Nothing like preaching after a preaching sabbatical. Every summer I try to get out of the pulpit for 4-5 consecutive weeks. I think it's good for me and good for our congregation. It's an opportunity for NCC to hear other voices. And it's a chance for me to regroup and gear up for the fall season. And when I finally get back in the saddle I feel a renewed passion for what I do!
It was so good to be back with my spiritual family at NCC! Loved everything about this weekend. I preached a very straight-forward message on the economics of grace from Luke 7. And then we celebrated communion. I felt like we were overdue!
This is what I would call a back to basics weekend. I just felt like we needed to refocus on what we're all about--sinners saved by grace!
It was so good to be back with my spiritual family at NCC! Loved everything about this weekend. I preached a very straight-forward message on the economics of grace from Luke 7. And then we celebrated communion. I felt like we were overdue!
This is what I would call a back to basics weekend. I just felt like we needed to refocus on what we're all about--sinners saved by grace!
9 Comments:
It was great to have you back Mark!
one word . . . anointed!
"God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,"
Mark - this statement by Paul is pretty remarkable regarding basics and I think fitting for what NCC/church needs to be about - even in the face of dismissal.
Hey Mark
I want to thank you for your creative encouragement to many of us. I attended the Buzz and enjoyed it. In our popcorn box, there was a sticky pad with the Office series you did. Great idea. We are doing a workplace series this fall. Havent seen many churches doing one . Yours looked very interesting. I saw your trailer. Do you have any sermon resources or any other graphics you list anywhere. Dont mind purchasing to give to our creative team as they work on theme.
Also just wanted you to know i noticed last month on your blog the towels you gave at your Baptism. We had one planned for this past sunday. Well we ordered the towels, from where your assist. told us, and it was in our backyard of the Miami area. Great got them fast. Had to double our first order of 50 to 100 and last night we baptized 110 new believers in the ocean with a concert at the bandshell to follow. It was a great time and I think the towels were a real hit with those baptized. thanks for the idea. God bless and keep it up.
Guy
www.guymelton.typepad.com
www.visitoasis.org
I think that is a great idea. Sometimes you have to step away from something to really see what it is missing, also that other people can see or deliver a great message from God. Being that we are all created different, we can see the body different. I think you have an excellent church, due to your passions.
Guy,
Rejoicing with those who got wet!!! Wow. Praise God. So glad you were able to use the idea.
Blessings,
Mark
Hey Pastor Mark!
My boyfriend, (who may be my Ex boyfriend if he chooses TO in his fantasy draft tonight:), and I are working our way though The Purpose Driven Life and tonight we were discussing chapter 3 where Warren speaks about being driven by guilt and being products of our past. On Saturday night you made an analogy at the end of your sermon regarding grace and neither of us could remember it exactly, you said blank=blank and blank=blank :) It was good. So good that I forgot what you said! I know it was in regards to understanding you are forgiven and not being at that point yet...but I've completely blanked on the way you phrased it - help! I know the word grace is in there somewhere!! Please forgive my terrible memory and help me out if you can because I really want to write it in my book to remind myself 'what happiness there is for those whose guilt has been forgiven!'
Renee,
I think it was this:
Guilt - Grace = Shame
Guilt + Grace = Gratitude
If that's not it let me know and I'll give it another try!
PM
Awesome, and timely! I didn't even exit your blog yet and you already answered. Thx!
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