Munger Place Church - Dallas, Texas Rev Andrew Forrest

This week we are wrapping up our series CoMission. What we see in our scripture is probably the most important thing we need to realize about our mission as a Church. In fact, it is so important, that it is exactly what Jesus did during his mission on earth. If we can follow that same model, then we will begin to truly make a difference in our community.

Scripture: John 1:1-5
Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

This is an exciting time of the year. Student’s are graduating, changing grades, going off the college, and summer is starting! But this time of year can also be scary because it is a time of change. And when we are faced with change, sometimes all we want to do is stay where we are comfortable. But what does God call us to do? How does God call us to handle times like these?
Scripture: Matthew 17: 1-9

Message: The message of Corinthians is church is family. We are to love each other, endure each other, and celebrate each other. Family will do all these and more. Today, pray for your church family. Everything that a good family does church is intended to do. We are to love our church and do so well.

Extra Mile: Take a look at Acts 15, it is a compromise. James, the half-brother of Jesus, steps forward and offers a compromise between competing factions of the church. In the early church, there was tension between early converts who were Jewish and those who were not. The conflict occurred over circumcision with Paul insisting converts need not be circumcised while early Christians with Jewish roots insisted everyone should be. The result? Compromise. Circumcision was not required, while other laws were. Question - does God ever want us to compromise?

Scripture: Matthew 20:29-34
Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

This week we are looking at a classic story from scripture. The Good Samaritan is a story that tells us who our neighbor is. We are tempted to label this as a story that teaches us that everyone is our neighbor. However, that’s not really what Jesus says. So who then does Jesus say our neighbor is?
Extra Mile: Jesus puts the legal expert through a mental exercise in order to show him who his neighbor was. Turns out, it is the last person he would ever expect to help him and probably the last person he would want to see in a vulnerable position. This week, let’s do the same exercise. Who is the last person or group you would ever expect to help you or that you would want to see you at your worst? Take your time with this. But when you arrive at your answer, apply what Jesus says to the legal expert. Go and show mercy.
Scripture: Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37
Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Message: The Christian life is about you, and it’s not about you. All of us need Jesus - we need the forgiveness and life he offers us. Once we are saved by Jesus, though, a change happens. Our lives are to be lived for others. In our Scripture today, Jesus starts a new age. It is an age where believers focus less on ourselves and more on showing and telling the life of Jesus to others.
The Extra Mile: Each of the disciples is called to follow Jesus early in the Gospels. They answer and Jesus does what Jesus does. He teaches, heals, and shows the disciples what it is to be a believer. Each of the disciples, however, will abandon Jesus in the events leading up to the crucifixion. Matthew 28 the becomes, a second calling. The disciples are called to spread the Gospel and get a second chance to reclaim their role.
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

God helps those who can’t help themselves.
That includes each and every one of us, but this can sometimes be hard to admit. We like to be in control and feel like we can change even the worst of our situations, but when we come to grips with the fact that we can’t help ourselves into heaven we actually begin to have a deeper relationship with God. This week, be vulnerable with God. Maybe this is centered around something specific that you are going through or maybe it is just needing help in general. Either way, open up your heart and pay attention to how you feel God responding.
Scripture: Romans 5:1-8 CEB
Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald