To Know Christ

July 29, 2012

David Dawson

 Audio / Questions / Leaders

It is important to remember that the heart of Christianity is relational and responsive. As a pastor, I get caught up in terms like spiritual growth and discipleship. These are good words and biblical ideas, but often in the midst spiritual disciplines and biblical learning, I can forget that what really gets me excited is knowing Jesus. In Philippians 3, Paul expresses his passion to know Jesus. My hope is that this passion will inspire us and call us to press on toward the goal. As we witness the dedication and passion of the Olympic athletes over the next couple weeks, may we dedicate our lives to the only one worthy of our best.

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The Gifted Christian

July 22, 2012
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

The wonder of the church is that it works! Composed of broken but restored pieces that are learning to cooperate for the good purpose of God, the Church can rise in each generation as a glorious grace-filled bride. Picture this: redeemed, restored and now working together for God in our city. The Church is the plan of God to bring his message to every generation. The better we understand grace, its radical nature, the deeper we will commit to serve God together through our gifts. The Church, like a jigsaw puzzle, not only fits together, but serves together.

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Christian Unity

July 15, 2012
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions / Leaders

Paul the apostle loves the Church. His love is easy to read in his letters. As he speaks lovingly to individual congregations, he paints a picture of what all of us can become as we live out God’s grace together. There is nothing in the world like the Church. It is the hope of the world. It is grace in action. It is the agent of
reconciliation that God keeps in the world. The Church is the missionary community that serves God’s
purpose as it is formed out of grace. As the Church hears God and purposefully aligns itself to His plan, it becomes the means of transformation. Today, in part 28 of our series on Romans, we will consider what it means to be part of Christ’s body, the Church.

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July 8, 2012 
Dave Marttunen

 Audio / Questions / Leaders

The Christian is at war with his old way of thinking. We so crave the affirmation of success that we over invest ourselves in accomplishment to achieve status. We become human doings. We achieve, therefore we are! Grace stands this kind of thinking on its head. We are not valued through our doings, but valued based on grace. We are human beings, made in the image of God, and redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus our thoughts are changed, and changed thinking leads to changed living. Humility is not self abasement, but self awareness. We know who we are, what we have received, and that all we do is only because of all that has been done for us.

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July 1, 2012

Change your Mind, Change Your Life Purpose 
Dave Marttunen

Audio / Questions
 

Have you noticed how your position changes what you see and how you see it?  If you are seated in front of a plate glass window in a comfy hotel room in Tofino watching the storm waves roll, it’s a wonderful experience.  But, if you are in an open boat in that same storm then you see and feel things differently!  Your position changes your perspective.  This picture introduces a key issue of Christian discipleship. Namely, how does the Christian living in our city in this day and age maintain their core commitment to be a totally devoted follower of Jesus in everything? (which you recall is the command of Romans 12:1).  Today, Pastor Marttunen unpacks the Bible’s answer in Romans 12:2.  Today’s message, part 26, in the Romans series is titled, “Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Purpose”. 

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