McGough's Ministry

We often times hear Psalm 23 through the lense of death and dying, but what if we approached it as a how-to on life and living?  

In 1 Peter 1, we hear about how we are redeemed through the Blood of Christ and that Blood alone. Our job is to lead people to that truth and allow Christ alone to redeem and resurrect.  

In the story of "Doubting Thomas," we hear how doubt can strengthen our faith if we allow it to be the jumping-off point to wrestle and understand

Romans 6 speaks to us of how the Ressurection and Easter are not a one-time event, but that we are called to be Easter People  

As we hear the story of the Triumphal Entry, it is a reminder to mute our egos and proclaim our need for a Savior

In Genesis 3 we hear about the shame of Adam and Eve, but we also hear that God was at work seeking to restore. Let's seek grace, restoration, and salvation over shame 

In Isaiah 43, we hear the proclamation to Fear Not. This calls us to shift from What if to Even if. Even if we find ourselves in the storm, God says I am with you. Let's live by faith in this promise and not fear.   

In James 1, beginning in verse 19, we hear the call to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. This morning we explored what it would look like to begin with seeking to hear, and understand,  begin with care and compassion not seeking to  be heard, speak over, and begin with anger and hate  

In Romans 12 we hear a call to lean not on our worldly understanding and expectations but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds

In 1 Kings 19 we hear the call to mute the calls of this world and to listen for God   

I love that as we hear of the Transfiguration of Christ we see the disciples learn that what they thought they knew was not necessarily the truth. This challenges us to STOP, LISTEN, and FOLLOW

In Acts 2:42-47 we see the birth of the Church. Many of us want to achieve verse 47 for ourselves. However,  the call to be the Church is not to seek growth of numbers but to do the work of being disciples who make disciples 

In John 4, we hear of the creation of a disciple with the Samaritan Woman at the well. However, today let us hear The Rest of the Story, as we hear how disciples make disciples 

In Luke 9, we hear the call to follow Christ. This is a call to discipleship. A call to follow Christ so closely that the dust from His sandals becomes caked on our face     

In 1 Kings 18, we hear of a three-year drought and famine. We also hear of how Elijah trusts in God over his current circumstances. This trust  gives him the faith to put on his  Rain Boots in the Drought

As we hear in the Scriptures, it is foolish to put new wine in old wineskins. What does this tell us about how we are to be the Church?  How does this shape the future Church? Today we look at those places we have become unflexible in our ways and how the call to faithfulness is a call to flexibility     

At the Baptism of Christ, we hear God proclaim... That is MY Son, MY Beloved in whom I am well pleased. As we look at our Baptism and understanding of Baptism, what would it mean to hear and live into that proclamation on us as the family of God 

In Matthew 2, we hear the story of the Magi and Herrod. This story raises two approaches we can have when we encounter the truth of Christ. As Herod did, we can live in fear of giving up control and losing our kingdom. However, the Magi went home a DIFFERENT WAY, as they were changed by their encounter and went forth heralding Jesus and LORD  

In John 1, we hear that the Word became flesh. Today the question should be, what if we put a little more skin in the game?

In Matthew 1, we hear the greatest reminder for this season... God is With Us. This is echoed in John Wesley's last words, The Best of All is...God is With Us

In Isaiah 35, we hear that amidst our brokenness, burnout, hurt, and guilt God provides a way for Revival, and as we are revived, we may REJOICE IN OUR REVIVAL 

In Romans 15 we hear the call to be united in Christ above anything else. In a day and a time where our world, and we as the body, are more divided than ever let us head this call. Let us seek to live at peace within our lives knowing God is in control and seek UNITY IN PEACE

In Isaiah 2:1-5 We hear of the promise that what has been and is do not have to be. As we enter into this season of Advent, we put our hope in God's call, desire, and will for us as a world, country, state, city, church and individuals 

As we hear, "Give to Ceasar what is Ceasar's and give to God what is God's" it is a reminder that we are to be image bearers of God  

In Matthew 5, we hear the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount as Jesus calls us to live in this world but not to live the ways of this world. In Matthew 5:23-24 we hear the call to release the tether of the past, forgive, and move forward. Let us not allow our past to define us but look to the future that God has in store for us