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FUEL
June 14 - August 30
To work and run efficiently, a car's engine desperately needs one item: fuel. Sounds simple enough, but think about it: your car can look great, have a new set of tires and the most recent motor technology, but without fuel it (and you!) are not going anywhere. The same principle applies to your spiritual life: without fuel - the right type of fuel - you aren't going anywhere; you will be spiritually grounded. The apostle Paul wrote one of the most important letters in the history of literature - what we know in scripture as the book of Romans - and in this letter he outlines and details exactly what is the necessary fuel for our spiritual life. Intrigued? Then join us for this summer message series designed to give your spiritual life the fuel it needs!
June 14 Running on Empty
Many people in our world mistakenly believe that Christianity is all about "performance," about doing the right things and following all of the rules and the laws - I mean, isn't that what the Old Testament was all about - the law of God and obeying it? Many people mistake the law for our spiritual fuel - and in so doing miss the heart of the gospel! It's not about obligation or performance or legalism - it's about Jesus! He is our fuel, and with him you will never be running on empty!
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
June 21 Broken-down
If there is one thing that tends to break our faith down, it is suffering. But is it possible that good can come from suffering? In chapter 5 of the book of Roman, the Apostle Paul says, emphatically, Yes! Ultimately, through our faith in Christ, we can not only endure pain and suffering, but also benefit from it, in ways we never thought possible.
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
June 28 Jumpstart
Did you know that you can be dead even though you are alive? Strange, but true...not in a physical sense, but rather from a spiritual perspective. You see, before you come into a relationship with Christ you are, in fact, dead. And a dead person can't do anything, can they? Well, if that is the problem, what is the solution? There is only one: Jesus. Through Jesus our "dead selves" become alive - super-charged even! And through him, fully-fueled, we can overcome any sin that has a strong-hold over us. That's what is possible when you're alive and living in his grace.
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
July 5 Carjacked
Last week we learned that through Christ we are no longer spiritually dead, but alive. Great! But if that is so, then why do we still struggle with sin in our lives? It's almost like the fuel crisis in the 1970's: it seems that you are constantly looking for gas - maybe even seems that someone is stealing it from you. If you feel that way, you are not alone! As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul talks directly about this in Romans chapter 7. This week, let's look at the struggle against sin and how we can have victory over it!
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
July 12 Fill er Up
Remember the good old days when you could pull into a gas station and the attendant would come out and fill your tank? Wouldn't that really be great in your faith walk? Well, in a sense, we do! The Holy Spirit (the 3rd person of the Trinity) is actually living inside of you if you are a follower of Jesus. And because He is, we are not alone! He is always there, ready to fill our tanks every day!
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
July 19 Victory Lap
The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans chapter 8 that we, as Christians, are "more than conquerors," in other words, we experience victory. But what, exactly, does that mean? That we will never have a problem? That we will never experience disappointment? That our checking account will always be full? Not at all! But we can experience His victory in our lives - in no small part due to his faithful consistency in our lives.
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3 (part 1)
Windows Media Player MP3 (part 2)
July 26 Checkered Flag
We, as Christians, are so blessed to have heard the good news of Jesus Christ. The greatest news in the world! In Romans chapter 10 the Apostle Paul gives us a not-so-subtle reminder that it is our responsibility to tell others what we know: that the much-needed fuel for our lives is available right now: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Let's be committed to sharing this good news!
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
August 2 Overdrive
The life of the Christian is a life of change - Jesus accepts us right where we are, but he does not leave us there; he wants us to continue to become more like him. The Apostle Paul urges us to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind." What is Paul talking about and how can it change your world view and how you live out your faith? In this message we will discuss how, with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can experience change in your thoughts, feelings and choices.
August 9 Road Kill
We all know that we are called to love our fellowman. Interesting, isn't it, that it is much easier to love the people we like...and difficult to love those we don't get along with. In this message, taken from Paul's words in Romans chapter 12, we will examine how to love others, with Jesus as our example.
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
August 16 Road Rules
One thing that is difficult for a lot of people is submission; most of us would rather answer to no one but ourselves. What does scripture have to say about this subject? Is it always right to submit to those in authority over us? In this message we will take a practical look at how we should interact with those in authority over us, and still maintain a faith walk of integrity.
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
August 23 Photo Finish
It is said that in Christ we have freedom. But what exactly does that mean? Can we now do anything we feel like, regardless of how our actions may be perceived? And if the answer is "no", does that just take us back legalism? But wait, being a Christian is not about following rules, it is about following Jesus. And He will give you a love for other people that will guide your actions. Intrigued? Then join us as we continue on our "Fuel" series.
Streaming MP3 Format
Windows Media Player MP3
August 30 Winner's Circle
One of the topics covered most by Jesus and the Apostle Paul is unity. As Christians, we are called to active participants in the body of Christ, living a life of unity and harmony. Is that really possible? It seems that there is as much gossip and infighting in the church as anywhere else...maybe more! We close this series discussing how we can, in a practical way, live in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ, and in so doing bring glory to God.
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