My wonderful wife is currently using her graphic talents to create a new logo and t-shirt design for Off The Wall Ministry. Here is a sneak peak as we continue to work toward a finished product. Leave some comments and let me know what you think.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Seize The Summer
As you may know I am about to embark on a journey with 12 other people across 6 states over the next two weeks called Seize The Summer. Through worship, drama, and preaching we hope to ignite people of all ages to "Seize The Summer" for Christ. One of my favorite passages in Scripture is found in 1 Corinthians 15:58 and it says,
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
During the summer we tend to take vacations, whether it be from school, work, or just to get away for a week or two. Often time that vacation carries over to our spiritual life. We become more self-focused and less God-focused. Our commitment to God tends to decrease while our hours of daylight increases. As we travel together over the next two weeks please pray for us, but also take a look at your summer and be purposeful to seize it, to take hold of the opportunities you have to grow in Christ and love people.
I will try to blog on what is happening and also share our team devotionals with you as well. Also check out http://polenband.wordpress.com for pictures and video from the tour.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sermon Notes from Titus 3
This morning I was blessed to have the opportunity to share the message at Countryside Chapel. The people of the church have grown near and dear to my heart and I am excited to get to know everyone more and walk with them as I move into a role as one of the pastors. Here are some notes from this morning's sermon from Titus chapter 3:
1. We All Need A Reminder
- We are a forgetful people, we constantly need to be reminded of Biblical truth and what a Godly life should look like.
2. We All Need To Understand The Gospel
- How deep is your understanding of the Gospel? Do you understand terms like "regeneration," "justification," or "grace?"
Regeneration: to be born again, or born from above (see John 3)
Justified: to declare or treat as righteous (see Romans 4:1-8)
Grace: God's enabling power
3. We All Need To Devote Ourselves To What Is Excellent & Profitable
- Do you live a purposeful and intentional life for Jesus? Do you build others up or tear them down?
Summary: We all need to read Titus 3 and other Bible passages (especially the whole book of Romans & Ephesians 2) to be reminded of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to study and un-layer all that Christ accomplished for us on the cross and in turn worship and adore him with thankfulness. Many of us are held back by a fear of truly understanding the grace and mercy of God. Living a life abandoned to Christ, fully trusting him, following him in faith is scary for many. My prayer is that you would "taste and see that the LORD is good" and you would know Jesus and his love for you in an intimate way.
1. We All Need A Reminder
- We are a forgetful people, we constantly need to be reminded of Biblical truth and what a Godly life should look like.
2. We All Need To Understand The Gospel
- How deep is your understanding of the Gospel? Do you understand terms like "regeneration," "justification," or "grace?"
Regeneration: to be born again, or born from above (see John 3)
Justified: to declare or treat as righteous (see Romans 4:1-8)
Grace: God's enabling power
3. We All Need To Devote Ourselves To What Is Excellent & Profitable
- Do you live a purposeful and intentional life for Jesus? Do you build others up or tear them down?
Summary: We all need to read Titus 3 and other Bible passages (especially the whole book of Romans & Ephesians 2) to be reminded of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to study and un-layer all that Christ accomplished for us on the cross and in turn worship and adore him with thankfulness. Many of us are held back by a fear of truly understanding the grace and mercy of God. Living a life abandoned to Christ, fully trusting him, following him in faith is scary for many. My prayer is that you would "taste and see that the LORD is good" and you would know Jesus and his love for you in an intimate way.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Eat God's Words
"Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts." - Jeremiah 15:16
How precious are the words of God to you? Are they sweet to your taste? Do they bring you joy? Do they breathe hope and thankfulness into your life? Jeremiah digested and delighted God's words. He spoke them for the people's good.
When we "eat" God's words, when we digest them and let them be nutrition for our souls it makes us spiritually healthy. Just as in the physical sense we need to have a healthy diet balanced with exercise so we also need a healthy spiritual diet and work out our faith.
Notice Jeremiah said "your words became to me a joy..." It takes perseverance, commitment, and discipline. Just as it is hard to stay away from the sweets, to be disciplined to work out we fight the same battle spiritually. Distractions lead us away from our Bible and prayer quickly eludes our minds. God will reward your commitment to him and his word with joy and delight. Ask for spiritual wisdom and insight as you are committed to study his word and your life will change.
My challenge for you today is to set for yourself one spiritual goal for Bible Study. Find someone to hold you accountable and do it! My wife and I are personally committing to memorizing 1 Corinthians 13 by June 5th. My prayer for you is that you would digest the Word of God and it would be joy and delight to your heart.
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