FUMC of Clinton, MS Podcast

Free to Fish

2009-06-29T13:22:00.000-06:00

Resolving Conflict

2009-06-29T13:19:00.002-06:00

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Clint gives us some very practical advice and suggestions for living peacefully with everyone in our lives. He has a multi-part plan for facing conflict and making peace that will bring us closer to each other in a way that honors God.

Only One Thing is Needed

2009-06-15T22:19:00.003-06:00

Only One Thing is Needed

Charles Pope is the guest speaker for the services at First United Methodist this week. His message, based on Luke 10, is about Mary and Martha, and truly worshipping at the feet of Jesus. We hope you will be blessed by this message.

Knowing God's Will Through Transformation

2009-06-14T21:45:00.001-06:00

Casey Combest: Knowing God's Will

Casey Combest, the worship leader at the Connection, is our guest speaker this week. His message is based on Romans 12:2. The main point of his message is that if we would stop passively being conformed, and commit ourselves to transformation by the renovation/renewal of our minds , we will become more like Christ. From there, from that place, we will be able to know and discern God’s will. We hope this message will be a blessing to you.

Breaking Free from Temptation

2009-06-07T14:14:00.002-06:00

Clint Ware: Breaking Free from Temptation

This is week five of the sermon series, "Fireproofing Your Relationships." The message is about resisting temptation with God's help. Clint reminds us that we will never be tempted beyond what we can bear, and that sometimes the best choice is to simply get away from tempting situations. We hope you will be blessed by this week's message.

Relational Parasites

2009-06-03T11:12:00.000-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth: Relational Parasites

Relational Parasites

2009-06-01T20:24:00.001-06:00

Clint Ware: Relational Parasites

This week continues the sermon series, "Fireproof Your Relationships" by describing those influences which can suck the life out of a marriage in the same way parasites affect the body. These parasites can be things like damaging relationships, addictions, or time-consuming hobbies. We handle physical parasites by getting rid of them quickly, and Clint suggests that we use the same technique on relational parasites.

Love For a Lifetime

2009-05-24T11:24:00.003-06:00

Clint Ware: Love for a Liftime

Week Three of the series "Fireproofing Your Relationships"

The message this week is about the seasons of marriage, and how to make the best of your relationship in each of four seasons; romance, reality, resentment, and renewal.

He Said She Said

2009-05-20T14:27:00.002-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth: "He Said, She Said"

Our series on "Fireproofing Your Relationship" brings a message this week about the differences between how men and women think and act.

He First Loved Us

2009-05-10T12:18:00.001-06:00

Clint Ware: He First Loved Us

The first sermon in our series on Fireproofing relationships was about our relationship with God, because that is where love starts. In a marriage or any relationship, we cannot give what we do not have. This message is about getting the love we need from God first so we can share it with others.

A Relational God

2009-05-03T16:41:00.002-06:00

A Relational God

Today's message from Clint Ware is about how God intends us to be in a relationship with him. It's about how much he loves us and wants to be in a relationship with us, in order for us to be with him in heaven.

Walking on High Hills

2009-04-26T17:56:00.002-06:00

Walking on High Hills

Cinde Lucas of Overflow Ministries was the speaker at the Connection and the 8:45 service at First United Methodist Church of Clinton today. Please enjoy her inspiring message on overcoming trouble in this world, and visit her website at www.cindelucas.com.

Life is Good

2009-04-19T15:15:00.001-06:00

The scripture reading today is from Acts, chapter 4. The early church lived together in small groups and shared their purpose, place, and possessions with one another. Our challenge is to live together in unity. Mitchell Hedgepeth preaches at the Connection today, with a message about sharing.

Life is Good; Mitchell Hedgepeth

He is Risen

2009-04-19T15:13:00.001-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth's Easter message

What Is Easter All About?

2009-04-12T21:27:00.006-06:00

Clint Ware - What Is Easter All About?

What is Easter All About? - Is It Sin?
What is Easter All About? -Is It Death?
What is Easter All About? - Is It the Resurrection?
Love - That’s What Easter Is All About.

The Deadly Sin of Lust

2009-03-30T17:21:00.002-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth: Lust, the Secret Sin

Mitchell Hedgepeth concludes the sermon series on the Seven Deadly Sins with this message on the sin of lust. John 4:16-18 is the text for this message. It is the end of a conversation that Jesus had with the woman at the well, and it points out that Jesus knows all about the sin that we think is kept secretly in our hearts.

The Sin of Gluttony

2009-03-28T21:46:00.003-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth: The Sin of Gluttony

Pastor Hedgepeth's sermon this week focuses on a sin that many of us find difficult to classify as deadly. This reluctance to see it that way can make it even more deadly.

The Sin of Gluttony

2009-03-23T22:17:00.004-06:00

Gluttony -- excessive hunger, which can’t satisfy our God-shaped emptiness -- is the subject of week six of the sermon series, “The Seven Deadly Sins”. Clint Ware explains how we can be free of this sin.

