This Sunday we continue our series of sermons regarding who we are called to be as the church. This week we will examine the Biblical concept of hospitality, a custom that held great significance in Biblical times. Through exploring the account of Abraham showing this hospitality to three strangers, we will see how practicing true hospitality is a means of experiencing God. And don’t forget our programs for children and youth begin this Wednesday with a meal at 5:30 and our meeting at 6:00.
Category: Minister’s Blog
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Branches – 9/4/18
This Sunday, we begin a new series of sermons exploring what God calls us to be as the church. Specifically, we will examine what we feel God has given Carlock Christian Church as a purpose, how we are to uniquely function as the hands and feet of Christ in our community. We begin this week by examining a teaching of Jesus closely related to our church due to the imagery on our windows – the teaching of the vine and the branches. And we will examine what it means to abide in Christ. Don’t forget that our social hour begins again this Sunday at 9:00, and our new children’s church program begins this Sunday as well. Hope to see you there!
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Look for the Resister – 8/27/18
This Sunday, we conclude our series “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places” by Looking for the Resister. We will examine the account of the temptation of Jesus and his ability to resist evil even under very difficult circumstances. The circumstances in which Jesus is able to resist are often the situations in which we are least able to, but we will see that we are equipped with the same powerful tool to resist which Jesus possessed. Hope to see you Sunday!
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Look for the Unexpected – 8/20/18
Just two more weeks in our series, “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” This Sunday we will “Look for the Unexpected.” It is easy for us to fall into a pattern of thinking that we will encounter God in certain ways. That the manner in which God is manifested to us falls into certain patterns. And because we have expectations for how things will go, we can sometimes miss opportunities to experience God’s love when God comes to us in the unexpected. This Sunday, we will examine the account of the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well. We will consider how we, like that woman, can find the love of God in the unexpected. -
Look for the Liberator – 8/13/18
This week we continue our series, “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places,” by looking for the Liberator. When the ministry of Jesus began, the people of Israel had certain expectations for what the Messiah would do. But the way Jesus liberated was much different from these expectations. The way Jesus liberates us is sometimes different from our expectations too. This Sunday, we will examine the raising of Lazarus. And we will consider how Christ can also free us from tombs which seem inescapable.
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Look for the Healer – 8/6/18
This Sunday we continue our new series, “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” During each week of this series, we will examine the ways in which people experienced Jesus during his ministry and consider how we can experience Christ in a similar way today. This Sunday we consider the role of Jesus as healer. In examining the account of Jesus healing a leper, we will see that the healing power of God means far more than the healing of physical illness.Just a reminder, if you have junior high age children, please let me know this week if they will be able to attend our escape room outing on August 17.Hope to see you Sunday! -
Why Should I Give – 7/2/18
This Sunday, we conclude our series of sermons based on questions asked by members of the congregation. The question I received for this week related to reasons to give to the church. Often times, when we think of giving, we are focused on meeting the budget. But there are spiritual dimensions to giving that we often ignore. This Sunday, we will look at the parable of the talents and determine what Jesus sought to teach us about how giving can impact our faith. And don’t forget that VBS starts a week from today! There is still time to register!
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What Does Jesus Teach About Hell? – 6/25/18
Our question for this Sunday is, “What did Jesus teach about hell?” In answering this question, we will examine the various words which have been translated as “hell” in both the Old and New Testaments. And then we will examine two key teachings of Jesus related to this concept as we seek to understand its implications for our faith. I hope you will join us as we continue to address the questions of faith raised by our congregation. And there is still time to submit your questions as well!
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Terminal Illness – 6/18/18
The question for this week’s sermon is a very practical one. It asks, “When someone tells you they have a terminal disease, what should you say in response?” When tragedy strikes someone that we know, it is often difficult to know what to say. And this is particularly true when we are addressing people of faith. We often feel we need to give them some explanation for why this is happening to them, where God is in the situation they are facing. Join us this Sunday as we examine in the book of Job what we can say in these situations, and what we should not. Also, join us for a potluck after the service. And don’t forget to encourage your friends and family to sign up for VBS!
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Judging – 6/11/18
The question asked for this Sunday’s sermon is, “Is Judgment of Others Ever Acceptable According to the Bible?” Unfortunately, people of faith are often known for being judgmental. But this Sunday, we will examine how Jesus addressed the issue of judging others and how he handled the situation when someone was judged in his presence. And we will consider a more appropriate response when we are tempted to fall into the trap of judging. Hope to see you all Sunday!