Kempsville Presbyterian Church - Audio Podcast

02/05/2012 - "A Reasonable Sacrifice" Heart -- A Look at the Life of the Shepherd King (Part 6) Rev. Vic Hildebrand

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:36:18 -0500

Pastor Vic Hildebrand looks at 2 Samuel 24 verse 24 where David states, ". . . nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” Romans 12 verse 1 says, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. The heart of David was to put God first in his life, and in this message Pastor Vic asked us to examine our own lives and be ready to make, "A Reasonable Sacrifice."

01/29/2012 - "Grace" Heart -- A Look at the Life of the Shepherd King (Part 5) Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:36:39 -0500

2 Samuel is not only the story of David. It’s our story. In chapter 9 we come to the relationship between David and Mephibosheth. Despite the fact that when he was born, Mephibosheth was born into nobility, his grandfather’s sins and subsequent loss of power condemned him. He was lame in a time when to be crippled meant that you had no options in life. In this chapter Pastor Nate draws the parallel between David – the king, Jonathan – the crown prince who had died, and Mephibosheth – everyman.

01/22/2012 - "Rest" Heart -- A Look at the Life of the Shepherd King (Part 4) Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:57:25 -0500

Pastor Nate Atwood began this message by pulling back and painting a larger of the pattern we see in the Book of 2 Samuel. “Death (of our sinful nature) produces unity. Unity produces victory. Victory produces praise and worship. Praise and worship produces rest. Rest produces . . . productivity.

01/15/2012 - "Praise" Heart -- A Look at the Life of the Shepherd King (Part 3) Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:03:59 -0500

2 Samuel chapter 6 is a story about one principle of God – and four people. The principle is “praise and worship” and the four people are, in order, Uzzah, Obed-Edom, David, and Michal. In this message Pastor Nate Atwood’s focus is on David and how we praise and worship God.

01/08/2012 - "Unity" Heart -- A Look at the Life of the Shepherd King (Part 2) Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:58:59 -0500

In this series Pastor Nate is looking at the life of David and what it is to have “a heart after God’s own heart.” Today we’re he talks about unity. In 2 Samuel chapter 2 Saul is dead. And David was anointed as the new king. You might think that instantly things changed, but they didn’t. This was only the beginning and for the next 7 years the nation experienced civil war. I think it likely that the person who treasures unity the most is the person who has lived more than his share of conflict. That would be David.

01/01/2012 - "New" Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:27:29 -0500

This message begins a new series entitled “Heart.” Over the next few weeks we will be talking about David . . . and David’s heart after God That’s quite a thing, to have a heart after God’s own heart. It’s not about being perfect. Even when David sinned, he repented, got back up, and moved forward.

12/25/2011 - "Boniface" Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:52:02 -0500

Pastor Nate stated this week by telling us that his message would be about Christmas, the Christmas Tree, Boniface, and the story of Redemption.

12/18/2011 - "His Yoke Is Easy, His Burden Is Light" Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:38:57 -0500

Pastor Nate stated this week’s message followed what the Holy Spirit had been calling his attention to during the past week. The starting point for this was last weekend’s presentation of Messiah at KPC. He said, “It’s not the words themselves that are so life-giving. Really, it’s who said them.” Scripture states, “For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ.” (Colossians 1:19) This is crystal clear . . . the fullness of God was manifest in Jesus. In other words, all of God, all that God is – His wisdom, His strength, His perfection, His grace, His knowledge, His power. There are burdens too heavy for us to bear – but Jesus carries the load – all we have to do is walk with Him.

12/04/2011 - "Getting a 'Handel' on Messiah" Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:51:58 -0500

In this message Pastor Nate Atwood tells the story of Messiah, the story of George Frederic Handel, the story of Charles Jennens, and the story of an amazing attempt to take the Gospel into the lives of other people.

11/27/2011 - "William Penn - Friend" Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:42:36 -0500

On this Sunday after Thanksgiving, Pastor Nate Atwood stepped into the role of William Penn and spoke about his life, his faith, and the part he played in shaping our country.

11/13/2011 - "Love ... More Powerful Than We Think" Life in High-Def message 8 Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:01:12 -0500

Did you know that God puts us through stress tests? The only difference is that it’s not the physical heart that He seeks to measure, but the spiritual heart. Stress tests are part of life. It’s the soul-spirit battle we all wage. Primary to that stress test continuum is this . . . how we deal with our enemies and Pastor Nate’s message this morning dealt with David’s response to the attacks leveled against him.

10/30/2011 - "Where Do You Go?" Pastor Nate Atwood

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 11:58:46 -0500

Paganism is flooding into the American soul and this week Pastor Nate's message deals where we go for help at those desperate times of need. He looks at Saul, his visit to the witch of Endor and compares where he went for help with David who found strength in the Lord. Deut 18 makes it very clear - God calls those who practice witchcraft and those who consult mediums - detestable. We're losing track of truth in our day. The culture says the Real is counterfeit, the Church must declare that there is One True God.

10/23/2011 - "Step Out of the Boat" Rev. Vic Hildebrand

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:39:12 -0400

This week Rev. Vic Hildebrand’s message was connected to KPC’s Short-term Missions Weekend. The theme: Step Out of The Boat. He looked back over the past three decades of missionary workers going out from KPC and took time to look forward to just some of the things that are planned for the year ahead. Beginning with a prophetic message that our church was given in 1986, Vic ended his message with a personal confession: There is no higher calling than to be a servant of God. There is no greater cause than the Kingdom of God. There is no greater purpose than to be useful to God. There is no greater joy or fulfillment than to hear our Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.

