www.reynoldachurch.org Reynolda Church clawson@rcstaff.org Reynolda Church Reynolda Church is one growing congregation, meeting in different locations, alive in the Spirit, contemporary in worship, exciting for kids and brimming with the good news of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Reynolda Church is one growing congregation, meeting in different locations, alive in the Spirit, contemporary in worship, exciting for kids and brimming with the good news of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. en © 2026 Reynolda Church no 1 Thess 5:1-11; 2 Thess 2:1-17 <p>How is it possible that, for the followers of Jesus, judgement day is the greatest day ever? We live with expectancy that Jesus will return and make all things new, and in the meantime, we root our hope in the sentiment of C.S. Lewis, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” In this sermon I hope to give some basic parameters and a reformed understanding, in the broadest/non-controversial categories, for eschatology.</p> <p>How is it possible that, for the followers of Jesus, judgement day is the greatest day ever? We live with expectancy that Jesus will return and make all things new, and in the meantime, we root our hope in the sentiment of C.S. Lewis, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” In this sermon I hope to give some basic parameters and a reformed understanding, in the broadest/non-controversial categories, for eschatology.</p> How is it possible that, for the followers of Jesus, judgement day is the greatest day ever? We live with expectancy that Jesus will return and make all things new, and in the meantime, we root our hope in the sentiment of C.S. Lewis, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” In this sermon I hope to give some basic parameters and a reformed understanding, in the broadest/non-controversial categories, for eschatology.

]]> Sun, 14 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2306 1 6439ace6e04336a56a47ee710e197b2d no Text: 2 Thess 1:1-12 <p>So much of life seems to be about failure. All of the times we make commitments, set goals, make resolutions and come up short. The best news about joining in on the work of God is that His plans never fail. Thus, as we see God’s kingdom purposes continue to claim victory around the world, our faith grows and is contagious.</p> <p>So much of life seems to be about failure. All of the times we make commitments, set goals, make resolutions and come up short. The best news about joining in on the work of God is that His plans never fail. Thus, as we see God’s kingdom purposes continue to claim victory around the world, our faith grows and is contagious.</p> So much of life seems to be about failure. All of the times we make commitments, set goals, make resolutions and come up short. The best news about joining in on the work of God is that His plans never fail. Thus, as we see God’s kingdom purposes continue to claim victory around the world, our faith grows and is contagious.

]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2500 2 fc64cda4ef5a68e9d6e2d076c730f81e no <p>Seed: Leaders take calling seriously and all those who have been called by Jesus have been qualified to lead. As the first letter to Thessalonica draws to an end, Paul is clear that we find joy in the unity of the local church and that this joy is NOT something we work on, but rather something we live in.</p> <p>Seed: Leaders take calling seriously and all those who have been called by Jesus have been qualified to lead. As the first letter to Thessalonica draws to an end, Paul is clear that we find joy in the unity of the local church and that this joy is NOT something we work on, but rather something we live in.</p> Seed: Leaders take calling seriously and all those who have been called by Jesus have been qualified to lead. As the first letter to Thessalonica draws to an end, Paul is clear that we find joy in the unity of the local church and that this joy is NOT something we work on, but rather something we live in.

]]> Sun, 23 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2557 3 8d74c6f64b4cec7c9f13818f1924c4ac no Text: 1 Thess 4:13-18 <p>Our courage to face the challenges of today is rooted in our assurance that this world is not our home. The certainty of Jesus’ triumphant return and final victory over death is the foundation of the Christian’s courage to face uncertainty today.</p> <p>Our courage to face the challenges of today is rooted in our assurance that this world is not our home. The certainty of Jesus’ triumphant return and final victory over death is the foundation of the Christian’s courage to face uncertainty today.</p> Our courage to face the challenges of today is rooted in our assurance that this world is not our home. The certainty of Jesus’ triumphant return and final victory over death is the foundation of the Christian’s courage to face uncertainty today.

]]> Sun, 16 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2208 4 347a332e49635e58834bd4c4697e57ff no <p>In these verses Paul clearly illustrates that God is one in three persons and we will spend some time illustrating the exclusivity of the Christian Trinitarian claim. In addition, we will discover together how being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit draws us towards Jesus like holiness and purity.</p> <p>In these verses Paul clearly illustrates that God is one in three persons and we will spend some time illustrating the exclusivity of the Christian Trinitarian claim. In addition, we will discover together how being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit draws us towards Jesus like holiness and purity.</p> In these verses Paul clearly illustrates that God is one in three persons and we will spend some time illustrating the exclusivity of the Christian Trinitarian claim. In addition, we will discover together how being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit draws us towards Jesus like holiness and purity.

]]> Sun, 09 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2472 5 e2a444c82b5de5cda11b5c255ff28db8 no <p>The authenticity of our faith is most fully realized by our authentic passion for loving God’s word and living out our Gospel mandate. In these verses we will notice that Paul came to Thessalonica not for what he could gain, but rather for what he could give away for their benefit. Paul illustrates that the authenticity of our relationships with others in public will be a reflection of our relationship with Jesus in private.</p> <p>The authenticity of our faith is most fully realized by our authentic passion for loving God’s word and living out our Gospel mandate. In these verses we will notice that Paul came to Thessalonica not for what he could gain, but rather for what he could give away for their benefit. Paul illustrates that the authenticity of our relationships with others in public will be a reflection of our relationship with Jesus in private.</p> The authenticity of our faith is most fully realized by our authentic passion for loving God’s word and living out our Gospel mandate. In these verses we will notice that Paul came to Thessalonica not for what he could gain, but rather for what he could give away for their benefit. Paul illustrates that the authenticity of our relationships with others in public will be a reflection of our relationship with Jesus in private.

]]> Sun, 02 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2569 6 93884ae0852b5cca85abcb2abdef4cd6 no <p>From the moment of someone’s salvation, God begins the process of a radical transformation. This new birth gives a follower of Jesus the unique privileges of viewing one’s current circumstances in light of eternal promises.</p> <p>From the moment of someone’s salvation, God begins the process of a radical transformation. This new birth gives a follower of Jesus the unique privileges of viewing one’s current circumstances in light of eternal promises.</p> From the moment of someone’s salvation, God begins the process of a radical transformation. This new birth gives a follower of Jesus the unique privileges of viewing one’s current circumstances in light of eternal promises.

