Beacon Community Church

The Calling - A Heart Like No Other

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:19:02 GMT

Leviticus 8-10: the high priest, Aaron

The Calling - Who's Got Your Back?

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:34:48 GMT

Leviticus 6-8: commands to the priests

The Calling - Purity & Payback

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:41:39 GMT

Leviticus 4-5: the sin and guilt offerings

The Calling - Of the People, By the People, For the People

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:34:07 GMT

Leviticus 1-3: the burnt, grain, & peace offerings and what they teach us today.

The Calling - Opening the Book of Leviticus

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:07:54 GMT

Introduction to and 1st 2 verses of the book of Leviticus

Prayer Wheel (Final)

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:16 GMT

Illustration and notes to accompany our series on prayer, "Praying with Purpose & Power"

Prayer - Listening & Praise

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:58:00 GMT

Part 6 in a series based on Dick Eastman's "Hour That Changes the World"

Prayer - Singing & Meditation

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:52:45 GMT

Part 5 in a series based on Dick Eastman's "Hour That Changes the World"

Kid Connection (Friendship)

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:48:00 GMT

Like a true friend, Jesus helps Thomas believe.

Kid Connection (Patience)

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:38:56 GMT

Sometimes it can really cost you if you can't wait. May's Kid Connection Service.

Prayer - Petition & Thanksgiving

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:35:38 GMT

Part 4 in a series based on Dick Eastman's "Hour That Changes the World"

Prayer - Watching & Interceding

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:32:23 GMT

Part 3 in a series based on Dick Eastman's "Hour That Changes the World"

Prayer - Confession & Scripture

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:28:15 GMT

Part 2 of a series based on Dick Eastman's "Hour That Changes the World"

Prayer Wheel 1 - Praise & Waiting

Thu, 20 May 2010 17:06:04 GMT

Bulletin insert to accompany "Prayer - Praise & Waiting"

Prayer - Praise & Waiting

Thu, 20 May 2010 16:19:58 GMT

Part 1 of a series based on Dick Eastman's "The Hour That Changes the World."

The Cross - The Deal

Thu, 20 May 2010 16:03:21 GMT

The cross offers us a deal - something of his for something of ours, but what?

The Cross - The Battle

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:54:47 GMT

The cross itself is a victory, not just the resurrection. But how?

Kid Connection (Honesty)

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:45:33 GMT

March 2010 Kid Connection service on Zacchaeus and honesty.

The Cross - The Choice.mp3

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:30:50 GMT

Jesus cross was surrounded by two others that represent a choice we all must make.

The Cross - The Chasm

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:23:56 GMT

The cross bridges the tremendous moral chasm separating us from God. But there is an even greater chasm bridged by the cross.

The Cross - The Need

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:13:04 GMT

Part 1 of a series leading up to Easter.

100221 Kid Connection - Honor

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:01:08 GMT

Kid Connection family service on the biblical virtue of honor. Based on 252Basics curriculum.

A Time to Run (Making Room for Life pt 5)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:45:19 GMT

Part 5 of "Making Room for Life," based on Andy Stanley's "Take it to the Limit."

Reordering Your Finances (Making Room for Life pt 4)

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:52:33 GMT

Part 4 of "Making Room for Life," based on Andy Stanley's "Take it to the Limit."

100124 Kid Connection - Discipline.mp3

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:29:20 GMT

We explore the biblical virtue of discipline as we look at the 12-year old Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)

100117 Quality vs Quantity (Making Room for Life part 3)

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:13:53 GMT

Part 3 of "Making Room for Life," based on Andy Stanley's "Take it to the Limit."

Down Time (Making Room for Life pt. 2)

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:41:41 GMT

Part 2 of "Making Room for Life," based on Andy Stanley's "Take it to the Limit."

100103 To the Limit (Making Room for Life pt. 1)

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:29:40 GMT

Part 1 of "Making Room for Life," based on Andy Stanley's "Take it to the Limit."

