2 Timothy 1:6-12
Many churches, like many people, never experience their full potential. Full potential is defined as, more than we can ask or imagine. This is a vision of success that God puts before us. It’s a vision that is not achievable by human means alone. It’s something that God hopes for and directs the course of those who want it for themselves. If your vision for the future is achievable through your skill and ability, it is not big enough.
- Dec 31, 2017On the Verge of Bigger
Dec 31, 2017On the Verge of BiggerBy: Dennis BakerSeries: Our Identity in Christ
2 Timothy 1:6-12
Many churches, like many people, never experience their full potential. Full potential is defined as, more than we can ask or imagine. This is a vision of success that God puts before us. It’s a vision that is not achievable by human means alone. It’s something that God hopes for and directs the course of those who want it for themselves. If your vision for the future is achievable through your skill and ability, it is not big enough.
- Dec 24, 2017Key People in the Story
Dec 24, 2017Key People in the StoryBy: Dennis BakerSeries: Our Identity in Christ
Luke 1:26-38
When we think about the story of the Messiah, His life and His mission, we may identify better with one or more of the people involved. This is normal because the experiences we have may remind us of the people in the story. To which person in the story of Christ do you more closely connect? - Dec 17, 2017Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Dec 17, 2017Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?By: Ben CookSeries: Our Identity in Christ
This year I've had 4 different people ask this question. As you can imagine, some believe with great conviction that the answer is no while others don't even know that there's a question to ask. There are good reasons why many believers abstain completely from this holiday, and likewise, many reasons why families participate with their neighborhoods. There are also good reasons why we, as a church, actually put on a Trunk or Treat. Tonight we will open our Bibles and take a good, Biblical, look at this together. Some of this may even spill over to how we think about Christmas and yoga.
- Dec 17, 2017Careless Worship
Dec 17, 2017Careless WorshipBy: Ben CookSeries: Our Identity in Christ
Malachi 1:6-8
Every relationship in your life requires an investment from you, including your relationship with God. It is important for us to develop habits of spiritual discipline - reading, fasting, praying, and assembling; habits. By themselves, these activities become hollow and meaningless. Malachi brings our attention directly to this problem in ancient Israel: people who worshiped God but didn't actually care about God. He surely has something to say to us today in the busy, frenetic pace of the Holiday season.
- Dec 10, 2017The ABCs Of Maintaining Boundaries In Families
Dec 10, 2017The ABCs Of Maintaining Boundaries In FamiliesBy: Dennis BakerSeries: Our Identity in Christ
- Dec 10, 2017The Shepherd Protects
Dec 10, 2017The Shepherd ProtectsBy: Dennis BakerSeries: Our Identity in Christ
Ephesians 6:1-4
What happens when sheep don’t have a shepherd? Literally, they will die. They are not clever or bright, and when threatened, their only defense is to run; off a cliff, into a river, toward danger. All they can do instinctually is eat. If they are to remain useful for their wool, milk and as a food source, they must be guided and protected.
- Dec 3, 2017He Saw the Wind
Dec 3, 2017He Saw the WindBy: Ben CookSeries: Our Identity in Christ
Matthew 14:22-33
What shifted inside Peter? Only a few lines separate his request for Jesus to call him out of the boat, from his fixation on the wind. His swing from great faith to great doubt should break a record in anyone's book. Maybe it gives us comfort to know that this happens. Too often we believe that faith is a linear thing - it just builds and never looks back, but there are many things that can shake our faith. The truth is we often swing - wildly - from faith to doubt, and at every turn, Jesus is still there to lift us up. He is faithful even in your doubt. - Nov 26, 2017The Shepherd Leads
- Nov 19, 2017The Shepherd Knows
Nov 19, 2017The Shepherd KnowsBy: Dennis BakerSeries: Our Identity in Christ
John 1:1-14
To know just doesn’t mean acquiring knowledge. It includes how to conduct yourself according to that knowledge. Shepherd leaders get to know the flock, and they have a unique way of gathering information. - Nov 12, 2017Shepherding: A Model for the Home
Nov 12, 2017Shepherding: A Model for the HomeBy: Dennis BakerSeries: Our Identity in Christ
John 10:1-10
Shepherding is usually defined in terms of church leadership. The Shepherd (pastor/elder) is charged to lead the flock (church). A closer look reveals that effective leadership in the home is a pre-requisite for leadership in the Family of God (see 1 Timothy 3:4-5). Anyone who leads should consider the 4 principles of biblical shepherding: knowing, leading, protecting and providing.