Macedonia Christian Church

Last week we saw God use the plagues to humble Egypt, judge them for their sins and show them that He is God and there is no one like Him. But the Egyptians weren't the only ones to experience that cycle of 10 disasters. God's people were there too. What did the plagues mean for them?God uses that season of uncertainty to grow Israel's trust in Him.What if He wants to do the same for us?Listen in as we explore several essential components of faith that we need to pay attention to if we want our trust to blossom when we don't know what's going to happen next.SHOW LESS

As God prepares to lead Israel to freedom, things are changing for Egypt too. When Pharaoh isn't willing to receive God's message of a "next normal", God gets his attention with plague, after plague, after plague, etc. And Pharaoh reacts the same way we are tempted to react when God asks us to step off the throne of our lives and recognize His Majesty.Listen in and see if you've made some of the same moves that Pharaoh makes rather than acknowledge God's greatness.Scriptures Covered: Exodus 5-12; Philippians 2:10-11

Why do we struggle with uncertainty? With walking into the unknown- even when we believe that God is leading us? Maybe we struggle to give up control. To release our expectations, preferred outcomes and what makes sense to us. If so, we aren't the first. Today we'll see Moses- someone God used and highly honored- argue with God about moving into his next normal.Let's see what we can learn from this honest conversation that might help us to "take off our shoes" when God calls.Scriptures Covered: Exodus chapters 2-4

We are living in a time of uncertainty. And fortunately- we aren't the first to do so. People have been following God into and through seasons of transition for thousands of years. Beginning today- and in the weeks ahead- we are going to see what we can learn from them to help us walk faithfully with our God.Today we'll begin by discussing 3 directions we can choose when we aren't sure where we are headed.Scriptures from today's message: Hebrews 11:13-16, 3:15-19; Exodus 16:1-3; Numbers 14:1-4; Deuteronomy 17:14-16; Luke 5:36-39; Philippians 3:7-16SOME BIG NEWS!:Beginning next Sunday (6/28) we are resuming in person worship gatherings in the park. Will you be joining us the first week? Please let us know by taking this survey: https://forms.gle/TiFGVa9Tr1G3TozL9FINALLY:Are you getting our weekly email updates? Visit our website to share your contact info with us or take advantage of other resources: https://www.mcclex.org/nowwhatSHOW LESS

What does it LOOK LIKE to love God with all your mind? As Jesus is tempted in the desert, we catch a glimpse of someone at the top of their mental game- who has mastered all of the concepts we've discussed these past few weeks. And true to form, Jesus makes it look easy and effortless. What did He know that we don't? Listen in as we discover a few things that Jesus knew that we'll need to master if we are going to put it all together and love God with all our mind.Scriptures in this teaching: Mark 1:12-13; Luke 3:21-23, 4:1-13; Ephesians 6:12-17; Romans 8:14-16, 12:1-2; Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Even when we are FOCUSED, we'll face distractions.What do we do with thoughts that come seeking our attention and acceptance?We FILTER them. Listen in as we discuss a 2 Stage Filter inspired by Philippians 4:8-9.Scriptures in This Message:1 Peter 1:13,4:7,5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22; Philippians 4:4-9; Proverbs 3:20,14:12,16:25; Matthew 11:29You can learn more about our church family here: https://www.mcclex.org

"OK- but HOW??" It's great to hear about what could or should be- but eventually we need an action plan. HOW are we going to RENEW our minds so we keep changing the way we think and live?We begin by FOCUSING our thoughts. Today we'll suggest a couple of FOCAL POINTS that can help us renew our minds and transform our lives.Scriptures in This Teaching:Colossians 3:1-17; Luke 4:40-44, 9:22,51; Hebrews 12:1-3This Week:- How often do you think about Jesus? What prompts could you put in place that would turn your thoughts to Him more frequently?- Jot down truths from the scriptures you read and pray them back to God. Need a place to start? Try the book of Ephesians.

What were they thinking? It’s a question we ask as we scramble for explanations to disappointing or horrific happenings. It’s a question we should ask more regularly. Because the OUTCOMES of our life flow from ACTIONS that are spawned and fueled by THOUGHTS. If we are going to love God with all our minds- and invest all of the energy, focus and discipline required- we need to remember what is at stake.Our minds are the battleground where the enemy of our souls tries to plant ideas that will nudge us towards choices that harm us and others. In today’s teaching, we do some THOUGHT TRACING to see how this played out in the lives of people in the Bible.Today’s Scriptures: Matthew 26:14-16; John 13:2; 1 Peter 5:8; Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Acts 5:1-11Homework:Do some thought tracing by working through these questions…What were THEY thinking? As you read the Bible, notice the outcomes people experience and trace them back to their actions and the thoughts that inspired them. Need somewhere to start? Try The Book of Numbers chapters 12-14,16-17 & 20What was I thinking? Look back at your past regrets, or even your confessions of sin this week. What thoughts influenced or encouraged the actions that produced the outcomes you’d change if you could.Want to learn more about our church family? Visit https://www.mcclex.org

Starting to thinking and live in a new direction is a fantastic beginning. But it isn't the end. God calls us not only to repent, but also to RENEW our minds. We need to KEEP changing our minds and lives until we love and honor God with all we are and do.Scriptures in this teaching: Proverbs 23:19; Romans 12; Ephesians 2:1-10, 4:17-32; Matthew 15:7-8You can read the article about Ranger School I mentioned here: https://www.outsideonline.com/2411895... Be advised that it does contain some profanity.You can learn more about our church family at https://www.mcclex.org

The Good News that the Kingdom of God is available and accessible begins with a call to change our minds. It's not only possible to change the way we think, it's essential if we are going to love God with all we are and experience the life that Jesus invites us into.But HOW does that happen? Today we'll follow the crowds who flocked to John the Baptist to hear his call to think and live differently. As we do, we'll discover a few key factors that can help us change our minds.Passages: Matthew 3:1-12, 4:12-17, 21:28-32 ,22:37; Mark 1:1-8, 3:1-6; Luke 3:1-20; Acts 26Questions for Reflection:- Am I embodying the message of Jesus for others? Am I living differently, humbly and honestly?- Is my mind open or closed? Could I stand in God's Presence and witness miracles- and still have a hard heart?- What actions could I take this week to show that I am thinking and living in the direction of God's Kingdom? What could I do that is personal, doable and other oriented?Want to dig further into the meaning of the Greek word translated as REPENT? This article was helpful in preparing this message: https://tritheos.com/repent-repentanc...You can learn more about our church family and find more resources here: https://www.mcclex.org* Correction: I referred to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse in this video. His full name is Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Jesus told us that the most important thing we can do in life is to love God with all our hearts, souls AND MINDS. If we are going to walk with God and fully experience the best of life with Him, we have to GET OUR HEADS RIGHT. Why? Because our minds play a key ROLE and have the POWER to shape and direct our journey. SCRIPTURES: Matthew 22:37, 15:18-19; Psalm 19:1-8, 119:33-37; 1 John 2:15-17; Proverbs 23:19; 3:1-6; Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 11:3HOMEWORK:1. Pay attention to your thoughts- both those coming from without and from within.2. Ask yourself where each thought is leading you. If I focus on this, how will it shape and direct me?Learn more about our church family at: https://www.mcclex.org

Wondering what is going to happen next? Uncertain about how to move forward? We aren't the first.John 21:1-19It's been at least two weeks since Jesus rose from the dead. His friends didn't see that coming. On Easter, He leaves instructions for them to meet Him in Galilee. They have. And aren't sure what to do now. So they go fishing. And Jesus shows up. The BOAT and the BEACH represent seasons and spaces where God prepares us for what is next. Join us as we see what Jesus did for His friends on the Sea of Galilee- and what He continues to do for us when we want and need to move forward.Additional passages: Matthew 28:10; John 20:19-23; Philippians 1:6Want to learn more about our church family? https://www.mcclex.orgLooking for resources to help you stay connected, keep growing and support each other in this season at home? https://www.mcclex.org/nowwhat

