The explosive beginning of Christianity is one of the most significant developments in history, as well as one of the most unexpected. New movements are usually short-lived. How did a small Jewish sect capture the imagination of the Gentile world in such a short time, especially in the face of hostility, prejudice and political pressure from without, and internal strife and burgeoning needs from within? The way the early church grew and spread is instructive as we face similar challenges today. Take a look at the beginnings of the worldwide “Jesus Movement” in the book of Acts.
Christians do not just “join” a movement. They are spiritually re-born through Jesus Christ with the life of the coming new creation. With that comes certain privileges and “birthrights.” Do you know yours? Do you thank and praise God for them? Claim your inheritance by joining us for this next series of messages that will open your eyes to rich treasures that you did not even know you had.
How do you know if you are genuinely “following” Christ in this world? One of the ways to know is to see “IF” certain things are true in your life. Jesus speaks directly about the core of what it means to be his follower, and so will we in our next series of messages leading through the Easter season. Gaining clarity on these spiritual “markers” will bring new confidence and conviction to your life.
Community life does not just fall out of the sky. It is not found so much as it is forged. It comes together out of the contributions of everyone in it. Especially in these days of discord and division, Christ’s church needs to model what true unity looks like. This series of messages is based on the 4th chapter of Ephesians to gain an in-depth look at true community, the kind of which we all want to be a part.
“Border crossings” take us from one place to another, from one season to another, or from one leader to another. In God’s hands, these bittersweet seasons are moments of great opportunity as well as times calling for circumspection and wisdom. Join us for a look backward and forwards at God’s hand in the unfolding history of Hunt Valley Church and our pastoral succession.
The greatest surprises in this season are not the ones under the tree. They are the ones intertwined throughout the Christmas story itself in such a way that you only think you know the story! For Advent this year we are exploring the unexpected dimensions of Jesus’ birth that you will never learn on the Hallmark Channel. Join us for a fresh look at Christmas and bring unexpected meaning into your holiday.
“Prayer is not the privilege of a few. It is a reality, easily accessible, for tiny children as for old men. It finds expression in innumerable ways.” (Brother Roger of Taize) Most people feel daunted by prayer, but in fact the Christian life IS prayer, and prayer really IS possible. This series looks at prayer in fresh ways to inspire and encourage you and to help take your prayer life to a new level. Your soul will thank you!
Few chapters are as exciting – or as puzzling – as the second half of the Old Testament book of Daniel. Filled with outlandish and sometimes disturbing visions of the future, it encourages a people facing an antagonistic culture. Seeing God’s faithfulness in the fulfillment of the predictions can help us be more faithful and courageous, as we face an increasingly toxic culture and as we look forward to what is yet to come.
There is a lot of talk in the air about “changing the world,” which most people think of as powerful actions with huge, visible, and immediate results. What if the Kingdom of God works differently than that? What if the way we are thinking about it is exactly the opposite of the way God usually works? That realization could be disappointing, or … it could be a relief. This three-week series looks at how God works through ordinary people and situations to bring about unexpected results. Think of it as … “the gospel for the rest of us”!
