Pastor's Corner: WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?

  “Serving with Joy!” Philippians 1:1,2; cf. Acts 16:7-40 Introduction : After our long study of Mark, we begin a new series today in a shorter book, a letter, sent by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi. Mark emphasized the Passion of Christ, and called us to follow Jesus, whatever the cost, in the light of who He is and what He did for us. We may not like the way things are going around us. Our country is as politically divided as ever. Some of us may be despondent over the options before us in the coming election (and the 4 months of political ads we must yet endure!). Still, we’ll stay informed and prayerful as we participate, knowing we are first and foremost citizens of heaven and children of the King! In this letter Paul calls us to serve the Lord with joy ! We know that God is in control, and that Jesus is building His church. When we see sin and evil in the world, we are reminded that this is why Jesus came… to save sinners. Today we begin the letter to the Philippi

  His Story Continues (… and it includes you! ) Mark 16:8-20 Introduction : Whatever else I say today I want to encourage your confidence in the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. The God who is has spoken . He has revealed Himself in His Word. As surely as Moses went up the mountain and received the Ten Commandments from God, “ All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable… ” (2 Tim 3:16). Or as Peter said, “ Holy men of God spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit …” (2 Pet 1:21). As surely as God inspired the biblical writers to put down in writing the exact words He intended, He also supernaturally guided His people to recognize and preserve them as Scripture. It is through God’s Word that we know Him, and we learn what He expects of us (read Psalm 119!). We are going to take another look at what I believe is the original ending of Mark, 16:8, and also the “appendix” that has been preserved in verses 9-20.   The fact of the Resurrection, and the implications

  This Changes Everything! Mark 16:1-8 Introduction : Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen ! That is not a story. It is not a myth. It is a fact of history. It is truth, and that truth changes everything. It is a historical fact, and it is the foundation of our faith! Paul spoke to the importance of the resurrection in I Corinthians 15:13-20, 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.   14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.   15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.   16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.   17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.   18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.   19 If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are