About us

Rediscover Christmas 2020

Good News in Troubling Times

We’ve made it! We’ve made it to Advent and the Christmas season! And wow, can we certainly use some Christmas! It’s been a year like no other, to put it mildly. Global pandemic, economic recession, mass unemployment, political division, cultural upheaval, racial reckoning, record wildfires, extra powerful hurricanes, devastating floods. Did I miss anything? Maybe whatever personal struggles you are facing are a result of those wide-scale events or completely unrelated. In whatever form they’ve come for you, the realities of life have been heavy and humbling. We have been aware of the darkness around us.

It’s the ideal setting for some light. It’s just the kind of backdrop for a Savior to come. It’s the perfect time to rediscover Christmas. Because no matter how troubling the times, and no matter how heavy our hearts, there is good news. The greatest news!

 

As the angels proclaimed it on the night of Jesus’s birth long ago: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:10-14)

 

This is the news of the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God. This is the news that drives away fear and fills us with joy and holds us in peace. It’s news of the reality we are invited to step into and experience.

DSC07750
DSC07725
DSC07721
DSC07709
DSC07707
DSC07700

Resources:

Please enjoy this weekly Advent companion devotional.
DOWNLOAD: Advent_Reading_plan.pdf

Schedule:

11/29 – Week 1 – KING OF HOPE: – BOB

12/6 – Week 2 – KING OF PEACE – DAVE

12/13 – Week 3 – KING OF JOY – DAVE

12/20 – Week 4 – KING OF LOVE  – BOB

12/23 – Christmas Eve Eve – The King is Here

12/24 – Christmas Eve – same as above

 

RDC_Invite3
RDC_SermonClips9
RDC_SermonClips6
RDC_SermonClips5
RDC_SermonClips3
RDC_SermonClips1
RDC_Scripture8
RDC_Scripture7
RDC_Scripture4
RDC_Scripture3
RDC_SermonClips11

Resources:

1.  Tim Keller’s, “Hidden Christmas”

2. Tim Keller – Message on Psalm 2 “Jesus our King”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjMGMUuNpZ4
We have a king 2. We hate the king 3. We need the king)

3. John Piper – “Coronavirus and Christ.” E BOOK https://document.desiringgod.org/coronavirus-and-christ-en.pdf?ts=1586278809

Schedule:

11/29 – Week 1 – KING OF HOPE: – BOB

How has this year devastated your hopes? This sermon should focus on the Promised King of the OT, predictions, types and shadows in all the OT Kings

Text ideas: OT Prophecies; Isa 9, Micah 5, other types and shadows, David, Solomon, etc. (other texts as needed)

 

12/6 – Week 2 – KING OF PEACE – DAVE

How has this year destroyed your peace? This sermon focuses on Jesus as a different kind of King, compared to King Herod, a ruthless, arrogant tyrant, Jesus came to bring peace through humility and sacrifice, ”God and sinners reconciled.” Text ideas: Matthew 2; Romans 5:1  (other texts as needed)

12/13 – Week 3 – KING OF JOY – DAVE

How has this year stolen your joy? This sermon focuses on the unshakeable source of joy as we rejoice in God our savior. Text ideas: Luke 1 – The Magnificat; Luke 2 – “Good tidings of great joy”   (other texts as needed)

 

12/20 – Week 4 – KING OF LOVE  – BOB

How has this year threatened our love for others? How is Jesus the answer as the one who loved his enemies and His kingdom shows a better way.

Text idea: John 3:16; Romans 5:8 (Other texts as needed)

 

12/23 – Christmas Eve Eve – The King is Here

This has been a very difficult year. How can the message of Christmas be exactly what we need in 2020?

How can the presence of our savior make a difference in our shattered lives?

12/24 – Christmas Eve – same as above

 

Previous Sermons

Sermon on deck…

Triumphs & Tragedies of Israel’s Kings

Triumphs & Tragedies of Israel’s Kings

Do you feel like our world is out of control? More than any moment in our lifetime, the events of 2020 have shown us the fragility of our nation: a global health pandemic, racial rioting, a divided government, and the very questioning of history itself.

If you feel like our world is out of control, you have something in common with the people of Israel in the books of 1 & 2 Kings.The story begins at the high age of King David and ends with his descendants being carried into exile by the Babylonians.

