Matthew 9.1-13 | The Power of Perspective

We are all trained to make decisions based on what we see... But the choices we make that will be life-changing and life-giving will be based on what we don't see! We were blessed to have Glenn Burris, President of the Foursquare Church as our morning speaker.

We invite you to give a special offering in Glenn's name to Project Nourish. 2000 people die each day in Eastern Africa. Project Nourish is a Foursquare relief ministry combatting this famine. Click here to make a gift. On the form select the down arrow to the right of "hurricane relief" and select Project Nourish.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Matthew 9.1-13 (The Message)

9 1-3 Back in the boat, Jesus and the disciples recrossed the sea to Jesus’ hometown. They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus, impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, “Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.” Some religion scholars whispered, “Why, that’s blasphemy!”

4-8 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why this gossipy whispering? Which do you think is simpler: to say, ‘I forgive your sins,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both. . . .” At this he turned to the paraplegic and said, “Get up. Take your bed and go home.” And the man did it. The crowd was awestruck, amazed and pleased that God had authorized Jesus to work among them this way.

9 Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, “Come along with me.” Matthew stood up and followed him.

10-11 Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. “What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?”

12-13 Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.”

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

INFO | OPPORTUNITIES

LIFEGROUP SIGNUPS

LifeGroups are small groups (usually 8-14) that intentionally do life together. Our goal is for Lifegroups to grow in their trust in God and one another so that meaningful community can develop.

Stop by the LifeGroup table and join a group today!

UPCOMING EVENTS (click on picture)

COUNCIL NOMINATIONS

The Church Council represents the congregation and oversees all things related to the finances, administration, and campus maintenance and development. Council also serves as counsel to the pastoral leadership of our community. Council members are nominated by the Council and elected by the congregation. Members may serve up to a maximum of two 2-year terms. Our By-Laws require, when two terms have been fulfilled, council members rotate off for a minimum of 1 year before being eligible to serve again.

We will hold the vote at the conclusion of our worship service on Sunday, 24

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Songs of Summer: Inside Out Songs

The Psalms (songs) of the Bible have 2 starting points. The starting point for some expresses how our thoughts about God connect with our feelings about life. The other starting point is our feelings about life expressed with transparent emotions before God. This morning we conclude our summer series, Songs of Summer, with a Family Sunday that reflects the simple truth: life is lived from the inside out.

Click here to give to the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

RESOURCEs for start of school conversations with your students

First Day Jitters Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school.

A Bad Case of the Stripes is a great story about individuality and being up front about what you love.

How to Be Successful In Middle School - written to middle school students but suggest parents read together with your student.

Middle School Makeover by Michelle Icard. This is a concrete and practical guide for parents and educators to help the tweens in their lives navigate the socially fraught hallways, gyms, and cafeterias of middle school. This little book covers a large range of topics, beginning with helping us understand what is happening in the brains of tweens and how these neurological development affects decision-making and questions around identity. She also addresses social media, dating, and peer exclusion. Using both recent research and her personal, extensive experience working with middle-school-aged kids and their parents, Icard offers readers concrete and practical advice for guiding children through this chaotic developmental stage while also building their confidence.

You may not agree with everything she says but this is a helpful starting point for discussion and understanding...

Right Click helps you think and talk differently about digital media, as you learn from inspiring and creative parents like you who navigate these ever-changing waters day after day. Approach this new connected world like a team and address your most pressing tech related dilemmas.

• How do I teach my kids to use social media responsibly?
• Why do my kids constantly check their phones?
• How can we be present when we’re in the same room?
• How do I handle the tough stuff: inappropriate sharing, bullying and porn?
• How do I make digital media a force that knits our family together rather than ripping us apart?

Your Teenager Is Not Crazy: Understanding Your Teen's Brain Can Make You a Better Parent is conveniently organized by what your teen says–things like I’m bored, You just don’t understand, Why are you freaking out?, I hate my life, or Hold on, I just have to send this–this book will help you develop a deep compassion for your teen. Rather than seeing the teen years as a time to simply hold on for dear life, Dr. Jeramy and Jerusha Clark show that adolescence can be an amazing season of cultivating creativity, self-awareness, and passion for the things that really matter.

RESOURCES ON THE PSALMS

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Songs of Summer: Psalm 73 - A Song About Rule Breakers Prospering

There are moments where we survey the world around us and see that things are the opposite of what we believe they should be.  The wicked are prospering while the faithful are struggling. How do we make sense of this? And how do we not fall into the trap of being overcome by bitterness in the face of this madness?