What is the first thing you'll do when the social distancing restrictions are lifted? Who will you see? Where will you go? Your answer might provide a glimpse into who and what you love.What does Jesus do on his first day free from the grave and death? His actions that day speak about who and what He values most.And one of the things Jesus does- is simply to take a walk with His friends.Jesus prioritizes a relationship with us. Can we say the same? And if we can- what does a relationship with God look like? How does it work?Join us as we gain insights from Jesus' journey to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-36. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...Want to learn more about the possible sites of Emmaus? Check out this resource:http://www.seetheholyland.net/emmaus/Want to know how to connect further with our church family, or find some resources to help you keep growing? Stop by our website: https://www.mcclex.org/nowwhat

Happy Easter! Today we celebrate a Savior who is risen and a Hope that is ALIVE!Passages in today's teaching: Matthew 27:57-66, 28:1-4 ; Mark 16:2-4; Luke 24:3-12; John 20:11-18Learn more about our church family at: https://www.mcclex.org

Hallowed Ground: The Garden of Gethsemane and GolgothaToday we are going to visit two more places along our Easter voyage and I’m excited to have the opportunity to talk about the Garden of Gethsemane and Golgotha. Similarly to last week, we are going to be reminded of how deeply and completely Jesus loves us, but today I would like to add something else. Jesus’ last week on earth reminds us that He stayed committed to one goal; God’s will be done. We are going to hear this repeatedly one way or another throughout today's teaching, and while Jesus is completing the will of His father, He never gives up and He never uses His own power to disrupt the will of God.

Hallowed Ground: THE UPPER ROOMIn the upper room, Jesus gathers His friends for a final meal before He suffers. Disappointingly, His disciples fail to offer Jesus the support He needs. In turn, Jesus shows them (and us) that His love for us doesn't waver based on our performance.Scriptures referenced: Matthew 26:17-35; Mark 14:12-31; Luke 22:7-38; John 13:1-38You can find more info about our church family and resources on our website:https://www.mcclex.orgIf you are a part of the Macedonia family, we are committed to staying connected, supporting each other and continuing to grow in this season while we can't gather in person. Please use the links below as you find them helpful:Please update your contact info so that we can stay in touch:https://macedonia.churchcenter.com/people/forms/35792 Share a prayer or practical need with us: https://macedonia.churchcenter.com/people/forms/114864 Share your financial resources to support our life and mission as a church...https://macedonia.churchcenter.com/giving

Audio from our online broadcast on 03.22.20 To view this online teaching, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9alzs3JhgcMHit the subscribe button to be notified as we post new content.SUMMARY: We are living in uncertain times. But we aren't the first people to deal with change. Today we track along with Jesus to see how He navigates change and what He prioritizes in seasons of disruption.LINKS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO:(If these aren't live, copy and paste them into your web browser)1. MCC family, please update your contact info so that we can stay in touch: HERE2. Share a prayer or practical need:HERE3. Volunteer to serve others:HEREMESSAGE NOTES:Mark 6:30-46; Matthew 9:36; John 5:19, 12:49; Philippians 4:11b-13God is WITH us and WORKING FOR us- especially in times of uncertainty.As He navigated changes and disruptions, Jesus prioritized:1. REST & RELATIONSHIP- How might the "new normal" you are experiencing give you more time and opportunity to rest? Even at home, what do you need to rest from?- Who do you need to check in with? What are some ways you can pursue relationships even when you can't be with people in person?2. PEOPLE & THEIR NEEDS- What needs do you have to bring before Jesus today- physical and spiritual, big and small? -Do you believe He cares and will meet them- maybe through means or ways you've never imagined?3. TIME WITH THE FATHER- As you find a new routine, are you building in time and space to be with God?- What does spending time with God look like for you? Are there spiritual practices you may want to learn about or lean into more during this season?

