Living and Sacrifice don't go together. However, that is exactly what it takes to live the Good News of Jesus in our lives. Let's learn how we can die to live and what we can do when we are yielded to Christ.

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• Romans 12:1-2

Graduate Sunday

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• Romans 12:9-21

Our God is an awesome God! Those words sound like they were spoken today of our trust in Him? Is it because He is awesome? Let's see this Sunday.

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• Deuteronomy 7:12-8:6

We believe in Jesus. But what do we believe about Jesus? There are 2 titles that must be acknowledged in our lives about him, Savior and Lord. We don't use those titles much today so what do they mean? Let's see this Sunday.

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• Philippians 2:5-11

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the 3rd person of the Trinity who came on Pentecost and began the church. What does the Holy Spirit do today? How does the Holy Spirit get and find Power?

The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are not names for different parts of God, but one name for God because three persons exist in God as one entity. Let's talk about the Holy Trinity this Sunday.

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• Ephesians 2:8-9

Al began working with Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI) in 1995. Since joining AFCI, Al has ministered in Ghana, Philippines, England, Spain, Croatia, Fiji, Tonga, Saint Vincent and Cambodia. He has taught courses for Bible Colleges, and he also speaks in churches and at conferences. Al and his wife Duke live in Sterling, Virginia where they are active in local outreach to the young Hispanics in their community. He will be sharing his passion for missions with us.

Dr. Frank Decker will be sharing about his work with sharing Jesus with the world. Frank currently serves as the Vice President for Member Care and Development for The Mission Society, based in Norcross, GA, where he enables the ministries of over 200 missionaries serving in 35 countries. Prior to serving in the home office, Frank and his wife Vicki served as missionaries to Ghana, West Africa, for seven years. In Ghana, Frank served as the National Director of Evangelism for the Methodist Church of Ghana, taught evangelism at Trinity College and developed a ministry that currently has over 300 tent-making evangelists. Frank has written over 60 published columns and articles on missions. Come and hear how you can be a part of what God is doing.

Hope and help after a horrible week around the country and around the world.

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• Mark 13:5-13

Each of us has a story to tell. What is your story to tell? How have you experienced Jesus? What is the Good News that you can tell?

The Bible was written so long ago. How can it be useful for us? It speaks to another time and different issues! Or does it? The Bible speaks to each generation and each age. Let’s see the relevancy of the Bible for us in 2013.

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• 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Is there an answer to the issues we face in the world today? If you look at our congress and society it seems each charts out its answer and that’s it. Or we simply say there isn’t an answer but it’s a gray area and its up to each to decide. Does the Bible teach an objective truth and if so what difference does it make? Let’s look at that this Sunday and the issues we as a society face.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

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• John 14:1-6
• John 14:1-6

Prayer is the thing everyone always talks about doing, but does it really make any difference? Isn’t God going to do what God is going to do regardless? Isn’t it a waste of my time? The Bible says, “You have not because you ask not.” Hmmmmm does that mean if we don’t pray we can lose out? Let’s see how to pray and what it does on Sunday.

The Bible says there is ONE God. But the God’s people talk about and believe in are so different. One is involved in everything. One never does anything but create what is. One only judges. Another only loves. Are they all the same and it doesn’t matter what we believe as long as we believe in God! Let’s see what the ONE and ONLY God is like and you can decide this Sunday.

Jesus was a good man. He was compassionate and caring. He helped the poor and needy. He should have continued to live as our example but they killed him! Jesus died! Why did it have to happen? What difference does it make for me? Let’s talk about the cross and death this Sunday.

Jesus story is acceptable until you begin to talk about his resurrection. Surely this isn’t true. The dead are made alive and a tomb is empty! How could it be? Yet, it is necessary! It is the reason we are here! Let’s see if we can discover what that means for the world this Easter and what we have to share because of it.

Make it work for you, those times when we feel trapped, slowed down by life, make time to take time to refresh.

Construction on the beltway is a normal part of life. It's never finished. It's never over! As followers of Jesus we are Christians Under Construction. Lets find out what that means.

Traffic signs are a part of our everyday experience. Most are there for our safety, others are there for informational purposes. Our faith presents us with signs every day, as well. So how might we combine the two exposures, so we are constantly reminded of God's love and our need for obedience?

