Pastor Bill Davis Sermon Series

Scripture: James 2: 1-10, 14-17  Pastor Davis covers the many forms of discrimination we experience and how insidious it can be.  Racism and ageism are a couple topics he talks about and how through prayer and God's grace we can follow James's teaching.

Psalm 138  The Bible tells us to rejoice in all circumstances, by showing gratitude even in times of turmoil.  The kingdome of God is among us, to recognize his presence, we must be thankful.  Thankful in all things.

2 Corinthians 4:5-12  If you have ever been to the Grand Teton NP, you know how beautiful it is.  In spite of this, many people have complained about the conditions of the park.  In our scripture we hear how Paul was warning the new church in Corinth, how many struggles there are in this world, but that we should be reminded of God's light within us and allow it to be seen (and appreciated) by others.  

Ephesians 1: 15-23  As we celebrate Ascension Sunday, we realize that the disciples probably said to themselves, "I wish I had played closer attention to the teachings of Jesus while he was with us".  In his final days in talking with them, he explained it was up to them to build the kingdom of Christ here on earth, when they thought he was going to do it for them.  As Christians, we have a calling to give the hope of Christ to others, to make their way better.  Giving hope requires faith in Christ, and an unfailing love for Him and each other.   

John 15: 9-17  Think about Disney World and the Magic Castle, how special it looks as compared to our sanctuary here at Conley's.  The Magic Castle is hollow even though it is beautiful on the outside.  Our sanctuary is also beautiful, but in a different way.  It is a place of solace and where we come to recharge our faith as we worship and are in fellowship with one another.  Godly love works to the betterment of this world.  We can thrive in this world if we abide in His love.

1 John 4: 7-21

Psalm 23 - One of the most read, memorized, powerful and inspiring scriptures from the Bible written by David.  He writes from multiple perspectives, the exuberant flush of youth, the cynical adult who has been taught hard life lessons and finally from the deathbed where the Good Shepherd is waiting to take his child home.  Some people say, "I don't need a shepherd - I am not a sheep".  As Christians we rely on our Shepherd to redeem and restore our souls.  We are but mere bits in a vast universe, which God has created and given to us to exist within.  We will lose our way and know he will always search us out.

1 John 1:1-2:2 The excitement around the eclipse happening tomorrow shows how fascinated we are with heavenly lights.  We know our world is fragile and temporary and no where does this become clear than when traveling as an astronaut and looking back at the earth.  The effect one gets from this vantage is called "The Overview Effect" as termed by Frank White.  This signals a cognitive shift in due to a new and different vantage point.  In 1 John, he talks about the impact of seeing the light.  It is mind blowing to recognize the life and ultimate return of Jesus, who walked among us and died for our sins.  If you walk in the light, you can enjoy fellowship with one another.  One body, one mind.  Be aware of where the light falls and that we are a forgiven people.