Many Christians are familiar with vocal prayer—speaking to God in our own words, offering praise, confession, gratitude, and requests. These are vital expressions of faith. Yet throughout Scripture and Christian history, believers have also practiced quieter forms of prayer that help the heart slow down and become attentive to God’s presence.

Two of these practices, meditative prayer and contemplative prayer, offer simple but transformative ways to deepen our relationship with Christ. They invite us not only to talk to God but to listen, rest, and become more aware of His nearness.

This article explores these two forms of prayer, their biblical foundations, their history within the Christian tradition, and practical ways to begin incorporating them into your spiritual life.

Meditative prayer is the practice of focusing the mind on Scripture or a truth about God. Rather than reading quickly or analytically, we linger. We allow the Holy Spirit to speak through the Word in a personal and intimate way.

Biblical Foundations
Meditation is a thoroughly biblical practice:

• “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” — Psalm 1:2
• “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” — Psalm 119:15
• “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.” — Joshua 1:8

In Scripture, meditation is not emptying the mind—it is filling it with God’s truth

Historical Roots
Early Christians practiced slow, prayerful reading of Scripture, a rhythm later described as lectio divina (“divine reading”). While the terminology developed over time, the practice itself reflects how believers have always approached Scripture: with reverence, patience, and expectation.

How to Practice Meditative Prayer
Try this simple approach:

1. Choose a short passage (Psalm 23:1, John 15:4, Philippians 4:6–7).
2. Read it slowly, several times.
3. Notice a word or phrase that stands out.
4. Sit with it, allowing it to shape your thoughts.
5. Respond to God in quiet reflection or gratitude.

Meditation helps us hear God’s voice through His Word—not in a rush, but in stillness.

If meditative prayer engages the mind, contemplative prayer quiets it. It is a simple, peaceful awareness of God’s presence. Contemplative prayer is not about achieving something; it is about receiving. It is resting in the truth that God is near.

Biblical Foundations
Scripture repeatedly calls believers to stillness and attentive presence:

• “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
• “For God alone my soul waits in silence.” — Psalm 62:1
• “Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching.” — Luke 10:39

Contemplation echoes the posture of Mary—unhurried, receptive, and present.

Historical Roots
Christians throughout the centuries have practiced forms of contemplative prayer. Whether in quiet personal devotion or in communal worship, believers have long recognized the value of simply being with God, not just speaking to Him.

How to Practice Contemplative Prayer
A simple way to begin:

1. Acknowledge God’s presence: “Lord, I’m here with You.”
2. Sit comfortably and breathe naturally.
3. When distractions arise, gently return to a short phrase such as:
   • “Jesus, I trust You.”
   • “Here I am.”
   • “You are near.”
4. Rest in the awareness of God’s love and presence.

Contemplation teaches us to receive God’s peace rather than strive for spiritual performance.

If you’re new to silence or stillness, these practices can feel unfamiliar. Here’s a simple way to ease into them over time.

Step 1: Begin with Meditative Prayer
Spend a few minutes each day slowly reading a short Scripture passage. Let one phrase guide your thoughts and prayers.

Step 2: Add Moments of Contemplative Stillness
After meditating on Scripture, sit quietly for a few minutes, simply resting in God’s presence.

Step 3: Gradually Extend the Time
As the practices become more natural, lengthen the time you spend in silence. Many people find that even 10–15 minutes of quiet prayer can reshape their entire day

Meditative and contemplative prayer help us slow down in a world that rarely stops. They create space for God to speak, comfort, convict, and renew. They remind us that prayer is not only about words—it is about relationship.

These practices are not reserved for monks, mystics, or spiritual experts. They are accessible to every believer who desires to know Christ more deeply.

Whether you’re exploring silence for the first time or rediscovering it after many years, meditative and contemplative prayer offer a simple, beautiful way to make room for Jesus in the midst of everyday life.

Who exactly is Jesus?
It’s a question that has resonated across centuries—through cultures, conversations, and the core of the human heart. Some describe Him as a profound teacher. Others see Him as a prophet. But Scripture offers a far richer truth: Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and our only hope for everlasting life.

Let’s explore who Jesus truly is—not just through historical accounts, but through the lens of God’s Word—and discover what that means for us today.

Even outside of Christian belief, the historical presence of Jesus of Nazareth is well-attested. Roman historians like Tacitus record His crucifixion under the authority of Pontius Pilate. Jewish historian Josephus refers to Him as a wise teacher who performed remarkable deeds.

While the pages of history confirm His earthly life, Scripture reveals the depth of who He truly is—His divine identity and redemptive purpose.

From the first pages of Genesis to the final vision in Revelation, the Bible centers on Jesus as God’s plan to redeem humanity. It reveals that:

• He is the Son of God
  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16)
• He is God in human form
  “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
• He is our Savior
  “You are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
• He lived without sin
  “He was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus isn’t just a moral figure in the past—He’s the eternal, holy Son of God who stepped into our world to rescue us.

That’s a vital question—and Scripture responds clearly: No. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. He endured temptation, just as we do, yet never yielded to it.

“He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Because He was sinless, Jesus alone could be the perfect substitute on our behalf. He didn’t need saving—He came to save.

Jesus’ death wasn’t a mistake—it was God’s chosen plan of salvation.

The Problem: Sin Cuts Us Off from God
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
“The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)
Our sin forms a gap we can’t bridge by effort or good intentions.

The Solution: Jesus Took Our Place
“He was pierced because of our rebellion… by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

The Assurance: God’s Love Is Proven at the Cross
“God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

And death didn’t have the final word. Jesus rose again, triumphing over the grave.

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17)

But because He lives, you can have eternal life through Him.

The Bible offers unmistakable clarity about who Jesus is:

• John 14:6 — “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
• Colossians 1:15–17 — “The Son is the image of the invisible God… in Him all things hold together.”
• Revelation 1:8 — “I am the Alpha and the Omega… who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Jesus isn’t one of many paths—He is the only way to God.

Understanding who Jesus is calls for a response:

1. Admit Your Need for Rescue
   We’ve all fallen short—we need grace.
   “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
2. Turn to God and Trust Him
   To repent means to turn from sin and follow Christ.
   “Repent… so that your sins may be wiped out.” (Acts 3:19)
3. Begin a Daily Relationship
   Following Jesus isn’t just a moment—it’s a journey. Walk with Him daily through Scripture, prayer, and a community of believers.

This isn’t just a theological curiosity—it’s a deeply personal decision.

Jesus is the sinless Son of God, the risen Savior who died for you and lives today. He invites you into eternal life and a daily relationship with Him.

So, who do you say Jesus is?

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

That invitation is wide open. And it’s for you.

Anxiety. Depression. Stress. These aren’t just concepts—they’re deeply personal struggles that weigh on the heart. If you’re facing one of these challenges right now, you might be asking: Where is God in this? Is my faith lacking? Does Scripture speak to what I’m going through?

The good news is that the Bible isn’t silent on these issues. In fact, God’s Word offers both comfort and truth, speaking directly into the pain we often wrestle with in solitude.

Let’s explore what Scripture says about anxiety, depression, and how we can anchor our hearts in the Lord—even when life feels overwhelming.

Anxiety isn’t just fleeting worry—it’s the weight of uncertainty, the fear of the unknown, the burden of carrying what we were never meant to shoulder alone.

Yet, God invites us to place that weight in His hands:
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6-7

God never dismisses our fears. Instead, He calls us to bring every concern, every burden, every doubt before Him. His promise is peace—not because every situation will immediately change, but because He remains steadfast and present in the midst of it all.

Jesus offers this gentle reminder in Matthew 6:34:
“Don’t worry about tomorrow... each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Rather than a rebuke, this is an invitation—to focus on today and trust Him to handle tomorrow.

Depression can feel like an ever-present cloud, one that refuses to lift. The Bible doesn’t ignore this kind of suffering—it acknowledges it.

Consider King David, who cried out in anguish:
“Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil?” — Psalm 42:11

Or Elijah, a bold prophet, who became so overwhelmed that he asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). How did God respond? Not with condemnation, but with care—offering Elijah rest, nourishment, and His gentle presence.

God does not dismiss pain. He moves toward the brokenhearted:
“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Stress can make us feel like we’re drowning in responsibilities. But Scripture reminds us that we don’t have to bear it alone:
“Casting all your cares on Him, because He cares about you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

That word all means everything. Your smallest worries. Your heaviest burdens. Nothing is too insignificant for God’s attention—He cares for you

In moments of anxiety or deep sorrow, these verses can serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness:

• Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you.”
• Romans 8:28 — “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.”
• Psalm 37:5 — “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him.”

Meditate on these truths. Let them take root in your heart.

Trusting God doesn’t mean ignoring practical ways to pursue healing. Scripture encourages action:

• Spend time with God daily. Read the Word, pray openly, and reflect in a journal.
• Seek wise counsel. Connect with a trusted friend, pastor, or Christian counselor.
  • “There is wisdom in an abundance of counselors.” — Proverbs 11:14
• Care for your body. Eat well. Rest deeply. Stay active. Even Elijah needed restoration before hearing from God.
• Surround yourself with community. Don’t isolate—find a small group or a supportive church family.
  • “Carry one another’s burdens.” — Galatians 6:2
• Practice gratitude. Shifting your focus to God’s faithfulness can bring unexpected peace.
• Seek help if needed. Professional, faith-based support is a gift—don’t be afraid to reach for it.

The Bible is clear: Your mind matters to God.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

Struggling with mental health does not make you less spiritual. You are human—crafted in God’s image, deeply loved, and worthy of care.

Jesus extends an invitation to the weary:
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

That rest is real. And it’s for you.

You are not alone. Your pain is seen. Your story is far from over.

Whether you’re carrying anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress, God is walking with you. And He has placed people and resources around you to help.

If you need support, reach out. Confide in a friend. Speak to a pastor. Consider faith-based counseling. Let others share the weight with you.

Anxiety and depression are very real battles—but so is God’s presence. He’s not waiting on the other side of your struggle. He’s with you in the midst of it.

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.” — Psalm 62:8

So keep coming back to Him. Keep leaning on His promises. Keep walking forward—one step at a time.

Hope is not lost. Healing is possible. And the God who holds all things together is holding you, too.

Trusting God isn’t just a piece of the Christian life—it’s the foundation of it. Yet, when life takes unexpected turns, prayers seem unanswered, or the future feels uncertain, trust can feel like a challenge.
But here’s the good news: God’s faithfulness is unwavering, even when circumstances are not. His Word provides real guidance for learning to trust Him—not only in seasons of joy but especially in times of struggle.

Trusting God goes beyond acknowledging His existence—it’s placing full confidence in His goodness. It means clinging to His promises, even when life doesn’t unfold as expected.

Isaiah 26:3–4 reminds us of this truth:
"You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, because in the Lord, the Lord Himself, is an everlasting rock!"

You can trust Him because:

• His character never changes. He is love. He is holy. He is just.
• His Word is reliable. What He promises, He fulfills.
• His timing is perfect. Even when it doesn’t align with our expectations, it works for our good and His glory.

It’s easy to say, “I trust God” when life is smooth. But what about when it isn’t?

God never asks us to put on a façade. His Word encourages honesty—bringing doubts, questions, and struggles straight to Him.

Reflect on His faithfulness.
"Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:22–23)

Talk to Him. He hears you.
"In everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Hold onto His promises, not your emotions.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

Release control—He already holds everything together.
"My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9)

One of the hardest parts of trusting God? Waiting.

Yet, Scripture repeatedly shows us that God’s timing is never random—He is never late, never rushed, and never wasteful.

"He has made everything appropriate in its time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

Waiting often becomes the place where trust is strengthened the most.

Here are a few verses to remind you of God’s faithfulness:

• Psalm 56:3-4 – "When I am afraid, I will trust in You."
• Jeremiah 17:7 – "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord."
• Romans 8:28 – "All things work together for the good of those who love God."
• Nahum 1:7 – "The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him."

Faith doesn’t have to be perfect for trust to begin. Start where you are.

• Take small steps—give Him your daily concerns.
• Keep a journal of His faithfulness—write down answered prayers.
• Walk alongside other believers—you aren’t meant to do this alone.
• Choose trust every day—wake up knowing God is in control, and He is good.

There will be days when trust seems too difficult—when waiting feels endless, and pain feels overwhelming.

But hear this truth:
God hasn’t abandoned you. He hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t changed His plans for you.

"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:8)

Keep bringing your heart to Him. Keep standing on His promises. Keep following Him, even when it’s hard. He will sustain you.

You don’t have to understand everything to trust the One who does.

The journey of faith may be filled with uncertainties, but it’s also filled with unshakable promises—promises that stand firm through every season.

So keep walking. Keep waiting. Keep trusting.

God is faithful, and He is worthy of your trust.

Sharing your testimony can be intimidating, but also powerful! Let's explore some effective strategies when thinking through how to share your testimony with others.