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• Matthew 16:1-4

HOV lanes save time! Amazing how the highway department picked up on the necessity of community. Lets see what a difference community makes.

Road rage can be found anywhere on the beltway. What can we do to make sure we are not a part of it? How do we curb our anger? Lets talk this Sunday!

Christmas is about miracles, love, giving, family, friends, presents. But the first Christmas didn’t have any of these but a miracle and love. For Mary Christmas was a surprise that required of her a lot of FAITH. How many of us would believe an angel? How could we even know what an angel is and looks like? And the message, a virgin will birth a baby? Now that does take FAITH! Let’s learn from Mary about how FAITH is needed and helps to bring about a holy Christmas for each of us.

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• Luke 1:26-38

The Night Before Christmas says that the dreams were of “sugarplums that danced in their heads.” Don’t know about you but during the rush of Christmas my dreams are more nightmares and not sugarplums. For Joseph I think it was the same. Mary pregnant and it wasn’t his! His life over and dreams crushed! Now he is told “Don’t be afraid!” Trust is the word that Joseph had to learn so that there would be a Christmas. I wonder do we TRUST that Christmas is love, peace and hope? Do we put our trust in the one who does the Impossible at Christmas? Let’s see how we can Trust Christmas!

You can’t have Christmas without Bethlehem’s manger. For in it we find the reason for the season-the Christ child!

You can’t have Christmas without Bethlehem’s manger. For in it we find the reason for the season-the Christ child! As you have moved from store to store, house to house, party to party have you come to a manger yet? It took Mary and Joseph a long time to make that 90 mile trek, how long will it take us? Let’s talk about where to find Jesus this Christmas. Without him we have nothing but X-mas!

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• Luke 2:1-7

Have you ever eaten so much, that you thought you might pop, only to realize that you were still hungry? Often times, Christmas is just like that, so lets look at some means of moving past that feeling, for the coming year.

The message of the manger is joy and hope, which, like the shepherds, we must take into this hurting world.

The very nature of God is to give. “God so loved the world that He gave.” John 3:16a. Is that a part of who we are? Or do we have to force generosity because we are afraid we won’t have enough, where is it going to come from? Generosity is a characteristic all of us need and can be ours as we come closer to God. Let’s talk about our generous nature this Sunday.

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• John 3:16

Annual Church Conference. Rev. Tony Layman, Arlington District Superintendent preaching

God loves a joyful giver. He has also given a promise. “Give and it shall be given unto you. Pressed down, shaken together, running over shall they give into your life. “ Luke 6 These are the words of Jesus. What do they mean? What do they have to say to us about how we live? Lets experience extravagant generosity this Sunday.

The Mayan calendar will be ending in a couple weeks. Many say it’s the end of the world? Does the world come to an end? Are there signs of when the end will come? What does the Bible say? Let’s talk this Sunday about what the end of the world is really like!

Bad things happen! Even to good and God’s people. The subject of suffering has been with us since the beginning. Let’s look and see what the Bible says about suffering and what comfort we can find in those words.

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• Gen. 1:27-28 CEB

We pray and nothing happens or so we think. Why does God seem to hear and answer my prayers sometimes and other times not? Is it something I am doing? Is it the wrong words? Let’s look at God’s will and understand true answer to prayer.

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• Mark 11:23-25

The Bible says God has a plan for our lives. A plan for good and not for evil. Why then can’t we see and understand it so clearly? Why does it seem we are stumbling in the dark?

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• Col. 1:9-10; Rom 12:1-2 CEB

Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ. That’s an awesome promise. One we need to claim and live into. Let’s see how we can cover ourselves with the never ending love of Christ.

Remember how you were dressed in your finest and sent off to have your picture taken? It was tough staying clean and looking fresh as the day wore on. Finally, when the picture was finally taken do you remember the result? Let’s see what picture God sees of us and what are we showing to others?

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• Philippians 3:7-8

We still haven’t learned this lesson have we? We were created to enjoy life to the fullest but that requires time to rest and be renewed. In the Northern Virginia stress we are often forced to work long and tiring hours but even in the midst of that how do we find time to rest and renew? Remember even God rested 1 days after a week of creation. Can we do what God cannot?

