Sermons About Willow
A Well-Oiled Ministry Machine
The most powerful engines in the world are useless without the lubricating effect of high-quality oils, grease, or synthetic polymers. They would literally burn themselves up as the internal friction of the engine heated the motor to dangerous temperatures, and the engine seizes -- so too with the engine of ministry. Key Passage: 1 Peter 4:10
1 Amens
A Peculiar People
Robert Munger has said, "In our time it may well be that the greatest single bottleneck to the renewal and outreach of the church is the division of roles between clergy and laity that results in a hesitancy of the clergy to trust the laity with significant responsibility, and in turn a reluctance on the part of the laity to trust themselves as authentic ministers of Christ, either in the church or outside the church." Key Passage: 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10
1 Amens
A Cause Worth Living For
Writing about climate change, Al Gore says: “The climate crisis also offers us the chance to experience what very few generations in history have had the privilege of knowing: a generational mission; the exhilarations of a compelling moral purpose; a shared and unifying cause; the thrill of being forced by circumstances to put aside the pettiness and conflict that so often stifle the restless human need for transcendence; the opportunity to rise...When we rise, we will experience and epiphany as we discover that this crisis is not really about politics at all. It is a moral and spiritual challenge.” Lofty words....inspirational....visionary... Question: Should we not be even MORE passionate about matters that will impact eternity? Do we have a compelling moral purpose, cause, or generational mission that we will give our all to fulfill? Key Passage: 2 Timothy 2:3-4
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Risky Faith
When was the last time you took a risk for Jesus? I mean something that you could’ve totally failed at and made a fool out of yourself? To be honest, it’s probably been a long time when I did something that fit that category. So what is keeping us from taking more risks for Jesus? How can we address our fears and lack of faith in such a way that we become the kind of risk-taking, faith-stretching followers He’s looking for? Today, we will look at a woman in scripture who set aside her fears and embraced her faith in such a way that her life was dramatically changed. And you will be challenged to step out of your comfort zone to experience what risky faith is all about! Key Passage: 2 Kings 4:1-7
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Can We Change?
Perhaps one of the key reasons that so many churches close their doors each year across North America, is because of the inability to adapt or change for the times. One generation founds the church with a passion and mission to impact their community...but without an intentional and regular "re-tuning" of the missional instrument (the church) it can easily fall out of step with the times and places and people it has been called to reach. From the birth of "the church" in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago, the journey of Jesus' family has been one long journey of change and adaptation. The MESSAGE has remained the same (the offer of life through Jesus Christ) but the methods and approaches to ministry have changed again and again. So...what will it take for Willow Park to adapt to the time, place, and culture we live in today? How can we with relevance and authenticity bring the message of Jesus to our generation? Bottom line...Can we Change?
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The Porch Light's On
"Home…" At it's very best, "home" is a place we all long for…a place that is safe…a place we are unconditionally loved…a place we can let our hair down and know that we will not offend….a state of being…secure…safe…at ease…."home". So many in our day have not experienced this kind of "home" in growing up, nor have they understood the offer of "home" that our heavenly Father extends to us. Instead of seeing a loving Father waiting at the door, they have feared an angry God. But the New Testament paints a much different picture of God – and maybe its an image you need to embrace. The image of the porch light being left on at night…the picture of a daddy worried sick as He waits for His runaway child to come home. The truth is, we are ALL runaways in our own way. Some of us have begun the journey home, others still need to turn around…but ultimately we walk the same path. Maybe it's time you headed for home. The porch light is on…the door is unlocked…the family is waiting! Key Passage: Luke 15:11-31
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On the Shoulders of Giants
As we look back in history, we should be challenged AND encouraged by the godly example of so many who have gone before us! As we seek to build the kingdom of God in our day – we do so – "on the shoulders of giants!" Hebrews 11 tells us that the "world was not worthy of them!" Will history say the same of us? During these next few weeks, we are going to be looking together at the mission we believe God has called us to live out in our city and region. As we talk of the impact He would have us to have on the world around us, I pray that you will be personally challenged to step into His call on your life. There are two basics that anchor everything we do: Loving People... And Following Jesus! Key Passage: Hebrews 11:13 & 38
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A Good Return
Invest yourself in any venture, and you want to see a good return...it's simply human nature. No one wants to spend time, money or energy on a project or enterprise that seems to be headed no where...or as the saying goes..."no one wants to be the last rat on a sinking ship..." Not only is this principle of investment true in our own lives – in the pursuits we choose to take up – but it is equally true when we entrust our valuable goods to others; leave your children with a sitter – you expect all to be well when you come home! Leave your house for the neighbors to watch while on vacation – you anticipate they will look after things! Leave your money with a financial planner – you expect it to grow! In the kingdom of God, God is the investor. He has placed His possessions in our hands to steward...our time, our talents, our money, and He looks for a good return... Key Passage: Matthew 25:14-30
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The Return of the King
In His final hours with His disciples, Jesus promised that even though He was going away, that He would return again. He said He was going to prepare a place for us in His Father's house, that He would come to take us to His Father's home. It was a well-known wedding custom of the day.... A groom would announce his intentions to marry, and then return to his father's home to build on a room where he and his new bride would live. When the room was finished, he would come to the bride's home and escort her back for their wedding celebration. As in many of the stories we've looked at this summer, this weekend's parable comes in response to a question. The disciples asked: "...what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). The text, and the surrounding context leaves us with the challenge: Will I be watching and waiting when the King returns? Key Passage: Matthew 25:1-12
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You're Invited
The parable we're looking at this weekend is one of the last few Jesus told in the days just before His crucifixion. The atmosphere around Jerusalem is charged with tension as the confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day grow more heated. Matthew 22:45 tells us that they KNEW Jesus was talking about them! And so they were determined to destroy Him. Jesus gives them one more story ... one more invitation. In a long series of invitations that has begun with the prophets, we are invited to the king's house! The preparations have been made, the table is spread, the celebration is about to begin - and we're all invited - just one item remains - my "RSVP" - your "RSVP". The King waits for a response! Key Passage: Matthew 22:1-14
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