Shartel Church

Rough roads are a part of EVERYONE’S journey at one time or another. Though we come to expect a few twists and turns in our relationships, we usually don’t foresee all the potholes and debris we will encounter. One of the most important skills we can learn is how to navigate on troublesome relational roads. Learning how not to overreact or overcompensate can save your life while driving. It can also save your relationships!

Problems occur in our relationships when we move too fast. We tend to microwave almost everything, relationships included! We make commitments before we actually know the person, or we allow others to dictate the speed. In this message, I will focus on some of the speed limits we need to consider, whether in a business, personal, or romantic relationship. If we want relationships that are healthy and last, we need to slow down and live!

We often say that being a Christian is about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. That is a very true statement. Sometimes, what we miss is that this relationship is not one where we come in and stay the same. Jesus doesn't call us into a relationship and desire us to be the same. He calls us to become a New Creation. He calls us to leave our life of flesh, to let the old things pass away, and to become new in Him. Have you embraced this New Creation that He is calling you to become, or are you clinging to your old things? Join us this Sunday as we see what it means to be "Living as a New Creation!"

This week's message focuses on what it means to be spiritually grounded, not in our accomplishments, performance, or outward success, but in the unchanging love of God.

The problem with most of our kids is US! The attitudes they have, the values they choose, the character they develop…most of it comes from what they’ve seen in their own home. Though ultimately our kids must choose for themselves, they absorb an awful lot from us. This message will look at how to address our own “stuff” so that our kids might not repeat the sins of their parents.

On this Mother’s Day, we will be doing a Child Dedication. But what is OUR role? What is it that God wants US to do with these children? This message explores the purposes of parenting and the plan God had in mind when He created us to live in families.

Paul was religious but not victorious. He knew the scriptures but he couldn’t live them out. He knew a lot about God but he didn’t really know God. In Romans 7 he details his defeated life. Then he experienced the Resurrected Jesus. Paul discovered that he needed more than knowledge. He needed POWER. And that power comes from the Resurrected Christ living in us and through us. You can discover how to live a victorious life as well!

Have you ever been afraid? Sure you have. Fear has a paralyzing quality to it that can keep us from moving forward with our lives. Especially when that fear comes from failure. Peter experienced that. When Jesus needed Peter the most, Peter denied he even knew Him. Peter, gripped by fear, retreated and hid. But then came the Resurrection. And that fearful, cowering disciple became a powerful preacher. Peter found the strength to not only overcome his fears but to become the best version of himself. The Resurrection can renew courage in you as well!

When the disciples discovered that Jesus had risen from the dead, it was as though THEY came back to life, too! Their JOY was restored. Their BELIEF was renewed. And their souls were filled with HOPE. This Resurrection Sunday, we will look at how Jesus can be that same Living Hope for you. No matter how bleak your circumstances have been, there is a Resurrection waiting for YOU!

Have you ever lost faith? Most of us have, along the way. Disappointments, losses, and setbacks all have their way of taking the wind out of our spiritual sails and filling our minds with doubt. Thomas is a good example of that. He was a faithful follower until he saw Jesus arrested and crucified. Then, doubt took over. That is, until he experienced the Resurrection for himself. May God restore YOUR faith too!