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Don't Miss Christmas!




Each year we hear of people that miss Christmas with their families. Some are overseas serving in the military. Others are stuck in airports because of weather or flight delays. While some miss Christmas for obvious reasons, others miss Christmas in more subtle ways. Join us as we learn how some of the famous Christmas characters from the first Christmas story missed Jesus' birth and how we can miss it as well.

Don't Miss Christmas! - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Don't Miss Christmas!
- Manuscript - PDF
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Hebrews 1:1-3 - Jesus Is Greater




In C.S. Lewis' novel, Prince Caspian, there is a famous scene where Lucy rushes to Aslan the lion, falls between his front paws and buries her face in his mane. Aslan the lion represents Jesus. When Lucy is resting in his mane, she says these famous words. "Your bigger!", says Lucy. Aslan says, "That is because you are older, little one… every year you grow, you will find me bigger." C.S. Lewis' point is the more we grow in Christ, the bigger Christ becomes. In the first message of this Christmas series, we study the opening verses of the book of Hebrews to help us see that Jesus is greater and bigger than we can comprehend.

Hebrews 1:1-3 - Jesus Is Greater - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Hebrews 1:1-3 - Jesus Is Greater
- Manuscript - PDF
Hebrews 1:1-3 - Jesus Is Greater - Sermon Handout - PDF
Hebrews 1:1-3 - Jesus Is Greater - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Hebrews 1:1-3 - Jesus Is Greater - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
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What Does The Nativity Teach Us About God's Love?

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St. Francis of Assisi was the first to use a nativity scene in 1223. Since then, they have been popular for Christmas. Join us as we look at the nativity and learn what each character teaches us about God's love.

What Does The Nativity Teach Us About God's Love? - Manuscript - PDF
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Ephesians 1:3-14 - I Am Blessed





The trees, lights, shopping and festivities of the holiday season make it hard to remember the reason we celebrate, the baby in the manger. As we prepare to remember the birth of our savior, we are looking at selected passages in the book of Ephesians to reminded us how blessed we are through God the Father's gift of His Son.

Ephesians 1:3-14 - I Am Blessed - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Ephesians 1:3-14 - I Am Blessed
- Manuscript - PDF
Ephesians 1:3-14 - I Am Blessed - Sermon Handout - PDF
Ephesians 1:3-14 - I Am Blessed - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Ephesians 1:3-14 - I Am Blessed - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
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What Happened When Jesus Was Born?




What changed when Jesus took on flesh? What did he add to his abilities that as God he didn't have before? Join us on Christmas Eve as we learn of how Jesus took on flesh to gain sympathetic resonance with the weaknesses and temptations we face in our life so he can help us in our time of need.


What Happened When Jesus Was Born? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
What Happened When Jesus Was Born? - Manuscript - PDF
What Happened When Jesus Was Born? - Sermon Handout - PDF
What Happened When Jesus Was Born? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
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Where Was Christ Before The Manger?




We have potential existence before our birth but Micah 5:2 tells us Jesus had actual existence before his birth, he existed in eternity past. What was Jesus doing before his birth? How was our savior involved with the world before Bethlehem? Join us as we go behind the scenes and learn the little known story of Christ before the manger.


Where Was Christ Before The Manger? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Where Was Christ Before The Manger? - Manuscript - PDF
Where Was Christ Before The Manger? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Where Was Christ Before The Manger? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
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Christmas Day - Immanuel - What Does It Mean To Have God With Us?




Why is Christmas important? What is it about the birth of Jesus in a manger that changes everything? Join Pastor Jordan and Pastor Kurt for this brief message on the importance of Immanuel. God is with us.


Isaiah 7:14 - Immanuel - What Does It Mean To Have God With Us? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
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The Genealogy of Jesus - Great Hope For Great Sinners




Before the Christmas story in Matthew 1 is a lengthy genealogy? Why did Matthew begin the story of Jesus with a length section that reads like the phone book? Discover why this genealogy make the Christmas the greatest story ever told for sinners like you and me.


Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus - Manuscript - PDF
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Leviticus 16 - Good News For All People




This year 100 million American's will travel to be with family over the Christmas holiday. Countless trees will be lit and cookies made. When you strip away the tinsel, trees and toys, why is it important to celebrate Christmas? In this Christmas Eve message we discover why we can celebrate the birth of Christ with more joy and enthusiasm than the shepherds on that first Christmas night.


Leviticus 16 - Good News For All People - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Leviticus 16 - Good News For All People - Manuscript - PDF
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Leviticus 5:14-6:7 - Guilt Offering




Are you in debt? Americans carry more debt for daily living today than 12 years ago. The average American household in 2015 has $129,579 in total debt with $15,355 of that debt on credit cards. This debt doesn't just come from uncontrolled spending. The cost of daily life is rising faster than salaries. In the last 12 years the average income rose 21 percent while medical costs increased 51 percent and the cost of food 37 percent. it is hard to stay out of debt! While the Bible doesn't teach us how to eliminate debt on our credit card, it tell us how to face a much more important debt. The debt of our sin to God. In our study of the Guilt Offering we learn how to find freedom from the debt of our sin.


Leviticus 5:14-6:7 - Guilt Offering - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Leviticus 5:14-6:7 - Guilt Offering - Manuscript - PDF
Leviticus 5:14-6:7 - Guilt Offering - Sermon Handout - PDF
Leviticus 5:14-6:7 - Guilt Offering - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
Leviticus 5:14-6:7 - Guilt Offering - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Leviticus 4:1-5:13 - Sin Offering




Is there any way to avoid the common cold? Doctors tell us there is only one fool-proof way to not get sick. We have to die. Cold viruses are everywhere. There is nothing we can do to avoid them. In the same way, no matter how much we desire to live a holy life, sin is everywhere and we can't avoid it. In this study we learn how they took care of unavoidable sin in the Old Testament and why we are so thankful to Christ for coming and dealing with sin in a completely different way.


Leviticus 4:1-5:13 - Sin Offering - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Leviticus 4:1-5:13 - Sin Offering - Manuscript - PDF
Leviticus 4:1-5:13 - Sin Offering - Sermon Handout - PDF
Leviticus 4:1-5:13 - Sin Offering - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
Leviticus 4:1-5:13 - Sin Offering - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Leviticus 3 - Fellowship Offering




When was the last time you went to a party? When was the last time you ate steak, chips, dip, salsa, hot wings and Doritos with friends because you had something to celebrate? In Leviticus 3 we learn the importance of taking the time to celebrate God's goodness.


Leviticus 3 - Fellowship Offering - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Leviticus 3 - Fellowship Offering - Manuscript - PDF
Leviticus 3 - Fellowship Offering - Sermon Handout - PDF
Leviticus 3 - Fellowship Offering - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
Leviticus 3 - Fellowship Offering - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Leviticus 2 - Grain Offering




Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year. It is always good to remember why we are thankful. In the Old Testament, the grain offering was a regular time for Israel to remember who provided their daily bread. God doesn't just provide what we need to survive physically, at Christmas he gave us what we need to survive spiritually. Jesus.


Leviticus 2 - Grain Offering - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Leviticus 2 - Grain Offering - Manuscript - PDF
Leviticus 2 - Grain Offering - Sermon Handout - PDF
Leviticus 2 - Grain Offering - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
Leviticus 2 - Grain Offering - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offering




The book of Leviticus talks about sacrifices we no longer offer, a priesthood that no longer exists and practices that we can't relate. What good is it for Christians and what does it mean for Christmas? In this exciting series we examine the five offerings in the first seven chapters of Leviticus and see how they are point to Christ and what he was born to accomplish. In the first sacrifice, the burnt offering, we find the importance of a costly perfect substitute to die in our place to bring us into a relationship with God.


Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offering - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offering - Manuscript - PDF
Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offering - Sermon Handout - PDF
Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offering - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offering - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Luke 2:1-14 - The Birth Of Jesus - What Do I Need To Know About God's Love





What really happened at the birth of Christ? Join us as we follow Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Shepherds to find God's love in the most unexpected places to the most unexpected people.

Luke 2:1-14 - The Birth Of Christ - What Do I Need To Know About God's Love? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 2:1-14 - The Birth Of Christ - What Do I Need To Know About God's Love? - Manuscript - PDF
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Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline?





When the wheels fall off of life, what went wrong? Has God lost control? Is God punishing us for our sin? In this message we learn what is wrong with the prosperity gospel and why suffering is evidence of God's love.

Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline? - Manuscript - PDF
Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Luke 1:57-66 - Zechariah - What Do I Need To Know About God's Discipline? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
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Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends?





Everything is going on the Internet. We bank on the Internet, take classes on the Internet, shop on the Internet and stay in contact with our friends through social networking. Why not attend church on the Internet? In this Christmas message we learn the pitfalls of Internet church.

Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends? - Manuscript - PDF
Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Luke 1:39-56 - Mary and Elizabeth - Why Do I Need Christian Friends? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
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Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans?




What should we do when life takes an unexpected turn for the worse? How should we think about God when life falls apart? Join us as we learn how to handle unexpected life-changing circumstances.

Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans? - Manuscript - PDF
Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Luke 1:26-38 - Mary - What Should I Do When God Changes My Plans? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX
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Luke 1:5-25 - Zechariah - Do I Believe God Answers Pray?



Have I become spiritually stiff? Many of us have followed Christ for years but we haven’t seen any extraordinary answers to our prayers. Zechariah teaches us the danger of developing a heart of unbelief.

Luke 1:5-25 - Zechariah - Do I Believe God Answers Prayer? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Luke 1:5-25 - Zechariah - Do I Believe God Answers Prayer? - Manuscript - PDF
Luke 1:5-25 - Zechariah - Do I Believe God Answers Prayer? - Sermon Handout - PDF
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Christmas Eve 2013 - The First to See Jesus

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Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The Gospel in the Old Testament




At school my daughter was told Christmas isn't about Santa Claus. It is about a chance to be kind and giving. Jesus was left out of Christmas, as he often is, in the interest of being politically correct and not offending other religions. This week we discover what makes the birth of Jesus so different from other religions. Christ's life and death was described in vivid detail hundreds of years before he came. This is something other religions do not have, the truth of a God who declares what will happen in history.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The Gospel in the Old Testament - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The Gospel in the Old Testament - Manuscript - PDF
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The Gospel in the Old Testament - Sermon Handout - PDF
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The Gospel in the Old Testament - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Isaiah 50:4-11 - Suffering and Darkness




How much did Jesus know about the suffering he would face on the cross? How did he make it through without giving in to sin? In Isaiah 50, we have a unique window into the suffering Jesus faced and how he made it through. We learn how to face our suffering from following the example of Jesus.

Isaiah 50:4-11 - Suffering and Darkness - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Isaiah 50:4-11 - Suffering and Darkness - Manuscript - PDF
Isaiah 50:4-11 - Suffering and Darkness - Sermon Handout - PDF
Isaiah 50:4-11 - Suffering and Darkness - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Isaiah 49:1-16 - Jesus, Hope When We Are Hopeless




When you are facing desperate times, is there hope? In Isaiah 49 we learn how God provides hope when we are hopeless through a mysterious individual called, "The Servant of the Lord."

Isaiah 49:1-16 - Jesus, Hope When We Are Hopeless - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Isaiah 49:1-16 - Jesus, Hope When We Are Hopeless - Manuscript - PDF
Isaiah 49:1-16 - Jesus, Hope When We Are Hopeless - Sermon Handout - PDF
Isaiah 49:1-16 - Jesus, Hope When We Are Hopeless - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Isaiah 42:1-9 - Jesus, the Gift of Restored Relationships




Christmas is a time for memories with family and friends. Unfortunately, for many, Christmas is a filled with memories of frustration and pain. Unresolved marital arguments come to the surface. Fights between extended family members ruin holiday meals. How can the broken relationships that litter our lives be fixed? In Isaiah 42, we find God the Father sent us a gift in his son Jesus. Jesus came to restore the relationships broken by sin in our life.