Jesus - Marriage Money Mojo

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:00:00 GMT

(08/23/09) In this chapter, Jesus addresses the issues of Marriage, Money and Power. Because of the great confusion over marriage and the issue of divorce, we are focusing on that one issue for today. Jesus' instruction has often been interpreted as a blanket prohibition against divorce except for adultery. Understood within the context of his day, it seems clear that Jesus was addressing a specific kind of divorce, what was known as the "any cause" divorce. While we should hold a high vision for marriage, we must also be careful that we do not demand that people remain in dangerous or destructive relationships because of a misplaced desire to follow Jesus' command.

Jesus - The Called

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:00:00 GMT

(08/16/09) Jesus not only calls us to live as a community, he instructs us how to live as one. The Bible is filled with such instructions that we at Beacon have called the "one anothers." Eveyone who becomes a member at Beacon signs a covenant to live out these "one anothers." In Matthew 18, Jesus instructs us to not only forgive one another, but to lovingly confront one another as well. Do we have the heart to confront in love? Do we have the courage to accept such confrontation? What Jesus asks is not easy but it is absolutely essential if we are to be the kind of life-giving community that he desires.

Jesus - Apocalypse Now

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:00:00 GMT

(08/09/09) Jesus finally gives his disciples a glimpse of who he truly is. They can see his divine nature with their own eyes. But seeing is not believing; believing is to listen and obey. God tells those who witness Jesus' transfiguration that they should "Listen to him!" Are we willing to listen to him? Are we willing to offer Jesus what we have, all that we have, and see what he can do with it?

Jesus - You Are the One!

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:00:00 GMT

(08/02/09) When people encounter Jesus, they often don't get it and they react with fear. But some do get it and they receive him in faith. Peter definitely "got it" when he made the ultimate confession of faith, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." You are the one! The first thing Peter did after this was to tell Jesus "No" and "Never." If we are not careful, conviction can turn to overconfidence and we can begin to dictate to God what he should and shouldn't do. Even when we do "get it," even when we do receive him in faith, we must always be ready to admit that there is much that we still do not understand.

Jesus - Death, Miracle and Controversy

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:00:00 GMT

(07/26/09) Sometimes there is no way to avoid controversy. No matter what you do or say, someone is going to be offended or take it the wrong way. While Jesus often did not avoid controversy, he sometimes found a way through it by offering an option no one had considered. We too can often find such creative solutions. Usually, those win-win scenarios arise when we are willing to put others first.

Jesus - Power Parables

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:00:00 GMT

(07/19/09) Guest speaker Jason Pankau takes a look at the Kingdom and what it means to be a part of God's Church. Matthew 13 is filled with a series of parables Jesus told to show us what God's Kingdom is like. We are calling them the "power parables" because they show us where real power comes from, not from within, but from above.

Jesus - Are You the One?

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:00:00 GMT

(07/12/09) Previously, we've seen that some people get it. They understand who Jesus is and they receive him in faith. But there are also people who don't get it, and they react in fear. In Matthew 11, we begin to see that even those who get it often don't really get it. Leading all the way up to Peter's confession of faith in Matthew 16, we begin to see that many who claim to get it are still deeply troubled by misunderstanding and doubt. Jesus' answer to these troubles is to redirect our eyes to the proper signs that he is truly The One.

Jesus - Sending Out

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:55:15 GMT

(07/05/09) Jesus asked his disciples to pray for God to raise up more workers to carry forth his message. Jesus answered their prayer by calling 12 disciples to be apostles. Were they up to the task? Matthew 10 shows us that those God calls, he equips; and those he equips, he sends. Even so, those Jesus sends should expect Division and difficult Decisions on the road ahead.

Jesus - Powering Up

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:53:23 GMT

(06/28/09) Matthew 8 and 9 are filled with people's reactions to Jesus' ministry. Some people get it, they understand Jesus' authority, and they receive him in faith. Other don't get it, and they react with fear, the kind of fear that will later build up to violence and the cross. There are many more who need to hear the message and make their own choices, so Jesus asks his disciples to pray that God would raise up workers. Little did they know that Jesus would ask them to be the answer to their own prayers. What is our reaction to Jesus? Do we get it or don't we? And if we get it, are we ready to pray for workers to continue the mission, even if it means that God might use us?