How did this happen? In short, it was a failure of leadership in the nation of Israel. In between David and the exile, we encounter stories of kings and prophets, civil war, revolution, and false worship. Yet, despite all of this uncertainty, the story shows us that God is still faithful even when His people are unfaithful; God is still in control even when everything else is out of control. If you need hope in the year of 2020…we invite you to journey through 1-2 Kings with us this Fall.

Resources:

King-Solomon vert

Schedule:

9/20 – Solomon: A Complicated Leader (1 Kgs. 1-11)

9/27 – Jeroboam vs. Rehoboam: Division & Civil War (1 Kgs. 12-16)

10/4 – Elijah: A Prophet Rises (1 Kings 18:20-40)

10/11 – Ahab: King of Wickedness (1 Kings 20:1-43)

10/18 – Elisha: Passing The Torch (2 Kings 2:1-14)

10/25 – Elisha: The Miracle of the Widow’s Oil (2 Kings 4) 

11/1 – Jehu and Joash: The Kingdom of God is Forever (2 Kings 9-12)

11/8 – Hoshea: The Fall of Samaria (2 Kings 17:1-23)

11/15 – Hezekiah: Faithfulness in Wicked Times (2 Kings 18:1-12; 19:14-19)

11/22 – Josiah: The Great Reformer (2 Kings 22:1-4, 11-20; 23:4-23)

Previous Sermons

Sermon on deck…

Proverbs, The Way of Wisdom

The Way of Wisdom, Sermon Series  

Have you ever been traveling around in a new place and suddenly felt lost and disoriented? Sometimes life can feel that way. There are new situations with each new season of life, filled with confusing decisions to make and crossroads that leave us at times puzzled, perplexed and paralyzed with indecision. What is the wise thing to do? The book of Proverbs is an ancient source of wisdom, compiled for the nation’s king, that still serves as a 21st century spiritual navigational tool. How do we avoid foolish choices? How do we handle our money in a godly way? How can we manage our emotions? This practical book is about how to conduct ourselves in our daily lives with all the routine issues which often baffle us in our parenting, our work and our conversations with others. We have a guide book from God Himself which shows us how to order our steps each day and please Him.  

Resources:

cossroads

Schedule:

4/19 – Romans 9 (Part 1) ~ Sovereignty of God

4/26 –  Romans 9 (Part 2) ~ Sovereignty of God

5/3 –  Romans 9:30-10:21 ~ Our Responsibility / How will they hear?

5/10 – Romans 11:1-36 ~ The Plan of the Ages (Mother’s Day)

5/17 – Romans 12:1-2 ~ Living Sacrifices

5/24 – Romans 12:3-16 ~ Serving in the body / spiritual gifts

5/31 – Romans 13:1-7 ~ Our relationship with the World / The role of Government

6/7 – Romans 13:8-14 ~ It’s all about Love

6/14 – Romans 14-15:4 ~ Unity / Gray Areas / Christian Liberty

6/21 – Romans 14 (Part 2) ~ Father’s Day (Youth?)

6/28 – Romans 15:5   Concluding remarks

Previous Sermons

Loading...
1 2 3

Sermon on deck…

Coming Soon: Campus Upgrades

Parking Lot Paving Project

Next on our list of capital improvement projects is paving our campus parking lot. While there is a lull in campus activity, we hope to begin as soon as the Governor’s restrictions are lifted, possibly in a couple weeks. At that time you may see some construction equipment and there may be some minor inconveniences while they tend to that work.

How we care for our campus is a testimony to our community. Thank you for bearing witness to our neighbors through this effort, and for your part in Expanding The Table…for the Glory of God!

Romans 9-16, Behold, New Life: Living & Loving as Heirs

A Journey though Romans, Sermon Series  

The second half of Romans is at tale of two “therefores.” In Romans 8:1 we read: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This verse explodes off the page—for the Christian, there is no separation from the love of their Heavenly Father! Through the work of Jesus on the cross and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, we have been given new life! Romans 9-11 expounds on the theme of God’s sovereignty, which makes us humble and confident at the same time. Then we encounter the second “therefore.” In Romans 12:1 we read: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” In other words, since we have been given new life, now we must live differently. Romans 12-16 is an extending application of everything we learned in Romans 1-11. Our justification and adoption now effects how we live everyday; how we treat our enemies; how we disagree; how we view government; how we use our spiritual gifts. Behold, NEW LIFE! Now need to live and love as heirs… join us as we learn how.

