sent | john 17:15-19

david von

Objective: that we would all join with Jesus in the mission of God’s kingdom

 God always calls people radically in so that they can be radically sent out!! He has given his disciples a very specific mission with a

very specific message! We are called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It is now our job through

our words and our deeds to proclaim God’s kingdom and see people converted to faith in Jesus Christ alone!

To where and to whom is God sending you?

What holds you back from participating in God’s mission here on earth?

 

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transformed | luke 19.1-10

david von

In the Bible there were always two distinct reactions to an encounter with Jesus. One group rejected him often despising him, the other group embraced him, listened to him, and loved him. The first group felt threatened and feared what Jesus would cost them insecurity, stability, and position. The second group felt his love, and received his salvation. They knew that this is what they had been longing for. True freedom, power, and grace!! The bible knows nothing of someone coming to Jesus, embracing his salvation and then remaining the same. The power of the Holy Spirit on the inside of each believer changes them from the inside out. Not only are they instantly new creations they tangibly begin to change. Their motivations, passions, desires, all begin to come into line with the God’s kingdom. And though at times this transformation may seem impossible and even unwanted the spirit at work within us shapes us into these radical new beings that live lives in and of God’s kingdom. In what ways did you begin to change after you were rescued by Jesus?

How is God currently transforming you?

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encounter | acts 16:13-34

david von

Throughout the Bible events are recounted where people would have and encounter with God. Sometimes it would be through an angel, other times through a miraculous phenomenon, and yet others a tangible voice. No matter the way that God would present himself the result was always the same, radical life transformation!! Although these encounters are amazingly powerful in and of themselves God had one last encounter that would trump them all. God sent Jesus in the flesh, to be with his people, giving his very own life for them. God came to us, so that every single one of us could experience an encounter with him too. It doesn’t matter your walk of life, your economic status, or the amount of religion you have, Jesus came so that you could encounter Him. As a church our purpose and passion is that all would get to experience this great encounter because we know that once you do, your life will never be the same!!

Do you have a story of an initial encounter with God? What is it?
In what ways do you continue to encounter God in your life?

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who we are | david von

From the beginning at emmaus our dream has been to be a place where anyone could simply encounter Jesus, be

transformed by Jesus, and sent by Jesus. This is what our heart pounds for! The world we live in is a messy and broken

place, our lives are just as messy and broken and it is only through the work of Jesus Christ that any of that changes. so

rather then ignoring the realities or trying to put up a façade while we  “fake it till we make it” we choose to embrace the

mess and brokenness. While this seems refreshing to many it is important to realize it is often chaotic, disorganized, and

painful. Our dream is that people can take off the blinders, see the reality of their heart and life and be able to receive the

gracious transformative power of Jesus!!

 

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recalibrate pt 2 | eph. 2.17-22

david von

As we close in on our third year as a community I simultaneously am struck by 2 very different emotions. I can honestly say that I am filled with great awe of how faithful God has been to myself, my family, and our Emmaus Community. But there is also a nagging frustration that moves to disappointment at where I have fallen short and places our community lacks purpose and passion. As I have wrestled through this I am greatly encouraged by those around me and the Holy Spirit within me to know that God has a plan and He is faithful to complete it!!
Without sounding melodramatic I believe we are at a pivotal moment in our community’s development, we are in a season of God speaking, guiding, and moving us into a fuller picture of what His plans are for Emmaus. It has become clear that we need to make some slight course corrections to most fully respond to what God is calling us into as a community. From the beginning it was our prayer to be a place where people could simply encounter Jesus, be transformed by Jesus, and be sent by Jesus. This is still what my heart pounds for!! While we have seen this in pockets of our body we have also seen a church drifting without clear purpose and direction. My desire has always been to be as freeing as possible remaining as hands off as possible, giving room to the spirit. But I have begun to see more clearly my role in bringing stronger leadership and clarity to our church. With that in mind we want to dedicate the summer of 2013 to connecting with each other, listening to God, and acting on his direction. I am well aware that we will never arrive but we do desire to grow and mature, bringing more clarity, passion, and purpose so that all of those we connect with can experience the power of Jesus Christ!!

Click below to listen to the message

 

recalibrate | eph 2.17-22

david von

As we close in on our third year as a community I simultaneously am struck by 2 very different emotions. I can honestly say that I am filled with great awe of how faithful God has been to myself, my family, and our Emmaus Community. But there is also a nagging frustration that moves to disappointment at where I have fallen short and places our community lacks purpose and passion. As I have wrestled through this I am greatly encouraged by those around me and the Holy Spirit within me to know that God has a plan and He is faithful to complete it!!
Without sounding melodramatic I believe we are at a pivotal moment in our community’s development, we are in a season of God speaking, guiding, and moving us into a fuller picture of what His plans are for Emmaus. It has become clear that we need to make some slight course corrections to most fully respond to what God is calling us into as a community. From the beginning it was our prayer to be a place where people could simply encounter Jesus, be transformed by Jesus, and be sent by Jesus. This is still what my heart pounds for!! While we have seen this in pockets of our body we have also seen a church drifting without clear purpose and direction. My desire has always been to be as freeing as possible remaining as hands off as possible, giving room to the spirit. But I have begun to see more clearly my role in bringing stronger leadership and clarity to our church. With that in mind we want to dedicate the summer of 2013 to connecting with each other, listening to God, and acting on his direction. I am well aware that we will never arrive but we do desire to grow and mature, bringing more clarity, passion, and purpose so that all of those we connect with can experience the power of Jesus Christ!!

Click below to listen to the message