Faith, Idolatry, and the Bronze Serpent

Jesus, in his dialogue with Nicodemus, reveals the purpose of this particular incident in the Israelites’ history as a preface to arguably the most well-known verse in all of Scripture: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” […]

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The Tabernacle: Outer Court

In this sermon, Pastor Dave Leandre takes us through the outer court of the Tabernacle, beginning with its entrance and then onward to the brazen altar and basin. Each of these areas, including all of the specific details given for their construction, can seem trivial and unimportant for believers living on this side of cross. However, as we look […]

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Substitution and Rescue in Genesis

Instead of interpreting the story of Joseph out of context as its own separate event, producing all kinds of prosperity and materialistic theology, this story is to be viewed as part of the overall narrative of Jacob’s family, God’s covenant with Israel, and His promise of rescue and deliverance.  Join Pastor Leandre as he looks into the lives […]

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Jacob’s New Name

As we look into the life of Jacob in the book of Genesis, we find that the meaning of his name is the overall theme of his life: “deceiver.”  Throughout his youth, his relationship with his family, and his laboring for a wife, Jacob is always trying to do things on his own, apart from […]

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The Fall

As we begin a new series coinciding with our chronological readings from “The Daily Bible”, Pastor Dave Leandre begins by explaining the Fall of man and how, the from the very beginning of history, we have been in need of a Savior.  In this message, Pastor Leandre develops what the consequences of sin are as seen […]

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Vision and Mission

In this message, Pastor Dave Leandre explains the new vision and mission of Elmira Christian Center, as well as what we are resolved to do in the year 2015: seek the Lord with all our heart. By experiencing life together, centering life on God’s Word, and connecting out community to Christ, we, as a local church body, […]

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We Shall Overcome

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”  Revelation 12:11 is one of the most victorious, assuring, and epic verses in the Bible, but it is often taken out of its context and reduced to a […]

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Why On Earth Did Jesus Come? (pt.2)

We must discover the real meaning of Christmas – what “Christmas spirit” is really all about. And to do that we must first understand who Jesus is, since it’s all about Him.  Last week we stated: “in order to seek him you must first believe he existed.”  This week, we will focus on the reason behind Jesus […]

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Why On Earth Did Jesus Come? (part 1)

There are many misconceptions and doubts about the events behind our Christmas celebration.  When was Jesus actually born?  Was he really virgin conceived and born? Did he really exist? Before looking at what Jesus did for us, the ultimate purpose for His coming, Pastor Dave briefly walks through some popular Christmas doubts and shows, from Scripture […]

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A Balanced Life

When it comes to our spiritual health, growth and maturity, there is a balance to be found and maintained that will keep us from going to potentially dangerous extremes.  In tonight’s message, Pastor Dave discusses the balance between humility and confidence from Proverbs 29:19-27, and truth and love from 2 John.  Any of these seemingly […]

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The Christmas Gospel

Christmas is a celebration of the redemption plan that the triune God established in eternity past “according to the purpose of His will.” Not only did one man fulfill over 300 prophecies found in the Old Testament but God Himself came to rescue humanity in the form of a baby.  In today’s sermon, Pastor Leandre walks […]

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God’s Timing and Our Response

Our God, the sovereign ruler of the cosmos, is infinitely wise, good and just, ruling over creation with providence.  2 Peter 3:8 reminds us that “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”  This is not some formula or a literal conversion rate, but rather a beautiful […]

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Jesus in the Life of David

The story of David facing Goliath, slaying his “tens of thousands”, is arguably one of the most well-known in the entire Bible, both inside and outside of the church, especially when applied to our lives and facing our own giants.  However, we are not the primary focus of this story; Jesus is the true and better […]

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Jesus in the Book of Judges

Throughout the book of Judges, we see a repeated cycle:  Israel serves the Lord, falls into idolatry and forgets Him, becomes enslaved, and is ultimately delivered by a judge.  This book just goes to show that mankind, as sinful and depraved as we are, can not fulfill the law of God.  We need a true […]

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