Give Presence Recap

Main Idea: Giving presents is good.  Giving PRESENCE is better."

There is absolutely nothing wrong with giving gifts or presents. In fact, in many instances it isn't simply a good thing to do, but it is something that you should do. 

But if giving presence is better than giving gifts - the epitome of what Christmas for westerners is all about - what does it mean to "Give Presence"?

What does it mean to “Give Presence”?

1. Love on PURPOSE 
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.

-1 John 4:9

2. Love with SACRIFICE

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

-1 John 4:10

3.Love through GRATITUDE
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

-1 John 4:11

MEMORY VERSE

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God

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Ba Humbug Recap

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE WALK AROUND WITH A “BA HUMBUG” ATTITUDE?

During this Christmas season it is really easy to "ba humbug" through it, and forget the point of it - to make Christmas and xmiss and miss out on what you really hoped this Christmas season to really be about. So during this series we want to take a step back and say, "This is actually about someone's birthday, and have we taken a step back to consider what HE wants?"

1.  We measure our wealth based on AWARENESS.

This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God. - Luke 12:21
 

2.  We forget we are MANAGERS - not owners of the resources we have been given.

So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? - Luke 16:11

KEY QUESTION:  Why has God TRUSTED me with so much?

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God...They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. - 1 Timothy 6:17-18

WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL PLAN FOR GIVING?

1. PRIORITY giving

2. PERCENTAGE giving

3. PROGRESSIVE giving.

Memory Verse:

Matthew 6:25 

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

If you missed it, you can watch it below:

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The Gospel Is Dangerous Recap

In this message we learn that Paul’s message—the gospel—is dangerous. And for those of us who follow Christ, the measure for whether or not the gospel is working in our lives is not what some may think it means.

It’s very easy to begin to think that God’s plan is to get you saved. And then once he’s done with that, to use you to get someone else saved. Get someone else to have what some people call “a personal relationship with God,” in which Jesus’s death on the cross is applied to you by faith, you get your sins forgiven, you feel better about yourself, and God gets another church attender. Because, after all, that’s why God sent Jesus to die for us, so that we would all attend church more. God’s overarching plan, his mission in this world, is to get people to be nice, stop watching True Blood, probably, and go to church as much as possible.

BUT... If that was God’s mission in the world. Would anyone really oppose it? If God’s mission and the affect of the gospel was merely to make nice, non-HBO-watching, church-goers, would anyone want to stop that?

OUTILINE

Title: The Gospel is Dangerous
Text: Acts 19:23-31

• The gospel is dangerous.
• God’s mission is to renovate and renew the world, through the gospel of the death and rise of Jesus, which transforms the lives of his followers, who renovate the world around them by speaking words and living lives that anticipate and foreshadow God’s new world.
• The gospel doesn’t stop.
• Riots start when bold-hearted, joy-filled, God-drenched Christ-followers start speaking and living in ways that change things.

If you missed this sermon you can watch it below. Please Joint us at Clarity Church in Plymouth MN every Sunday at 10:00 at Kimberly Lane Elementary.

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Patch It Up Recap

You were born to care.  This is why reconciling with other - especially members of your family - is a losing battle worth fighting.  For the follower of Christ, we have no other option but to do what God did for us - towards others.  We have no other option because the love that Christ has for us compels us into reconciliation.

Relation…s#*p Series
Part 4 “Patch it Up”

What do we need to understand about reconciliation?

1. You were born to CARE.

2. Saying “I don’t CARE” is a losing BATTLE worth FIGHTING”


Why must followers of Christ be people committed to reconciliation?

1. Christ’s love for you LIMITS your options.

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 

- 2 Corinthians 5:14  

2. Christ’s love compels you to say no to YOURSELF, to say yes to what God is REQUIRING of You.

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

-2 Corinthians 5:15 

            - To reconcile means to take two things that are INCOMPATIBLE and make them COMPATIBLE

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ…

- 2 Corinthians 5:18a 

            - Through Christ, God removed every obstacle to reconciling with US except US

3. Reconciliation is IN SPITE OF...

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

-2 Corinthians 5:18a 

THE PROBLEM:

“You can be reconciled to God IN SPITE OF your sin - but you can’t be reconciled to me BECAUSE OF your sin.

MEMORY VERSE:
Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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Children Echo Recap

Your actions - of course - speak louder than words but it's not just about the here and now.  It's not even about the next 10 or 15 years. It’s way bigger than that.  

Actions speak louder than words, but you are going to have some actions that will echo into the next generation of your future family whether you are intentional about it or not.  The scriptures would suggest that we can make decisions now that will allow us to influence how the next generation of family lives out the decisions of their lives.  If this is true - that our children will echo our lives into the lives of the next generation, how then should we live?

