End Up
Lean on Me
February 11, 2024 • Pastor Thomas-Steele Carr • Mark 4, Proverbs 3:5–6, John 6
Pastor Thomas Steele's sermon magnifies the importance of placing absolute trust in God in all aspects of life, categorically cautioning against substituting this trust in God with any form of reliance on worldly riches, influential identities, or personal wisdom. He references stories from the books of Mark and John in the Bible, recounting Jesus calming a perilous storm and feeding thousands from scarce resources, respectively. These instances highlight the disciples' doubts and fears in the face of adversity, and how their trust in Jesus leads to miraculous resolutions. The sermon pushes for a deeper understanding and relationship with God, and not solely seeking blessings or miracles from Him. Incorporation of contemplative prayer, as suggested by Pastor Thomas-Steele, is proposed as a potential practice to establish this enriching bond with God where our mere presence in His grace, without any requests or prayers, strengthens our association with Him and consequently, our reliance on and trust in Him. Finally, Pastor Thomas-Steele thrusts upon the idea of redefining success not by worldly measures but through fulfilling God's purpose for us and becoming who He wants us to become. The sermon underscores that trusting in God's plan can spare us unnecessary suffering and obstacles in life. The sermon makes a profound point about the quintessential importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance over our limited understanding and the peace and success that is inherently linked to absolute trust in God.
One Step at a Time
February 4, 2024 • Pastor Thomas-Steele Carr • Proverbs 29:18, Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 6:23
This sermon titled "One Step at a Time" by Pastor Thomas Steele emphasizes the role of vision in our lives. It explores how having a vision and following God's guidance can help us end up where we want to be. The sermon discusses the importance of vision in various aspects of life and highlights the frustration that can come from seeking guidance from God's word because it doesn't often give guidance the way we want to receive it. It emphasizes that God's guidance often comes in the form of invitations rather than specific instructions and encourages obedience in order to receive future guidance.
Follow the Directions
January 28, 2024 • Pastor Thomas-Steele Carr • Proverbs 29:18
In the sermon "Follow the Directions" by Pastor Thomas Steele, the central message resonates the profound significance of having a vision in life and walking in the direction instructed by God to accomplish true happiness. The basis of the sermon was Proverbs 29:18 which indicates in the absence of vision, man is likely to lead a life that is haphazard and unrestrained. Pastor Steele pointed out that God's vision, as revealed in His word, should be the primary compass guiding our lives. He underscored the importance of discerning where our visions come from, suggesting that a mere good vision may not suffice when one could strive for a God-given vision. Pastor Thomas Steele emphasized that God's vision is not about setting and striving towards worldly goals, rather it is about seeking His divine guidance and revelations. He challenged the mainstream belief identifying happiness with fulfilling desires and leading a wild life. Instead, he proposed that following God's law is the actual pathway to attaining happiness. It's suggested that the relentless chase of pleasure results in becoming slaves to sinful tendencies and heading towards destruction. The path to happiness lies not in succumbing to worldly cravings, but in seeking and adhering to God's direction. The audience was encouraged to seek this divine guidance through studying and reading God's word - the Bible. The discourse concluded by reminding the listeners that seeking God's guidance and abiding by it may not be easy or convenient, but it is a crucial measure for true happiness.