A testimony is your personal story of encountering God’s grace and truth. It’s a unique and powerful account of how Jesus Christ has transformed your life. “Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me” (Psalm 66:16). Your testimony may reflect God’s work in overcoming struggles, guiding your decisions, or leading you to salvation. Every testimony is a testament to His love, mercy, and faithfulness.

Sharing your testimony allows others to see how the Gospel has shaped your life. It’s an invitation for them to explore their own journey with God. Testimonies also glorify Him, affirming that His power and presence continue to impact lives today. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In essence, your testimony has the potential to inspire faith, plant seeds of hope, and encourage spiritual growth in those who hear it.

If you struggle to clearly communicate your story, consider structuring your journey by explaining it in 3 parts:

1. Before Knowing Christ
   Reflect on your life before you came to know Jesus. What challenges, beliefs, or patterns defined your life during that time? Be honest, but remember to keep the focus on God’s eventual redemptive work. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
2. How You Met Christ
   Share how you came to encounter Jesus and accept Him as your Savior. Was it through a specific person, event, or realization? Highlight the key moment that shifted your heart and mind toward Him. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20).
3. After Knowing Christ
   Describe how your life has changed since coming to faith. What blessings, growth, or changes have you experienced as a result of walking with Christ? Emphasize how His presence continues to shape your daily life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
   

When concluding your testimony, aim to leave your audience with a statement that highlights the truth of the Gospel—such as, “Now I am absolutely certain that I have eternal life.” People often respond to the last thing you share, so ending with a strong focus on the Gospel will help steer the conversation in that direction.

Keep your language simple and accessible. Avoid using complex theological terms or Christian phrases that may be unfamiliar to those outside the faith. Words like “justification” or “fellowship” are meaningful but could distract your listener. Instead, focus on making your message clear and easy to understand.

Be mindful not to dwell too much on the details of your life before Christ. While it’s important to acknowledge your past, the heart of your testimony should be about how Jesus has transformed you. The true power of your story lies in showcasing the person you’ve become through His grace, not dwelling on the person you used to be.

The key to sharing your testimony is remembering that God intends to use both you and your story to draw others closer to Him. Whether your journey to faith was dramatic, began in childhood, or falls somewhere in between, every testimony reflects God’s boundless love and mercy. After all, as Scripture reminds us, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Every testimony is valuable because it highlights the goodness of our amazing God.

By preparing your testimony with this structure, you’ll be equipped to share it in a clear and meaningful way. Always remember that it’s not about how extraordinary your story is—it’s about pointing to the extraordinary grace and love of Christ.

"You will be His witness to all people of what you have seen and heard" (Acts 22:15).

WHAT KINGDOM BUILDING LOOKS LIKE
Sunday, March 23rd Sermon Recap

Log Cabin Builders: What Kingdom Work Really Looks Like
At Marsh Lane, we’re continuing our journey of becoming battle ready, and March has been all about what it means to be kingdom builders. From our powerful missions conference to celebrating Cade’s ordination, we've seen God calling people into both foreign and vocational ministry. But what about the rest of us? What does kingdom building look like for those not called to the mission field or full-time ministry?

The truth is, we all have a role to play. And we need a mindset shift to grasp it.

Many Christians fall into the trap of asking, “How can I fit God into my life?” But Scripture calls us to something radically different: to seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2).

Kingdom building isn’t about inviting God into our story; it’s about surrendering to His. We aren’t the architects asking Him to bless our blueprints. He is the King, and we are the builders called to follow His plans.

There are three common mindsets people adopt when it comes to the church and kingdom work:

1. The House Hunter: You show up to a church that fits your preferences—good music, comfortable chairs, convenient location—and enjoy the experience. But there’s little personal investment.
2. The Architect Observer: You have big ideas for ministry and what the church should look like but expect the pastors or staff to implement your vision. You observe, critique, and stay uninvolved.
3. The Log Cabin Builder: You roll up your sleeves. You don’t just dream about what ministry could be—you build it. You see kingdom work as your responsibility and use your own hands, time, and gifts to make it happen.

God is calling all of us to be Log Cabin Builders.

Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus...” Kingdom building isn’t limited to church activities. It includes your work, your home, your neighborhood, and your everyday life.

If you’re a Log Cabin Builder, you:

• Use your time for God – Your job is a mission field. Your family is your first discipleship group. Even your lunch break can become prayer time.
• Use your treasure for God – Instead of budgeting a sliver for God, you ask how to use all your financial resources for His glory.
• Use your tools for God – Whatever you’ve been gifted with—creativity, leadership, compassion, craftsmanship—you use it for kingdom purposes.

Yes, It Will Be Hard
Building a log cabin isn’t easy. It takes effort, energy, and yes, it will leave you tired. But God’s strength is sufficient. You weren’t meant to do it on your own—you were empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) to be His witness.

Everything is a Gospel Opportunity
Too often, we compartmentalize our lives. We see church and mission trips as "spiritual," but work, sports, and hobbies as "secular." That’s not biblical. Everything is an opportunity to reflect the love and character of Jesus. Whether you're running a business, parenting kids, coaching a team, or working in a cubicle, your life is a platform for the gospel.

Build the Kingdom by Letting Jesus Reign
John Piper notes that while Jesus talked constantly about the kingdom of God, the New Testament writers shifted their focus to declaring, "Jesus is Lord." Why? Because building the kingdom is about letting Jesus reign in your heart. Every area of your life bows to Him.

That’s how His kingdom comes.

So, ask yourself: Which type of builder are you? Are you a house hunter, an architect observer, or a log cabin builder?

God doesn’t need spectators. He calls builders. Let’s be a church of hands-on disciples, crafting something eternal with the time, tools, and treasure He’s given us.

Let’s be log cabin builders.

KINGDOM BUILDING
Sunday, March 2nd Sermon Recap

Are You a Kingdom Builder?
Life is full of choices. Every day, we make decisions that shape our future, whether we recognize their significance at the time or not. The truth is, the life we have is the life we chose. While that can be a difficult reality to accept, it also means we have the power to choose a life that honors God and advances His kingdom. But here’s the key: building God’s kingdom doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality.

No one stumbles into a life of impact. Just like a doctor doesn’t wake up one morning and suddenly find themselves performing surgery, believers don’t just “accidentally” build God’s kingdom. It happens when we make a conscious decision to be used by God, to stand firm in our faith, and to commit to His mission.
If we want to be battle-ready for kingdom work, we must be intentional in three key areas of our lives: our heart, our mind, and our hands.

Our kingdom work begins with a heart fully devoted to God. Daniel 1:8 tells us that Daniel “determined that he would not defile himself” with the king’s food and wine. His decision was made in his heart long before he ever faced the temptation.

Jesus instructed us in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first the kingdom of God.” If we do not set our hearts on God intentionally, the world will set our hearts on other things by default. Are we giving God our first and best, or only our leftovers?

Ezra 7:10 tells us that “Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statutes.” His mind was focused on learning and applying God’s truth.

We cannot serve God effectively if we don’t know His will. This requires intentional study of Scripture. The best way to recognize God’s opportunities for kingdom work is to fill our minds with His Word. Yet, many of us drift through life, consuming entertainment and distractions instead of directing our minds toward spiritual growth.

Nehemiah didn’t just grieve over the broken walls of Jerusalem—he took action. Nehemiah 2:17 records his rallying cry: “Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” He didn’t just see the need; he did something about it.

Too often, we let laziness or fear keep us from engaging in the work God has called us to. Some of us worry about doing the wrong thing, so we do nothing. But kingdom builders don’t make excuses—they make moves. The reality is, God can fix our mistakes, but He can’t use a person who refuses to step forward in faith.

The greatest model of intentional kingdom work is Jesus Himself. Every step of His ministry was deliberate. He constantly spoke of His purpose: to do the will of the Father and to bring salvation to the lost. His heart, mind, and hands were fully committed to fulfilling God’s mission.

Drift happens. It’s easy to get caught up in the currents of life and simply go with the flow. But kingdom builders don’t drift—they build on purpose. As we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and celebrate His work in our lives, let’s ask ourselves:

• Am I setting my heart on God’s kingdom first?
• Am I filling my mind with His truth?
• Am I actively using my hands to serve Him?

Faith isn’t passive. It’s a confident step forward, trusting God to lead the way. Let’s stop drifting and start building—on purpose.

IT CAN BE DONE
Sunday, February 23 Sermon Recap

Imagine waking up in the morning. The cold wind whipping your tent, made all the more biting by the cold mountain air. As you gather your heavy coat and tools, you exit your tent to see the giant stone face of the mighty Mount Everest ascending before you. The climb seems impossible. Maybe even dangerous. Surely it can’t be done. And yet, in the spring of 1953, Edmund Hillary and his Nepali-Indian mountaineer, did what seemed impossible. They reached the summit, having conquered the 29,035 feet below. Others have since followed in their footsteps.
In our spiritual lives, it can sometimes feel like we are facing a mountain as massive as Everest when it comes to focusing more on the unseen than the seen – the spiritual battle more than the physical one. And make no mistake, the fight isn’t an easy one. When it comes to finding time to pray, the clock seems against us. When we are challenged to fast, the task seems unbearable. And confession can feel like someone just asked you to jump up and touch the moon.
But as believers, we know that spiritual warfare is a reality, no matter how insurmountable that truth might be. That’s why living a life of prayer every day is so vital. It is like oxygen to our lungs. And it can have powerful effects. Perhaps no one knew this better than Daniel. He lived a life of prayer. And let’s be real, his life was no pleasure cruise. He had been taken captive from his home to a foreign land, made to serve a pagan king, robbed of his very name, and surrounded by enemies that burned with hate and jealousy. Yet in every challenge, he took it to God. And time and time again, the impossible happened.

Let’s take a closer look at Daniel. What was his prayer life like? Did he only pray in the middle of difficulty? Was he only about maintaining his relationship with God when things were easy? No. Daniel stayed engaged in prayer no matter the season. As Pastor Scott preached, Daniel was a man of war in the unseen realm. His life was marked by it.
1.  Spiritual Warfare – Seeing the Unseen (Daniel 10:12-14)2.  Fasting – Denying the Flesh (Daniel 1:8-16, 10:3)3.  Confession – Humbling Himself before God (Daniel 9:3-5)

Despite being in the proverbial enemy’s camp, Daniel continuously fought in the Spirit through spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. He understood the battle is always on-going. So what can we learn from Daniel? What are some practical things we can apply to our own prayer lives?

• Consistency in Prayer (Daniel 6:10) – Daniel made prayer a lifestyle. He stayed in relationship with God through constant communication. His prayer time wasn’t about his list of needs or his grievances. As Pastor Scott said, a crisis doesn’t create a prayer life, it reveals one. Daniel spent daily time talking with God, pouring his heart out, and listening expectantly for the Lord’s guidance and revelation.
• Seeking God for the Impossible (Daniel 2:17-19) – As a servant in the King’s palace, Daniel was in a unique position, but also a high stress one. So you can imagine how stressful it would be if your boss came to you and demanded an answer to a potentially impossible question. For Daniel, it was an interpretation of a dream. But Daniel didn’t panic. He and his fellow Israelites knew who had the answer, and they urgently sought the Lord in prayer. Would you dare to ask God for an impossible answer? Perhaps for the salvation of a loved one? For healing? For direction of His plan for your life? There are some answers that will never come if we lack the boldness to ask.
• Standing in the Gap (Daniel 9:3-19) – Who are you praying for? Daniel didn’t just pray for himself. He interceded on behalf of his people. He cried out for the restoration of Israel. He acknowledged the sin of his people and repented on their behalf seeking the Lord for mercy. And he never blamed God. He knew that their captivity was a product of their sin. He also knew that God was the only answer. Do you know someone who is facing something that only God can deliver them from? Maybe God is calling you to stand in the Gap for them – to pray when they can’t.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today? Many of us want to experience the miracle of the Lions’ Den. We want that kind of testimony, but we forget the sacrifice and obedience Daniel walked out on a daily basis. You might feel like you’ve been in a holding pattern. Like God is trying to hold you back, but He isn’t trying to stop you. He’s trying to start you! And if you’ll dare to take a step and then another and then another, you just might find God doing impossible things in you and through you.

BUILDING SPIRITUAL RESILIENCE
Sunday, February 16th Sermon Recap

Throughout this month, we have explored the power of prayer and its vital role in our spiritual battles. We’ve learned that prayer isn’t just part of the fight—it is the battlefield itself. But as we continue to equip ourselves for spiritual warfare, we must recognize two additional disciplines that build resilience in our faith: fasting and confession. These practices, often overlooked, help us draw closer to God, discipline our flesh, and fortify our spiritual walk.
Fasting teaches us self-control, dependence on God, and spiritual focus. Confession, both to God and others, allows us to experience true freedom from the burdens of sin and shame. Together, these disciplines help us build strength and endurance in our faith. Let’s take a deeper look at why fasting and confession matter and how we can begin practicing them in our daily lives.

Fasting is a biblical practice that involves intentionally abstaining from food for a period of time while seeking a deeper connection with God. From Moses to Jesus, fasting has been an essential practice for God’s people. However, modern Christianity has largely set it aside, and in doing so, we may be missing out on a powerful means of spiritual growth.
Fasting serves several purposes:

• Subduing the flesh and drawing near to God – When we fast, we deny our physical desires to focus on the spiritual.
• Deepening worship and devotion – Fasting expresses our dedication to God and our hunger for His presence.
• Seeking God’s guidance and empowerment – Many biblical figures fasted when seeking wisdom, deliverance, or preparation for ministry.
• Gaining strength in spiritual battles – Jesus fasted before facing Satan’s temptations, setting an example for us to follow.

Fasting is not a means of earning favor with God but rather an intentional practice to strengthen our faith. It teaches us discipline, aligns our hearts with God’s will, and enhances our prayer life.

While fasting helps us discipline our physical and spiritual selves, confession releases us from the weight of sin and guilt. We often think of confession only in the context of salvation, but the Bible encourages believers to confess regularly.
Confession has a dual nature:

• Confession to God – 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we bring our sins into the light, God forgives and restores us.
• Confession to Others – James 5:16 instructs us, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Sharing our burdens with trusted believers fosters healing and accountability.

Unconfessed sin can weigh us down, create distance between us and God, and keep us in cycles of shame. But when we bring our struggles into the light, sin loses its grip on us, and we experience true freedom in Christ.

Interestingly, both fasting and confession not only benefit our spiritual lives but also have positive effects on our physical and emotional health. Research shows that fasting can increase mental clarity, improve self-discipline, and reduce inflammation. Similarly, confession has been linked to lower stress, reduced feelings of shame, and increased emotional resilience.
These findings reinforce what God has designed all along—spiritual disciplines are not just good for our souls; they are good for our whole being.

If fasting and confession are missing from your walk with God, consider taking steps today to incorporate them. Start small, be intentional, and trust that God will honor your efforts. These practices will not only strengthen your faith but will also equip you for the spiritual battles ahead.
Let’s take a moment to reflect: How is God calling you to respond? Is there a step of faith He is asking you to take in fasting or confession? Let’s commit to building resilience in our faith, becoming battle-ready for whatever lies ahead.

THE POWER OF ASKING IN PRAYER
Sunday, February 9nd Sermon Recap

Prayer is not simply an act of communication with God; it is an act of trust. It is a demonstration of our faith in a Father who listens, cares, and responds. Yet, for many of us, asking God for things feels uncomfortable. We might feel ashamed, uncertain, or even afraid that if we ask and don’t receive, we will somehow diminish God's power in the eyes of others.

But Jesus repeatedly encourages us to ask. In Matthew 7:7-8, He declares,

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

This isn’t just a casual suggestion—it’s an invitation into a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we ask, we acknowledge our dependence on Him. We affirm that He is capable of providing, that He is good, and that He desires to give us what is best.

If we understand that God is a loving Father who desires to bless us, why do so many of us hesitate to ask? The reasons vary, but some common struggles include:

1. Fear of Disappointment – What if we ask and don’t receive what we want? Does that mean God isn’t listening?
2. Feeling Unworthy – We may believe our needs or desires are too trivial or that others deserve God’s attention more.
3. Misunderstanding God’s Will – We might assume that God will only grant us what we need without our asking, so why bother?

Yet, scripture shows that God expects us to bring our desires before Him, just as a child naturally asks a parent for help.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who boldly asked God for what they needed—and God answered in powerful ways.

Hannah: Asking for the Impossible
Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 is a beautiful example of faith-filled asking. She was barren, deeply distressed, and longing for a child. Rather than resigning herself to fate, she poured out her heart before the Lord, asking for a son. Not only did God answer her prayer, but He gave her Samuel, who became one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

Solomon: Asking for Wisdom
In 1 Kings 3:5-14, Solomon, newly crowned as king, was given an incredible opportunity—God told him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Instead of requesting wealth or power, Solomon asked for wisdom. God was so pleased with this request that He granted him wisdom and also blessed him with riches and honor beyond measure.

Blind Bartimaeus: Asking Without Shame
In Mark 10:46-52, the blind man Bartimaeus cries out loudly to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Though the crowd tries to silence him, he refuses to back down. He keeps asking—until Jesus stops and grants him healing. His bold persistence led to his sight being restored.

Elijah: Asking for Miracles
Elijah, in 1 Kings 18, prays for fire to fall from heaven in front of the prophets of Baal. His prayer wasn’t a quiet or timid request; it was a confident petition, rooted in trust that God would reveal His power. And God answered—sending fire from heaven and proving Himself as the one true God.

Asking in prayer is not about forcing God’s hand or treating Him like a vending machine. Instead, the act of asking does several important things in our spiritual lives:

• It Builds Trust – When we ask God for something, we express confidence in His ability to provide.
• It Strengthens Our Faith – Each answered prayer reminds us that God is active and involved in our lives.
• It Cultivates Gratitude – As we receive from the Lord, we grow in appreciation for His goodness.
• It Keeps Us Humble – Recognizing our need for God keeps us dependent on Him rather than on ourselves.

Asking isn't just about our personal needs. True spiritual maturity moves us beyond self-focused prayers to interceding for others.

Jesus Himself modeled intercessory prayer, most notably in Luke 22:32, where He tells Peter,

"I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail."

Abraham interceded for Sodom in Genesis 18, pleading with God to spare the city if righteous people could be found. Moses interceded for Israel after they sinned with the golden calf, asking God to forgive them (Exodus 32:11-14).

If we truly love others, we will ask boldly on their behalf. Imagine what would happen if we persistently prayed for our families, our church, and our communities the way Jesus and the prophets did.

What if we took Jesus at His word and truly became people who asked boldly? What if we:

• Prayed daily for our needs without hesitation?
• Sought wisdom and discernment from God in every decision?
• Interceded for the salvation of friends and family?
• Asked God to use our church to reach the lost?

God is not reluctant to give—He is a Father who delights in blessing His children. But He invites us into the process through prayer.

So today, let’s take a step of faith. Let’s ask boldly, expectantly, and persistently. And let’s watch as God moves in ways beyond what we could ever imagine.

THE NEED TO PRAY
Sunday, February 2nd Sermon Recap

Spiritual warfare is real, and in our "Battle Ready" series, we’ve examined the armor of God and the reality of the unseen battle. But at the close of Ephesians 6, Paul makes one thing abundantly clear: prayer is not just preparation for the battle—prayer IS the battle. It is the front line, the engagement, the connection to the very power of God that strengthens, sustains, and empowers us in the fight.

Paul tells the Ephesians: "Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)
The repetition of “pray, pray, pray” in Paul’s writing is not incidental—it’s central. Prayer is not a passive exercise; it is an active engagement with the divine. Throughout Scripture, we see that when God’s people pray, things move, battles are won, and His power is revealed.

Corrie Ten Boom, who survived the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, once said that her secret weapon was prayer. She famously stated:

"When Christians cease to gather together, the devil smiles. When they cease to read their Bible, the devil laughs. But when they cease to pray, the devil rejoices."

Prayer is not a backup plan. It is the lifeline. When Joshua prayed, the sun stood still (Joshua 10). When Daniel prayed, he was delivered from the lions' den (Daniel 6). When Elijah prayed, a child was resurrected, and the heavens withheld and later released rain (1 Kings 17-18). The early church prayed, and the Gospel spread to the ends of the earth.

Prayer changes everything.

Too often, prayer becomes a duty rather than a delight. Just like any relationship, when an interaction becomes an obligation rather than a joy, it loses intimacy and vibrancy. Whether in marriage, parenting, or friendships, we see how something once cherished can become a mere responsibility when our mindset shifts.

The same is true with prayer. We were created for relational communion with God. In Genesis, Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden. After sin entered the world, that relationship was fractured. But through Christ, we are restored and invited to return to that intimacy.

• The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend. (Exodus 33:11)
• Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

Jesus, Moses, David, and the psalmists modeled deep, relational prayer. The Psalms are filled with raw, intimate prayers—pleas for help, songs of gratitude, confessions of sin, and declarations of trust.

Prayer is not transactional; it is relational.

If prayer is so vital, why do we neglect it? Many of us see God as ready to scold us rather than hold us. Like a child avoiding a parent after breaking the rules, we fear God’s response to our failures.

But Scripture reassures us:

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. (Psalm 103:8)

God is not waiting to rebuke you; He’s waiting to embrace you. When we plug into the power source of prayer, we experience His love, His presence, and His direction. Without it, we run on empty, powerless and disconnected.

Some lament that “the church is powerless today.” While moral failings are often blamed, the true disconnect comes from prayerlessness. A smartphone has incredible potential—until it’s disconnected from the charger. Likewise, the church and our individual lives lack power when we fail to connect with God in prayer.

If you’re ready to deepen your prayer life, here are some practical steps:

1. Speak to God as a Friend – Don’t get caught up in perfect words; just talk to Him honestly and openly.
2. Listen for His Voice – Prayer isn’t just talking; it’s also listening. God speaks when we are still before Him.
3. Use Scripture in Prayer – Align your prayers with God’s Word to reinforce trust in His promises.
4. Cultivate Consistency – Make prayer a daily habit, not just an occasional practice.

In addition, there are some great new opportunities to grow in your prayer life at Marsh Lane.

• Sunday Morning Prayer Services (9 AM) – A time of dedicated corporate prayer.
• The Armory – A prayer room where people intercede during the worship service.
• Daily Zoom Prayer (7 AM) – A virtual prayer gathering to start the day.
• Weekly In-Person Prayer Gatherings – Tuesdays at 7 AM and Wednesdays at 7 PM at the church.
• Prayer Partnerships – Get paired with a prayer partner for encouragement and accountability.

If any of this interests you, please let us know this Sunday!

We can either run from prayer or run to the One who desires to hold us. The choice is ours.
When Jesus prayed in John 17, He prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for all believers to come—that includes you. He modeled an intimate, dependent, and persistent prayer life. Will you follow His example?

Prayer is the battle. It is the connection. It is the power source. And God is inviting you deeper. Will you step in?

THE WINNER OF WAR
Sunday, January 26th Sermon Recap

So far this month, we've discussed the reality of the spiritual battles we are fighting, how we should prepare for these battles, and last week Scott encouraged us that the battle has already been won. 

So, today let's dig into this topic - The Winner of War. 

The battle has already been won. Before we ever set foot on the battlefield of life, before we take up our burdens or face our struggles, God has already secured the victory. Yet, so many of us walk into church, into our workplaces, into our homes, feeling defeated. If I asked you to rate your sense of victory on a scale of 1 to 10 today, what number would you choose?
 
Here’s the truth we must cling to: we are not fighting for victory—we are fighting from victory.

Ephesians 6:10 reminds us, “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.” Paul launches into the discussion of spiritual warfare with this foundational truth: the battle is not ours; it belongs to the Lord. Just as David stood before Goliath and declared, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47), we, too, must acknowledge that our struggles, our fears, our spiritual fights—they all belong to God.

David didn’t stand before Goliath boasting of his own strength; he stood with faith that the Lord would deliver victory. And when God wins a battle, the rewards are not just for one person—they are for the entire body. Victory spills over, blessing those who trust in Him. Your victory is not just for you; it is for those around you.

If the battle is His, then so is the strength to win it. Ephesians tells us to “be strengthened by his vast strength.” But how often do we really trust in God’s power? Many of us hesitate, questioning whether He is strong enough to overcome the enemy. The devil still prowls, hardships still come, and personal failures weigh heavy on our hearts. Can He really bring victory?

Yes. Because God is battle-ready.

• He has creative strength – The same God who spoke the world into existence (Genesis 1:1) can create a path where there seems to be none.
• He has omniscient strength – He knows every outcome before it happens; nothing surprises Him.
• He has relational strength – He reconciles the broken, restoring what seemed beyond repair.
• He has resurrection strength – When all hope seems lost, He brings life from death.

You may feel trapped, lost, or hopeless, but God’s strength is limitless. He shares His power freely, not reluctantly. Like a father lifting a couch with his young child eagerly helping, God allows us to participate in His victory, though He carries the true weight. Our job is not to strive but to trust.

The ultimate battle—the war over sin, death, and the enemy—was settled at the cross. The name of Jesus is already victorious. Revelation 11:15 declares, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” There is no question about the outcome. The battle is over. God has won.

Yet, many of us still walk as if we are defeated. We let sin, fear, worry, and regret weigh us down. But Scripture tells us:

• “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) – Sin does not define you.
• “My God will supply all your needs according to his riches.” (Philippians 4:19) – You do not lack.
• “I will never leave you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5) – You are not alone.
• “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Your inadequacy is covered by His grace.

So why do we still feel defeated? The enemy wants you to believe that you are powerless, but that is a lie. Satan is the defeated one, not you.

Victory is not something we achieve; it is something we receive. It brings freedom.

Freedom from fear (2 Timothy 1:7), from guilt (Psalm 103:12), from shame (Psalm 34:5), from regret (Romans 8:28), from worry (Philippians 4:6-7), and from striving (Matthew 11:28).
Stop striving to be victorious and start living in victory.

If you have never put your faith in Jesus Christ, true victory is not yet yours. But it can be. The resurrection power that defeated death is available to you. Come to Him, and let Him bring you into His triumph.

For those who are in Christ, it’s time to live like victors. Step into the truth, declare the name of Jesus, and walk in the victory He has already secured. The battle belongs to the Lord—and He has already won.

THE ARMOR FOR WAR
Sunday, January 19th Sermon Recap

How are your battle preparations going so far? Last week we examined the reality of spiritual warfare, and were given this prayer to start each day:

"God, show me today where my battle is and remind me of who it is against."

How has this prayer been impactful over the past 2 weeks? Has this helped you identify the battles in your life? Have you been able to see past the physical, relational difficulties into the larger, spiritual struggles?

I hope you are taking advantage of this series to really evaluate whether or not you are "Battle Ready", because whether you want to be or not, you are in a fight!

This week, we are taking a look at a critical component of our battle readiness, and that is the Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:11 - "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand firm against the schemes of the devil".

Something that was significant to me reading this passage this week was that God has not instructed us to "craft your own armor" or "prepare yourself to fight the devil", He tells us that the armor has already been provided - we just need to put it on!

This reminds of a word that comes to mind quite often in my life - intentionality. After getting married and having kids, I quickly learned that some things in life that used to just happen simply because I wanted them to happen, or they were just on my mind, suddenly seemed to fade away. For example, I genuinely enjoy exercising and I like to feel good, so I generally avoid junk food. However, without intentionality, these desires quickly became drowned out by the business of life. It's not enough just to "want to do these things", or to buy healthy groceries and pay for a gym membership. If I'm not intentional about preparing the food I bought, waking up early enough to get the gym and executing the plan in my mind, then I'll stay stuck in a cycle of rushing from place to place and eating when I find the time.

I think the same applies here. I realize that I can be aware of the spiritual battle that is raging around me, I can have knowledge of the armor of God and know that He has provided it for me...but if I'm not intentional about putting the armor on and defending my heart and mind against the schemes of the devil then I will find myself in a similar cycle.

So, let's dig into the different elements of this armor, starting with: 

How important is a belt in your daily life? This likely varies drastically from person to person. For some, a belt may simply be an accent piece to a wardrobe. For others, a belt may help fasten necessary tools and equipment for daily job tasks. Maybe you don't even own a belt! Let's look at a few historical and cultural pieces of significance that a belt would have had during the time period this passage was written:

• Securing Armor – In ancient Roman military gear, the balteus or cingulum (belt) held a soldier’s tunic together and provided attachment points for weapons and supplies. Without it, their armor would be loose and ineffective.
• Readiness & Preparation – To "gird up your loins" was a phrase meaning to tuck a long tunic into a belt to allow free movement. This signified being prepared for action, whether in battle or intense work.
• Identity & Authority – A soldier’s belt often displayed their rank, achievements, or unit insignia.

We don't really identify with these purposes of a belt today in modern, Western society, but I think this helps us to think about the importance a belt would serve in this setting. In several places in scripture, we see phrases like "gird up your loins" or "prepare yourself for action", and those commands would physically require a belt in order to execute.

The Belt of Truth symbolizes the necessity of truth in the life of a believer. Just as a soldier's belt secured their armor and provided a place to carry their sword, truth provides stability and readiness for spiritual battle.  

It's no secret that our culture today prefers relative truth over absolute truth. If we are to "stand against the current" like we talked about last week, we have to first know what is true and what isn't. We must understand our identity - as a believer, our identity is rooted in Jesus Christ.

So, how do we "put on" this Belt of Truth?

1. Spend time in Scripture - like I just mentioned, before we can "stand" for truth, we have to know what truth is. Truth is found in God's Word. 
2. Speak truth over your life - what do you tell yourself, about yourself? This is oftentimes subconscious, but many of us are constantly telling ourselves nasty, untrue things about who we are. Learn truth from Scripture, and then speak that truth into your own life. 
3. Practice truth in relationships - are you speaking truth in your relationships with others? Just like a belt would communicate a soldier's rank or insignia, the belt of truth should communicate your identity in Christ, and the foundation of God's Word, to those you encounter on a daily basis. 

If someone is going to be swinging a sword at me, I definitely want something covering my vital organs. I find it interesting that in a lot of movies, soldiers will be wearing only a breastplate. I feel like this is more for visual appeal, but it just makes sense that a warrior would at least be covering their heart from physical attack, right?

Let's look at some significance of this piece of armor:

• Vital Protection – In ancient warfare, the breastplate (often made of bronze or iron) covered the chest and torso, shielding the heart, lungs, and other vital organs from deadly blows. Without it, a soldier was highly vulnerable.
• Identity & Status – A soldier’s breastplate often bore symbols of allegiance, marking their identity as part of a specific army or empire. 
• Strength & Confidence – Wearing a breastplate allowed a soldier to fight with confidence, knowing they were protected from fatal strikes.

The Breastplate of Righteousness carries similar importance for us today.

Scott made a great point last Sunday, that many of us, if we are honest, can struggle with this concept because we think "I'm not very righteous...". When compared to Jesus, none of us are! So, how can this breastplate enable us to live with boldness and confidence when our own righteousness is lacking? Because it's not our righteousness we are wearing, it's the righteousness of Christ!

As always, Jesus is our example in this. In John 6:38 we see that Jesus sought the Kingdom of God first in His life. When we seek God's righteousness and put His will first, He will highlight areas of our life that we need to relinquish control, which enables us to "take off" our own righteousness and "put on" His. 

How do we "put on" this Breastplate of Righteousness?

1. Seek God and His righteousness first (Matt 6:33) - just like we learn truth from God's Word, we understand righteousness when we seek His kingdom first.
2. Make Him your dwelling place (Psalm 91:1) - wherever you are, whatever you're doing, dwell in His presence. 
3. Delight in His commands (Isaiah 61:10) - rejoice in the fact that God is wrapping you in His righteousness, instead of wallowing in your own shortcomings. 

I recall several moments from training scenes in movies - whether it be boxing, sword fighting or super hero battles - where a more experienced fighter will highlight the importance of having a "firm stance" or "good footwork". Specifically, I remember when Batman is being trained by Liam Neeson's character on a frozen pond in Batman Begins - Bruce Wayne thinks he has bested his superior, but quickly realizes he sacrificed his footing and finds himself plunged into the icy water.

The reality is, firm footing is actually crucial to surviving a battle. There are historical cases where an inferior force was able to overcome insurmountable odds because they took advantage of terrain or environmental factors which caused their opponent to lose their footing. It's hard to fight if you can't stay on your feet!

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace provide the believer with stability. Just like a soldier cannot stand firm on shaking ground (or thin ice), a believer cannot stand firm on a shaken foundation.

Again, Jesus set the example - Luke 4:18 shows us that Jesus was secure and firm in His mission because He was anointed to share the Good News.

No matter how unstable your life circumstances may seem, the Gospel is never shaken. You can always share with others what Jesus has done in your life. The Gospel gives us hope. 

There is a distinction made moving into the next 3 pieces of the armor of God when it says to "take [them] up". The first 3 pieces we are to put on, which gives the visual that we should just be wearing them. Every day, we should be clothed with Truth, Righteousness and Peace - these are crucial in order to be Ready for Battle.

The remaining 3 pieces of armor are to be taken up when we know we're under attack. It makes sense to me that if soldiers are at their camp near the battlefield, they would maintain some level of readiness. They would be prepared, ready to move at any moment - their belt secured, breastplate on and shoes tightened. Then, when the enemy approaches, it's time to take up arms and fight...

When the arrows start flying and the metal begins to clash, we must take up arms.

The Shield of Faith - this shield enables believers to "extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one," protecting them from doubt, fear, and deception. Just as a shield was a soldier’s primary defense against incoming attacks, faith is our defense against spiritual assaults. Wielding this Shield is essentially the act of taking the Truth that we believe in our heart and making it a reality in our life, even when it doesn't feel true. The enemy wants us to doubt, to be depressed, to withdraw. Having faith requires us to act, speak and live out the truth of God's Word even when we can't see it.

The Helmet of Salvation - the Helm symbolizes the assurance of salvation and the protection of the believer’s mind. Just as a helmet guards a soldier’s head—the control center of the body—salvation protects our thoughts, securing our identity in Christ and shielding us from doubt and deception. The enemy wants us to doubt that identity. Much like the Shoes of the Gospel give us peace, the Helm gives us assurance that we belong to Jesus. So, when the enemy begins to attack, take up the Helmet of Salvation and be certain that God is fighting your battles, because you are His.

The Sword of the Spirit - the sword is the only offensive weapon in this arsenal, but still we see it used defensively. It's not our job to "slay" the devil - God already promised to accomplish that in His Word. We are to use the Sword of Scripture to parry the attacks of the enemy and discern truth from deception. We see that Jesus used the truth of God's Word to ward off the attacks of Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness. Without the Sword of the Spirit, a believer is defenseless against deception and temptation. But when wielded effectively, God’s Word is a powerful force, cutting through falsehood, guiding believers in righteousness, and bringing victory in spiritual battles.

In short, the whole Armor of God is Jesus. Jesus perfectly demonstrated each of these elements in His earthly ministry, and He has called us to be like Himself.

One last note - this whole set of Armor is only available to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Without the truth of the Gospel in your life, you are hopelessly lost in this battle with no defense against the enemy. If you can't say that you know without any doubt in your mind that you are a child of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, I hope you'll have a conversation with God today. Talk to someone at church if you need to, pick up the phone and call someone right now even...but don't go another day without knowing who's you are. 

Now that we've examined each piece of our spiritual armory, what's next? Here's your marching orders for the next week:

1. Continue the prayer from last week, every day: "God, show me today where my battle is and remind me of who it is against." 
2. Armor Up - mentally put on the Armor of God every morning.
3. Do an Inspection - which piece of this armor are you lacking? 

Intentionality - these things won't just happen by chance. We all need to wake up each day, realize we are in a fight and that we need to prepare for the battle ahead.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you this Sunday! 

THE REALITY OF WAR
Sunday, January 12th Sermon Recap

In case you missed it, the focus for MLBC in 2025 is engaging in spiritual battle. In this blog, we will recap some of the sermon from this past Sunday and dive a little deeper into what it means to fight your spiritual battles.

In full transparency, my mind goes immediately to dramatized scenes of intense battle on an other-worldly plane of existence when I hear "spiritual warfare", largely in part to TV shows and movies (and maybe my own crazy imagination), but that's not really what we're talking about here.

This sermon was impactful for me because it challenged my preconceived ideas of what spiritual battle really is. It's not about "demon slaying", it's not about being the hero and it's not about battling other people. Engaging in spiritual battle starts with the realization that, as believers, we are fighting a war every day whether we realize it or not.

Scott gave us this definition of spiritual warfare: "Powers seeking to disrupt our expression of the love of God, His holiness, goodness and love for others." We see evidence of this battle in Ephesians 6. I'd challenge you to read this chapter and ask, "how am I seeing this battle played out in my life?" 

Recognizing that spiritual warfare is real, we must also recognize that the battlefield of war is not one we necessarily see with our own eyes. Like Ephesians 6 tells us, this battle is not a physical one. In several places, Scripture points out this truth through various stories and events that unfold. Here are a few examples:

• Heaven’s Court (Job 1:6-7)
• Elisha and his servant (2 Kings 6:15-17)
• Daniel Praying (Daniel 10:12-13)
• Dispute over Moses’ body (Jude 9)
• The Assyrian army killed by an angel (2 Kings 19:35)
• The Transfiguration (Matthew 17)
• The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
• Maniac of Gadera (Mark 5)

What are your thoughts on this spiritual realm? Scott made a good point Sunday that many of us have become too sophisticated or educated to entertain this idea, even if it's a subconscious decision. I think that the spiritual world has become synonymous with Asgard or Neverland - places of make believe, fantasy fiction. However, if you are a follower of Christ and you believe God's Word to be true, then you must grapple with the idea that in your everyday life, there are spiritual powers at work: either for you or against you. These powers can influence your thoughts, attitude, external circumstances, and even other people's perception of you.

If this is something that makes you uncomfortable, or maybe just raises questions in your mind, I would challenge you to read the verses listed above and then spend some time asking yourself "what do I believe about the spiritual world?"

As we seek to engage in spiritual battle this year, it's important that we wrestle with these ideas and concepts. It's difficult to stand against the attacks of the enemy if we don't know where they come from or what they look like!  

"Know thy enemy..." is a quote we hear a lot in books and movies. It comes from the Art of War, an ancient Chinese military treatise. It may seem simple, but in any conflict, it is critical to understand who the enemy is. Before you can develop battle plans, you must first understand your enemy. Too often, I believe Christians lose sight of the fact that there is an enemy that seeks to destroy us every, single day - and no, the enemy is not our fellow man.

