Life after the Manger: Living to the Full (John 10)
Abundance. Having enough. Being satisfied. These are the sentiments of a full life. It seems that when we think in terms of abundance we think in terms of that which is tangible. Is it possible to have a full life and yet not have any of the trappings of a consumerist culture. We will explore what Jesus meant by giving life to the full or in abundance.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Dec 17, 2023Life after the Manger: Living to the Full (John 10)
Life after the Manger: Living to the Full (John 10)Abundance. Having enough. Being satisfied. These are the sentiments of a full life. It seems that when we think in terms of abundance we think in terms of that which is tangible. Is it possible to have a full life and yet not have any of the trappings of a consumerist culture. We will explore what Jesus meant by giving life to the full or in abundance.
- Dec 10, 2023Living Life as a Light (John 8:12; 12:44-50)
Living Life as a Light (John 8:12; 12:44-50)
This is the season of light. We decorate with lights. Our Jewish friends are celebrating Hannukah which is a time that commemorates a miracle of light. What does it mean to live a life that is illuminated by the reality of Jesus? How do we live in the light and as a light long after we have put all the decorations and the lights away for another year? Living in the light is truly a life lived by faith. - Dec 3, 2023Living Out True Love (1 John 4:7-12)
Living Out True Love (1 John 4:7-12)
This season is so often called a time of love and kindness and giving. And yet all too often our acts of love are tainted by conditions. How often do we feel that we need to give someone a gift to "repay" them for the gift they gave us? Life after the manger is a life best lived in true selfless love as we love others the way our God loves us. - Nov 26, 2023Act 4 – A Bigger Plan (Ruth 4)
Act 4 – A Bigger Plan (Ruth 4)
God has a plan. God has always had a plan. Throughout the Old Testament we see God preserving His Covenant promises and preparing the nation for the Messiah. Ruth and Boaz are the great-grand parents of David. Matthew chapter 1 reveals to us that Jesus is from the line of David which ran through Ruth and Boaz. God always has a plan. And in the grand plan of God, He still sees you. - Nov 19, 2023Act 3 – A Strange Proposal (Ruth 3)
Act 3 – A Strange Proposal (Ruth 3)
Cultures change. Customs change. In what is arguably the most unique "proposal" in the Bible, we find several realities in play. Trust, vulnerability, grace, compassion, and kindness all display themselves in this most strange proposal and the response. - Nov 12, 2023Act 2 – Divine Orchestration (Ruth 2)
Act 2 – Divine Orchestration (Ruth 2)
God is always at work. Sometimes we are very much aware of his work. Yet other times we discover after the fact that God was working behind the scenes. Some have called this God’s Divine Orchestration. As we continue the four part drama of the book of Ruth we discover God’s Divine Orchestration, in the routine of life. - Nov 5, 2023Act 1 – Faithful Commitment (Ruth 1)
Act 1 – Faithful Commitment (Ruth 1)
As we begin a four-part series today we are introduced to our main characters in this story. In the midst of what was a tragic and impossible situation, we find Ruth willing to forsake everything she knew in order to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi. We don't know what Ruth knew about the God of Israel, but we see in her character and her choices a person of faithful commitment. - Oct 29, 2023Keep In Step (Galatians 5:24-26)
Keep In Step (Galatians 5:24-26)
How do we live in a way that reflects the 9 characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit? That is the real question. What does it mean to crucify the flesh? The answer to this is not as hard or as complex as some may make it. We need to walk stride for stride in life with the Holy Spirit. But we have to make that choice and we have to determine to do so daily. Keeping in step with the Spirit will change your life and it is a daily choice. - Oct 22, 2023Keep it in check (Galatians 5:23)
Keep it in check (Galatians 5:23)
A person who is out of control is a dangerous person. And person who shows little self-restraint is a danger to themselves and others. The final aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. The ability to control one's passion, to keep in check one's desires is an ability that requires super-natural power. When we show self-control we are putting the Spirit of God in our lives on display. We are leaving room for God to work in us and through us. - Oct 15, 2023The Power of Gentle Humility (Galatians 5:23)
The Power of Gentle Humility (Galatians 5:23)
Gentleness, mildness, humility. These descriptors are not the stuff of cultural
heroes. These descriptors will not get one a starting position on an athletic
team and may not help one climb the corporate ladder. But they are the stuff of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When we understand the power we have
and the character strength it takes to control that power we are
aware of the need to be under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit in our
lives.. - Oct 8, 2023Faithful to the End (Galatians 5:22)
Faithful to the End (Galatians 5:22)
Who do you trust? Who do you know that will tell you the truth and stick with you when the truth is hard? Who do you know who has been faithful to you? Each of us should desire to be that person. When we are faithful we help others to have confidence and assurance. Faithfulness points others to a God who has promised to never leave or forsake us. - Oct 1, 2023Goodness is for Everyone (Galatians 5:22)
Goodness is for Everyone (Galatians 5:22)
Coupled with kindness is the characteristic of being good. To be good in this passage, not only means to be nice, polite, and helpful; but it is a character trait that reflects a heart of generosity. One thing about our God is that he is generous. Out of his love, he gave his Son so that by believing in his Son we might have life. We will consider what it means to exercise godly goodness and generosity. - Sep 24, 2023Kindness: Reflecting God’s Character (Gal. 5:22)
Kindness: Reflecting God’s Character (Gal. 5:22)
Some say that social media has opened the door for a growing lack of civility in our culture. But the reality is that the lack of civility was already there and social media just gave it a broader platform. God's people are to be kind, which includes being honest, doing the right thing, having a heart of benevolence. When kindness is present in our lives and in our interactions we do make a difference. - Sep 17, 2023Patience…Now! (Galatians 5:22)
Patience…Now! (Galatians 5:22)
We live in an impatient world. We want our Amazon delivery to come in 24 hours, but it’s even better if it arrives in a matter of hours. The lottery promotions tell us we can have it all now...if we win. There is a maturity to being patient. There is a healthy perspective in knowing what is worth waiting for. It is interesting that this characteristic follows that of peace. Maybe there is a connection. - Sep 10, 2023The Blessing of Peace (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Blessing of Peace (Galatians 5:22-23)
Peace is the third aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. It is a characteristic that comes directly from God. It is a characteristic that gives us strength and hope. Jesus told us that the peacemakers are blessed. We will discover the true nature of peace and how it reflects the Holy Spirit who indwells us.