Messages by Brian Martin
Giants that God still seeks
The fear of giants can keep one from the promised land. This is exactly what unfolds among the twelve spies—except for two, who became spiritual giants. On this Father’s Day, and in our world today, consider how God still seeks such giants. Text: Numbers 13:26-14:9
Needed Words
Racism is evil and real. The capacity to hate others—persons made in the very image of God—crouches at the door of every human heart. Consider needed words all Christ followers must own. Text: Deuteronomy 30: 11-20
The door, the Christ, the curse and me
A pandemic reveals the far reach of the Fall. Consider what a pandemic might teach us about ourselves and the Christ. Despite the curse, Jesus is found standing at our door…knocking.
Text: Revelation 3:14-22
Experiencing peace and presence…especially in the chaos
God’s peace promises to guard our heart AND mind-ONLY as we name our anxieties. Our heart and mind is everything-especially in a pandemic! In #4 of 5 of “Be Anxious for Nothing,” consider how our Guardian yearns to ground our total being even when everything else appears to be going sideways. Text: Philippians 4:7
Prayer, Not Despair
How has the current health crisis affected you? Has it raised your anxiety level? In Philippians 4:6 the Apostle Paul provides a road map out of the valley of fret, worry and anxiety. This involves prayer, petition and presenting our specific requests to God with thanksgiving. It involves acknowledging God’s Sovereignty and counting the blessings we have already been given. Text: Philippians 4:4-8
Contagious Calm
In the midst of anxiety and stress, a calm and gentle spirit can be hard to find. In “Be Anxious for Nothing” part 2 of 5, consider how a gentle attribute is not only achievable, but becomes a contagious extension of a Christ-centered witness. Text: Philippians 4:4-8
“Risen 2020” Blessed by Believing
As our world is shaken because of COVID-19, faith is challenged, even doubted or questioned. Consider how the resurrected Christ met his best friends in the midst of their shaken faith, doubt and questions. Text: John 20:19-31
Stones & a Donkey…If stones yearn to worship, what might a donkey teach us?
On Palm Sunday 2020, much uncertainty grips our world. The world was quite uncertain as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. Jesus said, if worshipers fail to worship, the stones would cry out. What might stones and a donkey teach us about worship and Lordship in times of uncertainty? Text: Luke 19: 29-44