Scripture Reading - Psalm 73

1 Truly God is good to Israel,
    to those whose hearts are pure.
2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
    My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
3 For I envied the proud
    when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
4 They seem to live such painless lives;
    their bodies are so healthy and strong.
5 They don’t have troubles like other people;
    they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.
6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklace
    and clothe themselves with cruelty.
7 These fat cats have everything
    their hearts could ever wish for!
8 They scoff and speak only evil;
    in their pride they seek to crush others.
9 They boast against the very heavens,
    and their words strut throughout the earth.
10 And so the people are dismayed and confused,
    drinking in all their words.
11 “What does God know?” they ask.
    “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”
12 Look at these wicked people—
    enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.
13 Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?
    Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
14 I get nothing but trouble all day long;
    every morning brings me pain.
15 If I had really spoken this way to others,
    I would have been a traitor to your people.
16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.
    But what a difficult task it is!
17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,
    and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path
    and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
19 In an instant they are destroyed,
    completely swept away by terrors.
20 When you arise, O Lord,
    you will laugh at their silly ideas
    as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
    and I was all torn up inside.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant—
    I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
23 Yet I still belong to you;
    you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
    leading me to a glorious destiny.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
    but God remains the strength of my heart;
    he is mine forever.
27 Those who desert him will perish,
    for you destroy those who abandon you.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
    I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
    and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Haley Courtney, a member of our worship team shares her favorite psalm(s)

Here are some additional resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

The Gospel In A Pluralist Society by Leslie Newbigin. How does the gospel relate to a pluralist society? What is the Christian message in a society marked by religious pluralism, ethnic diversity, and cultural relativism? Should Christians encountering today's pluralist society concentrate on evangelism or on dialogue? How does the prevailing climate of opinion affect, perhaps infect, Christians' faith?

This thoughtful book is written by a thoughtful and compassionate Anglican pastor who served 30 years as a missionary in India. A provocative book written way ahead of its time.

The Next Christendom and The New Faces of Christianity, both by Philip Jenkins, look at the impact of the new reality: the center of the Christian faith is no longer north of the equator and represented in the "West". It has moved to the global south (of the equator). What will be the impact worldwide when Africa may emerge as the largest Christian continent? Already churches south of the equator are now the largest "sending" churches in the world.

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Songs of Summer: Psalm 96 - A Mission Song (Aug 20)

God has made us for something very large. He has made us with a global purpose in mind. Many things are important in life but this is the largest cause of all. Every follower of Jesus of Jesus is part of a diverse movement, marked by solidarity and welcome, to express and present God to the nations-- that every one might know that they are called and cherished.

Scripture Reading - Psalm 96

1Sing to the LORD a new song; 
    Sing to the LORD, all the earth. 
2     Sing to the LORD, bless His name; 
    Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. 
3     Tell of His glory among the nations, 
    His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. 
4     For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; 
    He is to be feared above all gods. 
5     For all the gods of the peoples are idols, 
    But the LORD made the heavens. 
6     Splendor and majesty are before Him, 
    Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. 

7  Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, 
    Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 
8     Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; 
    Bring an offering and come into His courts. 
9     Worship the LORD in holy attire; 
    Tremble before Him, all the earth. 
10     Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns; 
    Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; 
    He will judge the peoples with equity.” 

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; 
    Let the sea roar, and all it contains; 
12     Let the field exult, and all that is in it. 
    Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
13     Before the LORD, for He is coming, 
    For He is coming to judge the earth. 
    He will judge the world in righteousness
    And the peoples in His faithfulness. 

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Haley Courtney, a member of our worship team shares her favorite psalm(s)

Here are some additional resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Songs of Summer: Psalm 100 - A Song about Singing (Aug 13)

There’s something powerful about having an enduring song of joy on your lips as your are overcome by the presence of the Lord.  It is through this song that a powerful invitation is sent out for others to join us in our understanding and celebration of God’s unfailing love. 

Scripture Reading - Psalm 100

1 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
3 Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Worship as the Ultimate Act Historically, worship has been a divisive part of the local church experience. How might we rightly understand worship? ED STETZER

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Songs of Summer: Psalm 13 - Abandonment Song (Aug 6)

Two thirds of the Bible's songbook -- the Psalms-- express lament, depression, discouragement, anguish, grief, dismay, and anger to God. These are the "abandonment songs" and they encourage us because here we discover, in God's book, that we are not the first generation to question God, have doubts, and be discouraged and cast down by His actions and inaction.