Names can never hurt me. Is that true? I don’t think so. Words have power and have a lasting effect. The tongue is an unruly part of the body and so we must watch what we say. Let’s see if there is a way to watch our words?

It isn’t our nature to share. In fact, it is exactly opposite to what our instinct tells us. However, it is learning to share what we have with others that truly binds us into community. Let’s talk about Sharing this Sunday.

Remember Monopoly, the game? Don’t we dread pulling the “Go Back To Start” card? As Christians, maybe that is not as bad as we think. All of us need to have those times in our lives when we hope we can start over. Jesus called that being born again. Is that still possible? How does it affect our lives? Let’s seek the Christ who does make all things NEW as we are born again.

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• John 3:1-16

All of us at one time or another know what guilt feels like. Whether it was that first time you took something that didn’t belong to you or you hurt someone or you caused damage to another’s relationship, all of us feel guilt. The problem is we keep the guilt rather than giving it to God. God doesn’t want us to carry our guilt, but to repent and be forgiven. Let’s talk about how this Sunday.

If you knew me like I know me you would never even mention perfection. However, God has a different outlook on our lives. He not only says we can be in right relationship with Him but we can learn to LIVE like Him. “Be perfect as I am perfect” says the Lord. Let’s see what perfection might mean for us.

John Wesley spoke often about three types of grace, prevenient, justifying and sanctifying. We are all cloaked in this God given blessing, yet we find it so difficult to understand, let alone explain. Let’s look at grace, what it is and why it should be at the very core of our Christian faith.

The means of grace are the things that God gives us to stay close and grow in our relationship with Jesus. John Wesley stated, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” What does that mean for us as Christians in this modern world?

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• Galatians 6:7-10

Family should be a place of comfort, strength, rest and renewal. However, dealing with loved ones, often presents problems within the family structure. David faced upheaval from his own children. How can we deal when our children are rebelling? How do our children deal when the parents are fighting?Our world is not “family-centric” so what are we to do?

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• 2 Samuel 13-15

No matter how old or how long we follow Jesus we are all still tempted. What do you do with temptation? And if you fall and make the wrong choice in God’s eyes what can you do? David was not immune to sin and he learned some lessons about it that will help us avert the downfall and find strength to overcome and find forgiveness. Let’s search the scripture this Sunday.

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• 2 Samuel 11 and 12

Dreams! Are they just for young people or young adults? No they are a part of all of our lives. But what do we do when our dreams are not fulfilled. What happens when dreams are altered and often aborted? David knew what that was like when the dream of his entire life was stopped. How do we respond when dreams are stopped or fail?

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• 2 Samuel 7

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• Mark 16:1-8

The Rev. Rudy Heinselman will be preaching for us. Rev. Heinselman is an ordained deacon in the UMC and serves as the Executive Pastor at Dothan First UMC in Dothan, Alabama. He has years of experience leading mission trips. His love is in doing mission. Come and be inspired by this man of mission.

The Rev. Greg West will be the Keynote speaker for our 25th Annual Missions Conference. Rev. West is the Conference Evangelist for the Virginia Conference of the UMC. He has been involved in mission for a long time and will bring inspiration as to what can be done when God’s people are faithful.

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• Colossians 3:1-4
• 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

"The Rat Race" is a phrase we often use to describe life, especially here in Northern Virginia. We are just so busy all the time. In fact, we might argue that we're even too busy to pray. But once we realize the vital importance of prayer in our lives, we'll soon realize that we're "Too Busy NOT to Pray." Join us as we slow down during the season of Lent to journey deeper in prayer together.

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• Mark 1:32-39

I often hear people say “I don’t have any idea how to pray.” This Sunday let’s look at a simple pattern in the prayer of Nehemiah. This pattern is found in all of the great prayers of the persons of faith. If it worked for them, let’s see how it works for us.

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• Nehemiah 1

Communion According to the Bible, believers can be confident that their prayers will be answered. Our prayers are more than wishes, hopes or feeble aspirations - but only if we pray with believing, faith-filled hearts. That is the kind of prayer that moves mountains. How do you pray a prayer so filled with faith that it moves a mountain? Come find out.

