As winter approaches, people are receiving the annual vaccine to ward off the flu, medically referred to as Influenza. While the clinics are full, there is a greater risk of lives being drastically affected by what sociologists call Affluenza – a preoccupation of money, extreme materialism, and continual consumerism. Symptoms often include feelings of guilt, lack of motivation and a chronic dissatisfaction with their current situation. This week’s sermon looks continues to explore the paradox of generosity. Four specific types of giving will be explored as practical means to inoculate ourselves from Affluenza.

A paradox is a statement that seems absurd but in reality, expresses a truth. The Bible presents several paradoxes especially when it comes to the topic of generosity. Simply stated, when we give, we keep. This week’s sermon looks at the principle of ownership and how it relates to generosity.

Jesus, from the beginning, has always been God’s good news for you. Logos, or Word, is a spoken thought and Jesus is the Word of God.

There is a rhythm to praying that consists of requesting, waiting, fighting and finally resting. It’s in the resting phase that one can recharge and refocus to continue knowing the heart of God. In a society that values busyness over stillness and productivity over connection, the resting phase in prayer is often overlooked. This week’s sermon looks at the importance of resting. Helpful suggestions to engage in spiritual rest will be examined.

It is common to experience conflict – both internal and external – when praying. Many refer to this as spiritual warfare. Even before the prayer request, there is a spiritual fight that incurs for the heart and life of the believer. This week’s sermon looks at the connection between a powerful prayer and the life of the one praying.

Prayer is often described as a simple conversation with God, yet it often feels like a one-sided conversation waiting on God to respond to the request. This week’s sermon examines why God makes us wait and his purpose behind the waiting.

What prayer gets a powerful response from God?

Prayer is often described as a simple conversation with God, yet many people wonder if their prayers are effective or even heard by God. This week’s sermon looks at the type of request that initiates a powerful response from God.

The purpose of community goes beyond enjoying life with great friends. Within the context of biblical community, broken and hurting people see the clearest picture of Jesus’ love. Community provides support and confidence for members to step out of their comfort zone to meet the needs of those around them.

As we’re trying to build biblical community, how well do we actually welcome folks into our homes; into our lives; into our hearts; and even into our churches? (Hint: We think we’re much better at this than we actually are!) Pastor Joe explores this and offers some practical ways to improve our welcoming that are both “easy yet hard” to follow. Joe Hess recently retired and served both as Interim Pastor and Care and Connections Pastor at South Sub Christian Church in Littleton, Colorado.

While biblical community sets the stage for people to fully experience God, moving towards community can be overwhelming and intimidating. Pastor Keith Smith explores some of the excuses offered for not taking the step when God says, “Go!”

Keith Smith is Lead Pastor at South Sub Christian Church in Littleton Colorado.