“New Beginnings: Things Get in the Way” (February 7, 2016)

from Luke 4:1-13

How do you handle interruptions to your plans?  What do you do when it seems that things are starting to run off the rails?  How do you handle those obstacles?

What about the obstacles and interruptions in your relationship with Jesus?  How do you handle giving in to temptation?

The moment you decide to make a new beginning in Christ is the moment the enemy will begin working against you.  May you find strength and comfort and hope for the rest of the journey in knowing that Christ allowed himself to be tempted on your behalf…so that you would find grace and strength when you face those things that get in the way.

w/ Vern Collins

“New Beginnings: Fearless” (January 31, 2016)

from Luke 5:1-11

What if the confidence you find in your new beginning has nothing to do with what you have accomplished and secured for yourself, but everything to do with the One Who has secured it for you?

In week 4 of our “New Beginnings” series, we look at the invitation, not to membership, but to mission; not to program, but to passion; not to safety, but to sending.

w/ David Hockett

“New Beginnings: Old News” (January 24, 2016)

from Luke 4:14-21

Often when we think of new beginnings, we look forward to what is coming in hopes of forgetting what is behind.

In a culture of the next new thing, what do you expect from the Lord?  What do you expect when you gather with the church in worship?  What do you expect to hear?  What do you expect the church to be about?

Something new?  Something fresh?  Something flashy and engaging?

What if what you heard was the same old news?  Would it be enough?

What if when you sought the Lord all you got was the same old news?  Would it be enough?

w/ Vern Collins

“New Beginnings: The Best” (January 17, 2016)

from John 2:1-11

How would things change if you knew you had not yet seen the best that God has for your life?  How would it change your perspective?  How might you live differently knowing that the best was yet to come?

Now, what would God’s best for you look like?

What if it has little to do with what God wanted to do for you, and more with what God wants to do THROUGH YOU?

w/ Vern Collins

“New Beginnings: Identity” (January 10, 2015)

from Luke 3:15-18, 21-22

You often look at the start of a new year as an opportunity to examine your life and make changes toward becoming the person you really want to be…

Whether that is to be a healthier person, a kinder person, a more patient person, a more prompt person, a stronger person…whatever the case, a new year tends to mean a fresh start…a chance to make a change.

The question becomes, why is making a change so important?  Why do we spend so much time and energy and money toward making these change?  Because for so many people, identity is found in how one performs, how one perceives self…how one is perceived by others.  The problem is, this can be an exhausting roller coaster of self love and self loathing, of being sure of who one is and in the next moment have more questions than answers when it comes to self.

The reality is, we are all a mess…and yet there is a truth we find and embrace in baptism that calls us to the end of our search for identity…because in baptism, you are invited to embrace the truth that before you acted-good or bad, you are the beloved of God.

*NOTE-in this week’s recording we have chosen not to edit out the invitation to baptism and remembrance of baptism.  Normally, the audio would not include the invitation to respond (be it to prayer, communion, or in this case-baptism), as it is to receive something tangible for those who are gathered on Sunday morning.  However, it seems appropriate given the message to include the invitation…it is an invitation to all, to remember that you are the beloved of God, or to embrace for the first time the truth that you are the beloved of God…may you find your identity in that hope!

If you would like to speak with one of our pastors you may do so by finding us online at www.booneumc.org

w/ Vern Collins