Uncategorized – Page 42

We are not human

Posted on April 11, 2011 by johnmarkum

People often try to categorize their lives…

Family
Career
“Me” time
Church
etc…

And when we look at our lives through these narrow lenses, we often neglect to see – or even flat out deny – that there is an intricate relationship to all of these dimensions of who we are. Chiefly at stake with this, is the idea that our “spiritual life” is some how separate from other parts of us. That way of thinking is on par with saying that I am a father at home with my kids, but when I’m at work I’m not a father.

We are not human beings having spiritual experiences. We are spiritual being who have human experiences.

I don’t want that to sound more mystical than it’s suppose to. But what I mean, is that in comparison to eternity, this life is only a fraction of our existence. We cannot separate who we are eternally from who we are relationally. Or vocationally. Or even recreationally. And God wants to intervene in your life on all sides. He does not desire to be the most important part in your life followed by other important things. He wants to be the center of all parts of who you are.

Embrace your spirituality, and see how God wants to work mightily on your behalf in every area of your life.

Blessings,

John

“I don’t believe in church”

Posted on March 27, 2011 by johnmarkum

I’ve heard lots of people – some of which claim to be Christ followers – excuse themselves from being connected to a church. Given, many churches are off the mark, and every church is full of people who are full of problems, and you going there only makes one more. But it is not right to claim to follow God, but be divorced from His bride. Saying “I believe in God, I just don’t believe in going to church,” makes about as much sense as saying “I believe in eating, I just don’t believe in food.” Believing in an idea, but not in the tangible expression of it is vain and empty. Besides, for all the faults of so many churches, the church still belongs to Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I cringe when I hear people berate another church.

I’m pretty thick-skinned. You will be hard pressed to get a rise out of me by calling me names, criticizing me, making fun, or otherwise putting me down. But you say one thing about my family, and… let’s just not go there. You got something to say about my wife and I’m likely to end up running a prison ministry… from the inside! If you’re married, I’m sure you can relate. The Bible refers to the church as “the bride of Christ.” Jesus died for the church. Jesus loves the church. Before you make a cut-down against a church, remember whose bride you’re picking on! I wouldn’t want to answer for throwing mud on His bride. Instead, live within that community. Make it better. Add your gifts and talents to the work of God within the church, and allow the gifts and talents of others to make you a better follower of Christ as well.

Blessings,

John

4 Things I want to say to The Awakening…

Posted on March 25, 2011 by johnmarkum

I missed you last Saturday! I heard great things about the service, and I know Pastor Dan Cullett, and the band did a great job in my absence. As nice as it was to be away and spent some much needed time with my awesome wife, there’s no place like Edgewood on Saturday nights! We missed getting to worship with you, but can’t wait for this week.
New series this week! Last week, Pastor Dan finished our series, 3 Ways to Lose your Soul. This week we begin a new series called, Where’s my Bailout? dealing with finances from a Biblical perspective. People always act funny when you talk about money in church! But we’re not doing this series because we want something from you, but because we want something for you. Come. Be obedient to what God wants you to do. Be blessed!
Baptisms this week! We have people going public with their faith in Christ this week by baptism. If you are interested in getting baptized (even this Saturday) call or text me at 309-752-3499
Quad Cities’ Easter Experience! This Easter, we are offering 4 different worship services including Saturday, April 23rd at 5pm. If you are looking for a church to attend for Easter we welcome you to join us on Saturday night. If you normally attend our Saturday night service at Edgewood, we encourage you sign up this week to serve on that Saturday for all of the guests we are expecting to join us. We need ushers, greeters, childcare, tech, stage, and more.