The Deadly Sin of Avarice

2009-03-17T13:38:00.002-06:00

Clint Ware's message on Avarice, Week 5 of the Seven Deadly Sins sermon series

Avarice

No Audio Sermon

2009-03-09T11:15:00.003-06:00

Due to a computer malfunction, the Connection sermon is not available for March 8, 2009. We invite you to listen to previous week's messages and return next week for Clint's sermon on the deadly sin of greed.

Two Pictures

2009-03-02T22:28:00.003-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth's sermon warns against the deadly sins of anger and envy.

Two Pictures

The Most Wanted List

2009-03-02T22:21:00.003-06:00

Dr Terry Teykl visits FUMC Clinton with a message about praying for the lost.

The Most Wanted List

Envy - The Sin of the Evil Eye

2009-03-02T09:55:00.003-06:00

Clint Ware's message about envy shows us in scripture that God values us, meets our needs, and perfectly provides for us. If we trust in him, we have no reason to look at other people with envy

Envy - The Sin of the Evil Eye

Envy- The Sin of the Evil Eye: Video

2009-03-02T08:11:00.003-06:00

Clint Ware's message about envy shows us in scripture that God values us, meets our needs, and perfectly provides for us. If we trust in him, we have no reason to look at other people with envy.

Pride: The Sin of the Swelled Head

2009-02-15T19:14:00.002-06:00

Clint Ware: The Sin of the Swelled Head

Clint Ware's message about the deadly sin of pride reminds us that God not only hates sin, but that we must humble ourselves so he doesn't have to.

Pride- The Great Sin

2009-02-15T19:09:00.002-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth brings a message about the deadly sin of pride, the second in the series, "The Seven Deadly Sins."

Pride - The Great Sin

"No, No, I Don't Want To"

2009-02-10T14:26:00.002-06:00

Often we avoid preaching and teaching about sin because it is perceived to be too negative. Perhaps we have lived with the Puritan images condemning the fragile congregations.

When viewed from the goal, which is absolution, facing sin is far from a bleak experience. Repentance is not a matter of giving up the good things of life, but rather a turning that leads to God. Confession, which may include a painful inventory, ultimately leads to wholeness and health. Behind all proclamations on sin is the promise, “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:8-9).

Mitchell Hedgepeth: "No, No, I Don't Want To"

Is He Serious?

2009-02-09T23:13:00.006-06:00

Clint Ware's message this week is an introduction to the Seven Deadly Sins. In his message, he shows God's unchanging opinion about sin, and tells about the redemption that is available to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

Clint Ware: "Is He Serious?"

The Daily

FUMC Clinton 8:45, Feb 1, 2009: "Jesus, the Picture of Compassion"

2009-02-09T23:06:00.003-06:00

In our postmodern world, we often equate compassion with weakness or soft leadership. We live in an age where leaders are measured by success. As Christians, our best example of leadership, Jesus, consistently led first and foremost with compassion. This week we will look and see that ‘Jesus is Compassion.’

Mitchell Hedgepeth, "Jesus, the Picture of Compassion"

Jesus, the Picture of Compassion

2009-02-01T19:44:00.003-06:00

Jesus, the Picture of Compassion

This is the audio-only version

Jesus, the Picture of Compassion

2009-02-01T18:03:00.002-06:00

The compassion Jesus felt for the people he was around caused him to act. Clint Ware's question to us is, do we do the same thing? We should strive for our pattern to be like his: See >Feel >Do. He says:

Do I have a desire in my heart to be what Jesus want me to be….like him

- I believe many of you have that same desire in your heart, What if… how would we be different? How would our lives be different if we began to seek compassion, ask for compassion, be open to the times and places where God is trying to move something in us. What would it mean for the ones around us who are suffering? What would it mean for the Gospel and the influence of the name of Jesus?

Jesus, the Picture of a Servant

2009-01-26T13:26:00.003-06:00

Clint Ware: Jesus, the Picture of a Servant

Podcast - iTunes Subscription

Clint Ware's message this week poses the question, "What is a good Christian?" The answer is to closely resemble Jesus, who was the ultimate servant to those who spent time with him, and to the entire world. It was Jesus' direct instruction to us, that we should seek to serve, and try, with the power of Holy Spirit, to look like Him.

Jesus, the Picture of a Servant

2009-01-25T19:31:00.004-06:00

Jesus, the Picture of Power Video Sermon

2009-01-21T21:33:00.007-06:00

Clint Ware: Jesus, the Picture of Power

The Picture of Power

2009-01-20T14:55:00.001-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth: Jesus, the Picture of Power

Matthew 21:12-17

Jesus was a compassionate leader. This did not mean he was weak. Jesus led with integrity, which requires the greatest kind of strength. Leading with strength can be a real challenge, especially the kind of strength with which Jesus led. This week we will discover how important it is that we be godly leaders fill with the strength of Jesus.

