Messages by Ryan Lenerz (Page 9)
The Lost Art of Celebration
Many believe the Christian life is one of somber and serious quiet time with God. And while that is true for some of the spiritual disciplines, it has to be balanced with the joyous discipline of celebration. Jesus was a partier, and we should follow his example of demonstrating what God-honoring celebration looks and feels like. Not So Serious Today we continue to look at the spiritual disciplines that help deepen our relationship with God, but today’s discipline is very…
The Lost Art of Prayer
Christians know that prayer is an important part of their relationship with Jesus, but too often we allow our prayer lives to become tired lists of what you want God to do for you. In this message, you will learn a variety of different ways you can connect with Jesus through prayer to bring new life to your relationship with God. Prayer is the Basis for Relationship with God Today’s message is about the bedrock of every relationship: strong communication.…
The Lost Art of Bible Study
Many Christians want to follow Jesus, but they never make time to actually read God’s Word and see how Jesus lived. One of the Lost Arts of our day is to actually take the time to learn what is inside the Bible, to read it for ourselves and to put it into our hearts. If we are willing to do that, however, it will transform our lives. Message Coming Soon
Solitude and Silence
In our new series about the Lost Arts of spiritual discipline, we first look at the foundation of so many ways we connect with God – by putting away distractions and finding silence and solitude so we can hear God’s quiet whisper. Finding Stronger Connections With God Today we start a new series building on the great message Kirk gave last week. He encouraged us to make some New Year’s Resolutions to use four practices to help build a stronger…
The Virgin Mother
The fact that Jesus was conceived in the power of the Holy Spirit by a virgin as incredible implications for this God-man who is the perfect intersection of heaven and earth. How Babies are Made Today we are going back to high school. To high school health class. To a topic that made the kids giggle. The topic that made me hang out in the library for a week because my mom exempted me from it. SEX ED. I’m guessing…
Too Many Kings
The Christmas story includes numerous kings, with only one who rules over them all. In this message we look at how these men of power respond to the King sent by God and how we might respond to Him either like the magi who bow and worship or like King Herod who is disturbed and attacks. King of Our Castles Today we look at another group of “unlikely characters” who appear in the Christmas story. But first, let me ask…
Lowly Shepherds
The proclamation of the birth of Jesus was not first made to kings or religious elites, but to those outside the community – a group of shepherds watching their sheep at night. This important piece of the Christmas story teaches us that God’s heart has always been for the outsiders, and it still is today. BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS Today we’ll talk about the “unlikely characters” who received the very first proclamation of the birth of Jesus. Other than those in the…
Zechariah and Elizabeth
While Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration, for many it is a reminder of all the disappointments and unmet expectations of another year. In fact, that’s the exact feeling of the unlikely characters who open the story of Jesus’ birth. Rather than beginning with Jesus, the Gospel of Luke opens with a focus on an old couple who was unable to have children. But why? People Can Surprise You We start our new Christmas series today by…
Seek Godly Wisdom
When we think of valuable things, we often think of items with a monetary value. But the the book of Proverbs teaches us that wisdom is much more valuable than gold or silver. Wisdom offers a life of happiness and blessings as a result of wise choices made over a lifetime. Message The Thanksgiving season is here, and some of you may be facing delicate situations that leave you baffled as to how to proceed. Maybe you’re invited to activities…
The Kingdom of Heaven is a Treasure
Jesus teaches via two parables that much more valuable than any earthly treasure is our ability to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven. Like treasure hunters, when we realize the immense value of the Kingdom of Heaven, we should be willing to give all that we have to make sure we are a part of the kingdom. Message Continuing our series on “Treasure,” we’ll focus today on the pursuit of treasure – the HUNT. It’s one thing to HAVE treasure, but…