July 05, 2009 – Affluenza
The signs of progress are everywhere in our world. Democracy and freedom breakthrough in unlikely places, toppling oppressive regimes. Increasingly global free trade and the opening of foreign markets is spreading prosperity and affluence into unlikely places, including developing nations and communist republics. Religious life is booming as globally interest in spiritual matters continues to tug at peoples hearts and lives. There seem to be reasons for hope, hope that the world, that humanity, is getting better. But is it really? Is that what God thinks? What word would God want to speak into our culture if given the chance?

July 12, 2009 – GO’09
The world is hurting. All over the planet and right here at home, people are lacking: food, water, shelter, parents, dignity, justice. We’re involved, whether we realize it or not. We accept unfair trade practices, get ahead at the expense of the other guy, and feel entitled to a lifestyle of unsustainable luxury. It’s time to turn the tables. Stop complacency. Become a force for good in the world. Together we can make a difference. Let’s put love into action. Let’s GO!

July 19, 2009 – Trivial Pursuits
One of the most fundamental experiences of a richly fulfilling humanity is the experience of pure, unadulterated joy, a deep, soul-satisfaction with life that makes all of life really worth living. We’ll do practically anything to experience this joy, hoping to discover what we are looking for in a life of happiness, satisfaction, achievement, being right or recognized, being comfortable or living for the moment. Yet, this experience of joy is also one of the most elusive in life, evading us at every turn. The book of Philippians mentions “joy” more than any other letter written by the Apostle Paul. Yet, according to Philippians, joy is found in ways that could surprise, disappoint, and even offend us. So, what does this joy look like? Where do we find it? And how do we avoid wasting our lives on Trivial Pursuits?

July 26, 2009 – 24/7
Jesus told a story once about two builders who each built a brand new house, one on rock and the other on sandy soil. The houses were assaulted by a ferocious storm. Torrents of rain pounded against them. Flood waters rose against their walls. And as a result, the house built on the sandy ground came crashing to the ground, while the other, built on a solid foundation, stood strong. Jesus went on to say that it is only when we choose to build our lives on the solid foundation of a life with Him, will the “house” of your life stand strong against the storms of life. So, what does it look like to build this kind of durable life? How do we build on the firm foundation of a life with Jesus? Besides attending church, what can we do to strengthen the spiritual foundations of our lives?