We are who we are because of the PEOPLE who came before us.

You are somebody’s PREVIOUS generation.

You have a FUTURE family and you are currently making a MARK on that family, whether you intend to or not.

1. The Story You KNOW (Genesis chapters 37-46)

KEY VERSES:
But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.

- Genesis 39:21

           
So Jacob’s sons arrived in Egypt along with others to buy food, for the famine was in Canaan as well.  Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground. Joseph recognized his brothers instantly…

- Genesis 42:5-7

2. The backstory CONNECTION you might have missed (Genesis Chapters 25-33)

KEY VERSES:

From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.”

-Genesis 27:41

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you.”

-Genesis 31:3

1Then Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his 400 men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and his two servant wives. 2 He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last.  3Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him (Esau).  4Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.  5Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are these people with you?” “These are the children God has graciously given to me, your servant,” Jacob replied. 6 Then the servant wives came forward with their children and bowed before him. 7 Next came Leah with her children, and they bowed before him. Finally, Joseph and Rachel came forward and bowed before him.

-Genesis 33:1-7

BOTTON LINE:

Actions don’t merely SPEAK louder that words, sometimes they ECHO in to the next generation

MEMORY VERSE:

Titus 2:7

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

If you were not able to make it for "Children Echo" you can watch it below:

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Don't Be "This Guy" Recap

Part 2 of 4 in the Relationship Series at Clarity Church in Plymouth Minnesota.

 What if I said that there was a secret to understanding why there are conflicts in the relationships of your life?  What if I said there was one thing you could to that - if we all did it - would immediately bring the temperature down of the arguments and quarrels in our life?  What if what I said just happened to be something that was revealed to us by Jesus’ brother James.

In all of the conflict of our lives, the problem is that we are always wanting something for ourselves that we are not getting.  If we could stop and just admit that the problem in our relationships is that “I’m not getting what I want” - when we admit that it’s OUR problem, and not others - then we are well on our way towards living a life of healthy relationships that God wants for each of us.  

Here are the notes from this weekend:

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT CONFLICT?

When you WIN an argument with someone you are in relationships, you don’t really WIN anything.

We all process conflict DIFFERENTLY

                        • PEACEMAKERS

                        • SULKERS

                        • STUFFERS

                        • LITIGATORS

                        • SCREAMERS

As long as there are are RELATIONSHIPS there is CONFLICT

WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE TELL US ABOUT CONFLICT?

"What is causing quarrels and fights among you?" (James 4:1)

• Even though there are many kinds of conflict, there is      only one SOURCE of conflict.

• As long as you BLAME OTHERS for      your unhappiness you will always be unhappy

Don’t they come from YOUR desires that battle within YOU (James 4:1)

• Conflict always begins INSIDE of YOU.

"You DESIRE but do not have,…" (James 4:2)

• Every time there is conflict, you WANT something

“…So you KILL…” - James 4:2

• Do you know why you hurt the people that      are closest to you? Because they are CLOSE to YOU

"You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.” (James 4:2)

• If you own a SLICE you have to      be NICE.

"You do not have because you do not ask GOD.” (James 4:2)

QUESTION:

Who in your relationships is SUFFERING because you are not getting you WAY?

MEMORY VERSE:

Colossians 3:12

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

If you weren't able to make it on Sunday, you can watch the church service below:

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Pulse Check Recap

Part 1: “Pulse Check” in the Relationship Series at Clarity Church in Plymouth Minnesota

At some point in our lives we all want to know that falling in love with someone forever is possible - that it’s not just something that happens to couples in Disney movies. While many people would suggest that the idea that two people could stay in love together forever is more of a coincidence than something that can actually be happen, Jesus would want to suggest that the opposite is true.  

In a “not-so-about-marriage” passage of scripture, Jesus gives us insight into what is the secret for staying in love forever

John 13:34

 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

This is a definition of love you don’t find in your average american teen dream movie.  For one, there are no vampires, and no one randomly breaks out in song - but most importantly, Jesus’ definition of love is something he backs up with action.  

And that is the point.

Love is a verb that requires action.  If you want to stay in love forever you have to make love a verb.  And while many of us may agree with this as we read this, many of us don’t actually believe it.  Why?  Because we have not plan for proactively choosing to love.  Anyone can “fall in love” because falling in love only requires a pulse.  If you want to stay in love it requires a plan.

If you missed this message you can watch it below:  

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Story Recap

If your life was a story, would it be one worth telling?  Would you be proud to tell it? Would anyone want to listen?

What if you were meant for a greater story than the one you’re living now?  What if your story was all part of the most epic stories of all time? 

