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Weekend Recap – Gospel Eagerness

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My 2/9/14AM sermon, Gospel Eagerness from Romans 1:8-15, is now online.  The sermon sought to highlight how Paul encourages his readers in Gospel eagerness (or being eager to hear and speak all things Gospel).  He encourages them by highlighting the mutually edifying nature of faith, showcasing how the Gospel is for all people, and by being eager to preach and hear the Gospel.  I hope this sermon encourages your Gospel eagerness.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Weekend Recap – The Everyone Gospel

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My 2/2/14AM sermon, The Everyone Gospel from Romans 1:1-7, is now online.  The sermon was an attempt to capture the brilliant way the book of Romans is introduced by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul.  And, the big theme is the Gospel.  This intro shows the progression of the Gospel: it’s promised, revealed in Jesus and changes all kinds of people.  I hope you find it helpful and encouraging.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

LRC Email – Keep The Change

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Here’s the email thought I wrote to Leadership Reno County alumni today (1/27/14):

It’s been said that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  What this is saying is that sometimes it’s difficult to adapt or (*scary word coming*) change.  Most of us change all the time, though. Sure we have staple menu items we like, but we also like to try something new (didn’t we Pin 100 new things yesterday).  When it comes to ourselves, we think we’re progressive.  Those of us who swore years ago we’d never have a cell phone suddenly can’t get enough of our Jitterbug.  We change.  Part of the personal challenge comes when change doesn’t happen in others the way we’d like to see it happen.

And, this process of change (or rather changing others to be precise) is precisely why we engage in an act of leadership.  Leadership is mobilizing people to do difficult work.  Leadership may include mobilizing people to change.  It starts with you and engages others.  It’s purposeful.  And, it’s risky.  So, today, as your heart is possibly growing faint with the lack of change you’d hoped would be so prevalent in the New Year, recommit yourself to this amazing work.  You can keep the change.  You can engage in act of leadership.  What would that be for you?  Pursue a step in that direction today and see if it doesn’t help us work together for the common good of our community.     

Weekend Recap – Romans Overview

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My 1/26/14AM sermon, Overview of Romans, which was the second in 2 introductory sermons to this book, is now online.  In it, I try to show how active grace is in moving in to change us, affect how we live, overflowing to all and shaping the church.  I’m excited to dig into the specifics of verses now that these introductions are complete.

What themes stand out to you as you read the book of Romans?

You Are Loved

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Kent Hughes (in his commentary on Romans) encourages us to think on John 3:16 as a way to think about how much God loves us.  Here’s how he puts it:

“For God—the greatest Lover
so loved – the greatest degree
the world – the greatest company
that He gave – the greatest act
His only Son – the greatest gift
that whoever – the greatest opportunity
believes – the greatest simplicity
in Him – the greatest attraction
should not perish – the greatest promise
but – the greatest difference
have – the greatest certainty
eternal life – the greatest possession.”  

Today, revel in the God of heaven who loved you in the GREATEST possible way.

Weekend Recap – Why Romans?

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My 1/19/14AM sermon, Why Romans?, is now online.  My summary of the book is: the glory of God in a united church on mission under grace.  Today, I unpacked how the Gospel is found in Romans and that it’s found to encourage partnership in mission as well as peace among the church’s people.  I hope it was helpful for our body as we started this study.

I hope you had a restful, enjoyable Lord’s Day, as well.  

Weekend Recap – 1/12/14

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My 1/12/14 sermon, God’s Greatness and His Word, from Psalm 145 is now online.  The sermon sought to connect the big thoughts of God’s greatness to the revelation He’s given us, very specifically of Himself, in His Word.  One of the big applications was from Psalm 145:5 and its call to meditate.  I mentioned in my sermon some applications from Don Whitney.  His website is filled with great articles, resources and other  readings to help stoke the fire of Biblical meditation.  So, this week.  Slow down and see the wonder of God’s greatness in His Word.

Weekend Recap – 12/29/13

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My 12/29/13AM sermon, Blessed Devotion from Isaiah 58:1-14, is now online.  The sermon sought to unpack what true devotion to God looks like by pointing to hearts and lives that are humbled before Him.  I hope this sermon is helpful as we reconsider priorities for the New Year.  Have a great week.

Christmas Eve Recap 2013

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We had a great night of worship as a church family together tonight.

We opened singing O Come, O Come Emmanuel and went into this video by Isaac Wimberley:

Advent: God With Us from The Village Church on Vimeo.

After singing Joy To the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful, Mandy Swisher sang O Holy Night using these lyrics:

Verse One (by Placide Cappeau, trans. John S. Dwight)
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Verse Two (by Kevin Hartnett)
Humbly He lay, Creator come as creature,
Born on the floor of a hay-scattered stall.
True Son of God, yet bearing human feature,
He entered earth to reverse Adam’s fall.
In towering grace, He laid aside His glory,
And in our place, was sacrificed for sin.
Fall on your knees! O hear the gospel story!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Verse Three (by Kevin Hartnett)
Come then to Him Who lies within the manger,
With joyful shepherds, proclaim Him as Lord.
Let not the Promised Son remain a stranger;
In reverent worship, make Christ your Adored.
Eternal life is theirs who will receive Him;
With grace and peace, their lives He will adorn.
Fall on your knees! Receive the Gift of heaven!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
After reviewing the Christmas story from Luke 1, Matthew 1 and Luke 2, e closed singing Silent Night as we lit candles.  I hope this service helped inspire your worship of God enfleshing Himself.  Have a Merry Christmas.