Philippians 4:4-9. We encounter thousands of random facts every day – things pop up on our phones, we read them in newspapers, we hear talking heads report them on TV. Most of these facts have little relevancy to our daily life. “The Lord is near” is not one of those irrelevant facts. It’s a truth that sends ripples through our being and behaving – it inspires us to rejoice, calls for prayer, and so much more.
The People with an Eternal Perspective — Bob Whitaker (18 Nov 2018)
It is so easy to stay focused on things in this world – after all, we live here. But we are challenged by the Apostle Paul to keep our hearts and minds on things above. Let’s try to understand how to apply this advice.
Free at Last — Bob Whitaker (11 Nov 2018)
Romans 8:1-15. Sin is the ultimate slavery. We were made for freedom, not for slavery. In Jesus Christ we have been set free to live the life God designed for us.
Nobody Is Perfect — Bob Whitaker (4 Nov 2018)
Romans 7:14-25a. It would be nice if our salvation/redemption made us perfect, but it is not that simple. However, even though we are not perfect we are also not condemned because Christ is perfect on our behalf.
Sent into the World — Bob Whitaker
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.