This series on Church of God beliefs comes to a close as Pastor David preaches on Matthew 20:1-16, a parable in which Jesus demonstrates the radical generosity of God.
Believing and Doing: Unity
Unity is easier said than done, especially within a local congregation. Pastor David explains in his sermon on Matthew 18:15-20 that our concern for each other’s spiritual well-being is crucial to our unity as a church.
Believing and Doing: Holiness
What does it mean to be holy? We often think it relates to moral perfection or obeying rules. But what if it amounts to responding positively to God’s pursuit of you? Listen to Pastor David’s sermon on Matthew 16:21-28.
The Nashville Statement
Homosexual. Transgender. LGBTQ. Human sexuality is a religious question that is tearing church groups apart. I believe it is such a divisive question today because most Christian adults have made up their minds whether or not their understanding of Christianity allows for homosexual (or other nontraditional) relationships and practices. We have no room for discussion, no room for truly hearing the perspectives or stories of those with whom we disagree. If others disagree with us, we assume they are speaking out of hatred. Everybody believes they are standing for the truth. No one is willing to change their minds.
This week, the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) released a document called the “Nashville Statement,” named after the city where they were meeting when they wrote it. This statement was signed by many famous Christian leaders and distributed all over social media. It immediately produced negative feedback among other Christian groups, some of which responded with statements of their own (see the “Denver Statement” for an example). I encourage you to take a few minutes to read both of the statements I’ve linked here. Continue reading
Believing and Doing: Jesus is Lord
If Jesus is Lord, then nothing else can be. This is a revolutionary claim of the Christian faith. Are we listening for God’s voice to reveal this deep truth to us? Listen to Pastor David’s sermon on Matthew 16:13-20.
Charlottesville
Please read this statement on Charlottesville from our General Director, Jim Lyon.
Believing and Doing: The Great Commission
Jesus gave the “Great Commission” to his disciples at the very end of Matthew’s gospel. Pastor David suggests that this is very much like the covenant language that God used in the Old Testament, such as in today’s sermon text, Isaiah 56:1-8.
Believing and Doing: Women in Ministry
The Church of God has always supported women as ministers of the good news of Jesus Christ, based on our reading of scripture passages such as Romans 10:5-15. Listen as Pastor David sets the context and discusses how all of us are responsible to take in the word of faith and to share it with others. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
Church Life Interrupted
Are you Paul, Timothy, or a person from Macedonia? Whom do our churches need to welcome into their midst, and who is crying out for help? Listen to Pastor David’s second message at the St. Louis Camp Meeting, based on Acts 16:1-10.
Interrupted by God’s Wisdom
How can God’s wisdom interrupt our divided, polarized way of living? On Tuesday night of the 124th St. Louis Camp Meeting, Pastor David preached on Proverbs 16:1-9. Listen to his message here: