Though our culture does all it can to eliminate any feelings of pain, Paul shows how suffering causes growth and brings us closer to Christ, and offers hope for those that are suffering as they follow Him.
Colossians: Alive in Christ | Colossians 1:21-23
These verses compel us to ask ourselves, "what does it mean to be a Christian?" and invites us to be honest about who we are, and who God is, and who we were made to be.
Colossians: Alive in Christ | Colossians 1:15-20
These verses in the first chapter of Colossians reveal how Jesus was fully human, and yet fully the creator and ruler of the universe, and ask us to examine what we are allowing to have lordship over our lives instead of Him.
Knowledge of God | Colossians 1:9-14
Colossians | Colossians 1:1-8
Beginning our new series, Dan Beilman looks at Paul's letter to the church at Colossae, where the apostle cautions members of the church not to exchange the riches of the Gospel for the rags of other idols.
Easter | Romans 8:18-28
The reality of the Gospel means Christians can face tremendous suffering without losing hope, and tremendous blessing without losing touch.
Advent Vision and Values 2017: Missionary Faithfulness | 1 Peter 2:4-12
As we conclude our series on Advent's vision and values, we examine what it means to have a faith that is communal, integrated and public -- that is not compartmentalized from the rest of our life, but living every part before the face of God.
Advent Vision and Values 2017: Spiritual Formation | 2 Peter 1:3-11, John 15:1-8
Spiritual formation is the process through which we're inwardly transformed such that the characteristics of Jesus flow out of us -- converting faith into fruit.
Advent Vision and Values 2017: Generous Hospitality | Hebrews 13:1-6
Generous hospitality means having a heart posture of love that community comes first, and having a mindset of grace -- all that I have is a gift, and that motivates me to give generously out of what I have.
Advent Vision and Values 2017: "Building Gospel-Centered Communities" | Acts 2:36-47
The strength of any community depends on what that community is centered on. We look at how the church can live out the liberation of the Gospel, where we don't just repent of our obvious sins but experience a full-scale abandonment of our plan for our life in favor of God's perfect plan.
Advent Vision and Values 2017: "We Seek the Flourishing of Washington, DC" | Jeremiah 29:1-14
Continuing our series on Advent's vision and values, we look at Jeremiah's account of the Israelites in exile and what it means as a church to seek the flourishing of the city to which we're called.
Advent Vision and Values 2017: "As A Church" | Ephesians 2:19-22
Beginning a new series on Church of the Advent's vision and values, Pastor Tommy looks at what it means to be a church, and how we are built together on God's word with Christ as the cornerstone.
Ash Wednesday: Ashes and Truth
As the season of Lent begins, we see how the ashes placed on our foreheads tell the truth about who we are as sinners and the truth about God's faithfulness and love for us.
He Prays For Us: Spiritual Growth | John 17:12-21, 26
In our last week studying Jesus' prayer to the Father on our behalf, we look at his prayer for our sanctification - that we may grow in our "set-apartness" as we align with God's unique and holy purpose.
He Prays For Us: Protection | John 17:6-19
Beginning a new series looking at what Jesus prays on our behalf to the Father, we see that Jesus prays for our protection in the world, and how we receive that protection.
The Boy King: What Were You Thinking? | Luke 2:39-52
Looking at the account of twelve-year old Jesus found in the Book of Luke, we see that Jesus was both fully God, and fully human, and he is the Wonderful Counselor who can sympathize with our weaknesses and frustrations -- not just in the big things.
The Boy King: Freedom and Sacrifice | Matthew 2:13-23
To all of us who are desperate for God, and those determined to remain in control of our own lives, this invitation remains: to lay our crowns at the feet of the God who lay His crown down for us.
The Boy King: The Desire of Nations | Luke 2:21-40
Daniel Beilman examines Luke's account of the infant Jesus' presentation in the temple, and how He fulfilled Simeon's longing.
The Boy King: The Child Born King | Matthew 2:1-3
Rev. Hinson examines what the visit of the Magi to Jesus, as seen in Matthew 2, signifies for both seekers and Christians.
Engaging Homelessness
Allison McGill of Lazarus teaches practical tools that can be put into practice on a daily basis as we relate to the homeless around us with dignity and kinship, and gives us a long-term vision for how we can care for the homeless in our neighborhoods.