10/16/2011 - "The Presence of God" (Life in High Def-Part 6)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:59:38 -0400

Pastor Nate Atwood’s message on this Sunday morning dealt with seeking the “presence of God.” It would seem that the more complicated things become around David, the simpler they become within Him. In Psalm 27 verse 4 David says “One thing I ask of the Lord . . .” With all that is going on around him surely David is going to ask for help. No. He asks for . . . God. David just wants to be with God. That’s enough for him. At the end of the day, that’s the meaning and the purpose of life.

10/09/2011 - "Fear vs. Faith" (Life in High Def-Part 5)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:26:21 -0400

This week Pastor Nate’s message deals with the conflict which rages – sometimes within ourselves – the conflict between fear and faith. W find the key thing about Saul is that fear had a hold of him. And . . . his fear was contagious. David on the other hand, is a man of faith and toward the end of the message we are given five smooth stones with which to combat fear.

10/02/2011 - "Spiritual Anointing" (Life in High Def-Part 4)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:28:12 -0400

As Pastor Nate Atwood stated “The truth of the matter is that we all have a bit of Saul and a bit of David in us.” We can identify to some degree, not only with the Holy Spirit coming in power as in 1 Samuel 16 verse 13, but with the evil spirit troubling of vs. 14. Who among us doesn’t wrestle at times with fear, despair, temptation, anger, bitterness . . . In this message, Pastor Nate looks at the key events in Saul’s life which are critical to the departure of the Holy and conversely what we can cultivate in our own life if we want to welcome God’s Holy Spirit and be a target for the landing place of God.

09/25/2011 - "Spiritual Desire" (Life in High Def-Part 3)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:45:57 -0400

In this week’s message Pastor Nate Atwood looks at the events in 1 Samuel 15 and the issue of “spiritual desire.” Saul was unwilling to kill the king who was an enemy of God. Are we willing to “kill” sin that reigns in our own life? Do we, like David, “thirst” for God? Pastor Nate pointed out that the problem of staying trapped in sin and weaker in spirit is not because we love sin too much – but because we do not love God enough!

09/18/2011 - "Learning to Wait" (Life in High Def-Part 2)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:28:59 -0400

It’s hard to wait on God, but “learning to wait on God is the first big lesson of Saul’s life. And it’s the first big lesson in the school of the Spirit. Learning what it is to walk with God rather than to trust in self. Because God’s ways are not our ways, and his thoughts are not our thoughts, we have to learn to wait.

09/11/2011 - "Life in High Def" - Part One

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:29:04 -0400

Pastor Nate begins his new sermon series “Life in High Def,” with a look into the lives of two kings, Saul and David. During the next several weeks we will look beneath the surface of their hearts and examine closely their lives. What we’re going to see is two men whose lives parallel in many ways. But, when we see with greater clarity what we grasp is that there is two different ways of living with two very different results. One is soul . . . the other is spirit.

09/04/2011 - "Storms, Snakes & Salvation" - Acts 27 & 28

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 12:35:17 -0400

In Pastor Nate’s final message in this series he covers the lessons we learn concerning storms, snakes, and salvation. The Books of Acts ends as it began . . . with the Gospel being fearlessly and intentionally preached by the church to an unsaved world, to those distant from God.

08/21/2011 - "A Spirituality for True Success" - Acts 26

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:24:01 -0400

Pastor Bruce Anderson looks at what make Paul a success. It's not achieving personal goals but a result of his personal encounter with Christ and living out of a longing to be obedient to the call of God. As Paul longs for God, it enables him to find true success, which is about doing everything to glorify God, not racking up a bunch of life achievements. From that perspective, his time in prison may actually be a success. It's about God-agreement, not "my achievement." It's about obedience and self-denial, as is evident in Paul's words to King Agrippa in Acts 26:19: "And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven."' Paul's mindset and activity was focused on one thing - obedience.

08/14/2011 - "Life is Hard, but God is Good" - Acts 25

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:07:03 -0400

Vic Hildebrad looks at Paul's life. Reality is sometimes hard, and clichés don't help. The truth remains, however, that God has said we should keep our eyes on Him. He gives strength, wisdom, and perspective. We grow through struggles, and pain always hurts. He has promised that His grace is sufficient for every day and for every test that comes our way

08/07/2011 - "Living in Grace" - Acts 24

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 12:44:23 -0400

Jesus came that we might have a life that is abundant, satisfying, rich, and full – yet it’s this abundant life that escapes us. We know that we have been saved by grace but the problem is in the here and now. Day after day, in situation after situation and relationship after relationship to often we don’t have a connection to the vibrant, ongoing reality of God’s grace. Paul never lost the "grace momentum” he received at salvation. He had an abundant, grace-filled life because he was continually positioning himself to recognize and receive the grace God was pouring out on him.

07/31/2011 - "Suffering" - Acts 22 & 23

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:13:54 -0400

The Bible doesn't shy away from the reality of human suffering. Joseph suffered at the hands of his brothers. Job suffered just because Satan attacked him. Israel suffered because of her many sins. Children died in the Bible. There was cruelty. Bad things happened to good people. But . . . God is a craftsman. And He is at work . . . even in our suffering.

07/24/2011 - "God's Protection" - Acts 21

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:04:43 -0400

Throughout the book of Acts we see Paul constantly in danger - but we also see the protection that God offers His people.

07/17/2011 - "Kingdoms in Conflict" - Acts 19 & 20

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:45:06 -0400

This message deals with the spiritual battle that rages all around us. Satan still is making war with the saints and we must know that we live in a time of intense warfare. Yet, as Pastor Nate said in his message, “What a profound concept – to be a warrior dressed for battle for the purpose of peace.”

