Many of us have been through power struggles in churches and we have seen the harm that they have done. We have seen gossip and pride render ministries ineffective or sometimes make ministries damaging rather than edifying. But . . . how do we respond to these types of problems? In the second half of 3 John we are invited to look into an interaction between a power player by the name of Diotrephes and the Apostle John. And . . . we can see from John how we might be able to deal with these situations and keep ourselves from hindering the mission of the church. Sermon originally preached on January 22, 2011.
Monthly Archives: January 2012
“Just One” – 3 John 1-8
What if Jesus was coming over for dinner? Would you pull the leftovers out of the fridge or would you grill up your best steaks? What if he was staying the night at your house? Would you send him down to the basement with a sleeping bag or would you give him your own bed and sleep in the basement yourself? I guarantee that you would treat Jesus as best as you possibly could. John tell us to bottle up that type of hospitality and show it to gospel workers (missionaries, church planters, pastors, and teachers). Join us as we not only look at John’s encouragement TO show hospitality, but also look at his explanation of HOW and WHY we should show hospitality Sermon originally preached on January 8, 2011.
“Just Desserts” – Obadiah
What goes around comes around. I hope they get their just desserts. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Turn about is fair play. I hope they get a taste of their own medicine. You reap what you sow. We have so many sayings in our culture that express our deepest desires for justice. We want to see those who are oppressed set free, and we want to see oppressors get what’s coming to them. Join us as we look at the nation of Edom and how God balanced the scales of their injustices. Sermon originally preached on January 1, 2011.
“Giving Them Back” – Genesis 22
We often think that our children belong to us, but they don’t! They belong to God! He has entrusted them to us! So . . . the question for us is, “Have we given them back to God?” They are in much better hands with him than with us. God created our kids. God loves our kids. God has a plan and purpose for their life. Will we help God as he tries to shape them, or will we stand in the way. Join us as we look at Abraham’s test. Would he give Isaac back to God or hold on to him himself? Will we give our kids back to God? Sermon originally preached on December 11, 2011.
“What Missionaries Really Think!” – Nate Dunlevy
Nate and Deb Dunlevy served the Lord faithfully in Argentina for almost a decade! Now they feel the Lord calling them back to ministry here in the States. Join us and Nate shares about their ministry and gives us insight into what missionaries really think but rarely say. Sermon originally preached on December 4, 2011.