All (Page 27) Articles

Living My MUSD #1

by Phil Ware · John 20:21 · Mission

We are called to live on Mission Under Social Distancing, not hide, hibernate, or withdraw from faith, ministry, and active compassion.

Phil Ware describes what it means to 'live MUSD' and how important that we find ways to minister to our neighbors and one another in God's family.

The Power of Affirmation

by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware · 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Luke's account of Jesus' baptism and the Father's response provides our focus for today: They remind us of how powerful loving affirmation can be!

ToGather.church for March 22, 2020

Experiencing God on Our Journey of Faith

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Genesis 12:1 · Faith · Experience · Journey

No matter how comfortable we feel we are with God, a genuine relationship with the Almighty goes far beyond a few religious rituals, like making time for him at Christmas and Easter.

James Nored and Phil Ware challenge us to be open to God's work in our lives while we continue on our journey of faith.

Seed, Towel, Promise, and Torchlight: The Towel

by Phil Ware · John 13:1

The hands that would soon be nailed to a cross now reached for a towel to serve those that would abandon him while he hung on that cross, alone!

Phil Ware continues his series on Seed, Towel, Promise, and Torchlight focusing on common elements in our world, our lives, that Jesus used to join our hearts to his love.

Peace Be with You!

by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware · Genesis 3:15

We are not the first generation of believers trying to find our way through challenging times, feeling alone, isolated from the crowds, and trying not to be fearful.

ToGather worship segment 001, March 15, 2020 -- focusing on the presence of Jesus using VerseoftheDay.com, a communion devotional, and appropriately themed songs.

Introducing ToGather

by Phil Ware · 2 Corinthians 4:6 · Worship

We covet your prayers, comments, and suggestions as we begin what we hope will be a blessing to Jesus' people.

This is an introduction and explanation of the purpose of ToGather!

Questions on Our Journey of Faith

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Genesis 12:1 · Faith

Someone who is without faith in God doesn't yearn for answers for their deepest questions from God. Our questions as believers can be signs that we are reaching out to God for reassurance.

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us in word and video that faith is not about always having the answers and never having doubts, but persevering on the journey to Jesus.

Seed, Towel, Promise, and Torchlight: The Seed

by Phil Ware · 1 Corinthians 15:35 · Seed

Go ahead, plant a seed. See it disappear into the dirt. But, don't forget!

Phil Ware continues his four week series on seed, towel, promise, and torchlight focusing on the power of the Seed to overcome dirt, darkness, and death.

Crown Him!

by Glenn McDonald · Revelation 19:12 · Worship

Followers of the Prince of Peace aren't necessarily skilled at experiencing peace with people who cherish different opinions about important matters.

Glenn McDonald reminds us that we are never more free than when we surrender to the will of Jesus -- when we willingly lay down our crowns to the Lord of lords.

Leave, Go, and Bless

by James Nored & Phil Ware · 1 Peter 2:9 · Faith

As Abraham showed us, God's greatest promises often come packaged as our greatest sacrifices, hardest challenges, and longest journeys.

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of God's incredible journey of redemption and how Abraham was the one who began this journey demonstrating great faith when he followed God for a destination he did not yet know.

Seed, Towel, Promise, and Torchlight: Intro

by Phil Ware · Galatians 3:16 · Seeking God · Seed

Yes, the seed is still enough of a mystery to keep me interested while I wait for the full blessing of its secrets to reach full bloom.

Phil Ware begins a four week series on seed, towel, promise, and torchlight as he looks at Jesus' last hours on earth and what they mean for us.

Anticipation!

by Phil Ware · 1 Corinthians 10:16 · Lord's Supper

While we remember Jesus, let's also remember all those who love Jesus that make up our huge, worldwide family.

Phil Ware continues his reflections on Holy Communion by reminding us of coming reunion that The Supper ensures will happen!

Self-Destructive Power in Building Monuments to Ourselves

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Genesis 11:1 · Pride

In absolute arrogance and stupidity, the people of the plains of Babylonia set out to make a name for themselves.

Phil Ware and James Nored share through words, images, and video the story of the Tower of Babel and the self-destructive danger of pride and arrogance.

It All Hinges on This

by Phil Ware · Mark 10:45 · Messiah · Healing · Blindness

How can we know if our lives make a difference and truly matter?

Phil Ware helps us to better understand both Mark's message about where true life is found and also his outline and organization of his gospel around the hinges to the story provided by the stories of two blind men that Jesus heals.

He Entered Your World

by Max Lucado · 2 Corinthians 5:21 · Jesus

God drew near to us in Jesus, so why would we not come to him with our challenges, troubles, and trials?

Max Lucado reminds us that Jesus longs for us to draw near to him in our times of troubles, problems, challenges, pain, and trials.

Grace Beyond the Flood

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Genesis 6:5 · Sin

Each passing generation beckoned the deepening shadows of evil, corruption, violence, and wickedness until these four held the world in their ever-tightening grip.

Phil Ware and James Nored share ideas in video and writing of the grace God brought to humanity after their repeated rebellions as the journey down the story of redemption and as they find their story in God's story.

The Lord is Near

by Phil Ware · Philippians 4:5 · Death

The Lord longs to be near us when we feel most alone, especially in our last journey through the valley of shadows.

Phil Ware reminds us that in our darkest times the Lord, our good Shepherd, wants to be near us and make his presence known to us.

God of Gracious Love

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Ephesians 2:10 · Grace

Life without grace leaves us with a distorted understanding of God.

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of God's grace: both his common grace and his sacrificial grace meant to save us from our sinful failures and save us to share his gracious purposes with the world.

Once for Him, Once for Us!

by Phil Ware · John 5:39 · Affirm

Jesus is my beloved Son. What he says not only pleases me, but it is my fullest truth.

Phil Ware reminds us that God said almost exactly the same words to his Son twice, yet he spoke the first time to affirm his Son and the second time to let us know we must listen to the Son.

Worthy!

by Phil Ware · 1 Corinthians 10:16 · Communion

How can I take this bread and wine as someone worthy?

Phil Ware reminds us that we share in The Supper, not because we are worthy of Jesus' sacrifice, but because we've been made worthy by his sacrifice!

Grace for the Worst of Us... Even Me!

by James Nored & Phil Ware · 1 Timothy 1:12

It took several years for him to dig out of the hole he made for himself with his lack of appreciation for grace and his own need of it.

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that not only is God's grace available in his love and mercy but also that mercy and grace is available to all, even the worst of sinners, like you and me!

Breathtaking!

by Phil Ware · Matthew 18:1

For God so loved us that he came to our world as a child.

Phil Ware reminds us of the divine titles for Jesus in Matthew 1 and then drives home the point that this divine Christ, Messiah, Son of God, Immanuel, God with us, came to us as the child, Jesus.

Living Beyond the Formula

by · Galatians 5:22 · Heart

Jesus > You + X (all your dos) + Y (all your dont's)!

Jordan Harrell helps us understand what Jesus meant when what matters is in our hearts!

The Expertise and Artistry of God's Grace

by James Nored & Phil Ware · 1 John 4:10

Grace is the mercy and love of God freely shared with us. Grace is also the style, the way in which God shares this mercy and love

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that not only is God's grace available in his love and mercy, it is also beautiful in the artistic style he brings us this beauty!

Affirming Their Best and Not Giving Up in Their Stumbles

by Phil Ware · Luke 22:24 · Failure

I can't help but believe that every time Peter heard a rooster crow, he also remembered the Lord's words of affirmation and assurance.

Phil Ware reminds us that Jesus affirmed Peter's value and his return to useful service BEFORE Peter's stumbling denials by the fire.