Ephesians: Chosen

Ephesians 1:1-6

If God is so powerful why doesn’t He save everyone? Why are some saved and others not? Why does God say in the Word that our salvation does not depend on anything we do? What does it mean that God chose us before the creation of the world? Did we choose Jesus or did He choose us? Do human beings have the ability to come to Christ? Does God give everyone the ability? Does God want all people to be saved? Did God know some people would end up in hell before He made them? Does God extend mercy to all or to some? If to only some, is that just? What is just? Does everyone have an equal opportunity to be saved? These are some of the questions Pastor Scott cracked open from Ephesians 1:1-6 and the great theme of election. Scripture seems to teach opposing ideas on God’d sovereignty and man’s responsibility, which theologians have long struggled to reconcile. Scott encourages us to hold them in tension, embrace the mystery and trust that God’s ways are higher than our ways. The overall thrust of the message is to breathe in the wonder of being chosen and let it humble you and evoke joyful worship. 

Ephesians: Intro

This is the first message of a series on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and includes introduction details to lay a foundation for the study. Most of the message is an expounding of the accounts in Acts 18-19 that talk about the extraordinary things that happened in Ephesus as the movement of Jesus was established there through Paul. The message not only gave some context for the study but also served to set the tone for the new year. Themes such as boldness, bravery, persecution and the Word of God are explored. 

Communion Sundays: Psalm 32

This was the first message of 2020 and also a Communion Sunday. Psalm 32 was expounded on as a way of helping to reset hearts for the new year. The essential message was that God is merciful and yet we are responsible to deal honestly with our sins.

Light Project: Unveiled

This is the second message of a two part series in an effort to bring more clarity to our December art installation called Light Project. There were eight separate rooms each communicating a different idea. This message expounds on the last three rooms which deal with the themes of conversion of the soul, growth as a follower of Jesus and the future glory in store for those who love Christ. This talk is especially relevant to anyone who is struggling to fully surrender to Christ. 

Light Project: Illuminated

The 2019 art installation, called Light Project, brought in nearly 700 people. The aim of the installation was to introduce people to the person of Christ using the Scriptural metaphor of light and darkness. Because art can be interpreted differently by different people, and is easy to misinterpret, we decided to follow up the installation with two clear spoken messages to illuminate the precise meaning of each of the eight installations. This first message addresses the first five ideas—Light is, light delights, light reveals, light exposes and light dispels. At the end Scott ties it all together and helps the hearers to understand why all this matters. 

Communion Sundays: Titus 3:3-7

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:3-7

Revival: Give Him No Rest

This is the last in the series on Revival and it ends with a great push to persevere. All the things talked about in the series need to be done in a persistent way. It’s not enough to just go at it for a short time. It’s essential to pray “until” the Spirit is poured out from on high. Scott uses Isaiah 62 as his main text to bring out these ideas. The last part of the sermon several, potential momentum-quenchers are addressed. Let nothing and no one stop us from night and day pursuit of the glory of God!!!

Audrey Cook Calabro - Memorial Service

Audrey, Kevin Calbro’s lovely wife, recently passed away after a long battle with lung problems. Audrey was known for her amazing devotion to God. She was unwavering despite suffering so much. She is originally from Georgia so the funeral was there but we hosted a memorial service at Ren for those in their Rhode Island community. It was a time to “weep with those who weep” and rejoice that Audrey is now at home with the Lord. 

Revival: Remember the Poor

To be Christian is to care for the poor. To care for the poor is to know God. Proverbs 21:13 says, “whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” All our efforts to pray, fast and cry out for revival will be in vain if we do not relate to the poor properly. Scott brings us into Isaiah 58 and talks about the sort of fasting that God requires. It is fasting accompanied by a lifestyle of pouring out for the hungry and afflicted. Caring for the poor can be complicated and this is acknowledged; however, we simply cannot throw aside the call because it’s challenging. We must figure out how to live like Jesus in our city!

Revival: Pray

In this great pursuit of revival, prayer is an essential element. Extraordinary prayer has been a distinguishing feature of all historic revivals. Most of us know prayer is important and desire to have a deep life of prayer, however, we struggle to find a vibrant satisfying deep experience. This message focuses not so much that we should pray but on the how. Several neglected forms of prayer are discussed that deepen intimacy with God. The last part of the message lists several obstacles to prayer and practical wisdom on how to overcome them. This message is pure encouragement, not just for the person who doesn’t prayer at all, but for the person who is presently in a prayer rut.