Message: "The One Another Commands: No Greater Love"
Scripture: John 15:12-17
In the musical, My Fair Lady, Eliza Doolittle says, “Don't talk of love lasting through time. Make me no undying vow. Show me now!” Over and over again she repeats the words “Show me!” We all know that actions speak louder than words. Jesus says that the greatest demonstration of love is laying down one’s life for one friends. Next Sunday we will honor the memory of loved ones and friends, fellow countrymen and women who have laid down their lives for our country and consider how we can follow Jesus’ example of love by loving one another.
Message: "The One Another Commands: The Fellowship of the Body"
Scripture: Acts 2:1-21, 39-47; 1 John 1:1-7
We often refer to Pentecost as the birth of the Christian Church. Fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday morning, as the believers were gathered together in an upper room, the Holy Spirit swept through and ignited a fire that continues to spread even today. The Church has been extremely diverse ever since that first day, and yet we can learn much from their amazing fellowship, which united and strengthened them as the “Body of Christ.
Message: "The One Another Commands: The last days are upon us, we should: be Hospitable?"
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Peter tells us that we need to do three things in this passage: Love one another, serve one another, and be hospitable to one another without complaint. There is no surprise in these commandments, we know these are the things that Christians are supposed to do. The surprise comes in why we are to behave in such ways. Peter tells us that the end of all things is near, so that by doing these things God will be Glorified.
Message: "The Art of Encouragement--The Gift of Honor"
Scripture: Romans 12:9-12; Ephesians 6:1-4
The fifth commandment that God gave to Moses is the only commandment that comes with a promise. “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Honoring our parents as well as honoring one another not only blesses them, but also brings blessing to us. When we give the gift of honor to another, we not only esteem them and build them up we also remind ourselves that life is not all about us. Join us as we explore how we can better honor one another.
Message: "The Art of Encouragement--The One Another Commands"
Scripture: Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25
Recently, several authors have described the age we live in as an “age of discontent.” The bitterness of political discussions, the constant fault finding and nit picking are all signs that this is an apt description. The constant stream of negativity and disparagement can easily lead to discouragement. On the other hand, encouragement uplifts the burdened, strengthens the weak, spurs others on to be their best and to do their best. Encouragers look for and expect the best. All of us need people who encourage us, who bolster our confidence and spirits, who enable us to become all that God sees us to be. As Christians we are called to practice the art of encouragement. Come and learn how we can encourage one another.
Message: "Mutual Burden Bearing--The One Another Commands"
Scripture:: Galatians 6:2-10; Jeremiah 31:7-14
Have you ever felt like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Maybe you know someone who is struggling with more than he or she can handle. Many times we try to hide our struggles and our pain. The problem is, true community cannot exist without mutual burden bearing. That is why Paul says we must “bear one another’s burdens.” This Sunday, we will take a look at the meaning and importance of that admonition, as we commission two Stephen Ministers of Grace Church.
Message: "Body Building--The One Another Commands"
Scripture: John 13:34-35; 17:20-23; Galatians 5:16-26
Jesus said that there are two essential keys to effective Christian witness: Christian unity and loving one another. Next week we are beginning a sermon series on the “one another” commands. These commands are rooted and grounded in the reality that as Christians we are “members of one another”. When we build up one another the church is healthy, becomes mature and is strengthened for ministry in the world. Please join us for this foundational series on Christian relationships.
Christ is Risen, Risen Indeed. We find his disciples locked up hiding in a room afraid for their lives. Jesus shows up and kicks them out into the world. As the Father has sent Jesus, so Jesus sends them. They go to Rome, Alexandria, Spain and even further. One disciple even goes to India and China. They go and go and go. Do we go? Where have you gone preaching the message of Christ’s resurrection?
They have come from all around, filling the city for a week of celebration. By the week’s end, it will be time for the Passover (or Seder) Meal--a time to remember and re-live God’s acts of salvation and deliverance of the people from Egypt.
Throughout the city, in excited but hushed whispers, word spreads about a man who teaches with authority, heals the sick, casts out demons, and talks about the coming of God’s kingdom. As the news spreads that this man is coming their way, excitement builds. Could this be the Messiah? The crowds gather, cheering and waving palm branches. As their future hero approaches one of the gates of Jerusalem, riding a donkey, they line the street with their cloaks.
Could this be the one who will save them from the oppression and threat of the Romans? Yet His mission is hidden from them…hidden in plain sight.
