June 19, 2011                                                               Father’s Day

Daddy Did

Mark 14:35-36

Synopsis: Kids like to brag about their dads.  That is not always a bad thing.  Sometimes their imagination is not a part of their reality.  “My Dad is bigger…smarter…richer…etc. than your Dad.” 

      A little over a year ago my earthly Father went home to be with his Heavenly Father.  Today, I am not only the earthly kid remembering my Dad, but I am also a kingdom kid honoring my Dad of glory.

      Jesus taught us about our relationship with the God of creation and eternal glory.  He said that God wants to be our Abba.  That is Aramaic for “Daddy.”  So let me tell you about what my “Daddy Did” for me and you and all of creation.

Scripture Text (NLT):  Mark 14:35-36; Galatians 4:4-7; Romans 8:14-17; Psalms 50:10-11

Scripture Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

June 12, 2011                                        Baptism, Pentecost Sunday

All Charged Up

Acts 1:7-8

Synopsis: Jesus said “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:7-8)  The day believers first realized that power was on the day the Jews celebrate the festival of booths.  It was fifty days after Passover (Acts 2:1-4).  That was the day believers first realized the power Jesus said was coming.  We call it Pentecost. 

      There was about ten days between the time Jesus made the promise until the disciples realized the presence.  I sometimes wonder what Peter and the other Disciples thought might happen.  Maybe, they thought it would be the end of the world.  Maybe, they thought they would be the first transformers who would be able to take up the roman sword and run them out of the land of Israel.

      What the believers received was the powerful presence of Christ Jesus who would make them able to light up the world.  Believers are not sent into the world with their own power nor the power of this world, not even with the resources of this world, but rather with the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.

      You have received the power to transform the world so go be a blessing.

Scripture Text (NLT): Acts 1:7-8,

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-4

June 5, 2011                                       Appalachian Outreach Week

YES—I CAN!

There Is a Place for You to Serve

Philippians 3:12-14

Synopsis: Missy Cain is a local celebrity known for a commercial challenging people with a “Yes you can!” slogan.  I am using it in the context of Christian Ministry.  Yes there is a place for you to serve.

      Paul encourages believers to get at it with the power of Christ enabling them to the task (Philippians 3:12-14, 4:10-14). 

      What are your gifts?  What are your abilities? 

What are your Resources?  What times do you have available?  Don’t tell me you can’t.  Tell me you will.  “I can do this!”  Yes you can.

Scripture Text (NLT): Philippians 3:12-14, 4:10-14

Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:12-14