John's Christmas Story

   Revelation Series 9: First & Last

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

In John's apocalypse, the nativity is the decisive battle between good and evil. Although the devil's death throes still cause collateral damage, we can overcome his plots by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony and Christ's victory over death.
[Revelation 12]

Reports from Youth Missions Trips
                             by Josh Gibbs and Jamie Nearing (3.7MB MP3)

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7 Churches of Asia Minor - Part 2

   Revelation Series 3: First & Last

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

What kind of church is commended or rebuked by Jesus? Smyrna and Philadelphia, churches in the midst of persecution, demonstrate faithful endurance that Christ blesses. But Sardis and Philadelphia, churches in the midst of great wealth, demonstrate cultural conformity that Christ rebukes.
[Revelation 2:8-11; 3:1-22]

Dedication of the Lanthier Family by Derrick Hamre (2.5MB MP3)

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The Humble Gift

   A Christmas Message

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

Some gifts are cherished by the recipient but are not that meaningful to others. We are reminded that the gift of the Christ-child was a humble gift: a gift that was misunderstood and abandoned by others, yet infused with great meaning and immense love.

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Barriers to Being Released

   Released Series 9

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

As Christians, our very identity is wrapped up in being released. This doesn't mean being released is easy. As the example of Moses in Exodus shows, we can develop a paralysis of resolution, where we find barriers to seeking first the Kingdom.
[Exodus 3:10–4:17]

Interview of Tom Harbour, Volunteer Counseling Pastor
                             by Derrick Hamre (3.0MB MP3)

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Going Home

   Released Series 4

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

Where we live matters. The relationship ancient Israel had with the land parallels our relationship with the places we live. In a culture of displacement, the Christian experience releases us to find deep roots in the places of life God has given to us.
[Genesis 50:22-26]

Dedication of Brooklyn Grace Tingstad
                             by Derrick Hamre (2.2MB MP3)

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The Quiet Life

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

1 Thessalonians reminds us that in the midst of a chaotic world, Christian living is marked by the quiet life: peacefully and cooperatively living in community together. It is this kind of living that best represents Christ to those who are watching us.
[1 Thessalonians 4:11-12]

2011 Creston VBS Youth Commissioning
                             by Derek Koch (3.1MB MP3)

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Can God Be Trusted?

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

The story of Lazarus shows that in tough times God can indeed be trusted. This is evidenced by our faith, the acknowledgment of a larger reality, and the belief that, no matter what happens, God deeply cares for us.
[John 11:17-44]

Testimony for Parents & Kids
                             by Dean Burton (4.6MB MP3)
After the First Year in Thailand
                             by the Hanson Family (6.9MB MP3)

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The Anatomy of a Conviction

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

The nations of the world matter to God. But too often the political, social, and religious establishments fail to adopt this value. The good news is that people of real faith can change the powers that be, enabling nations to have access to God.
[Mark 11:12-25]

Commissioning 2 Emmanuel Missions Teams
                             by Derrick Hamre (3.9MB MP3)
Priority One Focus on Joel & Brandi
                             by Janice Dewald (3.2MB MP3)

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In Praise of Character

   Following the Teacher Series 11

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

The Christian life is not easy. The narrow way of the kingdom that Jesus teaches about is one that is concerned about character over outward appearances, obedience over spiritual talk, and relationship with Christ over the business of religion.
[Matthew 7:15-23]

Women's Retreat Testimony by Margo Berthaudin (2.6MB MP3)

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Anger Management

   Following the Teacher Series 3

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

When talking about murder, Jesus moves the emphasis of the Mosaic law from observance to attitude. In contrast to a life crippled by anger, contempt and malice, Jesus promotes a kingdom way of living that addresses conflict by initiating reconciliation.
[Matthew 5:21-25]

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Jesus and Empire

   Advent 3

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

We worship the king of a different kingdom. Jesus did not come to face the empires of the world on their terms of engagement: personality, wealth and violence. He topples them from the sidelines, through Justice, Righteousness and Peace.
[Matthew 2:1-8, Isaiah 11:1-9]

O Holy Night Offertory by Janice Schlief (1.8MB MP3)

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Persecuted

   Real Spiritual Progress
   Sermon on the Mount - Beatitudes Series 8

Jeff Bjorgan

Spiritual Formation Pastor

Persecution is inevitable for those who practice righteousness...because it was inevitable for Jesus, a part of God's plan. We can delight in sharing in the sufferings of Christ, and through this reality, discover that in our weakness we are made strong.
[Matthew 5:10]

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