Jesus - Tale of Two Kingdoms

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:47:51 GMT

(06/21/09) Jesus begins the conclusion to his sermon by commanding us to not judge. He then describes several situations that require careful judgment. Are we to judge or are we not? Or is Jesus more concerned about the spirit with which we make judgments? Once again, the answer comes down to humility and love. Godly judgment begins first with self-examination and only then extends outward with a genuine desire to help one another.

Jesus - Practicing Prayer

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:37:49 GMT

In Matthew 5, Jesus challenges us to let our light shine so that people might praise our Father in Heaven. But in Matthew 6, Jesus says to keep our good deeds private rather than doing them for the praise of others. How can we do both? The answer is that we have to forget about ourselves. Seek first the kingdom of God and do it out of love and gratitude.

Jesus - The Message

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:35:08 GMT

(06/07/09) Jesus offers some extremely challenging words to us in his Sermon on the Mount. Rather than excusing us from the Law, he tells us that it’s not only what we do that counts, but what we say and even what we think. The standard is so high that we are guaranteed to fail. But failure is part of the process of following Jesus. We can follow Jesus by failing forward.

Jesus - Starting Strong

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:11:54 GMT

(05/31/09) Like Israel before him, Jesus begins his ministry with hunger and temptation in the desert. Temptation is often strongest when we want good things, things that God intends to give us, but we insist on acquiring God’s blessings on our own terms… and our own timing. We want it now! Impatience is, quite literally, the devil. Jesus shows us that starting strong requires trust in God and his timing.

Jesus - Turning Around and Falling Down

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:09:13 GMT

(05/24/09) Jesus' entrance into the world changes everything. His presence necessitates a change in us as well. We call this change "repentance." The sinless king of the universe showed us the way by first being baptized into repentance himself.

Obedience (Kid Connection)

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:05:55 GMT

(05/17/09) Like Jonah, we all disobey God at times. But through Jonah we learn that God is a God who is willing to give everyone a second chance. As Jonah discovers, "You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love." Even so, it's always better to do what God says the first time.

Jesus - On the Lamb

Tue, 12 May 2009 20:00:45 GMT

05/10/09: Jesus’ birth is often comfortably received in culture and politics. However, the significance of his birth is much more of a confrontation than a comfort to the status quo. Herod understood this timeless truth -- that when God’s presence enters the world, or our individual worlds, nothing will ever be the same.

Jesus - In the Beginning

Tue, 12 May 2009 19:56:55 GMT

05/03/09: Genealogies are seldom a highlight for people reading the Bible. But Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus highlights key figures who reveal that what God is about to do in Jesus is really what God has been doing all along.

Conviction (Kid Connection)

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:33:37 GMT

(04/26/09) This week we study the biblical virtue of conviction and how Peter and John demonstrated conviction in the face of opposition.

Making Sense of Hard Choices

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:30:21 GMT

(04/19/09) This past week we celebrated the events of holy week. Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension has saved us…but saved us from what? In this message, we are going to look at the hard doctrines of sin, judgment and especially hell. These, like the black velvet backdrop of a diamond ring in a jewelry store, show how far-reaching, beautiful and good God’s saving grace is.

My Father's House (Walking With Jesus)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:54:21 GMT

(04/12/09): The final week in our Walking With Jesus series. The series is based on insights John gained during his trip to Israel, insights that will add to our understanding and appreciation of the key aspects of Jesus ministry. This week, we look at Korazin. What exactly did Jesus mean when he said he was going to prepare a place for us in his father's house?

The Time Had Fully Come (Walking With Jesus)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:52:49 GMT

(04/05/09): This week, we continue in our Walking With Jesus series. The series is based on insights John gained during his trip to Israel, insights that will add to our understanding and appreciation of the key aspects of Jesus ministry. This week, we look at Qumran.

My Rock and My Fortress (Walking With Jesus)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:51:17 GMT

(03/29/09): This week, we continue in our Walking With Jesus series. The series is based on insights John gained during his trip to Israel, insights that will add to our understanding and appreciation of the key aspects of Jesus ministry. This week, we look at Masada.

