Forgiveness is not easy, especially when the offense is large. However, the alternative is worse – holding a grudge. When we make a deliberate and sometimes painful choice to forgive, there is a weight that is lifted from our hearts. Let’s think about the nature of forgiveness.
Who’s Your Master? — Dan Waugh (23 Sept 2018)
Bottom line: we serve someone or something. So who is your master? And, what are the results of serving who you serve? Paul invites us to consider the options and to offer ourselves as slaves to God. We’ll consider what this means and what the consequences of serving God or choosing to serve another truly are. Reading: Romans 6:15-23.
Foolish Wisdom — Bob Whitaker (16 Sept 2018)
The Gospel is true – truth is a constant. However, your view of the truth might be different from someone else’s. The way you view reality is a matter of perspective. The cross is foolishness if you do not believe, but it is wisdom if you do believe.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
A Meaningful Life — Bob Whitaker (9 Sept 2018)
The search for meaning has always been part of the human condition. In our contemporary American culture we have more than ever before. Still, the longing for a deeply meaningful existence produces a quest that is perhaps more intense than ever. The ancient wisdom of Solomon might be able to help us.
You’re Only Part of the Story — Bob Whitaker (2 Sept 2018)
The most meaningful kind of life begins NOT when we focus on “our story” but when we enter into a bigger story that begins with creation and continues today. Our story takes on deep meaning when we enter into God’s story.
Living Right-Side Up
Hebrews 11:1-6. As Christians we are instructed by the Bible to be in the world but not of the world. Let’s be honest, living that way is not an easy balancing act. Sometimes it seems like up is down and down is up. So how do we live right side up?
Redeeming Grace, Transforming Truth — Bob Whitaker (19 Aug 2018)
Last Sunday we wrapped up our summer series, Who Are You? As newcomers flocked into town for the start of IU classes this week, Pastor Bob turned to the question, “Who are we as the church at ECC?”
Ambassadors — Dan Waugh (12 Aug 2018)
This week we bring our Who are You? series to a close, considering the truth that we’ve all been called into the “foreign service corps” and serve as ambassadors of the kingdom.
Sojourners on the Road to Eternity — Bob Whitaker (5 Aug 2018)
“Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” This famous quote from Augustine is often used to remind us that all human beings are created for relationship with God. That is certainly true. However, a relationship with God on this earth is only the beginning. We were actually made for an eternal relationship. As Christians we believe that the journey to eternity is our ultimate destiny.
Created for Good Works — Bob Whitaker (29 July 2018)
Reading from Ephesians 2:1-10. What if gratitude for God’s grace reframed our view of the people and situations we encounter from day to day?