Good morning, everybody! Today, we continue in our worship series called ‘Fully Engaged’—looking at the power of a committed life. And we started with our scripture that’ll be our theme for this entire series. Do you remember? It’s from 2 Chronicles 16:9a and it says (follow along with me)… “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him….” So, God looks over the whole world to find those fully committed to him—fully engaged with him. And God’s gives...
Today, we’re kicking off a new worship series—that will run for 4 weeks—called ‘Fully Engaged’. I’m not sure when you used those words last, but I’m sure you know what they mean—fully engaged. It’s a phrase you use when things are going your way. It’s a phrase you use when you’re really focused on something. It’s a phrase you use when things are really happening in your life—fully engaged. So, I’m wondering when was the last time you remember being fully engaged in anything… I spoke with Gail Ray a...
To everyone’s amazement, Sam Houston—Texas’ colorful soldier and politician, came to a saving faith in Christ. Shortly after he committed his life to Christ, he was baptized. And after his baptism, Houston publicly stated that he wanted to pay half the salary of the local minister. Someone who heard him was quick to ask the question: “Why in the world would you want to do something like that?” To which Houston responded, “My pocketbook was baptized, too!” Like Sam Houston, we may now understand that the Christian life cannot be...
Last week, we got started on a 4-week worship series called “God Blesses,” asking the question: Are we the kind of church that God blesses? We looked to the Early Church (first 5 centuries) to find out what they were doing that God blessed so much; we did that through looking at the first couple of chapters of the Book of Acts in the New Testament. And today, we continue on that path… Let me ask you a question, as we begin this time today: How in the world is...
Let me begin with our text for today. This psalm (86:8-15) shows us King David’s devoted trust in God … in times of deep trouble. Just listen to Eugene Peterson’s translation of this scripture… There’s no one quite like you among the gods, O Lord, and nothing to compare with your works. 9 All the nations you made are on their way, ready to give honor to you, O Lord, Ready to put your beauty on display, 10 parading your greatness, And the great things you do— God, you’re the...
Are you a follower of Jesus? That’s the question that will be dealt with in the next several weeks, as we share in this ‘Fan or Follower’ worship series together. But, have you ever thought seriously about that question? Yeah, I know, you’ve been asked that question before; it’s so familiar that you usually just dismiss it. Not because it makes you uncomfortable—not because it’s scary in any way. My guess is you usually dismiss it … because it’s redundant—unnecessary at this point in your life! Am I right …...
There is no greater witness for the Kingdom of God … than a life well-lived… But know this, as we begin today … the life that is well-lived, the life that is an incredible asset to the Kingdom of God, making an eternal difference … is not usually extraordinary! It is an ordinary life … committed to walk with God, to trust God, and to live in God’s ways… Way back on June 17, 1931, there was an ordinary boy born to a working-class family in Greensboro, North Carolina. His...
It is my contention that commitment to the local church—at least in my lifetime and in our western society—has digressed to become an afterthought even in the lives of most believers! It’s kind of the attitude that we can give God the leftovers of our lives … and that’s O.K…. What this has done to the Church is this: The result is lackadaisical Christians that are not held accountable to be living out the Gospel in community and on mission. Instead of having and holding a high view of ecclesiology...
There are many reasons that Church Membership is important … biblically … and theologically … and practically. The title of today’s message is “It’s All about Baptism!” Actually, it’s all about discipleship, but baptism is where we all begin. Before I get into that, let me move to today’s scripture … which comes from the very last verses of the Gospel of Matthew, known as The Great Commission… Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make...
