Appleton Gospel Church

Jonah's story ends with the wayward prophet hurling angry accusations against God. God responds with a patient explanation and appeal, revealing the stunning heart of God and the beautiful truth that our God is sovereign to save. Read more...

When he finally arrived in Nineveh, the people (led by the king) responded unexpectedly with humble repentance to Jonah's message. In fact, the pagan Assyrian king is one of the best examples of repentance in the Bible! But this was God's plan all along. Why? The Lord doesn’t want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Read more...

After being thrown overboard, Jonah was at his rock bottom. Lost in the deep, he cried out to God for help. God provided a huge fish to give Jonah a second chance. Salvation still comes from the Lord, and his name is Jesus. Read more...

In the famous Old Testament story, after being sent by God to preach to his enemies, the people of Nineveh, the prophet Jonah chose to run the other way. But try as he might, Jonah couldn't outrun God. The Lord showed himself to be sovereign over the seas and the dry land—over all. The only proper response to the sovereignty of God is the fear of the Lord. Read more...

On the first Easter Sunday, several female disciples of Jesus were the first to discover the empty tomb. Later, Jesus appeared to two disciples who, in their disappointment and confusion, decided to give up and go home to Emmaus. But when they recognized Jesus, he turned their sadness into burning joy and purpose. Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Decide for yourself. Read more...

Hear the story of the arrest, condemnation, suffering, death, and burial of Jesus Christ, with little extra commentary. Good Friday was only good because of Easter Sunday. Can’t wait for Sunday. Read more...

The night before his death on the cross, Jesus shared a Passover meal with his disciples. A new personal relationship with God was now possible. Jesus established the Lord’s Supper for us to remember and proclaim the cross until his return. Read more...

The journey was almost done. But when Jesus finally rode into Jerusalem, it forced a confrontation. Some loudly hailed Jesus as the promised Messiah-King they had waited for. Others resisted or rejected his authority, trying to silence his disciples. How have you received Jesus into your life? Read more...

No one fully understood Jesus' identity or mission before the cross and the empty tomb. But what should disciples of Jesus expect after these history-shaping events? Would the kingdom of God be immediately established? Not exactly. But until King Jesus returns, we must be faithful stewards of whatever he has given to us. Read more...

What was Jesus' main mission in life? To be a great teacher, healer, prophet, priest, or king? Many people were confused about that in his day; many are still today. Despite the opinions and expectations of others, Jesus actually came to seek and to save the lost. Read more...

At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus resolutely set his face toward Jerusalem as he made his journey to the cross. Jesus knew exactly who he was and what he had come to do. But others, even his disciples, were far from clear on that. However, there was one man who proved that faith sees what eyes cannot. Read more...

After all is said and done, just what was King Solomon's legacy? The truth is...it's complicated. There was good and bad, faithfulness and idolatry, rise and fall. One takeaway is that by staying rooted in obedience, we can prevent our hearts from drifting. What will our legacy be?? Read more...

What is the meaning of life? Seriously? Does anything bring lasting satisfaction? Good question! Many people feel there must be more to life. After many years as the king, Solomon wrote his most philosophical work reflecting on his experiences of pursuing wisdom, wealth, career accomplishments, and pleasure, and the seeming meaninglessness (hebel) of life. His conclusion is both helpful and hopeful in our modern age. Read more...

Have you ever felt like your life was falling apart, and you knew that it was at least partially your fault? Who among us hasn’t gotten into a mess of our own making? But is there anything we can do? When God raised up three adversaries, it was all Solomon's fault. But would the king finally turn from his ways? Read more...

What was Solomon's downfall? In his old age, he ignored God's word on marriage, took hundreds of foreign wives and concubines, and started worshipping the idols of his many wives. But there were devastating consequences for his unfaithfulness. If Solomon, with all his advantages in life, couldn’t stay faithful to God, is there any hope for us? Read more...

There's no denying the fact that King Solomon was fantastically wealthy. Never before had so much gold, silver, horses, spices, and other riches flowed into Jerusalem. But how are we to think about his vast accumulation? Was God ok with it, or was this a sign of trouble to come? We'll see. One thing is sure: when wealth becomes our security, it replaces God. Read more...

After hearing reports of King Solomon and his God, the Queen of Sheba came with hard questions to see the wisdom of God for herself. When the king answered her questions, she was overwhelmed and left praising God. How can we help the spiritual seekers in our lives today? There is much to learn from King Solomon here. Read more...

24 years into his reign, after completing the Temple and Palace building projects, the Lord appeared to King Solomon again. This time, instead of giving him the gift of wisdom, God gave him a stern but gracious warning: There is a path that leads to life, but there are many paths that lead away from life. Read more...

When the congregation of Israel gathered for the dedication of the temple, they couldn’t stop praising the Lord! They were filled with joy and gladness for all the good things the Lord had done. True worship flows from a heart of love, moved by the grace of God, and results in a new way of life that is pleasing to God. Read more...

King Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple strongly emphasized the need for the forgiveness of sins. Would God respond with mercy in their time of need? If God is good and faithful and is here, then we can trust that when we pray, he will hear us and save us—even from ourselves. Read more...