Scripture Reading - Psalm 13

1 How long, LORD? Will you utterly forget me?
        How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I carry sorrow in my soul,
    grief in my heart day after day?
  How long will my enemy triumph over me?
 
3 Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God!
    Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death, 
4 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed,”
    lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.

5 But I trust in your
    Grant my heart joy in your salvation,
I will sing to the LORD, 
    for he has dealt bountifully with me!
 

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

A Psalm 13 Inspired Playlist - Songs that came to me (Mark) this week as I was reflecting on Psalm 13... 

Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure is a reflection on the Psalms by one of the great English pastors, D. Martin Lloyd Jones. Areas he touches include:

• 1. Regrets in life hurt our trust in God
• 2. Sin can taint our faith in God
• 3. Emotions hinder our life in ways that we don't even know
• 4. Fear can cause us to be like a ship without a rudder

And many more. He lays out the causes (which are many) and the cures (which must be applied). This is not a quick read... it is a classic to encourage study, reflection, and personal application.

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

Songs of Summer: Psalm 133 - the "Unity" song (July 30)

Unity is a regular theme in the psalms... Psalm 133 is 3 short verses that Jews and Christians alike treasure for its celebration and value of unity. Whoever thought that unity might be both counter-cultural and essential?

Scripture Reading - Psalm 133

How good and how pleasant it is, 
        when brothers dwell together as one! 
2     Like fine oil on the head,
        running down upon the beard,
    Upon the beard of Aaron,
        upon the collar of his robe. 
3     Like dew of Hermon coming down
        upon the mountains of Zion.
    There the LORD has decreed a blessing, 
        life for evermore!

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

DAMON'S SONG OF SUMMER

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

Global Update with Roma and Mike (July 23)

This week 2 of our global partners from Ukraine and the Middle East share with us...

Online Giving:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Additional Resources

Power, Faith, and Fantasy by Michael Oren, looks at the history of the United States in the Middle East from 1776 to the present. This book is at once inspiring, heart-breaking, and adventurous as Oren presents this story which has largely been untold. This is an epic tale vividly narrated.

The Real Kosher Jesus by Michael Brown. He has been called a rabbi, a rebel, a reformer, a religious teacher, a reprobate sinner, a revolutionary, a redeemer. Some have claimed he was a magician, others the Messiah. Some say he was a deceiver; others say he was divine. Who is this Jesus-Yeshua, and why are we still talking about him two thousand years later?
     The Real Kosher Jesus takes you on a journey to uncover the truth. It is a journey filled with amazing discoveries and delightful surprises, a journey that is sometimes painful but that ends with joy, a journey through which you will learn the real story of this man named Yeshua: the most famous Jew of all time, the Jewish nation’s greatest prophet, the most illustrious rabbi ever, the light of the nations and Israel’s hidden Messiah. 

The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine by Serhii Plokhy. This book is a history of the Ukraine that goes back to the Greeks and brings you to the current crisis facing Ukraine today. Some of the battle narratives can get a little tedious but don't let this stop you from reading this book.

Upcoming Opportunities:

Spiritual Conversations: How to Engage Your Friends & Neighbors
Aug 9 & 24 | 6:30-8:00pm, Youth Center

Our two-part class will equip you with the tools you need to engage your friends and neighbors in spiritual conversations, helping you to gauge where they are in their own spiritual journey, and to know how you can witness Jesus as they need it. There will be opportunity to go out and practice, then come back together to reflect and debrief on your experiences in order to help you continue to grow your skills as an evangelist. Let's go out and make disciples of all nations!  For more info, contact Rose Males rosemareemales@gmail.com

Morning News and Info

Join us in the Fellowship Center following this morning's service for a Q & A with Mike and Roma... don't worry there will be bagels!

THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT

Songs of Summer: Psalm 84 - the Homesick Highway Song (July 16)

Scripture reading - Psalm 84

1      How lovely are Your dwelling places, 
    O LORD of hosts!
2     My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; 
    My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3     The bird also has found a house, 
    And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, 
    Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, 
    My King and my God.
4     How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! 
    They are ever praising You.

5        How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, 
    In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
6     Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; 
    The early rain also covers it with blessings.
7     They go from strength to strength, 
    Every one of them appears before God in Zion.

8        O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; 
    Give ear, O God of Jacob!
9     Behold our shield, O God, 
    And look upon the face of Your anointed.
10     For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. 
    I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
    Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11     For the LORD God is a sun and shield; 
    The LORD gives grace and glory; 
    No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12     O LORD of hosts, 
    How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Sermon Notes

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

Check out Ryan's favorite psalm - the Introvert's Song

Additional Resources

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Here is a playlist of some of Mark's favorite Home and Highway songs.

