Sermons - East End Fellowship: Recent Episodes
East End Fellowship
Godly kindness protects, shows mercy, and offers restitution.
Find out how two best friends and a guy named Mephibosheth exemplify kindness that comes from God
Pastor Rob Denison continues our study of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23
“Galatians 5:22-23 English Standard Version (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Pastor Doug hosts four EEF folks to tell the stories of Joy - Joy in Waiting with Îesha Williams and Sherika Chew. Joy in Sorrow with Christy Collins. And Joy in God's Presence with Graham McNeely. We are continuing our series on the scripture Galatians 5:22-25
Pastor Doug Paul starts a new series from Galatians 5 where it contrasts the fruit of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Our Elder, Dan Melin, delivers a message about what makes a Supreme Fellowship in the life of the church.
Pastor Don exhorts us to pray without ceasing.
THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST
AND
LAUNCHING INTO A NEW YEAR AND DECADE
Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV)
2Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Luke 18:1,7-9 (ESV)
18 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought (A)always to pray and not (B)lose heart. 7 And (E)will not God give justice to (F)his elect, (G)who cry to him day and night? (H)(I)Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them (J)speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, (K)will he find faith on earth?”
9 He also told this parable to some (L)who trusted (M)in themselves that they were righteous, (N)and treated others with contempt:
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)17 (A)pray without ceasing,
Luke 6:12 (ESV)12 In these days (A)he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Philippians 4:6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
18 praying (A)at all times (B)in the Spirit, (C)with all prayer and supplication. To that end, (D)keep alert with all perseverance, making (E)supplication for all the saints,
Acts 6:4
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
2 Corinthians 1:11
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
Philippians 1:4
always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
CAN WE TALK? PROPHETIC INSIGHT INTO 2020 AND EEF
MISSION : WE EXIST SO THAT EVERY PERSON IN THE EAST END HAS MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE PART OF JESUS’ SPIRITUAL FAMILY
Acts 2:40-47 English Standard Version (ESV)
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[a] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 4:30-35 English Standard Version (ESV)
30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
PROPHETIC WORD: READ THE ENTIRE BOOK OF GALATIANS. THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO FIND REVELATION OF WHERE WE ARE AS A LOCAL GATHERING OF BELIEVERS NOW.
David Bailey, one of the EEF elders, continues our study of the book of Colossians, with verses from chapter 2.
Pastor Erin Rose resumes our study of Colossians with the biblical passage Colossians 2:8-15
Pastor Don uses several passages of scripture to exhort us to be full of thanksgiving for God at all times
Pastor Doug Paul felt led to speak on a passage in Isaiah today. The Colossians study will continue next week.
Rob Dennison, one of the pastors at EEF, continues our study of the book of Colossians.
Elena Aronson delivers a message on the scripture, Colossians 2:6-7, as we continue the study of the book of Colossians.
Pastor Erin Rose continues the study of Colossians - a powerful message on Colossians 1:15-20
Colossians 1:15-20 English Standard Version (ESV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Pastor Doug Paul delivers part 2 of our study on Colossians.
Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV)
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped
praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his
will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you
may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in
every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with
all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great
endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has
qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of
light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us
into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness of sins.
Our Worship and Teaching Pastor, Erin Rose, starts our new series on the book of Colosians.
Our outreach pastor, Chris Lee, gives us a biblical perspective on inappropriate anger. What happens when we either erupt with anger or bottle it up instead?
Proverbial: A Sermon Series - Friendship
Proverbs 17:17- “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 18:24- “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
A True Friend is Present
A True Friend Tells You the Truth
A True Friend Knows and Loves the Real You
Jesus is the True Friend
Jesus Frees us to Be True Friends
EEF Pastor Doug Paul continues our sermon series on Proverbs
Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
The leader of Arrabon and Urban Doxology, as well as an Elder of East End Fellowship speaks a disturbing message to those of us who are “asleep at the wheel” of the vehicle of Justice in our country and world, asking us to let the Lord open our eyes to the reality of what’s going on in society, and to not be passive about it.
Our guest pastor, Dr. Theon Hill, Professor of Communications at Wheaton College, hits us hard with the lessons being learned from racism and injustice.
