Apr 7, 2011
Posted by Dave on Apr 7, 2011 in Updates | 0 comments
As we continue our series of ‘Crazy Love’ we are going to be getting into some pretty heavy topics.
This Sunday will be a time for you to really examine yourself and your life against Scripture. After all, we read in Scripture to
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 2nd Corinthians 13:5
I want to challenge you to get ready to be tested. Come humble. Come ready to answer some very serious questions about your faith. Come ready to be convicted by the Word of God. Most importantly, come ready to make a change.
Jesus makes it very clear – we are not to be half-hearted, lukewarm Christians. Sunday, we’re going to find out exactly what that means.
Well, since you’re soooo excited for Sunday now, I guess I’ll see you then!
Apr 5, 2011
Posted by Dave on Apr 5, 2011 in Updates | 0 comments
Sunday we dove into our ‘Crazy Love’ series by talking about when you’re in love. Congrats to all of those who got kisses during the service, haha.
Just to recap a bit, I thought I’d share some of the major points we went through.
God is madly in love with us. We know this to be true because we can see it in creation. We can see it in the way we were created. Creation is simply amazing, from the way our bodies work to carefully planned creatures like giraffes. Romans 1:20 tells us that everything in creation points to God. Job 38-41 show us the thoughtfulness God put into creation – weather patterns, human cells, and all sorts of interesting talking points.
We especially see God’s love for us in how he created us for a purpose.
Jeremiah 1:5-8 - Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
Ephesians 2:10 - We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God determined beforehand that we should walk in them…
Ultimately, God made you to be you. The Bible tells us He sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17). You can examine his love for us further by checking out Psalms 36:5-7, Psalms 86:15, Psalms 136:2, John 15:13, John 3:16, Eph 2:4-5, Eph 5:2, and 1 John 4:9-10. [Read @ YouVersion]
It’s undeniable that God loves us. Is it undeniable that we love him?
Gary Chapman, author of ‘The Five Love Languages” says that there are 5 ways we show and receive love. I think these are dead on, and let’s put them in the context of our faith. Words of Affirmation (Praise/Worship). Acts of Service (Humility/Working). Gifting (Sacrificing). Quality Time (Prayer/Reading/Meditating). Physical Touch (Hands on the ground ministry).
In ‘God is the Gospel’ John Piper makes this statement:
The critical question for our generation – and for every generation is this: IF you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasked, and no human conflict or any natural disasters…Could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?
Apr 1, 2011
Posted by Dave on Apr 1, 2011 in Updates | 0 comments
During the first part of the year, I read a really challenging book called ‘Crazy Love’ by Francis Chan. I’ll be honest – most of the book was like being punched in the stomach. I know that isn’t the best way to encourage you to read it, but I’m just being honest.
I learned that I have a fairly improper view of God’s love, and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I learned about the perils and reality of being lukewarm. I learned that I have worth and purpose, even when I feel like I don’t. This book really hit me hard.
During the month of April, I’ll be preaching 4 sermons about the crazy love of Jesus. I hope that you’re as challenged as I have been. There will be some stuff that may not sit well with you…some things that strike your faith at the core. I pray you welcome it. Let it resonate with you.
So we’re kicking it off this Sunday, talking about ‘When You’re in Love…’ We’re even going to play a little game during church! Games in church?! Crazy, right? Oh, and pick up a copy of ‘Crazy Love.’
At Dassel Church of Christ, we are all about being real. You won't find us doing a bunch of traditional stuff that churches do just because...well, they've been doing it for a long time. We want to be real, and we want you to be real. We want you to connect in worship, experience relationships with others, and live a life of service. We are an nondenominational church that is built solely on God’s Word. We don’t follow anything man has created, or try to be something that God hasn’t made the church to be. We are a simple church, with a simple message: love God, & love others.