]]> Sun, 26 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 3210 7 35a6a5d23698531d778a5ea00571ed4c no <p>As we launch this nine-week series, this first message will explore Paul’s heart for the local church by looking at his efforts to launch the church in Thessalonica. Paul’s passion for the people of this new work of God was that each would discover the uniqueness of his/her gifting, grow in their love for one another, and mature in their relationship with Jesus.</p> <p>As we launch this nine-week series, this first message will explore Paul’s heart for the local church by looking at his efforts to launch the church in Thessalonica. Paul’s passion for the people of this new work of God was that each would discover the uniqueness of his/her gifting, grow in their love for one another, and mature in their relationship with Jesus.</p> As we launch this nine-week series, this first message will explore Paul’s heart for the local church by looking at his efforts to launch the church in Thessalonica. Paul’s passion for the people of this new work of God was that each would discover the uniqueness of his/her gifting, grow in their love for one another, and mature in their relationship with Jesus.

]]> Sun, 19 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2611 8 2191619be15334a6de6726512740ebb2 no How What You Say Can Bring Forth Life <p>Are you ready for some good news? You have, just with your speech the Bible says, the capacity to speak life. It is something that is so radical that we can read right past it, but surely God teaches this to us in His word. One of the greatest stories in the Bible bears this out in powerful fashion. Ezekiel was called by God to speak life to Israel. But first the Lord wanted him to see just how void of life the nation was. He took him on a prophetic, visionary tour of the Valley of Dry Bones. With it, the Lord brought a question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” It was as if the Lord wanted him to not only see just how dead the nation was, but to ponder if God Himself could in fact bring forth life. His reply reveals a heart that was open to the possibilities of life with God: “O Lord God, you know.” At God’s command Ezekiel began to speak to these lifeless bones. Miraculously, God was with Ezekiel’s words, bringing resurrection and life. It all points us forward to Jesus who declared Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life. In Him we, who were dead in our trespasses and sins, have been raised to new life that we might reign with Him. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. In Christ, we can speak life. And that’s the gospel!</p> <p>Are you ready for some good news? You have, just with your speech the Bible says, the capacity to speak life. It is something that is so radical that we can read right past it, but surely God teaches this to us in His word. One of the greatest stories in the Bible bears this out in powerful fashion. Ezekiel was called by God to speak life to Israel. But first the Lord wanted him to see just how void of life the nation was. He took him on a prophetic, visionary tour of the Valley of Dry Bones. With it, the Lord brought a question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” It was as if the Lord wanted him to not only see just how dead the nation was, but to ponder if God Himself could in fact bring forth life. His reply reveals a heart that was open to the possibilities of life with God: “O Lord God, you know.” At God’s command Ezekiel began to speak to these lifeless bones. Miraculously, God was with Ezekiel’s words, bringing resurrection and life. It all points us forward to Jesus who declared Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life. In Him we, who were dead in our trespasses and sins, have been raised to new life that we might reign with Him. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. In Christ, we can speak life. And that’s the gospel!</p> Are you ready for some good news? You have, just with your speech the Bible says, the capacity to speak life. It is something that is so radical that we can read right past it, but surely God teaches this to us in His word. One of the greatest stories in the Bible bears this out in powerful fashion. Ezekiel was called by God to speak life to Israel. But first the Lord wanted him to see just how void of life the nation was. He took him on a prophetic, visionary tour of the Valley of Dry Bones. With it, the Lord brought a question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” It was as if the Lord wanted him to not only see just how dead the nation was, but to ponder if God Himself could in fact bring forth life. His reply reveals a heart that was open to the possibilities of life with God: “O Lord God, you know.” At God’s command Ezekiel began to speak to these lifeless bones. Miraculously, God was with Ezekiel’s words, bringing resurrection and life. It all points us forward to Jesus who declared Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life. In Him we, who were dead in our trespasses and sins, have been raised to new life that we might reign with Him. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. In Christ, we can speak life. And that’s the gospel!

]]> Sun, 12 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2488 9 1d3d990bde104d245e2b7f23cd73ba10 no The Power of Purified Speech Sun, 05 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2345 10 0c8d8bb74e7dcdec084311025c4fc1c7 no The Creative, Sustaining Power of Words <p>God created the world by speaking. The words, “Let there be light,” were not magic but they were God-breathed. God’s integrity is so pure that His words perfectly express His essence. What God says, He does. What God says, happens. What God calls forth in speech, exists. Thus, the opening lines of the Bible announce a profound principle that will weave through the entire scriptural narrative: words have creative power.</p> <p>God created the world by speaking. The words, “Let there be light,” were not magic but they were God-breathed. God’s integrity is so pure that His words perfectly express His essence. What God says, He does. What God says, happens. What God calls forth in speech, exists. Thus, the opening lines of the Bible announce a profound principle that will weave through the entire scriptural narrative: words have creative power.</p> God created the world by speaking. The words, “Let there be light,” were not magic but they were God-breathed. God’s integrity is so pure that His words perfectly express His essence. What God says, He does. What God says, happens. What God calls forth in speech, exists. Thus, the opening lines of the Bible announce a profound principle that will weave through the entire scriptural narrative: words have creative power.

]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2384 11 f55006c1d3b85eb62883550d31e281bc no <p>Easter Worship at Reynolda Church</p> <p>Easter Worship at Reynolda Church</p> Easter Worship at Reynolda Church

]]> Sun, 21 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1848 12 7cf9152ca7ee9424b10fbb025f0304e9 no Obedience is Delight, Not Drudgery <p>To delight yourself in the Lord is not only to yield to Him but also to enjoy Him. Yes, God wants our obedience – but not as slaves. The deepest obedience stirs within the soul that delights in the Lord.</p> <p>To delight yourself in the Lord is not only to yield to Him but also to enjoy Him. Yes, God wants our obedience – but not as slaves. The deepest obedience stirs within the soul that delights in the Lord.</p> To delight yourself in the Lord is not only to yield to Him but also to enjoy Him. Yes, God wants our obedience – but not as slaves. The deepest obedience stirs within the soul that delights in the Lord.

