Take Heed

Scott Axtmann
March 25, 2018

It is common to see people become Christians with great joy, get involved for a season but then fall away. This happens all the time for a variety of reasons. It might be the allure of sin or the pursuit of money or just plain busyness that draws them away. It is a fight for Christians to endure through the years and cross the finish line strong. Satan and the forces of darkness work tirelessly to tear Christians away from simple devotion to Jesus. It’s a daily war and it’s a war that doesn’t end until we breathe our last breath. Pastor Scott brings a strong warning about what to watch out for on the Christian journey. Strong exhortations are given about what it takes to stand firm till the end. The message is rooted in Paul’s words to the church at Corinth found in 2 Corinthians 11. This message was given on baptism Sunday with new believers in mind but the message is an important reminder for all who desire to follow Christ till the end. 

MLK Sunday

Scott Axtmann
January 14, 2018

Martin Luther King was one of the greatest men shaping our country in the last 100 years. He was the leading voice of the civil rights movement in the 20th century. He not only was a tremendous orator but also risked his life for the cause of bringing freedom to others. He was imprisoned over 20 times. He was stabbed. He was hated and suffered constant death threats. Eventually he was assassinated in 1968 at the young age of 39. He was a burning and shining light, a prophet who articulated the particular injustices of blacks and pressed for change with a fierce urgency. This message probes into the life and message of Dr. King but then takes us into the present day to consider injustices now. Scott discusses modern racism, as well as, the sufferings of the homeless, victims of sex trafficking, widows, fatherless, unborn children, refugees, women in the workplace and so on. Verses from Isaiah 58, Amos 5-6, Isaiah 1, Proverbs 31 and 1John3 are expounded to show clearly that following God is synonymous with doing the work of justice. Some practical encouragements are given to help us climb out of apathy and into the works of Jesus. Right after the sermon one of the other Ren Ministers, Sam Jean-Baptiste, shares a personal experience to show that racism is still very much a problem in today’s world.

Pastor Scott's Comments on Charlottesville

Scott Axtmann
August 20, 2017

"What has been happening in recent days is absolutely appalling but not surprising. I think most of us are aware that racism is alive and well, not just in a small band of white supremacists, but in a significant portion of American society. I'm certain it has sunk into every human heart to some extent which is why we all need to constantly ask God to search our hearts. We should always be on the side of promoting justice and defending those who are being oppressed. It's our calling as followers of Jesus." Read the rest of the written version here.

Scott Axtmann
June 4, 2017

Pastor Scott gives what he often calls a "pastoral talk" to address some very practical and important concerns regarding life as a church community. There are many challenges in the aim to have depth of community including geographic scattering, busy schedules, widening social circles, fatigue, and the transient nature of cities. Several concrete instructions are given on how to overcome these challenges and develop deep meaningful relationships within the church. In the ending, Pastor Scott talks specifically about the need for supernatural love in order to do what God is calling us to do in being a community of love.

To Such Belongs the Kingdom

Scott Axtmann
June 6, 2016

Our children are being swept away by world systems of unbelief. The majority of children raised in the Church fall away from faith. Most young people are not interested in serving the Lord. Instead, they are caught up in the current of the world. The Bible clearly states that the Kingdom of God is for children; God can move in their lives and transform them. Pastor Scott preaches a message about what God wants to do in the upcoming generation, and our role in our families and communities.

Where is Ellynn now?

Scott Axtmann
May 29, 2016

On Wednesday, May 25, the Renaissance Church community tragically lost a beloved member in a terrible accident. At times like this, we can't help but ask God, "Why?" We may never be able to answer that question to our satisfaction, but Pastor Scott delivers a heartfelt and powerful message about grief, loss, and hope.