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• Acts 4:23-31

Jesus practiced and invited us to practice the spiritual discipline of fasting. To fast means to give up something, normally food, to make ourselves more sensitive to God’s voice. To fast and pray has always been a part of a United Methodist Christians walk of faith, but we have forgotten the power of it. Let’s see what God desires and what power that has in prayer.

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• Matthew 6:16-18

So, you want to pray more, to go deeper in your prayer life. But, how do we do that? There's many ways to pray, but is one way more right than another? Join us as we explore a few different ways to pray.

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• Matthew 6:5-8

Palm Sunday When you practice being aware of God's presence, you pick up his signals all through the day. At work, at home, in your car or wherever you are, you begin to dialogue with the Lord. How does this happen? How can we experience more of God's presence in our lives? Join us for this last message before Easter, and experience God's presence like never before!

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• John 15:1-8

Do we really need to think about this? If salvation is a gift then what are the things we do for God really for? Do they mean anything? Let’s see what the Bible says about it this Sunday.

If I finally come to Jesus and make him Savior then I am safe right? Nothing I can do will make any difference? I can live like I want I’d done the important thing asking Jesus into my heart? Let’s see what the Bible says.

Walking in the desert times of faith?” Sometimes I just don’t feel God. I don’t feel like a follower of Jesus. What can I do to get out of these feelings? How do I overcome them? Is there a way out? Come Sunday and let’s find hope.

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• 1 Kings 19:1-15a

Are we supposed to question our faith? Does God allow that? Does God expect us to do that? Or is it a lack of faith? – Questions and faith don’t seem to go together. Why? What are you doing God? Is it alright to ask these? Come with questioning minds and hearts this Sunday and see if Jesus has some answers.

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• Mark 9:14-29

How do you encourage someone who has lost it all in a short time? What do you say to someone, especially a non-believer in Jesus who has lost a child that God still loves them and loved their child? Loss and death comes to all of us. How do we handle it? What do we say? Is there anything to say? Let’s meet Jesus this week and see what He did.

How do I share faith in Jesus with others? - It’s always hard to say you believe and then try to put it in words. Is there a way to be able to share that with others, especially those who don’t believe in anything or say they are not sure? This Sunday let’s talk about the how to’s of faith sharing with those around us.

How do you know when God is speaking to you? How do I know it’s the Holy Spirit? Does God still speak directly or do I need someone to help me understand? Let’s talk about the guidelines that help us discern is God speaking this Sunday.

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• 1 Samuel 3:1-10

1st Sunday in Advent, Communion We've all asked for the Christmas gifts that we really wanted, especially as children. Yet often we also got gifts that we didn't really want but we really needed. Drawing from Isaiah 9, we read that God's gift to us that first Christmas was a child who might not be who we really want, but who we really need. What and who is it that you really need this Christmas?

Communion Often when we turn to God, we like to keep God in our own little boxes of our own making. We like to keep God nice and gift-wrapped and manageable for us. But God is too big to be kept in a box. The strange thing is God chose to come to us in the form of a baby. God just doesn't seem to make sense sometimes. What's up with that?

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• Isaiah 55:6-9

The name Emmanuel means God with us, and that's often thought to be a good thing. But do you realize that God actually with us could be something we might not want? How could that be?

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• Isaiah 7:14

Who is often the first person a child cries out for when they're in trouble or hurt? Mommy or Daddy of course! Did you know that we all have an Everlasting Father who we can call out to anytime? Come and learn about Him.

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• Romans 8:14-17

Money has far reaching implications, much further than beyond our checking accounts. Does the way you use your money do more harm than good? Don't know? Join us as we explore this first rule for living in light of how we use our money.

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• Galatians 5:13-15

We have choices in the way we use our money. At the same time, there is no shortage of opportunity to do good in this world around us. How might we apply this second rule for living and do the most good with our money? You're invited as we explore together.

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• Galatians 6:7-10

"Commitment Sunday" How we handle our money says a lot about our faith in God. God invites us to test him with our faithfulness in giving and to experience his abundant blessings in return. For sure, we want God's blessings. Will we accept God's challenge though? Join us as we wrestle with this together.

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• Malachi 3:6-12

Love is a word that we use in many ways in our society. I love to eat. I love to work. I love God. While using the same word the love I speak of is different. LOVE is the most important thing in the world and in our lives. Let’s begin our new series of sermons by establishing what is the most IMPORTANT thing in life.

