LOVE part 1 "Undeserved"

This past Sunday we kicked off our new series "Love." 
The main verse for this month is John 13:35-- Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.


Somewhere along the line we began to equate spiritual maturity and sharing our faith with simply head knowledge. I think we came to make knowledge of Scripture, busy Christian activity and Christian apparel a sign of being a follower of Christ because it is simply easier. 


Loving others and working at become better at loving like Jesus is hard work. It definitely isn't for the faint of heart. However, Jesus said that love is the proof or evidence that we are his followers. So according to Jesus' definition, can others tell we are His followers?


#1--How much love is currently flowing in your life?
#2--Does your knowledge of scripture match the amount of love?
#3--Grow in love this week. Read & pray 1 John 7-11 this week. 

ACT 4: Be A Trader

We ended our series on the book of Acts this past Sunday with the message "Be a Trader." 


We all make trades every single day. Some trades are great and some are not so good. We can trade in our own agenda to connect with our children or spouse. There are also times we trade in those times for hobbies, facebook or overtime. 


The question that we have to answer is "how is our current trading and investment going?" Are we accomplishing what we want or what God has called us to do? Is what we are trading for really valuable for eternity? What would happen if we traded the American Dream for a life devoted to serving others. What if we traded in moving up the ladder at work for supporting our kids and being there at their events & games. What if we traded in our fear of failure & rejection and took steps of faith in trying new ministries, or building new relationships in our neighborhood. 


Let's become traders! Let's continue the book of Acts and right our own chapter as we follow Jesus on this wild journey!

Act 3: Persecution of the Church

Cornell Jordan came and talked about Acts 5-8 and how the church began to scatter all over because of persecution.

I have the privilege to have 3 daughters and a beautiful loving wife. I am the only guy in a house of 4 girls. Needless to say I've become very aware of how dramatic it can be to comb hair.

Sometimes the girls hair is so tangled they cry when Julie is combing their hair. They want their hair to look good and have all the tangles out but don't like the process.

As we follow Jesus on our faith journey, its very similar. We want the end result of knowing God better, experiencing his presence, love & power yet we often don't like the process.

I'm not sure what you are going through right now and I won't pretend I understand how hard or difficult the pain is. However the one thing I do know is that God is in the amazing business of taking hard times and even pain and making something beautiful out of it if we let him.

Take away: what is one difficult thing in your life right now? How can you surrender it to God and let him make something beautiful out of it? Who can you takl to about what you are going through? How does this change your perspective on the situation?

Acts "A faith that doesn't play around"

It's been a while since my last blog. Been adapting to having 3 girls and a whole new phase of life :) 


The past 2 weeks we have been going through our series ACTS "A faith that doesn't play around." We gave this series this title for two reasons: #1 the early church didn't play games. They were bold and changing the spiritual climate of their day. Also, we meet in a drama theater that has plays (I know...I'm cheesy) 


Week #1 Pastor Evan spoke from Acts chapter 1-3. He looked at the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit brings Power, Fire, & Rest to our lives. I pray for all us to continually be filled with the Holy Spirit. 


Week #2 I got to speak from Acts 3-4. We talked about how the church was created to prevail not fail. We took an honest look at the church in America and honestly evaluated if it was prevailing or failing. 


We also talked about the 2nd part of our vision Family and unveiled 4 new small groups launching in a few weeks. 
   #1--The Alpha Course (for new believers or for those who
         have a lot of questions about God & faith)
   #2--The Marriage Course (for couples married 1 month
         or 50 years. Will deal with a lot of great topics & 
         issues)
   #3--Tangible Kingdom (how to develop & organize your
         life so you will be more missional & less consumer)
   #4--Understanding Community (the importance & 
          significance of being connected deeper)


There are many ways to achieve the vision of FAMILY. Our plan is not the only way to accomplish the vision. However, we are asking you to come on board and be a part of small groups. Take the next step from faith to family and be a part of the exciting church that God said the gates of hell would not prevail against.

Simple Part 1: Follow

This Past Sunday we kicked off our NEW series titled "Simple." I've been waiting for this series because it is so close to my heart and the vision of Wyandotte Family.

We talked about in week one how Jesus asked people to follow him even before they fully believed in him or obeyed him. The church many times expect people to conform before they belong. We long at Wyandotte Family to be a place where people can belong and follow even before they believe. WHY? I am confident in the love and power of God and the Holy Spirit's ability to reveal truth. If people come they will encounter Jesus.

Why is it so hard for us to allow the Holy Spirit to do his job? Why is it so hard for us to get out of the way? Why is it hard for us to not judge?

May we be a church that has many people who feel comfortable to follow even if they don't' believe or even obey yet.

Hot Topics: Inside Look

This has been a fun & challenging month as we have covered the hot topics of...

1. Depression

2. Pornography

3. Gambling

4. Drinking

Each of the topics have been tough to tackle but I have enjoyed the challenge and have enjoyed creating an authentic environment.

Today we talked about drinking. I know this is a touchy subject for a lot of people. I tried to navigate thorough this topic Biblically but not religiously. I encourage you to pause for 25 minutes and listen to the message online at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html

The whole reason we have gone through this series is not to point fingers, not to make feel people feel ostracized but to deal with issues that people are facing and to create an authentic environment where people can get help.

I mentioned in my message that we support a ministry called Life Challenge in Detroit. They help people get free from life controlling problems. If you need help or know someone who does, I encourage you to check them out. http://lifechallengesemi.org

Porn Sunday Follow UP

This past Sunday was part 2 of our series "Hot Topics" as we tackled the issue of Porn.

I shared many stats to bring awareness to how prevalent this problem is. (you can listen to the message on-line by clicking this link http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html

I believe the best way to begin the process of healing and freedom is to tell several people you trust. Don't let the addiction stay in darkness because what is brought out in the light is easier to fight. Go ahead and tell a few people today and ask for their help, wisdom, prayers & encouragement.

Also, set up some boundaries. We are human and often give in when we are tired and alone. Accountability can protect us in our weak moments. Here is a link to 2 software's you can download. One is free and the other has a yearly subscription.

Safe Eyes Link (Internet filter & accountability...#1 software available)

X3 Watch Accountability Software (free version at very bottom, Pro is $7)

By telling a few people and implementing boundaries, you are taking 2 huge steps toward freedom. You may still be tempted and even stumble, but you are moving forward!!!