In the Shadow of Herod (Walking With Jesus)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:42:07 GMT

(03/22/09): The first week in our Walking With Jesus series. The series is based on insights John gained during his trip to Israel, insights that will add to our understanding and appreciation of the key aspects of Jesus ministry. This week, we look at the Herodion.

Hope (Kid Connection)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:39:42 GMT

(03/15/09): This week's Kid Connection focuses on the biblical virtue of hope.

The Best Decision Ever (Foolproof)

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:34:51 GMT

(03/08/09): Living wisely begins with recognizing God as the foundation of wisdom. Sooner or later, wisdom will require submission to God in situations that seem not to make sense. We can end up second-guessing or hesitating. The best decision is to trust God with our lives, our whole lives. Wisdom is founded on trust.

A Little Help From Our Friends (Foolproof)

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:52:45 GMT

03/01/09: This week, John looks at some of the trouble around being wise while making very difficult decisions. The effects of our most important decisions almost always become public eventually, often to our great shame. Why not get the public involved up front? Chances are that honor rather than shame will follow. There are two times when we all need counsel. One is when our wisdom is clouded by our emotional vulnerability. The other is when our situation requires expertise beyond our own. Cultivate those relationships now, open those channels of communication now so they are well in order when they are truly needed.

Time Bandits (Foolproof)

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:08:51 GMT

02/22/09: When we arrive at the wrong place, chances are we made it there one step at a time. Similarly, we need to reorient ourselves in a way that will have a consistent, cumulative value. Consistency in key areas can have a huge impact over time. Time is life; don’t waste it.

The Good Samaritan (Kid Connection)

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:06:07 GMT

02/15/09: During this Kid Connection, we look at the biblical virtue of fairness, as demonstrated by the Good Samaritan.

Living On the Edge (Foolproof)

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:03:05 GMT

02/08/09: How far would you go to protect what is most valuable to you? Then why do we continue to push the limits and seek the edge? Moral failure can have particularly severe consequences. The wise thing to do would be to pursue standards high enough that failure on that level would be of little consequence.

Musical Chairs (Foolproof)

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:55:09 GMT

02/01/09: As we continue our series on wisdom, John explores the fact that old patterns often require that we reshape our thinking process when it comes to pursuing wisdom. The Bible illustrates at least 3 types of people who fail to pursue wisdom. Recognizing these three profiles will help us recognizing these three types of foolishness in our own lives so that we can begin to foolproof our lives.

Resourcefulness (Kid Connection)

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:51:36 GMT

01/25/09: This week's Kid Connection looks at the biblical virtue of resourcefulness. When do we trust God? What's our responsibility? How do they fit together? These questions and more form the core of our study.

Best Question Ever (Foolproof)

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:45:23 GMT

01/04/09: John begins our new series on wisdom. This week, we learn about how to ask the right question rather than push the limits. For many Christians, decision making is a simple process of asking whether the Bible says yes or no on an issue. But God calls us to a better, higher standard by getting us to ask, “What is the wise thing to do?”

The Beginning of the End

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:44:25 GMT

12/28/08: What is Christmas about, and what is the true Christmas spirit? These are questions we hear during the Christmas season. Now, in the time after Christmas and before the New Year, we take a look at Christmas and what it truly means. Filling in for John Mury, Matt Luker looks at how Christmas is not just about gift giving or hospitality, but about a beginning that changed everything, a beginning that brought about the end of the kingdom of darkness. On a more personal note, our whole church family extends our deepest condolences to the Mury family. Eugene will be missed by us all, and our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.

Joy

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:12:30 GMT

12/14/08: Joy is a word used quite a bit during the Christmas season. But what is the true nature of joy? Is it just a feeling of happiness, fleeting at best? Or is there something more? This week, John Mury explores joy and why it is sometimes so difficult for us to grasp.

