One of the books on my “reading-in-progress” shelf is “Confessions” by Saint Augustine, a Christian writer who lived in the fourth and fifth centuries, some 1600 years ago. In this book, he gives his autobiography and describes how he ultimately came to faith in Christ. The section I read today gave me some food for thought, and I’d like to share that with you.
God’s Intent for the Church: The Body of the Powerful Christ
The second installment in our study of Ephesians took place last night. Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s message on Ephesians 1:15-23, which describes just how powerful our Lord is.
Pray Constantly
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells his disciples a parable with a specific purpose: to encourage them to pray always and never to give up. They lived in a difficult time, so their prayers would have been very large indeed! Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s interpretation of this parable for today’s world.
Preview: Pray Constantly
Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? We should always remember to pray – especially when the parable contained in Luke 18:1-8 begins with that very instruction and explanation. Is Jesus telling us to nag God until we get what we want? What’s prayer all about? Come worship with us on Sunday morning, and we’ll explore this passage together.
–Pastor David
Silence before the Lord
If you were in church with us last Sunday, you know that I’ve been battling a cold for the past several days. I had something of a voice on Sunday, but by the following day, my entire voice was gone. Have you ever had that experience – where you can whisper, but not much more comes out? Well, as the day wore on, I began to think about just how “noisy” I usually am – especially before the Lord.
God’s Intent for the Church: To the Praise of His Glory
We have just begun having Sunday evening services at Mt. Haley. If you missed the first one, we’ll have one again next Sunday at 6pm! Throughout these services, Pastor David will be leading us through a study of Ephesians. The theme for this study is “God’s Intent for the Church” – looking at what Ephesians can teach us about healthy church life. This Sunday’s passage was Ephesians 1:1-14. Click the link below to hear what this passage says about being “to the praise of his glory.”
A Myth of Church Growth
On Sunday morning, October 10, Pastor David preached from Luke 17:11-19, the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. What does this story have to do with (a) last week’s installation service, (b) Pastor David’s subsequent cold, and (c) church growth issues? Click the link below to hear this message.
Preview: A Myth of Church Growth
Every church wants to grow, right? In fact, spreading the gospel is something Jesus commanded us to do. But growth for the sake of numbers isn’t always healthy – especially when it comes to “sheep-stealing.” What does this have to do with Luke 17:11-19, the story in which Jesus heals ten lepers and only one returns to thank him? Come worship with us on Sunday and we’ll explore together!
–Pastor David
Installed…now what?
This past Sunday, we shared in a wonderful experience: the installation of Mt. Haley’s new pastor, yours truly. I’ve never been “installed” before, since this is the first church I’ve pastored. From my perspective, it was a exciting, humbling, and beautiful time. But now the question that begs to be asked is this: Now what?
It’s Not About Me
In Luke 17:5-10, the apostles ask Jesus for more faith. He responds by challenging them to consider themselves unworthy (or unnecessary) servants. What does this have to do with church life today (and Forrest Gump)? Click the link below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on this passage.