This message was presented on December 29 as the first of two messages on the State of the Church. The answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions below are designed to stimulate discussion, not replace thinking. The message outline is provided first. Continue reading
Grace has a great future in 2014. It is building on past leadership and growing new leadership. There is an excitement in the halls that is refreshing and exuberant. There is momentum building for home groups, men’s and women’s ministries and stability in other ministries. There is a growing spirit of unity at Grace in the bond of peace. Continue reading
These, below the message outline, are suggested answers and designed to stimulate thinking, not to replace it. There are many more answers that could be provided. They follow the message given on Dec. 22, 2013. Continue reading
This message was presented on December 22, 2013 as a part of the Advent series. May you experience the Joy of His Presence!
The middle class has always been the strength of the United States, but current trends are destroying it to create “elites” and the poor, who are dependent on these “elites.” That is just the way things were in the Roman Empire in Jesus’ day. The Roman Republic, begun in B.C. 508, became the Roman Empire around B.C. 27 with the rise of the Caesars as the Roman Empire. The wealthy elite of that day shared gifts of gold jewelry and trinkets. Continue reading
These are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions from the message presented on December 15, 2014, “The Joy of Anticipation.” The answers are designed to stimulate thought from one perspective; they are not designed to be the answers, which then stops thinking. First, the insert is included and then the answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions. Continue reading
Did you notice when I had the children on the steps two weeks ago and asked how they would react to fireworks, they responded exactly how I expected? Ahhhh, Ohhhh, Wowwwww! And Maura also did the hands on her cheeks and said, “Wowwww!” I love how honest and transparent children are. We love to see spectacular things and we also love to anticipate spectacular things. Christmas is clearly a child’s greatest anticipation. They have the wonder, the freshness and, even in our culture, the innocence of anticipating presents at Christmas time. Continue reading
The following are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions from the message presented on December 1, 2013. Continue reading
This message was presented as part of the 2013 Advent Series on Joy.
I want you to consider the moment the Lord said, “Let there be light.” While God was forming the world in which we live, angels were rejoicing. God spoke to Job, Continue reading
These are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions included below. They are designed to stimulate thought, not replace it, i.e. there are many more ways to answer the questions. Continue reading
This was presented on November 24, 2013 as part of the 1 Timothy series.
What is the first thing you teach your disciple? The question might be easier if I asked, “What do you teach a child?” You obviously wouldn’t teach your six month old to drive a car, balance his checkbook, begin potty training, or even to walk. He is barely able to stand while you are holding him. Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 