]]> Sun, 14 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2311 13 cfb21be9090d110e6d63aee473282dc1 no Practice Listening to God <p>“To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.” (John 10:3–6, ESV)</p> <p>“To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.” (John 10:3–6, ESV)</p> “To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.” (John 10:3–6, ESV)

]]> Sun, 07 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2357 14 41313d5c298cb4b139ac812c5c58b21b no Walk Step by Step in the Spirit <p>The text can be translated “keeping step with the Spirit.” To walk by (or in) the Spirit is a picture of moment by moment life with God. The life of the disciple is described as a walk with God because there is a fellowship that takes place when you walk alongside someone. This sermon offers opportunity to proclaim life in the Spirit as a day by day, step by step walk with Christ.</p> <p>The text can be translated “keeping step with the Spirit.” To walk by (or in) the Spirit is a picture of moment by moment life with God. The life of the disciple is described as a walk with God because there is a fellowship that takes place when you walk alongside someone. This sermon offers opportunity to proclaim life in the Spirit as a day by day, step by step walk with Christ.</p> The text can be translated “keeping step with the Spirit.” To walk by (or in) the Spirit is a picture of moment by moment life with God. The life of the disciple is described as a walk with God because there is a fellowship that takes place when you walk alongside someone. This sermon offers opportunity to proclaim life in the Spirit as a day by day, step by step walk with Christ.

]]> Sun, 31 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2534 15 7b9ed68500e3780ac9eca2ad393390ae no See Jesus Right in Front of You <p>In a rich, irony-laden miracle story, Jesus “perceives” that power has gone from Him and He wants to know who touched Him. The disciples are befuddled; a huge throng is pressing in upon Jesus. A crowd is touching Him. But one woman’s touch was different. An unclean woman was the only person who perceived the power available in this man. Jesus was the only one who perceived the different kind of touch.</p> <p>In a rich, irony-laden miracle story, Jesus “perceives” that power has gone from Him and He wants to know who touched Him. The disciples are befuddled; a huge throng is pressing in upon Jesus. A crowd is touching Him. But one woman’s touch was different. An unclean woman was the only person who perceived the power available in this man. Jesus was the only one who perceived the different kind of touch.</p> In a rich, irony-laden miracle story, Jesus “perceives” that power has gone from Him and He wants to know who touched Him. The disciples are befuddled; a huge throng is pressing in upon Jesus. A crowd is touching Him. But one woman’s touch was different. An unclean woman was the only person who perceived the power available in this man. Jesus was the only one who perceived the different kind of touch.

]]> Sun, 24 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2206 16 eb3b4a1857c21e2e1ba06c3e06a71e96 no Leaving the Past Behind <p>Among the greatest gifts of God might just be our ability to forget. Meaning, our ability to forget our past and Jesus’s forgive and forget as far as the East is from the West.</p> <p>Among the greatest gifts of God might just be our ability to forget. Meaning, our ability to forget our past and Jesus’s forgive and forget as far as the East is from the West.</p> Among the greatest gifts of God might just be our ability to forget. Meaning, our ability to forget our past and Jesus’s forgive and forget as far as the East is from the West.

]]> Sun, 17 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2489 17 7dd4475ac28e9b8ecc123e3f96ad4cce no Experience God's Word <p>The Word of God isn’t an instruction book to be applied as much as it is a love letter to be relished. The Bible isn’t a collection of principles to study as much as it is an epic story in which to become immersed. Today’s message teaches how to read scripture devotionally and explains the power and practice of Christian meditation.</p> <p>The Word of God isn’t an instruction book to be applied as much as it is a love letter to be relished. The Bible isn’t a collection of principles to study as much as it is an epic story in which to become immersed. Today’s message teaches how to read scripture devotionally and explains the power and practice of Christian meditation.</p> The Word of God isn’t an instruction book to be applied as much as it is a love letter to be relished. The Bible isn’t a collection of principles to study as much as it is an epic story in which to become immersed. Today’s message teaches how to read scripture devotionally and explains the power and practice of Christian meditation.

]]> Sun, 10 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2300 18 364d4691f659292b95cc75f8c0893d2f no God’s Grace Can’t be Hoarded <p>You can’t hoard grace any more than the Israelites could hoard manna. Because God meets our needs in the moment we must discover the delight and peace of seeing His grace in each moment. If we could accumulate God’s provision, we would have no need to trust Him. It’s a blessing that God gives you the grace you need day by day because it leads you into the greatest joy – knowing Him.</p> <p>You can’t hoard grace any more than the Israelites could hoard manna. Because God meets our needs in the moment we must discover the delight and peace of seeing His grace in each moment. If we could accumulate God’s provision, we would have no need to trust Him. It’s a blessing that God gives you the grace you need day by day because it leads you into the greatest joy – knowing Him.</p> You can’t hoard grace any more than the Israelites could hoard manna. Because God meets our needs in the moment we must discover the delight and peace of seeing His grace in each moment. If we could accumulate God’s provision, we would have no need to trust Him. It’s a blessing that God gives you the grace you need day by day because it leads you into the greatest joy – knowing Him.

]]> Sun, 03 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2460 19 ed66c1da1dcdb187b7b9ba34ea0ce6aa no Recognize What’s in Hand <p>The Exodus 2-3 narrative is a lesson in mindfulness. Yahweh heard the cry of His people. He remembered His covenant. He saw their suffering. God knew. God is mindful of our estate. He hears. He remembers. He sees. He knows. In order to get Moses’ attention, the Creator spoke from a burning bush – a visual aid designed to make Moses mindful of God’s presence. But the fugitive prince was preoccupied with worry for the future. In order to build Moses’ confidence, the Lord brought the future leader of God’s people into the moment with a miracle that employed the shepherd’s staff. <br><br>The basis for Moses’ faith was not off in the distance, it was as close as the staff in his hand. There was no other, exotic or distant place that Moses needed to travel in order to become convinced of God’s power. God was with Him in Midian. There was no rare tool that he needed; a common shepherd’s staff was enough. God can use whatever is in hand. Here is an invitation to look and see what God has already put in each of our hands.</p> <p>The Exodus 2-3 narrative is a lesson in mindfulness. Yahweh heard the cry of His people. He remembered His covenant. He saw their suffering. God knew. God is mindful of our estate. He hears. He remembers. He sees. He knows. In order to get Moses’ attention, the Creator spoke from a burning bush – a visual aid designed to make Moses mindful of God’s presence. But the fugitive prince was preoccupied with worry for the future. In order to build Moses’ confidence, the Lord brought the future leader of God’s people into the moment with a miracle that employed the shepherd’s staff. <br><br>The basis for Moses’ faith was not off in the distance, it was as close as the staff in his hand. There was no other, exotic or distant place that Moses needed to travel in order to become convinced of God’s power. God was with Him in Midian. There was no rare tool that he needed; a common shepherd’s staff was enough. God can use whatever is in hand. Here is an invitation to look and see what God has already put in each of our hands.</p> The Exodus 2-3 narrative is a lesson in mindfulness. Yahweh heard the cry of His people. He remembered His covenant. He saw their suffering. God knew. God is mindful of our estate. He hears. He remembers. He sees. He knows. In order to get Moses’ attention, the Creator spoke from a burning bush – a visual aid designed to make Moses mindful of God’s presence. But the fugitive prince was preoccupied with worry for the future. In order to build Moses’ confidence, the Lord brought the future leader of God’s people into the moment with a miracle that employed the shepherd’s staff.

