How God uses walking and talking to proclaim His Gospel
Looking out in prayer and ministry
Pastor Tom
January 25, 2009
Acts 17:16–34
How God helps others through our prayers
Looking out in prayer and ministry
Pastor Tom
January 18, 2009
Exodus 17:8–16
We might not be facing a battle right now. But we all travel through hostile times in our lives. Some of us are very aware of the battles we face. Some may even think they are losing the battle or wonder where God is in it. When we must go through a hostile time in life, must we go through it alone?
Well the good news God brings to us today through His Word is this: Because the Lord’s preserves His people in hostile times, we can go through them and help others through in His strength. To preserve means to “protect, conserve, safeguard, defend, sustain, carry on and care for.” God proved throughout Biblical history His passion to preserve His people. Today we’re going to see one example of how He did that and how He involved people in His preserving action.
Salt + Light = Mercy
Looking out in prayer and ministry
Pastor Tom
January 11, 2009
Luke 10:25–37
When the someone stops to offer great help to a stranger, people will often label the helper a “Good Samaritan.” But what was the Good Samaritan parable all about? When did it occur and what might it have to say to you and me today? Well I need to warn you that considering this parable might seriously threaten our comfort zones. It might disrupt our lives and completely mess up our sacred schedules. But it also shows us a very tangible way to live out our calling as salt of the earth and light of the world.
Last week, we resumed our series on prayer. In the Fall we looked in at internal issues in prayer. Then we looked up to the one we pray to. Now we look out to learn about prayer for and ministry to others, those outside the church. Last week we discovered that Jesus asks each of His disciples for two pieces of id to confirm their identity– salt and light. We talked about what it means to be salt of the earth and light of the world.
The Call to be Salt and Light
Looking out in prayer and ministry
Pastor Tom
January 4, 2009
Matthew 5:13–16
You thought you were just going to hear a good speaker. You settle in for some good teaching about life in general. But then He turns and looks directly at you. Suddenly you are no longer a spectator but a participant as He makes some very direct statements about your identity. In fact He redefines your life purpose. You’re not only a businessman, student, nurse, farmer, soldier, parent, office worker or skilled tradesperson. You have a new identity that He commands you to embrace. Instead of a comfortable time listening to a stimulating speaker, you’re life direction has changed.
That’s what happened to a group of Jesus’ disciples 2000 years ago. Surrounded by large crowds, they settled in for some good teaching by their Master as He sat on a mountainside. But instead of addressing the whole crowd, He turns to them. He proclaims two characteristics that would identify and authenticate His true disciples.
If you claim to be a Christian today, you are one of Jesus’ disciples. The same message He delivered to His disciples then applies to us. Jesus comes today looking for 2 pieces of ID from His true followers. He asks for 2 pieces of ID to verify His disciple’s identify. But He doesn’t want our passport or driver’s license. He wants the same 2 pieces He gave to His disciples of 2000 years ago. Today, we’re going to find out what they are and what it means to embrace them.