This week, Mark Olson of the AFLC talks about radical redemption. Listen to how God works in people who become radically redeemed by God. Listen to see how, and how God saves us from our sin!

We also had special music, and a sermon about tire pumps by Mark Fagerstrom. Just listen. :-)

You can listen here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMarkOlson

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 31, 2016: Faith in times of trouble

This week, our guest speaker was Dr. James Missler, speaking about faith in times of trouble. Drawing from the Old Testament, we see how, even in seemingly impossible odds to overcome adversity, God does so for his people. By faith we are rewarded by giving strength and hope to others, and sometimes also blessings to us as well.

We also had Molly give our children's sermon on bread, and the Seldals gave us our special music today. We hope you are blessed by all of it, and you can hear these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/DrJamesMisslerFaithintimesoftrouble

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 29, 2016: 2016 AFLC Illinois District Bible camp recordings are now online

The sermons/recordings from this year's Bible camp are now online! To listen to them, click here:

https://archive.org/details/2016AFLCIllinoisDistrictBiblecamp

July 17, 2016: Tought questions: Why is life so unfair?

Have you ever been mistreated, or things didn't go your way, or bad things keep happening to you? One of the big questions people ask about God is that if he is such a loving God, why would he allow life to be so unfair? Why IS life so unfair? Listen to his sermon for his thought-provoking answer.

He also did our children's sermon on thunderstorms. Find out what that's all about by listening to that sermon as well!

You can listen to both of these sermons here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgewhyislifesounfair

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 10, 2016: Tough questions: Who is God?

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on several verses about who God is. This goes beyond the simple explanation, and how we can understand and know God more, and how He reveals himself to us.

Finally, we had Molly Blobaum's children sermon on milk. We hope you are blessed by it, the kids were!

You can listen to these recordings here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeWhoisGod

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 3rd, 2016: Tough questions: why am I here?

This week, Pastor Hodge tackles the question of the meaning of life, and then some. Some say we're here to work. But is that true (well, we are to work....don't walk into your bosses' office at 8 AM tomorrow and resign, trust us on this one). But what is our REAL purpose? Pastor Hodge tackles that and other questions in his sermon today. Listen to what that is by clicking on the recording link below:

https://archive.org/details/01PastorMichaelHodgewhydoIexist

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

July 3rd, 2016: Tough questions: why am I here?

This week, Pastor Hodge tackles the question of the meaning of life, and then some. Some say we're here to work. But is that true (well, we are to work....don't walk into your bosses' office at 8 AM tomorrow and resign, trust us on this one). But what is our REAL purpose? Pastor Hodge tackles that and other questions in his sermon today. Listen to what that is by clicking on the recording link below:

https://archive.org/details/01PastorMichaelHodgewhydoIexist

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

June 26, 2016: Transitions

This week, Pastor Hodge had a rather touching sermon. The loss of his father this week coincided with the final part of his series on the resurrection of Jesus: transitions. Here we see life after Jesus had risen from the dead, but yet, he is still with us. Find out how and why by listening to this message.

We also had Molly Blobaum's children's sermon; we hope you are blessed by it.
You can hear both of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeTransitions

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

June 19, 2016: The challenges of being a man, husband and father

Today is Father's Day, and this week, Pastor Michael Hodge expounded on Genesis 1:27, how we are to have a relationship between men and women, and with God. And what are men created to be? And what are our responsibilities in a fallen world? He then goes on with various Scripture passages on how we are to carry out our roles as in man in our lives. Listen how in his sermon today.

We also had Mark Fagerstrom give the children's sermon on fathers, and the Seldals gave us special music this week.

You can hear all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorHodgeTheChallengesofbeingamanhusbandandfather

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

June 5. 2016: The commissioning of Jesus' disciples

Hello everyone,

Please note that our regular Wednesday Bible study and prayer returns this week at 7 PM, and starting this coming Sunday, our midweek service changes to 9:30 AM. Sunday School will return later in August.

This week, Pastor Hodge focuses in on Matthew 28:16-21, Mark 16:15-18, and 1 Corinthians 15:6. This week, we look at what is one of the biggest commands of Jesus: The Great Commission, aka preaching, and sharing of the Gospel.

