Brandon@Random

What I Learned at Church 2-15-09

I am testing myself to see what I can remember from my own sermon...48 hours later.

I used a picture of the tornado damage in Lone Grove as my snapshot.

The scripture was Colossians 1: 15-17.  I talked about 3 ways we can recharge in a crisis.

1.  Look into God's eyes.  2.  Know God's heart. 3. Hold God's hand.

The big idea is that, "Because Christ is the Creator, our crisis is under control." 

***Let's continue to pray this week for the families affected by the tornado damage.  The media will move on to a new story...but these people will be struggling for a long time. 

What I Learned at Church-08/10/08

I always enjoy it when Norman gives me a break.  He is the pastor emeritus at Highland Park and is a really terrific speaker.  The main points that I will take away from his sermon based on 2 Chronicles 1 are:

Our priorities can be seen in our choices.
Commitments make our choices easier.

What I Learned at Church ~ 2-10-08

In David Daniels sermon regarding intentional transformation, he shared some advice he received as a regarding counseling. He said that when you sit down to counsel with someone having problems, you should ask them 2 questions. 

First question: Ask the person, "What is it that you want to change?"

Second question:  Ask the person, "Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make that change happen?"

New Series at Pantego

Check out Pastor David Daniel's promo for the new vision series at Pantego.

He has also started a new blog called inaGodplace.

What I Learned at Church~1-6-08

Paul Gibbs preached a sermon on vision this Sunday.  It was the first time Jackie and I had heard him speak.  We both agree that he did a great job and that God used him to speak directly to us.  Here is one point that sticks out to me.

We don't need a vision from God.  What we really need is a better vision of God.

What I Learned at Church: 09/09/07

Jackie and I made it back to Pantego Bible Church yesterday...good times! 

The lead pastor, David Daniels, began a series on the book of Haggai.  The big idea of his message was...

We are all looking for some kind of treasure in life. God wants us to find the treasure.  The treasure is God, Himself.

It was a nice little jolt.  I realize that I pursue a lot of things (supposedly) for the cause of Christ...but have not really been focusing on Him so much.  I am anxious to retune my sights and begin a little treasure hunting.

ITRC

What I Learned at Church: 10/21/06

Sun Valley lead pastor, Scott Ridout, closed out the Threads series with a sermon titled Dress for Success.  The sermon challenged Christ followers to apply the principles of Colossians 3...even on the job.  The big idea is as follows...

Work is a test...

1.  Of your clarity. (Why do I work?)

2.  Of your integrity. (How do I work?)

3.  Of your loyalty. (For Whom do I work?)

My favorite verse from this message was...

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Romans 13:1

I see Jesus' life characterized by submission.  I see me (and all of the human race) having a problem with that concept.   We strive to climb the ladder of success rather than helping other people find the first rung. 

To dress for success is to put on the humility of Christ and serve as he did. 

ITRC

What I learned at Church: 10/8/06

SVCC teaching pastor, Chad Moore, delivered a sermon titled Sharp Dressed Man.  It was a familiar passage to just about everyone...but with a few new facets of truth revealed.  I'll give you a key verse and thought.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  Ephesians 5:25-27

The challenge for a husband is to realize he is the "King of the family."  However, he is king as Christ is king.  Not with a golden crown of ownership...but with a sacrificial crown of thorns.

ITRC

What I Learned at Church: 9/16/06

Sun Valley teaching pastor, Chad Moore, continued the series called 'Threads'.  Great delivery and great content.  The Scripture passage was Colossians 3:12-14.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Here is what I remember without even looking at my notes.

I am completely loved by God. 

I am completely forgiven by God. 

I am completely accepted by God.  God loves me.

I know what you're thinking...sounds like a shallow feel good sermon, huh?  Well...it was all Gospel...and if you think the Gospel is shallow...you may not understand the depth of freedom Christ gives.

ITRC

What I Learned at Church: 8/12/06

Sun Valley teaching pastor, Chad Moore, kicked off a preaching series about temptation.  Chad opened with some hilarious anecdotes about his gold Celica and his "pampered woman" hands.  He proceeded to open our eyes to the crash effects of giving in when tempted.  We looked at Matthew 3 and 4 and pondered what might have happened if Jesus had given in to temptation.   

Here is the key thought:  When it comes to temptation, there is always more at stake than what we think at the moment.

ITRC