Reflections: April 26, 2009

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

Temptation – that was the subject of our passage in James today. According to Jim, we learned the truth about temptation. I'm glad to learn about how I can win over temptation. How about you? What is the one thing you will take away from this weekend's message?

 

The image that will stay with me this week revolves around the word enticed, which literally means "lured by bait." I can visualize a fishing lure and how it is used to catch fish. I know I will be on the lookout for those "lures" that come my way this week. May I encourage you to join me to be on the lookout for the "lures" that tempt us to sin against God? Remember as we live in community we need each other in this area of temptation.

Reflections: April 19, 2009

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

As you go through this week, I just want to remind you to go before God and reflect on your heart and ask yourself the "three big questions:"

1.    How do I respond to, and view, adversity?
2.    What do I need to ask God for wisdom for?
3.    Where do I waver in my faith, putting trust in things other than God?

Reflections: April 12, 2009

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

As I reflect on the four services, I can't help but think about the many new faces that I saw in church today. It was fun and encouraging to be introduced to so many new people and yet I couldn't help but wonder what they took away from the service. Did they hear a message that would cause them to think differently about Jesus? How many people made decisions today to embrace by faith the truth about the resurrection? I wonder...

 

I also hope that many who are Christians and heard the message this Easter will be encouraged by the truth that they are new creations. I hope it will be a source of help for many as we live in this world the rest of the week. I also hope that many will bring the life of heaven into reality this week.

 

I'd love to hear your comments or questions about the message on Easter Sunday 2009. If you have the time, click on the link below and post your thoughts. God bless.

Reflections: April 5, 2009

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

"To die for." This has become a common statement in our culture, but is it a statement of your faith and relationship with Jesus? This week I want to encourage all of you - as I am also doing myself - to evaluate recurring issues or times in your life in which you have bailed on the rescue of God and not allowed His plan or will to be worked out in your life. Consider some things that you may need to do in order to avoid the spiritual giving up. God has amazing plans for all of us, as well as full, abundant life. Let's be aware of all that He has done for us as we celebrate His resurrection this week. And let's make seeking Him and sticking with Him more of a day-to-day, moment-by-moment priority. And to realize that He is truly to die for.