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Imagine standing at the edge of the woods at dusk. The path before you weaves into the darkness, and the night is fast approaching. You know you must go through this forest to reach the light on the other side, but the way is unclear, and the shadows deepen with every passing moment. This forest is like the mental and emotional landscapes we navigate in our lives with the shadows representing moments of despair, anxiety, chronic struggles, and the profound sense of being overwhelmed by the burdens we carry. The question that looms large in the dimming light is, "How do we find our way through the shadows?" The problem we face is not just navigating our everyday challenges but doing so in a way that keeps our faith and hope intact, that keeps us moving toward the light, even when it seems but a distant flicker on the horizon.

Today, we will explore how the Scriptures not only acknowledge the reality of these shadows but also offer us the lanterns of truth, hope, and community to guide our steps. Once again, there aren’t a ton of verses that provide step by step instructions on how to deal with this. Today, we will see that even the most faithful are not strangers to the forest of shadows. Yet, within these stories and the broader counsel of God's Word, we find our questions answered and our problems addressed with divine wisdom and compassion.

As we journey together through this sermon, let us hold tightly to the promise that even in the darkest woods, a path lit by the grace of God leads us forward. T

Do you remember when Indiana Jones, in the Last Crusade, stands at the edge of an endlessly deep chasm. Before him lies his goal, the ancient artifact that he's spent the entire movie pursuing. The only problem? Between him and his prize stretches an abyss, with no visible means to cross. It's a moment of truth, a leap of faith. With nothing but his wits and trust in the clues he's gathered, Indiana takes that step into the unknown—and, miraculously, a bridge appears beneath his feet, invisible until now, allowing him to cross safely to the other side.

This iconic scene from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" is not just a thrilling moment in a beloved movie; it's a vivid illustration of the journey of faith and the quest for something solid to stand on amid life's uncertainties. Can you imagine what that uncertainty feels like? He knows he must cross the gap, but he doesn’t know how it’s going to work out. Like Indiana Jones, we often find ourselves at the edge of our own chasms, facing situations that seem insurmountable, with the ground beneath our feet feeling anything but stable.

Today, we dive into Isaiah 28, a chapter that confronts us with these very questions. Through the lens of ancient Judah and Israel, we encounter timeless truths about the dangers of misplaced trust, the temptation to dismiss God's Word, and the quest for a sure foundation in a world that offers none.

But here's the twist: amidst the warnings and the woes, Isaiah 28 points us to an extraordinary promise—a foundation that does not crumble, a guide through the fog, a cornerstone that holds firm no matter the storm. This foundation is not a concept or a philosophy; it's a person—Jesus Christ.

As we explore the riches of Isaiah 28 together, let's allow its ancient wisdom to speak into our modern lives, challenging our assumptions, and inviting us to build our lives on the only foundation that can withstand the test of time and the trials of life.

Join me as we journey through this forest together, discovering the

In a world where our lives are increasingly lived online, the lines between reality and virtuality blur, leaving us to navigate a complex digital landscape. Our social media feeds are inundated with perfectly curated images, compelling us to compare, to chase after likes, to build a brand out of our very beings. But in this relentless pursuit, what are we truly seeking?

Not long ago, news broke that 33 states have taken a stand against Facebook, now known as Meta, accusing the social media giant of knowingly endangering the well-being of its users for profit. This unprecedented legal challenge throws into sharp relief a question that lurks in the shadows of our daily scrolls and likes: At what cost do we engage with these platforms? What is the true impact of our digital footprints on our hearts, our minds, and our souls?

Today, we embark on a journey through Scripture, visiting ancient towers, fallen kings, and the opulence of wisdom itself gone astray. We'll explore the stories of the Tower of Babel, the fall of Saul, and Solomon's folly, each a mirror reflecting our own struggles in the age of social media. These narratives invite us to ponder a critical question: Are we building monuments to ourselves, to others, or to the ephemeral allure of material possessions? Or are we called to something greater, something eternal?

As we look into these biblical lessons, let us consider how we might navigate the digital age with purpose and integrity. How can we, as followers of Christ, use social media not as a tool for self-glorification but as a platform for glorifying God? How do we ensure that our online presence reflects our true identity as image bearers of the Divine?

Join me as we seek answers, guided by the enduring wisdom of God's Word. Let's discove

Today we are studying Isaiah 27. In a world that often feels chaotic and out of control, where our personal struggles and the global news cycle remind us of a creation groaning for redemption, we turn to God's Word for clarity, hope, and direction.

