Take it or leave it - does the church really matter?

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I'm afraid that many people have lost sight of what the Church is and why it matters. Even many professed Christians boast with a smug superiority that they are "into God, but not into Church." 

The problem is...God says that the Church has been His plan all along and as such is the hope of the world. Consider this carefully; It's no coincidence that while Christians are rapidly losing sight of what we, the church should be, our culture is even more rapidly throwing off the moral restraints that the church has historically provided. And the results are disastrous!

This Sunday, I'm beginning a series called, "Take It or Leave It - Does the Church Really Matter?" This is the kickoff to a very important series of messages designed to uncover the biblical truth about the Church and compare it to where we find ourselves today. We're going to be honest and frank about where the Church has drifted and what it will take to bring us back!

For the sake of our fellowship, and our broader community, please make this series a priority. You may be surprised at what God has to say!

For the One Hope

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Made for Love - Fearless, Day 30!

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There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 

1 John 4:18

Most good stories revolve around a character that you come to care about overcoming conflict in pursuit of something that they truly desire. That something is—more often than not—love, because we instinctively know we were made for love!

Over the last 30 days, we’ve looked at the biblical remedy to fear. Over and over, we’ve heard the same thing said in different ways. I don’t need to fear because I am deeply loved by the omnipotent God of the Universe. His powerful presence and perfect love drive out all fear! Sadly, many relate to God out of a legalistic attempt to escape punishment. This approach misses the whole mission of Jesus Christ and the cross. He took the punishment for any who will receive Him. Fear of punishment was never to be the nature of our relationship with Father. It is to begin and end with love. And, when the Almighty loves you, you don’t need to fear!

The greatest security available to us is the faithful love of our God. So, the most direct path to fearlessness is the one that leads to close, intimate fellowship with the Father. Press in. Seek His presence. Listen for His voice and follow closely. You’ll be amazed at how His love drives out all fear!

For Reflection: How do you most naturally envision and approach God: loving Father or angry Judge? Think of the most loving person you’ve ever known. Now, recognize the truth that God loves you infinitely more perfectly than any person ever could. How does that recognition impact your approach to Him?

Father, I thank You for loving me enough to give Your life for me. Please forgive the times I distort Your image by assuming that You love like we do. Your love is perfect because Your very nature is love! Help me to trust You enough to press in and experience new dimensions of Your faithfulness! Let Your perfect love drive out all my fear!