07/10/2011 - "Lord of the Harvest" - Dr. Greg Livingstone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:44:16 -0400

Dr. Greg Livingstone, founder of Frontiers mission agency was the guest speaker at KPC for this weekend. His message encouraged us to go from being "good" to being "great!" Jesus gives His last command to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20, we call it the “Great Commission.”

07/03/2011 - "Eutychus" Acts 20 - Not Of This World

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:42:02 -0400

Pastor Nate drews his message from the account of the young man who fell from the 3rd floor window in Acts 20. The truth about God is on primary and prominent display in this passage is the power of God. God it’s that He’s Almighty

06/26/2011 - "Called to Serve" Rev. Vic Hildebrand

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:01:56 -0400

This was the week for SummerServe 2011, and on this Sunday morning we focused on just some of the outreach events that involved people from KPC. During his message Vic stressed that we are called to serve; Jesus left us the example and as an outworking of our love we all can embrace an attitude of serving all year.

06/19/2011 - "Ephesus" Acts 19

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:20:59 -0400

Pastor Nate Atwood decided to make this Father’s Day sermon – personal. He stated, “This message, is in some ways a letter to my sons, though also it’s a sermon. It’s about fatherhood, manhood, men and women, marriage and the connection between spirituality and sexuality.”

06/12/2011 - "Corinth" Acts 18

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 12:54:10 -0400

In this message Pastor Nate Atwood is dealing with the struggle we have with fear and intimidation. For Paul, things begin well in Athens but then it heat up yet again. The abuse. The attacks. The preamble to violence. The threats and intimidations of future violence. How did Paul deal with it? How do we deal with it? Get our eyes of ourself and get them on to Jesus Christ.

06/05/2011 - "The Unknown God" Acts 17

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:38:18 -0400

Pastor Nate Atwood looks at Acts 17 verses 24 through 32. He points out that starting with God as Creator in verse 24, Paul’s address to the people of Athens contains many of the major doctrines of the Bible. The people of Athens were surrounded by man-made idols. We too live in a culture infused with idolatry: materialism rationalism atheism spiritualism etc. Paul could go into a pagan community and speak in such a way that people could understand and yet he always remained true to God’s Word.

05/29/2011 - "The Gospel" John 3:16

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:29:10 -0400

Rev. Vic Hildebrand's message this morning dealt with the one of the most familiar passages in the New Testament. It is both clear and simple in its expression. Vic stated that we are living in a season in American life when pluralism is the politically correct view expressed in the mainstream media. Even many pulpits in America are swayed by the view that "many roads lead to Heaven." The Bible is clear on God's love, as well as His provision for our salvation. The invitation is extended to all that call on the name of the Lord. Rev. Hildebrand stressed that the finished work of Jesus on the cross demands a response from us. By faith we can reach out to God for our personal salvation.

05/22/2011 - "Runner" Ekklesia -Not of This World (Acts 17)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:23:15 -0400

This week Pastor Nate looks at the events in the life of Paul as recorded in Act 17. He talks about one thing this week – perseverance, Paul’s perseverance. Our perseverance. God’s perseverance and he talks about being “runners.” Pastor Nate lays out the pattern he sees in Paul’s life – or at least, one of the patterns in his life and draws out how we too can employ these principles as we continue to move forward.

05/08/2011 - "The Ascension of Jesus" CSI: Jerusalem Week 4

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 15 May 2011 16:46:05 -0400

On this the last week of the series CSI: Jerusalem, Pastor Nate talks about the Beachhead that God established for us in heaven. That is what the Ascension is all about.

05/08/2011 - "The Murder Scene" CSI: Jerusalem Week 3

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 08 May 2011 11:54:55 -0400

Week 3 of the series CSI: Jerusalem deals with the cross, the crucifiction and burial of Jesus Christ. Some people might think that pursuing the subject of the evidence around Jesus’ crucifixion is unnecessary. Pastor Nate begs to differ. He states, "This is a crime scene . . . and our work is incomplete if we do not consider the scene of the crime itself."

05/01/2011 - "The Integrity of the Scriptures" CSI: Jerusalem Week 2

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 01 May 2011 16:11:57 -0400

This is the second week in the four-week series CSI: Jerusalem. Our society makes enormous decisions based upon evidence. Guilt and innocence. Sometimes we even decide who lives and who dies. And yet there’s an irony about evidence and investigation. We love it in our TV shows and we are more than willing to apply it in life . . . as we should . . . except when it comes to one area of life. Arguably, the most important area of life. Faith. In this message Rev. Vic Hildebrand looks at the evidence and the integrity of the scriptures.

04/24/2011 - "The Mystery" CSI: Jerusalem Week 1

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:38:59 -0400

Pastor Nate began by looking at some of the crime stories we have enjoyed watching on TV over the past 20 years or so. We love investigation and the unraveling of truth. And behind all that fascination is a conviction . . . we believe in evidence. This morning the message was all about evidence. The evidence of the ultimate crime in Jerusalem – the murder of Jesus Christ – the Son of God.

04/17/2011 - "Behind It All ... GOD" Ekklesia: Not of this World Acts 16

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:51:17 -0400

Cultures have always had underpinnings – Rome was built upon the worship of Caesar and throughout the New Testament we find Christians always at odds with Rome. Pastor Nate returns to Acts 16 again this week, this time focusing in upon the clash between man’s kingdom and God.

04/10/2011 - "Engaged Church" Ekklesia: Not of this World Acts 16

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:57:31 -0400

Acts 16 includes many major subjects and Pastor Nate started by listing some of them. But in this message he focuses in on relationships; the relationship between the Church and the state and the relationship of Church and those who need to know Christ. There is nothing more important than preaching the good news and proclaiming the Person of Christ and His resurrection.

