Ending of a Beginning

Sunday I begin the last message of my first series at TCOC and I have loved every minute of it. The faith community at TCOC has welcome me and my preaching with open arms. Mark Frost, the former preacher, did everything within his power to set me up for success. I'm so honored to count him as a friend and mentor.  The community has freed and empowered me to preach honestly and authentically. I look forward to the thrill and joy of exploding the Word of God with my faith family each week.

So...as I wrap up my first message series in the north country it marks the end of beginning. Over the summer I took us to Luke and John's writings. I investigated the aftershock of a Jesus encounter by centering on different individuals who collided with Jesus throughout his ministry. All of them walked away with a limp, because when you encounter Jesus - not meet him, not follow his blog, not seek to understand him as a theological idea, not learn from him as teacher - but when you encounter him...he leaves a mark. Throughout this series, I prayed the TCOC community would not only have front row seats to these Jesus encounters but they we would walk away with "Jesus whiplash" of our own.  Below are the ONE THINGS I prayed we would take home from each message:

1.  MESSAGE 1: When you encounter Jesus you lose your religion and join a Kingdom. (Nicodemus - John 3:1-8)
2. MESSAGE 2: When you encounter Jesus your shame loses control over your life. (Samaritan Woman - John 4:4-42)
3. MESSAGE 3: When you encounter Jesus you develop a life of gratitude. (Sinful Woman - Luke 7:36-50)
4. MESSAGE 4: When you encounter Jesus you must make a choice. (Rich Ruler - Luke 18:18-30)
5. MESSAGE 5: When you encounter Jesus you change your heart and your behavior. (Zachaeus - Luke 19:1-10)
6. MESSAGE 6: When you encounter Jesus you find hope. (Criminal on the Cross - Luke 23:39-43)
7. MESSAGE 7: When you encounter Jesus you recognize it's not about you. (Centurion at the Cross - Luke 23:47)
8. MESSAGE 8: When you encounter Jesus he calls you to mission. (Saul - Acts 9:1-31)

As I studied and crafted these messages, Jesus continued to amaze me. I have met him over the last year in way I never have before. There is not sweeter name than the name of JESUS.

NOTE: If you would like to listen to any of the above messages you can find them at the TCOC Podcast.