Blog Archives
Did you remember that you have amnesia?
Last Sunday night at our Seneca Creek Family Fiesta (a.k.a. Annual Meeting) we heard a mash-up of stories from around Seneca Creek over the last year.
- There was the story of a high school student who discovered faith and life in Christ while facing her own struggles.
- There was the story of a mom sharing her faith with a friend struggling with addiction, and helping this friend become a follower of Jesus.
- There was the story of a special needs child being drawn into worship in powerful ways.
- There was the story of isolated, disconnected people finding genuine community in a diverse church family.
The stories could have gone on all night. Here’s why they matter.
Because we’re all afflicted with amnesia.
We can forget faster than the weather can change. And when we start forgetting God’s faithful work in and through us, we start to lose our faith. I don’t mean we stop believing that there is a God. I mean we stop believing that God is able to provide what is needed as we follow his plan for our life.
- We forget that God can provide the resources for a bold step of faith.
- We forget that God can provide the strength for a long and arduous task.
- We forget that God can provide the courage for a scary act of obedience.
- We forget that God can provide the encouragement during times of darkness.
- And we forget that God can lead others to a life of faith in Jesus through our words and actions.
I’m reminded of a scene in King David’s life, long before he was the king. He was itching to fight Goliath and recapture the honor that rightfully belonged to God. When King Saul asked him why he, a mere teenage boy, thought he could take on the might Goliath, Dave remembered. He remembered how God had delivered him from every situation that had already occurred. He was ready and willing to on the giant Goliath based solely on the faithfulness of God in his past. Listen to how he says it:
The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” 1 Samuel 17:37
When we remember, then it’s easy to get up and walk out God’s calling for our lives. So my encouragement to you is to take a few minutes today to remember God’s faithfulness to you. And then, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
-Pastor Mark
Revisiting the election from last fall
Last fall as the election loomed over our nation we launched a series called, “Vote for Jesus.” It’s time to revisit that concept.
While the series was preached in the context of a turbulent national election, it’s far from a seasonal idea. In fact, I would suggest it’s a central idea to what it means to be a Christian, or a follower of Christ if you prefer.
Many of us have heard the concept that becoming a follower of Jesus is a simple as praying a prayer and then going on with life. Sadly, for many, that’s been their experience. Life just goes on as it did before with nothing more than an emotional memory.
But what if there’s more? What if, in fact, Jesus invites us not just to “pray a prayer” but to elect a new king. What if Jesus’ invitation is not simply to a collection of facts, but to a new kingdom? What if Jesus’ words about “belief” and “faith” are more than intellectual ideas like algebra or astronomy, and more about allegiance to a new king?
That’s the main idea contained in a book I’ve been working through. (Salvation By Allegiance Alone) And I have to say, the author is speaking words of truth. He suggests that what’s often missing in our understanding of Jesus and his invitation is the idea of “enthronement.” As in, a new king has ascended to the throne, and we’re invited to give him our complete and total allegiance.
Back to the “Vote for Jesus” series. That vote, then, means he’s my new king; a more personal and pervasive role than a president for sure! It impacts areas like my marriage and family. My finances. My community of friends. My intellect and education. My struggles, battles and strongholds. And my life goals and direction.
So regardless of which ballot you cast last fall, would you vote for Jesus today? Would you make him king? In every area of life? That’s really what Jesus invites us to do.
-Pastor Mark
Living in faith, hope and Love 