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• I Cor. 13-14:1

Patience is a virtue that most of us yearn for but seldom exercise. How do we develop and utilize patience in our lives to help us reach out in kindness? The Good Samaritan serves as an example for us of being kind to one another. This kindness should be expressed to those in need. However, do we also need to be sharing kindness with those who “don’t know they are in need?”

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• Romans 5:3-4
• Luke 10:25-37

Speaking the truth in love is not a free pass to say what you want without thinking of how it might effect others. Likewise, speaking the truth in love is necessary if we really love one another. For how can we see someone in error or getting ready to get hurt and not do something about it? Let’s find out HOW to speak the truth in love.

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• Eph. 4:11-16

Forgiveness is a priceless virtue in our society. We talk about it but often never get around to doing it. Let’s talk about what it takes to “be forgiven and then to truly forgive one another.

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• Matt 18:21-35

Learning to be self-less in a self-ish world isn’t easy. But selflessness is our example in Jesus. Denying self so we can give ourselves away isn’t easy but is so fulfilling. Fulfilling for what happens in the lives of others. Let’s see how selfish or selfless we really are this Sunday.

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• Phil. 2:1-11

I have many habits. Some I’d tell you and some I wouldn’t. But developing habits from a loving heart is one that allows us not only to speak of loving one another but shows us HOW to love one another. Let’s talk about habits this Sunday.

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• Genesis 22:1-18

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• Genesis 32:22-31

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• Exodus 3:1-14

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• Esther 4

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• 2 Samuel 12:15-25

Easter is over. So what now? Does Easter have a lasting effect on our lives. It did for Thomas and the other disciples. It changed everything. Did that happen for you? Let’s talk about it.

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• John 20:19-29

The disciples on the Emmaus Road invited Jesus into their home to stay and break bread together. Easter doesn’t stay in the church or the graveyard. It has to come home. Let’s talk about the difference that the risen Christ makes in our homes.

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• Luke 24:13-35

We will have a special speaker this weekend to help us remember what God is doing in our world. Come and hear of how Jesus is working.

Easter brings us face to face with the risen Lord. Have you met Him in worship? Do you see His power at church? Have you encountered His power to lift burdens, forgive sin and serve the world? It starts with love. Let’s talk about it.

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• John 21:1-19

Throwing stones is something all of us do. Sometimes they are small and sometimes we use BIG stones to throw at another person. No matter what we use when stones are involved somebody gets hurt. Let’s see what Jesus says about throwing stones this Sunday.

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• John 8:1-11

Lazarus was the best friend of Jesus. He had died and Jesus called him from the grave. However, Lazarus couldn’t get out until the stone was rolled away. There are stones in each of our lives that hold us back. They inhibit our movement forward. What stones do you need to move?

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• John 11:17-44

Palm Sunday, Easter, Common Ground, Pastor Dan Elmore

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• PALM SUNDAY – When Stones Cry Out – Luke 19:29-40

The first in our four-part series based on Bill Hybel's book of the same name.

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• Philippians 2:6-8

Part 2 in our four-part series based on Bill Hybel's award-winning book of the same name.

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• Matthew 5:13

Part 3 of our four-part series based on Bill Hybel's award-winning book of the same name.

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• 1 Peter 3:15b

The final sermon in our four-part series based on Bill Hybel's award-winning book, Just Walk Across the Room.

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• Colossians 4:5-6

Somebody once asked Jesus what's the most important thing God wants us to do. His answer: All you need is love.

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• Mark 12:28-34

God's love for us is simply amazing. When we grasp God's love for us, we're truly empowered to love others!

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• John 13:1-17

What kind of love was Jesus talking about? What does real love look like? Maybe it's more than cupids and hearts a flutter. Maybe love is more than a feeling.

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• 1 Corinthians 13

Loving somebody means more than just sending flowers, buying gifts, or giving a card… love means you gotta get dirty!

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• Luke 10:29-37

I grew up knowing that whenever you see someone in need the question is not do I stop to help but Let Me Help! That is the lifestyle for those of us who follow after Jesus. He was always helping. Can we do anything less?

Why do New Year's resolutions sputter out so quickly? Because of a lack of passion! Where does passion for living come from? Join us and find out!

