Going Deeper-True Worship

When we think of the word worship, we tend to think of music, or of a Sunday morning church service.  Worship is a lot less about doing and much more about being in right attitude and humility before God.  Worship is more about the heart than how we do worship. 

Going Deeper-Authentic Prayer

In this week’s message, Pastor Andrew digs into the nuts and bolts of real prayer.  Instead of treating God like a vending machine, we learn the proper posture with which to come to God, and the value of a healthy prayer life.  Authentic prayer is not just a blessing to the one who prays, it lies at the crux of our impact on a broken world.  

Some Grace for the Road

Even though our faith is personal, the journey with Christ is not ours alone.  We may think of it as “my” faith, or “my” walk, but we are on the journey together.  Throughout the New Testament epistles, the phrase “one another” is used.  Over 30 times it is used to describe how we ought to interact with one another as Christians.  We are to love one another, act humbly toward one another, be united to one another, teach and correct one another, and daily encourage one another.  The bottom line is that we need one another, every step of the way.

Life in the Upside Down Kingdom (The “Offensive” Church part 4)

Life in the Kingdom of God is the opposite of life outside of it.  Loving enemies, seeking righteousness before worrying about basic needs, and storing up treasures in heaven instead of on earth are but examples of Kingdom living.  The world’s “me first” mentality gives way to an ethic of looking for the place of least honor.  In our upwardly mobile culture, Jesus calls us to the downward way of humility, deference, and service.  Real life is found when you’re willing to give yours up.  Are you ready to be turned upside down?

(note:  regrettably, the first minute has some significant static which is only slight after that, but it clears up completely about 7 minutes in)

God's Mission Has a Church

Part 3 of the "Offensive Church" series

Churches often get caught up in trying to discover their mission. While this isn’t a problem on the surface, it does suggest that things are upside-down. God has a mission, to redeem and restore a broken and sinful world through Jesus Christ. The Church is God’s chosen instrument in completing this mission. We need to remember that God sets the agenda—not us. It is not so much that God has a mission for His Church in the world as much as God has a Church for His mission in the world.

 

The Church in the Flesh

Part 2 of the "How to be an 'Offensive' Church" series

As the presence of Christ on earth, the Church should be found where one would expect to find Jesus.  Jesus didn’t separate Himself from the sick, poor, outcast, unrighteous, or unclean.  He sought them out because they were the most in need.  The Church is not property or programs; it is God’s people.  As Jesus came “in the flesh” and ministered in person, so must the Church. 

How to be an "offensive" church

November 17, 2013  Most churches are known by their addresses rather than their contribution to their communities.  The influence of the church doesn’t reach beyond the property line, and God’s love is passed back and forth between those within the church walls.  Jesus didn’t establish the Church to take a defensive posture against the ills of the world; He issued orders to “go into all the world,” taking the message of hope and salvation, reconciliation and restoration, into our broken world.  God is on the offensive.  Are you?  Hear what Pastor Andrew has to share about it: