Early Church of Christ

The church in Ephesus had been hardworking, enduring, and devoted to the truth, but somewhere along the way they lost what mattered most--love. Jesus wrote them this letter to call them (and us) back to their "first love". * This week we begin a series on Jesus' letters to the 7 churches of Asia (Revelation 2-3).

Jesus never met a person he didn't love. Just let that sink in for a minute... #HowToNeighbor #LoveYourNeighbor

Guest Speaker: Kent Jobe National Back to Church Sunday

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Proverbs 19:17, NIV

"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'" — Martin Luther King Jr.

An old hymn says, "Mercy there was great, and grace was free;pardon there was multiplied to me; there my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary." Grace lifts our burdens, forgives our sins, and restores our dignity...but is there more? Could it just be that grace has an even greater purpose, a "make a difference in the world" kind of purpose?

Jesus wasn't the only one revived that day.

This Sunday we had a scripture and song service centered around the trail and crucifixion of Jesus. The readings are by Jesse Jones, and communion meditation by James Glasscock. (The singing in this recording was made by various congregations, as we weren't set up to record our own this singing this Sunday.)

Three men--Peter, Pilate, and Jesus. Three lives potentially crushed by the weight of public pressures, others' agendas, and pointing fingers. How would you handle pressure? How does God respond when we, like Peter, blow it? #graceunderpressure

The night of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane was one full of intrigue, betrayal, and deceit. But in the darkness of it all, Jesus demonstrated the light of grace, compassion, and courage.

If Jesus looked at the church and the world, what would he be praying for? In John 17, we see the heart of Jesus as he prays for the church and its power to change the world for the better. Where did he start? Where should we?

"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love. 10 When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love. 11 I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow!" John 15:9-11, LB

Guest speaker - Steve Ridgell, author of "Can I Tell You a Story?"

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27, English Standard Version

"The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’l...

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” --John 13:34-35, New Living Translation

"It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love." John 13:1, NIV84

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20, NIV

As Jesus approached Jerusalem and the events surround the crucifixion to come, he takes time to enjoy a moment with Mary, Martha and Lazarus at Bethany. What Mary does at supper than night was not only profound and caring, but teaches us all about what moments are most important in life.

"Jesus loves me, this I know." But how much, and for how long? "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5) This morning we'll look at just how long God has been loving you, and how long Jesus has been searching for you. If you're thinking he's stopped (or even would), think again! #lovedbeforetimebegan #whateverittakes

Martha had sent for Jesus in a time of desperation--her brother on his deathbed--and she was disappointed when he didn't show up before Lazarus died. Many things can bring us to the same questions about why God doesn't act as quickly, or in the same way as we'd hoped. This week we looked story of Martha's question and Jesus' answers, and the perspective faith brings to the ups and downs of life.

"I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." ~John 10:9–10, ESV

"As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am...

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32, ESV

What do an adulterous woman, a group of angry accusers, Jesus, scribbling in the dirt, and Easter have in common? Come and see...