Peace

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:28:06 GMT

12/07/08: What is peace? In this season of Advent as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child, the question is especially relevant. Our modern understanding of peace is only defined negatively: the absence of conflict. But for the writers of the New Testament, peace meant so much more. For them, peace was based in the Hebrew concept of shalom. As we celebrate the peace Christ brought and look forward to the final peace he will bring, the meaning of shalom reveals a peace that truly surpasses our modern understanding.

Hope

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:27:26 GMT

11/30/08: In the midst of our suffering and our trials, God provides hope. Often we only see part of this hope: hope of an end to suffering and difficulty. As we move into our Advent season, John looks at the other part of the hope God provides to us: that God can redeem our suffering and difficulty, turning it into something amazing. In the midst of our need, we find God ready to provide for all our needs, working to form the nature of Christ in us. The hope God extends to us through his spirit is real, and it does not disappoint!

Subversive Freedom

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:17:02 GMT

11/23: How does one balance the freedom of the gospel with some of the Bible's admonitions to submit? John examines Colossians 3:18-4:1 along with parallel passages from Ephesians to explain a concept of freedom that is many ways subversive. In the midst of the structures and hierarchies of human society, God asks us live out his peace through submission to one another; in the midst of this submission and sacrifice, we discover a freedom that changes who we are.

Gratitude

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:02:02 GMT

11/16: Join us for our Kid Connection service as we look at the biblical virtue of gratitude. John examines how gratitude can change our whole outlook.

Being Separate, Being Together

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:51:40 GMT

11/09/08: John Mury continues our Caught Between Two Kingdoms series asking the question: what does it mean to “put on Christ”? Is this a new way to dress? Answering the God’s call to be different doesn’t meant just being weird. What God has in mind has a lot more to do with changing our minds and hearts than changing our clothes or vocabulary.

Truth and Lies

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:32:32 GMT

11/02/08: This week we continue our study of Colossians, examining Paul's defense of the truth of the gospel. Instead of focusing on the lies being told, Paul choose to only focus on the truth being denied or misrepresented. Paul's reasons were simple: lies come and go, shift and change, but the truth is always the same. John looks at some ways we can become experts in recognizing God's truth in a world full of distortions, misrepresentations, and ulterior motives.

Battle for the Imagination

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:58:06 GMT

10/26/08: John Mury examines the religion of the Market, the gospel of branding. As we continue our study of Colossians, John draws parallels between the propaganda and branding of the Roman Empire and the advertising culture we live in today. As we study Paul's exhortations in Colossians 1:15-29, we ask ourselves the following: whom do we look to for truth, and what do we believe about ourselves as a result?

Determination

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:29:34 GMT

10/19/08: John Mury speaks about the Biblical virtue of determination. Join us for our Kid Connection Sunday teaching!

In the Shadow of the Empire

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:58:04 GMT

10/12/08: John Mury begins our new series on the book of Colossians titled "Caught Between Two Kingdoms." In this politically charged season, questions of truth and who to place your trust in start to arise. John's first look at Colossians shows how the people of Colosse faced similar challenges as they tried to follow Christ in the Roman Empire. Join us as we explore questions of truth and sources for truth and wisdom. To whom do you listen to for truth, wisdom, and understanding?

Vision Sunday

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:27:22 GMT

10/5/08: Follow-up on topics covered during the retreat, including progress made on the Foyer, Living Room and Kitchen environments.

Colossians Study Questions (PDF)

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:24:01 GMT

Study questions for the book of Colossians. Designed to go along with our series "Caught Between Two Kingdoms."

'Cause I Got to Have Faith

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:52:12 GMT

9/28/08: John Mury concludes our Back to Basics series with a discussion about faith. Is faith just a desperate attempt to find comfort in a cold, dark world? What is the biblical understanding of faith, and how does it relate to reason? Join us in our discussion as John looks at how faith is not reason's enemy, but instead, its ally.

Charity and Hope

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:30:31 GMT

9/14/08: This week, we continue our series on C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity by looking at the theological virtue of charity. True, Christian charity is loving and giving to others with no strings attached--no expectation of gaining any benefit. In this, charity is truly a theological virtue, as it is not based in any of our natural impulses. Charity is founded in the reality that God is love; Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Even when we might not like ourselves, we continue to act in our best interest. God calls us to look at others through this lens.

