Reflections: August 30, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries

JESUS IS COMING BACK!

It is a truth that many have different reactions to. For some it is something that has been said so much that it lost its significance and urgency. For others it is an understated reality. And for followers of Christ it is the hope that we hold onto, as we wait for His return.

This week we looked a parable where Jesus uses the imagery of a wedding to communicate that His return would be delayed. Jesus makes it clear that we do not know the hour or day, so we should be ready for His return. In a world and culture full of views about religious opinions and philosophical views, the church has one of the most important messages to tell the world.

Despite our culture's attempts to discredit Christianity, I still believe in the power of the gospel: the power to love, heal, and forgive broken people. Paul said that this seems foolish to the world, but to those who are saved, it is the power of God.

I think it would be good for us to reflect on that truth alone. Despite those who discount faith in Christ and the ability to know Jesus personally, let’s spend some time focusing on one of the most powerful messages that Christianity has to say and the power that it has in our lives. 

Reflections: August 23, 2009

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

What should we do when we feel like giving up or quitting? That is what we talked about this Sunday in the message. I dare say that the first lesson from the parable was no surprise - always pray and never give up.

 

But I know that most Christians do pray and they pray often. So what is new for me here in this parable? As I studied it this week I realized that many times we make prayer mechanical. It is something we do and sometimes it is not the first thing we do. As I considered the fact that I am not like the widow and God is not like the judge, there was a new understanding for me of the relational nature of prayer.

 

God is like no other father here on this earth and we have a lot to be thankful for when we call God our father. That prayer is less about what we do and more about responding with the awareness of God's presence with us. If that is true, how will that make a difference in your prayer life? Was there some other aspect of the message on Sunday that will help you do a better job of hanging in there when you feel like giving up? If so, just click on the blog link below and write away!

Reflections: August 16, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Dan Jepson, Pastor of High School Ministries

I got this picture in my head this morning of a small child that has a toy and doesn’t want to share. They clutch the toy as tightly as possible and keep it away from everyone else. Through experience, we’ve all learned that if we share our toys that we have more fun. The more and more I think of this picture, the more it resembles our hearts. So many times we hold them close and keep them to ourselves and we miss out on the best part of life. What are some ways that we can support each other to help us let go and share our hearts? How can we do a better job of living this out? 

Reflections: August 9, 2009

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

Have you ever been tempted to believe that religion somehow makes up for a lack of repentance or relationship with God? It is so easy to depend on our religion to bring us comfort, assurance, and even safety. As I continue to reflect on the issue of hiding behind religion and neglecting to evaluate the condition of the heart, I am staggered by the idea that we have a calling to get personal with God. Even though I know in my head that it is about my heart and not my religion, I find myself spending much more time in church than I do personally before God. This is an aspect of my faith that I want to change, and am in the process of allowing God to bring that change. My prayer for all of us is that we would recognize our need for God and His grace and forgiveness, and realize that nothing we could ever do will compensate for that missing in our lives. Will you take time this week to go before God, seeking His forgiveness and rather than waiting to "get back to church," begin living out your faith in real and practical ways right now?

Reflections: August 2, 2009

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

I Hope You Dance (Matthew 25:14-30)
"...and if you get the chance to sit it out, or dance... I hope you dance"
("I Hope You Dance," by Le Anne Womack)

Every one of us gets the chance to use the talents (possessions of the Master) that we have been entrusted. Fear is a real thing and can paralyze us from moving out and investing our talent. Let's face it, getting out on the dance floor can be downright scary. Whether it's talking to that friend about your faith or teaching a children's small group, for example...it can all be frightening. It's natural for us to think safety is found on the perimeter of the dance floor, where we don't have to engage. We find in this parable, however, the exact opposite. Safety is on the dance floor, using the gifts, talents, opportunities, and possessions God has entrusted to you. It feels risky, but really there's no risk. God will use you. "Time is a wheel in constant motion..." How will you let God use you for His purposes? Will you look back on life with regrets? Will you dance?