The Story Continues

Peace Lives

John 14:27-29

Synopsis: HOPE is the first word of the Advent season, and there is a reason for that.  For one reason, Hope is the basis for out PEACE.  The resurrection made Hope and Peace a living reality.  Christians are challenged to Help Other People Experience hope and peace by Living In Faithful Expectation (LIFE).

      In John 14 Jesus shared the HOPE of the resurrection with the disciples and assured them that the gift he was giving them would result in “peace of mind and heart.” (John 14:27) 

      How do you define PEACE?  More often than not a dictionary definition will describe peace in terms of the absence of things: freedom from war, civil commotion, anxiety, annoyance.  It is something to work for.  Jesus describes it in terms of a gift to be received guaranteed by the resurrection.  Peace lives because of the resurrection.

Scripture Text (NLT):  John 14:27-29, 22-31

Scripture Reading: John 14:27-29

March 31, 2013                                                                        Easter

The Story Continues

Hope Lives

Mark 16:1-8

Synopsis: Today I begin a short series presenting the words of the four Advent candles in the context of the resurrection.  HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE take on new meaning as the story of the resurrection continues. The things we anticipated in the Advent to Christmas come to life in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

      HOPE lives because of the resurrection.  Death is denied.  The past is just that, past.  Hope is frightening!  It is uncertain, challenging and we often question whether or not we are up to the task.  The death of Jesus Christ ended the power of the past as the resurrection opened the door to a future full of potential.  Jesus’ agonizing cry from the cross, “It is finished!” still echoed in the minds and hearts of His followers until Sunday.  On that day a new cry arose among believers.  “He lives!”  Because hope lives the story continues.

      Do you member the acrostic I used in my sermon on the first Sunday of Advent last December?  HOPE: Help Other People Experience Emmanuel.  Help Other People Experience the resurrected Jesus Christ.  Help Other People Experience HOPE. 

Scripture Text (NLT): Mark 16:1-8;

Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1-8

The Purpose

Palm Sunday Reenactment

March 24, 2013

Pianist: Sharon McGinley                  Organist: Gail Hickman

Sound Room: Dale Williams; Projection: Libby Miller; Lights: Wayne Hinkle

Emmanuel Ensemble, Director: Karen Smith

Flute: Sara Smallman; French Horn: Karen Smith;

Trumpet: Bob Ogle; Trombone: Jeff Smith; Tuba: Brian Smallman

Rhythm Section, Director: Jeff Smith

Bass: Jeff Smith; Keyboard: Sharon McGinley; Percussion: Bryan Patterson, David Humphrey

Emmanuel Kids

Children’s Church, Wee Worship, Music Makers and Musikgarten

Cast of Characters

(Presented as they appear)

Jesus                                                                                                                                    Michael Burleson

Nicodemus                                                                                                                               Scott Waisner

Disciples       Joe Cagle, Dusty Shamblin, Darryl Hendricks, Norman Eskridge, Fred Wilson, Dale Gentry

                           Greg Schloesser, James Larrance, James Hodge, Jason McCoy, Brad Jones, Bryan Miller  

Mary                                                                                                                                   Sharon McGinley

Martha                                                                                                                                     Susan Waisner

Women                                Joan Jones, Judith Muncy, Jeanne Miller Fox, Lisa Patterson, Karen Williams

Peter                                                                                                                                   Darrell Hendricks

      The title for our reenactment this year is The Purpose.  The program opens with a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus seated around a table.  The scene changes as they will are joined by a host of characters and children in celebration of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  Then Jesus is seated on the Seat of the Rabbi as at the entrance to the city.  He is entertained by children singing.  From the Seat of the Rabbi Jesus instructs his followers on prayer and the life of faith.  Allow your imagination to fill in the blanks as we share this most precious story together.  Join in the music and prayer.  Sing praises to God for the gift of His love.  Following the morning offering we will hear from some of the women who ministered to Jesus.  They will be setting the stage for the Lord Supper.  As they depart Peter come to the stage to remember and sing.  Jesus and the other Disciples will join him as the scene turns to The Remembrance when everyone will be invited to join in receiving the bread and cup.  The program ends with Jesus and the Disciples leaving for the Garden of Gethsemane.

