 In life, we're constantly navigating the seas of change. It's like being on a boat where the waters can shift from calm to stormy in a heartbeat. Change, in its many forms, is not just inevitable but a crucial part of our spiritual journey. Whether it's personal struggles, transitions in life, or the evolution of our faith, change is the arena where our trust in God is both tested and strengthened.
Our challenges, those tough, knuckle-biting moments, are not just obstacles but opportunities for growth and deeper faith. They are the forge in which our character and reliance on God are strengthened. It's in these moments that we learn to let go of our need for control, to trust in a plan higher than our own, and to find peace in the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. Another thing to note is that our interactions, how we support and nurture one another, have a profound impact. It's through these connections that our personal faith journeys are enriched and our spiritual gifts are fanned into vibrant flames. It reminds us that we're not solitary travelers but part of a larger, beautifully interconnected faith community. So, what's the message here? It's to embrace the changes life throws at us with a heart full of faith. It's understanding that every challenge, every transition, is a step in our spiritual journey, an opportunity to grow closer to God and to each other. It's about seeing the beauty in the journey, even when the path is unclear. As we go about our lives, let's remember to view change not as a daunting adversary but as a companion leading us to greater heights in our faith. Let's support each other, nurture our gifts, and keep our hearts open to the lessons each change brings. Together, let's ride these waves of change, anchored firmly in faith and community. - Adapted from the 4 messages given at our Combined Service on 01/28/24.
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Have you ever had one of those days where you're just not your best self? I know I have. Like this one time, I totally lost it in traffic because I was late for a church outreach event. Yep, you read that right - freaking out on my way to do something good. Talk about irony, right?
But here's the thing: our actions scream louder than our words. They're the living, breathing proof of what we believe. When I acted out in impatience, it didn't matter how much I talked about my faith; my actions were drowning out my words. That day, I realized something crucial - how I interact with people, how I handle stress, how I live each moment - it all adds up to my testimony about Jesus. So, how do we live a life that's not just talk, but also walk? The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, nails it down to three simple (but not always easy) steps:
But you know what the real kicker is? Despite our circumstances, every moment is an opportunity for the Gospel to advance. Yeah, every single moment - good or bad. Whether it's being kind to the slow driver in front of you, or sharing your faith story with a friend over coffee, it's all part of living a life that points to Jesus. So, let's challenge ourselves this week:
In the end, it's about living a life that's completely surrendered to Jesus - a life that not only talks about faith but also walks it out every single day. Remember, every moment, no matter how ordinary it may seem, is a chance for the Gospel to advance. Here's to living a complete testimony, one step at a time! - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 01/21/24. Have you ever watched a game where the ref made a bad call? Remember December 30, 2023? That football clash between the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys? Or how about that baseball game back on June 2, 2010, with the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians? We've all been there, shouting at the TV, "Are you blind?!" But let's take a step back and think – don't we sometimes make similar blunders in our own lives? Maybe it's because, like those referees, we’re not always looking in the right direction.
Now, let's dive into something a bit different but totally related – Colossians chapter 3. This isn't just another inspirational chapter; it's a game-changer, a playbook for life. It’s about getting A Completely New Outlook On Life. Sounds good, right? But how do we do it? Well, the Apostle Paul has some coaching tips for us.
So, what’s the takeaway? Life, like sports, will have its share of bad calls. But if we start looking in the right places – upward, inward, and outward – we might just make fewer mistakes and win big where it counts. Let’s take Paul’s advice and rethink our game plan. After all, life’s the biggest game we’ll ever play! 🌟🏈🙏 - Adapted from Jeff Totten's sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 01/14/24. Ever found yourself in that spot where you've done that thing — you know, the one you swore you'd never do again? And now you're sitting there feeling all sorts of yucky, ashamed, and like you've got a one-way ticket to the outskirts of God’s neighborhood. Yeah, we've all been there.
So, what's the deal? We mess up and think the answer is to go into overdrive with self-discipline, right? Like, if we just punish ourselves enough or stack up enough good deeds, we'll make things right. Spoiler alert: it doesn't work. All we end up doing is setting up this impossible standard for ourselves (and, let's be real, for others too). It’s like we’re trying to craft this shiny, flawless record to present to God (or, more often, to ourselves) as proof we're worthy. But deep down, we know it’s just not cutting it. We still feel incomplete. But what if there was another way? This brings us to the good stuff Paul was dishing out to the Colossians. He's talking about a church in the thick of a cultural hotpot, trying to figure out how to be Christians without getting lost in the sauce of religious rituals and self-imposed righteousness. And Paul drops this truth bomb: completeness is found in Christ, not in our efforts. So, here’s the kicker: When we're united with Christ, we're already 100% there. God's not up there with a clipboard, checking off our good deeds. He sees us as complete in Christ — no additions necessary. All the things we think we need to do to make ourselves right with God? They’re just empty philosophies. In Christ, our old life is dealt with, our record is clean, and we're walking in victory. Now, you’re probably thinking: "That's great and all, but what does that mean for me, like, right now?" Here's where it gets practical:
In essence, loving the Gospel isn’t just a feel-good mantra. It’s the real deal that leads to genuine godliness. It’s not about the rules or rituals; it's about being rooted in who Christ is and what He's done for us. In Him, we’re complete. No add-ons needed. So, let’s live like it! - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 01/07/23. |
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These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons. 
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