Fresh Start

Sermon: Faithfulness to Blessing

Pastor: Noah Reed

Ruth 4 

Sermon Summary:

Are you in need of a fresh start? Life, work, family, faith feeling empty or unfresh? We take a look at the ending of the story of Ruth to discover that the key to a fresh start is Faithfulness.

Faithfulness always returns with blessing.

As we look at the actions of Boaz, being faithful to Ruth and having the incredible integrity to offer what he desired for himself to another man, we learn that integrity is rarely easy, but it is always the most rewarding.   Remember, you have a legacy, and it is how you act today that will establish your legacy. Will your legacy be one of integrity? Character? Lovingkindness? Faithfulness?

This story, with its happily ever after ending, reveals a bigger picture, a redeeming Christ with a gift freely offered to all who are faithful to accept it.

Join us for CLCC Church online. We are in the third week of our series called "Fresh Start" and will be hearing from Pastor Phil. Join us as we take a deep dive into the book of Ruth!

Join us for Church at Home. We are in the second week of our series called "Fresh Start" and will be hearing from Pastor Troy. Join us as we take a deep dive into the book of Ruth!

Fresh Start

Sermon: Clarity

Ruth 3

Sermon Summary

The Big Idea of this study is to reflect on seeing how God is involved in our everyday lives.

This story takes a turn this week in Chapter 3, when Naomi and Ruth decide to do something about their situation, and they need some clarity about their future. They decide to take the opportunity that is available to them. They know that if they don’t do anything, nothing will change. 

Ruth and Naomi approach their relative Boaz to see if he would like to be their family redeemer. This is a bold ask, and they are at risk to be rejected. But they need a fresh start, to make a bold ask. They know what direction that they want to head in and are interested to see where they will end up. 

Questions for Discussion:

1. Ruth made a very interesting marriage proposal to Boaz. What’s the most interesting marriage proposal that you’ve heard about?  

2. When Ruth asked Boaz to ‘redeem’ them, she was risking hearing a ‘no’. What “no” have you gotten in your life that as you look back now you can see was a blessing? 

3. What change do you think that Ruth felt after she took her bath, put on perfume and changed her clothes? What small changes have you seen people do to change their mindset? What are some small changes that you can make to change your mindset? 

4. What area in your life would you like a fresh start, but you need a plan to see what your decision might be?

Join us for Church at Home. We are beginning a brand new series called "Fresh Start" and will be hearing from Pastor Jim. Join us as we take a deep dive into the book of Ruth!

Fresh Start

Sermon: New Beginnings

Pastor: Jim Lucas

Ruth 1:8-22

Sermon Summary:

Have you ever noticed that very little gets accomplished on the first attempt? Everything in life that is worthwhile requires new beginnings. Success is often determined by getting up one more time than we fall down.

Our new series on the Book of Ruth is about Fresh Starts. Naomi, one of the main characters in the book, certainly needs one. Her life is a mess. She is completely discouraged. She feels totally empty. However, she has a daughter-in-law who demonstrates loving kindness and by the end of the story, Naomi’s life is completely full. How did that happen? Tune in to this new series to find out.

Next Steps

Sermon: Through the Kitchen

Pastor: Troy Neilsen

Acts 9:26-30

Sermon Summary

This week we’re diving into the story of Saul, who finds himself back in Jerusalem. We’ll hear how his new friend Barnabas steps into the Kitchen and serves him by helping him become one of the greatest missionaries and evangelists of all time. 

Next Steps

Sermon: Belonging

Pastor: Troy Neilsen

Acts 9:19-25

Sermon Summary:

This weekend we're celebrating our Fall kick off by looking at the story of Saul after he turned his life over to Jesus. We see that because of that choice, he’s in trouble; his old friends are trying to kill him now that he believes that Jesus is the Messiah.

We’ll see how Saul is quickly invited into “the living room” of others to belong. Saul goes from someone who was searching to kill followers of “The Way”, to someone who would be one of the greatest evangelists of all time. However Saul would have never become Paul if it weren’t for the others in his life who welcomed him, encouraged him and gave him a place to belong.

Questions for Discussion:

1. How can we take the Next Step and get into the living room where we're not only being supported, but also being a support?

2. How can we find a place where we belong?

Next Steps

Sermon: A Porch Experience

Pastor: Jim Lucas

Acts 9:10-19a

Sermon Summary:

People make decisions to follow Jesus all the time, all over the world.  Each situation is unique but there are some factors in common.  We see these illustrated in the conversion of Saul; the Lord initiates the connection, faithful believers follow up and welcome the individual into the Kingdom and the community of faith. Those who welcome home the new brother or sister in Christ must exercise faith and boldness. 

Do you know of anyone who is on the porch of the Kingdom?

Next Steps

Sermon: Life Interrupted

Pastor: Jim Lucas

Acts 9:1-6

Sermon Summary:

This weekend we start a new series "NEXT STEPS."

The Story of the Apostle Paul's conversion plays an important role in the book of Acts.  It is more than an encounter between Saul, the church's greatest antagonist at the time, and Jesus, the risen Lord. Luke wants us to see this story as an example of how the Gospel spreads. Jesus initiates connections with people. He calls us into a personal relationship with him and invites us to take the next step in our transformation. In this new series we will see in Paul's story how Jesus is at work calling and shaping his people.

Stories Around the Campfire

Sermon: Learning From Our Mistakes

Pastor: Troy Neilsen

Luke 22:54-62

Stories Around the Campfire

Sermon: God vs. god

Pastor: Troy Neilsen

1 Kings 18:20-37