This week’s Easter teaching kicked off a new series called, “His Story.” If you missed it, want to hear it again, or want to share it with a friend, use the link below to listen to the mp3 audio file.
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Ever wonder how it all fits together? The past, the present, and the future aren’t accidents. There’s an Author behind it all– “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2, NIV1984).
His Story is a dramatic epic, full of startling twists and turns. Sometimes it’s stranger than fiction, but it’s True. When you were born, you stumbled onto the pages of an immense and mysterious tale, and you might be surprised to discover the part you play in it.
His Story, Part 1: The Day Everything Changed
This Sunday: 11am at 4862 Broadway (map)*
Invite a friend this Easter for accessible teaching among accepting people. Children are very welcome– we work hard to provide age-appropriate experiences. And we’ll all have fun watching them hunt for Easter eggs afterwards!
*This activity is not sponsored or endorsed by the New York City Department of Education or the City of New York.
So much of life is fear management. Reasons to fear abound:
They found a lump.
Work is downsizing.
He’s never been this late before.
We don’t want to be controlled by the “what if’s,” but simply pretending there’s nothing to worry about is a sham. God offers something better. Our final unnamed hero demonstrates how to face fear with courage.
Sunday at 11:00am, 4862 Broadway* (map). Join an accepting community for accessible, useful teaching from the Bible.
* This activity is not sponsored or endorsed by the New York City Department of Education or the City of New York.
In one of the glitziest cities in the world, we can’t compete. The “Empire State of Mind” is true, “big lights will inspire you.” But there’s something else, and it goes like this:
One time, I was feeling inadequate as I prepared to speak at another church in Manhattan. That’s how I feel whenever I consider the impossible task of changing peoples’ hearts. So I prayed, simply and honestly, that God would speak to people. In that talk, I made a point from Scripture to the effect of, “People sometimes think they have a problem with worry or with their marriage or how they manage their money, when in actuality it’s a foundation issue.” That’s a simple Truth– not much glitz there.
After the service, a man came up to me trembling, with tears in his eyes, and said, “I don’t know if I should hug you or punch you.”
“You know what, why don’t hug me,” I suggested.
He seemed rattled. Slowly shaking his head, he explained, “On the train on the way over here, I just asked my wife, ‘Could this be a foundation issue?'” Only God can make a moment like that happen. That guy probably doesn’t remember my name, but I doubt he’ll forget what God said to him.
I’m in favor of hard work and excellence, but I also think that the time our worship team spends praying is more important than the time they spend practicing.
“because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
Post by: Chris Travis
The problems in the world are profound. Just watch the evening news. Wars and genocides flare up like cancer; peace is only a remission. Poverty is so complicated that few can agree even on what the problems are, let alone the solutions.
When you look at the big picture, it’s normal to ask: What difference could we make? What good is it?
There’s something so much bigger and so much more important going on here. We may not be able to change much, but God can do more through us than we imagine.
Don’t be underestimated. Join us this Sunday 11am at 4862 Broadway * (map) for accessible teaching among accepting people.
* This activity is not sponsored or endorsed by the New York City Department of Education or the City of New York.
“He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!”
That’s what religious leaders said about Jesus (Mt 11:19, Lk 7:34, NLT). “Just look at the people he keeps company with!” they accused. It’s not that Jesus didn’t have an affect on others. On the contrary, a few minutes with Jesus could turn someone’s life upside down. But people who seemed “far from God” stayed close to Jesus. He was so patient with his disciples. How many times did they doubt him?
Everyday Church people represent such a variety of spiritual postures. Some are faith-filled believers while others are unconvinced. Some are curious while others are skeptical but open-minded. Some seem to have it all together while others are picking up the pieces. Regardless, most people need to belong before they’ll believe.
Why would we expect anything different? Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35, NLT).
Your love for one another will prove it.
Post by: Chris Travis