Month: October 2015

Sermon: “Running to Share Christ’s Peace”

Theme: We are equipped to take peace to people who are troubled and afraid, in need of peace.

Purpose: The congregation will become aware of the need to carry Christ to people who are struggling with conflict and fear.

Scriptures: Isaiah 52:7-10 How beautiful are the feet of the messenger who announces peace and brings the gospel.
Ephesians 6:10-18 For shoes, put on what will make you ready to share the gospel of peace.
Questions:
Are we enthusiastic to serve by sharing God’s word and peace? Are we more interested in being the center of attention and being noticed or are we more invested in seeing that the message gets to people who are struggling and in need? How do we become more invested in sharing the love of Christ than in our own status or significance? How do we deal with those who are more concerned about their personal importance than about being a part of serving Christ? In what ways is humility necessary for reaching out in love? How do we learn and grow to share that humility together?

Click HERE to listen to the message.

Sermon: “Thinking for Peace”

Theme: We have to choose to direct our mind and thoughts towards forgiveness and peace.

Purpose: The congregation will pay attention to their thoughts and focus towards peace.

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Wisdom that comes from God versus wisdom of the world.
James 3:13-18 The wisdom of God is peaceable and gentle.

Questions:
How do we share the wisdom of our relationship with God, especially in a world that is oriented around a completely different set of values? In what ways does being wise and understanding as Christians put us out of step with people whose values are oriented around personal gain or self-importance? Are there ways in which we try and compromise, holding onto the wisdom of personal gain and self-importance, while still trying to live by the wisdom of holiness and relationship with Christ? How do we develop the humble wisdom of living in Christ?

10/25/2015 Foot (Humbly going to others)
Sermon: “Running to Share Christ’s Peace”
Theme: We are equipped to take peace to people who are troubled and afraid, in need of peace.
Purpose: The congregation will become aware of the need to carry Christ to people who are struggling with conflict and fear.
Scriptures: Isaiah 52:7-10 How beautiful are the feet of the messenger who announces peace and brings the gospel.
Ephesians 6:10-18 For shoes, put on what will make you ready to share the gospel of peace.

Click HERE to listen to the message.

Sermon: “Consider Before You Speak”
Theme: The manner in which we control our speech is the clearest and most significant sign of spiritual growth.
Purpose: The congregation will seek to be sensitive to what they choose to say.
Scriptures: Matthew 15:3-13 It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles but that which comes out.
James 3:2-13 The tongue is a powerful member, and can do good or harm.

Questions:
How do we manage our communications as the body of Christ? In what ways does our manner of speaking to one another affect the way people see the body of Christ? In what ways has rude, harsh, and disrespectful communication within the body of Christ caused people to turn away from the Christianity and the Church as a resource for healing, help, and spiritual growth? How do we change the way in which we behave towards one another? What is hypocrisy? What do we do in order to be joyful healthy Christians together?

Click HERE to listen to the Message.

Sermon: “The Discipline of an Open Heart”

Theme: God calls us to open our hearts and be willing to receive all people with love and acceptance.

Purpose: The congregation will reconsider their preconceptions about others and seek to be open to all people.

Scriptures: Ephesians 1:15-23 With the eyes of your heart enlightened you may have a spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Mark 12:28-33 Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, and strength, love your neighbor as yourself.

Questions:
What does the Apostle Paul mean by the “eyes of the heart” being “enlightened?” What does our heart have to do with having strength and power to serve Christ? What does it mean for us to have our hearts open to Christ’s guidance and serving? What is meant by the commandment to “Love God with all of our heart, mind, and soul?” How does that type of love affect the Body of Christ? How is the love for God related to our love for others in the world? How does our ability to learn to love fully affect the Body of Christ?

Click HERE to listen to the Message.