Just Grow Up (1 Cor. 3)
Cubs or Sox? Bears or Packers? Patriots or Eagles? In reality these questions are mere preferences. They should never be the issues over which we draw lines of divisions. In fact we would say that it is immature to draw such lines. And yet it happens. In our passage today we find that the overall cry from the Apostle Paul is for the Corinthian church to just grow up and make sure that Jesus is the center of all they do and all they hold dear.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Jan 28, 2018Just Grow Up (1 Cor. 3)
Just Grow Up (1 Cor. 3)Cubs or Sox? Bears or Packers? Patriots or Eagles? In reality these questions are mere preferences. They should never be the issues over which we draw lines of divisions. In fact we would say that it is immature to draw such lines. And yet it happens. In our passage today we find that the overall cry from the Apostle Paul is for the Corinthian church to just grow up and make sure that Jesus is the center of all they do and all they hold dear.
- Jan 21, 2018Spiritual Eyes to See Spiritual Realities (1 Cor 2)
Spiritual Eyes to See Spiritual Realities (1 Cor 2)
Sometimes we are united by common experiences and circumstances. As he called the Corinthian church to unity, Paul reminded them that when the Spirit of God indwells us, because of our faith in Jesus, then there are some things we grasp that are not fully understood by those who have not yet trusted Jesus. This is should not cause us to be arrogant, but it should draw us together in community. - Jan 14, 2018Keeping It Simple (1 Cor 1:18-31)
Keeping It Simple (1 Cor 1:18-31)
Are you on a journey that leads to the message of the cross? Or are you on a journey that is determined by your own standards? The Apostle Paul reminds his readers and us that the core message of the cross, is the first and only message in being right with God. All other attempts to reach God will come up empty. - Jan 7, 2018Can’t We Just Get Along (1 Cor. 1:1-17)
Can’t We Just Get Along (1 Cor. 1:1-17)
Outside of Rome, the city of Corinth, located on an isthmus between mainland Greece and the Peloponnesus Peninsula was arguably one of the most important cities in the first century. It controlled a major trade route and as a result became a large city with a cosmopolitan population. It was the capital of the provincial government of the area so it was politically important. It was also a city that was known for its immorality and pluralistic culture. Often what happened in Corinth stayed in Corinth. Yet it was here that the Apostle Paul spent 18 months in ministry. It is to the church in this city that Paul writes to call them to a Christ centered oneness. There is much we can learn in this study as we begin 2018. - Dec 31, 2017A Standard for Evaluation (1 Peter 4:7-11)
A Standard for Evaluation (1 Peter 4:7-11)
As we stand at the threshold of a new year and at a time for transition for Pleasant Hill Community Church it is important to measure our effectiveness. Pastor Scott shows us the importance of faithfulness in serving our Lord. He also celebrates Ethan Reynolds as an example of faithfulness as our Youth Director for the past two years. - Dec 24, 2017Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Promise (Luke 1:53-55)
Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Promise (Luke 1:53-55)
Every brightly wrapped package is a promise. A promise of a need met. A promise of a want fulfilled. And yet for every promise kept all to many of us are fully aware of the pain of promises broken. As humans we make promises but cannot fully control the circumstances to fulfill every made promise. But God can. God did. God does. The birth of Jesus is a promise kept and all humanity benefits. - Dec 17, 2017Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Humility
Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Humility
God knows us at the core of our being. He is fully aware of our deepest thoughts. And so he knows exactly what to allow into our lives to bring us to a point of being willing to serve Him and others. God is not impressed by human displays of power and wealth. He uses the humble to do great things for his kingdom. We see God’s power in humility as we examine the words of his humble servant Mary. - Dec 10, 2017Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Mercy (Luke 1:49-50)
Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Mercy (Luke 1:49-50)
It seems that this is a time of year when so many are shown mercy. Organizations that are based on compassion to others see an uptick in charitable giving. People talk about wanting to give back. But what happens in January? Where is the mercy then. If part of the heart of Christmas is mercy, it would seem God wants it to last far beyond one month of the year. - Dec 3, 2017Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Belief (Luke 1:46-48)
Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Belief (Luke 1:46-48)
What would cause a young girl to be willing to have her entire future turned upside down? In the case of Mary it all hinged on what she believed about God. She believed that God was fulfilling an ancient promise and allowing her to be part of the process. Her belief determined her actions and is reflected in her song. - Nov 26, 2017The Disturbing Results of Ingratitude
- Nov 26, 2017The Disturbing Results of Ingratitude
The Disturbing Results of Ingratitude
We have just completed a Thanksgiving Holiday. It seems that even a holiday centered around giving thanks has morphed into a time of self-indulgence in many quarters. What happens when we grow ungrateful? How can we safeguard ourselves so that we practice being thankful on a regular basis? In this sermon Pastor Scott shows us 3 results of ingratitude and gives us 3 safeguards we can develop to help us practice thankfulness on a regular basis. - Nov 19, 2017Following Jesus: Making Disciples
Following Jesus: Making Disciples
Here is the difficult thing about commands. We only have two options. To obey or to disobey. Today we look at a command that for many of us is hard to obey because we haven’t learned how. Today we will lay a foundation for what it looks like to be a disciple maker and give you some illustrations from God’s Word. Here is the first tip: First be an engaged follower of Jesus. You will be amazed what God will do as you simply follow Jesus - Nov 12, 2017Living as Disciples (Colossians 3:1-17)
Living as Disciples (Colossians 3:1-17)
Once you commit to following Jesus, it becomes a daily endeavor. No matter what you do, no matter who you are with, you are to be first and foremost a Christ follower. You and I are to reflect Christ when we are alone when we are with our family when we are at work and every other waking moment. Have my decisions, my actions, and my thoughts reflected Jesus this past week? - Nov 5, 2017Following Jesus: Foundational Realities (John 15:1-17)
Following Jesus: Foundational Realities (John 15:1-17)
When we think about it, Jesus does so much to give us very basic instructions to help us follow him. In this passage we are told to stay actively connected to him and live in obedience by loving each other. Those are foundational realities that have major implications for daily living. - Oct 29, 2017Destined for Transformation: The Hope of Discipleship (Romans 12:2)
Destined for Transformation: The Hope of Discipleship (Romans 12:2)
What would it look like to embark on a journey of following Jesus every day? What are some outcomes that we could expect so we know we are on the right path. As we look at the whole of Scripture we find two outcomes that can give us perspective. A disciple is obedient. A disciple undergoes transformation as he/she becomes more like Jesus.