InterActions

January 30, 2012

It seems like every other sermon in church has something to do with relationships, why is that? Maybe its because relationships are built into our make-up, we crave community and connection, we need one another. But I could just be grabbing at straws here. These relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are the most precious, some the most important, some with the most responsibility, and others we don’t even like. This series is a journey not only into our relationships, but how they affect so much more than we think. How our relationship with God not only matters, but it also affects every other relationship I have. We say it often here at GracePoint; How I treat my neighbor, spouse, child, friend, enemy, says a lot about how I feel about God. This series will try and get at the heart of that.

We will look at the InterActions between:
-Our inner circles; our friends
-Our intimate circles; our spouses
-Our parent/child dynamics
- and even the relationship with our enemies.

This will not just be a journey into what these interactions are, but how to grow in them. Our hope is to open our eyes to see how these relationships can actually improve our relationship with God. We know having a good relationship with God helps all other interactions, but what if my earthly relationships actually pushed me toward having a better one with God?

War: What is it good for?

December 21, 2011

Right away you are either curious or defensive when you see a title like this. Let me put your mind at ease. This series is not going to be a soapbox or some rant. My goal is to investigate the Christian views on war and violence and give each a proper look. My hope is that whatever our viewpoint is:

• Just war
• Pacifism
• Non-violent Direct Action
We will know it well and understand what it means to hold that position and how it lines up with Jesus.

I want to look into the history of the issue and see where Christians have stood over the years. We will ask those tough hypothetical questions and see if the “what if’s” really matter when it comes to following Jesus. Most of all we will wrestle with what scripture has to say about it, because after all, we are people of the Book. What we find might just shock you as we journey deep into the issue of war and peace.

I am well aware of the sensitivity we have on this issue and the reasons why. My goal is that we all stay open minded and hear all the sides and then make our decision. Perhaps this is one of those times where a good starting point would be “Where would Jesus land on this issue?”

Christmas Around the World

November 30, 2011

It’s Christmas season and I know what’s on your mind; Piñatas. I know this is where I am supposed to add a just kidding line, but I won’t. This Christmas series will be a glance at a couple of traditions we may not be used to at this time of year, but they are loaded with significance. I have always been fascinated with other cultures and traditions, but not just because they are different, but because there are reasons for doing the things that they are doing. We run ourselves ragged this month trying to fit everything in, but for what purpose? We have to go to this party or that one or buy that gift for so and so, but aren’t they just more things and more obligations.

My goal with this series is to step back and look at Christmas with a different lens. We will still talk about the manger, the inn, and the shepherds and of course Jesus, but maybe with a new perspective and new understanding of what this holiday is all about. What does the tradition ‘Las Posadas’ have to do with why did Jesus come down? Why did He do it the way He did? That is just one of many we will look at, but there are plenty of other questions. Is there more to Christmas than just lights, gifts and obligations? I know we will answer, of course, but do our traditions and actions say that as well?

Colossians: Bring the Pieces Together

November 9, 2011

Have you ever been frustrated with someone that you taught? You know what I mean, you taught them how to do something and they had it when you left, but as soon as you turn your back, they lose their mind. That is exactly how Paul feels with the church in Colosse. These folks know the truth and yet they are being influenced by all kinds of fancy talk and new age religion. Paul’s basic answer to all the questions in Colossians is ‘make Jesus the center and everything else falls into place.’ However that is easier said than done.

Our series in Colossians is actually going to be team taught. So each week someone will join me in the preaching and you will hear a couple of points of view along the way. The themes in this book are powerful. We open with an understanding of the problems in Colosse and Paul’s solution.  Then we move into a powerful image of marriage and close with our understanding of using every opportunity to be people of God’s grace. The world looks very different when we see it through Jesus’ eyes.

What is my community?

October 17, 2011

Community is one of those words that gets thrown around all the time. In most cases the word talks about where we live, but I think we need to expand our definition a bit. What if we stopped for a moment and asked God “What is my community?” Is it possible that my community includes:
-my neighborhood
-my profession
-my passions
-my relationships
In fact, any place where I have relationships is a community that God has placed me in.

So taking this new view of community puts us in a unique place to serve God. God calls us to share the good news with the whole world and that starts with our communities and extends out from there.

Serving our schools, the homeless, anyone in need, can be caring for our communities. However true communities exists where relationships exist. Relationships are the places where the gospel is best spread. Our Lord built relationships everywhere He went and we are called to do the same. The question in this series will switch from “what” is my community to “who” is my community?

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