The basis for Moses’ faith was not off in the distance, it was as close as the staff in his hand. There was no other, exotic or distant place that Moses needed to travel in order to become convinced of God’s power. God was with Him in Midian. There was no rare tool that he needed; a common shepherd’s staff was enough. God can use whatever is in hand. Here is an invitation to look and see what God has already put in each of our hands.

]]> Sun, 24 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2214 20 d7c6f2f43647d047da2e525b56f1ffe3 no Wake Up to God’s Grace Every Day <p>The famous text invites us to fresh awakenings every day. It is no mere child’s ditty; it is the deep, rich theology of Christ’s atoning work that empowers us to be glad in each day. This day has cause for rejoicing because God, in Christ, has opened to us the “gates of righteousness”. Because Christ was the rejected stone, He has become our cornerstone. He has become “my salvation” and, therefore, all the “saved” can awaken to God’s grace each moment of each day.</p> <p>The famous text invites us to fresh awakenings every day. It is no mere child’s ditty; it is the deep, rich theology of Christ’s atoning work that empowers us to be glad in each day. This day has cause for rejoicing because God, in Christ, has opened to us the “gates of righteousness”. Because Christ was the rejected stone, He has become our cornerstone. He has become “my salvation” and, therefore, all the “saved” can awaken to God’s grace each moment of each day.</p> The famous text invites us to fresh awakenings every day. It is no mere child’s ditty; it is the deep, rich theology of Christ’s atoning work that empowers us to be glad in each day. This day has cause for rejoicing because God, in Christ, has opened to us the “gates of righteousness”. Because Christ was the rejected stone, He has become our cornerstone. He has become “my salvation” and, therefore, all the “saved” can awaken to God’s grace each moment of each day.

]]> Sun, 20 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1832 21 7ee584584ceb84c0ebe97b377bc125e7 no Sun, 05 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2495 22 3f3a18b9a4356f89a9db2810ff15a90b no <p>The little town of Bethlehem was just six miles away, directly south of the city of Jerusalem and was home to one of the world’s oldest professions. Yes, it was home to a group of shepherds. It was here that the angels experienced something very unique. You see, nobody saw angels. There hadn't been any account of anybody seeing an angel in 500 years. And, all of sudden they are everywhere: Gabriel appears to Zachariah, then Mary, and now in a field full of teenagers while their flock by night. These dirty teenagers get a message from God for just the right season and for just the right people, and it changes everything. <br><br>It is the goodness of the Gospel that calms our fears. Fear cannot survive in the light of the good news of great joy. How is it that we no longer a slave to fear – it is the goodness of the Gospel that calms our fears, a goodness that has left a blood-stained trail through human history.</p> <p>The little town of Bethlehem was just six miles away, directly south of the city of Jerusalem and was home to one of the world’s oldest professions. Yes, it was home to a group of shepherds. It was here that the angels experienced something very unique. You see, nobody saw angels. There hadn't been any account of anybody seeing an angel in 500 years. And, all of sudden they are everywhere: Gabriel appears to Zachariah, then Mary, and now in a field full of teenagers while their flock by night. These dirty teenagers get a message from God for just the right season and for just the right people, and it changes everything. <br><br>It is the goodness of the Gospel that calms our fears. Fear cannot survive in the light of the good news of great joy. How is it that we no longer a slave to fear – it is the goodness of the Gospel that calms our fears, a goodness that has left a blood-stained trail through human history.</p> The little town of Bethlehem was just six miles away, directly south of the city of Jerusalem and was home to one of the world’s oldest professions. Yes, it was home to a group of shepherds. It was here that the angels experienced something very unique. You see, nobody saw angels. There hadn't been any account of anybody seeing an angel in 500 years. And, all of sudden they are everywhere: Gabriel appears to Zachariah, then Mary, and now in a field full of teenagers while their flock by night. These dirty teenagers get a message from God for just the right season and for just the right people, and it changes everything.

It is the goodness of the Gospel that calms our fears. Fear cannot survive in the light of the good news of great joy. How is it that we no longer a slave to fear – it is the goodness of the Gospel that calms our fears, a goodness that has left a blood-stained trail through human history.

]]> Sun, 25 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2807 23 4f145f5cb2dbe3b39242d959646167aa no Sun, 02 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2251 24 350f4af83ac1d6c6d3d2949b3ce72a5c no <p>Focus on the heart, the most important, aspect of God’s gift of peace to us – peace with God. Often people (including Christians) speak of peace only as it relates to friction among people, conflicts among nations. We also speak of peace in terms of personal serenity rather that angst of heart. While all the above is important, the most important peace we can ever receive is the assurance that we are not in conflict with God. We, who once were enemies, have been put at peace with God through Jesus Christ. It is in this glorious, cosmic sense that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is the governing foundation of all peace. And, without deep assurance of peace with God, there can be no other forms of peace. This Christmas prophecy, the incarnation of Christ, and the epic story of the Gospel to lead worshipers into a deepening grasp of what it means to have peace with God.</p> <p>Focus on the heart, the most important, aspect of God’s gift of peace to us – peace with God. Often people (including Christians) speak of peace only as it relates to friction among people, conflicts among nations. We also speak of peace in terms of personal serenity rather that angst of heart. While all the above is important, the most important peace we can ever receive is the assurance that we are not in conflict with God. We, who once were enemies, have been put at peace with God through Jesus Christ. It is in this glorious, cosmic sense that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is the governing foundation of all peace. And, without deep assurance of peace with God, there can be no other forms of peace. This Christmas prophecy, the incarnation of Christ, and the epic story of the Gospel to lead worshipers into a deepening grasp of what it means to have peace with God.</p> Focus on the heart, the most important, aspect of God’s gift of peace to us – peace with God. Often people (including Christians) speak of peace only as it relates to friction among people, conflicts among nations. We also speak of peace in terms of personal serenity rather that angst of heart. While all the above is important, the most important peace we can ever receive is the assurance that we are not in conflict with God. We, who once were enemies, have been put at peace with God through Jesus Christ. It is in this glorious, cosmic sense that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is the governing foundation of all peace. And, without deep assurance of peace with God, there can be no other forms of peace. This Christmas prophecy, the incarnation of Christ, and the epic story of the Gospel to lead worshipers into a deepening grasp of what it means to have peace with God.

