Stand Alone Messages - Fall 2022
Organizing Love
November 6, 2022 • Courtney Harkness
God has organized His church in a very specific way. His design is intended to provide health, protection, and care within a community of faith. The apostles recognized their own limitations, and they chose to trust others to help carry the needs of the early church. These chosen servants would ensure that the practical concerns of the congregation were consistently met, removing obstacles that threatened the unity of a community of believers. As such, kingdom growth requires biblical order, and as we trust God to build His church, we must align ourselves with His intentions.
The Great I Was?
October 30, 2022 • Daniel Findlay
Moses was charged with facilitating a very unique introduction to Israel. Up until that point, the people carried a historical framework of worship, rooted in the God of their ancestors. They spent most of their time rehearsing stories of His goodness in days past. They had all heard ABOUT Him, but none had actually heard FROM Him. Moses was charged with this task -- to lead the people into a current relationship with the Lord, one rooted in fresh revelation and daily dependence. This is extremely helpful in our work of ministering to the next generation, and it gives us much to consider. What if, based on our own experiences and personal history with the Lord, we have accidentally pointed them to the “the Great I Was,” rather than “the Great I Am?” What if we’ve led them to believe that God is old, rather than eternal?
The Great Omission
October 23, 2022 • Bishop David Thagana, Courtney Harkness
Bishop David Thagana & Pastor Courtney Harkness While many are eager to go and change the world *for* God, we often forget our need to stay connected in a way that ensures we are changed *by* Him. This is the great “omission” that seems to hinder so many in the church. The deception of ministry success is that we can do something for God without Him doing something in and through us. Even after we trust Him for salvation, we must continue to depend on Him for everything else - because “apart from Him, we can do nothing.”
Better Than Belief
October 16, 2022 • Courtney Harkness
Nobody likes rules. Many of the NT believers were relieved to be moving on from the burdensome expectations of the OT law. Their understanding of the gospel message gave them a new freedom - a righteousness found in faith alone - despite any of their actions. However, the absence of right behavior brings into question the presence of right belief. The book of James highlights this and cautions believers against moving from one extreme to another. It reminds us that our faith is always tied to our actions, and one should inevitably prove the other.
Meant to Be Sent
October 9, 2022 • Matt McGue
Good news is meant to be shared. The invitation to the kingdom is open to all; therefore, it requires quite a few messengers to get the word out. Unfortunately, too many believers deflect this responsibility to those seen as “more qualified.” Nevertheless, each of us must follow through on the grace of God present in our lives. We have received a good gift! And we must also be committed to sharing that gift with others.