Check out these verses to see some of what the Bible has to say about your enemy:

• James 4:7-8
• 1 Peter 5:8
• Zechariah 3:1-4

Do you live your life as though a lion is stalking you? This seems extreme, but I do believe we should live with the understanding that we have an enemy who would love to see us fall. We know from Genesis that the enemy loves to deceive and twist God's truth, which should magnify the importance of knowing God's Word and being vigilant to ensure we are not veering off course from how God has instructed us to live. 

As I mentioned in the intro, the takeaway from this message is not that you need to become a "demon hunter". We aren't charging hell and going on the attack - our orders from Scripture are defensive, not offensive. We are to stand against the attack of the enemy.

The devil and his army, secular society and even your own sinful nature are all going to draw you away from God every chance they get. If you are not protecting yourself by putting on the armor of God and standing against the tide of the world, you will be washed away. Nowhere in these verses are we told to lean on our own strength or take up arms and fight against evil. We are told to rely on God's strength, put on His armor and stand fast.

Are you standing against the attacks of the enemy?

What does standing look like? 

• Treating others with kindness, whether they deserve it or not. 
• Having joy in troubling times. 
• Giving generously instead of hoarding. 
• Trusting God’s goodness even when life doesn’t make sense. 
• Refusing to waver when loved ones hurt us.

Above are a few examples Scott gave on Sunday. Which of these resonate with you? Likely, some of these will be easier for you than others. Pause and reflect on this for a moment and ask yourself, "what does standing look like in my life?" Where are you resisting the influence of society, the enemy or temptation.

If we are engaged in battle, we should feel some resistance...

When is the last time something happened in your life and you thought to yourself, "this is a spiritual attack from the enemy!" I feel like there's 2 extremes here - some of us may claim that everything bad that happens is because of the devil, and others may consider everything that happens to just be natural consequences or happenstance. I'm not saying that either viewpoint is always incorrect, but I do believe that we should have a solid understanding of what a spiritual attack may look like and know that we should expect these attacks to come. Again, if you're on the battlefield, expect a fight.

Here are some examples of spiritual attack that we discussed Sunday:

• Physical fatigue
• Discouragement and Depression
• Anxiety
• Spiritual Dryness
• Stressful Situations
• Doubting God’s Goodness
• Old Emotional Wounds Resurfacing
• Shame, Guilt & Condemnation
• Strife & Arguments in Relationships
• Abusing Something to Numb Pain
• Lack of Provision
• Thoughts of Revenge

Which of these have you experienced lately? Maybe you are experiencing some of these right now... Did you consider that these things in your life could be a symptom of a spiritual attack from the enemy? If not, I challenge you to stop right now and spend some time in prayer. Ask for wisdom and open eyes to see these things for what they really are, and reference Ephesians 6 for instructions on protecting yourself from further attacks. 

So, where do we start? Hopefully, you are aware of the reality of spiritual battle, you are ready to engage in this battle, and you recognize that your job is armor up and hold fast. If that's the case, here are some steps to get you moving in the right direction this week:

1. Evaluate your own awareness
   • If any of the previous points were new for you, or maybe you just haven't put much thought into them, spend some time thinking on that this week. Where do you see spiritual warfare in your life? In the church? Spend some time in prayer and take some notes - and don't be surprised when spiritual battles become more apparent over time as you become more aware! 
2. Look for Weak Spots
   • We all have strengths and weaknesses. Identify your weak spots and then be aware that the enemy knows these weak spots too. Read over the list above "recognizing spiritual attack" - maybe you've experienced something on this list a lot recently. If so, maybe that's a weak spot of yours! Pray that God would open your eyes to see your own blind spots and give you strength to resist even when it's hard. 
3. Feel Resistance
   • Look for resistance if your life. Where are you standing firm against the influence of the enemy? Two things on this - in the areas you are feeling resistance, dial in and hold fast. Don't give in to the current that's pulling you away from The Lord! Secondly, if you don't seem to find any resistance in your life, that likely means you're along for the ride.
4. Begin with Prayer
   • Soon, we will spend a lot of time focusing on the power and the importance of prayer. If prayer is not already a part of your daily life, start now. Don't overthink it - just start having conversations with God. If you already have a healthy prayer life, begin praying specifically that God would open your heart and mind to the reality of spiritual warfare, and for the strength and wisdom to engage in it more fully. 

Lastly, Scott challenged us all to pray this prayer this week. If you haven't already, I'd challenge you to pray this right now:

"God, show me today where my battle is and remind me of who it is against."

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you this Sunday! One final word of encouragement - as we move into spiritual warfare this year and seek God's guidance as to how we can more fully engage in battle, I'd ask you to proceed with an open mind. Many of us have preconceived ideas of the spiritual world, angels, demons, the Holy Spirit and how God chooses to move in the church today.

Some of your ideas may be challenged this year. Some of us will be uncomfortable as God moves us to where we need to be, and that's okay.

I'm excited to see what God does through this study, and I'm glad you are on this path with us!

LET'S GO TO CAMP!
 
I hope everyone is having a great week so far! If you missed last Sunday, let me tell you, you missed a blessing! We had a great worship experience, heard an excellent challenge presented by Pastor Scott, witnessed a baptism and TWO SALVATIONS (all three from our MLBC Kidz ministry), and we got a small taste of the great week of summer camp last week through our youth ministry...WOW! God is moving at Marsh Lane Baptist Church and it is exciting to be a part of!
 
I wanted to take some time to revisit the challenge that Scott presented us with to ensure everyone is prepared to participate this coming Sunday...let's dig in.

Pastor Scott shared some excellent insight as to why church camp seems to always have such a profound impact on all who attend, and it really boils down to 2 major elements:
 
1. Distractions are removed.
2. The focus is on God and His presence.
 
As Scott said Sunday, this sounds very simple...but it is difficult to achieve. It's like losing weight - it comes down to "eat less, move more": simple, but difficult. We are constantly surrounded by an abundance of food, ways to relax, convenience, snacks, etc... All of which counteract our effort to "eat less, move more". The same is true with striving to grow closer to God - we are bombarded with distractions and temptations. Not to mention, the society we live in is increasingly secular and draws us away from God's presence. You start your day, battle distractions and do your best not to stumble into temptation and next thing you know, the day is over...and when did you have an experience with your Savior?!
 
So how can we take this impactful "camp experience" and incorporate it into our everyday life, without driving for hours and isolating ourselves in the mountains of Oklahoma with little-to-no cell reception? Simple - intentionally remove distractions from your life, and intentionally spend time with God! (I said simple, not easy)
 
Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
 
If you read that and think, "is God really exalted to that level in my daily life?", then read the first part again - he says "be still"...we can't "be still" when we are distracted with other things!
 
So, part one of this challenge is to do exactly that - remove distractions. What is distracting you? Obviously we have daily responsibilities and tasks that are going to consume our time and energy, like work, family and even our "down time" when we seek to unwind at the end of a long day. However, we can easily become so consumed with these things that they begin to take God's place as number 1 priority in our daily life. Ask yourself, "what is distracting me from my relationship with God the most?" And if you don't know the answer, like Scott suggested, ask your spouse or a close family member what your biggest distraction is...odds are, they will know the answer pretty quick!
 
Next on the list: focus on God and His presence. Some of us find ourselves doing this once or twice a week, maybe on Sunday or during a discipleship group meeting. This should be a daily occurrence! Not trying to impose any guilt or shame here, as we are all guilty of neglecting our relationship with God to some degree - I just aim to emphasize the importance of having a daily encounter with God and seeking His presence in our day to day life.
 
Know that this can take different forms: spending time in prayer and fasting, in the Word of God, or in praise and worship...and we should practice all of these! For the purpose of this "camp" challenge, think about which of these three you resonate with the least. Maybe you find yourself blaring worship radio 24/7 and love to lift up God's name in praise: that's great! But how is your prayer life? Are you reading His Word and growing in your understanding of Scripture? Whatever this looks like for you, identify your weakest area of spending time in God's presence and intentionally increase that.
 
So what exactly is this challenge? On Sunday, everyone who is willing to commit will fill out a brief form that looks something like this:
1. What distraction am I going to remove?
2. What am I going to increase?
 
Then, as a church, we will spend the next month doing exactly that! That may seem like a long time to give up something that you enjoy, or to actively do something that you maybe don't enjoy...but it will be worth it. When the result is growing closer to God, it's hard to argue the process!
 
I hope and pray that we have a card turned in for everyone in attendance this Sunday. Spend the next few days in prayer, determine what your response should be (not what you want them to be!) to these 2 questions and join the camp challenge this Sunday.
 
I'm looking forward to another amazing Sunday at MLBC, and I hope to see you all there!
 
Cade Ogletree

I hope you are all having a great week so far and enjoying this fall weather! We are finally experiencing some light-jacket conditions now that it's mid-October, which is always a welcomed transition in my opinion.

More importantly than the weather, I hope you have been enjoying our current series titled "I Love My Church". This week we take a look at a sensitive, yet necessary component of building a God honoring community - giving. Talking about money can be uncomfortable, but it doesn't need to be. At least, not in the context of ensuring our brothers and sisters in Christ have their needs met and do not struggle alone.

Before we dive into the sermon from Sunday, I first want to share some insight gained from discussions on this topic from our Journey Sunday School class. Our discussion in class was broad in scope, but we landed on one point that really resonated with me, and it went back to the sermon last week about "tearing down our walls". I feel like the "walls" that keep us from experiencing community in an amazing way, specifically when it comes to giving, are two fold: those in need are too proud to ask for help, while those who are able to provide are hesitant to extend the offer.

Scripture teaches us that we are to care for one another and ensure that no one's needs are going unmet. The crazy thing about life is that while you may currently be the one that could use some help, it won't be long until you're able to provide for someone else in need. And you know what's even crazier? If you are the recipient of a gift during a hard time, how much more willing would you be to then help someone else when are able?! Both the giver and the recipient receive a blessing from God when we focus on community the way He intended. But, in order for this to happen, both sides have to tear down their wall. No pride. No shame. No selfishness. 

Giving

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need." - Acts 4:32-35

I'll be honest - I don't think we will ever experience this level of community and giving this side of Heaven. And please know that MLBC is not asking you to sell everything you have and give it all to the church!

However, this is how the early church functioned - crazy, right? How selfless and trusting they must have been to just give everything to the church and live as one big community.

So, we aren't asking you to replicate this early-church practice today, but what can we take away from this? For one, we can learn a lot when it comes to putting others' needs above our own - which is really what this whole lesson comes down to...

1. Release Your Grip

The first verse of this passage gives a clear picture of where these believers motives were - they denounced ownership of everything they had and shared it all. If you were to just think about what this would look like in your life, what material possessions jump to the forefront of you mind? What makes you think "there's no way I'm sharing my _________?!" Regardless of what comes to mind, maybe we should all reflect on what is really important to us... What are some things in life we simply refuse to loosen our grip on?

God calls us to use our material possessions to be a blessing to others - to ensure our fellow believers are not struggling, going without necessities. If we are so concerned with "our stuff" that we can't entertain the idea of sharing what God has blessed us with, how are we going to obey this instruction?

The challenge here is to reflect on your own attitude towards sharing your material possessions, your money, your food, or even your home if God presented an opportunity for you to be a blessing to someone. Are you going to loosen your grip enough to be a blessing, or are you going to choke the opportunity by keeping a death-grip on your stuff?

2. Tighten Your Belt

Pastor Scott made it clear on Sunday that this is a hard one - even for him as he prepared to bring the message. Not only should we loosen our grip on our stuff, we are also challenged to go without so that others don't have to... That one hurts a bit more, right?

I mean, it's one thing to part ways with stuff you really don't need. Maybe we have become so protective over our material possessions that we become guarded of our excess. Well, realizing you can utilize that excess to help others is a great place to start...but what about one step further? What about giving sacrificially to the point you are no longer giving of the excess, but of the things you need? Things your family needs?

The passage goes on to say that from to time, members of the church who owned houses or property would sell it and bring the proceeds to the church so that others would not have to go without. That's huge.

Again, don't interpret this as the church saying "everything you own belongs to us" but you should recognize that "everything you own does belong to God!" So, when God provides an opportunity or tugs at your heart to be a blessing to someone else, you should respond with an open heart and open hands saying "take what you need", even if that means you have to tighten your belt. 

3. Give it all Away

Again, this is not a call for you to give everything away (unless God is calling you to do that, I guess?). At the end of our passage, we see that the church collected everything that was brought forward and donated, then they gave it all away to those in need. God's people didn't sell their possessions and reduce what they had just so that the church could be rich and hold onto it all, they sacrificially gave so that others could be blessed. This is the heart and desire of MLBC.

Scott made a great point that deserves to be repeated - this is not talking about our tithe. Tithing could be a whole sermon series on its own, but that's not what we're discussing here. By our obedience in giving 10% of what we earn back to God, the church is provided for financially. This keeps the lights on, the water running and the staff members fed and clothed. However, the church does not strive to build up wealth gained by the sacrificial giving of its members! The church should use the giving of its members above and beyond the tithe to help those in need and be a blessing to others.