]]> Sun, 16 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2417 25 49a1f2fba5a384e6adbc371a48e22487 no <p>Imagine a life without worry and fear! Because life feels uncertain and unpredictable, we spend an inordinate amount of mental energy thinking about all the things that can go wrong. But God has designed us mentally and spiritually to run on a different operating system. It’s called faith. Fear and faith are both forms of belief – fear believes something bad is going to happen while faith believes something good is going to happen.</p> <p>Imagine a life without worry and fear! Because life feels uncertain and unpredictable, we spend an inordinate amount of mental energy thinking about all the things that can go wrong. But God has designed us mentally and spiritually to run on a different operating system. It’s called faith. Fear and faith are both forms of belief – fear believes something bad is going to happen while faith believes something good is going to happen.</p> Imagine a life without worry and fear! Because life feels uncertain and unpredictable, we spend an inordinate amount of mental energy thinking about all the things that can go wrong. But God has designed us mentally and spiritually to run on a different operating system. It’s called faith. Fear and faith are both forms of belief – fear believes something bad is going to happen while faith believes something good is going to happen.

]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2195 26 662b65a2b691457f06303828cf097c6b no <p>It seemed like a reasonable question. After all he angel of the Lord had just made a ridiculous promise. His wife would have a baby - how could that be! He simply asked, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” The angel simply told him to “fear not.” Zechariah stood in a place of fear and dread. Just on this side of a veiled Holy of Holies where payment for sin must be made. Yet, the Christmas promise proclaimed by the angel was why the angel felt so confident in telling him to fear not. The angel knew that if Zechariah, in his mandatory silence, could just see beyond the veil of the Temple he would see that the very thing that was the source of his fear was actually the solution - Jesus would lay himself on the mercy seat. It was not only the promise of peace of earth, but also peace with God.</p> <p>It seemed like a reasonable question. After all he angel of the Lord had just made a ridiculous promise. His wife would have a baby - how could that be! He simply asked, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” The angel simply told him to “fear not.” Zechariah stood in a place of fear and dread. Just on this side of a veiled Holy of Holies where payment for sin must be made. Yet, the Christmas promise proclaimed by the angel was why the angel felt so confident in telling him to fear not. The angel knew that if Zechariah, in his mandatory silence, could just see beyond the veil of the Temple he would see that the very thing that was the source of his fear was actually the solution - Jesus would lay himself on the mercy seat. It was not only the promise of peace of earth, but also peace with God.</p> It seemed like a reasonable question. After all he angel of the Lord had just made a ridiculous promise. His wife would have a baby - how could that be! He simply asked, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” The angel simply told him to “fear not.” Zechariah stood in a place of fear and dread. Just on this side of a veiled Holy of Holies where payment for sin must be made. Yet, the Christmas promise proclaimed by the angel was why the angel felt so confident in telling him to fear not. The angel knew that if Zechariah, in his mandatory silence, could just see beyond the veil of the Temple he would see that the very thing that was the source of his fear was actually the solution - Jesus would lay himself on the mercy seat. It was not only the promise of peace of earth, but also peace with God.

]]> Sun, 30 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2421 27 efa4d3f51c666bb9efe65ce744885a67 no Become a Connoisseur of God’s Grace <p>In an increasingly distracted, crazy-busy world, God invites us to learn how to live in the moment and savor His goodness. In a culture that pushes us to wolf down activities (and even relationships) so we can get to the next thing, God invites us to notice Him in the present and to enjoy Him minute by minute. Beset by the regrets of yesterday and worried about the events of tomorrow, too many of us miss the only day we actually have – today. This is the day that the Lord has made – not yesterday or tomorrow – but this day. “The Savor Blessing” doesn’t promise to solve the chaos of our modern calendars or magically set people free from the tyranny of technology. Instead, this New Year we invite worshipers into the mystery and delight of becoming aware of God’s goodness in the midst of every day life.</p> <p>In an increasingly distracted, crazy-busy world, God invites us to learn how to live in the moment and savor His goodness. In a culture that pushes us to wolf down activities (and even relationships) so we can get to the next thing, God invites us to notice Him in the present and to enjoy Him minute by minute. Beset by the regrets of yesterday and worried about the events of tomorrow, too many of us miss the only day we actually have – today. This is the day that the Lord has made – not yesterday or tomorrow – but this day. “The Savor Blessing” doesn’t promise to solve the chaos of our modern calendars or magically set people free from the tyranny of technology. Instead, this New Year we invite worshipers into the mystery and delight of becoming aware of God’s goodness in the midst of every day life.</p> In an increasingly distracted, crazy-busy world, God invites us to learn how to live in the moment and savor His goodness. In a culture that pushes us to wolf down activities (and even relationships) so we can get to the next thing, God invites us to notice Him in the present and to enjoy Him minute by minute. Beset by the regrets of yesterday and worried about the events of tomorrow, too many of us miss the only day we actually have – today. This is the day that the Lord has made – not yesterday or tomorrow – but this day. “The Savor Blessing” doesn’t promise to solve the chaos of our modern calendars or magically set people free from the tyranny of technology. Instead, this New Year we invite worshipers into the mystery and delight of becoming aware of God’s goodness in the midst of every day life.

