Brandon@Random

My First Sermon Jam: Checkbook

Checkbook

Clips from a sermon I preached in May + Some time with Sony Music Creator = My first sermon jam.

Are Our Minds Renewed?

Put-downs, making-fun-of, criticism, sarcasm are the world’s ways of reacting to the faults of people.

However, as Christians we don’t behave this way.

Our thinking and attitude should be renewed by the Word of God, which teaches us to bear the infirmities of the weak, to love, and show compassion and encouragement.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  (Rom. 12:2).

Promo for New ABC Series "V"

I loved watching "V" back in the 80's and I can't wait for it to begin again in November. 

This is the last year for my favorite show LOST...so I'm hoping this will be a nice replacement.

Both of these shows are loaded with theological implications.  LOST is an exploration in free will vs. predestination and "V" will unpack the issue of (blind) devotion. 

Check out the promo below.

Prosperity and the Gospel

Last week, I subbed in the older adult Sunday school class.  The lesson was from the David C. Cook quarterly material...it focused on "true prosperity" by examining Psalm 1.  I opened the class with the statement, "This could be a dangerous lesson."

I had prepped for the class by reviewing the material, verses and questions.  Nowhere did the literature mention Jesus or the Gospel.  It made a lot of great points about obedience bringing rewards, but it just seemed dangerous to me to talk prosperity without putting it within the light of the Gospel.

We begin to grasp what prosperity is when we are able to say with Paul,

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—"  Philippians 3:7-9

It's likely that we are not totally there yet and are in need of the light of the Gospel.

Purpose in Your Suffering

2 Corinthians 1:8-9

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

Benediction-Rick Morris Version

Two of the last 3 churches we have been a part of have had pastors that gave very personal benedictions/charges/prayers at the close of the service.  The following statement was always said (and meant) by Rick Morris at Mountain View Family Church in Queen Creek, AZ. 

"Remember...

You are never alone.

You are never unloved.

You are never, ever without purpose or value.

But you are who you are, because of the artist who put you together."

Trying something new...

I'm trying to work out the kinks in this...trying to post an audio file into the blog.  Bear with me for a bit.

Download Worship~Pillow to Pyro

Life Without Limbs

Take three minutes and watch this clip.  It reinforces two facts.  

1.  Our "bad days" are relative.

2.  The "joy of God" is possible despite the absence of things we think are necessary for "happiness."

How to Go Pyro

I am talking about worship tomorrow morning.  Using Isaiah 6 for the scripture, I will talk about how worship can go from "pillow" to "pyro."  From "Snore" to "Soar." From "Why am I doing this?" to "I can't stop."

Purpose Statement

In the message today, I talked about the importance of having purpose. 

The part I remember most about my sermon is that, "A purpose statement not only defines what we do...but it also defines what we don't need to worry about."

Then I introduced this statement...

"We exist to introduce people to Jesus

so together we can...

Raise up God's praise,

Grow in God's ways,

and Reach out with God's grace.

It was great to give a message like that and then afterwards to have a lady ask me, "How do I transfer my membership to this church?" 

When our purpose is clear, it is easy for people to see if they want to get on board or jump ship.  I'm glad the first response was a positive one.