Reflections: July 26-27, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Leadership Development

God has created each of us in his own image (Gen. 1:26). In each one of us, He's given us the desire to make a mark, to make a difference. He has hard-wired us this way, much like he's hard-wired us to hunger after Him. This weekend we took "how to be a super hero" lessons from one of God's greatest super heroes – Jonathan. We learned that if we're going to make a mark, it can't be about our ego and comfort. It will likely involve faith, action on our part, and ultimately trusting God with the results.

For many of us, God is speaking, stirring our hearts, directing us in the ways He wants us to make a mark. Whatever it is, post your post-it note and don't let it go. Don't put it off. Don't cover it over. Continue to ask God to reveal it and to grow it.

It would be an encouragement to us all if you would be so bold and
vulnerable as to share what God is stirring up in you.  If it's appropriate, click on the link below and bless us all with how God is working in your life.

Reflections: July 19-20, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

What a weekend! In addition for hearing from Dr. Peter, 17 people were baptized this weekend, each one declaring his or her faith story in giving their life to Christ. What a glorious time!

 

Recently I read about a spiritual survey of 500 hundred churches across America involving 187,000 people. One of the important facets exposed in the survey was that nearly a third of people who were identified as Christ-centered, believed that there was more than one way to get to heaven. How important then was the message of the weekend from Ephesians 2:8-10.

 

We are saved by grace, not by our works. That is the clear message of these verses. I'd be curious to know how that message resonates with you. Here are some questions we can dialogue with on the blog below: What is the grace spoken of here? How goes this grace of God work? What does it look like in our lives? How do works fit into the scheme of things with grace? Does being saved by grace mean we have nothing to do when it comes to good works? How do we do good works without them becoming something we think earns our way with God? Let's talk.

 

This was a very timely message given the fact that Serve Day is this Saturday. By the way, I hope you've signed up.

Reflections: July 12-13, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Fuz Rana, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Apologetics, Reasons to Believe
This past weekend we took a look at the problem of evil and suggested that Genesis 1:2 and Deuteronomy 32:9-12 provide a clue to why God might allow pain, suffering, and evil. Based on these passages of Scripture, it seems to me that God creates out of chaos and then takes His creation (life, the Nation of Israel, the Church, and the Children of God) through hostile conditions, persecution, and hardships as a way to transform what is precious to Him with a greater good and higher purpose in mind. I find it deeply encouraging that throughout the difficulties, the Holy Spirit “broods” over His creation.
What hardships have you endured? How did the Holy Spirit comfort you in the midst of your trials? Looking back on those experiences, how do you think God used them to transform you?
I find Genesis 1:2 (and Deuteronomy 32:9-12) helpful as I wrestle with the problem of evil. What passages of Scripture encourage you through hardship and help you make sense of evil and suffering?
In my ministry, I find that the problem of evil is the number one reason why nonbelievers reject the Christian faith. Have you had a similar experience? How did you answer the charge that evil, pain, and suffering are incompatible with God’s existence?

Reflections: July 5-6, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Youth

So, are you ready to live a Life in HD? Based on what we have talked about over the last three weeks (living as image-bearers of God, troubleshooting and helping those around us to make the connection of who Christ is through the way that we live, and being aware of what kind of customer reviews we would receive from those who observe us) what are some things you are doing to live an HD life? It can be so easy to settle into a religious routine and stop looking out for the opportunities we have everyday to live out what God has called His followers to do: love people.

Our salvation comes through our belief in Christ, but the evidence of whether or not it is true faith comes from the ways that we love and serve others. What do you strive to do in your life to consistently love others and demonstrate God's love for them? Do you have any stories of when your love, kindness, and service to others have made a difference in their life? Tell us about it so that we can all be encouraged.