Our worship and teaching pastor, Erin Rose, starts a new series on the book of Proverbs.
Pastor Don Coleman continues with part 2 of his message of what the Lord has shown him during his year-long sabbatical, exhorting us to "Do the Bible".
In a two part sermon, Pastor Don Coleman challenges the church to get serious - do the Bible!
Doug Paul challenges us to think through what God is after in us as His body in East End of Richmond. He presented the ideas then asked for questions and comments from the brothers and sisters.
After a wonderful testimony by Kyle Jones and John Ha, our teaching and worship pastor, Erin Rose, gives the last sermon in this series, using the Luke 24 story of the road to Emmaus.
Luke 24: 13-32 (NIV)
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Pastor Don Coleman is back for his first sermon after his year-long sabbatical, and exhorts us to tell about the Resurrection.
Pastor Doug Paul speaks the last sermon in this series. The question is asked of John and Andrew who want to sit at Jesus' right hand when he is enthroned not knowing what that would cost.
Our brother, Jonathan Chan continues our series of the hard questions that our Lord Jesus asked.
Pastor Chris Lee gives a message on John 21 when Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me...?"
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendorwas dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The sermon time begins by two special musical offerings by the Resound trio. And then one of our Elders, David Bailey challenges us with more loaded questions that Jesus asks of us.
Mark 4:35-41 New International Version (NIV)
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Erin Rose, our Worship and Teaching Pastor continues our sermon series, "Loaded Questions: The Questions of Jesus". Take a listen!
The first installment of our "Loaded Questions" sermon series, which focuses on the paradigm-shifting, relationship-fueling questions of Jesus.
Erin Rose, our Worship and Teaching Pastor brings a word on Communal Generosity that yields Communal Renewal and Communal Joy. Take a listen!
Our Associate Pastor Rob Denison brought our message on the 3rd Advent service in December 2018
Lawson Wijesooriya gives a testimony on how the Spirit's power shown through the lives of others led her to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Erin Rose preaches from Ephesians 5:1-20
Our Worship and Teaching Pastor, Erin Rose, explores transformation, giving a list of "do's and don'ts" from the book of Ephesians.
Our outreach pastor, Chris Lee, continues our study of the book of Ephesians and what it means for our church.
Ephesians 4:1-16 New Living Translation (NLT)
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all,
who is over all, in all, and living through all.
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Our Youth Pastor, Chris Lee, continues our study of the book of Ephesians, using the 2nd Chapter as his basis.
Ephesians 2:1-10 New International Version (NIV)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This sermon (and for the next few weeks) includes a video which you can watch at this site link: Bible Story Video . This sermon is by Pastor Doug Paul, continuing our study of Ephesians.
We are starting a multi-week study of the book of Ephesians as we launch a new season at East End Fellowship: Power at Work - The Story of the Book of Ephesians. Erin Rose introduces the series.
Nicole Unice, a pastor at Hope Church in Richmond, VA, challenges us to re-think about God's love toward us.
Her opening statement is significant:
"The promise of God's higher love transforms how we give and receive today's imperfect love ."1 John 3:1-3 (NIV)See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Our brother, Jonathan Chan, proclaims how much more extensive the whole story of the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ than just the plan of salvation or the Roman Road. Those are true, but full picture is so much more meaningful and exciting.
On youth Sunday, our youth Pastor, Chris Lee, tells what the book of Jonah is really about.
Rob Deniston, a seminary student, gives the 3rd sermon in this series on misunderstood scriptures. He also includes the children in this family-oriented Sunday at EEF.
Our worship and teaching pastor, Erin Rose, brings us part 2 of a new series on misunderstood scriptures.
Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV)
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”
John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Galatians 6:1-2
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Ephesians 5:18-20
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pastor Doug Paul starts a new series of misunderstood passages of scripture with the well known passage of Philippians 4:13.
Phil 4:13 (NIV 1982?)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Acts 9:10-19a
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Corinthians 11:22-29
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn
Acts 25:9-12
Then Paul made his defense: "I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar." Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?" Paul answered: "I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!" After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
Phil 4:10-20
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Erin Rose and Doug Paul lead us in our desire to follow the Lord completely.