      The five purposes From Rick Warren’s book What on Earth Am I Here For? form the structure of The Purpose.  The order has been changed to fit our presentation.  We start with “You Matter to God” and that’s why Jesus came.  Jesus made the way of deliverance available for all so that we could fulfill our purpose.  We are made for Worship, Discipleship, Ministry, Fellowship, and Evangelism.  It is in the expression of their purpose that believers find fulfillment in life.  

March 17, 2013                             What On Earth Am I Here For?

                                                            A Purpose Driven Campaign

Ministry

 You Were Shaped for Serving God

                                    Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Synopsis: Ever wonder why you are shaped the way you are?  Some of your physical shape is hereditary.  Blame that on your parents, but remember you wouldn't be here were it not for them.  Some of your physical shape is attributed to your habits.  What you take in and what you do makes a big impact on how you look.  The advice I get is do more and eat less.

      But how are you shaped in the Spirit.  Yes, you bear the image of the Father, but is that all there is to it?  What you take in has an impact on what you can do and how you look is determined by what you do.  You were made by God the Father to serve others in Christ Jesus by the power of the Spirit.  Don’t ever forget that you are part of the Father’s project.  Bring your all and trust the results to God.

Scripture Text (NLT):  Ephesians 2:10 (NIV); 1 Corinthians 3:4-9, CEV; Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV; Galatians 3:1-5, CEV

Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

      We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

March 10, 2013                             What On Earth Am I Here For?

                                                            A Purpose Driven Campaign

Discipleship

 You Were Created to Become Like Christ

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Synopsis: I had people tell me, “You look just like your dad.”  Personally, I think I look like my dad’s son, but I understand the resemblance.  I don’t work at it.  It’s just naturally a part of who I am.  Good or bad it is who I am. 

      When we are born into the family of God we take on the image of the Father.  The most perfect example of the Father in human form was seen in the Son, Jesus of Nazareth.  Believers have that image to look to in order to determine whose we are.

      Believers are human beings born again by the poser of the Father.  That second birth starts a war within us.  Victory is won every time our lives reflect the presence of Christ within us.   

Scripture Text (NLT):  John 10:22-38; Romans 8:28 (NIV), Acts 9:1-9, 7:57-60; 1 Peter 4:13; Ephesians 4:11-16

Memory Verse: Romans 8:28 (NIV)

In all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

March 3, 2013                               What On Earth Am I Here For?

                                                            A Purpose Driven Campaign

Fellowship

 You Were Formed for God’s Family

Ephesians 2:19b (TLB)

Synopsis: Have you ever felt like you were born into the wrong family.  I have heard more than one teen say that.  Well, part of that is because you were born into a flesh and blood family and yes there is more.  You need to be born again (John 3:3).  That’s what Jesus told Nicodemus.  He was shocked.  Now we know that Jesus wasn’t talking about flesh and blood rebirth, mom and dad initiated birth.  Jesus was talking about being birthed into God eternal family.  You must be born of the Spirit.  God the Father initiated Spirit birth brings you into the family of God often referred to as the church.

      There is a big identity shift in the New Testament.  Following the individual response there is an automatic membership in the family of God.  The family gathers together in groups to learn more about living in the family and for fellowship (Acts 2:42).  Fellowship is the key word for accountability and reliability within the congregation (Hebrews 10:23-25).  

      We are formed to be the family of God in this world (Ephesians 2:17-22).  Not a nation formed by man, but an eternal creation made by the power and grace of God.

Scripture Text (NLT):  John 3:3-9; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:23-25; Ephesians 2:19 (CEV); 2:17-22

Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:19b (TLB)

      You are members of God’s very own family . . . and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.

February 24, 2013                        What On Earth Am I Here For?

                                                            A Purpose Driven Campaign

Worship

You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure

Romans 6:13b

Synopsis: Worship is … you living as a slave to God’s will for your life is worship.  No, circumstances do not define worship rather they provide a stage for worship to be acted out in your life.  It pleases God to bless His people so it should please His people to be a blessing to God.  Worship is the expression of life therefore it happens everywhere.