]]> Sun, 13 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2049 28 3cb8215b2556a98810074bed49547b9a no <p>In years past, the Lord heard the cry of His people in their Egyptian bondage. He delivered them from a tyrannical Pharaoh by opening a sea that gave safe passage to the Hebrews and swallowed up the evil Egyptian army. He is a God who can make a way where there seems to be no way! In Isaiah 43, we hear God’s promise to deliver His people again – this time, it will be from Babylonian captivity. He won’t deliver them by parting a sea, but by making “a way in the wilderness”. He is the God who can make rivers run in the wilderness and flowers bloom in the desert!<br><br>The exiled Hebrews were like most people of modernity – their minds were either preoccupied with the past and how things used to be or with the future and how things might one day be. The season of Hebrew slavery in Egypt was tragic and painful. The miracle of the Red Sea was victorious and exhilarating. But all that’s over: “remember not the former things.” And the future? God will take care of it – He can bring us out of any wilderness. What matters is what God is doing now! “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth….”</p> <p>In years past, the Lord heard the cry of His people in their Egyptian bondage. He delivered them from a tyrannical Pharaoh by opening a sea that gave safe passage to the Hebrews and swallowed up the evil Egyptian army. He is a God who can make a way where there seems to be no way! In Isaiah 43, we hear God’s promise to deliver His people again – this time, it will be from Babylonian captivity. He won’t deliver them by parting a sea, but by making “a way in the wilderness”. He is the God who can make rivers run in the wilderness and flowers bloom in the desert!<br><br>The exiled Hebrews were like most people of modernity – their minds were either preoccupied with the past and how things used to be or with the future and how things might one day be. The season of Hebrew slavery in Egypt was tragic and painful. The miracle of the Red Sea was victorious and exhilarating. But all that’s over: “remember not the former things.” And the future? God will take care of it – He can bring us out of any wilderness. What matters is what God is doing now! “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth….”</p> In years past, the Lord heard the cry of His people in their Egyptian bondage. He delivered them from a tyrannical Pharaoh by opening a sea that gave safe passage to the Hebrews and swallowed up the evil Egyptian army. He is a God who can make a way where there seems to be no way! In Isaiah 43, we hear God’s promise to deliver His people again – this time, it will be from Babylonian captivity. He won’t deliver them by parting a sea, but by making “a way in the wilderness”. He is the God who can make rivers run in the wilderness and flowers bloom in the desert!

The exiled Hebrews were like most people of modernity – their minds were either preoccupied with the past and how things used to be or with the future and how things might one day be. The season of Hebrew slavery in Egypt was tragic and painful. The miracle of the Red Sea was victorious and exhilarating. But all that’s over: “remember not the former things.” And the future? God will take care of it – He can bring us out of any wilderness. What matters is what God is doing now! “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth….”

]]> Sun, 06 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000 908 29 40c995697fd00d9aebe127d1dad52e15 no Enjoy the Journey <p>God didn’t wait until He had finished His creation before celebrated the goodness of it. Each day, the Lord paused and declared, “That’s good!” He was, in essence, saying: “I haven’t finished and it will be even better, but what I’ve done so far is good and worthy of celebration.” Too often in life we postpone the celebration until we feel like we’ve completed it or made it perfect. But God invites us into a lifestyle of celebrating every step of the way. God wants His goodness celebrated moment by moment not just when the miracle has been completed!</p> <p>God didn’t wait until He had finished His creation before celebrated the goodness of it. Each day, the Lord paused and declared, “That’s good!” He was, in essence, saying: “I haven’t finished and it will be even better, but what I’ve done so far is good and worthy of celebration.” Too often in life we postpone the celebration until we feel like we’ve completed it or made it perfect. But God invites us into a lifestyle of celebrating every step of the way. God wants His goodness celebrated moment by moment not just when the miracle has been completed!</p> God didn’t wait until He had finished His creation before celebrated the goodness of it. Each day, the Lord paused and declared, “That’s good!” He was, in essence, saying: “I haven’t finished and it will be even better, but what I’ve done so far is good and worthy of celebration.” Too often in life we postpone the celebration until we feel like we’ve completed it or made it perfect. But God invites us into a lifestyle of celebrating every step of the way. God wants His goodness celebrated moment by moment not just when the miracle has been completed!

]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2388 30 0bf1d735446f5fc21883768230b1073b no Relax in the Finished Work of Christ. <p>Christ is our Sabbath. Therefore, today is the day of promised rest. The more we rest from our labor for love, the more we can labor with love.</p> <p>Christ is our Sabbath. Therefore, today is the day of promised rest. The more we rest from our labor for love, the more we can labor with love.</p> Christ is our Sabbath. Therefore, today is the day of promised rest. The more we rest from our labor for love, the more we can labor with love.

]]> Sun, 10 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2500 31 a9327bd3916470f89add7daf3839d7ca no Live Inspired <p>“Inspire” means literally “to breathe in.” The breath (“ruach”) of God hovered over the face of the deep. Before He uttered a word of creative force, God breathed deeply. He “hovered” or “brooded” over the face of the waters. God’s Spirit is His breath; His breath is His Spirit. His Word is full of His breath – His Spirit. God’s presence is issued and received like a deep breath. When Jesus issued the Holy Spirit to the disciples He symbolically breathed on them. Deep calls unto deep. The more deeply we “breathe” in God’s life, the more deeply we know His goodness. The more we take in His Word, the more we are “inspired.”</p> <p>“Inspire” means literally “to breathe in.” The breath (“ruach”) of God hovered over the face of the deep. Before He uttered a word of creative force, God breathed deeply. He “hovered” or “brooded” over the face of the waters. God’s Spirit is His breath; His breath is His Spirit. His Word is full of His breath – His Spirit. God’s presence is issued and received like a deep breath. When Jesus issued the Holy Spirit to the disciples He symbolically breathed on them. Deep calls unto deep. The more deeply we “breathe” in God’s life, the more deeply we know His goodness. The more we take in His Word, the more we are “inspired.”</p> “Inspire” means literally “to breathe in.” The breath (“ruach”) of God hovered over the face of the deep. Before He uttered a word of creative force, God breathed deeply. He “hovered” or “brooded” over the face of the waters. God’s Spirit is His breath; His breath is His Spirit. His Word is full of His breath – His Spirit. God’s presence is issued and received like a deep breath. When Jesus issued the Holy Spirit to the disciples He symbolically breathed on them. Deep calls unto deep. The more deeply we “breathe” in God’s life, the more deeply we know His goodness. The more we take in His Word, the more we are “inspired.”

