Stories of God: The Sacrifice of Isaac

Genesis 22

This sermon delves into the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22, emphasizing Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises even when asked to sacrifice his son. Drawing from Hebrews 11 and James 2, the message shows that Abraham’s faith was not blind but reasoned and deeply rooted in God’s character—trusting that God could raise the dead if necessary. It also reveals how this story foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus, with Isaac as a type of Christ and the ram as a symbol of substitution. Ultimately, Mark Skillin in this sermon challenges listeners to live out the Christian faith that not only believes but acts, trusting God’s goodness even when His ways are mysterious.

Stories of God: God Sees the Heart

1 Samuel 16:1-13

In this sermon Pastor Scott shares the story of God choosing David as the next king of Israel, found in 1 Samuel 16. We walk through Samuel’s fear, God’s surprising instruction, and the powerful moment when David, the overlooked youngest son tending sheep, is chosen and anointed. The key message centers on how God does not look at outward appearances but sees the heart. We reflect on how this applies to us—reminding listeners that God values faithfulness in hidden places and uses those with a surrendered heart for significant Kingdom purposes, even if they feel overlooked or unqualified.

Stories of God: Easter Sunday

Luke 24: 1 - 35

What if Jesus is closer than you think—even when you feel most abandoned? On Easter Sunday, we looked at two disillusioned disciples on the road to Emmaus, and how the risen Jesus met them in their confusion, not their certainty. As he walked with them and opened the Scriptures, their hearts began to burn with fresh hope. This message invites you to see how God often shows up in the questions, not just the answers.

Stories of God: The Triumphal Entry of Jesus

Luke 19: 28 - 48

This sermon, based on Luke 19:28–48, explores the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Just days before His crucifixion, Jesus enters the city on a donkey in fulfillment of prophecy, declaring Himself King, but not the kind of political or military leader many expected. Instead, He embodies peace and humility. The crowd's celebration contrasts with Jesus’ deep sorrow as He weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting that the people do not recognize the peace He offers or the significance of His coming. Jesus then drives out the shop vendors in the temple, asserting His authority. This passage gives us a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of Jesus’ character, calling listeners to see Jesus for who He truly is and to respond with authentic worship.

Stories of God: Dinner Party Shake Up

Luke 14: 1 - 24

Jesus is invited to dine at the house of a leader of Pharisees, only to disrupt the evening. It was the Sabbath, and a man with dropsy approaches Jesus for healing—something the religious leaders around the table would’ve considered forbidden work. Jesus heals the man anyway, stunning the dinner guests. He then addresses the guests with two banquet parables designed to expose their pride and self-righteousness. 

This message compels each listener to reflect personally: have you truly humbled yourself before God? Do you presume you're secure in God’s kingdom, or do you recognize your deep spiritual need and your dependence on His grace?

Stories of God: Zacchaeus encounters Jesus

Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus was a tax collector in Jericho who became very rich from exploiting people’s finances. One day Jesus passed through Jericho, and Zaccheus did everything he could to see Jesus, even climbing a tree because he was too short to see him in the crowds. Then Jesus calls up to Zacchaeus to come down from the tree because Jesus planned to come to his house, and while the crowd is shocked Jesus would go to the house of a “sinner,” Zacchaeus responds with saying he will give half of everything he owns to the poor.

Church leader Vicky Griffiths helps us in this message to understand the significance of this interaction. It seems like Zacchaeus is seeking Jesus, but really Jesus is seeking him.

This message is also part of Family Sunday and is designed for grade school kids to listen in, too.

Stories of God: The Woman Caught in Mercy

John 8: 1 - 11

While Jesus is teaching in the temple, religious leaders drag a woman into the space who had committed adultery. The leaders’ aim is not justice; rather they use her to provoke Jesus to say something that would get him in trouble. But what Jesus says puts the religious leaders in their place, and he protects the woman, offers her mercy, and calls her to live a new life: “Go, and from now on sin no more.” Today when we read this story from John 8:1 - 11, maybe we see ourselves in the story as the religious leaders, but many of us can relate to the Woman. Each one of us has sinned against God’s ways, and each one of us needs God’s forgiveness. This message is for anyone who is struggling with guilt or shame and needs to drink in the mercy of Jesus that ushers people into a new life.

Stories of God: Why It's Worth Putting Faith in God's Promises

Genesis 15

The covenant God makes with Abraham in Genesis 15 sets up the entire Bible narrative for human redemption. God promises that Abraham’s descendants will be countless and that his offspring will bless all the nations forever. Even though Abraham is old in age and has no children, he responds with belief, and Abraham’s faith equates to righteousness in God’s eyes. Church leader Mark Skillin unpacks why belief matters to God so much. Mark also points out the ways Jesus will, 2000 years later, fulfill promises made in this covenant, and where we are today, eagerly waiting for the the rest of God’s promises to be fulfilled. Listen in for a deeper understanding of our faith in God and God’s faithfulness to us.

Stories of God: The Tower of Babel

Genesis 11: 1 - 9

When God saw people build a tower and he confused their languages and scattered them over the earth, it wasn’t because building cities are bad or making a name for ourselves is dishonorable; rather, God cares about the motives behind our actions and for us to obey His will. In that moment, humans were not filling the earth as God commanded, so God scattered them Himself. Studying the tower of Babel narrative, Pastor Scott shares what it means to follow the will of God.

Stories of God: Cain + Abel

Genesis 4

Cain, filled with anger against his brother Abel, murders him. God doles out both justice and mercy onto Cain in response t0 sin. This passage outlines the mess that humans have made in giving in to sin, as it festers, grows, and drives us into restless wandering. This passage also shows God’s character, in light of human evil. RenKids teacher Reid Megathlin shares teaching points prepared by Scott Axtmann about the Genesis narrative of Cain and Abel.