Jesus, the Picture of Power

2009-01-20T14:39:00.004-06:00

Clint Ware: Jesus, the Picture of Power

Podcast - iTunes Subscription

This week, Clint tells the story from Mark 5 of Jesus casting out demons from a Gentile. His actions had an effect on everyone involved, from the disciples who came with him, to the townspeople who lost 2000 pigs and possibly their profit with them.

Clint summarizes: "So how do you picture Jesus after living this story?

As a Jewish fisherman -your view of Jesus and his purpose stretched beyond where it once was. As a person in need of being set free - to live as a new creation with a new life and purpose. Or do you look at the power of Jesus and find yourself frightened, wishing he would leave you alone and not disrupt your day to day life?

We hope you are challenged and uplifted as you listen to this sermon, and please come back to hear more in this series.

Baptism

2009-01-16T15:18:00.002-06:00

Clint Ware presents a sermon in the Connection.

"Following Jesus in Baptism"

2009-01-12T09:04:00.004-06:00

Mitchell Hedgepeth: Following Jesus in Baptism

When Jesus was baptized, he became publicly identified with what God was up to in the world. The baptism of Jesus teaches us so much that we need to know, both about Jesus and about us. Jesus lived and taught a positive message. As we come to the Sunday for recognition of the Baptism of our Lord, may we also learn about our own baptism!

Baptism

2009-01-12T09:00:00.004-06:00

Clint Ware: Baptism

Podcast - iTunes Subscription

Clint Ware's message on baptism gives an overview of Old Testament symbolism, New Testament teachings, and what Methodists believe about baptism. On "Baptism of the Lord" Sunday, we remember our baptisms and make a new commitment to Christ with this outward sign of an inward grace.

FUMC Clinton 8:45 service, January 4, 2009: "Christmas Gifts - Gifts of the Magi"

2009-01-08T14:39:00.002-06:00

Matthew 2:1-12

The New Year is filled with opportunity. Sadly, a disquieted spirit within will cause the opportunities to vanish. A renewed spirit is needed for the new year. As we step into the new year, and especially the month ahead, may we do so standing on tip-toes, anticipating God’s grand work among us using the gifts so readily given.

Mitchell Hedgepeth, "Christmas Gifts- Gifts of the Magi"

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

The Unlikely Visitors

2009-01-04T15:41:00.004-06:00

Clint Ware: The Unlikely Visitors
Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

We all learned as children about the three wise men who came to bless the infant Jesus with gold, frankincense and myrrh. During Epiphany Sunday, Clint connects the wise men of the New Testament with some lesser-known ones of the Old Testament, found in the book of Daniel, and gives us an important question to think about as we apply it to our lives.

God Wants to Be Your Parent

2009-01-01T12:44:00.004-06:00

“God Wants to be your Parent!”

Galatians 4:4-7

Whose child are you? It is easy for most of us to be identified as the child of our biological parents. Not every child today has such an identity. In today text we discover the Galatians have a different parent. Paul says the people of Galatia are adopted children and that they have become children of God. Are we prepared and willing to become a child of God?

Mitchell Hedgepeth: God Wants to be Your Parent

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Why John Loved Christmas

2008-12-29T17:51:00.005-06:00

Clint Ware: Why John Loved Christmas
Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

John doesn’t tell the Christmas story- he had something else in mind as he wrote. So if we were to ask John “why do you love Christmas?” he might answer by telling us, “because of WHO it's about, WHAT it's about, and WHY it all happened”. Listen as Brother Ware explains how John saw Jesus and what it means in our lives today.

FUMC Clinton 8:45 service, December 21, 2008: Mary, the Mother - Jesus, the Son

2008-12-22T17:19:00.003-06:00

Luke 1:26-38

Mary, the mother of Jesus, has quite a bit to teach us. We can learn that finding favor with God is important. We can learn that God calls even us to difficult tasks. We can learn that we can find value in following the will of God. We are just days away from the manger and we are filled with yet new opportunities to learn.

Mitchell Hedgepeth: Mary, the Mother - Jesus, the son

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

The Best Plan

2008-12-22T17:10:00.003-06:00

Clint Ware: The Best Plan

Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

Clint's message today was a very interesting lesson from the Christmas story: How do we respond when God interrupts our plans? Mary, Joseph and the shepherds all responded not only in obedience, but immediately to God's request. Is that your natural response to God's direction?

FUMC Clinton 8:45 service, December 7, 2008: Attentive, Blind, Christ-Oriented

2008-12-08T12:35:00.005-06:00

Mark 1:1-8
During the Advent season, many of us get a familiar, comfortable feeling as we prepare for our family rituals and traditions of Christmas. As we come to the manger, our hearts and minds look at the baby Jesus so meek and mild. However, being faithful to God’s calling can make us as uncomfortable, as some are in the presence of a newborn child. As we “come to the manger,” may God open our hearts to the less comfortable aspects of the season!

