First Congregational of Hamilton

First Congregational of Hamilton
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Welcome to our church podcast and thanks for tuning in. We hope you will be enriched and inspired in your spiritual journey. Our church exists to rejoice in God, grow in the gospel, and point people to Jesus. Our vision is to be a house of refuge, a community of joy, and spiritual catalyst for personal and cultural renewal along the North Shore of Boston and beyond.

  1. 4d ago

    Part 2

    Last week we explored how Babel is an archetype of empire in its quest for control. We were challenged: Instead of innovating a tower for the sake of independence and control – we humble ourselves under God, in the pattern of Christ who humbled himself for us (Phil 2:1-11), and see our neighbors as images of God and not plastic objects for exploitation. Rather than communities which devolve into personal spheres of influence marked by pragmatism, efficiency, and management, we’re called to be a spiritual community marked by “unsophisticated helping love” (Bonhoeffer, Life Together). Who can you show “unsophisticated helping love” to this week?   This week, we continue our mini-series on ‘Captivating Stories’, exploring Babel’s quest of “making a name for ourselves” (Gen 11:4). We’ll diagnose the parallels to the celebration of self-autonomy today, why that’s an unfulfilling story, and why the gospel speaks to a better hope we have in God naming us!  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

  2. Jul 19

    Part 1

    For the next three Sundays we pause in our study of Colossians to dissect a little deeper Paul’s instructions to be on our guard against deceptive philosophies that distort the gospel (Col 2:4). What might be the stories, ideas, and messages of our time that threaten to “take you captive” (Col 2:8) and conform us to a particular pattern (Rom 12:2)? Using the tower of Babel account from Genesis 11:1-9 as our archetypal picture of human rebellion against God, we will name three captivating stories of culture and give a hopeful contrast in the beauty, truth, hope, and sufficiency of Christ and his plan for us. May we all “reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature… no longer infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Eph 4:13-15)

  3. Jul 12

    The Confidence for Renewal

    It's tick season. Ticks are awful parasites that sneak onto us and often carry disease. What do we do? We've been keeping to paths and doing our tick checks.   What do ticks have to do with Colossians? Well, we come to the very heart of Paul's letter (Colossians 2:6-15) as he warns the church not to be swayed by fine-sounding arguments that seem good but separate us from Christ. What is Paul's encouragement? Stick to the path and watch out! This is because (and this is where the metaphor breaks down and is insufficient!) we are united to Christ in a glorious, triumphant union. Come with open hearts as we allow the gospel to take deeper root in our hearts, transforming our confidence, love, and living!

  4. Jul 5

    Contending For Renewal

    I hope you are staying cool during these warm days. The heat and heavy circumstances can quickly sap us of energy and spirit. But there is refreshing hope from Jesus! We were reminded last week of our place in the grand cosmic story of God, as those once alienated, now reconciled, with a glorious destiny: presented holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God (Col 1:21-23). Of this gospel Paul dedicated his service and contended for continual growth and maturity in the faith.   In the next passage in Colossians (1:24-2:5), Paul expounds on this motivation of his ministry. Cece Gough, in her role as Executive Director, and experience as disciple and disciple-maker and coordinator of small group ministries at FCCH will open this Scripture for us.

  5. Jun 28

    Steadfast in Renewal

    It was such a delight last week to gather for our first summer worship service of the year, all together in Heritage Hall. (Not to mention the fantastic burger I enjoyed at the picnic afterwards!) Glenn gave us a spectacular vision of the cosmic preeminence of Jesus Christ. As we pray for refreshing and recentering of our hearts, Jesus is the center of it all. But maybe you feel a little lost in that picture. As we take in the grand happenings of our own time, of history, and of the world, we might feel displaced and disorientated. How do we fit in the cosmic drama? This week, we’ll look closely at Colossians 1:21-23, as Paul moves from third-person to second-person, addressing the Colossian Church and situating their story within the cosmic story of Christ. We’ll answer the questions “Who are we? What has Christ done for us? What is our destiny? What part do we play?” May the Lord Jesus encourage and strengthen your hearts.

  6. Jun 21

    The Preeminence of Christ

    Colossians 1:15-20 displays the multifaceted preeminence of Christ, but in a manner often foreign to our way of thinking. Careful attention to the text helps us to understand Christ's humility and glory in a foundational manner for salvation and Christian life. Dr. Glenn Butner

  7. Jun 14

    A Picture of Renewal

    Colossians is a wonderful letter towards this end, as Paul encourages the church there not to be swayed by wayward philosophies (more on these later!), but to be fixated on Christ and his supremacy and sufficiency in all things. I’ve been praying for this to be a summer of spiritual renewal. This is my prayer for you this summer and a picture for us of what this renewal might look like, inspired by Paul’s introductory remarks (Colossians 1:1-14); that you will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding - so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: - bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; - being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, - for all endurance and patience with joy; - giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light!

  8. Jun 7

    The Hope of the Resurrection

    This week we will be concluding our series on "God's Welcome" in the Gospel of Luke. We will spend time in Luke 24 which tells of the resurrection of Christ. We will look at the evidences of the resurrection and how this brings hope to our lives today!

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About

Welcome to our church podcast and thanks for tuning in. We hope you will be enriched and inspired in your spiritual journey. Our church exists to rejoice in God, grow in the gospel, and point people to Jesus. Our vision is to be a house of refuge, a community of joy, and spiritual catalyst for personal and cultural renewal along the North Shore of Boston and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    First Congregational of Hamilton
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    375
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The First Congregational Church of Hamilton
  • Show Website
    First Congregational of Hamilton