04/03/2011 - "Theological Church" Ekklesia: Not of this World Message 20

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 15:01:41 -0400

There are three major sections in verses 1-21 of Acts 15. Pastor Nate classifies them as a) the dispute (verses 1-5) b) the discussion (verses 6-11) and c) the answer (verses 12-21). The chapter is dealing with relationships within the Church – and how they were handled. We see the Jerusalem Council looking to scripture, coming to a decision and then writing a letter, which speaks to the whole church. Pastor Nate makes the point that in order for us to have confidence in the decisions we make – we too must begin with scripture.

03/27/2011 - "Down and Up" Ekklesia: Not of this World Message 19

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 15:01:55 -0400

Pastor Nate took us briefly through the Book of Acts showing how the events of the early Church was a series of high points and low points, miracles and challenges. All the while preaching the message of Christ. Nothing was going to stand in their way of proclaiming Jesus and moving forward. The core ministry is still to present Jesus as Savior and Redeemer.

03/20/2011 - "WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?" Ekklesia: Not of this World Message 18

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:46:13 -0400

In this message Rev. Vic Hildebrand asks the familiar question, “What Would Jesus Do?” The Son of God, in preparation for ministry was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil. We are to do the same! Vic spoke about his desire to see a “community of caring” reaching out and meeting the need of the poor, the broken, and the sick. A community where we are all involved in caring for one another.

03/13/2011 - "Orthodox Church" Ekklesia: Not of this World Message 17

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:21:27 -0400

This week Pastor Nate Atwood returns to the book of Acts and our series “Ekklesia: Not of This World.” This morning we’re in the middle of Paul’s first missionary journey as recorded in Acts 14 and we see that people in New Testament times had a variety of religious beliefs that pretty well match up with our day and age. Another match in Paul’s time and today– is the universal need for a Savior. All are born spiritually dead and cut off from life.

03/06/2011 - "The Last Will and Testament of the Apostle Paul"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:10:41 -0500

An expert in ancient Mediterranean studies, Dr. Scott Carroll passionately conveys how archeology and the accuracy of ancient biblical texts give us ample reason to believe. On this day at KPC Dr. Carroll brought us a message from Paul’s last written words we now know as the book of 2nd Timothy. Dr. Carroll drew from scripture and from his broad archeological knowledge to encourage us that God’s Word is there to fully equip believers for any good work He has planned.

02/20/2011 - "How Do I Fit" Ekklesia-Spiritual Gifts Part 7 MERCY

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 12:20:28 -0500

Pastor Nate begins his message with the explanation that spiritual gifts come in three different basic categories . . . the motivational gifts of Romans 12, the manifestation gifts of 1 Corinthians 12, and the ministry gifts of Ephesians 4. He has been looking at the “motive gifts” in this message series and when you read through Romans 12 the inescapable conclusion of the gifts is that they are meant for service and even more specifically they are meant for serving the church. Week seven in this series deals with “mercy.”

02/13/2011 - "How Do I Fit" Ekklesia-Spiritual Gifts Part 6 ORGANIZATION

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:43:05 -0500

This week Pastor Nate’s message was on the sixth Motive (or Motivational) Gift of Organization. This week we look at the character traits of an organizer as seen in the life of Nehemiah.
Pastor Nate has chosen to use the word “organizing” for the spiritual gift we’re talking about this week. King James uses the word “rule” and other translation use the word “leadership” or “administration”. He explained that the Greek word is “proistemi” It’s a compound word bringing together the word “before” or “over” with the word “to set or place.” Think about it this way . . . “to encourage” is “parakaleo” which means to speak from the side or to call to one’s side – the picture of the coach comes to mind. To “rule, administrate, lead, or organize” is to set before – a face to face conversation comes to mind, or “to be set over” – hierarchy comes to mind.

02/06/2011 - "How Do I Fit" Ekklesia-Spiritual Gifts Part 5 GIVING

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:40:02 -0500

This week, as Pastor Nate focused on the motivational gift of giving he zeroed in especially on the life of Abraham. But first he said, “Mature givers, because they see God as their Source and have seen Him at work time and again, are people of deep faith . . . they are wealth builders. That does not mean that they are rich, it does mean that they increase whatever holdings they have in a very deliberate and focused fashion over time. There are people who are wealthy whose motivational gift is serving or mercy. And there are people who are not wealthy whose gift is giving.

01/30/2011 - "How Do I Fit" Ekklesia-Spiritual Gifts Part 4 ENCOURAGMENT

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:21:19 -0500

Week 4 of Pastor Nate’s series on the Motivational Gifts finds us looking at “Encouragement.” Before focusing in on the character traits we see in the exhorter, Pastor Nate covered the three different gift passages that we find in scripture: Romans 12, 1Corinthians 13, and Ephesians 4.

01/23/2011 - "How Do I Fit" Ekklesia-Spiritual Gifts Part 3 TEACHING

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:01:56 -0500

Pastor Nate is in the 3rd week of his series on the motivational gifts found in Romans 12. He begins by reminding us that “parts of the body are different because they all have a different function . . . and people are different because we all have a different function.” This week he is looking at those with the motivational gift of teaching, and how they are designed by God to function in the Body.

01/16/2011 - "How Do I Fit" Ekklesia-Spiritual Gifts Part 2 SERVING

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:14:11 -0500

This is the second week of the series on the “motive” gifts found in Romans chapter 12 and this week’s message deals with serving. Pastor Nate began by asking the question, “What do you instinctively do when you’re putting together a jigsaw puzzle?” He went on to say, “You look at how the piece is shaped and then you begin to look for the spot in the puzzle with that shape. So many people don’t feel like they fit, haven’t found where they belong in the church, because they don’t know how they are shaped. They don’t know their gift.”

