February 13, 2011 - Luke 9:10-17
Jesus wants us all to grow up. From the beginning Jesus told the Twelve that, if they followed Him, they would become "fishers of men." Then Jesus began to model for them a life of mature faith that preached the Kingdom of God, healed the sick and fished for men. Jesus knew that "fishing for men" would come as their faith matured. He also knew that they would need a mature faith when they faced the coming opposition and persecution that the world would throw at them.
Jesus-Focused Mission
February 6, 2011 - Luke 9:1-6
When Jesus engaged the first four disciples, He set the agenda for them and for all "disciples," for all Christ followers throughout the centuries. Jesus told them that if they were willing to follow Him, He would make them into "fishers of men." They weren't asking for that! The Twelve would be blessed by being with Jesus, but Jesus wanted more from them. He wanted them to become "fishers of men" so that others would receive the blessing as well. Few of us would think of becoming Christians so that we could become "fishers of men," yet this is something Jesus makes us as we follow Him.
When Jesus engaged the first four disciples, He set the agenda for them and for all "disciples," for all Christ followers throughout the centuries. Jesus told them that if they were willing to follow Him, He would make them into "fishers of men." They weren't asking for that! The Twelve would be blessed by being with Jesus, but Jesus wanted more from them. He wanted them to become "fishers of men" so that others would receive the blessing as well. Few of us would think of becoming Christians so that we could become "fishers of men," yet this is something Jesus makes us as we follow Him.
Jesus-Focused Desperation
January 30, 2011 - Luke 8:40-56
What is it like to be desperate? Have you ever been desperate for a drink in a hot, dry desert? Ever been desperate for an officer to extend grace after five previous tickets? Ever been desperate for a date? Ever been desperate for an ambulance to come quickly? Ever been so desperate that you didn't know what to do, since you have run out of every other option you could think of? This is a message for everyone who, after coming to the end of themselves, cries out to God for help. How desperate are you for the touch and work and healing of God?
What is it like to be desperate? Have you ever been desperate for a drink in a hot, dry desert? Ever been desperate for an officer to extend grace after five previous tickets? Ever been desperate for a date? Ever been desperate for an ambulance to come quickly? Ever been so desperate that you didn't know what to do, since you have run out of every other option you could think of? This is a message for everyone who, after coming to the end of themselves, cries out to God for help. How desperate are you for the touch and work and healing of God?
Jesus Focused Freedom
January 23, 2010 - Luke 8:26-39
Who doesn't like the word "freedom?" America is known as the "Land of the Free," yet how many people are living bondage? Why is it that freedom so often leads to bondage? Prisons are full of people who wanted to do whatever they desired and now they cannot do anything they desire. God's desire is that everyone is set free from bondage.
Who doesn't like the word "freedom?" America is known as the "Land of the Free," yet how many people are living bondage? Why is it that freedom so often leads to bondage? Prisons are full of people who wanted to do whatever they desired and now they cannot do anything they desire. God's desire is that everyone is set free from bondage.
Jesus-Focused Peace
January 16, 2011 - Luke 8:22-25
Are you facing a storm in your life? Are you having a hard time understanding why God would allow this storm of un-employment, or this relational storm with a spouse, sibling or prodigal child? Do you find yourself dreaming of a storm-less existence? Storms are a fact of life that God uses, not so much to build our faith, as to reveal our faith.
Are you facing a storm in your life? Are you having a hard time understanding why God would allow this storm of un-employment, or this relational storm with a spouse, sibling or prodigal child? Do you find yourself dreaming of a storm-less existence? Storms are a fact of life that God uses, not so much to build our faith, as to reveal our faith.
Jesus Defined Relationship
January 9, 2011 - Jesus tells a parable that he uses to help his followers "Define the Relationship" they have with their heavenly Father. God has taken the initiative to express His unconditional love for us, but the question is, do we feel the same way about Him? Jesus identified four levels of relationship that defines every response to God.
Becoming A Blessing
January 2, 2011 - 1 Peter 3:8-12
The secret to living a life that you'll love living, and one that finds favor in God's eyes, lies in becoming a blessing to others.
The secret to living a life that you'll love living, and one that finds favor in God's eyes, lies in becoming a blessing to others.
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