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• 2 Samuel 6:12-22

A lot of times, we are our own worst enemy, especially when it comes to bettering ourselves. How can we sustain the passion for moving forward in life?

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• Hebrews 12:1-3, 11

Part of what side-tracks us in life are the little things that distract and get in the way. What are your priorities, and how do you stick to them?

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• Mark 1:35-39

Finding passion for your life might just mean putting on new clothes! But what if we like our old outfit just fine? If we truly want passion for life, are we willing to do what's necessary?

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• Luke 5:33-39

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• Isaiah 2:1-5

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• Isaiah 11:1-10

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• Isaiah 35:1-10

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• Isaiah 7:10-16

It’s the American Dream. We hold it up and hold it out to countries around the world. However, where has it led us in our own history? Is there something more to dream about than materialism? That’s a difficult question for those of us in Northern Virginia. What are God’s dreams that turn into marvelous fulfilling reality rather than a nightmare? Let’s see what God is dreaming!

Our nation continues to struggle economically. Thousands still seek jobs. Others are in such a financial pinch they don’t know what to do. Still others are struggling to come to terms with the prediction that “this is the first generation in America who will have less and earn less than any other.” Where do we put our trust in the midst of a materialistic culture? The Fed, the Congress, the President? Or do we put our trust in God who is our refuge and strength. Is there salvation in our society? I know there is let’s see what God says this Sunday.

Each of us has a faith story. It is a journey and not an arrival. It means learning to live by faith. That’s easily said and more difficult to live. What does it really mean to “live by faith?” Does it require of us foolishness or faithfulness in our actions? Is stepping out into faith an option or a necessity? In this modern age living by faith is needed more now than ever. Let’s talk about how we do that this Sunday as we KICK OFF a new fall in worship and spiritual growth.

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• Matt. 14:25-33

Ours is a faith that is not based on a nebulous belief in a God we cannot connect with but is based on a God who is actively involved in everyday living. Isaiah tells a people who were living in exile that God hadn’t forgotten them but in fact had their names “written on God’s hand.” Imagine if we lived each day knowing that we are not alone but live in the hollow of God’s hand. Would that make a difference for you? It would for me. Let’s check God’s hand and see if our name is written there.

Each of us by faith have the capacity to “begin again”, “to start over” to discover New Beginnings. I’m glad we have a God of second and third and fourth chances aren’t you. However, once we get another chance what do we do with it? Is it so we might use it selfishly? Or are we called to live into a purpose? Live into a plan that God has for each of us. Let’s talk about God’s purpose this Sunday.

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• Jeremiah 29:11
• John 3:1-7

Have you ever noticed that when someone needs saving, there's usually no way they can save themselves? They always need help from someone else. Join us as we explore what it means to be saved.

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• Ephesians 2:1-10

Sometimes we can get so caught up in trying to "act" like a Christian that we forget what it's all about. We sell ourselves short when all we do is go through the motions. Join us as we chat about how to live as God intended.

Some folks seem so sure of when they were saved by believing in Jesus Christ. They can tell you the date, the time, and where they were at. Others aren't so sure. It's kind of like they grew up this way. How do we know if we're saved or not? Come, find out!

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• Romans 8:12-17

The phrase "born again" carries a lot of preconceived notions from many people. What does it mean to be "born again"? What does it mean to be saved? It might mean something different than you think!

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• John 3:1-17

Can you figure out if someone is a Christian just by observing how they live and act? You should be able to! How about you if you're a Christian? As they say, "actions speak louder than words!"

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• Ephesians 5:1-14

Being saved is not a one time deal. It's not even a sprint; it's a marathon. How do you keep going when you want to quit? What about when life seems to get in the way? There is help, and it's not far away!

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• Colossians 3:14-17

Ordinary people were called by an extraordinary God to a certain territory for His kingdom. What's your territory?

Gale force winds will push you even when you're trying to hold on. Gale force winds push disciples out the doors and "out there" to do incredible stuff through God's Spirit. Are you feeling the gale force wind?

How did Paul know not to go one place, but to go another place? What helps a hero know which way to go?

Experience Jesus' feeding of the 5000 with bread for yourself.

How does God view the church?

Dads who have the heart of a champion play by different rules!

