Early in the Book of Acts the mission of the church became evident to all the apostles. It was a simple and profound mission. The church was and still is sent into the whole world. Let’s think about how we at ECC embrace this sending mission. Reading: Acts 13:1-5
Humility Is Powerful — Bob Whitaker (21 Oct 2018)
A position of power and influence is not usually associated with humility. However, in the kingdom of God we are called to emulate Jesus’ attitude of humility–that is “living right-side up.”
Eager for Money — John Mangrum (14 Oct 2018)
From 1 Timothy 6:3-10. Warning: The love of money is dangerous to your health.
The Complexity of Forgiveness
Not only is forgiveness difficult, it is complicated. Does forgiveness make us a victim? Is forgiveness incompatible with justice?
Forgiveness Brings Life — Bob Whitaker (30 Sept 2018)
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?