*New Rules to Live By
Mind Your Manners
October 11, 2015 • Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
Thankfulness puts all we have in perspective; God has given us what we need for service, comfort, expression, and recreation. Greediness or discontent signals an attitude that says to God, “I’m not getting much of a bargain here.” Thankful people can worship wholeheartedly. Gratitude opens our hearts to God’s peace and enables us to put on love. Discontented people constantly calculate what’s wrong with their lot in life.
Fly With a Broken Wing
October 25, 2015 • Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
The Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago is going through a difficult season. We've had four funerals in the last five weeks. Additionally, we've had members lose nieces, nephews, siblings, and parents. Every crisis reveals who you are and I'm determined, with God's help, to lead our church through this difficult season and not lose hope. Despair is the complete loss of hope. Circumstances can press in around us to the extent that we cannot see a way out. When fear grips us, hopelessness is right behind. The apostle Paul knew first hand what that was like. Yet he wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.”
You're Doing It The Wrong Way
November 1, 2015 • Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
Prayer is just talking to God… Right? Maybe prayers more than just us talking, more than convincing God to give us what we want. In this message, we will unpack Jesus' life-changing answer to the request, Lord teach us to pray.
Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things
November 8, 2015 • Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
Just because you're a Believer doesn't mean you're exempt from adversity. The seduction of God’s people by the deceiver is a tale as old as the garden, but we are always surprised when it happens. We must realize that Satan is a lion on the prowl and we are his prey. Today we'll discover God's most effective tool in overcoming adversity.
Bad Blood
November 15, 2015 • Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
Bad Blood is defined as having unpleasant feelings or animosity between people. No matter how badly you want peace, there are some relationships that may never be fully restored. But doing this one thing can help you find peace about any relationship.
I Need a Break
November 22, 2015 • Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
Very few of the privileged and learned classes turned to Jesus, as they felt comfortably secure and satisfied with their achievements in life. But many who felt helpless turned to Jesus to satisfy their deepest needs, and through him came into a new relationship with God. They found true refreshment in learning from Jesus and obeying his teachings.