The Worst Sin--Really This Time

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:14:51 GMT

9/7/08: What's the worst sin, really? According to Christianity, the worst sin is something many consider minor, some even a virtue. The worst sin is pride. Pride swallows up all the capacity for other virtues, especially love. As we look at authentic, basic Christianity, we have to look realistically at our own hearts for the tyranny of pride. Like a slow-burning, hidden coal fire, pride can burn away in our lives, secretly destroying all that we hold dear.

Even Worse Than the Worst

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:19:30 GMT

8/24/08: John Mury continues our discussion of Mere Christianity. Last week we looked at one of the most unpopular virtues of Christianity: chastity. This week, we look at another unpopular virtue, perhaps even more unpopular than chastity: forgiveness. John looks at how difficult it is to forgive and some of the reasons we all struggle to forgive others. Practicing forgiveness and understanding often requires we each personally admit that "there but for the grace of God go I."

The Worst Sin

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:12:16 GMT

8/17/08: This week, John Mury discusses the most unpopular of all Christian virtues: chastity. Is the Christian standard of chastity just too hard? John explores the idea that it is, indeed, too hard--but that it being hard or easy is not the point. God views our struggles and failures knowing our hearts, knowing all our personal demons. As we look at Christian virtues--especially chastity--understanding God's mercy and that he understands all our struggles and temptations is critical to understanding the Christian message.

Back to Basics - Week 08 Handout

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:44:03 GMT

Questions for chapters 15 and 16 of "Mere Christianity."

Mere Christianity - Week 08 (Chapters 15-16)

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:40:08 GMT

Recorded for Beacon's "Back to Basics" series

What's Freud Got to Do With It?

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:48:21 GMT

8/10/08: John Mury examines C.S. Lewis' statement that Christianity does not replace secular morality, and that Christianity adds little to the morality of the world or the morality of other religions. John then looks at some examples of how small differences can mean radically different outcomes. The difference between a chimpanzee and a human genetically is just a few percentage points, but that small amount makes a huge difference. Likewise, Christianity's small differences in morality lead to radically different outcomes and views.

Back to Basics - Week 07 Handout

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:37:33 GMT

Questions for chapters 13-14 of Mere Christianity.

Mere Christianity - Week 07 (Chapters 13-14)

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:29:36 GMT

Chapters 13-14 of "Mere Christianity" for our "Back to Basics" summer series

Dissecting Right and Wrong

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:02:46 GMT

8/3/08: Continuing our Back to Basics series, John Mury examines all the dimensions of Christian morality. Whereas most people think of morality primarily as a series of rules governing behavior and interactions with others, this is only a side effect of Christianity according to C.S. Lewis. There are three dimensions to Christian morality: outward, inward, and upward. John explores how the later two dimensions affect everything in our lives--but how these are the dimensions we often completely ignore.

Mere Christianity - Week 06 (Chapters 11-12)

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:38:21 GMT

Chapters 11-12 of Mere Christianity, to be covered on August 3rd for week 6 of "Back to Basics."

Back to Basics - Week 06 Handout

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:31:15 GMT

Questions for chapters 11-12 of Mere Christianity

The Perfect Turn-Around

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:42:18 GMT

7/27/08: John Mury looks at the theology and the question of dogma. The church has a long tradition of belief and doctrine. What does this tradition mean and how does it apply to the question of "mere Christianity?" While Christians may often disagree about points of doctrine, ultimately these points have to do with the person of Jesus and how he has brought salvation to humanity. John looks at C.S. Lewis' suggestion that these are much like experimental models: useful for exploration and understanding, but never to be confused with the reality, the truth, they model. Oh, and John also tells a great Emo Phillips joke.

Back to Basics - Week 05 Handout

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:26:30 GMT

Questions and resources for chapters 9 & 10 of Mere Christianity.

Mere Christianity - Week 05 (Chapters 9-10)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:08:30 GMT

Here's the recording of chapters 9 & 10 of "Mere Christianity" for week 5 of our "Back to Basics" series. It would have been out earlier, but I've been wicked sick.

