A NonSeries Series
A lady said to me, "I would like to hear a sermon from you that is not a part of a series." She wanted a message that was just for the Sunday - what is called a "Stand Alone" message. This posed a quandary. Even as an Executive Pastor, I would be called upon to either present a single message in a series of messages or create a short two or three-part series, so I have been conditioned to think in series. Nevertheless, I like the challenge her request presented.
Hopefully, the coming weeks will allow me to "rise" to her challenge. So, here is the "Not Series" of messages ahead of us:
Identification. This coming Sunday, we will join churches around North Carolina to collectively baptize 1000 people on a single Sunday. This is the first Sunday after Resurrection, making this Sunday an ideal time to talk about why this initial act of obedience to Jesus matters.
Tripped. Something that often causes us to stumble in our pursuit of following Jesus is when someone we admire for their walk with Jesus turns out to be fake. Those unfortunate moments when someone you have looked up to spiritually turns out not to be the example you thought they were, and instead becomes a cautionary tale. At worst, it can leave us questioning the validity of our belief in Jesus, the Bible, the church, and people. How can we maintain stability when someone else's instability shakes us?
New. Mother's Day is one of my days of the year, as we get to be a part of parent-child dedication. My eyes always brighten on this day. Seeing a baby brings me increasing joy each year as we celebrate new life that points us to hope and reminds us of the creator of life. Amid such a beautiful day and joyful celebration, it can be easy to forget that Mother's Day is difficult for some. It was for me. My mother passed from this earth when I was 12. She was only 42, brilliant and beautiful. Over the years, the presence of Jesus, who my mother led me to follow, has transformed Mother’s Day from something sour and bitter into something sweet and lovely.
Leaving. Graduate Sunday is also one of my favorite days of the year. Again, I find my face forming a smile that I am unable to repress. However, there is also a measure of concern and caution around this day. We know these young graduates are leaving home physically and many geographically. Both they and their parents have worked hard to prepare them for this day. However, how can they know they are ready to leave home spiritually? How can any of us be prepared spiritually for our next transition? Whether it is a graduation, marriage, "PCSing", or retirement. This is what we will deal with on Sunday May 18th.
So, here we go, the "Not Series" of messages. See you Sunday!
Blake
Hopefully, the coming weeks will allow me to "rise" to her challenge. So, here is the "Not Series" of messages ahead of us:
Identification. This coming Sunday, we will join churches around North Carolina to collectively baptize 1000 people on a single Sunday. This is the first Sunday after Resurrection, making this Sunday an ideal time to talk about why this initial act of obedience to Jesus matters.
Tripped. Something that often causes us to stumble in our pursuit of following Jesus is when someone we admire for their walk with Jesus turns out to be fake. Those unfortunate moments when someone you have looked up to spiritually turns out not to be the example you thought they were, and instead becomes a cautionary tale. At worst, it can leave us questioning the validity of our belief in Jesus, the Bible, the church, and people. How can we maintain stability when someone else's instability shakes us?
New. Mother's Day is one of my days of the year, as we get to be a part of parent-child dedication. My eyes always brighten on this day. Seeing a baby brings me increasing joy each year as we celebrate new life that points us to hope and reminds us of the creator of life. Amid such a beautiful day and joyful celebration, it can be easy to forget that Mother's Day is difficult for some. It was for me. My mother passed from this earth when I was 12. She was only 42, brilliant and beautiful. Over the years, the presence of Jesus, who my mother led me to follow, has transformed Mother’s Day from something sour and bitter into something sweet and lovely.
Leaving. Graduate Sunday is also one of my favorite days of the year. Again, I find my face forming a smile that I am unable to repress. However, there is also a measure of concern and caution around this day. We know these young graduates are leaving home physically and many geographically. Both they and their parents have worked hard to prepare them for this day. However, how can they know they are ready to leave home spiritually? How can any of us be prepared spiritually for our next transition? Whether it is a graduation, marriage, "PCSing", or retirement. This is what we will deal with on Sunday May 18th.
So, here we go, the "Not Series" of messages. See you Sunday!
Blake
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