Series Messages and Resources:
9/22: How should I spend my money?- What should a Christian's attitude towards money really be? Does God's word actually compete with what the world tells us when it comes to finances?
9/22: How should I spend my money?- What should a Christian's attitude towards money really be? Does God's word actually compete with what the world tells us when it comes to finances?
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Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller
"The empty promises of money, sex, power, and the only hope that truly matters" |
Radical by David Platt
"Taking back your faith from the American dream." |
John Piper sermon: "Don't be anxious, lay up treasures in heaven"
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9/29: Is God Real?
What does it mean to be Sovereign? We address that question. We’ll also ask if science has or is proving that God does not exist. Taking the position that He does exist, next we address how we can misunderstand God and expect him to be Someone He is not. Last is that question of God in absolute control and my ability to make decisions. Is that even rational? Two passages will help you get more from the sermon, the first is the whole book of Job. To cut that down to size you might read chapter 1 and chapters 38-40. The other passage is Acts 27. I think you will be encouraged by these answers.
Resources on God's Existence/Sovereignty:
What does it mean to be Sovereign? We address that question. We’ll also ask if science has or is proving that God does not exist. Taking the position that He does exist, next we address how we can misunderstand God and expect him to be Someone He is not. Last is that question of God in absolute control and my ability to make decisions. Is that even rational? Two passages will help you get more from the sermon, the first is the whole book of Job. To cut that down to size you might read chapter 1 and chapters 38-40. The other passage is Acts 27. I think you will be encouraged by these answers.
Resources on God's Existence/Sovereignty:
Website: Answers in Genesis: an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. Click on this link to see videos of how they address God's existence, infinite knowledge, and character.
Website: Topic page for "God's Sovereignty" on DesiringGod.org.
Website: Topic page for "God's Sovereignty" on DesiringGod.org.
Book: Can Science Explain Everything? John Lennox
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Book: The Question That Never Goes Away by Philip Yancey
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Book: The Logic of God by Ravi Zacharius
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10/6 Why Does God Allow Evil?
The continued existence of evil in the world is often declared as a reason to reject God. Some even use it to claim there is no God. They might say “If there is a God, and He is so weak as to allow the evil and suffering I see in the world and not do something about it, I certainly won’t believe in him let alone worship Him.” How do we answer these issues and the question “Why God Allows Evil?” As our series “The Big Questions” continues we will attempt to bring additional insight into the most common questions asked at our “Stump the Pastor” Sundays. This Sunday we address the question of evil and, as we do, you will come to know incredible hope. Here are some texts that will help guide our time. Romans 8:18-21; Romans 5:3-5; Romans 9:21-24; Colossians 1:20.
The continued existence of evil in the world is often declared as a reason to reject God. Some even use it to claim there is no God. They might say “If there is a God, and He is so weak as to allow the evil and suffering I see in the world and not do something about it, I certainly won’t believe in him let alone worship Him.” How do we answer these issues and the question “Why God Allows Evil?” As our series “The Big Questions” continues we will attempt to bring additional insight into the most common questions asked at our “Stump the Pastor” Sundays. This Sunday we address the question of evil and, as we do, you will come to know incredible hope. Here are some texts that will help guide our time. Romans 8:18-21; Romans 5:3-5; Romans 9:21-24; Colossians 1:20.
10/13: Religion vs. Relationship: What is Christianity Actually About?
Would we be better off without religion? Many voices in our world today would have us, and particularly our children believe so. Besides, didn’t Jesus reveal that he was anti-religious in his dealings with the Pharisees? Christianity is about a personal relationship with Jesus and things like church and religion are secondary at best, right? Well not so fast. We’ll look at what both Jesus and the New Testament writers said about those questions. The following Scripture passages address our topic this week: Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 3:20-22, and Matthew 23.
Resources on Religion vs. Relationship:
Would we be better off without religion? Many voices in our world today would have us, and particularly our children believe so. Besides, didn’t Jesus reveal that he was anti-religious in his dealings with the Pharisees? Christianity is about a personal relationship with Jesus and things like church and religion are secondary at best, right? Well not so fast. We’ll look at what both Jesus and the New Testament writers said about those questions. The following Scripture passages address our topic this week: Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 3:20-22, and Matthew 23.
Resources on Religion vs. Relationship:
Book: What Made Jesus Mad? Tim Harlow
Book: The Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay
Biblical Passage: 1 John 1-4
10/20: “What Does the Bible Say About Sexuality?”
Click HERE to see the Powerpoint for this message.
Is the biblical view of sex horribly out of touch? Or, are there some very important points taught in the Bible? In this message we explore how modern Neuroscience helps us understand some of the Bible’s teachings. I think you’ll find very helpful information taught from both the scientific studies and from the Bible. These will help us enjoy a radically satisfying love life. Our Bible passage will be 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
Click HERE to see the Powerpoint for this message.
Is the biblical view of sex horribly out of touch? Or, are there some very important points taught in the Bible? In this message we explore how modern Neuroscience helps us understand some of the Bible’s teachings. I think you’ll find very helpful information taught from both the scientific studies and from the Bible. These will help us enjoy a radically satisfying love life. Our Bible passage will be 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
Resources on Biblical Sexuality:
PDF of Pastor Gary's Message on 10/20/19
Conquer Series for Men: This is a video curriculum that addresses and helps men out of pornography. Plymouth Alliance owns a copy of the curriculum and can get you started with it, especially within the context of a small group. Just contact Tim Neargarth.
Article: "Testing a Relationship is Probably the Worst Reason to Cohabit"
Website: Institute for Family Studies. Lot's of current and quality research on the family as well as educational articles and resources.
Local Resource: Great Marriages Sheboygan County. Great Marriages is an organization dedicated to keeping families together through strengthening and enriching marriages. They host many workshops, events, and programs that help renew, strengthen, and deepen relationships. They also have a pre-marital program.
Passport2Purity: This is an awesome, retreat-style program that gives you (parent, caregiver, etc) all the tools you need to discuss a lifestyle of purity with your preteen/teen that goes far beyond a purity ring and a curfew. Find it here.
Book: Hooked-the Brain Science of How Casual Sex Affects Human Development
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Book: The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God
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