Isaiah 42:1-9 - Jesus, the Gift of Restored Relationships - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Isaiah 42:1-9 - Jesus, the Gift of Restored Relationships - Manuscript - PDF
Isaiah 42:1-9 - Jesus, the Gift of Restored Relationships - Sermon Handout - PDF
Isaiah 42:1-9 - Jesus, the Gift of Restored Relationships - Life Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Christmas Eve - What About the Ordinary People?

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Psalm 110 - The Rest of the Christmas Story (Christmas Eve 2011)




Psalm 110 is the most quoted Psalm from the Old Testament in the New. It is also the most quoted chapter from the Old Testament in the New. Psalm 110 vets 1 is quoted 24 times. This Psalm was central to the New Testament writers understand of who Jesus is and what he came to do. Unlike we often consider Jesus, it is not a Psalm about Christ's humility but his authority. It is not primarily about his first coming but about his second, when he will crush, destroy and butcher his enemies. It is the rest of the Christmas story we never hear.

Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 110 - The Rest of the Christmas Story - Audio - MP3
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 110 - The Rest of the Christmas Story - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 110 - The Rest of the Christmas Story - Manuscript - PDF
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 110 - The Rest of the Christmas Story - Sermon Handout - PDF
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Psalm 2 - Immediate and Unconditional Surrender

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We are told to invite Jesus into our hearts. The decision to invite Jesus into our hearts sounds like deciding on having cream or sugar in our coffee. It is far too self orientated. According to Psalm 2, Jesus doesn't ask for us to invite him in, he commands us to repent of our sin. We must flee to him as the only shield that can protect us from God's white hot wrath. We are commanded to immediately and unconditionally surrender to Christ's rulership in our life or face Christ's terrifying wrath when he returns.

Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 2 - Immediate and Unconditional Surrender - Audio - MP3
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 2 - Immediate and Unconditional Surrender - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 2 - Immediate and Unconditional Surrender - Manuscript - PDF
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 2 - Immediate and Unconditional Surrender - Sermon Handout - PDF
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 2 - Immediate and Unconditional Surrender - Small Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Psalm 45 - Who is Jesus?



At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus as a baby in a manger. Is he something more? Muslims claim Jesus is one of Allah's holiest prophets. Jehovah's Witnesses claim Jesus is Michael the Archangel. Mormons tell us Jesus is the elder brother of the fallen angel Lucifer. A Christian Scientist will tell you Jesus is a man who lived out the divine ideal. Who is Jesus? Psalm 45 explains who Jesus is and who we are because of him.

Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 45 - Who is Jesus? - Audio - MP3
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 45 - Who is Jesus? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 45 - Who is Jesus? - Manuscript - PDF
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 45 - Who is Jesus? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 45 - Who is Jesus? - Small Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Psalm 14 - God Came to Save Fools



Jodie Foster, an outspoken atheist, has said, "How could you ask me to believe in God when there's absolutely no evidence that I can see?" Why is it that some people can see no evidence for God in creation while many of us see it so clear? In this message, we discover who we are apart from God's mercy and the supernatural difference God makes in us when he calls us to himself.

Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 14 - God Came to Save Fools - Audio - MP3
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 14 - God Came to Save Fools - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - M4A
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 14 - God Came to Save Fools - Manuscript - PDF
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 14 - God Came to Save Fools - Sermon Handout - PDF
Christmas from the Psalms - Psalm 14 - God Came to Save Fools - Small Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Dragon




While Christ defeated Satan two-thousand years ago, a glance at the world around us leaves us with any but confidence in Satan's defeat. Through one of the most controversial chapters, in one of the most controversial books of the Bible, be refreshed by a glimpse into the unseen spiritual world where things are different than they appear.

Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Dragon - Audio - MP3
Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Dragon - Quicktime and IPhone Audio - M4A
Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Dragon - Manuscript - PDF
Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Dragon - Sermon Handout - PDF
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Christmas Eve 2010 - King Jesus




The Bible frequently calls Jesus a king. He was called king at his birth, the plaque across the top of his cross called him a king, in Revelation it says he will return as the king of kings. Kings change things for better or worse for many people. Did Jesus change anything in his three years of ministry or was his life nothing more than another interesting fact of history? Join Dr. Trucksess Christmas Eve at the SAMI Center in Spirit Lake, IA as we discover the difference Jesus made in history.

Christmas Eve 2010 - King Jesus - Audio - MP3
Christmas Eve 2010 - King Jesus - Quicktime and IPhone Audio - M4A
Christmas Eve 2010 - King Jesus - Manuscript - PDF
Christmas Eve 2010 - King Jesus - Poster - JPG
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Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Nations



Nobody likes suffering. It separates us from life's pleasures. Suffering frequently looks like nothing more than purposeless agony. There is suffering that is purposeful. Christ can transform our suffering into something that is redemptive. He can transform our suffering into something so powerful that it can reach even the most pagan nations with the gospel. How does he do this? Join Dr. Trucksess for a look at The Lamb and the Nations.

Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Nations - Audio - MP3
Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Nations - Quicktime and IPhone Audio - M4A
Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Nations - Manuscript - PDF
Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Nations - Sermon Handout - PDF
Christmas from Revelation - The Lamb and the Nations - Small Group Work Sheet - PDF
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Christmas from Revelation - The Triumph of the Lamb




Why do we hang off the edge of our seats at a football game and sing at the top of our lungs with our favorite bands? We were created by God to be passionate about things that are worth it. That desire was given to us for more than watching sports and music. God gave us these emotions to be passionate about Jesus, the ultimate hero, who won the ultimate victory. Join Pastor Kurt as we cheer The Triumph of the Lamb.

Christmas from Revelation - The Triumph of the Lamb - Audio - MP3
Christmas from Revelation - The Triumph of the Lamb - Quicktime and IPhone Audio - M4A
Christmas from Revelation - The Triumph of the Lamb - Manuscript - PDF
Christmas from Revelation - The Triumph of the Lamb - Sermon Handout - PDF
Christmas from Revelation - The Triumph of the Lamb - Small Group Work Sheet - PDF
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An Ordinary Christmas - I was born in a small town



An Ordinary Christmas - I was born in a small town - Audio - MP3
An Ordinary Christmas - I was born in a small town - Enhanced Audio Podcast - AAC
An Ordinary Christmas - I was born in a small town - Manuscript - PDF
An Ordinary Christmas - I was born in a small town - Sermon Handout - PDF
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An Ordinary Christmas - God is My Travel Agent



An Ordinary Christmas - God is My Travel Agent - Audio - MP3
An Ordinary Christmas - God is My Travel Agent - Enhanced Audio Podcast - AAC
An Ordinary Christmas - God is My Travel Agent - Manuscript - PDF
An Ordinary Christmas - God is My Travel Agent - Sermon Handout - PDF
An Ordinary Christmas - God is My Travel Agent - Small Group - PDF
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An Ordinary Christmas - Jesus had a Soccer Mom



There is a hum in the podcast and embedded videos. The MP3 and AAC audio versions do not have the hum. The source of the hum was identified and will be removed next week.

An Ordinary Christmas - Jesus had a Soccer Mom - Audio - MP3
An Ordinary Christmas - Jesus had a Soccer Mom - Enhanced Audio Podcast - AAC
An Ordinary Christmas - Jesus had a Soccer Mom - Manuscript - PDF
An Ordinary Christmas - Jesus had a Soccer Mom - Sermon Handout - PDF
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