As I begin with some final words today, I just want to remind all of you about the ministry we’ve shared in together for the past 11 years. Some think that these are things that only the pastor does, but in fact they are ministries that all of us—in some way, shape, or form—do together. Let me give you my list from our years together: 80 baptisms (and for most of these you, as a congregation, have made promises to support these families too)… 35 weddings (and many of these...
As I begin today to talk about ‘brand recognition’, let me do a little game of ‘association’. Now sometimes ‘brand recognition’ has to do with stuff; at other times, it has to do with people groups … and that’s what I’m talking about today. Let’s give this a try… When I use the word ‘American,’ you know what that means, right? How about if I were say ‘Kiwanis’? You know those folks, don’t you? How about ‘Wisconsin Badger’ (like Jessica Gorsline starting this fall)… Or ‘Green Bay Packer’—those who wear...
So, what does it really mean to be a disciple—a disciple of Jesus Christ? Let me ask that question in a different way: How often do we come to church thinking that what we hear from the word of God … is really optional? I can do with it what I want … or not. And, are you taking your responsibility as a disciple of Jesus Christ seriously today? What does it really mean to be a disciple of this guy called … Jesus? One thing’s for sure. He never...
There’s a story of a man who was at the gym one day, working out on an elliptical machine, and looking out the front window of the gym onto the parking lot. As he worked out, sweating away, he noticed a guy pull into the parking lot right in front of the gym. After a couple of minutes, this rather large guy gets out of his car … and it takes some effort for him to even get out of his rather small sedan. (Kind of like Mr. Incredible …...
So, IS JESUS YOUR ONE AND ONLY? In Luke 14, we find Jesus having another D.T.R. (Define the Relationship) talk; but this time, it’s not with an individual … and certainly not in the shadows of the night. This time, it’s with a crowd… By this time in Jesus’ life, word had spread about this incredible teacher: The lame were made to walk… The blind were made to see… And funeral processions were turning into family reunions… People were coming from all over to fill the hillsides and listen to...
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 …...
Have you ever felt like you never wanted to grow up? If you have, you probably aren’t alone… When I was a much younger man, one of the ‘cool’ sayings was “I’ll Never Grow Up!” I actually had a button collection (pin-on buttons) and this was one of my favorites… But, that ceased after I realized that there was a difference between ‘child-like’ and ‘childish’ … and unfortunately, some didn’t know the difference. I believe that God wants us to remain ‘child-like,’ in a sense, all of our lives …...
In a conversation the other day, the topic addressed was this: ‘what is missing in our world today.’ And, all agreed that what may be missing above all else today is this: A healthy ‘Fear [Respect] of God.’ And by that I also mean, we have missed REALLY KNOWING GOD. Because if we really knew God, then we’d have a healthy respect for who God is … automatically! As we were reminded in our ‘Intro to Worship’ today, all too often we complicate who God is. For some reason, we...
So … who do I belong to? That’s the question you were asked last week—still applicable today. And if I say I belong to Jesus Christ, then what does that mean? What does it mean to truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ? The most practical and powerful way to get believers headed in the direction of spiritual maturity (becoming a disciple) is to help them establish habits in their lives that promote spiritual growth. [We here at DUMC are very serious about this!] Sometimes these habits are called ‘spiritual...
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...
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