Recommended companion reading:

  • Romans for you (Part 1 & 2) – by Tim Keller
  • Commentary on Romans – Doug Moo
  • Romans – the greatest letter ever written – John Piper – several years long
Baby graves New Life
Daves back
tag team

Schedule:

4/19 – Romans 9 (Part 1) ~ Sovereignty of God

4/26 –  Romans 9 (Part 2) ~ Sovereignty of God

5/3 –  Romans 9:30-10:21 ~ Our Responsibility / How will they hear?

5/10 – Romans 11:1-36 ~ The Plan of the Ages (Mother’s Day)

5/17 – Romans 12:1-2 ~ Living Sacrifices

5/24 – Romans 12:3-16 ~ Serving in the body / spiritual gifts

5/31 – Romans 13:1-7 ~ Our relationship with the World / The role of Government

6/7 – Romans 13:8-14 ~ It’s all about Love

6/14 – Romans 14-15:4 ~ Unity / Gray Areas / Christian Liberty

6/21 – Romans 14 (Part 2) ~ Father’s Day (Youth?)

6/28 – Romans 15:5   Concluding remarks

Previous Sermons in this Series

Sermon on deck…

Romans 8:18-39, But Now: Creation Groans: Eagerly Awaited Victory

A Journey though Romans, Sermon Series  

The book of Romans has been called “the greatest letter ever written.” Theologian N.T. Wright said: “Romans is by common consent Paul’s masterpiece. It dwarfs most of his other writings, an Alpine Peak towering over hills and villages.” Over the next few months we will begin to unpack this amazing treatise and we will discover or rediscover God’s amazing doctrines of grace. We will learn about justification, sanctification and glorification, all doctrine which leads to duty or practical application in our lives. The first part of this series will discuss questions such as “Why do we need God’s righteousness?” (1:18 – 3:20). “What is God’s righteousness?” (3:21 – 5:21), and “How does this affect me?” (ch 6-8). The book of Romans was written to “establish” us (16:15) in the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation (1:16). This is the foundation upon which we can build our entire Christian lives. This series will deepen your faith, strengthen your walk, and encourage you to live in the victory of the Holy Spirit.

Easter pastor eating chics
Easter pastors

Previous Sermons in this Series

Sermon on deck…

Communion

Communion

Preparing to Take Communion at Home |

 

1. Grape Juice or Water (quantity depends on size of your group)

 

2. Bread or Baked Crackers  | Unleavened bread is the best expression of the “bread” element. Unleavened bread simply is bread baked without a rising agent (most large grocery stores stock unleavened bread), but you can select any bread or cracker of your choice. 


3. Be Ready at Home with Your Elements | The pastor will direct you through properly receiving communion. All you need to do is follow along online individually or as a group during the service. 


SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR PERSONAL USE
Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

The Lord’s Table & Children | 

When should my children take the Lord’s table?

We allow the parents to decide when their children are ready, but we encourage them to make sure their children understand the significance of what they are celebrating. It is a decision we would encourage them to make carefully and prayerfully.

What key principles determine a child’s readiness?

For any person to be ready, they must understand that at the Lord’s Table we are doing these things:

  • We Remember
    The mental action of the participants of the Lord’s Supper is to focus the mind on Jesus and especially his historical work in dying for our sins. 1 Cor 11:24-25 says “Do this in remembrance of me.”

  • We Worship
    1 Cor 10:20 talks about sacrifices given to idols, which Paul says are given to demons because there’s worship going on there, and so in the same way, when we celebrate the Lord’s table, there is true worship here. This is why the Lord’s table is for believers only, It’s not for unbelievers, because it is part of worship. The Lord’s Supper is an act of the gathered family of those who believe in Jesus, the church. It is not an act for unbelievers. Unbelievers may be present—indeed, we welcome them to be present—there is nothing secretive about the Lord’s Supper. It is done in public.

  • We Give Thanks  
    The word EUCHARIST in 1 Cor 11:24 means to give thanks. Why ? Because He paid our sin debt.

  • We Practice Self-Examination
    The scripture says a man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) Infants and smaller children, not instructed in the Lord, cannot “examine themselves” or properly “recognize the body of the Lord.”

Note to Parents: Look for your child’s capability in understanding, seriousness, and their ability to remember, worship, give thanks and practice self-examination.

Our baptism services are intended to publicly celebrate personal Renewal & Growth in Jesus Christ and spur on Connection & Action within community.

Questions?

