A couple weeks ago one of our students who attended the youth retreat shared a poem they had written during our solo time. The setting was beautiful; a cloudless day with warm sunshine blanketing a cool, sandy beach. The waters of the Gulf stretching out as far as one can see, and the beach dotted with students reflecting on God the creator, the one who loves them. It is always one of the highligh...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. Intro: (1) series finale (2) elder-led church — selection process, qualifications (3) duties — meetings, SGL oversight, communion, counsel/prayer (4) current team — Tim T., TW at some (5) importance of elders being spiritual leaders (6) two inserts in worship guide — membership responsibilitie...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. Intro:  (1) series recap (2) study about losing things — brain not recording initial setting down of something  Where does it come from? OT meals: (1) Genesis 3:6 — forbidden fruit (2) Exodus 12:7-3 — PassoverNT meals: (1) Matthew 26:17, 26-29 — last supper (2) 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 — Lord’s ...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.Intro: (1) series recap (2) exploring baptism (3) teen who brought luggage to baptism in MalaysiaWhat is baptism? “external witness of an internal faith”Physical immersion: (1) early descriptions (2) Acts 8:36-39 (cf. Mk. 1:10, John 3:23)Physical picture: (1) Rom. 6:3-4 (2) OT background — floo...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. Intro: (1) “foundations” series (2) reasons we don’t pray — doesn’t work, don’t feel like it, no time, not worthy, petty concerns, don’t know how (3) seven reasons to pray (4) necessity of person/work of ChristSeven Reasons to Pray1. Prayer connects us with God (James 1:5, 4:2-3): (1) apart f...  Read More

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.Joy from the pastCultivating awe (1,3): (1) “fortunes” = “captives” (2) “like those who dream” — a turn of events that is hard to process, like recovering from a life-threatening illness (Naaman, Jesus’ miracles, resurrection) (3) sometimes feel the Lord is not near or paying attention (cf. Psa...  Read More