The concept of loving God and loving others sounds like it shouldn’t be that hard. Yet, understanding the importance of these two concept, and how they are intertwined, is foundational in the Christian life.

We continued our journey through the letters of John (1, 2, and 3 John) this week by focusing on 1 John 2:7-17. Fortunately, we aren’t left to our own understanding or devices to figure out how to live this way. John clearly points out the necessity of living as Jesus lived so that we can make sure our words aren’t just something we say, but something we actually do. Continue Reading…

One of the most important things in life is relationships. This is especially true in being a child of God. Not only is our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit a defining and transforming part of who we are, but so are our relationships with other believers. We were made for relationships, and we cannot miss this.

Yet, so often we devalue the relationships we have with other Christians. We tend not to treat them as important or put effort into building and maintaining them. I’m sure we can all think of church relationships that have gone bad – either that we watched or were a part of.

I’m not sure I always have the answers, but we know that God does. So, we are spending time as 2011 begins in the letters of John known as 1,2, and 3 John. Join with us as we remember that genuine fellowship with God will always include fellowship with God’s people. True love for God must spill over onto others. Continue Reading…

We kicked off 2011 with a stand alone Sunday – a Sunday that isn’t part of a series. We had our district superintendent as a guest speaker, and he focused on Matthew 25:14-30. That’s the story of the three guys who get some resources and have to manage them for their master. How they do is then evaluated when the master returns.

It’s a story that we often use to draw lessons about either using the gifts/talents God has given us or the financial resources He has blessed us with, otherwise known as stewardship. But the essence of stewardship is much bigger, and involves managing well all that God has given us through Christ – including His presence in our lives – so that we can indeed fulfill His calling on our lives. Continue Reading…

The build up to Christmas continues on. This was our fourth week in the Myth or Miracle series and the fourth week of Advent. We took a small break from the different elements of the Christmas story itself this week to look at some context.

One of the realities of the Christmas story is that many Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in its events. Had even one of the prophecies happened differently, it would mean that God is not trustworthy. But every one of the prophecies related to the birth of the Messiah were fulfilled. As a result, if we believe the story to be true, we can place our faith in the trustworthiness of God because of how He demonstrated His love for us before we even loved Him. Continue Reading…

The journey through the Christmas story continued this week as we explore whether the Christmas story is a myth or a miracle. The focus this week was on the message the angels gave and how the shepherds responded from Luke 2:8-20.

It seems that in a season built on joy that many people don’t have much joy. But the message of Christmas is a message of joy. When we hear and respond to that message, do we respond with joy? Part of the miracle of Christmas is that a Savior came who is able to give us joy in spite of the challenges of life. Continue Reading…

And the Christmas journey continues. We were in the second week of the Myth of Miracle series. Is the Christmas story true, or just another story we tell at Christmas time like Rudolph and Frosty? If it is true, what is the significance of the story of Christ’s birth. What difference should the miracles and revelations make in our lives and hearts?

This week, we looked at the earthly father of Jesus: Joseph. We spent time in Matthew 1:18-25 as saw how Joseph discovered that God’s approach to things isn’t always the same as man’s approach. Sometimes God’s way doesn’t make sense, but it is always worthwhile. We also connected the Advent theme of peace in recognizing that a life spent following God’s way will result in peace with God – the peace that passes understanding. Continue Reading…