Sometimes the conflict we deal with isn't the "everyday" variety. What about war? The early Christians did not have to spend any time thinking about when they should go to war. They were under under authority, not in places of authority. But as Christianity became a more dominant faith in the world the question had to be answered - when is it just to go to war? As we remember those who have died in service to their country, we ask the question, "What about war?" (Sermon Notes)
We can learn all the right things to say or do in conflict, and then run into some serious bumps along the way. How do we handle conflict when the other person is determined to make it hard for us? When the other person is not cooperating and following the script we had hoped for? Well, we turn back to the wisdom and ways of God found in the Bible. It may take a step of faith, but the rewards are worth it! (Click for Sermon Notes)
We can get hurt in conflict, and sometimes we need to confront those who are doing the damage. How do we take that step, and what do we have to do to resolve conflict? It ends in forgiveness - something very powerful, but often misunderstood. This week we will be going gently and setting the framework for God glorifying forgiveness. (Sermon Notes)
It takes two to tango, and there is always plenty of fault to go around in conflict. So how do we start dealing with conflict? We start by getting honest about our part in the matter. We don't like the mirror when we are not looking good - but only by looking in the mirror can we know what needs to change. But knowing is only the start - then we need to own it! This message helps you own your part as we learn about confession. If you learn this well, every conflict resolution will go better - guarenteed. (Sermon Notes)
How can a connection with God, a focus on God, and God's power help you in conflict? There are things which are foundational in our lives, and when we get these right, it brings unity not division. Pastor Dawn Alpaugh shares the call to have God as center in our lives, and allow God to be bigger than our conflict. (Study Questions)
Conflict can be painful, and we naturally want to avoid pain. But there are good ways to handle conflict which deal with the problem while avoiding unnecessary damage to the parties involved. There is too much conflict - we can't run away from all of it. There is too much conflict - we can't win every battle. So let us learn how to stand in conflict, doing the transformative work of peacemaking. (Sermon Notes Availalbe Here).
As we heard last week we cannot avoid conflict, and if it isn't resolved it can have tragic results. But if resolving conflict was easy everyone would be doing it. It is more than knowing some good ideas, it is reliant on tapping into some real power. This message is foundational if you want to make great progress in resolving everyday conflict. (Click for Sermon Notes)
"We all encounter conflict, whether it be with a coworker, family member, friend or complete stranger. And yet we all desire harmony in our relationships." This new series from the book Resolving Everyday Conflict, by Ken Sande & Kevin Johnson, teaches us practical, biblical ways to bring unity and harmony into our relationships. (Click for blank Sermon Notes or Filled-in Sermon Notes)
Sometimes stories we have heard before can give us new insights and direction. This is the power of the Bible, sometimes referred to as the "Living Word." God, through his Spirit, makes it alive and dynamic as we can return to it again and again, and have God speak to us through it.
Each year before Easter we turn to the passage of Jesus entering into the city of Jerusalem with a cheering crowd harolding his entry. Interestingly, it says there were people going ahead of him, and there were people following behind. Many times that "ahead of," and "following after," are roles God calls you and I to as we live lives of faith. (Click for Sermon Notes)
We all experience broken relationships. Sometimes the stress and tension between people becomes too much and damage is done. God has a plan for that - and you are involved! This message gives some help and encouragement for this common problem. (Sermon Notes)
This Sunday we will focus on making the most of what we have, and using it in a way which makes our faith come alive! (Sermon Notes)
Our faith at home truly matters. If you want to have faith that makes a difference in your life, it starts with those closest to you. (Sermon Notes)
Can having my time with the Lord be for my own good? Pastor Chuck Gieser gives us his perspective on our time devoted to God. SERMON NOTES
We are now in the season of Lent - 40 days before Easter. Over the coming Sundays, and in our Encounter Groups, we will be looking at 7 ways our faith can become more alive! The series is: Called and Committed. God is calling you, and there are things we can do to commit our lives to the One who saved us. These range form daily habits to heading to India. Speaking of India, Pastor Dirk and 6 others from our church are there now, so Pastor Dave Ewert led worship today. Sermon Notes
Dave Ewert 02/18/2018
Last week we heard how belief can make you whole. Belief can also make you bold! And beyond bold, belief can make you have beautiful feet. Now few people think of feet as a beautiful thing, but there is a saying in the Bible all about our feet, and how they can be absolutely beautiful. (click for Sermon Notes)
How do we deal with the struggle between belief and unbelief? (Sermon Notes)
How can you believe in a heartless God who doesn't care? This is a common question, and the question of suffering and pain has been a barrier of belief throughout history. So where is God in the pain, and why does God allow such suffering? (click here for Sermon Notes)
What does it mean to "feel God" in your life? If you don't feel it, can you believe it? This message explores the connections between feeling and faith. (Sermon Notes)
We all like a good party, but some people think that God is the ulitimate killjoy. Well, that is simply not true. God is the source of joy, not the end of it. Something which really can be a killjoy is religion. So how do we find what God wants for our lives? It starts with belief - in the right things! (Sermon Notes)
Do you ever feel that God isn't keeping up his end of the bargain? It can be hard to maintain your faith when God doesn't give us what we are expecting. Sometime this just might mean we are expecting the wrong things... Listen to this message from Pastor Dave Ewert and be encouraged in your faith. (Sermon Notes)