John 17:6-26 (ESV)
“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Hebrew Word: Hesed - loving kindness, mercy
Our sister, Ashley Mejias, gives the final message, the summary of our series on the Book of Ruth.
But Ruth said,
“Do not press me to leave you
or to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go;
where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people,
and your God my God.
Where you die, I will die—
there will I be buried.
May the Lord do thus and so to me,
and more as well,
if even death parts me from you!”
When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.
So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them; and the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them,
“Call me no longer Naomi,
call me Mara,
for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me.
I went away full,
but the Lord has brought me back empty;
why call me Naomi
when the Lord has dealt harshly with me,
and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
So Naomi returned together with Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, who came back with her from the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
Pastor Doug Paul, finishes our 5 week study of the Book of Ruth. It was a glorious outpouring of God's Spirit upon our gathering. There is quite a lengthy worship time after the benediction.
Ruth 4:13-22 (NIV)
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth."
Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. The women living there said, "Naomi has a son." And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David.
One of our EEF elders, David Bailey continues our series on Ruth, showing how Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz are examples for us in "growing up" as Christians. There is a time of music at the end for response, and then a surprise as Marcellus proposes to Brooke. (The video of this event can be found here)
Pastor Doug Paul delivers part 3 of our study of the book of Ruth. He shows how Ruth and Boaz are great examples of Hesed, the Hebrew word translated as Loving Kindness - of how living the gospel compels us to go far beyond the minimum. Our young sister Lauren Bleam presents her painting of the story of Ruth and Naomi.
Ruth 2
Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz.
And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor." Naomi said to her, "Go ahead, my daughter." So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.
Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!" "The LORD bless you!" they called back.
Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, "Whose young woman is that?"
The foreman replied, "She is the Moabitess who came back from Moab with Naomi.
She said, `Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.' She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."
So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.
At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me--a foreigner?
Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband--how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
"May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord," she said. "You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant--though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls."
At mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar." When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, "Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don't embarrass her. Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don't rebuke her."
So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.
Her mother-in-law asked her, "Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!" Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. "The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz," she said.
"The LORD bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead." She added, "That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers."
Then Ruth the Moabitess said, "He even said to me, `Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.'" Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else's field you might be harmed."
So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.
Our worship and teaching Pastor, Erin Rose, teaches on the opening story of Naomi's life in the book of Ruth. She starts by leading us in worship, and the recording ends with the EEF response at the Lord's table and closing songs. The video can be seen at https://youtu.be/ZJnPtC7OEjU
Ruth 1: 1-5 (NIV)
In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.
Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.
Chris Lee, our Youth Pastor, gives us good guidelines of how we are to live in today's society.
This Sunday, April 29, 2018, our brother Romesh was installed as an Elder. Both Pastor Doug Paul and Matt Illian spoke about Romesh's journey, and Romesh talks about what an Elder is to be.
This recording starts with corporate prayer time by several in the congregation, led by Chris Lee, our youth pastor. And then Rob Denison speaks a message following the movie from last Sunday about how the church needs to lead in breaking down the racial barriers that exist today.
Pastor Doug Paul finishes the series, Walk This Way, emphasizing the life that will lead to walking with Jesus in His power.
Pastor Doug Paul gives a strong exhortation to believers to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, to ask simply what is the next step?
Our worship leader and teaching pastor, Erin Rose, brings EEF to repentance before the Lord.
Ephesians 5 English Standard Version (ESV)Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
In the second of the series "Walk This Way", Jonathan Chan speaks a powerful message to the saints that challenges every believer.
Erin Rose, our Worship and Teaching Pastor, starts our 5 part series: Walk This Way.
2 Corinthians 5:6-10(ESV)So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Chris Lee, our EEF Youth Minister, challenges us to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Don makes us take a hard look at what is the thing that we are seeking. Is it God and His kingdom?
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Jeremiah 29:11-15
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
John 4:22-24
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Acts 17:26-28
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”
Our worship leader and teaching pastor, Erin Rose, presents the 4th in the series of Kairos Moments. And the service includes several testimonies of what the Lord has done during the three weeks of fasting and praying.
One of our EEF Elders, Shekinah Mitchell, gives part 2 of our series on Kairos Moments.
As we start the new year, David Bailey leads us into a series on those times when it is God's moment to act.
Pastor Doug Paul leads us into observing the second Sunday of Advent with the focus on God's gift of Peace through the coming of His Son into the world. Our apologies for the audio being somewhat less than optimal.
Our Worship and Teaching Pastor, Erin Rose, brought a message of Hope as we begin the Sundays in Advent.
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? (Romans 7:18-19, NLT)
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are
Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering.
We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.24 We were given this hope when we were saved.
(If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.).
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.
He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died— more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Our EEF Elder, David Bailey, who is also the Executive Director of Arrabon, continues our study of Ephesians 6 about the armor of God.
Rob Denison gives a message on why we need the Shield of Faith as an important part of our armor as we stand in the battle against evil in the world.
Notes in the handout Here are the notes to accompany the Holy Spirit Workshop Weekend, led by Mike Flynn, that was held at EEF on November 3-4, 2017. The videos that these notes are used with are available at this YouTube Playlist . You can use your print command in your browser to print out the notes.
Pastor Doug Paul continues the series on the armor of God, exhorting us to always put on the belt of truth that holds it all together. Accidentally, the first part of the sermon was not recorded. So the slides are shown for that part are included. The recorded part picks up at about minute 3. The slides are shown with comments on the video posting at: https://youtu.be/jGW1IhyTdd8
Erin Rose, our worship leader and teaching pastor, brings us part 3 of the series, The Gospel Made Visible. The posting was delayed because of technical problems. (The sermon was on Oct. 1, 2017)
One of our EEF elders, Shikinah Mitchell delivers a powerful challenge to the church to take up the full armor of God and to see its role in the spiritual battle that is raging around us.
Pastor Doug continues the series of how the Church is made visible - part 3 of 4 messages.
Pastor Doug continues the series of how the Gospel is made visible, how we need to relate as family even though all of us have been hurt in close relationships before. It is in those close relationships that we become a true witness before the world -" By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Pastor Doug Paul starts a series about how the gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ) can become more relevant to our daily lives and to encourage us all to be part of the families that meet as House Churches during the week, not just on Sunday.
In these troubled times we wonder how are we to live as believers, as followers and disciples of our Lord Jesus. Pastor Don gives us the secret. And the choir follows with a heart-felt response.
“LIVING HEAVEN ON EARTH:
DOING THE BIBLEMatthew 6:9-10 (ESV)
9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Malachi 2:10 (MSG)
10 Don’t we all come from one Father? Aren’t we all created by the same God? So why can’t we get along? Why do we desecrate the covenant of our ancestors that binds us together?
Ephesians 3:14-15 (ESV)
Prayer for Spiritual Strength14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
Revelation 5:8-9 (ESV)
8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV)
9 After this I looked and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”John 13:34-35 (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 17:20-23 (ESV)
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 The glory that you have given me, I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Philippians 2:1-3 (ESV)
Christ’s Example of Humility
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affections and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.WE MUST HAVE MORE OF THE
POWER OF THE SPIRITActs 1:18 (ESV)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 6:4-8 (ESV)
4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicalaus.
”
EEF experienced a very moving service on the Sunday following the Charlottesville VA events of this weekend. Makeda McCreary called us to worship; Erin Rose, one of our teaching pastors, pours out her heart in response to that time as well as giving us the hope in Jesus instead of the despair that comes without Him. The sermon was followed by a stirring community prayer time for direction and boldness to testify to the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The videos for the service can be found on the EEF YouTube Page
Psalm 27 (NKJV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.
Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Andy & Rachel Graham - Spirit Pour Out
Spirit pour out and flood this city
Heaven come down and shake the walls
Fill us Lord the world is waiting
Father let your kingdom come
Come restore generations of desolation
Bind up the poor and broken heart
Plant and sow, till and grow what time has ravaged
Break down the walls of race and war
Spirit pour out and flood this city
Heaven come down and shake the walls
Fill us Lord the world is waiting
Father let your kingdom come
God we seek the peace and welfare of our city
Prosper redeem her as your own
That all would see your glory here in greater measure
Through us your church your kingdom come
You are the God builds
You are the one who saves
You are the God who prospers
Evil has no claim
You are the God builds
You are the one who saves
You are the God who prospers
Fervently we pray
Ephesians 6: 10-17 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Following a Christian hip-hop song by our summer music interns, Erin Rose, our worship and teaching pastor, delivers another powerful word from the scripture about guarding our minds in Philippians 4:8.
