Harrisonville Church of the Nazarene

Is it better to start with the good news or the bad news? Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with good news, the good work God was doing for them and the good things the church was doing for God and others. But Paul still talks about the "bad news", about the sin we were mired in before we knew Christ. Paul wants us to remember where we came from, what we were saved from, because remembering our rescue is what creates compassion in us for those in need of rescue.

Church is both a noun, something we are called to BE, and a verb, something we are called to DO and live out. As we begin our study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we will see that before we learn what to do as Christ's church we must learn who we are called to be, and it all begins by understanding that we are created, saved and sanctified to glorify and enjoy God forever!

Church is both a noun, something we are called to BE, and a verb, something we are called to DO and live out. As we begin our study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we will see that before we learn what to do as Christ's church we must learn who we are called to be, and it all begins by understanding that we are created, saved and sanctified to glorify and enjoy God forever!

Jesus promised his disciples he would not leave them alone, that God would send them an Advocate to be with them, to fight for them. This is the promise of Pentecost, that God makes his very presence available to us, to empower us, to guide us, and to reassure us of his love.

Jesus promised his disciples he would not leave them alone, that God would send them an Advocate to be with them, to fight for them. This is the promise of Pentecost, that God makes his very presence available to us, to empower us, to guide us, and to reassure us of his love.

Jeremiah call to be a prophet was not an easy one, and he was not afraid to complain to God. Even so, Jeremiah had already decided God was someone worth trusting and obeying - his lament eventually turns to worship as he is able to declare that God is good. Jeremiah understood that in the midst of the storms of life, worship is what grounds us in the promises of God.

Jeremiah call to be a prophet was not an easy one, and he was not afraid to complain to God. Even so, Jeremiah had already decided God was someone worth trusting and obeying - his lament eventually turns to worship as he is able to declare that God is good. Jeremiah understood that in the midst of the storms of life, worship is what grounds us in the promises of God.

Judging him only on his outward appearance, David wasn't the biggest, strongest, or most impressive looking of his brothers. But when it came to choosing Israel's next king, God was not interested in outward appearances, God was interested in David's willing heart. You see, God is not looking for perfect people, but people whose hearts are open to grace.

Judging him only on his outward appearance, David wasn't the biggest, strongest, or most impressive looking of his brothers. But when it came to choosing Israel's next king, God was not interested in outward appearances, God was interested in David's willing heart. You see, God is not looking for perfect people, but people whose hearts are open to grace.

The story of Rahab is complicated, then again life is complicated and the Bible does not try to hide this fact from us. Rahab's story reminds us that God does not expect us to the all put together when we first decide to follow Jesus. Before we know everything there is to know about God, we are called to be faithful and obedient to what we do know and understand.