Formed by what we follow

These days, there are lots of things the world goes after. We chase titillating news stories. We go after job promotions, nicer cars, and bigger homes. We follow our favorite sports teams and rock stars. We pursue our children and grandchildren’s success. Innocent or decadent. Healthy or unhealthy. What we go after shapes and forms who we are.

In John’s version of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, the Pharisees (exasperated trying to squash Jesus’ popularity) exclaim, “Look, the world has gone after him” (John 12:19). In yesterday’s message we explored what it means to “go after” Jesus. Following Jesus doesn’t mean dismissing intellectual doubts or questions. It simply means (simple, not easy) choosing to abandon our way of doing things for his. As we daily choose Jesus’ way, we are shaped and formed for the truly good life. If you missed yesterday’s message you can listen to it here.

Join us on April 1, for Easter worship. This weekend’s message is, “No Fool’n!” There will be no Saturday night worship. All three worship services will be on Sunday morning at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 (contemporary). It’s going to be a wonderful Sunday celebration that you won’t want to miss!

Building community, not just houses

While many of the psalms are individual prayers, Psalm 80 is communal. It reminds us that God’s salvation is not private and individualistic. God saves us into a family – the covenant family of God. God’s plan for blessing and restoring the world involves community.

As hurricane Harvey rebuilding kicks into high gear, where will we seize opportunity to become mini-restoration communities? With organizational prowess, technological know-how, and fierce determination, we have the potential to do a lot of things. But will we be restoration communities along the way? Will we just build houses or will we build transformational relationships? With every task there’s an opportunity to go it alone or to go it together. Let’s choose the latter and build community.

If you missed yesterday’s message you can listen to it here.