COMMON GROUND CHURCH of the CMA

When one looks at the mess of this world we live in, it's understandably tempting to want to run away from it. However, Jesus doesn't give us that option. This final installment of the series will give Christ-followers the steps to lovingly engage a culture that doesn't love Christianity.

Romans 12:12-13 delves straight into a culture of independence and the need to shun a "lone-wolf" mentality when it comes to faith. Two things are clear: you need other people, especially in tough times; and other people need you, especially in tough times.

In Romans 12:9-21, Paul instructs Christians to avoid play-acting their faith. In this installment, we'll see teachings that confront the current narcissistic culture head-on.

A trademark helps identify something. Jesus said that the trademark of His disciples would be their love for one another. Romans 12:9-21 provides some markers to help us know we have the real thing and not a generic knock-off.

Much of the world today only gets to experience a "knock-off" version of faith. Peter's final challenge in 'living the good life' rests on standing firm in genuine grace.

In this installment of "Living the Good Life" from First Peter, pastoral candidate Evan Fowler shares what it means to be a shepherd, be an example, be humble, and to be sober and alert - all so we can better live the life Jesus died to give us.

Social media has really ramped up hostility and division, but mankind has always been susceptible to intolerance toward one another. More and more we see people taking a hard-line stand, being Pro ___ or Anti ___. Folks are willing to suffer for that stand, but are Christians suffering for the wrong reason? Simon Peter provides some answers for that question.

"Before and after" pictures should demonstrate a discernible change occurring. How different are our lives after trusting Jesus for our salvation? What should look different? This passage in First Peter gives pretty clear answers to those questions.

One thing we know about human nature is that we talk a lot about change but actually prefer to maintain the status quo or keep things "normal." Recent events will not allow us to do that. Though change might unsettle us within, it's vital that, like Jesus, we strive for change that brings peace - especially to those who may not be just like us.

COMMON GROUND CHURCH of the CMA

How should the Christian respond to government, politics, and unjust leaders? Scripture provides an answer and an example but it might not be what we expect.

Throughout history, man has picked up rocks for many reasons: for memorials, for building altars, and sometimes to stone someone to death. This message will help us see one Rock (Peter) tell us about a Living Stone (Jesus) and how we can pick rocks to cast life, rather than death.

Salvation is a gift that we do not earn but is given to us that we would walk in good works. In this installment of the series, we will see that living a good life isn't what makes us right with God but is the result of when God's grace works in us.

Where you place your hope determines the actions you will take. This truth requires us to take a good hard look at the object of our hope and to seek the most reliable source for it. That search should lead us to consider Jesus.

We cannot choose each and every circumstance of our life but we can choose the attitude in which we face them. As we begin our exploration of First Peter, let us consider how we might live the good life (in God's estimation) during bad days.

Our walk with Jesus to Golgotha began with a story of two gardens. Both leaves and thorns grow in gardens and both are used to weave crowns. What crown are you wearing and how can faith in Jesus make a difference?

The resurrection of Jesus made all the difference in the world - and it can make all the difference in your life as well.

It's an amazing thing that on a Sunday, all the people of Jerusalem hailed Jesus as their long awaited King and then on Friday, replaced Him with another man ... all so Jesus could replace us for the payment of all mankind's sins. What else might the story of Barabbas reveal about the heart of Jesus and the condition of mankind?

Pontious Pilate was supposed to be the final authority under Caesar in Judea. That meant he was supposed to keep things under control. Yet his encounter which Jesus on the way to Golgotha demonstrates how out of control he was ... and we are.

The question, "Is there enough evidence to "find you guilty" of being a Christian? comes to the surface in this message. Job Goodale presents a Scripture-enriched glance at Jesus' trials before the High Priest and Herod.

Is our trust placed in God or in our own ability? As we consider Simon Peter's denial of Christ, we can learn that we always have a choice when it comes to where we place our trust.

Who is the villain in the Passion story? It's easy to point the finger at Judas Iscariot, but what if we saw the parallels between Judas and our own selves? As repellent as that sounds, it's a necessary point to consider - because we need to know what options we have when we are found unfaithful to the Lord.

As we follow Jesus in His approach to Golgotha, we are reminded that it begins in a Garden. In fact, everything began in another Garden. Justin Gwinn takes us through a fascinating look at both Garden and even teases us with a third. The main thing is to see God's unshakeable resolve to be with us.

John Mark was more a tag-a-long than a disciple during Jesus' ministry. He eventually became a disciple that became a disappointment to the Apostle Paul, but thanks to the discipleship process, also became a man "useful for ministry" in Paul's eyes. No one's discipleship story is finished ... as long as there is still breath - even yours.

Strap in for a marathon-length message on "doing the work of an evangelist" and "fulfilling your ministry." We might be surprised to find out what that actually looks like. Even so, it's a charge for every disciple of Christ and part of God calling us to His heart.