FCC Etown Podcast

Our vision of leading people closer to Jesus has most certainly been blurred in the past year. The connections that facilitate leading others have been disrupted. Closer goes against the grain in a world where distance is the operative word. But nothing in our unusual circumstances reduces our need to worship God, the creator of the universe. Stuart gives us clear and practical thoughts about what we have missed, and what we stand to gain, as we encounter God through worship. It's something we all need to consider.

THE SEVEN LANGUAGES

Have you ever had difficulty trying to learn a language other than English? Or difficulty as a parent trying to understand your young child’s babbling? Or difficulty trying to understand terminology from a scientist or a doctor or a professor? Or trying to discern the ramblings of an elderly relative with dementia?

More importantly, have you had difficulty understanding what God is saying to you? He won’t speak in a loud voice. He may use His Word to instill in you a change you need to make or a new way to serve Him or direct you to someone who needs your friendship or favor. Pay attention to what is going on around you. He uses more than words to help you understand what He wants from you.

Often, when thinking through tools for spiritual formation, Prayer and Scripture are mentioned independently of each other. However, it is through God’s Word that prayer is explained and modeled for us. Praying through the powerful words of scripture because of the greatest key in unlocking the truth and power of prayer.

THE WHISPER SPOT

We live in a world full of noise. Not only outside of us, but also inside of us. We need a break from the chaos and the noise so we can connect more intimately with God. From the beginning of creation, God created us with a need for quiet time. Even Jesus needed this. He was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness" (Matthew 4:1) and He "went up on the mountain by himself to pray, alone" (Matthew 14:23). It's surprising how loud silence can be when we're not used to it. However, the goal of this silence is to hear from God through His word and responding back to Him in prayer. These quiet times of engaging directly with God in the Scriptures and prayer offer strength and will draw us so much closer to Him.

The Power of a Whisper “The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” We live in a world of blaring stimuli seeking to garner our attention. Music is loud, movies are loud and commentators on TV are loud. But each of us has a choice as to what we listen to and follow. Jesus told the parable of the sheep and the shepherd. The sheep only follow the shepherd’s voice. Others may come with loud commands, but the sheep ignore them. We need to choose better to whom we will listen. Tune out the volume and seek the one who cares for you and protects you

Joyfully Content

When we get restless, we tend to make bad decisions. Restlessness often comes from not being content or a lack of contentment. That can spring from not being focused on what we have or not feeling we have enough.Paul speaks directly to this matter, “... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

ENDURING JOY (Philippians 3:12-21)

The race of life is often draining because we’re looking for strength from the wrong source or we’re running at a pace we cannot sustain. In this message, we will look at how to train for the long haul and chase a prize that matters.

Do Joy: Joy in the Effort

Were you told by your parents to be proud of who you are? How you look? How well you do in school? Yet in Philippians, we are told that regardless of our heritage, our upbringing, our good deeds, we are not to take pride in ourselves but only in Christ Jesus.Paul at one time took pride in his past, his nationality and his religious track record of persecuting the church. Yet he tells us in Philippians 3:7-8a (ERV) “At one time all these things were important to me. But because of Christ, I decided that they are worth nothing . . . compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

CHOOSE JOY

As Christians, we have so much to be joyful about! It may seem like the world is crumbling around us but because of Jesus, we have nothing to fear! We have the distinct privilege of partnering with the Holy Spirit to spread the good news of Jesus right here in our own community. It is an awesome and breathtaking responsibility and one we must not take lightly! Paul tells us our lives should be: “bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11)

GOOD RIDDANCE 2020 –WHAT DID WE LEARN?

As 2020 is coming to a close, we all can say who we are as the church. Pre-pandemic, we were a church with one campus. We are now a church of two campuses, in-person and online. We have learned to understand the church isn't a place you go, but it is the people. The stories of how many people we are reaching through our online presence and from the presence in our community as a result of drive-by parades, grocery shopping for our shut-ins, etc. has led to great conversations that will lead people to closer to Jesus. Let's praise God for the ways he taught us to be the church during this trying time.