Before 500 witnesses, Jesus commissions His disciples.to share the Gospel. By His authority, he gives the authority to go. He talks about the teaching that is to come with the Commission, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Listen today how we are to fulfill the Commission no matter where we are.

We also had the Fagerstroms do our special music today.

You can listen to both of these sermon elements at the following link. Copy and paste this into your browser to listen:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeThecommissioningofJesusdisciples

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 29, 2016: From denial to devotion

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continues his series in the book of John, specifically John 21:15-22. Here we see Peter, after Denying Jesus three times, restored by Jesus. Though Peter had committed a huge sin by denying Jesus as Lord, Jesus restores him as he asks him three very important questions. What was the purpose of those questions, and why is this important today? Listen to his sermon and find out!

We also had special music from Amy Taylor, and Molly Blobaum talked about the importance of ears. We hope you are blessed by both.

You can listen to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeFromDenialtoDevotion

And we hope you have a great day in Christ Jesus!

May 22, 2016: Catching fish the Jesus way

This week, we're going fishing! But we're not heading down to  the Kishwaukee River. First, we'll head to where Jesus was talking to his disciples---fishing, but now he's about to make them fishers of men instead! Listen to why we, too, are to be fishers of men and women in our society today.

We also had Molly Blobaum give our children's sermon, and Roger Seldal did our special music. We hope that you are blessed by both of these.

You can hear these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeCatchingFishtheJesusWay

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 15, 2016: Drew Wells from The Doorstep Project, Inc.

This week, while Pastor Hodge was away taking care of family, Drew Wells from The Doorstep Project gave a talk on how his ministry services international students here in DeKalb who are coming to NIU, and how we can get involved. When you click on the second audio link, skip to the 6:33 (6 minute, thirty three second) mark of this recording to hear it; at the beginning you'll hear our special music of the day with our Sunday School kids.

Also, Molly Blobaum did her sermon on mac and cheese. This was good, but I think it left all of us hungry. :-)

You can listen to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/DrewWellsDoorstepProject

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 8, 2016: Seeing is believing?

This week, Pastor Hodge focuses in on John 20:24-29. First, a background on "doubting Thomas", what his name means in Aramaic and Didymus in the Greek. First, he didn't see the risen Lord when other disciples told him about it; he kind of blows it off. What happens next is a challenge all of us face today: will we not see, yet believe? Listen to his sermon today.

We had 3 generations of Seldals singing "Children of the Living God", with neat story behind this song; we hope you are blessed by it. And, we hope you enjoy Molly's children's sermon on Mother's Day.

You can hear these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeSeeingisbelieving

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

May 1, 2016: Jesus rescues his disciples

This week, Pastor Hodge continues in the book of John, specifically John 20:19-23. Here, Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. They are hidden away in a house, and have a "fortress" mentality. They were full of fear. But after Jesus appears, they are calmed and Jesus gives them His peace, which all believers have. Listen how we may have peace in a time where we're tempted to "circle the wagons", when we need to reach out and share the Gospel.

You can listen to his sermon here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeJesusRescuesHisDisciples

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

April 24, 2016: Having our eyes opened

This week, Pastor Hodge expounded on Luke 24:13-35. Jesus had been crucified, and his followers were confused and discouraged. The problem was that they didn't believe in the full message. But then Jesus joins them, repeats the Scriptures he had told them, and then their eyes were opened...and they realized Jesus was alive.

How does this affect us today? Listen to this sermon to understand why true faith is so important.

We also had special music today, but our guest student musicians were pretty far from the microphone. We'll work on that. :-)

You can hear these sermon elements here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeHavingoureyesopened

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

April 17, 2016: Sammy, Kelsey and Keturah Weber, missionaries to Cameroon

Today, Sammy, Kelsey and Keturah Weber, a few of the AFLC world missionaries we support, came to our curch today and blessed us with their report on the missionary work they are doing in Africa. and how God is working through them to bring lost souls to Jesus Christ. Listen to what they are doing, and what God is doing in them
in our messages today.

