Have you ever used poor judgement and then found yourself in trouble? If so, you can probably relate with Adam and Eve who hid in fear after eating forbidden fruit. In God’s response to our ancestors, we discover good news! God loves you and comes not to shame you but to walk again alongside of you!
Sermons by Dean Wertz (Page 12)
Much is bruised in our world and lives. International conflict, political division, disease, relational tension and anxiety. In this 2nd week of Advent, we receive God’s desperately needed vision for peace through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
This Sunday we conclude our series on the Holy Spirit by observing how Stephen walked with God’s Spirit until his final breath. We will then enter Thanksgiving week by having time in the service to express our gratitude to God.
If you’ve been distracted lately from your created purpose – to walk with God in all of life – you are not alone! Join us this Sunday to worship God as we re-clarify this beautiful singular focus in a way that will restore life in many ways including an expanded capacity for faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
With so much uncertainty around us, wouldn’t it be nice to experience more of God’s love, joy and peace? These three qualities are the first of nine described by the Apostle Paul as Fruit of the Spirit. They are also realities Jesus experienced throughout His time with us on earth. This week, we discover how to receive and more fully experience these God-given virtues.
When the church gathers there should be joy, liveliness and space for spontaneous participation. Yet, not in a disorganized and chaotic way that makes our guests feel uncomfortable. As we deepen our lives with God’s Spirit and cultivate our spiritual gifts, this week we will discover how we can experience the mysterious ways of God’s Spirit when we gather while also honoring all who are present
Most followers of Jesus desire to be a part of a spiritually healthy church. Yet tensions often exist between those who connect with God in their spirits and those who honor God with their minds. In this message we discover that God builds up His church when we all love Him spiritually and intellectually!
As you discover the spiritual gift(s) God has given to you, this passage reminds us that the all-pervasive atmosphere in which you and I are to express our gifts is love. As humidity fills tropical air and sea breeze permeates life along the coast, so the atmosphere of a truly spiritual church is love.
As you discover the spiritual gift(s) God has given to you, this passage reminds us that the all-pervasive atmosphere in which you and I are to express our gifts is love. As humidity fills tropical air and sea breeze permeates life along the coast, so the atmosphere of a truly spiritual church is love.
Why am I drawn to serve others in such a unique way? Why do others appreciate and express gratitude for what I do for them when it feels like I’m not doing all that much? If you affirm that Jesus is Lord and live accordingly, then the ways you are energized to love and serve others for the common good are given to you by God. Rather than fighting these inner currents or wishing you had the abilities of others, you will be encouraged in this message to thank God, abide in Christ and keep shining as God’s Spirit energizes you to do so, uniquely!