This week we look at Hannah – a woman wrongly written off as "forsaken by God" and tormented by those around her. In pain she cries out and in surrender she offers back the very answer she yearns to receive. The result will ultimately lead Israel into her golden age of kings that will ultimately find fulfillment in the coming of Jesus.
This week we look at Exodus 18 and the influence of a father-in-law. The story of Jethro reveals him as a man, in whom a kind, considerate disposition, a deeply religious spirit, and a wise judgment all met in happy combination. His wisdom shapes and resources Moses to lead well. What is wisdom? What is the difference between constructive criticism and critical cynicism? What is the benefit of a wise word delivered to us? These are just some of the questions Vince addresses along the way.
Ever wonder what the difference is between "grace" and "mercy"? Ever reflect on what "mercy" means to both the one who gives it and the one who receives it? Glenn's message just might change your life and theirs too.
This week we meet a man who we know by his nickname, "Barnabas", which means "Son of Encouragement." His encouragement influenced Paul, planted Christian communities, represented the Apostles, and was a passionate advocate for others who were misunderstood. His example has a lot to teach us so we can encourage the relationships God has surrounded us with...
Nearly Famous: The Power of Intentional Hospitality
This week we meet a couple who intentionally used their home to host and encourage two men that would radically alter the spiritual landscape of the Roman Empire. What might happen if we followed their example?
Click here to download this week's study notes.
Anonymous people can have extraordinary impact. In Genesis 24 a man whose name is never mentioned impacts the life of Isaac. His efforts are changing lives still today!
Every job, people, culture possesses a unique vocabulary. The RUINED followers of Jesus have a vocabulary too. Words borrowed from life that describe our encounter and experience with Jesus.
The biggest event since the "Big Bang" occurred in Jesus! ... at least that is what Paul is asserting in Romans 3. Join us as we reflect on this amazing declaration.
Remember!
This weekend we take a break from Romans to "remember". The most dangerous thing we can do in our relationship with God and others is to "forget". Listen in as we reflect on what it means to remember God in our friendships and families..
Paul's Judaism was ruined by his encounter with the crucified and risen Jesus. Why? Because Paul devoted his entire life to faithfully serving God only to find himself unprepared to recognize the presence of the God he served! This exploded his mind... It should RUIN our religion and explode our minds too... especially as we consider how do we express this new and "true" religion.
Ambition is NOT a dirty word
- I am convinced that the Christian life is an ambitious life.
- The Christian life is an ambitious life. It is NOT passive, dispassionate, stoic, or resigned.
- We are SEEKERS… we have an undeterred focus to experience and extend God’s presence in our world today.
This week we had a Brazil emphasis as we prayed for one of our leaders who is returning to Brazil to share Christ and pray for God's wholeness to visit people. Guest speaker Dale Downs mentors, counsels, and trains pastors in San Paolo, Brazil.
(There are no notes to download this week.)
The New Testament vision for authentic life in Jesus is a faith relationship that is personal, communal (shared), and visible. This week Mark reflects on that with a panel of women and men from Faith Community...
Life In Jesus
Have you ever moved to different locations? Your address has a direct influence on who you know, how you live, and what you do. Life in San Diego looks very different from life in Chicago. This week we consider the difference "life in Jesus" makes.
... because there is a whole lot more going on than just a donkey ride -- that's why this event is covered in all 4 Gospels!
This week we answer questions generated by our community at Faith regarding sexuality, Scripture, and our application today. This week we cover questions that deal with interpretation and ethical application.
Click here to see a pdf of this week's slides.
Click here for a short list of resources helpful to read and listen to.
One question Mark did not answer on Sunday is the question: Am I a hypocrite for accepting marriages of Christians who have been divorced if I do not recognize gay marriages for believers? Follow this link to the sermon archives page for 2009. The messages for February 21, March 14, 22, 29 speak to the subjects of marriage and divorce..
This week and next week we will take time to answer questions generated by our community at Faith regarding sexuality, Scripture, and our application today. This week we cover questions that deal with interpretation and ethical application. Next week we will look at pastoral and missional challenges before us.
Unfortunately, problems with our equipment prevented our recording from being saved to disk. We WILL have this repaired for next week. In the meantime the notes below present the essential points of this weeks message from Vince.
In Romans 1.18-32, Paul addressed that we live in an upside down world where the sins that are ruining us are welcomed and approved. In Romans 2 he is addressing a church who judges the sins of others while secretly committing those very same sins. But then he reminds of a surprising truth: it is not the threat of God's condemnation that leads us to repentance. It is the experience of his kindness and tenderness!
This week we begin to look more closely at Romans 1.16-2.3. People familiar with this passage bristle with discomfort or brandish it as a weapon to judge others. Neither response reflects the aim of Paul's teaching. The truth is anyone can point out sin. The surprise is that there is One who can save us from it (Romans 1.16-17). Reflection on the RUIN we share will always lead those who seek to follow Jesus well to confess and celebrate our Good News Savior who has redeemed us for God ... we will continue to examine this passage next week.
This week we take a scenic detour from Romans to look at Galatians 2.20. Here we learn how to live a RUINED life as we look at the significance and relevance of the Cross of Jesus for living life that is alive to God and others.