Bottom line: when we encounter individuals who are in need - if we aim to glorify God and expand His Kingdom - we must be willing to give it all away. 

In closing, I really want to revisit the way the service ended on Sunday. I realize in writing this that it would be easy to read over and say "yeah, but I just don't see the application. How does this happen in real life?" We saw a perfect example of it on Sunday.

In front of Pastor Scott, for the duration of his message, sat a little treasure chest. At the end of the service, Scott issued a challenge for everyone in attendance: "whatever you have in your pockets right now, give it away."

This put points number 1 and 2 to the test right away. Let's say you're sitting there with a few $20 bills in your pocket:

Release Your Grip - "I don't need all this cash, someone else can definitely use this $20 more than I do."
Tighten Your Belt - "I was going to use this cash to go to lunch after service, but I want it to bless someone else instead."

What about point number 3? Well, Scott gave further instructions for this exercise: everything that was given was gathered up into the treasure chest and placed at the back of the room. Anyone who had a need was free to take whatever they needed on the way out. I must say, the whole event really just blew my mind.

Once Scott finished giving instructions, the room was filled with activity and the treasure chest was overflowing within a few minutes - and not just with money. People gave what they felt led to give, and God was glorified. Not only that, but peoples' needs were met. God only knows how many prayers were answered by the gifts that were given during that time. It was really awesome to see all of this put into practice and to witness the overflow of generosity by the people of MLBC.

I hope you take away from this message the idea that our focus should be on the wellbeing and the needs of others, not our own. The beautiful thing about this whole concept of community is this: if we all put the needs of others above our own, then it would be impossible for anyone to have a need go unmet. It requires trust and faith, but how awesome would it be to be a part of a community that cares that much about the needs of others and glorifying God. Let it start with you!

I hope you have all had a fantastic week so far! I must say, this new series "I Love My Church" has given me a lot to think on throughout the week and has opened my eyes to some changes I need to make.

If you have missed any of the previous message, I encourage you to watch the recorded live-stream by clicking here!

Community

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,  by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:19-25

Personally, a sense of community is something I struggle to live without. I may not have realized at the time, but looking back on my life I can pinpoint times where I lacked a sense of spiritual community and belonging. During these times, the stress of life was amplified, missing Sunday service was much easier, spiritual accountability was absent, and life just felt lonelier. I understand that everyone is different when it comes to social interactions and meeting new people, but we must understand that experiencing community with other believers is not only encouraged by Scripture, it is instructed.

Pastor Scott delivered a powerful message this past Sunday on the importance of cultivating community within our church, and also provided some warnings against sabotaging it (whether knowingly, or unknowingly). Let's take a deeper look at this passage from the book of Hebrews and see how we can apply this message to our lives and our church.

Jesus has torn down the barriers...

What we need to recognize first and foremost is that Jesus has removed any and all barriers that sin will attempt to build in our lives to keep us from community with God and with one another. The first verse of this passage reassures us that through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the veil that once separated God from His people has been ripped in two - making community with God the Father available to all! What a powerful message this is...

For more information on the significance of the torn veil, check out this article: https://www.gotquestions.org/temple-veil-torn.html 

In short, the veil represented the great chasm that stood between a Holy God and sinful man - the presence of God present on one side of the veil, only accessible by the high priest one day per year.

Jewish tradition states that the veil was somewhere around 60 feet high and 4 inches thick. With all of this in mind, you can see how impactful the tearing of the veil really was! In Matthew 27 we see that in the moment of Jesus' death on the cross, the veil was torn in two from top to bottom. A feat only made possible by God Himself.

In that moment, God communicated that His people would no longer be separated from Him by the law. Jesus broke down the barrier and made a relationship with God the Father accessible for anyone who will to accept His gift of love.

So, if you are a born-again believer, know that Jesus has torn down the barriers that sin constructs in your life. You can go to God freely. You can thrive in community with other believers and live a life free from the bondage of sin - you just have to cling to Jesus.

If you're reading this and you're not sure if you've experienced that freedom...maybe it feels like sin has a death grip on you, and everywhere you turn you're facing a wall that separates you from God, from others...know that Jesus can tear down those walls, just ask him! 

...don't rebuild barriers in your life! 

We just discussed how Jesus has removed any obstacle that could possibly stand between us and God, or even between us and community with other believers...but often times, we attempt to rebuild these walls in our life. We may not do in on purpose, or even be aware that it is happening, but we see it far too often. We are ashamed to let someone else see the reality that we aren't the picture-perfect Christian that we portray when we put on our Sunday best. We're scared to admit that we mess up, we let people down, and we fail sometimes...

You know what? Everyone fails at times. We all have things we are ashamed of. We all fall short... This is what makes community even more meaningful in our lives! If we can open up, let others in and tear down those walls, we will find that we have even more in common with fellow believers. Not only that, but we will find that we are stronger together and we can hold each other accountable. We can encourage each other in the hard times, celebrate with each other in the good times, and grieve together in the painful times. But, if all we do is paint on a happy face, say "Hey how's it going?" on Sunday and then head home to start another busy work-week, we'll never experience community the way God intended.

Lastly, I just want to add my own personal plug here... I have to say that the community at Marsh Lane Baptist Church is something I have been seeking for quite some time. It only took a few Sundays for me to see that there is something special about the people who attend this church, and I knew I wanted my family to be a part of it. That being said, we cannot become complacent. I want to thank each of you for your contribution to the healthy community that has been cultivated at MLBC, and also commit to you that I will do my part to cultivate it even more. We should all strive to further our reach, deepen our relationships and maximize our impact on those around us.

How has your life been impacted since we began this series? What new names can your put to faces at church since the beginning of the month? Have you shared a meal with someone at the church lately? Share your experience below in the comments! 

What a great few weeks we've had at MLBC! It seems fitting that we begin a series titled "I Love My Church" as we wrap up our annual Missions Conference. The love people have for their church and one another has been on display throughout the conference, which is one reason I believe it was such a success.

This past Sunday, Pastor John delivered a kick-off sermon for this new series. I must say, several statements from Sunday have been in the forefront of my mind this week as I continue to digest and pray over the impact they had on me. Let's dig in!

How do people feel when they think about "the church"? What descriptive words come to their mind...

Pastor John started off with an illustration involving imagery of places like the DMV, grocery store, and doctor's office, and got us thinking "what words come to mind when I see this image?" I must say, none of the words that came to my mind were positive ones. These are all places I avoid, when possible. But this leads us to the question above - what do people think or feel when they think about "the church"?

Hopefully, for those of us attending MLBC, we would say things like: community, safe, welcoming, healing or family. However, we know this is not true for everyone. If you haven't put some serious thought into this question, I'd challenge you to think on it and leave a comment below. What are some words that you think non-believers or non-attenders may associate with church? (Not necessarily MLBC, the church in general.)

The 4 Pillars of Marsh Lane Baptist Church
Generational - Biblical - Intentional - Relational

I must say, I've always appreciated these 4 Pillars of MLBC ever since the first time I saw them listed. There is much to unpack in each of these pillars, and if done correctly, these will create an environment that is honoring to God and beneficial for everyone involved.

The question is - are we honoring these? Does our congregation span multiple generations? Are the teachings Biblical, and are the members seeking Biblical truth in their daily walk? Are the actions of the church intentionally seeking to grow the Kingdom of God? Are we building meaningful, God honoring relationships? While I can give my own opinion on each of these, the challenge is for you to examine this truth in your experience.

This led Pastor John to a humbling question, one that has stuck with me this week. If you were in attendance, you'll remember that we had the house lights turned all the way up. Pastor John gave us a few moments to look around the entire congregation and study the faces that we saw - how many faces could you put a name to? I know for me personally, there were too many faces without a name. I find it interesting that all 4 pillars listed above can be found in the simple act of learning the names of people at church you don't already know.

Generational - get to know someone younger or older than yourself.
 
Biblical - Scripture has a lot to say about building community within the church. Think about where it all started - Jesus and His disciples. I would say this was a tight-knit bunch!

Intentional - getting to know others requires intentionality. We're all different when it comes to social interactions, and for some this is a tougher obstacle than others. Regardless, we must be intentional in seeking out those in the church we need to get to know better.

Relational - this one is self explanatory. To be relational, we must build relationships!

Obviously, these 4 pillars of MLBC apply to much more than this...but I feel like this can be a great starting point! As we approach this Sunday, think about one of those faces you couldn't put a name to: be intentional this Sunday about introducing yourself to them and start building a relationship with them! Even if they belong to a different generation, for the Bible calls us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ - regardless of age, gender, hobbies, etc... Meet someone knew this Sunday! 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35

As Pastor John said Sunday, "[This] is the single most important identifying mark of a body of believers who claim the name of Jesus Christ - how they care about each other."

As we see in the passage above, loving the church is not a suggestion. One of the last things Jesus instructed His disciples during His time on this earth was to love another the way He loved them, so that others would know they were His followers. To take this one step further - how did Jesus love His disciples? He died for them.

Not only is this a commandment, it's a big one. We have been instructed by God to love our fellow believers in a way that is selfless, sacrificial and unconditional. While it may seem like a "burden", think about this - if everyone in the church showed this type of love to one another, do you really think anyone would go without? Would anyone suffer hardships alone? Would anyone carry their burdens without a shoulder to lean on? No! If we truly embraced this command, all believers in the church would experience a community unlike any other. I'm sure this is no surprise to you, but this idea of a loving, selfless community doesn't really exist outside of the church. If we can live out this command from Jesus at MLBC, the reward is two-fold: we honor Christ by mirroring the church He established - we shine light into a dark world that sees God's love through the way we love one another.

As Pastor said, people will attend church for a lot of reasons. However, people will stay at a church because they have built relationships with fellow believers there. What relationships are you cultivating at MLBC? 

Ways to Love Your Church:
Love by Connecting
Love by Serving
Love by Giving
Love by Sharing

We will be exploring each of these throughout the month of October, so I hope you plan to join us and learn how to practically love your church! 

Money... The thing that makes the world go 'round, yet we don't want to talk about it. No, the world doesn't revolve around money, but I would argue that most people alive today believe that it does. We all know first hand that money is required to have a place to live, to put food on the table, and to put clothes on our backs. So, it makes sense that a lot of people become very guarded when it comes to money - in spending it, sharing it, and even talking about it.

This past Sunday, Pastor Scott delivered an awesome message on the topic of giving towards global missions. We've discussed in previous weeks that there are different ways to contribute to the global mission of the church, but this week we will look specifically at giving financially, answering the questions "why" and "how" we should give towards missions. 

Why Should I Give to Missions? 

1. It is Reactionary
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:17

First and foremost, our giving should be a reaction to the blessings God has given to us. I think an initial rebuttal to this statement would be "but God hasn't blessed me that much!" It's true, not everyone makes the same amount of money, we don't all have the same size house, etc...BUT we have been blessed by God. We live in a country where even a minimum wage job makes us richer than a large portion of people on the planet. Hundreds of millions of people live on less than $2 per day. I doubt that is something many of us can directly relate to!

The point is - as a blood bought believer in Christ, you should be able to look at your life and see the goodness of God. This goodness should generate a desire to give back. To what capacity you are able to give is entirely between you and the Lord, but the amount should not be zero.

Another great point that Scott made on this was a clarification on the falsehoods of prosperity Gospel. Too many churches today are preaching a message that looks like this:

You give to God → God gives to You

This promotes a lifestyle contrary to Scripture, in which believers give to the church in hopes that God will make them rich. This is simply untrue! Let's turn that equation around:

God has given ALL → You give back to God

God, in His love and mercy, has offered the most priceless gift we could never deserve - forgiveness. From that gift, we should be moved to gratitude and generosity, seeking out opportunities to give back to God and to further His Kingdom.

If you simply don't feel the gratitude or don't feel a desire to give, the question arises: have you forgotten how good God is?

2. It Brings Eternal Focus
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21

We live in a time period where we are bombarded daily by all the new shiny products - the latest fashion, the next best vehicle, the amazing new technology...most of which comes with an absurd price tag. Guess what has happened to all the "brand new" stuff from, say, 5 years ago? It's all outdated, obsolete, and probably in a land fill somewhere. The "glamor" of this world is fleeting. No material possession can escape destruction.

The beauty presented in this verse should cause a radical shift in our focus when it comes to where we find value. If we are storing up heavenly treasures, they will be waiting for us in Heaven where we will spend all eternity. Hopefully your mind didn't go straight to being welcomed into Heaven by a huge pile of gold and precious stones... If so, I have to say, you're missing the whole point here!

It is hard to go through our daily life and not focus on the material things in front of us. It's natural to want nice things, to provide for our loved ones, and to be able to enjoy life. However, if our focus is only on those things, we will quickly find ourselves overwhelmed with stress, anxiety and possibly greed. If we find our value in our material possessions, what happens to our joy when the economy takes a hit? Or when an emergency depletes our saving account? Or any number of events that can instantly remove those material possessions from our life? We will be devastated.