01/09/2011 - "How Do I Fit" Ekklesia-Spiritual Gifts Part 1 PROPHECY

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:07:16 -0500

This message begins Pastor Nate Atwood's new series called "How Do I Fit." He will be focusing in on the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christ followers. Even more specifically, he will be focusing on the gifts of the Holy Spirit as outlined in Romans 12. start with “prophecy”, the first gift listed. Or, as some people label it, the gift of being “the perceiver”.

01/02/2011 - "Immanence" Ekklesia Part 16

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 15:08:54 -0500

Pastor Nate Atwood began this message talking about the word, “immanence.” He said, “Immanence is all over the Book of Acts. God keeps showing up. He’s in touch and His people are in touch with Him.” He follows this with the teaching of God’s transcendence and holds the two as a mystery that must accept but may not fully understand. He is both far away and near, transcendent and immanent. Both a God to be worshipped in holy reverence and a God who can be known in loving relationship.

12/19/2010 - "Prophetic Advent"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:55:12 -0500

“Advent” means arrival and is traditionally the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. It’s connected to the Old Testament idea that the really big God events are celebrated not by a single day but by entire seasons. Up until about 50 years ago, during Advent Scriptures were read, not only about the birth of Jesus, but the much anticipated return of Christ to fully restore Creation and those who had put their faith in Him. That added even more hope and expectation to the holiday season. In this message Pastor Nate looked at the pattern of God continuing to show up in the lives of men and women. And as he said, “Here’s the deal, God keeps arriving.”

12/12/2010 - "If only I could start again . . ."

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:12:31 -0500

Pastor Nate’s message was given at the conclusion to the musical presentation of “A Thrill of Hope” at KPC on December 12, 2010. He began with what he called a “non-Christmas verse which really is a Christmas verse” . . . 1 Corinthians 15:22 . . . “As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” He asked us, “Have you ever had this thing inside you that said that what you needed was a fresh start – a new beginning?

12/05/2010 - "VICTORIOUS CHURCH" Ekklesia Part 14

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:55:14 -0500

In the worship service Pastor Nate shared an image of the Church as a ship moving through an ice-field. We are to be like an "ice-breaker" moving forward, overcoming obstacles, shining the light of Christ. His message this morning dealt with warfare. He stated the reality that we have an enemy - but that enemy is not people or even our circumstances. Scripture tell us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. We must pick up the weapons of Christ and in this message Pastor Nate goes through 7 points that we must keep in mind as we fight.

11/28/2010 - "CHRIST'S CHURCH" Ekklesia Part 13

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 20:33:23 -0500

In this message this week Pastor Nate talks about Jesus Christ – who He is. And he asks us the question . . . “Do we believe with him . . . or do we believe on him?

11/21/2010 - "SEEKING CHURCH" Ekklesia Part 12

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:24:52 -0500

Acts 10 is the account of Peter going on the rooftop to pray and getting a vision from God. Peter prays . . . God speaks to him . . . heaven is opened. But what Peter got from God didn't penetrate his understanding until later. The information waited on application before becoming revelation.

11/14/2010 - "GO . . . KNOWING" Acts 13

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:18:32 -0500

Pastor Stephen Ruckel looks at the call to be a blessing and the command to go into all the world with the Gospel. Go . . . knowing this is a God thing . . . a Church thing and . . . a Kingdom thing.

11/07/2010 - "REDEMPTIVE CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 10

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 7 Nov 2010 12:25:21 -0500

Acts 9 deals with the conversion of Saul, the blinding light, the audible voice of Jesus. Saul (Paul) knocked to the ground. Pastor Nate begins this message with Paul’s testimony in 1 Tim. 1:15-16 “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” Pastor Nate explained that the word “pattern” used here is a form of the Greek word “Tupos”. Our word “type” comes from it. A “type” is a pattern, a repetition of an original. Paul’s experience is the pattern for all who now believe and all who are yet to believe.

10/31/2010 - "SPIRITUAL & DYNAMIC CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 9

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:16:31 -0400

In Acts 8 the apostles make a special trip to Samaria. They were aware that the Samaritans were now believers in Jesus. But they wanted them to have the same experience of God – and power of God that they had known. In this message drawn from Acts chapter eight, Nate paints a parallel picture of people in the New Testament time and our world today. There are those around us who believe that spiritual power can somehow be amassed and manipulated to do one’s bidding. But there’re looking for this power apart from God, and they’re doing it to get what they want.

10/24/2010 - "SUFFERING CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 8

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 17:10:19 -0400

The sequence in the story of Stephen is as follows . . . preaching, persecution, and providence. The story of Acts 6 and 7 is one of those great circles of life . . . preaching, which always produces some kind of persecution, which then plays into providence. We see in today’s message that preaching the message of Jesus produces a firestorm of opposition. And God, in His providence, uses all events to see that the Gospel of Christ is then preached even more.

10/17/2010 - "SERVING CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 7

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:08:12 -0400

Pastor Nate began his message by stating, “Whenever you take any principle of the Bible and merely observe, doing nothing with it, nothing happens. But it’s when you apply the truth that you read about in the Bible, that suddenly it takes off in your life and becomes stunningly real.” This message is about the “Serving Church”; a serving church is a healthy church and when we serve – we retell the story of who God is.

