The Gospels | The Pursuit of Greatness | September 15

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on September 15, 2024.

This week, we look at Mark 9:33-37 and how Jesus redefines greatness for his disciples. So, what does being great in the kingdom of God look like, and how can we experience that now?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

The Gospels | Idolatry in the Kingdom | September 8

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on September 8, 2024.

This week focuses on the story of the rich young ruler from Luke 18:18-30 and how he--though he had nearly everything in this life--walked away sad, unable to experience the kingdom. So what might be keeping you from experiencing Jesus’ kingdom? What idols might have their hold on you?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

The Gospels | The Redemptive Power of Forgiveness | September 1

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on September 1, 2024.

Jesus’ teaching ministry is summed up in one word: repentance. This week, we look at how this applies to our church family. For example, what happens when people following Jesus sin against each other? What does repentance look like, then? How can we, as part of God’s kingdom, move forward if we’re stuck in bitterness and resentment?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

The Gospels | The Bread of Life | August 25

SUNDAY
SERMON

Sermon by Chet Phillips on August 25, 2024.

Humans throughout time have had many thoughts about what they must do to be made right with God. In John chapter 6, Jesus performs a stunning miracle and then answers this question in a very direct and compelling way.

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

The Gospels | The Kingdom of God is at Hand | August 18

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Michael Bailey on August 18, 2024.

How would you summarize Jesus’ teachings? Depending on who you ask, you’re likely to get different answers. However, Jesus’ summary statement is actually one of his first statements in the Gospels: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

In other words, Jesus’ life and teachings are all about ushering in God’s loving rule and reign on Earth as it is in Heaven. So what might His kingdom look like in our city, and how do we faithfully follow Him in our time and place?

Join us for five weeks as we examine the life and teachings of Jesus and consider how the good news of the Kingdom and its King changes everything.

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Psalms | God's Love, Known & Experienced | August 11

Sermon by Brandon Clements on August 11, 2024.

On our last week in the Psalms, we’re going to look at a Psalm that brings many of the other Psalms together and shows us how to build a rock-solid identity on God. This Psalm is full of good news about God's posture towards us, and how that should affect both how we relate to him and how we think about ourselves. 

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Psalms | A Song for the Politically Weary | August 4

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on August 4, 2024.

No matter what the headlines say, Psalm 146 shows us how to have hope that lies beyond our current political landscape—a hope that empowers stable, faithful, and joy-filled living in unstable times.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Psalms | Arrows and Blessings | July 28

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Brandon Clements on July 28, 2024.

In our time, there are many competing ideas regarding how we think of children. And yet, Psalm 127 cuts through the noise to offer a vision for thinking about the next generation.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Psalms | A Psalm for Meditation | July 21

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on July 21, 2024.

What makes for a stable, flourishing and truly blessed life? The introduction to the book of Psalms gives us an important clue. This week, we’ll explore Psalm 1 and the power Scripture has to transform us.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Psalms | Engaging Negative Emotions | July 14

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Taylor Schombert on July 14, 2024.

Emotions are strong. And if we’re not careful, they can begin to control us. Psalm 77 offers us a different path—of engaging our emotions by bringing them to God.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Psalms | A Theology of Song | July 7

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Brandon Clements on July 7, 2024.

The Psalms are a unique collection in the Old Testament: 150 poems, songs, and prayers covering approximately 1,000 years of Israel’s history. The writers cover everything from hatred to pure joy and nearly everything in between. Some of the language and honesty in the Psalms are shocking–even uncomfortable to hear–because of how unfiltered they come across.

Amidst the raw emotions, the Psalms offer a beacon of hope. They guide us to understand what’s going on in our hearts and how to realign ourselves with reality, offering a path to transformation and spiritual growth. 

In this series, we’ll spend six weeks looking at specific chapters as we ask how God wants us to shape us as His people.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

How Long O LORD? | Yet I Will Rejoice | June 30

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on June 30, 2024.

The last chapter of Habakkuk culminates in a song that ties in all the themes we’ve looked at previously. In many ways, this song is a picture of Christian maturity, showcasing confidence in God even in the face of evil, pain, and suffering.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

How Long O LORD? | The Cup That Is Coming | June 23

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on June 23, 2024.

