St. Paul's Collegiate Church

An Authentic Thanksgiving: Giving Thanks from the Pit

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 13:54:03 CST

The apostle Paul tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. But how do we give thanks when our present circumstances are crushing our spirit? We lament. We cry out to God to change our present, while giving thanks to God for what He has done, while giving thanks to God for what He will do. We can always give God thanks.

The Purpose Driven Life (#7): What We've Learned Together

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:44:45 CST

The 5 Purposes—worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and mission--are neither a program nor a curriculum. They are core to what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Throughout history God’s people have always expressed thanksgiving by telling the stories of what God has done in our lives. As we celebrate and give thanks, these are our stories…

The Purpose Driven Life (#6): Made for a Mission

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:47:15 CST

We are made for a mission. We are called to share the Good News of God with others (evangelism)—both those in our world and those beyond it. Evangelism is more than just words. Evangelism is living out the Gospel in both word and deed in a way that transforms lives and our world. This is how we live missionally.

The Purpose Driven Life (#5): Shaped to Serve God

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:57:49 CST

We are shaped to serve God by serving others. Serving—also called ministry—is one of our five core purposes here on earth. Our SHAPE (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, experiences) will determine our ministry; our attitude and character our maturity. We need to learn to serve like Christ. That means being available, serving out of gratitude, and being faithful.

The Purpose Driven Life (#4): Created to be Like Christ

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:22:56 CDT

The third purpose of our lives is to become like Jesus—in our character, in our attitudes, and in our actions. This is what discipleship really is. God is transforming our character and He uses unlikely tools: troubles, temptations, and trespasses. Ultimately each of these leads us to the cross and at the cross is where real like transformation happens.

The Purpose Driven Life (#3): Formed for God's Family

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 13:44:41 CDT

We were formed to be part of God’s family because God wants a family. Fellowship—the second purpose of our life—is loving God’s family, loving our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. There are four levels of fellowship: membership, friendship, partnership, and kinship. Which level are you experiencing? How are you developing the purpose of fellowship in your life?

The Purpose Driven Life (#2): Planned for God's Pleasure

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:01:04 CDT

We were made to worship. But worship is not just singing songs on Sunday. Worship is responding to God’s love by loving God back. God wants us to love Him thoughtfully (with our minds), passionately (with our heats and souls) and practically (with our strengths and abilities). Worship is our first and primary purpose. We were planned for God’s pleasure.

The Purpose Driven Life (#1): What On Earth Am I Here For?

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:56:28 CDT

Today as we launched our 40 Days of Purpose, we asked three foundational questions: (1) The question of existence -- why am I alive? (2) The question of significance -- does my life matter? (3) The question of intention -- what is my purpose? If you have not signed up for a small group yet, you can still do so online at stpaulswired.org/groupfind.

Don't Waste Your Life

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 13:31:47 CDT

We are preparing for our 40Days of Purpose Spiritual Growth Campaign that launches next week. Today, as we look forward to 40 Days of Purpose, we looked at why we should get involved with 40 Days of Purpose by asking three critical questions: (1) What does God want?; (2) What will it take?; and (3) Why should I do it?

40 Days of Purpose Podcast #1

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:30:58 CDT

In this podcast, Ben Dubow, Lead Pastor of St. Paul's Collegiate Church, and Bill Lamorey, Lead Pastor of Calvary Fellowship-Hartford, discuss the upcoming 40 Days of Purpose Spiritual Growth Campaign that both churches will be launching October 7, 2007.

Chase the Lion (#4): Looking Foolish & Taking Risks

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 13:15:29 CDT

Lion-chasers are willing to look foolish and take risks. Like Peter, lion-chasers step out of the boat because they know that to sink is better than to sit. We all face lions; we can either chase them or cave to them. Two lions we all face are the lion of "authentic community" and the "lion of purpose". Chase these lions!

Chase the Lion (#3): Overcoming Adversity

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 13:00:34 CDT

Adversity is a given in life. How do we overcome adversity? We worship our way through it. Worship is the way out. Worship changes things. Worship changes our perspective. We regain perspective through worship. Worship changes our circumstances. Worship is more than therapeutic wish fulfillment. When we connect with the fundamental reality of the universe, things (besides us) change.

Chase the Lion: (#2) Facing Fears

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 02:34:10 CDT

Lion chasers face fears. Do not run from fears. Do not bow before them. Do not submit to them. Our fears are ultimately as powerless as the false gods they represent. Fear the Lord--nothing else. Worship the Lord and no one else. Worship the Lord who is able. Worship the Lord who is worthy. Worship the Lord.

Chase the Lion (#1): Locking Eyes With Your Lion

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 14:14:32 CDT

"What if the life you really want, and the future God wants for you, is hiding right now in your biggest problem, your worst failure, or your greatest fear?" It might be time to chase your lion!

Inspired by the life of Benaiah and the book In A Pit With A Lion on a Snowy ...