Here are the words from the song, You've Been Faithful by Eddie James
As I look back over my life
I can see how Your love has guided me
Even though I've done wrong
You never left me alone
But You forgave me
And You kept on blessing
This I recall to my mind
Therefore I have hope
It's because of Your mercy that we are not consumed
Because thy compassions fail not,
They are new every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness
You've been, Lord You've been so faithful
I can never repay You Lord for what You done for me
How You loosed my shackles and you set me free.
How You made a way out of no way
Turned my darkness into day
You've been my joy in the time of sorrow
Hope for my tomorrow
Peace in the time of storm
Strength when I'm weak and worn
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
The Earth Shall Know - by Urban Doxology
Let us come on one accord
To lift up praises to our King
There is splendor and power all around Him
We will gather all together
Every nation, tribe, creed and color
Put our differences aside
And let our Father be glorified
And the earth shall know His name
And the earth will sing His praise
And all of the earth shall see
The grace of our God
Of our God
Though our appearances change
We are all the same
Saved in Jesus' name
We've been washed by the blood of the Lamb
For by Him we were created in His image
In His name
And through grace His grace
We are called to change
Communities together healing people
Meeting needs
Giving honor to our King
And the earth shall know His name
And the earth will sing His praise
And all of the earth shall see
The grace of our God
Of our God
Heal the land
Meet the need
Set the captives free
David Bailey, one of our EEF Elders, encourages us to let Jesus overcome our cultural, economic and other differences to love all people and bring them to our Lord. His message is proceeded by our sister Richetta Armstead, who is actively evangelizing on the streets of Church Hill. And in addition, you can listen to the wonderful worship songs by the music interns along with our worship team.
Here are the slides that Richetta talked about:
PRAISES AND MIRACLES
- An EEF member received a new car for commuting.
- Cancers are in remission or surgically removed on several individuals.
- Deliverance from alcohol, drugs, and substances. Several males were admitted to the Healing Place or the VA Drug Program.
- Financial blessings were received.
- The homeless found shelter, apartments, and homes. Not sleeping on the streets.
- A prostitute received her wings. God freed her from her heroin bondage on “T” street.
- Male delivered from sleepless nights, after a 15 year span because of a demon spirit.
- Two attempted suicides stopped through prayer in person & over the phone.
- Baked spaghetti dinners prepared….30 plus.
- EEF calling cards distributed…200 plus.
- Carepacks distributed…500 plus.
- Floor fans donated and distributed…5 total.
- Family relationships healed and abusive partners removed from homes.
Acts 8:26-40 (NIV)Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”
The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
The pillar of cloud had led the people out of Egypt, becoming a pillar of fire by night to give them light. When Pharaoh and his army pursued the Israelites, the “angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel…” Exodus 14:19-20a.
We need to remember that the same God that directs us also protects us. If we cannot see the pillar of fire before us, when it has moved out of our sight to the back, we can be confident that God is still working even in the dark. We need to remember who he is and that he is working, even when when all we see is darkness.
Exodus 13:17-22(ESV)
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.
Exodus 14:19-22
Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
Mark 9:14-29English Standard Version (ESV)And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood.And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
Percy and Angie Strickland and their children are leaving Richmond to a new community in South Carolina after serving here in the East End for the last 17 years. They founded the Church Hill Activities and Tutoring (CHAT) non-profit that serves over 200 kids in this area, and Angie has served wonderfully as the head doctor of the local hospital's emergency room.
Here are slides used in the message:1. No act of compassion is ever wasted. Not even one.2. Fun is an onramp to joy and the joy of the Lord is our strength.3. A people of the resurrection are always known by their hope.4. We all use more grace than we deserve, so give more that seems reasonable to others.5. The harvest is plentiful/overwhelming - get in the field!6. There is no substitute for the will of God
Rob Denison, husband, father, computer consultant, ministerial student, and lover of Jesus, gives a good message for Pentecost Sunday.