The Sabbath Practice
Practicing The Way of Jesus
The Power of Worship
September 10, 2023 • Matt Burks • Luke 18:10–14, Luke 7:36–50
Welcome to the final week of our four-week series on “Sabbath”. Grounded in the profound teachings of Luke 18:10-14 and Luke 7:36-50, today's sermon explores the Sabbath as a sacred day, dedicated to stopping, resting, delighting, and above all, worshiping. Worship is the act of visibly attributing immeasurable value to the Divine, and it is our profound response to God's visible demonstration of love. Through the gift of His Son, Jesus, God displayed His unparalleled love for us—offering us forgiveness, eternal life, and a place in His heavenly Kingdom. In return, we are called to respond with worship, an external expression of the internal transformation brought about by Jesus in our lives. As we gather in corporate worship, we embody the original design of community, reflecting the image of our triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Here, we find the strength to worship together, lifting our voices and hearts in unity to glorify the One who granted us eternal life. Join us in understanding the significance of corporate worship in setting the Sabbath apart from ordinary days, and discover how every moment of our gathering is dedicated to bringing glory to the Giver of eternal life.
Discovering Delight
September 3, 2023 • Austin Nesvacil • Psalm 16:11, Zephaniah 3:17
Welcome to the third installment of our four-week series on "The Sabbath". Rooted in the uplifting verses of Psalm 16:11 and Zephaniah 3:17, this sermon invites you to explore the Sabbath as a sacred day set apart for stopping, resting, delighting, and worshiping. As followers of Jesus, we often know in our minds that we're meant to experience joy and find delight in God. However, the practical application of this joy can often elude us, and spiritual disciplines may seem burdensome rather than blessings. This disconnect often stems from a distorted view of God—one that doesn't align with the joyous, loving God portrayed in the Bible. In this transformative message, we'll challenge these misconceptions and reframe our view of God. Discover how God is the embodiment of joy and takes delight in His creation, desiring the same joy for us. Learn how the act of stopping, resting, and reorienting ourselves toward God paves the way for genuine delight. Practical tips, such as gratitude, Sabbath feasts, and the concept of pleasure stacking, will be shared to help you incorporate delight into your Sabbath day. Join us in making the Sabbath a joyful and pleasurable experience, where you and your family can truly delight in God's presence.
Resting in Christ
August 27, 2023 • Brannen Padgett • Luke 10:38–42
Rooted in Luke 10:38-42, this sermon delves into the profound essence of the Sabbath as a sacred day to stop, rest, delight, and worship. In a world that perpetually urges us to be busy, we often find ourselves caught in the unending cycle of demands and responsibilities. We believe that life will eventually slow down after a project, event, or stage of life, only to discover that more demands await. This relentless busyness doesn't just affect our physical, mental, and emotional well-being; it takes a toll on our relationships—both with Jesus and our loved ones. Join us as we explore the consequences of busyness and its impact on our relationship with Jesus and those we hold dear. Discover the two primary reasons behind our busyness: external circumstances and idolatry. The solution lies in a deeper trust in the Gospel, which rescues us from people-pleasing, performance-driven mindsets, the allure of materialism, and the need for control. Let's learn from the story of Martha and Mary and choose to focus on the main things, finding rest and renewal in Christ amidst the chaos of life.
Rediscovering Sabbath
August 20, 2023 • Brannen Padgett • Exodus 20:8–11
What exactly is the Sabbath? It's a sacred day set apart for rest, delight, and worship—a divine rhythm designed to rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and souls. As we navigate the fast-paced modern world, understanding the essence of the Sabbath becomes crucial for our well-being. Join us as we explore the significance of the Sabbath's timing. While we often gather on Sundays for worship, the day itself isn't as vital as the intention behind it and the focus of our worship. The heartbeat of the Sabbath is about realigning our rhythms with God's rhythms, finding solace in physical and spiritual rest, and embracing the good gift that the Sabbath truly is. Be part of this enriching journey as we dive into the transformative power of the Sabbath—a call to stop, rest, delight, and worship in a world that often forgets the beauty of true rest.