10/10/2010 - "REVERENT CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 6

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:08:51 -0400

This week Pastor Bruce Anderson's message is from Acts 5:1-11 and the account of Ananias and Sapphira conspiring to lie to the Holy Spirit. People can see our actions. But people can’t see our heart. And that’s where we hide things. Secret thoughts. Secret sins. Secret guilt. Pastor Bruce outlines how we can be a more reverent church by sincerely surrendering to three realities about God…

10/03/2010 - "JESUS' CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 5

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 3 Oct 2010 12:42:06 -0400

For believers, Christ-followers, the point is simple. Be different . . . and in every moment and every way you can identify yourself with Jesus. We are not disqualified because we are unschooled, ordinary people. God uses such people. What qualifies us is that "we have been with Jesus."

09/26/2010 - "MIRACULOUS CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 4

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 3 Oct 2010 12:42:36 -0400

Acts chapter 3: What’s outstanding in this chapter is the miracle. This message is about miraculous church. Today people live with dread and fear. They are filled with anxiety. We must be a people of faith and hope – living in anticipation of what God might do.

09/19/2010 - "RELATIONAL CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 3

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:35:40 -0400

God is a relational God – therefore His Church is a relational church. This week Pastor Nate Atwood looked at “relationship” in the New Testament Church and the pattern of believers going from house to house, meeting for prayer and to share the Lord’s supper.

09/12/2010 - "PRAYING CHURCH" EKKLESIA (Not of This World) Part 2

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 12:41:23 -0400

Pastor Nate reminded us that to have the experience of the New Testament “ekklesia” you must engage in the practice of the New Testament “ekklesia and this week he looked at the practice of prayer in the New Testament Church.

09/05/2010 - "EKKLESIA" (Not of This World) Part 1

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 12:41:41 -0400

What is church . . . as it is supposed to be . . .? What is church when it is “not of this world?” Pastor Nate Atwood begins a series of messages on the Book of Acts asking these questions. Today, people are looking for something out of the ordinary. Real answers lie outside of our normal existence.

08/29/2010 - "Fanny Crosby" (Unlikely People Part 9)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:55:27 -0400

Pastor Nate began this message (the last in the series, “Unlikely People’), by reading Isaiah 19:24-25. He looked at the life of Fanny Crosby – one “unlikely” woman who led a remarkable life in the 1800s and the lessons we can learn. Pastor Nate spoke of Fanny Crosby as one who though blind from an early age, “looked out through a window” rather than constantly looking into a mirror – as many of us seem to do. She lived a life of trust, dependence upon God, a love for the Word, serving others, and knew her need of having a personal faith in Christ.

08/15/2010 - "Surprised by God (again and again)" (Unlikely People Part 7)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:30:59 -0400

This morning Vic Hildebrand, an Elder at KPC, picks up the message series on "Unlikely People." When God opens our eyes truly amazing things happen. God is the One who saves, not us. And so we can expect Him to use ordinary, unlikely people to reach into the lives of other unlikely people to bring salvation.

08/08/2010 - "What Will You Take With You?" (Unlikely People Part 6)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 8 Aug 2010 12:44:25 -0400

In this morning’s message Pastor Bruce Anderson addresses the issue of packing too many things into our lives that are not the things that Jesus really values. The result – we do not have the time or the resources to meet the needs of people who are all around us. However, we can overcome our absorption in things and busyness and invest in people and relationships and their needs by treasuring what Jesus treasures….

08/01/2010 - "Tool Belt" (Unlikely People Part 5)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 1 Aug 2010 12:34:54 -0400

In this message, Pastor Nate looks at a few of the life questions that people ask: Will God forgive me? Is there meaning to life? Why is life messed up? Will I always be sad? Do I matter? Is there truth? Do I belong? Can I change? How do I live well? These are the questions we must be prepared to answer with the multi-faceted Gospel, but always the bottom line, bedrock message of the Gospel is the fact that that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

07/25/2010 - "Really Unlikely People" (Unlikely People Part 4)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 1 Aug 2010 12:34:43 -0400

Pastor Nate began his message with, “this is what God is saying to us . . . ‘I know you think it’s unlikely that I would use you to reach other people. … I know you look around and see people who seem completely uninterested in the God of the Bible. But look, I’ve been reaching unlikely for a long time. I reached you, didn’t I?’ ” God uses unlikely people to reach unlikely people. This morning the message began with the book of Esther and how God took an average Jewish girl who was chosen through an elaborate process to be the next queen of Persia The story of Esther is about an unlikely and sometimes timid bride who needed to be reminded of what was at stake. The destiny of those headed for destruction.

07/18/2010 - "Unlikely People" (Unlikely People Part 3)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 1 Aug 2010 12:34:31 -0400

How do we become missionaries to our own culture? Reach the people around us for Christ? The work of an average believer here in reaching someone distant from God matters every bit as much to God as reaching people for Christ overseas. Why? Because God is no respecter of person; every soul matters. And this morning Pastor Nate Atwood spoke about how you do it. You peel off the missionary garb or the religious hype. He covered the 7 “P’s” of reaching people with this amazing reality – the Good Message.

07/05/2010 - "An American Story - Francis Scott Key" (Unlikely People Part 1)

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 1 Aug 2010 12:34:19 -0400

On this July 4th Pastor Nate Atwood stepped into the role of Francis Scott Key and told the story of an “ordinary man,” a lawyer who loved Jesus and lived out his faith. Pastor Nate pointed out that God uses ordinary, even unlikely people who are willing to embrace His purpose. In this message you will hear how Francis Scott Key came to write, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

06/27/2010 - "Celebrating Summer Serve 2010"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:20:40 -0400

This is the second year that KPC has had an intensive 14 days to go out to serve the Hampton Roads community. Eleven teams worked in a variety of ways, and on this Sunday morning it was time to recount some of the stories of how God worked - both in the lives of those who served and those who were the recipients of ministry. Commenting on the testimonies of the teams, Pastor Nate pointed out that most of us really take-off spiritually when we get involved in meaningful service to others.

