Remember to always…

1. Share with the Lord.

2. Share about the Lord.

3. Serve the Lord.

4. Sing to the Lord.

People’s perspectives were put back into place, and they were reminded by that quiet, gentle voice, why they were there- that they were all neighbors who cared deeply about the community- they were just seeing things from a different side of the fence. In our family, we will face moments when we don’t agree. What if, when things get heated in our lifegroup gathering… you listen to the gentle, still small voice. When the Spirit says, “Let us pursue peace.. Remember why we’re all here.” What if you allow that still, small voice to remind you that the one sitting to the right of you is actually more important than you being right? What if at Thanksgiving dinner, when you can totally shout louder or argue better… in a small, gentle voice, you move in toward them and ask about how they’re doing, and what they are thankful for?

Family, from this holiday season to the next election season, and every season in between, may we hear the voice of the Spirit say:

“Accept one another, just as Christ also accepted you, for the glory of God.”

So we are not just saved out of hell, but we are also redeemed into a family. Jesus did not die on the cross and resurrect from the grave just to get us into heaven in the future. The forgiveness and life that Jesus offers opens the door to God’s house and God’s family now, with plenty of beds and rooms for all people to find rest.

Are you tired of living in a perpetual famine? Are you exhausted from trying to fill the undeniable emptiness in your heart? I pray you hear the welcoming voice of Jesus saying, “come home my child.” God is growing His family, and He has welcomed us in to go welcome others in. As people who have experienced God’s hesed, his covenant loyal love, we as the Church are the way God has chosen to extend his hesed to the world.

The world doesn’t change… the Winds will always be present. But blessed are those today, who are saved and are getting baptized, because of the powerful change that takes place within them, not outside of them. Their sins are redeemed. Their soul is restored. Their mind is renewed. God has filled them with His Spirit, and the pneuma will always be present. Just as sure as the wind that blows against them, is the Holy Spirit inside them. So today, we celebrate their newness of life! Their new heart and new mind. Take a look at some of the testimonies of life now in Christ, and then we’ll turn our attention to the baptism pool following.

The world doesn’t change… the Winds will always be present. But blessed are those today, who are saved and are getting baptized, because of the powerful change that takes place within them, not outside of them. Their sins are redeemed. Their soul is restored. Their mind is renewed. God has filled them with His Spirit, and the pneuma will always be present. Just as sure as the wind that blows against them, is the Holy Spirit inside them. So today, we celebrate their newness of life! Their new heart and new mind. Take a look at some of the testimonies of life now in Christ, and then we’ll turn our attention to the baptism pool following.

The world doesn’t change… the Winds will always be present. But blessed are those today, who are saved and are getting baptized, because of the powerful change that takes place within them, not outside of them. Their sins are redeemed. Their soul is restored. Their mind is renewed. God has filled them with His Spirit, and the pneuma will always be present. Just as sure as the wind that blows against them, is the Holy Spirit inside them. So today, we celebrate their newness of life! Their new heart and new mind. Take a look at some of the testimonies of life now in Christ, and then we’ll turn our attention to the baptism pool following.

From these people, the genealogy shows us, comes Jesus our Messiah. Boaz was willing to be forgotten so that Elimelech would be remembered. And by God’s sovereignty, God has preserved and has perpetuated Boaz’s name in the lineage of Jesus. As long as this word lasts, so shall Boaz’s name be identified with Christ. Will you live to be forgotten, so that Christ will be remembered?

We are to act in faith and move with boldness and courage, but when we have actively done all that we could do, we patiently wait on God to do what only God can do. By faith you actively search for a job, diligently prepare for the interview, faithfully pray for God’s provision; Then by faith you patiently wait for God to provide the position or the promotion he’s prepared for you.

By faith you actively seek counsel, pray for wisdom, read scripture for guidance about the future; then by faith you patiently wait on God’s sovereignty to order our steps and open the doors.

From the Christian's perspective, there is no such thing as chance. God is either directly or indirectly involved in everything that happens to us. He can therefore be trusted and obeyed in any circumstance, because even the smallest details are under His control.

I feel like almost weekly, I’m meeting people who have been away from church, or far from God, for years. And now, you’re looking for a home to come back to. You’re wanting to return back to God. If that’s you, I believe God is saying “Welcome home!” And I’m not just referring to SBCC, though I would love this to be your home… More importantly, home is where God’s heart is. Home is in the arms of your Father. Naomi had been far away for at least 10 years before returning home. Maybe for you it’s been your entire life. If you’ve been far from God, I pray you know that He’s waiting in the driveway. The door's been unlocked, and the porch light is on. Naomi turned- turned back to God. Maybe today, it’s your turn.