Messages by Brian Martin
He Wore a Crown of Thorns for You and Me
Jesus knew the crowds that were shouting Hosanna to the King, would soon be shouting crucify him – yet nothing could deter him from his mission to bring about our salvation. Reflect on Christ’s suffering for us. Why did he do it? Because of his great love for us – he came to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Text: (Various) Luke 9:21
Lessons of the lad
Today’s parent can be overwhelmed given the challenges they face. Consider how the young lad with his small lunch, facing the overwhelming crowd of five-thousand connects to faithful parenting today. Text: John 6:1-14
In our messiness, belonging is essential–even in the Upper Room it was messy
As we consider our final measurable, one discovers that even in the upper room it was messy-yet a “God story” was being written. Consider the grace-filled invitation of Christ in this messy space. Text: Acts 9:22, Luke 22:14-27
Faithful obedience and action is normative
Measurable 2 asks “Is Ananias on the road?” This pointed question tests obedience and action to God’s call in mission. As an Anabaptist community, consider why we must be accountable and evidence active engagement around this question. Text: Acts 9:13-17; Romans 16:25-27
God Still Speaks…Hearing the voice of the Lord in community
Believing the Holy Spirit still speaks and leads the church, with expectancy we ask, “HOW is God speaking?” This is a very different question than, “IS God speaking?” In Part 2, this series focuses on the gift of community–an Anabaptist faith value and distinctive. Text: Acts 9:1-12
Pledging Allegiance…to which kingdom? A two-kingdom perspective
Allegiances in Jesus’ day were as real as we face today–same competing loyalties, just a different empire. While in the midst of mixed allegiances, Jesus asks a profound question. Consider how authentic allegiance must square with daily living. Text: Matthew 16:13-20
The church visible or invisible? A contrast and radical witness
What makes a visible witness-visible? The answer may surprise us. Early Anabaptist’s were called “radicals” as result of a faithful and visible witness. In this spiritual identity series #3, consider a key teaching of Jesus which differentiates visibility from invisibility. Text: Mathew 25:31-46
Says who? The authority of Scripture
To honor God’s Word is one thing. Inviting the Word to speak with authority to shape everyday life is quite another. In launching this series on Anabaptist identity, we begin with a foundational faith value– the authority of Scripture. Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-4:5