Mitchell Hedgepeth, Attentive, Blind, Christ-Oriented

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Re-gifting Jesus

2008-12-08T11:49:00.004-06:00

Clint Ware: Re-gifting Jesus

Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

The message for the second week of Advent is about the etiquette of re-gifting; passing on gifts to others. Clint Ware's message is one that puts our sharing of the Gospel into new light - re-gifting the Gospel to those around us.

FUMC Clinton 8:45 service, November 30, 2008 - What Mary Said

2008-12-01T20:25:00.004-06:00

Ultimately when it comes to preparing for the life of new beginnings we must put our whole trust in the Lord. Mary's response to the news of her expected pregnancy is what God wants our response to be when he calls us. Join Jim Hatch as he stands in for Mitchell in this first Advent message.

Jim Hatch, What Mary Said

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Who Was to Come! Who Came! Who Will Come Again!

2008-12-01T19:05:00.006-06:00

Clint Ware: Who Was to Come! Who Came! Who Will Come Again!
Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

This week is the beginning of the Advent season, and we look at the birth of Jesus in light of Old Testament prophecy, New Testament fulfillment, and the prophecies of the return of Christ. As we remember the events of Jesus' birth, we want to ask ourselves the question: Is He my Messiah?

There is Still Power in the Name

2008-11-23T19:22:00.005-06:00

Clint Ware: There is Still Power in the Name

Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

Clint’s message this week helps us remember that we have an access to power through the name of Jesus. An excerpt from his sermon’s summary is below:
My fear is that we as Christians forget that the name of JESUS HAS POWER - I fear that we are influenced by the surrounding culture - and by Satan to a point that we feel uncomfortable about speaking that name in public - it is easy at Church - it is easy around other Christians How can we break out of this mold that our culture has forced us into?

Valuing the Kingdom

2008-11-18T20:39:00.005-06:00

Clint Ware: Valuing the Kingdom

Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

In a wrap-up of Clint Ware's series on the Kingdom parables, the main ideas are reviewed. Pastor Ware applies these ideas to our lives by pointing out common traps that we can easily fall into. He also gives suggestions from God's Word on how to avoid these traps, in order to live an abundant life that honors God.

FUMC Clinton 8:45 service, November 16, 2008 - A Thief in the Night

2008-11-17T23:21:00.005-06:00

I Thessalonians 5:1-11

The return of Jesus is illustrated vividly by Paul when he shares the image of the thief in the night. We are reminded to remain alert and open, open to God in the silence and prepared for the transformative invasion of God's grace. The final judgment for the glory of Christ's return is ever present.

Mitchell Hedgepeth, A Thief in the Night

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

FUMC Clinton 8:45 Service, Grace as Images of Comfort

2008-11-12T16:04:00.005-06:00

I Thessalonians 4:13-18
From earliest times Christians have asked for assurance that those who have died are not lost and forgotten forever, but repose in God's loving care. The images by which we hold fast in faith to the confidence that our loved ones remain in God's loving care change over generations, but the comfort they bring gives us peace

Mitchell Hedgepeth, Grace as Images of Comfort

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

When Rumors Raise Doubts

2008-11-03T14:26:00.004-06:00

I Thessalonians 2:9-13 “It has been rumored…” a phrase we have often heard. As we remember the “saints” of our church, we may actually hear rumors about our family or friends we love and trust that are not true. In Paul’s letter to his friends we discover that people were sharing rumors about him. Paul longed to be with the faithful people of Thessalonica and share the correct information with those he had come to love and trust

Mitchell Hedgepeth, When Rumors Raise Doubts

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Bought to Be a Blessing

2008-10-28T13:25:00.004-06:00

Clint Ware reminds us this week that God has redeemed us by purchasing us with his death, to get us out of the pit that we all fall into. His text is taken from Matthew 13:45-46, which reads:
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

Clint Ware, "Bought to Be a Blessing"

FUMC Clinton 8:45 Service October 26, 2008

2008-10-13T17:20:00.004-06:00

On Committment Sunday, Pastor Hedgepeth brings a message about giving.

Mitchell Hedgepeth, "Telling The Truth in Our Advertising"

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Kingdom Living and Kingdom Giving

2008-10-13T16:50:00.005-06:00

Kingdom Living and Kingdom Giving

Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

The parable of the talents, found in the Gospel of Matthew, illustrates for us the way we should give. In Clint’s sermon, we are reminded that we have three commodities in our lives: time, money, and affection. How we spend them in this life reflects how much we trust our Master, and whether or not we really know him.

The Kingdom - Part 6 - Treasuring the Treasure

2008-10-07T20:30:00.002-06:00

The Kingdom - Part 6 - Treasuring the Treasure

Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

The parable of the Treasure in the Field, found in Matthew 13:44, is one that has several applications for our lives. This week, Clint Ware interprets the treasure as the greatest gift that our heavenly Father gives us, our personal salvation. He encourages the listener to receive this priceless gift, which only requires that we trust in him alone. This is a treasure that we sometimes try to earn by our own actions, something we need to guard against.

