It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in this series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in this series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in the series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

Philippians 4:6-7 In the face of hardships Jesus enables you to have a hopeful perspective. Living Jesus’ servant lifestyle brings great satisfaction and joy. Following Jesus gives us a different outlook. Today: Life in Christ gives us a different perspective on worry.

Now what? In the face of hardships Jesus enables you to have a hopeful perspective Mind-shift: Living Jesus’ servant lifestyle brings brings great satisfaction and joy. Following Jesus often calls for a different outlook. Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard. Philippians 3:1

In the face of hardships Jesus enables you to have a hopeful perspective A change in our Perspective often requires a mind-shift. Paul encouraged the Philippians to be mindful of their thinking and attitude. If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)

Throughout everyday life there are times when we encounter difficulties. None of us are immune. Either we know someone going through them or we ourselves have been there. Sometimes the challenge is short lived and other times the hardship is ongoing. In tough times we often ponder: Now What? What’s next? How should we react? In the midst of it all, our relationship with Jesus makes a huge difference. In His letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul demonstrates a unique “Perspective” in the midst of his struggles. The power of that “Perspective” for our own lives is the focus of this new message series.

One of our favorite days of the year is this Sunday, when we get to hear from our Students about their experiences with God lately.

Executive Director of Restore Hope here in Tulsa, Jeff leads our UM extension ministry with a mission to "Restore families in financial crisis to economic and spiritual vitality." His sermon titled "What Would You Do?" based on Matthew 13:31-52 will undoubtedly be a relevant message that we all need to hear. During these times, as we strive to keep "the main thing the main thing," I am particularly pleased about the partnership we have established with Restore Hope.

I am lifting up a vision centered around "Big Questions" that every Christ follower should be able to answer. During this time of holy conversation, prayer, and discernment, it is important to be reminded of "what" we are doing and "why" we are doing it! By the end of worship, my hope is that you will have gained more clarity and focus on your life with Christ, and that you will be fired up about your involvement in what God is doing at Christ Church! One fundamental axiom of leadership is that "Vision Leaks." As we engage in this time of holy conversation, prayer, and discernment with the purpose of "making the main thing the main thing," it becomes crucial to consistently remind ourselves of "who" we are and "what" we are striving to achieve as we follow Jesus and journey together in His Church.

I am lifting up a vision centered around "Big Questions" that every Christ follower should be able to answer. During this time of holy conversation, prayer, and discernment, it is important to be reminded of "what" we are doing and "why" we are doing it! By the end of worship, my hope is that you will have gained more clarity and focus on your life with Christ, and that you will be fired up about your involvement in what God is doing at Christ Church! One fundamental axiom of leadership is that "Vision Leaks." As we engage in this time of holy conversation, prayer, and discernment with the purpose of "making the main thing the main thing," it becomes crucial to consistently remind ourselves of "who" we are and "what" we are striving to achieve as we follow Jesus and journey together in His Church.

Though John Wesley was a preacher’s kid and had a strong Christian upbringing, it was not until he experienced failure as a missionary to America and returned disappointed and dejected to England that God’s fresh Holy Spirit power was poured out upon him. May 24, 1738, John Wesley had a spiritual experience at a small group meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. He was 35 years old. Early in life he developed a hunger for God and had spent most of his life pursuing it. Yet the personal assurance of faith had had eluded him – until that day. After his heart-transforming experience John Wesley was never the same. He began a revival movement that still influences our world today.

Wesley’s Revival Though John Wesley was a preacher’s kid and had a strong Christian upbringing, it was not until he experienced failure as a missionary to America and returned disappointed and dejected to England that God’s fresh Holy Spirit power was poured out upon him. May 24, 1738, John Wesley had a spiritual experience at a small group meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. He was 35 years old. Early in life he developed a hunger for God and had spent most of his life pursuing it. Yet the personal assurance of faith had had eluded him – until that day. After his heart-transforming experience John Wesley was never the same. He began a revival movement that still influences our world today. Beginning June 11, Pastor Bob begins a new series “Wesley’s Revival” and its continued impact on our lives today.

Wesley’s Revival     Though John Wesley was a preacher’s kid and had a strong Christian upbringing, it was not until he experienced failure as a missionary to America and returned disappointed and dejected to England that God’s fresh Holy Spirit power was poured out upon him. May 24, 1738, John Wesley had a spiritual experience at a small group meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. He was 35 years old. Early in life he developed a hunger for God and had spent most of his life pursuing it. Yet the personal assurance of faith had had eluded him – until that day. After his heart-transforming experience John Wesley was never the same. He began a revival movement that still influences our world today.

When teaching one of His most famous sermons, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). When you think about your own home, what do you hunger for? Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness or perhaps other things? In this new series, we will apply aspects of Jesus' teaching to our homes. We will explore practical steps we can take to experience the blessed homes God wants us to have.

When teaching one of His most famous sermons, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). When you think about your own home, what do you hunger for? Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness or perhaps other things? In this new series, we will apply aspects of Jesus' teaching to our homes. We will explore practical steps we can take to experience the blessed homes God wants us to have.