Imagine, if you will, a world entangled in the coils of a great sea monster, Leviathan—a symbol of all that is chaotic, evil, and opposed to God's good creation. It's not hard to see the shadows of this beast in our own times. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, God speaks a word of promise and hope. He tells of a day when He will slay the monster, when His vineyard—His people—will flourish and fill the whole world with fruit.

But this journey from vineyard to victory is not without its trials. Like Israel, we too must learn through suffering, must be pruned and purified, that we may bear more fruit. And oh, what a glorious day it will be when God gathers us from the four corners of the earth to celebrate in His New Jerusalem!

As we dive into Isaiah's prophecy, may we see our struggles through the lens of God's ultimate plan for His kingdom and be inspired to live with a sense of purpose and anticipation for what He will do in and through us. Let us find comfort in the knowledge that, though the night may be dark, joy comes in the morning, in God's perfect timing.

The Judgment and Protection of God's Vineyard (1-6)
In the opening verses of Isaiah 27, we encounter a vivid depiction of divine judgment and mercy, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures and in the fabric of our lives.

A. The Judgment on Leviathan
Our passage begins with a dramatic scene: the Lord, with His sword, great and strong, slaying the Leviathan, the twisting serpent. This imagery isn't just ancient poetry; it's a depiction of God's sovereignty over chaos and evil, over Satan’s powerful grasp of mankind. The Leviathan represents all that is opposed to God's order—tyranny, injustice, and sin that coil around our world and our hearts. Yet, God promises to defeat this chaos, to bring peace where there was turmoil.

This promise is not just for Israel but for us today. In our own lives, we face the Leviathans of doubt, fear, and sin. Yet, the promise of God's victory is as sure for us as it was for Isaiah's audience. Take a

Today, I want us to bridge the our theme from last year with this year. Last year, we studied how we are supposed to "Become the Body of Christ," understanding our unique roles and the unity that defines us. This year, we’ve uncovered "The Mission of God," exploring the depth of Jesus' encounters with individuals from various walks of life. Today, we stand at the crossroads of these themes, guided by the timeless words of Romans 12.

Romans 12 serves as a blueprint for action, a divine instruction manual on how to live out the mission of God through the gifts He has entrusted to each of us. In this chapter, Paul urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is our true and proper worship.

As we reflect on the lessons learned from our encounters with the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, and Nicodemus, we see a common thread woven through each story. Jesus, with intentionality and love, reaches out, accepts, and transforms lives. He doesn’t do this from a distance; He engages personally, using the gifts of His divinity to touch the very core of human need.

Today, we turn our gaze inward and ask ourselves a critical question: How are we using the gifts God has given us to continue this mission? Are we, like Jesus, actively engaging with those around us, offering hope, acceptance, and transformation? Or have we allowed our gifts to lie dormant, unused, or unrecognized?

In Romans 12, we find a call to action that is as relevant today as it was in Paul’s time. It’s a ca

Peace is hard to come by. Proverbs 17:1 says "Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." Peace is valuable. Some of us know this, but others here live for the stress and strain of a difficult life. At some point, we burn out and need a period of peace and quiet. But there is an underlying peace that the Bible talks about. It’s a feeling of security and assurance that strengthens and establishes you. That’s what we are studying about tonight.

Today, we are looking at Isaiah 26, a chapter that shines like a beacon of hope in the midst of life's storms. In a world where peace seems as fleeting as the morning mist, Isaiah offers us a vision of unshakable peace anchored in God's steadfast love and righteousness.

Imagine, if you will, standing before a mighty fortress, its walls unyielding and gates firmly shut against the chaos of the world. This is the picture Isaiah paints for us—a strong city, a bastion of peace and security for those who trust in the Lord. But this isn't just an ancient image; it's a vivid depiction of the spiritual reality we can experience today.

As we explore this profound chapter together, let's open our hearts to the lessons it holds. Lessons of trust, sovereignty, mercy, and hope. Lessons that, if embraced, can transform our lives and fill us with a peace that surpasses all understanding. Let's journey together into the heart of God's word, discovering how we, too, can find unshakable peace in these turbulent times.

Trust in God's Protection (Isaiah 26:1-6)
In the opening verses of Isaiah 26, we are presented with a powerful image: "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.'" (Isaiah 26:1, ESV). Here, Isaiah speaks of a strong city—a symbol of divine protection and security for God's people. This city, with its salvation-walls and bulwarks, is not built by human hands but established by God Himself.

As we ponder this imagery, let's consider our own lives. We all face storms—trials and tribulations that threaten to shake us to our core. Yet, Isaiah reminds us that in God, we have a refuge, a place of safety where the enemy cannot prevail. It is in trusting God that the gates of this city open for us, welc