Imagine a different life. That's what Jesus claimed.

God is on mission. You're invited. What's the plan?

What does "rest" mean in the Kingdom of God? Are you well rested?

Jesus' Kingdom of God is a place to belong deeply.

Jesus' Kingdom of God is permanent. How much in your life is permanent?

I can't overcome this guilt feeling I have.

There's someone I can't forgive. In fact, I don't want to forgive them.

When is busyness a sin? How do I get help?

When does "I want more" empty your soul? Have you found what you're looking for?

What's his story? Who does he think he is anyway? It's a slow whine to the bottom, but encouragement to the top.

What good is Easter in real life?

What if our world never had another homeless person? How can one person make a dent in homelessness?

Democrat. Republican. Independent. Gringo. Hispanic. Drunk. OCD. Asian. Black.. White. Pretty. Hot. Dirty. Homeless. Poor. Rich. Unwanted. Immigrant. Labels separate and divide us. Jesus puts them all in one basket and interacts with them. How will we as Christ followers "rock that divide" to such an extent that we see Jesus' face?

Make a difference - one person at a time.

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• Matthew 25 scripture

Jesus comes to move that marriage into the great arena. Get ready to rock your marriage (or relationship)!

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• He Said/She Said
• Frustrated with her
• It is not my fault
• Played 2.14.10 Fireproof, Lead Your Heart
• Played 2.14.10 Love Words
• Played 2.14.10, Fireproof, Apology

Jesus breaks prison chains and sets people free. Hear the sound of chains being broken and become part of a Jesus movement.

Resources

• Be a Prison Pen Pal

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• Hear our Prison Team Share

Hear the stories from our Epiphany Team who ministered in the Culpeper Prison facility last weekend.

Jeff Foxworthy said, “If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world… all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you'll be going, 'you know, we're alright. We are dang near royalty!' You are dang near royalty! Let God whisper into your family life this season.

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• Matthew 1

God talks. We say, "Are you sure????" "Is that really you???" "Can I get a second opinion???" But look up. God is asking that this year be different. Impossible, you say? Things are set in motion. Expectations are, well, expected. Nah ... It's possible to pare down that list and hear Jesus instead! Let God whisper impossibilities into your ear.

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• Matthew 1

God is on a first name basis with us. That's astounding! How much do you think about being on a first name basis with Jesus? Immanuel: God with us. This name shatters envy, hatred, addictions, the need to be loved, feelings of hopelessness, and pride. Let God whisper about surrender into the world around you.

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• Luke 1
• Chorus of O Holy Night shown in worship

Would you change your entire life schedule for a possibility? How much of a 'sure thing 'would it need to be? Let God whisper to you about heroes and the life changes they make.

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• Matthew 2

Wait! It's a Musical! - a musical centered Sunday of joy and celebration in the birth of Jesus Christ.

In this time of economic depression, there is a silver lining. We can re-examine our priorities and invest in things that last forever.

Did you feel that? Time to notice what you're feeling, hearing and seeing. Tune in and focus upon your soul to live without limits - just like Jesus.

We were not meant to be carbon copies of each other but a reflection of God's image in us. This is to be truly human. "Religion" works from the outside - in, while "Jesus" works from the inside - out. Life soars when it is lived from the inside out.

Pender United Methodist Church exists in Fairfax County to follow Jesus, and He changes everything!

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• Matthew 26

Believing we can matter to the world is hard to focus upon in a place where unbelief shatters confidence. When we actually believe in something, we act upon it. "I believe my children will someday ..." is no good unless we live that out. It's the same with Jesus' plan.

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• Acts 1

Have you ever been suspicious that God was absent from the church? Tell your story.

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• Matthew 16:18

Have you ever given up on a dream?

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• Sermon "Script" - no audio this week

Have you ever tried to be a superhero?

Has there been a time when you heard God calling you? If you answered the call, what did you learn about God?

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• Matthew 28:18-20

Have you discovered a geat mentor? What was the creative process God used in your to discover what you could do?

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• 2 Timothy 1:3-14

So, how do you know when God is talking to you? By knowing something about God's character, we can test whether what we are hearing is in line with who He is. Myth: God is too big and complicated to know. Discovery: a BIG God is, helps us hear.