Message: "Putting Our Past, Present, and Future in Perspective"
Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:4b-14
Do you long for the return of the good old days or do you spend your time dreaming of a different future? During our Lenten journey we are encouraged to gain perspective on our lives by letting go of our past and living today in light of God’s ability to “make a way where there is no way.” As we follow Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem, the cross and the resurrection, God wants to renew our faith so that we may proclaim and praise his name.
Message: "Shame on God: The Shame of Reconciliation"
Have you ever passed by a child in the store in the throws of a classic hissy fit? Often we look away in embarrassment for the parents and think “tough day.” In our worst moments we say to ourselves, “I am glad my child would never do that.” In the biblical story for Sunda we encounter a Father struggling with two spoiled children and a watching community that must be judging him, and yet the Father still shamefully seeks reconciliation. We are meant to hear the scandal of this story, we are meant to live the scandal.
Have you ever had a “go to” person in your life--someone to whom you always would turn, either for a particular purpose, or maybe whenever you needed some advice or direction? As Christians, we have the ultimate “Go To” Person. Next week, find out what it means to “come to the waters.”
One old adage states that “patience is a virtue”, but we live in an instant society and most of us feel that waiting is wasted time. We often say, “I’ve got to have it now” or “I need it yesterday!” Abraham had to wait a long time for God to fulfill God’s promise of an heir. As Christians we also must wait as God works to bring to completion the fulfillment of all things. While waiting is one of our least favorite experiences it is one of God’s tools for shaping us and conforming us so that we bear the image of Christ Jesus. That’s something worth waiting for.
What is it about commitments that make us cringe? If you are anything like me, it is that I do not want to let anyone down. If I make a commitment, I want to be sure that I will be able to follow through with it. If I cannot be totally sure of my ability to carry something through, I hesitate making the commitment in the first place. However, God not only asks us to make commitments, but also makes commitments to us as well. So, why are commitments so important? Why can’t we simply do what we know is the right thing to do when the time comes. After all, making promises to do things ahead of time can just lead to disappointment and frustration when someone doesn’t follow through, right? Next Sunday, we will explore why making commitments is so important, what God desires of us, and the blessings that can come from giving God the first and best of what we “have.” …Oh, and we will find out what “first fruits” are all about, too!
Most of the time we choose to live life within the limits of our comfort zones. We covet the peace that results from functioning within the boundaries of the familiar. When Jesus called his first disciples he asked them to “Put out into deep water . . .” He took them beyond their comfort zones, beyond what their experience and expertise told them to do and they learned a great truth: When we let Jesus become the captain of our boat the results are beyond belief. Jesus is still calling disciples. Will you be one?
Do you ever feel like you don’t know what you are supposed to do with your life (regardless of your age or accomplishments)? Perhaps you have even wondered at times why you are here in the first place. Life can be discouraging when we feel like we are just living from day to day, but God actually has a unique vision for your life and for mine!
Has anyone ever told you that you should find out what God has called you to do? If so, maybe you have wondered why God would call you in the first place. It is perfectly normal to feel inadequate when faced with such a proposal. After all, why would God want to use me? I am no one special, …or after all the mistakes I have made…!
Sometimes, we hear God’s call on our lives, or feel compelled to follow a certain path, but we end up going a different direction, perhaps out of fear of failure or feelings of inadequacy. Other times, we fail to hear God’s call in the first place because we are afraid to find out what God might actually want of us, or because there are too many distractions in our lives to hear God’s voice.
So, the question is, are we truly fulfilled with our lives as they are, or is there a feeling that God may be calling us to something more? Is God trying to get through to us, and if so, are we listening for God’s call?
Sometimes we miss the blessing of developing a deeper or more profound relationship because we cynically allow familiarity to breed contempt. When Jesus came to his hometown and announced his ministry as the Messiah, the people allowed their familiarity with Jesus’ family tree to dismiss him. Consequently, they missed the opportunity for him to share God’s richest blessings with them. We may do the same thing if we only go through the motions of religiosity, mouthing familiar words about Jesus, but not allowing the Word to speak to our own need for God’s good news. Join us this Sunday as we open our hearts and minds to believe and receive the Good News!
What in the world does one act at an unknown wedding in an out of the way nowhere like Cana, have to do with the beginning of the ministry of Jesus? John seems to think it has a great deal to do with Jesus' ministry. On this day when we discuss Human Relations what does wine at a wedding have to do with that? Well this is the Gospel of John. When John says wine, we think stuff adults drink; John says bread, we think stuff you eat; John says water, we think he means clear fluid, but the truth is never that simple.
