Maury Hills Church

At the Movies: Christmas EditionWeek 3

At the Movies: Christmas EditionIn week 2 of At the Movies: Christmas Edition, Russ uses the classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to explore why peace feels so fragile during the holidays. Clark Griswold’s quest for the “perfect Christmas” mirrors our own tendency to chase idealized moments that quickly unravel into chaos, conflict, and unmet expectations. But Jesus offers a different kind of peace—one that isn’t dependent on circumstances, perfect families, or flawless plans. Drawing from John 14:27, Philippians 4:8, and Colossians 3:15, this message helps us let go of perfectionism, adjust our expectations, embrace life’s disruptions, and rest in the steady peace Christ gives. In a season when stress runs high and families are imperfect, this sermon reminds us that the peace of Jesus is secure, present, and available—even in our most Griswold moments.

At the Movies: Christmas EditionIn this first week of Advent, we explore the theme of hope through the classic film Miracle on 34th Street, a story about belief, wonder, and opening ourselves to something bigger than we can logically prove. Just as Susan wrestles with whether Santa is real, many people wrestle with whether God is real and trustworthy—especially in moments of darkness or doubt. Scripture shows us that God doesn’t run from our questions; He steps into them. In Jesus—the Word made flesh, the visible image of the invisible God—we see God revealing Himself, entering our world, and giving us reason for deep, grounded hope. Advent reminds us that in a world filled with confusion and consumerism, light still breaks into darkness. Hope has come because Jesus has come.

The New Covenant: A Study of Hebrews In this message, Russ explores Hebrews 13 and challenges the idea that following Jesus has to look dramatic, strange, or overly spiritualized. After reflecting on everything from @pastorswithprops to the emotional excesses of the Cane Ridge Revival, he shows that the true life of faith is most often lived in simple, consistent, everyday faithfulness—loving people well, practicing real hospitality, showing empathy to the mistreated, staying committed in relationships, being content, and doing good. Rather than chasing spiritual hype, Hebrews invites us into a steady, grounded walk with Jesus that shapes ordinary Tuesdays just as much as big spiritual moments. This sermon closes the 15-week journey through Hebrews by reminding us that the way of Christ is not weird… just faithful.Week 15: Hebrews 13

The New Covenant: A Study of Hebrews In this sermon, Russ walks through Hebrews 12 and shows how the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion helps us see the difference between approaching God with fear or approaching Him with joy. Building on Ebony’s insight that God’s “discipline” means loving training rather than punishment, Russ explains why many of us still relate to God as if He’s disappointed or waiting to catch us doing wrong. Using memorable stories—from a wrong-way touchdown to the difference between TSA lines and airport welcome gates—he reminds us that through Jesus we’re invited into the better mountain, the better covenant, and a God who welcomes us home with confidence, grace, and joy.Week 14: Hebrews 12:18-29