]]> Sun, 03 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2152 32 3ca5334a51e6ae324aa40a913d3fcd51 no Just Be – In God’s Image <p>In contrast to Nike’s famous slogan, the Biblical invitation to us begins with just “be” it. Just be who you are created to be. God is, first and fundamentally, the One who IS and thus, we are invited to “BE.” <br><br>Today’s message brings a deep exposition and exploration of the covenantal name, “Yahweh.” It’s a message that invites believers to live in the present by contemplating the very name of God. He is the “I am” – not “I was” or “I will one day become”. The great “I Am” is the One is “is”; He is defined by His moment-by-moment existence. We, made in His image, are likewise invited to define our lives not by what we “do” but who we “are”. It’s a message that calls worshipers to remember themselves as human beings not “human doings.”</p> <p>In contrast to Nike’s famous slogan, the Biblical invitation to us begins with just “be” it. Just be who you are created to be. God is, first and fundamentally, the One who IS and thus, we are invited to “BE.” <br><br>Today’s message brings a deep exposition and exploration of the covenantal name, “Yahweh.” It’s a message that invites believers to live in the present by contemplating the very name of God. He is the “I am” – not “I was” or “I will one day become”. The great “I Am” is the One is “is”; He is defined by His moment-by-moment existence. We, made in His image, are likewise invited to define our lives not by what we “do” but who we “are”. It’s a message that calls worshipers to remember themselves as human beings not “human doings.”</p> In contrast to Nike’s famous slogan, the Biblical invitation to us begins with just “be” it. Just be who you are created to be. God is, first and fundamentally, the One who IS and thus, we are invited to “BE.”

Today’s message brings a deep exposition and exploration of the covenantal name, “Yahweh.” It’s a message that invites believers to live in the present by contemplating the very name of God. He is the “I am” – not “I was” or “I will one day become”. The great “I Am” is the One is “is”; He is defined by His moment-by-moment existence. We, made in His image, are likewise invited to define our lives not by what we “do” but who we “are”. It’s a message that calls worshipers to remember themselves as human beings not “human doings.”

]]> Sun, 17 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2323 33 aca99da9aad0658a15bf422433d4aac4 no <p>The anointing of the Messiah is full of mercy for the disenfranchised. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Jesus to bring good news to the poor. Freedom’s calling us to minister with empathy to the hurting. Week one of our mission’s emphasis invites us into fresh, deep compassion for people in need across the world.</p> <p>The anointing of the Messiah is full of mercy for the disenfranchised. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Jesus to bring good news to the poor. Freedom’s calling us to minister with empathy to the hurting. Week one of our mission’s emphasis invites us into fresh, deep compassion for people in need across the world.</p> The anointing of the Messiah is full of mercy for the disenfranchised. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Jesus to bring good news to the poor. Freedom’s calling us to minister with empathy to the hurting. Week one of our mission’s emphasis invites us into fresh, deep compassion for people in need across the world.

]]> Sun, 04 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2689 34 1626bd83ce6624b420c0818f3efc5e74 no Sun, 08 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2610 35 d66a0ee563c2f82ca751a993b2d71d89 no Sun, 10 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2316 36 4fe02f8b98006c762db99393c4fe7825 no Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2473 37 d0d0af63a53555fe28e802575d38a8d1 no Sun, 25 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2192 38 d22207b5400e59a458ddac5780f84cb5 no Sun, 03 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2297 39 c62653fba3ae6b3645ffb40aea6fdf6e no Sun, 28 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2625 40 0605057606921dec019fb2dcfd015628 no Sun, 18 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2410 41 3876888df809d365a54104370a669cd0 no Sun, 17 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2867 42 47accdb19afa3c2fe0fa4e2ece363501 no Sun, 24 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2724 43 0a2d0510d7d3daf74d34726eb53a8b42 no Sun, 04 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2177 44 affedc0af1b5a58dc32c7ead2b8905ab no Sun, 27 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2216 45 c36ea0c98ee8dbd7085463a016d21292 no Sun, 01 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2419 46 f56f0ed3849421842be9c7a8c3f8b792 no Sun, 04 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2583 47 74f4c4c6faecf4ccf53bb3b79293b318 no Sun, 09 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2618 48 044af06ce55d48f6bd114ec76e48002a no Sun, 01 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2517 49 bb618f0f9c86c533b206060f55706c80 no Sun, 26 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2657 50 87e4601ae59d9131c51f790636920fde no Sun, 19 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2589 51 d780b7d07214df6bbf8c5e5f780ec36d no Sun, 16 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2446 52 96f216e27e79064fcff90b40efbac837 no <p>A message from Pastor Alan Wright at Reynolda Church from the series Unleashed (5 of 10).</p> <p>A message from Pastor Alan Wright at Reynolda Church from the series Unleashed (5 of 10).</p> A message from Pastor Alan Wright at Reynolda Church from the series Unleashed (5 of 10).

]]> Sun, 23 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2545 53 f1a501172595c38d4099c8658f7abca8 no Sun, 15 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2510 54 618a8d0008ca62fde19a007146729e54 no <p>The Gospel’s promise of freedom is not a move from slavery to independence; it is a move from slavery to fear into spiritual adoption and faith. This message builds closely on the previous week’s sermon about being a bondservant to righteousness by extending the image of liberation from bondage to the beautiful image of the adopted son. It is in this context, the picture of spiritual sonship, that Jesus assures “… if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”</p> <p>The Gospel’s promise of freedom is not a move from slavery to independence; it is a move from slavery to fear into spiritual adoption and faith. This message builds closely on the previous week’s sermon about being a bondservant to righteousness by extending the image of liberation from bondage to the beautiful image of the adopted son. It is in this context, the picture of spiritual sonship, that Jesus assures “… if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”</p> The Gospel’s promise of freedom is not a move from slavery to independence; it is a move from slavery to fear into spiritual adoption and faith. This message builds closely on the previous week’s sermon about being a bondservant to righteousness by extending the image of liberation from bondage to the beautiful image of the adopted son. It is in this context, the picture of spiritual sonship, that Jesus assures “… if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

]]> Sun, 07 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2897 55 43504c2acf6b93adfd2296dc4304b9f2 no Sun, 29 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2841 56 a6d61a2fcbd1026d92166a21b7ad857d no Sun, 22 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2551 57 24a0b1bd0a18127d9ed191b5382289e9 no Sun, 28 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 3047 58 c3601aebf6d94267bc223668924bab7c no Sun, 21 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2154 59 e3b43d9d038e33d9a963e3e360db057f no Sun, 25 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2431 60 3d78829687ba34bbc9880ca8fe7de702 no Sun, 21 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2540 61 e4f5965b1a8a1f3062b0fe358b039773 no Sun, 12 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2332 62 2b14333d98bc91b5d0baef3aed126ac1 no <p>A message from Pastor Chris Lawson at Reynolda Church from the series Unleashed (2 of 10).</p> <p>A message from Pastor Chris Lawson at Reynolda Church from the series Unleashed (2 of 10).</p> A message from Pastor Chris Lawson at Reynolda Church from the series Unleashed (2 of 10).

