In this last message of the Ren 101 series Scott lays out a clear vision of what devotion to the church looks like. The norm in much of modern Christianity in America is nominalism. A strong argument against shoddy worship is given and an exhortation to give God the kind of worship He deserves. The aim of this talk was to inspire each person in the church to play their part well and to strive toward full devotion.
Ren 101: Dreams
The invitation to dream big is found throughout Scripture but it’s easy to fall into thinking small for a variety of reasons: false humility, laziness, ignorance of the resources of God, delay, norms in the Church and so on. God tells us in the Word that “without a vision the people perish”. It is imperative for a church to have a collective dream they are striving for together or else they will fall into lethargy and even become lifeless. Scott spends most of this message talking about the dreams he has for Ren but in the last part presses home the importance of faith. That it’s not enough to just dream; we must dream according to God’s will; we must dream God’s dreams. Strong exhortation is given to stand firm in faith believing that God will do what He said He will do in time. An invitation is given at the end to pray the prayer of Habakkuk—“O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2
Ren 101: Ethos
Since the church began in 2003 we have worked hard to articulate in writing and preaching the essential ethos of the church. Ethos is what drives us. It's the culture of Ren. In one sense all churches everywhere in every generation should have fixed aspects but in another sense each local church takes on unique shapes to incarnate the Gospel in the particular settings they are embedded in. This message is another attempt to bring clarity to what Ren holds dear as a church. Pastor Scott shares ten aspects of ethos that have distinguished the church since its inception. Messages like this are important not only for people trying to determine if Ren is a good fit but also as a reminder to the Core members of what sort of church we are striving to be.
Ren 101: History
As we enter 2019 and the 16th anniversary of Renaissance Church, Pastor Scott walks us through the early trials and hard lessons he’s had to learn as a church planter in New England. But from location to location, as God continues to pour out a fuller vision for what Ren is meant to be, what stands clear through the years is that God answers those who seek Him desperately.
Ren 101: Design
This is the first message in a series exploring what God says about the church. A foundation is laid for the idea of membership and a strong argument is presented for the full devotion of each member. Pastor Scott also talks about the decline of the American Church and the great need for personal renewal in order to be fully functioning healthy members of a local church. The overall aim of this pastoral talk is to ignite a more full devotion to building what God is building.
Standalone Sermons: MLK Sunday 2019
This was an important Sunday giving tribute to the life and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The theology behind King’s work was explored, as well as, an assessment of the progress we have made in America toward racial healing. Practical ideas were given on how to be agents of justice both individually and as a church. Several short messages were given (Rachel Rogers, Ayisha Jackson, Sam Jean-Baptiste) to create a symphony of diverse voices and perspectives around the theme of racial reconciliation. Pastor Scott ties it all together toward the end showing that the Gospel cannot be separated from justice work.
Psalm 4
This Psalm of David gives clear insight into how God works in the life of someone who cries out to the Lord. God works on our behalf. He brings relief in our times of distress. He puts love in us even for those who are hostile toward us. He lavishes supernatural joy upon us. Several verses of this psalm are directed toward those in society who were buying into false ideas. David encourages them to be silent and place their trust in the Lord. This message is an an encouragement to believers who find themselves in a society that has rejected the Gospel. Toward the end of the talk Pastor Scott gives personal testimony of how God has met him in his times of distress and has put joy in his heart greater than anything this world could give.
Psalm 95
This is a motivational psalm perfect for the start of a new year. The psalmist urges God’s people to worship with joy, to be humble and to obey the voice of the Lord. And then strong reasons are given to do these things. This message explores the nature of worship and gives practical insights on how to excel in worship. The main idea of the message is that what we think about determines not only what we worship but the intensity of our worship—“as a man thinks so he is”. Much encouragement to feed the mind through Christian meditation is given. This is a great sermon especially for those who feel like their worship experience is a little flat and uninspiring lately. There is hope for the new year!
Psalm 57
Before David became king he was a fugitive hunted like a wild animal. He was driven from place to place in search of safety. Finding refuge in a cave, David penned this psalm. Despite the fact that 3000 soldiers were hunting him down, David remains confident in God. He’s weak and tired, no doubt, but he declares the unfailing love of God. This psalm is an encouragement to all who feel surrounded by troubles and in an isolated dark place. The cave is where men and women of God are made. Never despise your cave but realize that God is fulfilling His purpose of shaping you into the image of Jesus.
Gifts from Above: Glory
It is a common experience to be fickle. One day we are happy and everything is going well and the next day we are down about something. What is the secret to sustaining joy? That’s what this message is about. It’s an exploration of God’s vision for our eternal home described in Revelation 21-22. When we keep this vision burning in our hearts by frequent contemplation, it has profound effects on the way we live in this present life. We are happy, we joyfully endure, we are motivated to live holy and we are moved to spread the message of Jesus however we can. A vision of eternal glory results in a transformed life in the present.