However, if we listen to Scripture and shift our focus to heavenly things, then we will realize those material possessions do not dictate our value or our joy. There are plenty of joyful poor people, as well as miserable rich people. Our focus should be on the eternal, not the temporal.

3. It Funds the Gospel
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” - Romans 10:14-15

I'm sure we've all heard these verses mentioned when discussing missionaries or global missions - what a simple but powerful truth! How will people know, unless they are told? In the introduction I mentioned that we are all painfully aware that everything costs money - so do missions! Like Scott said on Sunday, it's not like the airport lets all missionaries hop on the plane without buying a ticket. There are not unlimited reserves of free food to feed missionary families. These things all cost money, and these messengers of God are dependent upon the generosity of other believers to help them get to the place where they can share the Gospel.

You may not be called to share the Gospel with an unreached people group on the other side of the world, but you can buy a plane ticket for someone who is.

4. It Ministers to Missionaries
"I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need." - Philippians 4:10,15-16

In some ways, global missions look a lot different today than they did a few thousand years ago. But in other ways, they are exactly same. Here in this passage we see that Paul is rejoicing and expressing his gratitude for the church in Philippi for their generosity in supporting his ministry. Just like missionaries today, Paul was financially dependent upon other believers while he travelled from church to church, preaching the Word of God.

We understand missionaries require funds to operate, but like Scott said, financial support also reaffirms to the missionary that they are not alone. They may be physically removed from their home, but the support shows them that other believers back home are contributing to the same mission right alongside them. 

How Should I Give to Missions?

1. Decide What God Would Have You to Give
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7

2. Give it Regularly
"Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

3. The Church Distributes It
"Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem." - 1 Corinthians 1:3

Probably the main point to make here is this: giving to missions is completely unrelated to your tithe. This week's message does not touch on the concept of tithing, but please know that giving to missions does not replace your tithe and you should not decrease your tithe to make room for missions giving.

At MLBC, we follow the model of Faith Promise Giving.

What this means is, you prayerfully determine an amount to give towards missions above and beyond your tithe, and then you donate it regularly to the church. Missionaries need regular, monthly support - not just a one-time, lump sum gift. By following this model, we aim to provide a steady, reliable form of support to our missionaries. If you haven't received a Faith Promise Giving card yet, be on the lookout for one this Sunday.

Scott closed by presenting a powerful visual representation of the current state of missions giving at MLBC. I'll give you a numerical breakdown here, using some nice rounded numbers.

We currently have around 30% of our regularly attending adults giving towards missions. Let's say we have 100 regularly attending adults, so that's 30 people.

Our annual missions contribution goal is set at $100,000.

If those 30 people were to take that on all by themselves, that's going to require each person to give around $280 per month in order to reach that goal.

However, if all 100 regularly attending adults contribute something towards that goal, it would average out to about $84 per person per month.

Hopefully, this puts the power of unity into perspective. As Scott demonstrated Sunday, we can either ask the 30% who are already giving to dig deep and give even more, or we can ask the other 70% to get on board with supporting missions and see how much more can be accomplished when we work together for God's glory.

If you are not already supporting the global effort to spread the Gospel, I hope and pray that you consider joining in.

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." - 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

I hope you all have made plan to attend the "All Things" Missions Conference next week! The activities begin Sunday afternoon with a picnic, and then continue Monday-Wednesday evening with a meal and service, highlighting a different missionary each night. If you want more information, or still need to sign up for meals and/or child care, you can do so by clicking here.

Have a great week, and we will see you on Sunday! 

What a great service we had last Sunday at Marsh Lane Baptist Church! It was so encouraging to see everyone back in the Lord's house, to hear from the ladies about the Flourish women's retreat, and to receive a charge from Pastor John as we continue our series on global missions -"All Things". I'd like to open with this- if you missed the service on Labor Day weekend, I highly encourage you to check out the recorded live stream or the blog...or both! Pastor Scott's message - 10 Reasons Why You Should Be Involved in Global Missions - lays the foundation for the series we are going through this month, leading up to the Missions Conference.

A Biblical church should make an impact and serve those in the local community, but it should also contribute to the global mission of God to reach the lost. A church that "sends" people into the furthermost reaches of the earth with the Gospel message is called a sending church. 

So, what makes a good sending church? Pastor John presented a convicting charge to us on Sunday to be a living example of what the Bible says about this...

Marks of a Good Sending Church - 3 John 1-8

The crowning virtue of a sending church is faithfulness...

"The elder, to my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 1-4

Pastor John highlighted that faithfulness is "the one way in which we will be evaluated." We see is this passage that John praises his dear friend for his faithfulness which was well known amongst believers.

I love that Pastor John pointed out that there are churches all over the world, and each church's ministry is going to vary from the others. Churches operate in different social demographics, different income streams, they vary in sizes (from a small handful of people to thousands) and each ministry is going to look different. These differences do not make churches "better" or "worse" than another, and its important to keep that in mind. Just because a church down the street maintains a larger congregation, doesn't mean they have something "better" than we do.

"God doesn't consider the size our ministries when He evaluates us...the only evaluation that matters to the God of Heaven is this - are you faithful to the task you have been given."

Each and every one of us will be evaluated by our faithfulness! Just as each church looks and feels a bit different, each one of us are completely unique in the way God made us, the people we communicate with, the possessions we steward, etc...yet, we are each going to be held responsible for how faithful we lived our lives to the Word of God.

Faithfullness...to the truth
"Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people." - Jude 1:3

The truth of God does not change - the faith has been delivered to the saints. We live in a world that largely promotes relative truth and rejects the truth of Scripture. We can find solace in knowing that despite the chaos going on around us, God's truth does not change. While there is much encouragement in that fact, we must also recognize the challenge that comes with it - we are to remain faithful to that truth! It's easy to be faithful to God's truth on a Sunday morning, surrounded by like-minded believers while we worship together. However, remaining faithful to the truth out in the world can be uncomfortable, unpopular, or - in some areas - even dangerous.

As Christians, we must contend for the truth. We know the truth of the Gospel message, and nothing can change that truth! Just as God's Word remains faithful to us, we must remain faithful to His truth.

As a church, we face external pressure to move away from this truth. As cultural and societal norms evolve, there will be ever-growing pressure for the church to deviate from truth and instead preach a message that is accepted and embraced by all. I am happy to say that you will not find a watered-down, altered, crowd pleasing "version" of the truth at Marsh Lane Baptist Church! 

Faithfullness...to the mission
"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.  They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.  We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth." - 3 John 5-8

In case you haven't noticed, we have a lot of information at our disposal today. More than ever, information on any topic is readily available to anyone who wants to access it. This is obviously an incredible resource for those seeking to learn, and can be a great help to those seeking to better understand Scripture.

This was not the case at the time of the early church. Churches scattered across the map were in need of clarification on matters of doctrine, Scripture and culture. The way that they received this information was from individuals called by God - evangelists, prophets, and ministers - who would  travel from church to church and preach truth to them. In this passage, we see that the church had been instructed to take care of these messengers when they arrived, and to send them on their way in such a manner that would be pleasing to God.

Pastor John went on to explain something that often happened during this time - individuals would arrive at a church, declaring to be sent by God, who were imposters. This is something we should also be mindful of today! As we mentioned before, we are in the information age...but not all information available to us is valuable and true. Just as the early church had to be wary of false teachers, so do we!

With that being said, let's take a look at how we can be faithful to the mission of God:

1. By sending - vs 6
It would be hard to consider ourselves a sending church if we don't send... Not only has Marsh Lane sent out multiple families into various mission fields as full time missionaries, we also seek to fulfill this command in verse 6 by caring for missionaries and sending them on their way in a manner that would honor God. We hope that you make plans to attend the missions conference at the end of the month where you can witness this first hand!

2. By supporting vs 6-8
The charge presented in these verses is a powerful one. If you imagine this picture of a travelling evangelist or missionary stopping by a church to share God's Word, the church is called to care for that individual as if Christ Himself were visiting.

I feel as though sometimes it becomes easy to disconnect from the missionaries we support as a church. Most of them are not people we all know personally, we don't see or hear from them on a regular basis, and we can't empathize with the work they are doing if we've never participated. I know that I personally need to further my connection to these amazing people - in part by contributing to their ministries financially and by praying over them, but also learning more about what they do. What country are they ministering too? What are the living conditions like? What unique challenges do they face in sharing the Gospel message? How can I personally get involved in what God is doing through their ministry? I believe a stronger personal connection will bolster our support, and again, this is made possible largely by the technology available to us today!

3. By going
This is the scary one, right? What better way to connect with a missionary than by going with them to the mission field! I keep going back to Scott's message last week - the point was made that missions can shift our perspective or focus. I feel like this is the report I hear more than anything else from those who return from a foreign mission trip - their eyes have been opened to how other people are living their lives right now and they need Jesus just like we do.

I challenge you to think and pray on this. Yes, going on a mission trip costs money, it takes time and preparation, and it requires effort. However, we are called to share the Gospel. We are called to support those who take the Gospel across the world. Going on a mission trip is an excellent way to fulfill both of those commands! If you hang out at Marsh Lane long enough, you'll have an opportunity to participate in a mission trip. I pray that you'll be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and you'll consider being a part of this awesome experience.

Questions to Consider:

1. Are You Listening for the Call of God?
2. Are You Willing to Respond to the Will of God?
3. Are You Willing to Go in the Direction of God?
4. Are You Willing to be a Part of Our Missions Program?

Each of these questions carries a lot of weight. I challenge you to take a moment and ponder on each of these. If you're like me, you'll probably see some areas where you are resisting God. I love that Pastor John referenced this verse:

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." - Romans 12:1

This verse calls us to write a blank check to God. Our heart should be prostrate before Him, stating "whatever you want me to do, wherever you want me to go, the answer is YES!"

I hope you have found some value in this post, and I encourage you to strike up a conversation with a friend, coworker or family member on this topic. Think over the questions in the previous section and discuss them with someone - maybe another church member.

I also hope to see you all next Sunday as we go deeper into this series - "All Things" - and that you'll make plans to attend the Missions Conference. Have a great rest of your week, and we will see you soon at MLBC! 

This Sunday, we began a new series titled "All Things" - inspired by 1 Corinthians 9:22, where Paul makes the statement "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." Our focus this month will be on global missions, and we finish out the month with our Missions Conference event taking place September 25th-28th. More details coming soon!

A lot of our dear friends and family were traveling this weekend, and we sent over 30 of our ladies to College Station for the Flourish Women's Retreat - so if you were unable to attend this service, I encourage you to dig into this recap of the sermon and get involved in the discussion!

Why should you be concerned with global missions? Currently, there are missionaries all over the globe, seeking the lost in every corner of the planet in hopes of reaching them with the Good News of Jesus Christ. I feel as though most of us would agree that these missionaries are performing a wonderful, Biblical, God-honoring task by devoting themselves to such a selfless cause...right? I hope you agree, but the truth is - God calls all of us to be involved in HIS mission!

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20a.

This is a command from Jesus, and it's hard to argue that it doesn't apply to you today! While this command alone should be enough for us to grasp the importance of global missions and light a fire within us to get involved, Pastor Scott provided us with 10 more reasons this Sunday to participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel across the world.

Why Should I Be Involved in Global Missions?

1. It Reflects God Well
"The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

The desire of God is for all to repent and accept Jesus as their Savior. If this is the desire of God the Father, then we reflect Him well if we are actively involved in the global mission to spread the gospel!

"For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 13:47

This truth is not only shown indirectly in Scripture through the knowledge that God wants all to know the truth of His Son, we also see in this verse that He has specifically designed us, His children, to reflect who He is to the lost world!

"The heart of the Father is to seek and save the lost." - Unknown

2. It's Required by the Master
As stated in the introduction, we have been commanded by Jesus Christ himself to go forth and make disciples of all nations in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).

See also - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8

I don't know about you, but this command sometimes overwhelms me. How am I supposed to reach all nations?! However, when you stop and think about it, we live in a time period where this is more accessible than any other!

How can I reach the United States with the Gospel? As I go about my daily life, be the light - tell others about Jesus - share my testimony - look for opportunities to share the Gospel!

How can I reach nations where I will never step foot upon their soil? Financially support people that do, and pray for them! Missionaries today have websites where you can see how their ministry is making an impact for the Kingdom of God. We have the ability to communicate with people, regardless of their location, and keep up with ongoing events. We have the opportunity to be involved in - and actively be a part of - missions all over the world today...and most of it can be accomplished from the phone in your pocket! 

3. Redemption is Needed
This one is pretty simple - we are to reach all nations because all have fallen short.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;" - Romans 3:23

I believe that we too often take for granted the fact that it's hard to throw a rock in Texas without hitting a church. Many of us have grown up listening to the Gospel message. It can be hard for to us to believe that there are people in this world that have never heard the Gospel message of Jesus Christ - but there are - and they need to hear it just as much as us. 

4. It Refocuses Our Perspective
Scott gave a great example this Sunday of how simply flipping the orientation of the World Map as we know it can completely change the way we view different countries, their sizes, and which ones are the "most important".