Myth: God is about control rather than freedom.

So, how do you know when God is talking to you? By knowing something about God's character, we can test whether what we are hearing is in line with who He is. Myth: Once broken, always broken. Discovery: God heals.

WE'LL BE OUTSIDE IN THE TENT TODAY! What does it mean to be a spiritual person? What's your picture?

Discipline can be confused with conformity. But think about it. Without discipline, we end up trying to be like "someone else" other than uniquely how God created us. Let's be different.

Children do not naturally have an inclination for appreciation. Parents have to constantly remind their kids to say “Thank You” by asking the chiding question: “What do you say?” Thank Full Ness seeps into everything we do and every relationship we have.

Enthusiasm is the expression of a passionate relationship with Christ. Without it our Christian witness is like decaffeinated and bitter espresso. In 2 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul gives us a java jolt about the power of enthusiasm to move the heart of God and impact the lives of others.

In Matthew 7 Christ warns against a negative style of expression that has the potential to decaffeinate our Christian witness: the sin of judging others. But the Bible also prescribes a radical procedure that has the power to liberate us from this critical, judgmental spirit.

Links

• Susan Boyle's Performance at End of Message

Join Dr. Thornton and his wife, Janice, for an adventure in what it means to be a missionary and to send missionaries.

Links

• GO InterNational

Come. A simple word. It's spoken to you from Jesus's lips: "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest." The less weary way is followed by the least number of people. A "grinding life" is more common. How did Jesus live life to the max volume without sacrificing soul rest?

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• Matthew 11:28-29

Listen. Another simple word. Do you hear the creek babbling and gurgling? Do you hear the birds singing? Do you hear God speaking to you? Listen for the less weary way today.

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• Luke 10: 38-42

"I want to be great!" Come one - haven't you said it too? The disciples get caught saying it - by Jesus - and they're afraid to own up to their greatness dreams. What do we aspire to become and what arguments does it cause in our lives? See the scripture at Mark 9: 30 - 37.

Links

• Manning Brothers commercial - playful sibling riva
• Necessary Choices - The Devil Wears Prada
• What If?

A person goes for a private chat with Jesus. He wants to know what he has to do to be tight with God. He's a "rule keeper." So, he figures if he gets all of the info down right and checks off his action plan, he'll have it made. And he does well with Jesus - to a point. We've all got some finer points in our life that could get better. Some of us even have larger points in our life that could use some tweaking! But Jesus isn't concerned about those "rules" here. Read the story and see if you can see where and why Jesus is taking this route with this young man. Mark 10: 17 - 27.

A little over 2000 years ago, people PARADED Jesus into Jerusalem. So, we're having a genuine parade with Jesus! This week's worship is different and very much about moving your feet in the parade. We'll be bringing in all of the kids to pick up their puppets they've made and we'll have GIANT (8 feet tall) puppets to help. Imagine - What would it have really been like to be in the parade for Jesus coming into Jerusalem? Are you more a fan or a follower?

It's Easter! Jesus is alive! I asked some folks at a mall a few years ago about who they thought Jesus was. They thought there was an obvious answer: "He was some dead guy on a stick, that's all." It makes all of the difference in the world whether Jesus is alive or dead. Check out Mary's confusion in John 20:10-18. What caused the confusion? Why did she recognize Jesus alive?

Is you life guided by "your call"? It's essential to actually following Jesus.

Spiritual gifts are God’s equipment for each of us to be able to fulfill the call of God in our lives. Gifts are more than natural inclinations. They are spiritually given and they allow us to do things that we never dreamed possible. What are your gifts?

Serving brings joy more than anything else in the spiritual life. Where do you serve? What does it bring to your life? Where is there a need that you feel strongly about? Is God calling you there? Let’s talk about serving this Sunday.

Does your life feel like a paper blowing in the wind? Ecclesiastes is the book to look for wisdom.

The first in a series on how to start with God. Life is interesting and sometimes like a football game. It begins with strategy and ends with a score.

There's always a kick-off! The Super Bowl is here. Are the men in that starting line-up nervous? How did they get where they are today? How does God go about naming MVP's?

Looking at Jacob and his dysfunctional family, is it possible to see God at all? Where does God fit into the picture for any dysfunctional family?