Whatever Is Good

Pastor Mark’s last Sermon prior to retirement.

Philippians 4:1-9 
This is a reflection of all the good that God has helped us do together in the past 20 months. No tears. No regrets. Seamless transition. Powerful future. Be the Flame that draws people to Christ Jesus.

God’s Secret Source of Wisdom and Power

John 15:1-11 Sandy and I have renewed our commitment to get into healthy shape in body, soul, and spirit. Going to the YMCA on a regular basis, eating healthy foods (Sunday is a free day each week to pig out – everyone needs a Sabbath), and having a regular Quiet Time together and on our own all seem like a daunting task. Actually, God’s source of wisdom and power is not a secret. It’s a commitment we make every day to draw closer to God. The “secret” is to let it sink in just how important God’s wisdom and power are – that it’s worth the effort, like breathing.

Giving and Receiving Forgiveness

Matthew 6:9-14
Memorial Day emerged shortly after the Civil War to reconcile our nation on the basis of giving and receiving forgiveness. Immediately after the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 Jesus comments on only one thing from that prayer. That one thing is so important that Jesus said God would not forgive us if we did not practice it.

There Are No Solo Christians

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
70% to 80% of Christian youth leave the church when they leave for college. Adults have the same problem. A firebrand of wood loses its flame fairly quickly when removed from the rest of the wood in the fire. There is power in small groups who support you, particularly when you don’t think you need their support. That’s why I have an accountability person. God’s fire is way too valuable to risk extinguishing.