Metamorphosis: Part 3 / Romans 13

Watch Greg Sidders Message, "Metamorphosis: Part 3" Sunday 02-24-13

How do you spot Christians in a crowd? Apart from what they say, I mean. Let's imagine no one said anything about their spiritual beliefs (or wore anything that gave clues). Would it still be possible to identify followers of Jesus?

It should be--because the transformation process we are undergoing, filled as we are with the Spirit of God, makes us look distinctively different than other people. This Sunday at White Pine (weather-permitting), we will learn from Romans 13 three identifying marks of mid-metamorphosis. I hope you become a little more of the person God made you to be as you study the Scriptures with us.

How To Love People You Don't Even Like

Watch, "How To Love People You Don't Even Like, Romans 12:9-21

How can we love people we don't even like?

That's not a question that we naturally ask, but when when we are being supernaturally metamorphosed into Christlikeness, it's a question we have to answer--because until we love our enemies, we're not like Jesus.

This Sunday at White Pine, we will study together Romans 12:9-21, and we will learn, among other things, how to treat our least favorite people. It's all part of becoming who God made us to be.

With love,

Metamorphosis: How Can We Ever Thank Him?

Watch Metamorphosis: Part 1- "How Can We Ever Thank Him?" by Greg Sidders, 02-03-12

If you have ever stopped to think about ... really think about ... the difference Jesus has made in your life, and your destiny, you can't help but ask the question, "How can I ever thank Him?"

In part 1 of Metamorphosis, we'll be studying Romans 12:1-8, a passage that answers that very question. It will show you how to express appropriate gratitude to the One who has given you mind-boggling mercy.

James 4:1-10 / Kurt Holmgren, The Root Cellar

Watch Kurt Holmgren, Executive Director of the Root Cellar in Portland, ME in his message from James 4:1-10

James 4:1-10 is challenging enough in a strait forward translation, but when Eugene Peterson paraphrases it for us, you can really feel the heat:

"Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble." So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet."

Don't worry, there's an encouraging phrase in the heart of this admonishing passage (verse 6, to be specific), and we'll zoom in it.

Rethinking History

Watch "Rethinking History" by Greg Sidders / Sunday 01-20-13

 

If the question nagged at you before, it may be haunting you now. Is there any hope for those I love who have rejected Christ?

 

Admittedly, a lot of what we have been learning in Romans 9-10 can be discouraging. The truth that God softens some hearts and hardens others (chapter 9), and that many moral people will not make it into heaven because they don't see their need for a Savior (chapter 10) can make us wonder if our loved ones are destined to be casualties in God's cosmic plan.

 

But this Sunday at White Pine, we are not only going to learn more about what God has in mind; we are also going to going to get a glimpse into His heart--and I think it will give you stubborn hope for those who salvation you pray for most passionately.

Rethinking Righteousness

Watch, "Rethinking Righteousness" by Greg Sidders // Sunday 01-13-13

When Tragedy Strikes

Watch, "When Tragedy Strikes" by Greg Sidders / 12-16-12