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Author: Lee Ames

Forever Changed -Philip 3

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

Come and see! This week in our series, Forever Changed, we focus on Philip. Clearly, Philip was a visual learner. His desire to know God set him on a quest that started with his connection to John the Baptist but ultimately led to him being a disciple of Jesus. In this transition, Philip drug his friends along by inviting them to, “Come and see.”

Throughout the course of his life, Philip seemed to ask probing questions that stemmed from a desire to find a deeper connection to faith. On one such occasion, Philip asked Jesus to show him the Father. Philip’s question led to our deeper understanding that Jesus in fact was the revealing of the Father. His persistence in asking, his willingness to listen, and his heart to change ultimately led Philip to a place where he became one of the first apostles to carry the message to Samaria (Acts 8). This region received his message in such a way that it was said that people were hearing and seeing the signs that he did. Who would have guessed that a person so bent on seeing would be the one that others would gather to see?

What are we asking for God to show us? What is it that God has done that we are unable to see? And, How can we be more like Philip by inviting others to come and see?

Speal Life 4

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

As we close out the Speak Life sermon series, we turn our hearts to Ezekiel 37. It is easy to mistakenly think that our ability to speak life is derived from ourselves. If we truly believe that Jesus is the author of life, then we must know that our capacity to Speak Life is derived from our obedience to say the words that God gives us to speak. God has Ezekiel survey a valley of dry bones and asks one simple question: Can these bones come to life? God’s question and Ezekiel’s response reveal the true source of life as found only in God. As we study this scripture, I pray that we focus not on the mere nature of Speaking but rather on Life.

Speak Life 3

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

In our study this week, we will focus on the transition of power from Moses to Joshua. What does it mean to Speak Life in crucial moments like this one? Our text takes us through Deuteronomy 31:1-8 and Joshua 1:1-9. The encouragement to be strong and courageous permeates the entire text. As we consider this encouragement, we must realize that in order to truly be strong and courageous we must anchor out strength and courage in the Lord. Speaking Life is not just being positive, it must be connected to the heart and nature of God. Moses is clear to Speak Life while reminding Joshua of the importance of allowing God to be the constant in the life of Israel. It seems that we should do the same.

Speak Life 2

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

Choosing to speak life is not always the easiest thing to do. In some instances, we may find that our voice is not heard or has even been marginalized. In our scripture this week, we will unpack a story in which voiceless servants are the ones that Speak Life. God uses these voices and their words to heal a person that you would not expect God to heal. 2 Kings 5:1-19 challenges all of the social norms about whether or not standing in society should limit your ability to speak or God’s ability to bring life.

Speak Life 1

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” In an election year that will be full of divisive and hurtful political posturing, we commit to Speak Life. This series focuses on key moments in the Biblical text when life was spoken and God’s plan was realized.

Make Room – Christmas Eve 4

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

We do this every day without even thinking about it. We scoot over, add an extra place setting, hold the door on an elevator, rearrange the furniture, or move the cars in the driveway; we just naturally Make Room.

This Christmas, we invite you to Make Room for Christ. Preparing our hearts for the greatest gift ever given requires being intentional. Betrothed, Mary had big plans, yet she made room. Winding life down in her later years, Elizabeth made room. Studying the stars, the Magi saw something unexplained and made room. Its days of prominence had come and gone, yet, Bethlehem made room for a king in the most unlikely of places.

So, as you are Making room for all of the exciting moments this Christmas season will bring, we invite you to remember to Make Room for Christ.

Make Room 3

Written by Lee Ames on . Posted in Sermon.

Week 3: In Matthew's account of the Gospel, he declares how God revealed the news of Jesus's birth in several different ways, across time, and through a variety of people. God makes room for those who are far from Him to experience and respond to the birth of this King and Savior.

When faced with this news, how did King Herod respond? What motivated the Magi to travel a great distance to discover this new foreign king for themselves? When faced with imminent danger, where did Mary and Joseph place their trust? Were those who decided to make room for Jesus the ones whom we would expect?