And, we also had special music. We hope all of these service elements are a blessing and an encouragement to you.

You can listen to all of them here:

https://archive.org/details/03SammyKelseyWeberTheGospel

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

April 10, 2016: What one look can do

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge continues in the book of John, and expounds on the book of John, specifically, John 20:11-18. In this part of the book, Jesus has been resurrected, but Mary doesn't recognize Jesus...yet. But as she is walking, Jesus reveals Himself to her. Then, she testifies to the resurrected Jesus to other disciples! Listen how this increases and challenges our faith today.

We also had Connie Storey and Karen Hannan do our special music today. And, we had Molly Blobaum talk about fishing for her Sunday children's sermon. We hope you will be blessed by both!

You can listen to all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgewhatjustonelookcando

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

April 3, 2016: Jesus tomb really was empty

This week, we set the stage for Pentecost by the preaching on the one thing that Christianity is all hinged upon: the empty tomb of the resurrected Jesus Christ. Despite the Roman government attempts to cover it up (as well as the guards, to preserve their lives!), the evidence and the eyewitnesses point to an absolute event that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead. Listen to not only what the Bible says about it, but historians of the day as well.

Also, Jake did our special music today; we hope you enjoy that.

You can listen to both these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeReflectiononJesusTombitreallywasempty

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

Macrh 27, 2016: Easter

This week is Easter. We celebrated the resurrection of the risen Savior this week, and remind you: God is alive, has risen from the grave, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. God will judge us guilty of our sins, unless we are found to have repented of them and turned to Jesus as our Savior, Lord and Master. Then we are set free from sin, the horror of Hell, and await the joy of heaven with Christ ruling over all!

Due to a technical difficulty (a large scratch I didn't catch before I put the CD into the recorder), we only had one service element recorded...our special music. I pray it is a blessing to you, Here it is:

https://archive.org/details/01Jesuspaiditall

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

March 20, 2016: Anticipation

This being Palm Sunday, Christians around the world celebrate the triumphant arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jewish members of society thought this was their political Messiah, but they were wrong. But Jesus had prophecy to fulfill, and came to save them from their sins. Instead of us having an expectation of what Jesus wants us to do, we should read the Word and see what He wants us to do, and more. Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon today on what we should do on this Palm Sunday.

We also had special music, as well as Molly's children's sermon. We hope you are blessed by both of these.

You can hear all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/03PastorMichaelHodgeAnticipation

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

March 13, 2016: The second coming of Christ

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge talks about the second coming of Christ and when this will happen (hint: stop saying when it will be, but you'll see signs when it is coming!). Listen to his sermon to understand how we should await the Second Coming.

We had two special music elements today in our service; we hope you enjoy them both.

To listen to all of these. click here:
 

 https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeTheSecondComingOfJesus

 

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

March 6, 2016: Questioning the revealed truth, or did the religious leaders really have to ask those questions?

Today, Pastor Hodge continues in his series on the authority of Jesus. This week, he expounds on Matthew 21:23-27. Here, Jesus is met by the religious leaders at the temple, and is asked two questions. To answer those questions, Jesus forces them to answer a question of his own: by Whose authority do I come, per John the Baptist? This week, we are challenged by Jesus' response, and how we are to respond today.

Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon here:

https://archive.org/details/QuestioningTheRevealedTruth

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

February 28, 2016: Finding purpose in the Temple...and in the church

This week, our Scripture is on Matthew 21:12-17. Here, Jesus makes an unexpected visit to the Temple. And what did he find? Price gouging, stealing, lambs that were not worthy of sacrifice, and more. Jesus became very angry, and overturned chairs and tables. He stated his purpose for the Temple, and then Jesus takes on the religious leaders that opposed him, that were supposed to be for him. What does this mean for us and the church today, and what should be the purpose of our church and what we are to become? Listen to his sermon today to find out how!

We also had Molly Blobaum do her children's sermon, and we had special music that we hope you are blessed with.

You can hear all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeFindingpurposeintheTempleandChurch

And we hope you have a great day in Christ Jesus!

