I Am a Unifying Church Member (Ephesians 4:1-3)

(Pastor's note: This sermon is part of a series of messages based on the book "I Am a Church Member" by Thom Rainer.) Dysfunctional churches are a poor representation of the body of Christ. Churches become dysfunctional when they stop striving to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3).Continue reading "I Am a Unifying Church Member (Ephesians 4:1-3)"

I Am a Functioning Church Member (1 Cor 12:12-31)

(Pastor's note: This sermon is part of a series of messages based on the book "I  Am a Church Member" by Thom Rainer.) “9 out of 10 churches in America are declining or growing at a pace slower than that of their communities” (Thom Rainer). There are various reasons that contribute to this, but theContinue reading "I Am a Functioning Church Member (1 Cor 12:12-31)"

Thy Will be Done (Genesis 25:19-34)

God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life that might not always seem so wonderful. Consider, this morning, the story of the birth of Esau and Jacob and learn that the faithful may not always understand; but they always trust. If you love God, you trust Him. If you trust God, youContinue reading "Thy Will be Done (Genesis 25:19-34)"

What Happens after I Die? (Genesis 25:1-18)

“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb 9:27) . This is a sobering verse that encourages us to examine whether or not we are prepared to die. In our study of Genesis, we read that “Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an oldContinue reading "What Happens after I Die? (Genesis 25:1-18)"

God’s Providential Guidance (Genesis 24)

Do you want the Lord to lead you or leave you alone? If you want to be left alone, you will elevate your desires and preferences and find disillusionment as you seek happiness and peace in vain. If you want to be led by God, you will submit yourself to Christ in faith and findContinue reading "God’s Providential Guidance (Genesis 24)"

How to Overcome Grief (Genesis 23-24:4)

Grief is a desert that must be crossed on foot.[1] The sorrow that comes upon a person, especially by a loved one’s death, is deep and not easily overcome. But, it can be defeated if you are willing to be led through the desert by Jesus Christ. There are no shortcuts to overcoming grief becauseContinue reading "How to Overcome Grief (Genesis 23-24:4)"