06/13/2010 - All God's Children Part 6 "Gatekeeping"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:03:34 -0400

This is the 6th sermon in Pastor Nate Atwood’s series on parenting and he has been very deliberate to build his messages upon a specific order. When families are broken we are tempted to start with discipline – but he states, “I’m talking about discipline last because it’s not the first thing. It’s the last thing. It’s built on top of everything else.”

06/06/2010 - All God's Children Part 5 "Downloading Faith"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:03:58 -0400

Pastor Nate begins the message this week with a review. Here was the big download from the previous week . . . your family doesn’t have to be perfect to blessed. God will make a way when there seems to be no way. Pastor Nate Atwood shares how he and his wife, Helen have sought to immerse their children in an environment that reflects Christian values and the Word of God.

05/30/2010 - All God's Children Part 4 "What We're Learned"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:18:43 -0400

Not all of us have ideal family circumstances and this week‚s message consisted of „stories‰ of people facing challenges, and how God has taught them through the situations in which they found themselves. Deb‚s story included divorce and learning to parent as a single mom. Neil‚s parents were divorced while he was still a young child, and when, at the age of 16, he experienced the death of his mother, he was raised by an aunt and uncle. Terri shared how God had taught her to „walk a parallel path‰ maintain family traditions, and remain Biblically grounded during the 7-month illness and subsequent death of her husband.

05/23/2010 - All God's Children Part 3 "The Power of Unity"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 23 May 2010 12:11:27 -0400

Week 3 of Pastor Nate Atwood’s series on “All God’s Children,” deals with “unity.” Nate, along with his wife, Helen Atwood, shares practical pointers in walking out this principal in the family as well as in relationships in general.

05/16/2010 - All God's Children Part 2 "A Vision for Family"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:22:33 -0400

This series is about children and how to relate well to them. That can mean your own kids. It can mean your neighbor’s kids. And it definitely means kids in the church. In this message Pastor Nate looks at living in submission to the covenants we have made – to God and to each other.

05/09/2010 - All God's Children Part 1 "The Power of Words"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 9 May 2010 12:19:56 -0400

Pastor Nate will take the next few weeks and talk about parenting, about kids in general and how to love them for what the are . . . a gift from God to each one of us. In this first message Nate is dealing with the “words” we pour into the lives of others. Prov. 18:21 states "The power of death and life are in the tongue."

05/02/2010 - "The Servant Church"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 2 May 2010 12:18:53 -0400

In 2009 KPC saw 400 folks serving in 60 different sites doing this most basic thing . . . bringing the love of Christ in tangible form to our community. As we plan for Summer Serve 2010, Pastor Nate expanded the topic to look at the church and servanthood in general; why we should serve and what stops us from serving.

04/25/2010 - "Walking in the New Nature" Where The Wild Things Are - Part 4

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:48:33 -0400

Elder Vic Hildebrand wraps up this series with his message on "Walking in the New Nature." , if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new..

04/18/2010 - "Crucifying the Flesh" Where The Wild Things Are - Part 3

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:02:00 -0400

This is the third part of Pastor Nate’s series “Where the Wild Things Are” and this week he deals with “Crucifying the Flesh.” Paul wrote in Romans 7 . . . “the sinful nature living inside of me.” We all have to deal with it, the first step is to trust Christ, not ourselves, secondly we have to confess sin and thirdly, we must say good bye to the wild things within, and put sin behind us.

04/11/2010 - "So What About Sin" Where The Wild Things Are - Part 2

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:52:07 -0400

This is the second week of a 4-part series and Pastor Nate is dealing with the question of sin. Sin may take the form of addiction, lying, self-hatred, or selfish materialism. They may be classically conservative sins such as the toleration of racism or classically liberal sins such as the toleration of sexual immorality. They may be obvious sins such as murder or subtle sins such as character assassination through gossip. They may be individual sins such as covetousness or societal sin such as wanton pollution.

But it’s all sin. And it’s all wild. We may think we’re king . . . but soon win will master us.

04/04/2010 - "Where The Wild Things Are" - Part 1

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 4 Apr 2010 11:11:21 -0400

Pastor Nate takes the movie "Where The Wild Thing Are," and uses it to illustrate the need we have to deal with those things inside that we just can't control. Sin is real, there is a Savior, His name is Jesus Christ.

03/28/2010 - "No More Monkey Brain" - Part 3

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:59:53 -0400

The idea is this . . . monkey brain is about being scatter-brained. We can’t ever be still in our thoughts and so we can’t be focused in our attention. It becomes a spiritual issue when you connect it to this single truth . . . “be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). If we can’t focus our thoughts we can’t be still in our thoughts . . . and if we can’t be still in our thoughts we’ll find hard to connect with God.

03/21/2010 - "No More Monkey Brain" - Part 2

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:22:55 -0400

Monkey brain is about always being on the move. Jumping around in our thoughts. We don’t know how to be still. We are training ourselves to always be somewhere else. We have encoded “monkey brain” into our lives! What's the answer? Jesus. Pastor Nate looks at how Jesus was always connected to the Father, always present in the moment, and how we can, "strip down and focus in."

03/14/2010 - "Dream Big"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:05:24 -0400

“If the Great Commission is true, our plans are not too big; they are too small.” Pastor Nate encourages us to “dream Big.” In this message he compares the ministry of a church to the cars of a train. And as the ministry of any church multiplies, the need for a more powerful engine arises.

03/07/2010 - "No More Monkey Brain"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:50:49 -0400

Pastor Nate asks the question, "Have you ever been present in body, but you're not really there in your thoughts?" He points out that this is the way of life for many of us in today's world. We're connected to cell phones, face book, twitter, TV, radio, laptops, etc., and we're increasingly being trained by our culture to always be moving from one thing to another. We're losing the ability to be stiil.

02/28/2010 - "Forever" Psalm 23 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:50:26 -0500

In this, the last of the Never Alone series, Pastor Nate Atwood looks at verse 6 “and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” and talks about heaven. It is real, it is a city, it is a place of perfection, and it is our ultimate home.

02/21/2010 - "Big Picture" Psalm 23 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:37:07 -0500

In this next to last message in this series, Pastor Nate pulled back to look at the big picture. He spoke about the most basic things that God is saying about Himself – and us – in the 23rd Psalm? The message ended with an invitation; Are you a cast sheep who needs to come home? Are you wondering whether or not the Lord could fully love one such as you? Are you a would be shepherd who has been running from that call and you need to say “yes” to the Lord and that you will feed his sheep?

02/14/2010 - "Sticky is Good" Psalm 23 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:31:34 -0500

On this Sunday morning, Pastor Nate invited 10 people to share a little of their experiences in a KPC small group. You'll hear how God directed and re-directed the course of one group, how He brings new people into others, and how through these small groups we can watch over, care for, and love one another.

02/07/2010 - "Good" Psalm 23 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:32:08 -0500

In this message Pastor Nate shares two key truths you see in this whole shepherd thing. One . . .the shepherd is good. Two . . . the sheep matter greatly to Him. You matter to God. You matter to ChristThere is a shepherd God. His Name is Jesus Christ. He said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” -Here are.

01/24/2010 - "Goodness and Mercy" Psalm 23 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:32:12 -0500

Pastor Nate explains how believers, like healthy sheep, can leave behind the good seed of God’s love and God’s redeeming truth. We can make the barren places better. Everywhere we go goodness and mercy should follow all the days of our life.

01/17/2010 - "Restoration"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 11:59:10 -0500

January 17, 2010 being the Sunday when we recognize Sanctity of Human Life – Pastor Nate Atwood told the stories of three women who were faced with a crisis pregnancy. In each case their first choice was to abort their child, but after contact with people from Life Ministries here in Hampton Roads they all made the decision to keep their babies.

01/10/2010 - "Rod and Staff" Ps. 23 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:32:18 -0500

Pastor Nate continues with this series on the 23rd Psalm; this morning’s message looked at the way in which the shepherd would use his rod and his staff, and what this has to tell us about our God, The Good Shepherd and His Word.

01/03/2010 - "A Table Before Me" Ps. 23:5 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:32:22 -0500

This week Pastor Nate looks at how our God has already prepared the way for us to achieve all He has planned for us to accomplish. We see how the good shepherds go ahead of their sheep, up to the mesa (a high, flat area most often covered with grass - the “table” of Psalm 23, verse 5). Pastor Nate spoke about the shepherd removing obstacles and things that could harm and eventually kill the lambs.

12/27/2009 - "Walk Through" Ps. 23:4 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:32:28 -0500

This week Pastor Nate is in Psalm 23 verse 4 . . . “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” He reminds us that we are all called to the “highlands,” but on the way we must travel through valleys, and that it is when we are going through the valleys that we are sometimes attacked.

12/20/2009 - "Shepherds Watch" Luke 2:8

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:07:14 -0500

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Luke 2:8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. At the heart of the Christmas narrative is the story of the shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night. Jesus Christ is the still the Shepherd of our souls . . . or as the Book of Hebrews states it, “That Great Shepherd of the sheep. We live as we will always live in this age . . . in a time of spiritual darkness and we too have a responsibility to watch over one another.

11/29/2009 - "Transcendent Vision"

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:00:42 -0500

This week Pastor Nate wove his message around the History Channel’s film called “Desperate Crossing.” We looked at the commitment the pilgrims had to the Gospel and the call of God upon their lives. We heard about their vision, their heart, the courage it took to endure the journey and the reward that awaits all who follow Him fully.

11/15/2009 - "Pilgrims and The Shepherd" Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:32:40 -0500

In preparation for Thanksgiving, Pastor Nate Atwood tells the story of the pilgrims; the early years that led up to setting out for the New World, the crossing itself, and the faith of men, women, and children who persevered through incredible conditions. Our foundation lies in a people of faith who had a great love for Christ, and vision for the future.

11/08/2009 - "He Leads Me" Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:32:51 -0500

This week Pastor Nate’s message centers on verse 3 of the 23rd Paslm “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” What’s that about . . . with sheep? And how does that apply to our lives?

11/01/2009 - "Life in the Flock" Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:32:57 -0500

This week Nate began his message with an illustration of how God works in our lives! We are like bits and pieces, “junk in the carpet”, so to speak, and our God rolls through our life like a “sticky ball” collecting us and holding us to Himself. In this fourth week in the Never Alone series Nate looks at 6 characteristics of a shepherd, and 6 corresponding principles that we intentionally want to build into the like of KPC.

10/25/2009 - "He Leads Me Beside the Still Waters" Psalm 23 Never Alone

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:33:20 -0500

In this message Pastor Nate begins with a review of his two previous messages on the 23rd Psalm. He looks at the Presence of the Shepherd and the Pursuit of the Shepherd before sharing ways in which a shepherd will lead his sheep to water.

10/11/2009 - "Never Alone" Psalm 23 – Part 1

Kempsville Presbyterian Church — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:33:14 -0500

Even those unfamiliar with the Bible know at least something of the 23rd Psalm. The irony is that, though many of us know the words or at least some of them, we don’t really know what they mean. During the next few weeks Pastor Nate will be stepping into familiar territory which, it turns out, we may not know as well as we think.