Messages by Wayne Cook
Rooted and Grounded in Love
Someone once said that “God loves us and there is nothing that we can do about that! Thank God!” In our lesson from Ephesians 3:10-21, Paul not only reminds us that we, as the church, are invited to experience the mystery of God, but that we, are invited to share that mysterious experience with everyone that we meet. We are all adopted into God’s family. To God, all means all and in Southern, all means “all y’all.” Thanks be to…
Setting Our Hope
Today, on this Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, July 11, 2021, we begin a seven week journey through Ephesians. The first part, chapters 1-3, deal with the theological questions that ask “why are we doing this?” The second part, chapters 4-6 ask the question “how do we go about living this way?” In today’s introduction, we look at Ephesians 1:3-14 and explore what the author of Ephesians was trying to share with the folks who would hear this letter read aloud.…
True Freedom 2021
On this July 4th, 2021, we hear a lot about freedom. But what does that really mean? John 8:31-36 gives us a clue. Jesus tells us that the truth will set us free. The Gospels tell us that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. So why do we seek to find salvation in political “messiahs” instead of turning to the one true God?
Talitha Cum
The healing stories that we find in Mark 5:21-43 talk about faith and its relation to healing. But what do these two stories about Jairus’ 12 year old daughter and the woman with hemorrhages tell us today? What do they say to the patient dying of a terrible disease who lived a life of great faith and service? What do they say to the parents of children at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga or St. Jude’s in Memphis?
Enduring the Storms
In our Gospel lesson for today, Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and his disciples are crossing the lake in a boat when a bad storm overtakes them. Jesus is asleep at the back of the boat when the disciples wake him, shouting “teacher, don’t you care that we are about to drown?” Jesus reacts by calling out “Peace. Be still!” and the lake becomes calm once again. And he asks them, “why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” Being a…
Growing Into The New Creation
What does it mean for us to grow into this new creation that Paul is speaking of in 2 Corinthians 5:6-17? What does the new creation have to do with the kin-dom of God that Jesus is speaking of in Mark 4:26-34? Join us for worship on this 3rd Sunday after Pentecost.
Being Renewed
Home, family, and renewal. What does it mean for Jesus? What does it mean for us? Mark 3:19-35 and 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 are the scriptures on this 2nd Sunday after Pentecost. We will share in Holy Communion, so go ahead and gather your juice and bread (whatever you have) so we can celebrate together. Please register your attendance by commenting below.
Born of the Spirit
It is Trinity Sunday, the Sunday after Pentecost. It is also Memorial Day Weekend. Our text this morning is the familiar John 3:1-17. But what does it mean to be “born again?” Join us as we explore the meaning of the this well known and well worn phrase. If you watch our worship service, we will pray a blessing over the home buckets that we collected for Ishe Anesu mission in Zimbabwe and we pray a special prayer in honor of…
Spirit Poured Out
Winds howling and whooshing, flames descending and alighting, what did it mean then? What does it mean now? How does this act empower the church today? Join us as we explore Pentecost.
Ascension 2021
When Jesus ascended to heaven, he left instructions for his disciples to go, teach, and remember. What do those instructions mean for his followers today?