FUMC Clinton 8:45 Service September 28, 2008

2008-10-06T13:06:00.007-06:00

Jesus was in trouble with the Jewish authorities after they observed the things that he did. In the gospel Jesus is in trouble for doing “these things,” which are not detailed or explained. We can presume that it is the lifechanging, life-affirming things that got him in trouble. The sermon suggests that every church should be marked by the presence of the “Same things!”

Mitchell Hedgepeth, "These Things"

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

The Kingdom - Part 5 - Transformation

2008-09-29T07:07:00.017-06:00

The Kingdom - Part 5 - Transformation

Podcast - iTunes Subscribe

The Kingdom - Part 4 - The Kingdom is Like a Potted Plant

2008-09-22T21:10:00.005-06:00

Clint Ware: The Kingdom is Like a Potted Plant

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Continuing his series on the Kingdom of Heaven, Clint Ware gives an interpretation of the Parable of the Mustard Seed and explains how it applies to our modern times. Taken from the Biblical text in Matthew 13, he describes the ancient and the modern application, and leaves us with two questions: Do I think of the Kingdom, the church, or my spiritual life as something that should be growing? and Am I really open to going wherever, whenever, to whomever Jesus asks?

FUMC Clinton 8:45 Service September 7, 2008

2008-09-18T14:29:00.007-06:00

Evil creates conflict that can and often does ruin relationships. God grieves over this, particularly when it happens in the church, the body of men and women called to exhibit the oneness of God to the world. Jesus gives us a formula for mending broken relationships in
the church whenever and wherever it is possible to do so. The text for this message is taken from Matthew 18:15-20. Pastor Mitchell Hedgepeth shares this helpful word.

Mitchell Hedgepeth, Resolving Conflict by the Book

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

The Kingdom - Part 3 - Grown Together

2008-09-15T14:38:00.003-06:00

Clint Ware: Grown Together

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Clint Ware discusses the parable of the weeds in this week's sermon, taken from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. In the parable, Jesus explains the difference between the good seeds and weeds, how to tell the difference, and how to respond to the enemy in our lives. Listen as he discusses how to tell the true from the false, and what it means for us.

The Kingdom - Part 2 - Pretty Good Soil

2008-09-07T17:28:00.010-06:00

Clint Ware: Pretty Good Soil

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Today I want us to look together at the first parable Jesus told as recorded in the book of Matthew. This is the first of seven Parables Jesus told about the Secrets of the Kingdom of heaven

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL FIND SOME OF THESE SECRETS ARE MEANT- TO ENCOURAGE YOU AND I IN OUR CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

Matthew 13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants . 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

In this case Jesus uses three main physical things:
The Sower
The Seed
The Soil (four types)

1. WHO IS THE SOWER
- We get a major clue in verse 19
- The Sower is sowing the message of the Kingdom
- This is precisely what Jesus was doing at that time

Matt 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom , and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Up to this point in the Gospel, Jesus is quoted using the word Kingdom 17 times. He is no doubt speaking of himself. But when we look at

Matt 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, preach this message: `The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

This shows that Jesus was not the only sower, his disciples were also.

2. WHAT IS THE SEED?
-In vs. 19- The message about the Kingdom
In Luke's Gospel - The word of God.

Earlier in Matthew we see Jesus preaching the good news of the kingdom, so the seed is the Word
- In every seed, there is LIFE

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword , it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

3. WHAT ARE THE SOILS?

Peoples' heart - The state of their heart at a given time- IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER -this can change
As we look at the four types - if you see yourself - remember, God is willing to amend your soil.

FOUR TYPES

First Type

4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

Second Type

5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.

Third Type

7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants .

22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

A weed is an unwanted plant weeds don't produce useful fruit

Notice how the thorns were already there. We can't just add Jesus into our life. Jesus wants to be our life. Two-timing Jesus doesn't work, we just may lose everything

There are things in our lives that we should consider weeds. The problem is that we want them there. To be a weed it has to unwanted

Fourth Type

8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

GOOD SOIL
As I said in the beginning - what we have seen here should be an encouragement

Two ways:
1. Encourage us to consider how prepared we are to receive the word of God
2. Encourage us to take our responsibilities as sowers seriously

In the parable, the sower is only responsible for sowing the seed. As disciples of Christ we are responsible to sow the Good News of the Kingdom. Some won't be ready, some won't be really open, some will have to much else in their life to let Jesus in. But some will have deep rich soil, ready for the word to bear fruit.