The Invasion

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:41:33 GMT

7/20/08: John Mury, continuing our Back to Basics series, examines reality of the person of Jesus Christ. Can you ignore that Jesus claimed to be God and just follow his moral teachings? John discusses C.S. Lewis' "trilemma" of "Liar, Lunatic, or Lord" and what it means for our understanding of Jesus and God. He also looks at the more modern objection of "legend" surrounding Christ's divinity and how these objections are often misleading at best.

Back to Basics - Week 04 Handout

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:41:25 GMT

Questions and resources for our Back to Basics series on C. S. Lewis' book "Mere Christianity."

Mere Christianity - Week 04 (Chapters 7-8)

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:37:14 GMT

Chapters 7-8 of Mere Christianity for Beacon's "Back to Basics" summer series.

Rival Gods

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:40:17 GMT

7/13/09: How do you deal with the problem of evil in this world? That's the question Mike Bost asks as we continue our series, "Back to Basics". Based on the book, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, Mike examines how four common worldviews answer the question of evil and how they compare to Christianity as revealed by the Bible.

Back to Basics - Week 03 Handout

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:04:29 GMT

Questions for chapter 6 in "Mere Christianity" for the July 13th service.

Mere Christianity - Week 03 (Chapter 6)

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:59:34 GMT

Chapter 6 (Rival Conceptions of God) from "Mere Christianity."

Wriggling in Our Seats

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:59:49 GMT

7/6/08: John Mury continues our Back to Basics series, focusing on the question of right and wrong. What is morality? Why do we continue to believe in the idea of fairness or right and wrong even when more and more people don't believe in the concept of absolute truth? In the context of these questions, John discusses current trends in our culture and how we view the idea of truth and morality.

Back to Basics - Week 2 (Handout)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:42:23 GMT

Questions for chapters 3-5 of Mere Christianity, week 2 of our summer 2008 Back to Basics series.

Mere Christianity - Week 02 (Chapters 3-5)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:36:16 GMT

Chapters 3-5 of Mere Christianity, read by John Mury (again, sans British accent).

The Law of Human Nature

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:18:28 GMT

6/29/08: John Mury begins our series "Back to Basics," a study based on the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. This week, John looks at the Law of Human Nature, a concept C.S. Lewis bases in the fact that all human beings yearn for purpose and meaning, yearn to be more than they actually are. Why do we believe in the concepts of right and wrong, fairness, and goodness? Are these just absurd quirks of our existence, or are they proof that we are created for something more?

Back to Basics - Week 1 (Handout)

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:08:13 GMT

Questions for Week 1 of "Back to Basics," which is Chapters 1-2 in "Mere Christianity."

Mr. Big Shot

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:59:32 GMT

6/22/08: John Mury uses the example of Naaman (2 Kings 5) to demonstrate how sometimes God can work through humble, mundane events to radically change our lives. Continuing in our series on the Biblical virtue of humility, John encourages us to not get so caught up in how important we are that we might miss out on what God wants to do--even through humble, ordinary acts.

Mere Christianity - Week 01 (Chapters 1-2)

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:19:38 GMT

On June 29th, we being our summer series Back to Basics, covering C. S. Lewis' book Mere Christianity. For those who prefer listening over reading, we will podcast the chapters from the book in advance of each Sunday. With that in mind, you'll find the Preface and first 2 chapters of Mere Christianity below (sans British accent).

If you're old-skool (and cheap), you can read the book on-line here.

The Big Head

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:07:36 GMT

6/15/08: John Mury discusses humility using the prayers of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector as illustrations. Found in Luke 18:9-14, we have examples of self-esteem: one out of control and another conscious of his sinful state. John asks the question, "Perhaps we need an 'I exam'?" This message also ties in with the celebration of Father's Day, asking us to consider how even earthly fathers want to love and give gifts to their beloved children. Might not God love us even more than an earthly father?

Power Play

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:07:14 GMT

Continuing in our series on Humility, John Mury talks about the sons of Zebedee and how they wanted to be the greatest in the kingdom. This message is based in the passage Matthew 20:20-28. This service is a part of Beacon's Kid Connection where we actively involve our children in our worship service.

