Christmas Eve joint worship service: Sermons from Pastor Eric Phillips and Pastor Randy Powell - Luke 2:8-14

In our second combined service with Redeemer Anglican Church, Pastor Eric Phillips and Pastor Randy Powell share the honor of bringing the Christmas Eve message of hope and joy through the experience of the shepherds, first with one angel's message of a savior, followed by the promise of peace from a whole company of angels.

Sermon Video: The Advantage of the Living Savior - Romans 5:9-11

Having established that our sins have been forgiven, and the wrath of God averted, by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, Paul now looks toward what our life in Christ should look like now and where we are ultimately heading.  He begins that process by reminding us that it is not simply the death of Jesus that saves us, for Jesus did not remain in the grave but rose to new life.  Given that Jesus now sits in glory at the Father's right hand, how much more has God planned for those he has redeemed?

Sermon Video: "Hosanna!" - Mark 11:1-11

 As Jesus' journey to the Cross reaches Jerusalem, on the Sunday before Passover begins, Jesus chooses to ride the last two miles into the city, on a donkey. Why? His humble entrance fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah (9:9), contrasting with the vainglory of kings among men. Additionally, Jesus control over the details of his entrance (knowing where the colt will be, what his disciples need to say) demonstrate that his upcoming Passion is a choice, he is a willing participant, not a victim.

The people shout "Hosanna!", a Hebrew imperative meaning "Save us!" that can be turned around in a moment of joy to mean, "Savior!" Truly, Jesus has come to Jerusalem to become the Savior, not just of the children of Abraham, but of humanity: past, present, and future. The Savior of the World. Hosanna, indeed.