Life Together
Easter
March 27, 2016 • Gary Brandenburg
Isn't this a great day? It's good to be alive. That's what Easter is about - life. Life is good. Even when life is bad, it's better than the alternative. Everyone celebrates new life this time of year, even the non-religious. Last Sunday was the first day of spring, the first season of the new year when the days get longer, the birds sing louder and new life begins to appear. We all seek life. We cherish it and we hold onto it as long as we possibly can. That's why one of the worst things we can ever hear is, "You have a life-threatening illness with no possible cure and you don't have very long to live." That's what my friend, Barry Anino, heard last week.
The Grace of Giving
March 13, 2016 • Gary Brandenburg
This has been an amazing week for me. First, I was pre-selected to receive my bank's "very best credit card." Then I got a phone call telling me I had won 3.5 million dollars and a new Mercedes Benz. It was a good thing I had access to all that money so I could help a member of our http://church...ever been scammed like that?
Perfect
February 28, 2016 • Gary Brandenburg
In the beginning, God created Paradise. You know Paradise. You've never actually been there but it lives inside your heart and mind. It is a place untouched by the chaos and confusion that surround us on this fallen planet. God created the first human occupants of Paradise and delegated His authority to them so they would rule over His glorious Kingdom. He said, "be fruitful and multiply." He wanted them to fill the earth with people created in His image and likeness so that God's glory would cover the earth like the waters cover the sea. But (spoiler alert) it didn't happen. Paradise was lost but God had a plan.
The Great Omission
February 21, 2016 • Gary Brandenburg
Recently my friend Philip gave me a gift, a beautiful pocket knife. The problem is I will probably never use that knife to cut anything. It is a limited edition knife commemorating Nolan Ryan's 500th career strike out. It's in a box and will most likely stay in a box because it is just too valuable to be used as a knife. This knife has been repurposed. It now serves as a memento, a memory aid to the talent of a flame-throwing right-handed pitcher.
Who's In Charge Here?
February 14, 2016 • Gary Brandenburg
In nine more months Americans will be given another opportunity to choose a new President. There are still eight or more people who feel that they are worthy to lead this country. How will you choose? By their political party? By the promises they make? By the cute factor? Do you prefer a former governor or senator or will you opt for a businessman or a surgeon?
Immersed
February 7, 2016 • Gary Brandenburg
Last Wednesday was National Signing Day. If you are not a college football fan that means nothing to you. But if you are a college football fan you know that National Signing Day is the day when talented high school football players choose the colleges they plan to attend. The anticipation builds leading up to signing day and over the years the announcements have become more and more dramatic. This year one guy jumped out of an airplane (with a parachute) and when he landed he opened up his jump suit to reveal the jersey of his chosen team. Michigan held a star-studded event that included Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, Ric Flair that students waited in line 2 hours to attend. The sense of anticipation leading up to Signing Day is followed by a sense of relief since many of these athletes have changed their commitments in the months leading up to the big day. But once they sign on the dotted line, they are committed. You don't get to leave your options open. One of the best things you can do to keep a commitment is to go public with it. No one says, "Well coach, let's take this thing one game at a time and if I like it, I'll stay."
Fellowship: A Place or A People
January 31, 2016 • Kurt Pressler
How do people assess churches these days? What are they looking for when they go? A cool building? Gifted preacher? Awesome programs for the kids? 100% Arabica beans? I have the privilege of leading a ministry team that helps our new people find their place here. My team and I meet with them one-on-one to get to know them and always ask one very important question: What are your hopes in connecting with our church? We get lots of answers, but the number one answer is fellowship.
Context is Everything
January 24, 2016 • Randy Thompson
Good morning. Welcome to Fellowship Dallas. My name is Randy Thompson and I am one of the pastors here. I’m so glad you’re able to worship with us this morning. Today, we’re beginning a new series that we’re calling Life Together. Over the next couple of months, we are going to investigate what it means to be a church. We are also going to practice something together, as a church.