2008-09-04T22:44:00.012-06:00

Clint Ware: The Kingdom - Parables

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

The Purpose of the Parables - Matthew 13:10-17 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: ”Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ” You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Parables - simple stories which communicate deeper meanings
Jesus’ Parables - simple stories that use common things to communicate spiritual things

The Disciple’s Question - Why do you speak to the people in parables?
Jesus’ Answer:
I. Because what I teach is mystery. (secret)v.11
- μυστêριον (mustêrion) - that which can be made known only by Divine revelation, and is made known in a manner and at a time appointed by God, only to those who are illumined by His Spirit

II. Because you have been specially chosen to hear it first v.11,16-17
- this knowledge is being given to you (the twelve), not them
- you have been blessed with “eyes to see” and “ears to hear”
- you get to hear the plan that so many longed to hear…… the plan of how God would redeem mankind

III. Therefore you will be given all you need to know the plan v.12
- then it will your mission to share it with the world (Acts 1:8)

IV. Because most of the Jews aren’t ready for me v.12-15
- God wants all to hear, know, and accept the truth
- but most Jews were expecting God to do things differently
  a. military leader that would kick the romans out
  b. great politician that would rule like David had
  c. no one expected a suffering servant
- just as the time of Isaiah, they did not have “ears to hear”
- their hearts were calloused (thickened);

V. Therefore the little they think they know, must be taken away v.12
- until what they think they know is torn away
- they will not want to hear anything different
- they will not be able to hear the real truth
- they have the wrong foundational understanding

VI. If they could hear, they would turn, and I would heal them.v.15
- if they weren’t so set in their false understandings
- they would be able to see and hear and understand that
- He is the Messiah

SO WHAT CAN WE TAKE FROM JESUS’ WORDS
1. Truth is not something I can pry out of God, he must reveal it to me.
2.When we accept the truth God reveals to us, he gives us more
3. If we do not accept the truth God gives us and there-by believe in a lie or half truth, God will do what it takes to show us the lie or half truth in order to give us another chance to hear the real thing.

Clarity

2008-08-25T21:40:00.001-06:00

Clint Ware: Clarity

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Clarity ~ the state or quality of being clear or transparent to the eye
~ clearness or lucidity as to perception or understanding freedom from indistinctness or ambiguity
~ to fully see an issue, to the point that you are filled with an irresistible sense of urgency

Urgency ~ pressing importance requiring speedy action
~ the state of being urgent; an earnest and insistent necessity
~ a deep and compelling sense that an action must be taken

CLARITY / URGENCY / ACTION

1. Kingdom Clarity - clarity in its truest form is a gift given by God
   ~ This clarity is a result of God revealing his heart to our heart
   ~ through this he gives us:
   - focus > helps us see what is really important in life
   - understanding > helps us to see how he can use us in His plan

2. The Kingdom Clarity Test:
   1. Do you have clarity when it comes to sin?
   - sin is an unavoidable issue but is not unavoidable
   - scripture makes it clear, there are consequences for sin
   (Rom 6:23)
   . Relational - with God and man (Isaiah 59:2)
   . Circumstantial - you will reap what you sow (Gal 6:8-9)
   . Spiritual - (Rom 6:21)
   - What is sin to you, friend or foe?
   ”Fear nothing but God, Hate nothing but sin”
   (John Wesley)

            2. Do you have clarity about the church?
   - you make this church what it is
   - membership has its privileges or responsibilities?

3. Do you have clarity when it comes to loving God?
- all your heart…soul…mind…and strength

4. Do you have clarity when it comes to loving your neighbor?
- not limited to next door (how did Jesus define neighbor?)

Kingdom Clarity will bring Kingdom Urgency will bring Kingdom Action.

Why God Hates Umbrellas

2008-08-15T19:45:00.009-06:00

Clint Ware: Why God Hates Umbrellas

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Why God Hates Umbrellas

I. His Grace Is Much Like Rain (and he wants us to get soaked and stay soaked

A. Constantly poured out on all (I Tim 2:1-4)

1 st - Prevenient grace gives us a taste of what we were meant for

2nd - Justifying grace washes away the filth of original sin when we trust Jesus

3rd - Sanctifying grace refreshes and renews believers as we grow

~ this is the active presence of God in our lives

~ God Renews All Christians Everyday

B. The ``Means of Grace``

~ the ways God has revealed for us to get soaked

~ Works of Piety (everyday expressions of our love for God)

Prayer, Searching the Scriptures, Holy Communion, Fasting, Christian Fellowship,

Healthy Living, Christian reading

~Works of Mercy (everyday expressions of our love for God)

Doing Good, Visiting the Sick, Visiting the Imprisoned,

Feeding & Clothing those in need, Earning + Saving + Giving all one can,

Seeking Justice for all, Opposition to Oppression of the poor and outcast

II. Those Things That Block the Rain (Isaiah 59:l-2)

A. Isa 59:l - He is more than willing and able to:

~ forgive and save us

~ listen and hear our prayers

B. Isa 59:2 - Our sin creates a block or separation

~ he hides his face and withdraws His presence

~ he will not or does not or chooses not to hear

C. Why would he do that? LOVE

~ he knows sin is bad + sin hurts + not what is best

~ he draws back to help us understand that we are headed the wrong way

III. A Closer Look at the Umbrella

A. Sins of Commission ~ the stuff we do that we know he told us not to do

B. Sins of Omission ~ the stuff we don`t do when we know we should (James 4:l7)

IV. How to Throw an Umbrella Away

A. Decide that if God says it's bad . . . it is, and if God says its good . . . it is.

``Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,`` (Isaiah 5:20)

B. Ask to borrow his eyes (``help me to see the sin my life``)

C. Ask to borrow his heart (``help to hate my sin the way you do``)

~ GOD HATES SIN SO MUCH BECAUSE HE LOVES US SO MUCH

D. Now take a good honest look at your heart and life.

E. Trust that what God says about you is truer than what anyone else has ever said.

~ if he says you can be free from that sin then you can be (John 8:34-36)

F. Resist the devil, throw that umbrella away, and enjoy the rain every day.

Whats In Your...Heart?