Here are Spotify playlists if you are interested: Spotify "Homesick" songs and Spotify "Highway" songs.

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

Songs of Summer: Psalm 8 - the OMG Song (July 9)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 8

O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!
  I will sing of your majesty above the heavens
3 with the mouths of babes and infants.
You have established a bulwark against your foes, 
to silence enemy and avenger.

4 When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and stars that you set in place— 
5What is man that you are mindful of him,
and a son of man that you care for him?
6 Yet you have made him little less than a god,
crowned him with glory and honor. 
7 You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
put all things at his feet: 
8 All sheep and oxen,even the beasts of the field, 
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, 
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

10    O LORD, our Lord, 
how awesome is your name through all the earth!

Sermon Notes

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

Additional Resources

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

Songs of Summer: Psalm 23 (July 2)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; 
        there is nothing I lack. --
2     In green pastures he makes me lie down;
        to still waters he leads me; 
3         he restores my soul.
    He guides me along right paths
        for the sake of his name. 
4     Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
        I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
        your rod and your staff comfort me.

Psa. 23.5       You set a table before me
        in front of my enemies;
    You anoint my head with oil;
        my cup overflows.
6     Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me
        all the days of my life;
    I will dwell in the house of the LORD
        for endless days.

Sermon Notes

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Additional Resources

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

Songs of Summer: Psalm 139.14 - You Made Me

This week Ryan leads us in reflecting on this simple truth that impacts every life everywhere: "God, You made me." What does this mean for us when most of us are constantly comparing ourselves to others?

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community. 

Psalms: Songs of Summer

This week we preview our summer series, "Songs of Summer". Over summer's weeks we will look at some of the songs of the Bible (Psalms) that have expressed the joy, sorrows, victories, and disappointments that have released people of faith to sing to God as they do faith together.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community. 

Ruined for life -- I hope!

This week we completed a journey we began on Sept 29, 2013 when we kicked off our study of "Romans: A letter from a life ruined by Jesus.". This is our final reflection on Romans and the "ruined life" we are called to enjoy.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community. 

The Gospel is For People

This week we look at the people Paul greets (Romans 16.1-16) and we see how they illustrate the message he has been about all along. Paul's gospel confesses that Jesus is Lord OF all and his gospel testifies that Jesus is Lord FOR all. His network of relationships reflects an intentional diversity and inclusivity that sets the "gold standard" for all of us. 

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community. 

Changed Lives Will Change Lives

This week we begin to look at Paul's summary thoughts as he addresses Jewish and
Non-Jewish followers of Jesus in Rome. Paul directs their attention to the incredible truth that our changed lives will change lives because lives that have been "ruined" by Jesus will "ruin" the lives of others. Listen and reflect with us...

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

Unity: The Essential Missional Ingredient

This week we look at Paul's closing thoughts as he winds down the main body of his epic letter to the Romans. Who knew that it would all come down to the quality and unity of the local church community? Who knew that Paul could foresee that division and disunity would compromise our integrity and cripple our mission? A fruitful community will by a united community. What does that mean for us? Everything... join us as we reflect on this.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

A Theology of Acceptance

There was a crisis in the Roman Church between the Jewish followers of Jesus and the Gentiles. One group was not accepting the other. This leads Paul to implore them to affirm their unity and accept one another as Christ accepted them. Their experience challenges us to consider how do we think about acceptance? Our own self-acceptance? Our acceptance of others? And most of all God's acceptance of us?

Also this week we meet Zak McGaugh, creator of the podcast, Diversity of Thought. To subscribe click here.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

Never Give Up

Everyone needs perseverance. Ever had a setback or a surprise? Ever felt taken advantage of by someone you trusted? Ever felt tempted to compromise your integrity in an attempt to protect yourself? Who hasn't?! Everyone is tempted, at one time or another, to throw in the towel – especially when we lose sight of God's promises. Everyone needs to cultivate perseverance. Join us, along with our guest speaker Jim Hayford, as we explore perseverance this week.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

Unity Is Intentional

We don't do unity well. According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, there are approximately 41,000 Christian denominations and organizations in the world. Jesus prayed for our unity. Jesus demonstrated a commitment to unity. Jesus labored for unity. So what is wrong with us?! This week we begin to look at Paul's appeal to the Roman church to be united. Our life and mission depend on it.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.