In Ephesians Paul talks about the unity of the church. There are so many great verses within Ephesians and Paul does so well explaining the beauty of the Gospel. Today we look at Ephesians 1:3-4. What are the heavenly realms, what is Holiness?

The story of the prodigal son is one of those that makes me cry every time. At one time we have all decided we can make our own decisions. I am so thankful that the father welcomes us with open arms into the community. So thankful for the celebration. I pray we might be a voice within the darkness for others to find their way into community with God.

The Biblical text calls us to nurture relationships. We are called to nurture our relationship with God and nurture our relationships with other people. We believe God calls us here in Chariton to nurture relationships and help others to see Jesus.

Paul asks the question in his letter to the Christians in Rome if no one tells anyone about God how will anyone know they need to be in relationship with God? We have to answer the same question. May our lives be a reflection of God’s love here on earth.

Jesus gave us directions of what we are called to do. But what does that look like for us here in Chariton. We come to renewed life to be rooted, to invite and to nurture relationships. Today we talk about being rooted. Paul calls us to be so rooted that we don’t allow things to sway us. We feel we are called as a church to help people become rooted and established.

Today is the day in the church we celebrate that Spirit falling. We are so thankful that God gives His Spirit to us to guide us. May we always listen and step out in the ways He asks us.

The text of Psalm 139 tells us that God knows us, He formed us. He knows everything about us and yet he still desires a relationship with us. We can have confidence in that and that our identity is found in Christ.

We use the Jeremiah 29:11 verse a lot this time of year especially for graduations. God does have plans for His creation, He has plans for us but they fit in the larger plans He has for creation. We can’t forget the context that it was said in.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord is a bold statement made by Joshua. Much like a parent knows what decision their kids are going to make, Joshua knows that even if the Israelites say they will worship the Lord that it is likely they will turn away again.

Philippians 4:13 is a verse that is quoted a lot. It doesn’t mean that we can do all that we want but all Christ has for us to do. Paul learned his self sufficiency isn’t through himself it is in Christ.

Matthew 19:26 states that with man this is impossible but with God all things are possible. What is “this” and what all is possible with God. This verse is one that is taken out of context so we need to read it in context to see what the “this” is.

John 3:16 is one of those verses we usually have memorized but the context of it is important. To become redone requires us to become undone.

The message of the Resurrection is a powerful one. It is a reminder that even in the midst of what feels like hopeless situations there is always hope. We are called to spread that hope.

Our District Superintendent, Tim Carter, brings a Psalm Sunday message about the disciple Thomas.

In Romans 3 Paul is trying to explain the purpose of the law. He sets up this vision of a court room where God is judge and God is prosecution. When we stand and have no advocate by faith Jesus comes to our defense. It isn’t through our keeping of the law, it isn’t the works that we do but by faith alone.

The stoning of Stephen is one of those stories within the Biblical text we can spend a lot of time on. Stephen gives an amazing speech in front of the Sanhedrin and ultimately accuses them of not listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Even during the stoning Stephen never takes his eyes off of the path God has for him. He never takes his eyes off God. I pray we may be that way no matter what we are facing.

Jesus makes the declaration that He is the Good Shepherd in John 10. He said He would willingly give up His life for the sheep. He’s not doing this for His own gain or for power. He is a Good Shepherd that cares for His sheep. What ways do our lives reflect Jesus. Is there anything that gives us power we are called to give up in this season of Lent?

Paul tells us in Romans 12 to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, he tells us this is our true and proper worship. He then goes on to explain that love must be sincere. Being a living sacrifice must be something about the relationships we keep.

Sometimes in the most unexpected places God will use us. He will give us the words that we could never come up with on own. We should continue to pray for God's guidance in our life and that He will show us the doors He has opened for us to walk through. When we are obedient to that He is glorified.

Paul talks about the church being the body of Christ. We as a gathered body of believers are called to follow God’s guidance and to show the love of Christ to the world. The church has more to do with furthering the mission of Christ than how tall the church steeple is.