Extravagant Generosity
What Is YOUR Vision and Hope For Our Church?
Scriptures Readings: Matthew 6:25-34; Joel 2:28 Question: what needs to happen if you want to change a particular behavior or habit? I realize there’s more to altering unhealthy behaviors and unhealthy habits than what I’m about to say, but I think the biggest thing that’ll facilitate such change is changing your focus—changing what you give your attention to. In almost every aspect of life, whether on a personal level or a corporate level, such as a church, the biggest hindrance…
Your Personal “Cloud of Witnesses”
Scripture Reading: John 13:31-35 I’ve shared with you before that it was a handful of friends in college who were truly instrumental in my early spiritual growth. But I know for a fact that they weren’t the only ones who had a hand in my faith development. There were many who came before them, helping to lay that foundation. First and foremost were my parents. I credit them with providing my siblings and me with a home life filled with…
Where Have YOU Seen Jesus Christ At Work?
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Question: Is it inherently wrong or bad to have money, even to the point of being financially wealthy? The answer, of course, is no. There’s nothing in the Bible that indicates that being wealthy is innately bad, or that having money is antithetical to being a person of deep and sincere faith. Many of the most righteous, God-loving people in the Bible were financially rich. Abraham, the father of the Judeo-Christian faith tradition, was as…
I Am Not Condemned!
This is the second in a 5-part sermon series entitled, “Who I Am In Christ.” Rather than believing the lies often sold to us (‘I am a sinner because I sometimes sin,’ ‘I get my identity from what I have done,’ etc.), this series is intended to help us be very clear about our true identities (‘I am a saint who sometimes sins,’ ‘I get my identity from what God has done for me,’ etc.). Today’s message teaches us that…
We’ve Got the Power!
Read: Ezekiel 36:16-27 and Romans 8:1-17 “Why do I constantly return to that dry, empty cistern? Why do I continue to drink of its spiritually bacteria-laced poison? Why do I fail to turn away and instead drink deeply of the Living Water that Christ freely offers me?” This was an entry into journal written many years ago by someone who was struggling with habitual sin, with whom I was in a pastoral care relationship. The questions broke my heart then,…
He’s Got Our Backs
This is the third in a 5-part Lenten sermon series called “He Chose the Nails,” based on Max Lucado’s book by the same title. Sermon #1: “Crossing Over to the Dark Side“ Sermon #2: “He Lets Us Choose, Too” Sermon #4: “Been There, Done That” Sermon #5: “The Cross: From Tragedy to Triumph” Readings: Romans 5.1-11 and 2 Corinthians 5.17-21 This is Emily Wright in kindergarten. The opening statement of a self-authored article about her life journey certainly affirms the…
Crossing Over to the ‘Dark Side’
This is the first in a 5-part Lenten sermon series called “He Chose the Nails,” based on Max Lucado’s book by the same title. Sermon #2: “He Lets Us Choose, Too” Sermon #3: “He’s Got Our Backs” Sermon #4: “Been There, Done That” Sermon #5: “The Cross: From Tragedy to Triumph” Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10; Romans 3:9-26 The phrase “the Dark Side” is term that need no explanation. We know exactly what it refers to and what it signifies. It signifies…
Put Away the Chisel!
Today is the second of a 5-part sermon series entitled “Reel to Real,” during which we will engage the popular culture through the medium of film. The intent is to add a Christian voice to the conversation being generated by each film. The springboard for today’s sermon is Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and the theme is destiny. The theme is destiny. Sermon 1: “Engaging With the ‘Real World‘” Sermon 3: “There’s More Than Meets the Eye” (Ferdinand) Sermon 4: “Being…
Do You Know Your Own Story?
Today is the 1st in a 4-part series entitled “Why Church?” Because many Christians are uncomfortable inviting others to worship, the aim of this series is to help us become a more invitational congregation by equipping us with an understanding of why it is important to invite others as well as a some practical ways to issue an invitation to people we know. Sermon #2: “Sainthood: Being an Everyday Christian Every Day” (All Saints Sunday) Sermon #3: “Why Church?” Sermon #4:…
What?
Today is the second in a 3-part sermon series about spiritual gifts entitled, “Plugged In To Heaven.” This series will address the special abilities that God gives all followers of Jesus Christ at the moment they come to faith in Jesus Christ. Today’s message will identify the various spiritual gifts, answering the What? question. Scriptures Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7-10, 28-30; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-13 On Friday, 6 of us from church—3 chaperones and 3 middle school youth—spent Friday at Cedar Point. For…