Sermon Thoughts

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Mark Shields

The second message of the sermon series titled “Questions Jesus Asked” was presented last Sunday at the church I worship at. The message was “Why Are You So Afraid”. Here is a link to the podcast which is live at 9:30 central time each Sunday morning (just click on the button titled live on the right side) or watch any past worship service at any time or place thereafter at this link: Sermon Podcast.

Life can be scary as we all face storms. That’s why it is so important to invite Jesus into the storms we face because His presence is our best life preserver. When we have faith in Jesus, our fears are defeated.

This weekend, share a thought from one of the great sermons in your community or from a podcast.

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With God All Things Are Possible

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Mark Shields

The post The Greatest Conversion Story was about Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. He had been a persecutor of the followers of Christ but suddenly became their strongest advocate. That’s how God works; turning what seems to be something impossible into something that is possible. Today’s inspiring video is about changing people for the better: Changed – Rascal Flatts. 


Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. – Ephesians 3:20 

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The Greatest Conversion Story

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Mark Shields

Within Acts 9:1-31, we get the conversion of Saul. He was on his way to Damascus taking anyone who followed the teachings of Jesus and putting them in prison. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him (v. 3). The voice of Jesus then confronted Saul about the reason for persecuting those who followed His teachings.

Saul was blind for three days until a follower of Jesus named Ananias obeyed God’s command to help Saul.  Ananias was hesitant about God’s command at first because of the reports about Saul’s anger toward them but he courageously obeyed and placed his hands on Saul to restore his sight (v. 12). Saul was then baptized and spent several days with the disciples in Damascus before beginning his ministry (v. 22).

Like Paul, there are many in this world going the wrong way but conversion can turn them to the right way. This day with You Lord, we ask that you use us to give sight to those who are blind spiritually. Like Ananias, help us to have the courage to obey You because with You, all things are possible.

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The ONE Who Perfected Our Faith

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Mark Shields

Like in the post Focused on Opportunities to Share, many may read the scriptures and seek the Truth but still need to be shown the Way. When they ask questions and show an interest, it’s important that we take the opportunity to share with them about Jesus.

Enjoy today’s video of the ONE who perfected our faith: Here is our King – David Crowder Band.


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

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Focused on Opportunities to Share

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Mark Shields

Reading in Acts 8:26-40, Philip is told by an angel to go south to a road that goes from Jerusalem through the desert to Gaza. On this road was an Ethiopian eunuch official in charge of all the treasury of the queen of the Ethiopians. (v. 27). The eunuch had just attended a time of worship in Jerusalem and was returning home. He was inside his chariot reading the Word of God and the angel told Philip to go near the chariot and stay near it (v. 29).

Philip did as the angel instructed and heard the eunuch reading in the book of Isaiah so he asked the eunuch if he understood what he was reading. The eunuch replied that it was difficult to understand and would like someone to explain what the following Scripture passage meant:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So he did not open his mouth.

In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”

The eunuch was asking Philip some questions as they were traveling along the road and Philip was sharing about the Good News of Jesus. Then they came to some water and the eunuch asked if he could be baptized so both Philip and the eunuch went into the water and Philip baptized the eunuch (v. 38).

Both Philip and the eunuch were blessed from this experience. The Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away and he appeared at Azotus where he traveled about preaching the gospel in all the towns on his way to Caesarea. The eunuch was blessed with joy as he continued on his journey home.

This day with You God, we have read Your Word and are encourage to talk with someone today about Jesus. We ask for obedience in following Your instructions like Philip did and to stay focused on opportunities to share with others the message of Christ. Amen.

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