Encourage, Equip, Inspire

Looking at the example of Daniel and his friends on how we can stand up for our beliefs without being obnoxious.  Also learning about how to live in a hostile culture.  

The scripture reading of Daniel 1, was not recorded, so listen to this first, then listen to How to be a Christian...part two, the sermon proper.  Thanks!

It's Back to Ephesians!  Chapter 6:10-20 this time as Paul serves up his closing arguments and makes an appeal for us to Prepare, Pray, and Proclaim!

Joyce helps us understand Jesus' temptation as recorded in Luke chapter 4.  When we understand that Jesus is both God and Man, and through the power of the Holy Spirit we can overcome temptation and become the people God intended us to be.

This message about preparing for God's work in the new year, focuses on John the Baptist, his message of repentance, and how God is at work in our lives preparing us to be the Masterpiece He intended us to be.

The audio of the Skit at the end of the message is from "The Chisel" by the Skit Guys.  This episode was purchased by Hartford City Church for use in our Sunday worship service.

Be strong and take heart and Wait for the LORD.  We will see the goodness of God in the city of Hartford!

In many ways, Simeon and Anna serve like the grandparents in the Christmas story.  In Luke 2.22-42 we see two powerful people who are examples of what spiritual fathers and mothers should be.  We need them desperately in our church.  For at their best, they always point us to Jesus Christ, the light of Salvation for the whole world!

This week's podcast includes part of the original song, Fragile Wonder, by Matteo Guastamachio.  We ended our service with three prayers for peace for Hartford and for our world.  This short message focus on the "poetry of Jesus coming into the world in sh*t and straw."  I give credit to Bono for the idea and inspiration to riff on this theme in an advant-garde advent homily.  Enjoy!

How do we find the presence of God in this World?  Jesus came and claimed to be the Messiah, the very presence of God in the World.  The Jewish religious leaders did not believe and wanted to kill him.  Jesus withdrew to the wilderness, across the Jordan river and many in THAT PLACE believe in Him.

Jesus is the light of the World, Do you feel His presence in your life?

This message is taken from John 10

What is our rep as followers of Christ?  It should be that we are humble, gentle, patient, and serve others in love.  This message will help you understand how God want's you to show the world what He is really like, by being more like who Jesus is really like, and maybe our reputation will change!