How does our work partnership with God unfold? As we GO, God GROWS. We move and act in faith, God provides the power and produces the results.

We aren't just called to be with Jesus or become like Jesus - we are called to do what Jesus did. God commissions us to carry on the mission of Jesus and to represent Him/His Kingdom as Ambassadors. To continue to invite people into His Kingdom and show and tell the Good News. As we do, we find more life and purpose than we had before.

God doesn't ask us to try and follow Jesus. He call us to commit to training to become like Jesus. When we trust Jesus, we are in Christ immediately. However, our lives come to resemble Jesus' slowly over time as we trust in God's Power and train ourselves to work out our salvation.

We don't become like Jesus by making small adjustments to our daily lives. We become like Jesus by dying, sharing in His death and experiencing a new life through His resurrection. We don't just need a fresh start, but a rebirth. Not only CAN we become like Jesus, but we already have ALL the power we need to do so because the resurrected One lives in us.

God calls us to walk with Jesus and to become like Jesus. Jesus shows us who God is and how God would live as a human. Jesus came as a RABBI who made disciples. He wasn't just a preacher who spoke to crowds. Jesus was a teacher whose students stuck closely to Him so that they could imitate each aspect of the life He lived. As disciples of Jesus, we need to walk as He walked. (Ephesians 5:1-2; John 13:13-17; 1 John 2:3-6).

God made us for relationships. Through Jesus we are God's adoptive children. But what does it look like to be at home in Him? To really share His life day by day? As Jesus prepares to leave the earth, He talks with His disciples about how they (and we!) can experience an ongoing relationship with Jesus anywhere and anytime.

Since we left the Garden, God has been working to restore our relationships. At first, humans experience chaos, trauma and pain as we operate from the knowledge of good and evil. Then, God works through the law and Israel- which provide more structure and limit pain, but don't bring fullness or freedom. Finally, God sends Jesus who frees us and brings us back to the Father's table as God's children.

We were made in the image of a God who is highly relational. Before anything exists, God is in perfect relationship with Himself. After Creation, relationships are still what matter most. Beyond simply calling us to believe in Him, Jesus is inviting us to BE WITH Him. We'll explore the first relational steps of: 1. Humanity in the Garden (Genesis 1-3) and 2. Jesus' disciples (John 1:35-51).

In one sense, we all want to know that we are ok. And in another sense, we all know we aren’t ok. How do we reconcile that? The Good News is that we don’t have to. That’s why Jesus came.

At our best, we show great compassion for others. At our worst, we draw lines to exclude and war to conquer. If only we could all just get along. If only Someone would unite us and bring us together. The Prince of Peace comes for everyone- including the overlooked and the outsider.

Ordinary. To some, that word sounds like an insult. But God loves using ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the middle of their ordinary lives. Take Mary and Joseph for example.

Whether we’ve never believed in God or our trust has lost its vibrancy, everything changes when God shows up for us. Just ask the old couple whose encounter with God launches the Christmas Story and breathes fresh life into their faith.

We should be grateful for our daily blessings. The problem? We don't always see them as blessings. Listen in as we give thanks for all that God has provided, and take time to pray for Persecuted Christians around the world.