The same can be said in our lives. Our perspective has a large impact on how we view what is important, where we focus our efforts, and what we deem necessary.

I'll be very upfront and honest here - I have not been on a foreign mission trip yet. However, I have been on a mission trip to Boston, MA. Though this is still within the continental US, I have to say, I was blown away by the difference in culture when it comes to religion and spirituality. That trip radically shifted my perspective, and I feel as though I've heard the same general message from many individuals who have embarked on a mission journey.

Seeing how other people live their lives allows you to challenge your own perspective and ask yourself, "what is really important to me?".

Scott gave another powerful example of this on Sunday. He explained that there have been missionaries who have worked with immigrants in a foreign land - meaning, whatever country the missionary is living in, they work with immigrants to that country - and through seeing how these immigrants are treated, the missionaries return home with a different view of immigration in their home country.

Being involved in global missions can have the same impact on you! Our perspective needs to be challenged and refocused from time to time. This is how we grow and mature as a Christian. 

5. It Rallies Us to Be Holy
" Come to your senses and stop sinning; for some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame." - 1 Corinthians 15-34

A huge hinderance to the spread of the Gospel is hypocrisy. If lost people cannot look at your life and see there is something different about you, then why would they assume something is different about you? We cannot be the light of the world or the salt of the earth if our lives look no different than those around us!

When we involve ourselves in the bigger picture - the global mission of God - it challenges us to deny the temptations of sin in our own lives so that we can more effectively serve in a global capacity. 

6. It Reinvigorates the Local Work
As Christians, we should be equally concerned with the local work of the Kingdom of God as much as the global work - these two focuses should be in balance.

Scott gave a great example of a tire that has an imbalance. It's impossible for a vehicle to travel forward at acceptable speeds when a tire is out of balance or has low pressure. The same can be said about the work of the Kingdom in spreading the Gospel - if we are disproportionately concerned with Kingdom work in our local area, then the vehicle of the Gospel is not going to travel as efficiently or quickly as it would if things were in balance.

While it is vital to grasp the importance of being involved in missions on a global scale, it is equally as vital to be involved on a local scale. 

7. It Requisitions Funds
Not many people like talking about money (unless it's about making money), but the truth of the matter when it comes to global missions is this - ministering to people in need costs money and resources.

There are plenty of organizations in the world raising funds to meet the physical needs of those who can't provide for themselves - medical care, stray animals, crisis response, hungry children, etc... These are all benevolent, meaningful causes and they each raise a tremendous amount of support year after year. Should we not also provide resources to those who seek to make an eternal difference in the lives of people who would otherwise never hear the name of Jesus?

Scott pointed out that each year, after the Missions Conference at Marsh Lane Baptist Church, the amount given towards missions increases by an average of 37%. However, it does tend to decrease over the course of the year. I hope that we can all recognize the value of a dollar in a foreign country when it comes to spreading the Gospel, and be sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit when it comes to financially supporting our foreign missionaries. 

I saw a statistic that really put things into perspective - an online estimate showed that Americans are predicted to spend over 1 billion dollars on Halloween costumes for their pets, but only give $450 million towards missions. I'm not judging if you dress your cat up next month, but I challenge you to also make a financial impact on God's mission around the world! 

8. It Makes Us Receptive to the Call
In my opinion, this goes hand in hand with the fact that global missions has the ability to refocus our perspective. Scott gave a few examples of individuals and families who committed to being involved in global missions by attending a missions trip, then accepted the call to become a full-time missionary.

On paper, there's not much that would convince us to leave the comforts of our homes and voluntarily move somewhere without running water, air conditioning, fast food, or any of the other luxuries we tend to take for granted here in the States. But, what if God has a spot on the map picked out just for you, where He knows you could make an eternal difference in other people's lives? It may require you making the decision to get involved in global missions to be receptive to that call, and follow the guidance of God in your life.

If that last paragraph made you uncomfortable, consider this - there are plenty of ways to be involved in global missions. Running a missions organization requires numerous people, each serving in a different capacity. So, don't be afraid to get involved and "risk" being called to serve in a higher capacity...look for ways to get involved because that's what God wants you to do! And if that still sounds scary, well then start over at reason number 1 and see how you feel when you get here the second time! 

9. It Releases Gratitude
"But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!" - Ephesians 2:4-5

Do these verses invoke a sense of gratitude in your heart? They should! To know that Christ died for you despite all your flaws, hang-ups and shortcomings should generate thankfulness in your own life.

Guess what? These verses were not written for you and you alone...they were written for everyone! So, if you have experienced forgiveness from God in your life, how amazing would it feel to be a part of spreading that same forgiveness to someone else's life! 

10. It Refreshes Fellowship
I can honestly say I've never heard someone return from a mission trip and complain that the people there were boring, they didn't meet anyone interesting, or that they wish they hadn't met the people they did.

The same should be true for our local mission! Scott encouraged us today to look forward to the missions conference at the end of the month - there will be fellowship, food, games, music and fun each night of the conference.

As Christians, we should be able to gather and enjoy one another's company no matter the geographical location. Getting involved in missions is another way for us to grow closer, enjoy the gift of fellowship and expand our reach to individuals we would never meet otherwise. 

Lastly, Scott issued a couple of challenges for us all:
1. What else?
10 reasons to get involved in global missions have been provided, but what's another reason not listed? Is there something important to you that was not mentioned?

2. What's missing in your life?
Reflect on each of these 10 reasons. If you're still thinking, "I just don't really see the importance of me being involved in this...", then which of these 10 reasons is not ringing true in your own life?

I challenge you to think on these things throughout the week, and continue to do so as we progress through this series on global missions. Also, I encourage you to discuss in the comments below! Share your reasons why missions are important, or an experience you had on a mission trip, or maybe an area that God is working on you to be more globally minded. Go one step further - have coffee with a friend and discuss it with them!

I hope and pray that each one of us take a serious look into our own lives and evaluate our stance when it comes to global missions. Regardless of where you stand, I know that the coming weeks will continue to challenge us all and draw us deeper into the mission of God to reach lost souls with the Gospel message. 

This past Sunday, we concluded our Summer Blockbuster series. Pastor Scott delivered a thought provoking message that served to end the series "where we began" - in the beginning.

Personally, I've always been intrigued by the various schools of thought surrounding the Creation event. We live in a time where subtle differences in religious beliefs, politics and basic social ideals can become extremely divisive and polarizing. Yet, this message provided a refreshing take on the truth we find in our origin story - God is the Creator, He created you with a purpose, and He is in control.

Let's take a deeper look at the "points of conflict" we find in this story, then reflect on how we apply the truth from Scripture to our daily life.

1. Ex Nihilo - Gen 1:1
This is a Latin term that translates "from nothing" - meaning, Creator God formed the universe as we know it from scratch. He didn't take pre-existing matter and rearrange things to form our planet over time, He spoke it into existence. As Scott said Sunday, this immediately contradicts one of the most fundamental laws of science - matter cannot be created or destroyed.

How marvelous that one of the very first things you learn about God (if you read the Bible from front to back) is something we could never replicate or fully understand. God not only created everything "ex nihilo", but He proceeded to design the laws by which nature and physics are bound to, establishing that only He is the Creator of matter. I recently saw a video and explanation of how scientists can create the perfect environment for water to exists in three states (solid, liquid, and gas) in the same container and at the same time. While it was definitely impressive and awe inspiring, not a single hydrogen or oxygen atom was created or destroyed in the process.

I also find it interesting how closely this resembles the Big Bang theory. I won't pretend to be an expert on the matter, but an oversimplification of this view is that: without cause or reason, our universe boomed into existence in a fraction of a second, which created an enormous amount of heat and energy. Seems to me that an almighty God manifesting His will and speaking a universe into existence would also happen with speed and power...

2. The Creation Event - Gen 1:2
Another point of conflict in the Creation story happens right after verse 1...or rather between verses 1 and 2. The Gap Theory states that there exists an unknown amount of time between "God creating the heavens and the earth" and the verses that follow, almost as if these are 2 separate events. Alternatively, the more traditional view would be that God created the heavens and the earth ex nihilo, then proceeded to form and fashion His creation.

While there are some very interesting points of view that support both sides of the argument, I feel as though it's important to remember who is doing the "creating" here. Just as we cannot understand how exactly God created everything we could ever see, touch, smell, or experience from absolutely nothing - we also cannot understand how exactly He formed and fashioned a planet (just a reminder - there are other planets too, we just focus on Earth here...)

As Scott said Sunday, it's okay to have some differing opinions on topics such as this. As long as we can agree who and what this story is really about - God is the almighty Creator. I would also like to add - as a believer, you should research these things. Study the Scripture, have conversations with other believers, pray about it and ask God for clarity - and when you (inevitably) disagree with another believer on something, do it with love! Lots of things are black and white, plain and simple when it comes to Scripture. Others, not so much...but don't let these things derail you or your relationship with God, or your relationship with a fellow believer. Not only is God alone all-powerful, He's also the only one who is all-knowing. Let's not pretend that we are too...

3. The Days of Creation - Gen 1:3-31, 2:1-3
In the rest of chapter 1, we are provided with a detailed account of the 7 days of Creation.
Day 1 - Light
Day 2 - Sky, Land and Sea
Day 3 - Vegetation
Day 4 - Stars, Sun and Moon
Day 5 - Aquatic Life
Day 6 - Mankind and Land Animals
Day 7 - Sabbath (He rested)

As I'm sure you can imagine, there are some differences in opinion on this topic as well: are these 7, literal, 24 hours days? Or are these metaphorical "days" that refer to a span of time that passed while each "portion" of Creation was developed? The latter view is referred to as the Day Age Theory. Again, here I would challenge you to determine what you believe to be true. Does the Biblical account seem clear that each "day" was comprised of a "morning and evening"? It does. Does the Day Age Theory open the door for more contemporary views like Theistic Evolution? You bet. Again, each side of this conversation is backed by many God-fearing, intelligent, wonderful people.

My two cents - if we believe that the universe was SPOKEN into existence instantaneously, then taking an entire day to create each of the items listed above seems like plenty of time for God. I mean, even science shows that the universe appeared in less than 1 second... Once again, the takeaway here is that God is the Creator, and He created everything intentionally, with purpose, and according to His will.

4. Image Dei - Gen 1:26
Another Latin term, this one translated "image of God". In the midst of the telling of the Creation event, we are provided with this powerful message that the Triune God decided to make mankind in His likeness, so that we may rule over the rest of His Creation. I think the truth in that verse is sometimes lost on us. Take a moment and ponder the fact that God, the same God we've been discussing - the all powerful, Creator, designer and sustainer of life - God, created you in His image...to be the pinnacle of His creation.

As a parent, I can't help think about the likeness that exists between a parent and their child. It always bring joy to my heart when someone comments on the likeness between myself and one of my kids. How much more awesome is it that we share likeness with God. Not in a physical sense - but in a much deeper way. We were all created by Him, for Him, in His likeness...and through that likeness we should be a caretaker and a blessing to everything else (and everyone else) He has created!

There are a lot of topics that truly intrigue me when it comes to scientific advancement and discovery. However, I always find myself irritated when I hear that we as humans just so happen to evolve into the species we are today. Not that I take personal offense to the idea that I came from an ape-like ancestor, but it seems undeniable to me that we were placed on this planet with a purpose. The rest of God's Creation is beautiful, magnificent, and seemingly endless...but we are the only beings created in His likeness. We should live like it!

Lastly, let's take a look at what we can take away from this story.

Two important questions can be answered by the Scriptures we studied...two questions that I feel many people today are struggling with.
1. Why do I exist?
2. What is my purpose?
These are questions that all of us have probably struggled with at some point in our life, and the uncertainty these questions create can leave us feeling hopeless, meaningless, or even worthless. Here's the answers according to Scripture:
1. Why do I exist? God created me!
2. What is my purpose? To do what God wants me to do!

Before we look into these 2 answers, I love the reality that Scott revealed to us Sunday.

If God created me, and my purpose is to serve Him, then He has the right to do what He wants with me. 

Now, while this should be a message of encouragement...depending on your view of God, it could be terrifying. There is an almighty God out there, capable of speaking the universe into existence, who created mankind (including me), and He has control over what happens to me.

Yes, this may seem scary...but God doesn't want to hurt you. He doesn't want to take advantage of you. He doesn't want to see you suffer. He doesn't wish evil upon you, or hold grudges or any of the other endless things that another person may want to do to you.

He loves you more than you can imagine. He has done what only He can do in providing salvation through His Son. He desires, deeply, to have a personal relationship with you and for you to confide in Him in all things.

If there's one person/being in all of history that you'd want to have complete dominion over you, it's God.

So, what is your relationship with this Creator? Are you living your life as if you were created with a purpose? Are you living your life as if you were created in His image?

I hope you can wake up each day and know that you are here, at this time, in this city, in your body with your strengths and weaknesses...for a purpose. There's a reason this big God created you.