Philippians (Part 8) We all what to get "there" in life. We want our hopes, our dreams, our future plans.. but we find ourselves "here." How do we face this discontentment? Paul speaks of how the story ends. As believers, we know how the story ends and it makes the "here" less chaotic and more peaceful. The question isn't how do we get "there," it is how do we be "here?" (Philippians 1:4-6, 4:10-13)
Read More"Keynote" At times we need to have our own version of a "keynote" address or "family meeting". We specifically took the time to talk about our dream, our current reality, our response...and the next steps we have together.
Read MorePhilippians (Part 7) Many of us live a lifestyle where peace is fleeting and our lives are busy and full. His presence and peace may seem like a long shot for you, but He is found in the midst of your rejoicing. (Philippians 4, Psalms 145:8, Prov. 16:22)
Read MorePhilippians (Part 6) It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that you are superior to others because of what you've done, but we must never let our accomplishments in the church be used as a tool to judge others. Paul gives us a remedy to this situation and that is to truly know God. We explore what that means in our daily life. (Philippians 3)
Read MorePhilippians (Part 5) In the verses we study this morning, we see Paul referencing the Exodus story and how the Israelites complained and grumbled. In so doing, they were so caught up in the mud of their circumstances, that they missed the miracles around them. They had forgotten how far God had brought them. In Paul's letter, he encourages them to stop their grumbling and shine like the stars of the universe. (Philippians 2:14-16)
Read MorePhilippians (Part 4) Everything that Christ did was predicated by humility. This morning we look at the example He took of lowering Himself to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. In your life, where do you need to humble yourself and who do you need to humble yourself to? (Philippians 2:5-11)
Read MorePhilippians (Part 3) The root of self-centeredness is so deep and pervasive in our lives that we often don't know how to take the first step towards humility. This morning we are implored to challenge our self-centeredness by beginning to pray differently, focus on others, and value our community. (Philippians 2:1-11)
Read MorePhilippians (Part 2) Paul, facing death in prison implores the Philippians to exalt Christ in every aspect of their life. Claiming that death is gain, he understands that Salvation is the courage to trust God with ones life. Do we have the courage to make God big in every aspect of our life? (Phil. 1:19-21, 27)
Read MorePhilippians (Part 1) This morning we begin a new series on the book of Philippians. In the midst of Paul's imprisonment, we see his attitude and words showing gratitude to the people in his life. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, can we relate to Paul? Perhaps instead of asking, "how can I fix it," maybe the question is, "who am I grateful for?" (Philippians 1:1-11)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 11) Just like a child playing hide and seek, we hide from God in plain site. He doesn't force us out of hiding, but invites us into a relationship with Him. As we grow, we join with God as a seeker for His people. Are you joining in the mission of God to seek and show compassion to His people? (Genesis 3, Matthew 9)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 10) Many of us feel un-equipped in our spiritual life, as if this story is for someone else, someone stronger or more courageous. It is not about what you have, but who has you. You don't have to feed 15,000, but simply give what you have. Jesus always does a lot with just a little. (John 6, Eph. 3:20-4:6)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 9) In the story of the Prodigal Son, we often think of it as a story about the two sons, but this story shows us the un-conditional love of the father. What a great reminder to hear that God's love is not earned, but merely received. (Luke 15:11-32, 1 Cor. 13:13, Eph. 3:16-19)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 8) The assumption that we are good soil, without examining our fruits is dangerous. No one is immune to being lukewarm or having half-hearted behavior. Are we good soil? Are we producing fruit? Lean into the difficult things and transformation will occur. (Matt. 13:1-44, Phil. 3:10)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 7) Have we created a hybrid version of following Christ in America? Have we simply begun to consume the culture around us rather than do our part to shape it? In our minds, we believe that Christ is king, but do we live that way? (Mark 1:15, John 17:13-18)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 6) This morning we welcome guest speaker Nate Kinney. In the story of the adulterous woman, we recognize that we are all flawed, but Jesus says, "neither do I condemn you." We as a Church must learn to view others in this way and realize that there is no "us" or "them," but instead, "we." (Romans 12, Matt 5,6,7)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 5) For the most part, our encounters with God happen in the safest places possible, we must be compelled to step out of these safe places and share the Gospel. We have all of the knowledge necessary, we must begin to exercise this knowledge. (John 3)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings from the Gospels (Part 4) Often in life we are anywhere, but here. How do we choose live better in a world demanding us to worry about what did or didn't happen yesterday or be distracted by the things facing us tomorrow? Jesus reminds us to be rooted in the now! (John 10:10, Mat 6:34, Exodus 24:12, Luke 10:38-42 ).
Read MoreGrow: Teachings from the Gospels (Part 3) Life is full of ups and downs and the life of Peter (Cephas) may be one of the best examples of learning what to do when you find yourself in the down moments. Some of the moments from Peter's life that mattered the most where the ones he chose to run to Jesus after his lowest low. (Various Scriptures from Peter's Life + John 20:1-10, John 21:1-9).
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 2) There must be a tension between our current reality and our preferable future. In order for such a tension to exist, there must be a difference between trying and training in our faith. (Mark 10, Matt. 6:19-21, Eph. 4:12-16)
Read MoreGrow: Teachings From The Gospels (Part 1) This week we begin our new summer series called "Grow: Teachings From The Gospels." Guest speaker Kaleb Kinney discusses the process of spiritual growth and the lessons we can learn from the process of Christ's growth through baptism and the temptation in the wilderness. (Matt 4:1-22, Psalm 42)
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