February 21, 2016: Looking for preference in the Kingdom of God

Muhammed Ali once declared himself to be the greatest in all of boxing. But in heaven, who is the greatest? The disciples asked this question, and it really caused a stir among them. Because straightens them all out with a lesson we all need to hear. Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon to find out

Also, we had Josiah Fagerstrom perform our special music today, and we had Molly Blobaum's children sermon on...cell phones. The one time you'll see one used in our church during a service. :-)

You can listen to all of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeLookingforpreferenceintheKingdomofGod

And, we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

February 14, 2016: The art of speculation: being tactful in our proclamation of the truth

This week, Pastor Michael Hodge takes on a complicated topic: being tactful with the truth, and the art of speculation. First of all, there is a lot of speculation that is negative. But there are positive aspects of speculation. But in terms of sharing the Gospel, we must do so with tact and not speculation. Listen to Pastor Hodge's sermon today on how all of these concepts tie in.

We also had Molly Blobaum do her children's sermon on Valentine's Day.

You can hear both of these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/02PastorMichaelHodgeTheArtofbeingtaactfulinourproclamationofthetruth

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

February 7, 2016:Which way do I run?

This week, Pastor Hodge preaches on 2nd Timothy 2:20-22. First, there are teachers who honor and dishonor God, and second, there are teachers and followers who flee error and pursue truth. Pastor Hodge goes into detail why both of these are important, and why fleeing error is something we all must do. Listen to his sermon today to find out how and why.

And, we also had special music as well; we hope you enjoy it.  You can hear both of these service elements
here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodge2Timothy22022

And we hope you have a blessed week in Christ Jesus!

January 24, and 31, 2016: A two-for: Watch your mouths, and the works of Jesus

Last week, our editors were out of town, but we are back and this week we present the last two weeks of sermons, January 24 and January 31, 2016. On January 24, Pastor Hodge asks the question: do we really, as Christians, have to watch our mouths? I think you know the gist of the answer, but listen to the Pastor's sermon for more insight on this. The following week, Pastor Hodge talked about the works of Jesus. This, plus special music and Molly Blobaum's sermons from both weeks can be found here:



https://archive.org/details/Dowereallyhavetowatchourmouths

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

January 16, 2016: Sanctity of life Sunday

This Sunday is Sanctity of Life Sunday. Pastor Hodge this week teaches us the value of life that God ascribed to ALL of us, from the unborn to those taking their final breath.It is God who assigns value to life,  and not us. God loves us so much that he gave us His Son to die on a cross fr us...that reveals His love for us, and we are to have the same value of life for others as well in that context. Listen to his sermon today to understand the true value of life, not from a pay TV channel, or an opinion, but from the words of God himself!

 We also had Mark Fagerstrom deliver his children's sermon on hats, and we had the Seldals do our special music today.

You can listen to all these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorMichaelHodgeSanctityofliifeSunday

And we hope you have a great day in Christ Jesus!

January 10, 2016: Lessons from Haggai

This week, Pastor Hodge does two sermons: first, a sermon on preparation, from shaving cream to not shoveling snow in your pajamas! That's our children's sermon, by the way, not our main one. :-) Pastor Hodge's main sermon was on the book of Haggai, and 4 different lessons God had for his people. Listen to his sermon to find out what those are, and how they are more than relevant to our lives today.

Finally, Roger Seldal had our special music today, and we hope you are encouraged by its strong message.

You can listen to these service elements here:

https://archive.org/details/PastorHodgeBookofHaggai_201601

And we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!

January 3, 2016: Eternal beginnings

Happy new year! As we begin 2016, we start a new year. Some people make resolutions on things they'd like to do in the new year. Some are done, and some...well, not so much. But in the Bible, Genesis 1 describes the beginning of our existence: Who created us, what got created, and why. Today, Pastor Michael Hodge takes us back to the real beginning, and a new beginning that must take place for all of us, should we wish to be saved from our sin! Listen to his sermon as he describes what could be your new beginning.

You can listen to his sermon here:

https://archive.org/details/01PastorMichaelHodgeNewBeginnings

And, we hope you have a great week in Christ Jesus!