As he continues through the fullness of God series, Pastor Scott addresses some of the practical things we can do in our lives in our pursuit of God. He addresses topics such as busyness, spontaneity, making a plan and expectations of prayer.
Fullness of God: Think Big
There are so many genuine followers of Jesus who sell themselves short and think small thoughts about their lives. They struggle to imagine themselves being great in God's kingdom. They hold high views of God, but for whatever reason don't believe they are candidates for the fullness of God. What causes people to think small? Why do so many people struggle to believe they can attain a significant measure of God's power and be an instrument in God's hand that can impact their generation? It often traces back to negative words that were spoken over their lives. Parents, teachers, peers, spouses, and so on may have told them, in so many words, that they are average or stupid or pathetic or nothing. Many Christians have been lied to. They have been told that they are not qualified to be great. And they have believed it. When we believe these lies about ourselves it has a way of holding us back from the full purposes of God over our lives. In this message Pastor Scott preaches to expose the lies that have tied us down that God would cut these lies away and release us into a new freedom to pursue all that God has for us.
Fullness of God: Seek and You Will Find
In this message Pastor Scott preaches about the primary means of attaining the fullness of God - prayer. Besides talking about the call to prayer and discussing the nature of true prayer, he addresses the problem of not having much desire to pray. This seems to hold back Christians more than anything. They know prayer is important and believe that amazing things can happen through prayer but, for whatever reason, they simply aren't interested in prayer. A lack of appetite for prayer is the story of so many of God's people. But the truth that though we feel weak at this effort to engage in real prayer, the Spirit will help us.
Fullness of God: There is More
In this message Pastor Scott begins a brand-new series on the fullness of God. The idea of fullness may mean different things for different people, but it essentially means the full spiritual life of God that can work in and through us. Specifically, he talks about the greater measures of God available to us.
Renewal: Communion
On this Communion Sunday, Pastor Nate talks about how constantly coming to Jesus and His Cross shows us our need for him time and time again. Our need for Jesus is so great we need to have an "embarrassing humility" in our lives. Our need for Jesus should be so great that we feel it tangibly in our day to day lives.
Renewal
In this last message of the year Pastor Scott preaches about renewal for those who desperately need it. Along the way he explains the challenges of the spiritual valleys and deserts we often find ourselves in. In the midst of that God gives us springs of living water that refresh us and help us to continue on.
Epic Stories: Mary
Mary has a unique role in Scripture, unlike anyone else. She gave her whole life to God and showed that submission to God is an act of bravery and courage. She showed submission through times of clarity, confusion and joy. She is a great example for us today of what it means to submit to God on a daily basis.
Epic Stories: Habakkuk
In this message, Pastor Scott unpacks the book of Habakkuk. The little book of Habakkuk is a glimpse of the prophet's conversation with the Lord. He speaks to God and God responds. It's very raw and real. At first, Habakkuk is frustrated that God seems idle at a time when He is needed most. The prophet's angst is quieted, though, after listening to what God has to say. He is dramatically transformed by God's words to him. He is pulled out of pessimism and doubt, and lifted to the heights of joyful worship. His circumstances stay the same, but his perspective changes. This is an important example for us as we almost continually find ourselves dealing with loss, setbacks, injustice, and societal frustrations. This book reminds us of the power of conversing with God and teaches us how to find hope amidst life's troubles.
Epic Stories: Jonah
Jonah ran away from God's call to preach to the Ninevites and went in the opposite direction. In God's love and discipline he kept Jonah from running away and reminded him of the call on his life. Pastor Scott takes us through this story reminding us how God disciplines those that he loves and we sometimes find ourselves under His discipline when we run away from His call.
Epic Stories: Daniel
This message focuses on the story of Daniel and the Lion's den and how God used the miracle of Daniel's protection to change the life of King Darius. The king went from wanting people to pray to him to declaring to all people to pray to the God of Daniel. Pastor Scott reminds us of the importance of the power of God in equipping us to be his representatives in this world. We can not reconcile anyone to God without his power, and prayer is the gateway to his power.