Fathers Model Values

June 16, 2013
Dave Marttunen

Audio

The word shrewd has fallen into disfavor. If we call someone shrewd we border on insulting them. A ‘shrewd operator’ is someone who, we imply, uses the truth artfully to his own end, and likely will not disclose all that he knows. A shrewd person is usually thought of as someone looking out for the best deal while disregarding the cost to others. It is not a trait that we want in a friend or father. But listen to Jesus’ words recorded in Luke 16... “the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light” (NIV)... Jesus wants his people to learn how to be more shrewd in kingdom work. Today, on Father’s day, we will study the less practiced character trait of shrewdness to learn how God demonstrates it and how we can choose to be like him.

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Together on Mission

June 9, 2013
Kevin Thiessen

Audio 

The commissioning of a missionary is an exciting opportunity for the gathered body of believers. This is more than just a simple ceremony, as it can accomplish several vital objectives for the missionaries and the local church. It brings visibility to the discipleship process as it has unfolded in the church. It serves as an anchor and formal starting point for the outgoing missionaries that connects them with the congregation. It is an opportunity for the congregation to affirm the character and calling of the missionaries. Finally, it can challenge us all to think more directly about how God might desire to use us. As He calls us, will we also follow?

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Remember Me

June 2, 2013

Dave Marttunen

Audio 

As we remember the person and work of Jesus, our lives are realigned by the gospel. Remembering the death of Jesus changes us. It is the means by which we are being constantly reformed and renewed. His death is the means of our acceptance; the way by which we are reconciled, adopted, and given an inheritance that is impossible for us to fully comprehend. Paul speaks of it this way in Ephesians 3:16-19: "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”. Because Jesus died, we live.

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