It's Not About Me

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:56:59 GMT

Starting off our new series on the biblical virtue of humilty, John Mury looks at the Genesis story of the Tower of Babel and what it has to say about human nature, God's nature, and the value of humility.

Just Wait

Wed, 28 May 2008 17:19:25 GMT

John Mury continues our discussion of the Biblical virtue of patience with a study of the Israelites crossing the river Jordan into the Promised Land and their battle at the city of Jericho.

Hold On

Mon, 19 May 2008 16:45:32 GMT

In this month's Kid Connection, we learn the value of patience and hanging in there—even when we are tempted to rush things. John Mury teaches on the value of patience and shows how the Israelite spies showed patience and wisdom.

Too Late

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:58:42 GMT

Continuing our series on the biblical virtue of patience, John Mury delivers a message on how lacking patience will cost you. Drawing upon the history of the Israelite people and their initial fear and doubt over entering the Promised Land, John discusses how moving without God's blessing will cost us. Sometimes it doesn't seem too bad, but eventually the error of moving without God will become apparent. This message was delivered on Mother's Day, May 11.

Keep On

Sun, 04 May 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Starting our new series on the biblical virtue of patience, Joe McGarry delivers a message about the Israelites and their first attempt to enter the promised land. In the midst of trials and troubles, if we patiently wait on God to fulfill his promises, we will see our hopes made real.

Restore

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

As part of our monthly Kid Connection service, Mike Bost shares the joy that comes from restoration. God can restore you, even when you've messed up (John 21:1-17; Acts 2:14,22-25,36-41). Mike Bost is one of our elders and full-time staff with U.S. Campus Ministry (uscm.org). Delivered on April 27th as the conclusion to our series on the biblical virtue of joy.

Rejoice

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Continuing our series on joy, we discuss how we are able to rejoice because even when things seem bad. In the midst of these bad times, we can know that God is with us (Luke 24:36-48; John 20:19). Presented by Joe McGarry on April 20th, 2008.

The Stevensons - Missionaries to the Philippines

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Micah, Rachel and their daughter Sojourner Peace will be heading back to the Philippines where they will serve as teachers in a school that serves the children of missionaries. In this April 13th presentation, they share the nature and importance of their work.

Remember (The Last Supper)

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:21:56 GMT

In a special message about the Last Supper, we examine what the Passover meal meant to Christ, and the depth of his love for his disciples in his last moments here on earth. This message is a part of sermon series on joy. What greater way to explore the meaning of joy than to look at what Christ accomplished for all in his death and sacrifice and how he wants us all to love one another?

It's Really In There!

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

As a part of our special Kid Connection program, John Mury explores some of the interesting and unexpected things that can be found in the Bible. Can you say "substitutionary atonement?"

Arrested and Tried

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:15:34 GMT

The Palm Sunday teaching about how Jesus showed incredible courage entering Jerusalem that day. Jesus already knew how the story was going to end, what going to Jerusalem would ultimately mean; despite all the pain and suffering that awaited him, Jesus chose to go to Jerusalem, to die on the cross in our place. Jesus Christ is our greatest example of the Biblical virtue of courage.

In the Lion's Den

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Sunday message for March 9, 2008. "In the Lion's Den" is a continuation of our series on the Biblical value of courage. Drawing from the account of Daniel 6:1-28, we find that God is bigger than our biggest problem.

A Queen's Stand

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:00:00 GMT

In his upcoming book Overcoming Your Shadow Mission, John Ortberg explains how each of the main players in the book of Esther faced a critical choice. Each person had to choose between a higher calling and a shadow mission - a dark, trivial or self-serving path. Xerxes lived for his image. Haman lived for an ego-driven quest for more, more, more. Mordecai and Esther had the courage to use their gifts for something greater. The bad news is that without help, all of us will eventual succumb to our shadow missions. The good news is that Jesus understands, having resisted the incredible pull of his own shadow mission. What's your shadow mission? Who is your Mordecai?