Scripture Text (NLT):  Romans 6:13b, 12-14; Exodus 34:12-14; Acts 16:22-34

February 17, 2013                        What On Earth Am I Here For?

                                                            A Purpose Driven Campaign

You Matter to God

Isaiah 44:2a

Synopsis: You Matter to God and that is why what you do or don’t do matters to God.  You are special in God’s sight no matter what you do, but that can never be an excuse to do wrong, rather it should inspire us to do what is right in the sight of God.  There is no excuse for sin but there are consequences.  Doing the right thing in God’s sight always results in rewards that last forever.

      Certainly, what happens to you or doesn’t happen you matters to God too.  However, God doesn’t allow the things that happens to you to determine His love for you.  You shouldn’t either. 

      You Matter to God and therefore you matter to me or at least you should.  I shouldn’t need any other reason.  You may give me plenty more reasons that may make you matter more, but you already matter.

      There was a man named Saul who went about doing horrible things to believers.  But Saul mattered to God and when Jesus met him along the way Saul’s life changed (Acts 9).  Ananias mattered to God but he was more than a little surprised when the Lord told him to go, lay hands on him to bring healing to his body and direction to his life.  Ananias went because Saul mattered to God therefore, Saul mattered to Ananias.  I hope you allow the power of God’s purpose in your life to lead you to the fullness of life.

Scripture Text (NLT): Acts 9:10-18

Memory Verse: Isaiah 44:2a (CEV)

      I am your Creator. 

            You were in my care

                  even before you were born.

February 10, 2013                        What On Earth Am I Here For?

                                              Six Week Spiritual Growth Campaign

A Swift Kick

Act 1:1-3

Synopsis: Change is not easy no matter how young or old you happen to be.  We all know that change is a part of living.  Physically, we are either renewing our cells or we are dying.  The same is true spiritually. 

      Over the course of life I have been made painfully aware of the spiritual principle of “A Swift Kick.”  It is a biblical principle relate to the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of individuals and through them to the life of the church.  J. W, MacGorman helped me to identify and name this principle through a study of the book of Acts back in 1990.

      The stories in Acts help us identify ways we as believers often resist the leadership of the Holy Spirit when it comes to change.  I hope this sermon and the reading of Acts will help you identify spiritual barriers that you and others before you have erected to block others out and fence you in.  May the Spirit of Christ lift you over these barriers and give you and those around you access to the transforming power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture Text (NLT):  Romans 12:1-2; Acts 1:1-3, 8:26-40

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-3

January 27, 2013                                                                                

Sermon Series: What On Earth Are We Doing?

Who Do You Think You Are? 

The Great Identity Question

Judges 6:11-16

Synopsis: Robert Fulghum in What On Earth Have I Done:            

Stories, Observations, and Affirmations presents four “Great Mother Questions.”  The fourth one is “Who Do You Think You Are?”  It is, as he writes, “the big one”.  “A flourishing life depends on how you answer that.”  Let’s explore this great identity question.

      We usually begin this quest with a flurry of facts: name, rank and serial number sort of thing.  We might even mention the color of our skin, hair or eyes and possibly even identify ourselves as male or female.  We often talk about what we own or drive.  This is the type of information that falls prey to identity thieves or others who might want what you have.

      Next we advance to identify ourselves in terms of relationships.  We are the child of, spouse of, a member of this family, that church, or these various groups.  We might even point to what we do or have done.  Where we have been employed often enters the conversation. 

      We have to dig down really deep to come up with who we are at the next level.  That’s when we discover that God has been waiting for us to ask that question so He can help us discover our true identity.  It is in the discovery of our true identity and a life lived accordingly that we are promised to find fulfillment.  It was that way for Peter and Gideon and is promised to be that way for all God’s children.

 Scripture Text (NLT):  Matthew 16:13-20; Judges 6:11-16; John 10:6-18

 Scripture Reading: Judges 6:11-14