]]> Sun, 02 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1988 63 391810b78342ae92123b57252c315df2 no Sun, 30 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2582 64 7e1abdc41ba82f7ebecec6d86886abda no <p>As far as scholars know, Jubilee was never enacted in ancient Israel – until the coming of Jesus. <br><br>The Levitical law of Jubilee was the most radical, pervasive sociological construct of freedom imaginable. Every seventh day and every seventh year, the people and the land rested. The year of Jubilee was after the 49th year – seven times seven years. It was the Sabbath of Sabbaths of Sabbaths. According to Levitical law, everything reset during the year of Jubilee. Slaves were to be set free. Land was to be returned to its original owners. And debts were to be cancelled. <br><br>No longer bound by the slavery of their forebears, a new generation could walk into unprecedented freedom. Jubilee means a new start. In this final week of missions’ emphasis, we focus on freedom’s call to a new generation who can embrace their God-given destiny with the confidence that Jesus has become their jubilee.</p> <p>As far as scholars know, Jubilee was never enacted in ancient Israel – until the coming of Jesus. <br><br>The Levitical law of Jubilee was the most radical, pervasive sociological construct of freedom imaginable. Every seventh day and every seventh year, the people and the land rested. The year of Jubilee was after the 49th year – seven times seven years. It was the Sabbath of Sabbaths of Sabbaths. According to Levitical law, everything reset during the year of Jubilee. Slaves were to be set free. Land was to be returned to its original owners. And debts were to be cancelled. <br><br>No longer bound by the slavery of their forebears, a new generation could walk into unprecedented freedom. Jubilee means a new start. In this final week of missions’ emphasis, we focus on freedom’s call to a new generation who can embrace their God-given destiny with the confidence that Jesus has become their jubilee.</p> As far as scholars know, Jubilee was never enacted in ancient Israel – until the coming of Jesus.

The Levitical law of Jubilee was the most radical, pervasive sociological construct of freedom imaginable. Every seventh day and every seventh year, the people and the land rested. The year of Jubilee was after the 49th year – seven times seven years. It was the Sabbath of Sabbaths of Sabbaths. According to Levitical law, everything reset during the year of Jubilee. Slaves were to be set free. Land was to be returned to its original owners. And debts were to be cancelled.

No longer bound by the slavery of their forebears, a new generation could walk into unprecedented freedom. Jubilee means a new start. In this final week of missions’ emphasis, we focus on freedom’s call to a new generation who can embrace their God-given destiny with the confidence that Jesus has become their jubilee.

]]> Sun, 18 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2201 65 8e9d26afbf76eaaa53c6c451d174b38f no Sun, 14 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2432 66 2743361fd253026403459b22e2c8edfe no Sun, 18 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2432 67 baa0411908f96c46b2a7c5617c73d0a6 no <p>The proclamation of the Gospel is a proclamation of Good News. And everything that makes the Good News good depends on grace. To a confused and disillusioned world, freedom’s calling us to set captives free by announcing the purity and power of the Gospel. <br><br>Paul doesn’t hide his fury at the infiltration of legalism into the Galatian church. Drawing upon an ancient image from Genesis, the apostle presents an allegory about the conflict of Abraham’s two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. When God’s promise of a son tarried, Abraham and Sarah decided to bring in their maidservant, Hagar, as a surrogate mother. The child she bore, Ishmael, symbolized the product of human effort. When God brought forth the promised miracle, the birth of Isaac, the son of the slave woman mocked the son of promise. Law hates grace. In her frustration, Sarah finally urged Abraham to “get rid of the slave woman and her son.” <br><br>“Getting rid of the slave woman” means getting rid of every form of legalism so that the power of the Gospel can be released. In our second week of missions’ emphasis, we focus on the power of Gospel proclamation to set the captives free.</p> <p>The proclamation of the Gospel is a proclamation of Good News. And everything that makes the Good News good depends on grace. To a confused and disillusioned world, freedom’s calling us to set captives free by announcing the purity and power of the Gospel. <br><br>Paul doesn’t hide his fury at the infiltration of legalism into the Galatian church. Drawing upon an ancient image from Genesis, the apostle presents an allegory about the conflict of Abraham’s two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. When God’s promise of a son tarried, Abraham and Sarah decided to bring in their maidservant, Hagar, as a surrogate mother. The child she bore, Ishmael, symbolized the product of human effort. When God brought forth the promised miracle, the birth of Isaac, the son of the slave woman mocked the son of promise. Law hates grace. In her frustration, Sarah finally urged Abraham to “get rid of the slave woman and her son.” <br><br>“Getting rid of the slave woman” means getting rid of every form of legalism so that the power of the Gospel can be released. In our second week of missions’ emphasis, we focus on the power of Gospel proclamation to set the captives free.</p> The proclamation of the Gospel is a proclamation of Good News. And everything that makes the Good News good depends on grace. To a confused and disillusioned world, freedom’s calling us to set captives free by announcing the purity and power of the Gospel.

Paul doesn’t hide his fury at the infiltration of legalism into the Galatian church. Drawing upon an ancient image from Genesis, the apostle presents an allegory about the conflict of Abraham’s two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. When God’s promise of a son tarried, Abraham and Sarah decided to bring in their maidservant, Hagar, as a surrogate mother. The child she bore, Ishmael, symbolized the product of human effort. When God brought forth the promised miracle, the birth of Isaac, the son of the slave woman mocked the son of promise. Law hates grace. In her frustration, Sarah finally urged Abraham to “get rid of the slave woman and her son.”

“Getting rid of the slave woman” means getting rid of every form of legalism so that the power of the Gospel can be released. In our second week of missions’ emphasis, we focus on the power of Gospel proclamation to set the captives free.

]]> Sun, 11 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2419 68 9e64e123d676f51492cea455634564f5 no Sun, 07 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1015 69 5df4795a27bc33014d3ccd96b859941d no Sun, 11 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2496 70 8ae2b9ee551ec4110ef1f85c590d1e78 no