In Habakkuk, we see God doing something seemingly unthinkable - He will use Babylon, a nation more wicked than Judah, to bring justice.  But what about Babylon’s sin? Will God just let that injustice happen, or will He step in?
Last week, we started looking at God’s response; this week, we dive into that more.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

How Long O LORD? | How Can This Be? | June 16

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on June 16, 2024.

As we study the Bible, many Christians notice God doing things that we don't think He should do.  Last week, Habakkuk wrestled with how God was allowing evil and injustice to occur in the world around him. 

This week, we'll see him wrestle with how God responds to that evil and injustice, and we'll answer the question, "What do I do, when God's actions don't seem to align with His attributes?"

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

How Long, O LORD? | June 9

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on June 9, 2024.

The prophets are a diverse group of writings. They come from different periods, face different issues, and are written in different genres.

The book of Habakkuk, in particular, speaks to us on our journey to Christian maturity. It mirrors the moments we all encounter—when our understanding of God’s character seems at odds with our current circumstances, when we question God’s plans, and when injustice, both individually and collectively, seems to prevail.

When that happens, what do we do? How do we respond? How can we trust God is still in control of it all? We’ll spend the next four weeks in Habakkuk exploring these questions.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Greetings From 2020 | Following Jesus in Pain and Chaos | August 9

Sermon by Jon Ludovina for August 9, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

August 9, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord. 

Pray

Have someone pray for your time together, or read this prayer aloud:

Jesus, help us focus our hearts and minds on You during our time together.  Help us to remember that You are with us by Your Spirit.  Help us to sing, remembering the truth about who You are and who You’ve called us to be.

Call to Worship - Scripture

Have someone read this scripture aloud:

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
    praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
    praise him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

Song

Song

Pray: Have someone pray this aloud

Jesus, Your words are truth.  Help us to hear the truth and respond in love and obedience.  Amen.

Sermon

Song

Benediction

Have someone pray this aloud to close:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen.

Kidtown and Students Guides

Greetings From 2020 | Following Jesus in a Cancel Culture | August 2

Sermon by Adam Gibson for August 2, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

August 2nd, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord. 

Pray

Have someone pray for your time together, or read this prayer aloud:

Dear Lord, focus our attention and our hearts. Let our time be a blessing to You and to us. Help us grow in unity and understanding together.

Call to Worship

Have someone read this scripture aloud:

The call to worship for today is from Psalm 103

Psalm 103:8, 13-14, 17-18

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.

Song

Song

Pray

Read this aloud:

Philippians 4:6 says do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Lord, thank you that we can bring all our anxiety and frustrations to you. Remind us that we are made family and friends with you. Open our ears and our hearts today as we hear your word. Calm our restless hearts with your Spirit. Help us focus and rest in these next moments, amen.

Sermon

Song

Benediction

Everyone read this prayer aloud:

Father God, 
Be with us this week, 
As we seek Your kingdom here in Columbia

Jesus Christ, 
Be glorified in our lives, 
As we remember, we are secure in You

Let your Holy Spirit, 
Remind us of Your truth often, 
and move us to love our neighbors, as Christ has loved us

Amen.

Kidtown and Students Guides

Greetings From 2020 | Following Jesus in the Midst of Injustice | July 26

Sermon by Michael Bailey for July 26, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

July 26, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord. 

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Call to Worship

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 9:1-2

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
   I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
    I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

Let’s sing of the greatness of our God with thankfulness in our hearts for what He’s done.

Song

Practice: REFLECT AND REJOICE

Take a minute to sit in silence and reflect on the past week. What can you praise God for in the midst of this season? 

After a few moments, if you are participating with others, ask specific people to share what came to mind. 

After sharing, have someone pray, or read this aloud: 

Father, thank you for how you continue to provide and show up in the mess of this life. Help us always remember your provision and the depth of your love for us. Father you are all we need, you are everything.

Song

Pray: Have someone pray this aloud

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we may hear your Word with joy. Amen.

Sermon

Song

Benediction

Have someone pray this aloud to close:

Help us, Lord, that what has been said with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and that what we believe in our hearts we may practice in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Kidtown and Students Guides