We never drift into the life we want, we drift into the life we have. Following Jesus isn't something we can drift along in... it requires effort for us to grow and be effective in our faith as Peter wrote. To help ourselves stay moving towards more a godly life, we need support, encouragement and structure to help us.
Broken to be Blessed
Have you ever asked God to bless you? Before we can fully experience God’s blessings upon us, we must first allow him to break us. Once broken we submit to His will and plan for our lives and truly enjoy all that He wants to do through us.
Life WITH God, not just UNDER God - Emmanuel - God with Us Series #4
Life WITH God, not OVER God - Emmanuel, God WITH Us Series #3
Exploring a life of interaction with God by submitting our control and plans.
Life WITH God, not just FOR God - Emmanuel - God WITH Us#2
Summary - One way we choose to live that misses life with God is living life for God. The older son in Jesus' parable of the lost son is the poster child for living life this way. Obedience, performance, fulfilling your responsibilities as the foundation for relationship with God, instead of living in the presence of and with our Father who loves us... no matter what. When we receive that love, we will be motivated and empowered to then live for God, but not as the foundation of our lives.
Life WITH God, not just FROM God - Emmanuel, God WITH Us Series #1
One of the names\titles associated with Jesus and Christmas is Emmanuel, which means God with us. Jesus came to bring us life with God, not just a life from God. An example of life from God is the younger son in Jesus' parable of the lost or prodigal son. This son didn't want relationship with his father, but just wanted what he could receive from his father. God wants more for us than this.
Perfect Love - Sermon on the Mount #10
Jesus' call to His followers is to take enemies and seek to turn them into neighbours (those who we would invite to our table). After all, this is what God has done Himself towards all of humanity, because of His great love. The kind of perfect love Jesus modeled and commands His followers to exhibit as well... even towards enemies.
Maddeningly Impractical Sermon on the Mount #9
When wrongs are done, we want to see it made right in some way. One Old Testament expression of this was the law of retribution (eye for an eye, etc...), law intended to help curb violence or vengeance from spiraling out of control. Jesus calls his people to not settle for curbing vengeance, but to stop the cycle through showing grace, mercy, pity, love and compassion even to those who wrong you.
No Need To Vow - Sermon On The Mount #8
Jesus addressed another cultural issue of his day, dishonesty. Honesty is part of the foundation for any healthy relationship. Jesus declares kingdom people are called to simple honesty. To live where your word is your bond and even your word may not be necessary. We are to live that way because that is how the people in Jesus' kingdom will be when the kingdom comes in full. We are called to live the full kingdom of God way, today.
Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage - Sermon on the Mount #7
The church today is confused about when remarriage is permissible, because the church is confused about divorce, because the church is confused about marriage, because the church is confused about love. In this sermon, we try to unpack Jesus' words on divorce and remarriage, by getting to some foundations of love and marriage.