Picture of Dave Hentschel

Dave Hentschel

Lead Pastor: Preaching,
Spiritual Formation & Care

Contact Dave with any questions

The Lord’s Table | 

We Need a King
Fruit of the Spirit
Advent Conspiracy 2019
Greater Than
Playlist - Psalms - August 13 - September 10
The Book of 2nd Timothy
Romans 1-8, But Now: Hope for All Who Fall Short
Story of Reality
Rise Up and Build - Ezra Nehemiah

Updates & Connection Opportunities

Weekly Pastors Video: Every week Pastor Bob and special guest brings you some encouraging truths from the Scriptures , current events and let you know how you can connect. You don’t want to miss this important weekly video delivered right here!

Submit your questions here

Latest Pastor's Weekly Podcast

Previous Episodes
Vote Here for this week's Great Book War

Check out our audio only option.

Stay tuned right here for regular updates from Behind The Pulpit.
Here you will find our Pastor’s weekly videos updates and various MBC community opportunities to connect with each other.

Romans 1-8, But Now: Hope for All Who Fall Short

A Journey though Romans, Sermon Series  

The book of Romans has been called “the greatest letter ever written.” Theologian N.T. Wright said: “Romans is by common consent Paul’s masterpiece. It dwarfs most of his other writings, an Alpine Peak towering over hills and villages.” Over the next few months we will begin to unpack this amazing treatise and we will discover or rediscover God’s amazing doctrines of grace. We will learn about justification, sanctification and glorification, all doctrine which leads to duty or practical application in our lives. The first part of this series will discuss questions such as “Why do we need God’s righteousness?” (1:18 – 3:20). “What is God’s righteousness?” (3:21 – 5:21), and “How does this affect me?” (ch 6-8). The book of Romans was written to “establish” us (16:15) in the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation (1:16). This is the foundation upon which we can build our entire Christian lives. This series will deepen your faith, strengthen your walk, and encourage you to live in the victory of the Holy Spirit.

Recommended companion reading:

  • Romans for you (Part 1 & 2) – by Tim Keller
  • Commentary on Romans – Doug Moo
  • Romans – the greatest letter ever written – John Piper – several years long
Dave

Schedule:
1/5 – Romans 1:1-17 ~ Introduction to the gospel

1/12 – Romans 1:18-32 ~ Humanity’s Rejection of God – The Exchange

1/19 – SOHLS ~ Special message for Sanctity of Human Life

1/26 – Romans 2:1-16 ~ The Problem with Self Righteousness

2/2 – Romans 2:17-29 ~ The Problem with Jewish Self Righteousness

2/9 – Romans 3:1-20 ~ Universality of Sin

2/16 – Romans 3:21-31 ~ The acropolis of the Christian faith – The Just and the Justifier

2/23 – Romans 4:1-25 ~ Justification by faith

3/1 – Romans 5:1-11 ~ Peace with God 

3/8 – Romans 5:12-21 ~ Imputation

3/15 – Romans 6:1-14 ~ Union with Christ (Adam v Christ)

3/22 – Romans 6:15-7:6 ~ Slaves of God

3/29 – Romans 7:7-25 ~ The War within (Part 1)

4/5 – Romans 8:1-11 ~ No Condemnation  – PALM SUNDAY

Previous Sermons in this Series

Loading...
1 2 … 4

Sermon on deck…

Advent Conspiracy 2019

Advent Conspiracy, Sermon Series  

Are you tired of how consumerism has stolen the soul of Christmas? This year make a difference! Join the groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be–a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us, not a retail circus that depletes our pocketbooks and defeats our spirits. Substitute compassion for consumption by practicing four simple but powerful countercultural concepts: 

1) Worship fully… because Christmas begins and ends with Jesus. 

2) Spend less… and free your resources for things that truly matter. 

3) Give more… of your hands, your words, your heart.

4) Love all… including the poor, the sick and the forgotten. This year we will have a Christmas worth remembering, not dreading. Because Christmas can still change the world when you, like Jesus, give what matters most – your presence. 

DSC02707
DSC02654
DSC02603
DSC02613
DSC02721

12/1 – Worship fully  ~Pastor Dave

12/8 – Spend less ~Pastor Bob

12/15 – Give more ~Pastor Dave

12/22 – Love All ~Pastor Dave

12/23 – Christmas Eve-Eve ~Joint Message

12/24 – Christmas Eve ~Joint Message

Recommended companion reading:

Previous Sermons in this Series

Sermon on deck…

+ More