Scripture teaches us that large crowds followed Jesus everywhere He went. It was so prevalent that at times His own family could not get near Him. This week we're going to begin to look at what it takes to be a disciple so that you can stand out from the crowd. Our challenge this week will be to become "people of the text" because to be a disciple of Jesus you must love Him, and to love Him you must know Him.
As Eric Kramer worked through his series on Urban Legends, he explored the myth "God Wants You to be Happy". Busting the myth, he notes that God's plans for us include wanting us to be truly blessed. This is better than happiness and usually involves a change in perspective. Chase Carpenter shared his testimony as part of the service. This is Chase's clip.
This is the first sermon in the "Practical Atheism" series. Today, Eric Kramer explores the concept of what a true Christian looks like and what he acts like.
Acts 15:1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
What type of expectations do we put on church or the folks that attend church. Eric Kramer uses the above text and inspiration from Andy Stanley to flesh out the implications for Renew. Afterward, he offered this followup comment:
'The church is “A Place for Everyone.” Each of us can do our part to
insure that our church does not make anyone who walks through the doors feel like an
outsider. Pray and ask God to help you jump out of your comfort zone and step up your
efforts in making your church a welcoming place for everyone. Continue the conversation:
Don’t let the conversation stop here!"
The first Easter is the pivotal event in all of history. Before that, death wins. After that, death loses. In today's message Eric Kramer not only celebrates that first Easter, but also celebrates the first Easter, in fact, the first ever service, of Renew Church. Hoping to reach the Lancaster, SC community for Christ in a fresh way, this community of believers really enjoyed the first Sunday in their new facility. Check out their new website here.
Again, following up Ray Vanderlaan's teaching, Eric Kramer continues to outline the next steps for launching a new ministry seeking to translate the core values of Beyond to new people and a new location.
After viewing a teaching video by Ray Vanderlaan (excerpt below), Eric Kramer (who had been on location with Ray in the past) shares his commentary and follows with a challenge for a new vision.
beyond 
Eric Kramer, Discipleship 
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