We see what is in front of us. God sees what has, is and will be. Daniel catches glimpses of the mind and heart of God and responds with awe and wonder.Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/55569602nd Helpings: https://www.bible.com/events/5621908

Walking faithfully with God brought Daniel honor and success. And it made him a target for those who were jealous and don’t share his faith. When a trap is set for Daniel, will he compromise to preserve himself? Or trust God fully regardless of the outcome?Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/5495772

God gives us opportunities. We decide what to do with them. Sometimes we heed his warnings. Sometimes we don’t. Humility leads to life and honor. Pride leads to judgement.Message Notes : https://www.bible.com/events/49403772nd Helpings : https://www.bible.com/events/5166761

God isn’t just sustaining His people- He is working in and for those outside His family. God wants everyone to understand how GOOD and GREAT HE is and to stand humbly before Him. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/4587957

God’s people are pressured to bow down. They make the courageous choice to stand up- without knowing how their story will end.Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/2878922

The king of Babylon is shaken. And he creates a life or death situation for Daniel and his friends. Instead of freaking out, they choose to stand calmly in prayer as God’s representatives and faithfully serve as His messengers.Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/705577Second Helpings: https://www.bible.com/events/882121

Daniel and his peers find themselves replanted in a foreign culture that seeks to reshape them. As God’s people they choose to stand out rather than blending in. Message Notes: http://www.bible.com/events/702989Second Helpings: http://www.bible.com/events/703899

Sharon Brush, from the local branch of Samaritan's Purse, shares with us about what happens AFTER the gifts are delivered. Specifically, about the way the kids and their families have opportunities to get connected with Jesus and His church and be discipled.

"LANE CLOSED" "DETOUR" "ACCIDENT AHEAD" When we see signs like these on the road, we don't see opportunities and get excited. We see hassles and hope they don't delay us too much. Transition and change often flow out of difficulty or bring trouble with them. But where we see PROBLEMS, God sees POSSIBILITIES. What if the things we'd rather avoid are the perfect incubators for the lessons God knows we need next?Message Notes: www.bible.com/events/6928192nd Helpings: www.bible.com/events/693625

What's the first question you ask when someone you love calls to tell you they've been in an accident? Before inquiring about the damage to the car, you ask if THEY are OK. Cars are replaceable. People aren't. People are made in the image of God. People are what brought Jesus from heaven to earth to sacrifice Himself. As Jesus transitions towards the cross, He values people every step of the way. May we do the same.Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/6890302nd Helpings: https://www.bible.com/events/689913

Trying to move from one space to another means keeping our head on a swivel. We need input from several directions at once. We need a clear picture of what is happening in front of, to the side of, and behind us. Each day we have a lot of input coming at us from the world around us and from within. Wisdom calls us to factor in God’s perspective, check it against our defaults and to allow it to shape our reactions and trajectory.The message outlinehttp://bible.com/events/6803372nd Helpings http://bible.com/events/681039

How quickly can we merge? Merging isn't completely up to us. We have to cooperate with those already on the road, and they have to cooperate with us. We need to have realistic expectations about what is within our control, and what is beyond it. As life shifts, we need to distinguish between what we can do, what God can do, and what God can do with and through us. Teaching Notes: www.bible.com/events/680337Second Helpings: www.bible.com/events/681039

Merging isn’t about going as fast as we can. Instead, we gauge our speed vs. the oncoming traffic and adjust accordingly. We may need to speed up or slow down depending on how things unfold. Life isn’t meant to always be lived full-throttle, and transitions remind us that we need to vary our pace.2nd Helpings: https://www.bible.com/events/676127

When we merge we need to be clear about what we are trying to accomplish. We aren’t just trying to get to the end of the on-ramp. We’re trying to get on the road. Similarly, we need to remember that our ultimate purpose isn’t the activity in front of us, but honoring God in everything we do.

Is it more important to be kind? Or right? Are we to be known as people who stand on the truth? Or as people who show great love?

Is faith a personal or corporate thing? Is it about MY relationship with God? Or OUR relationship with God? Am I a believer? Or part of a body of believers?

Who does the heavy lifting in our spiritual lives? Is it mostly God with a little help from us? Or vice-versa? Do we need more diligence and effort? Or more trust and waiting?

How should God’s mercy shape our lives? Will grace lead us to live freely with bold abandon? Or intentionally with disciplined focus?