Study and compare Biblical Christianity with 30+ world religions,cults, and belief systems shared by many of the people who live in our community.
Continue reading "A Course on World Religions and Christian Faith" »
I did a wedding on Friday in the rain. It was humid, muggy, and we were outside under a tent. I was in a suit and tie – hot and confined by too many clothes! Normally, I don’t get nervous, even though I am always hot. However, on this muggy warm evening my glasses fogged up and I couldn’t read my notes!
Continue reading "The Vision and Mission of Christ’s Church" »
For several weeks, we’ve been studying Three Harmonies – harmonies of our faith that must be in tune if we’re to live the way our Lord wants us to live.
Imagine these scenarios. You go to a hospital for a medical emergency – but the doctors won’t help you because you don’t have the right insurance. It’s the middle of winter and you’re sleeping outside, so you go to a homeless shelter for a warm bed, but they won’t let you in because you suffer from a mental illness.
One of the ways we live lives of encouragement is to love with every fiber of our being. We’re to learn to love others with our whole life. The Pharisees once asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was. Jesus gave them this answer:
Earning the right to talk about Jesus.
The Global Outreach of Quarry Ridge Community Church.
This is an important teaching series on what the world thinks of Jesus - and what they think of the Church He commissioned to complete His work.
As we approach our Commitment Sunday on December 7, I have had several conversations with Quarry Ridge folks about what “sacrificial giving” really means. Most people have said something like: “I’ll give what I can afford.” Some have said, “I’ll give all I can afford.”
Neither are really correct; can I teach you about this?
Christmas Teaching Series OVERVIEW
“Stop the ride! I want to get off!” Ever thought this way at Christmas?
When the Christmas season comes around, we strive to create the “perfect” holiday, but unfortunately, find ourselves trying to live up to unrealistic expectations. The result is that we begin to act and feel like the Grinch or Ebenezer Scrooge! When the season is filled with anxiety, frustration, and disappointment, it seems like we can’t wait to get to December 26 and put Christmas back in its boxes and get our lives back to normal.
Well – I don’t know about you, but this election cycle really took it out of me! I didn’t mind the signs and banners and billboards – I didn’t even mind the television ads. But three to four phone calls every day with pre-recorded messages was a little much.
Continue reading "What’s Next? A Christ Follower’s Responsibility (after the Election)" »
Every election season, various groups try to intimidate churches and pastors to be silent on the great social and moral issues of our time. But churches and pastors have a God-given right – protected by our Constitution – to speak to the issues of our day and to be, as Scripture commands, the “salt and light” for our culture.
The summer is nearly half over, and we’re well into our study of the fruit of the Spirit – the character traits He produces in those who have surrendered their lives to the Lordship of Christ. We’re finding new ways of partnering with the Holy Spirit to bring about life-change as He transforms us into the image of Jesus. I want to expand our study of the Holy Spirit in one small, but powerful way.
Continue reading "A prayer covenant – let’s ask for a move of the Holy Spirit" »
On Sunday mornings starting October 12 and going through November 2, Quarry Ridge will use the run-up to the Presidential Election to have some fun as we study serious topics and look at the really important issues.
Do you like puzzles? Perhaps something nearly impossible as a Rubik’s Cube? How about a Sudoku or a Crossword? Maybe you enjoy a jigsaw puzzle or even a story problem you have to solve? Puzzles challenge us. They present us with a difficulty or a mystery; they’re an enigma; they tantalize us with a conundrum or a dilemma to be addressed or a problem to be solved.
Continue reading "Breakthrough Momentum - why starting a church is so difficult" »
A few years ago, while I was working on my Master’s degree, I encountered a young man who was very interested in going to the headquarters of the Church of Scientology to be “programmed.” I did a little research (we had a Scientology Center in my hometown, donated by actress Kirstie Alley) and I found out that this young man was probably referring to “auditing,” a “counseling” process, according to the Scientologist representative I spoke with. The “auditing process helps a person confront and handle the many negative incidents which they may have experienced in past lives, and have their implanted false memories (known as “engrams”) healed and removed and the authentic memories recovered.
I rarely take a political stand from the pulpit, and I try very hard to not bring up issues that have the potential to divide us as brothers and sisters in Christ. However, when I feel strongly about something that has implications for our spiritual health, I will bring it up and will try to talk about it in ways that can lead to meaningful conversations, in hopes that our spiritual lives can be improved and enhanced while not damaging relationships.
Christmas is barely past; the New Year has started with a bang, and our lives seem to be locked in fast forward.
I need to slow down a bit, and reflect on the season of Christmastide. So much happened in the rush of our holiday observances. Even more happened in history 2,000 years ago, and all of it happened on my behalf and yours.
Continue reading "Don’t let your "glorias" end at Christmas!" »
Ever heard the old adage: “In for a penny – in for a pound”?
Basically it means if you’re going to commit to something a little bit, you might as well commit entirely.
If you’re going to invest a little – then invest all the way.
I talked once before in a blog entitled “Nomads, Searchers, or Priests?” about how God intends for us to be a “Tabernacle People.” Tabernacle means “dwelling place,” and Revelation 21:3 says that WE are His dwelling place. You and me – our hearts – are where He chooses to dwell.
Telling people about Christ is the responsibility of all Christ-followers. “Telling” is many times referred to as “missions” which I believe involves two primary activities: evangelism and outreach.
The very best way to reach people for Christ is through relationships. When Jesus sent us into the world to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) He didn’t give us any specifics on how to accomplish the task. By looking at other scripture passages such as Luke 5:29, Acts 2:42-47 and looking at Jesus’ own example, we can see that talking to people and starting friendships with them is the best way to include them in the journey of faith.
Quarry Ridge uses a 6-step strategy for fulfilling the Great Commission. . .
Meet Cliff and Sandy Rubble – hard-working young parents from our community. Their son, 8 year-old Clay, and daughter, 16 year-old Pebbles live just a few minutes from the church in a neighborhood filled with young families. They love music and sports, and spending time together. Still, the rigors of family life today make for some tough times for the Rubbles. They need help and encouragement and a solid base in their lives.
But, there's more. . .
Sharing your faith with others can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. After all, you’re sharing the greatest news anybody can ever hear! Guess what? You can be saved from a life separated from a loving, holy God and be restored to Him for eternity. . . you can have eternal life in Heaven! Can I help you find that life?
You are commissioned to witness. . .
We’re to go into all the world and make disciples - and teach them to obey everything Jesus taught us. This is Christ’s Great Commission to us. He has given us the ministry of reconciling the world to God, and He will remain with us always (Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
Remember - you were made for a mission!
419.517.7722
5845 Centennial Road
at Sylvania-Metamora Road
(across from the new Centennial Terrace)
Coffee Fellowship
Worship Celebration
Children's Activities, Nursery