2008-08-10T14:36:00.009-06:00

Clint Ware: What's In Your Heart?

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

I. I Can't Believe I Said That

A. Have you ever had one of those moments when you lost control of your mouth?

~Afterward you say to yourself, "Where did that come from?"

~(I usually would not say things like that)

B. Jesus taught that when you speak, you reveal what is in your heart (Matt 15:18-20)

II. How to Check Your Heart Condition:

A Five Point Check

Remember To T H i N K

1. Is What I Say Timely (Eph 5:15-16)

A. Take a minute and think

- WHAT needs to be said that would be the right thing to say?

- HOW can I say this best so that it will be received?

- WHEN would be the best time to bring this up?

~ when others aren't around maybe?

2. Is What I Say True? Eph 4:25

A. If you aren't sure - just don't say it

- how much damage is done by people talking about stuff they don't really know about

- when you say the words "I THINK..." be sure that you have, otherwise you aren't being honest

B. Two things we should say more often:

- "To be honest I have not given it much thought"

- "I DON"T KNOW"

3. Is What I Say Helpful? Eph 4:29

A. Tearing down others is threefold folly

1. You hurt the one spoken about without giving them opportunity to explain or defend

2. You fill the one listening with negative feelings, thoughts, and emotions

3. You relive and refresh the wrong or misunderstanding, giving it more life and power (In reality you end up looking the worst)

(No one like to be around someone who tears down others all the time)

4. Is What I Say Necessary (Eph 4:15) (Luke 17:3-4) (Proverbs 27:5-6)

A. Truth - Love =Hurt

- Even if you are right, if you say it without love, you are wrong

B. Love - Truth =Sin continues (Hurt)

- Many times remaining silent is not loving (it is most often the easy way out)

5. Is What I Say Kind? Thes 5:14-15

A. Seems childish but this is a really important part of your heart check.

- unkind words (often spoken in haste) do damage

- not based on what others have done to us

- not justifing meaness using the circumstances of the moment

- we do what is right just because it is right

Remember To T H i N K

Would Jesus Say That?

2008-08-04T07:46:00.008-06:00

Clint Ware: Would Jesus Really Say That?

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

MATT 13:47 "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matt 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world....................

41 "Then he will say to those on his left, ` Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels..

Hospitality III – Practical Hospitality

2008-07-23T16:59:00.013-06:00

Clint Ware: Hospitality III – Practical Hospitality

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

I. What Should Hospitality Look Like Today?

A) What people expect from hospitable people:

- they would be nice , welcoming, caring “smiling”

- they would make an effort to talk to me beyond just saying “hello” and shaking my hand (firmly)

- they would make eye contact with me and be genuinely interested in me

- they would make it a point to include me

B) The motive behind the hospitality is important

- most of the time people are nice when they want something

- worldly motive vs. churchy motive vs. Kingdom motive

C) Kingdom Minded Hospitality

- Because God loves them …we will love them.

and has charged us with being:

an authentic representation of Himself,

an authentic representation of Jesus

an authentic representation of the Gospel (I Peter 4:8-10)

II. How can we best do it?

A) Be nice (for Jesus)

B) Talk to strangers (for Jesus)

C) Give it some thought (make a plan) (for Jesus)

- if you don’t make a plan you won’t

~ How can I be more hospitable in my day to day life? (for Jesus)

~ How can I use my home to be hospitable? (for Jesus)

~ How can my family become more hospitable? (for Jesus)

D) Focus on the people not you performance. (for Jesus)

III. Helpful How-to’s on Hospitality

A) Facts about strangers or visitors (especially in church)

- they naturally feel uncertain and insecure

- they don’t know what happens next

- they are searching for something

- they usually decide whether they will come back within 10 minutes

B) Put yourself in their shoes (what are they thinking?)

- will anyone like me here?

- is anyone here interested in knowing me

- “is this Jesus thing for real”

Hospitality II: Hospitality, Jesus, and the Church

2008-07-20T13:38:00.011-06:00

Clint Ware: Hospitality - Part 2 Jesus and the Church

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Hospitality II: Hospitality, Jesus, and the Church

I. Welcoming Friends vs. Welcoming Strangers

~ has the word welcome been worn out?

~ in Greek ~ philoxenia - Hospitality brother + stranger

(to treat the stranger as a brother or family)

~ ancient world viewed hospitality differently (they felt an obligation )

~ American cultural understanding has also changed

- less and less personal and personable

- less and less hospitable and welcoming

~ God commanded it of His people because it is an expression of His character(Duet 10:17-19)

II. Jesus and Hospitality

~ *New Testament Greek verb translated “showing hospitality”

- to show hospitality - xenodocheo xeno - stranger + docheo - banquet

(to set a banquet for a stranger)

~ Jesus taught that showing hospitality would be one of the main evidences that we

knew Him. Matthew 25 :33-40

~ Jesus’ example - a contrast to the Pharisees and religious leaders

Pharasees - shunned or rejected the children, woman, poor, sick, unclean, vs. unrighteous,

if you didn’t keep the mosaic law correctly (in their eyes)…

Jesus - who did he spend his time with, welcome, and seek out? children , women, poor, sick, unclean, unrighteous, sinners, (Mark 2:16-17 )

III. The Early Church and Hospitality

~ foundation teaching ( Rom 12:13-18)

~ based on an authentic representation of Jesus II Cor5:18-20

- If we say we are a Christian, then we represent Jesus

- When people look at us, they expect to see a people who

- are holy like Jesus… loving like Jesus …hospitable like Jesus

IV. How Will We Respond?

~ What will we do in light of what we see here?

~ Will we take up the mantel of hospitality in the name of Jesus Christ?

~ Will we seek out more and more ways to integrate what the Bible says?

Hospitality I - The Hunt

2008-07-13T08:41:00.023-06:00

Clint Ware: Hospitality - Part 1 The Hunt

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

Hospitality Part I: The Hunt

Lets play a little Jeopardy!

Once regarded as a virtue ,widely believed to be a mutual obligation of all people

to help one another, especially the stranger

What is Hospitality?

The Hunt for Hospitality in History

1st Century Mediterranean Understanding (the way everybody grew up)

- a community responsibility

- the honor of you community was at steak when travelers came

GREEK (main language of the day) the word for hospitality

philoxenia brother + stranger -- to treat the stranger as a brother or family

Our cultural understanding 80 years ago?

Someone new moved into the area?

Everyone knew their neighbors (a since of community)

When friends or family came to town, everyone spent the night

Today (lets look at the trends of our culture)

- full service restaurants - down

- Fast food restaurants - up

- social evening with the neighbors - down

- having friends over to play cards - down

- Having friend over for dinner - down

Life has become less and less personal over time

Face to face - over the phone - email - text messages

- our culture almost seems to push into an individualistic mindset

- we don’t even mind the fact the nobody knows their neighbors

- free time + me time

TV - just me and my TV

(how many of us feel like we know the characters on our favorite shows better than we know most of the people in our life?)

Online - a poor substitute for community since you don’t have to be you

IS THIS A PROBLEM?

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? -

WHERE DOES OUR UNDERSTANDING OF HOSPITALITY COME FROM?

OUR CULTURE

Lets look to some other possible sources of understanding

Jewish understanding

TURN TO

Genesis 18:1 The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way--now that you have come to your servant." "Very well," they answered, "do as you say." 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread." 7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.

God commanded this of his people no less 24 times

Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.

Hospitality as an expression of His character

Next week we will explore how Jesus taught and modeled Ho0spitality and how that was incorporated into the early church Then we will look at the practice aspects of hospitality for us today and how we might incorporate what God says into our lives

Fish Tank Church

2008-07-06T20:38:00.004-06:00

Clint Ware: Fish Tank Church

Fish Tank Church mp3

Podcast - iTunes -Subscribe

The Connection 7/6/08
Fish Tank Church? Bro. Clint Ware

I. Why would fish like to live in a fish tank?
- closed environment
- active
- fish feel safe and comfortable
- changes tend to be small and gradual
- population only changes occasionally
- must be kept up and feed

II. Why would someone want to go to a Fish Tank Church?
- closed environment
- active
- fish feel safe and comfortable
- changes tend to be small and gradual
- population only changes occasionally
- must be kept up and feed

PROBLEM: Jesus said that we are to GO! (Matt 28:19-20)

III. What makes up the walls to the Fish Tank Church?
Wall 1- activities
- in the church, at the church, for the church
Wall 2- fear
- of rejection
- of change
- people who are different that us
» thinking
» skin color
» socio-economic level
Wall 3- lack of motivation …laziness
Wall 4- lack of love
- we have been given the power and ability (II Peter 1:3)
- Jesus says Love one another (other believers) (John 13:35)
- and the lost (Matt 5: 43-48)

IV. Nemo and the Lost
- looking for “dad”
- unfamiliar surroundings
- run into invisible barriers
- those inside care a lot about strange things
- require those who come in to be clean (decontaminated)
- insiders are unfamiliar with outside world (big blue)

Questions to Consider
1. How long have you been living in a box?
2. Has it done something to you?
3. Do you have a longing to GO?