In spring and early summer of 2026, Pastor Ryan preached a sermon series based on what he teaches baptismal candidates about life as a Christian in the church.
Now that we know we belong to Christ and that he loves us, how do we go about making decisions so that we can live godly lives? Pastor Ryan gives four principles we can use to help us make good ones.
“Guiding Principles for Decision Making” by Pastor Ryan Emmnons
Pastor Ryan reminds us that as Christians, our identity is in Christ, not in our accomplishments and that we ultimately belong to God, not to ourselves. These principles are our foundation for knowing how to live our lives.
“Guiding Principles for Christian Living” by Pastor Ryan Emmons
God will help us grow in the Spirit, but we have to do our part as well. Pastor Ryan lists several things we can do that will keep us growing and keep us from working against what God is doing in us.
In winter 2026, Pastor Ryan explored the claims of the Apostles’ Creed. His focus was the basic statements of faith that all Christians should be able to agree on.
The creeds articulate basic tenets of faith, but they do not explain them. This leaves space for Christians to ponder and consider more deeply the mysteries of God. None of us (person, church, or denomination) fully comprehends these mysteries, but if we hold to the statements of faith in the creed, we can open space for dialogue with other Christians who also believe them. These conversations can then lead to the healing of divisions and of the church itself.
Here is the creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.