This past week we simply took a look at what we commonly call “the Gospel” in Christian circles. The word “Gospel” simply means “Good News” - and while the news that God sent Jesus into the world to pay the debt our consistent breaking of God’s standards created - the good news is so much more than that.  It’s a story that starts all the way from the beginning of time - and to be honest - it is still being told.

Listen in as we share the story of God.  You were meant for this.

We look forward to seeing you next week at Clarity Church as we start a new series on Relationships. 

If you missed the Story Sermon you can watch it below: 

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Geared Recap

We were all geared to live life in community. Many of us have never really found what we were meant for simply because we have tried to "find ourselves" in isolation.

In relationship to following Christ, when you divorce community from a faith in Christ you set yourself up for a 100% chance of not succeeding in having a fully engaged and growing faith in Jesus. Let's be clear, when we say community we mean a smaller group of people to whom you are accountable to and you receive support from and they look to you for the same. This one act of allowing your life to be shared with others is the most important thing you can do in successfully growing in your faith. Reading the bible, going to church, prayer - these are all great things, but being in community is the foundational environment for receiving the life change God wants - that you want in your life.  

Notes from the message:

WHAT ARE WE "GEARED" FOR?

• We are all geared to grow in faith through COMMUNITY.

• In order to grow in faith we all need SUPPORT and ACCOUNTABILITY 

WHY DO WE IGNORE THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY AS ESSENTIAL TO FOLLOWING CHRIST?

1. We've mistakenly assumed that being a Christians is mostly about ME and GOD.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - John 13:35

2. We've confused GOING TO church with BEING THE church.
...always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else - 1 Thessalonians 5:15

WHY IS UNDERSTANDING WE ARE "GEARED FOR COMMUNITY" SO IMPORTANT?

1. We all live better when someone is WATCHING.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light - Ephesians 5:8

2. Scripture is clear that our lives were meant to be live with OTHERS in mind.

Ephesians 4:2 • 1 Peter 4:9 • Galatians 6:2 • James 5:16

3. If no one KNOWS me - no one will HELP me.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid - Proverbs 12:1

Memory Verse:

Hebrews 10:25

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another...

Hope to see you for part 4: Story in the sermon series You Were Meant For This at Clarity Church in Plymouth Minnesota on Sunday Oct. 20th 2013. For directions click HERE

If you missed the Geared Sermon you can watch it below:

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Navigating Recap

A Recap on Part 2: Navigating from the sermon series You Were Meant For This at Clarity Church.

There is nothing more frustrating than knowing where you want to go, but not knowing how to get there.  We call this being lost.  But what if the problem of navigating from "where we are" to "where God wants us to be" is less obvious than we think? Let's take a look at what we discussed this past week.

How do we navigate the problem of “where we are” isn't where we want to be?

1. The PROBLEM may be that we don’t know what the PROBLEM may be.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

-Romans 7:15

2. Navigating from “where you are” to where you hope to be is not found in a “DO” but in a “WHO”

Who will rescue me...

-Romans 7:24

3. A life in CHRIST is free to live out God’s VALUE for your life.

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

-Romans  7:25

4. In Christ, what is true of CHRIST is true of YOU

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

-Romans 6:3

MEMORY VERSE:

Hebrews 12:1b-2a

..let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith

When we allow God to set the value our lives we change our thinking about who we are.

When we allow Christ to be the Lord of our lives we change the spiritual condition of who we are. 

Already tried the "Jesus thing" out and it "didn't work for you?"  Did you "give your heart to Jesus" but it seemed to not make a bit of difference in changing your life?  In part 3 we will look at the single most significant thing you can do to succeed at living a growing life of faith.  In fact, it is impossible to have a growing faith without understanding what you were geared for.  But now I'm getting ahead of myself.  Stay tuned for part 3.

DON'T FORGET…

This weekend (9/13) is our tailgate party/potluck!  Immediately after the service join us outside near the soccer fields for some free food and a time to get connected with new faces.  We'll provide the grill, hot-dogs, beverages, and chips. You bring whatever you want to make it a blast! more info HERE

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Value Recap

A Recap on Part 1: Value from the sermon series You Were Meant For This at Clarity Church.

All of us take on value.  Some allow others to set the value of their lives.  Others don't let anyone set value on them except themselves.

The problem is that whoever you let set value on your life is who you give control of your life - and let's admit it - some of us fail at successfully having control of our lives and letting others is even worse.

What if our value was not set by others or ourselves?  What if our value was set by the one who made use, purchased us and - if we choose to - own us?  We're suggesting that maybe you would realize that what you were meant for.

Hope to see you for part 2: Navigation in the sermon series You Were Meant For This at Clarity Church in Plymouth Minnesota on Sunday Oct. 6th 2013. For directions click HERE

If you missed the Value Sermon you can watch it below: