John Markum

Beginning of The End

Wars. Natural Disasters. Government overthrows. Economic failures. Terrorist plots. Crisis and uncertainty abound. Is this another difficult time among other difficult times in history? Could these things be signs of something worse on the way? Could all these things be pointing to the beginning of the end? Join us for a 4 week series that connects current events with Biblical prophecies. Know what is to come, and know what all of the signs mean for you.

I don’t do these kind of series often at our Saturday night service, but we felt the need to address several concerns with everything that has happened in the last few years: Wars in the Middle East, increasing fossil fuel depletion, massive earthquakes, political upheavals, economic limbo, and on, and on we could go. We cannot pretend like these things are not happening. We must face reality and know what it means for us. We don’t intend to scare anyone, but rather for people to know the truth, and for the truth to set them free!

With that said, join us for this look into the possibly-not-too-distant End Times series. Be informed. Be wise. And be ready.

Blessings,

John

I Know Nothing


That might be a little exaggeration, but not by much! God constantly blows my mind on what He can do. Today was one of those days. I’ve come to realize that the more I learn about God, the more obvious it is that I know nothing. I’m not saying that I’m stupid or ignorant, or uneducated. I’m just saying that I do NOT have God figured out like I think that I do sometimes.

God is so much bigger than my small imagination.

He cannot be quarantined to a formula.

He cannot be measured on any scientific instrument.

He cannot be predicted by any calculations.

He’s revealed Himself to us through His Word, and through a person (Jesus) and yet our ability to know all that we can about Him is limited by our own nature. It’s like trying to describe a rainbow to a blind man, or a symphony to the deaf. We simply lack the senses to fully understand how great God is.

But occasionally there are moments where we get an inkling – a faint brush with the Infinite One – where it dons on us how much we don’t completely get about him. Like the deaf man hearing just a single note, or the blind man catching a glimpse of a sun ray. These are moments that take our breath away, fill us with amazement, and a delightful hunger for more.

Such are true encounters with God that make us say, “What was THAT?!?” and, “Let’s do it again!”

Don’t be discouraged in the pursuit of God. Live for the moments that God shows up in a big way and overwhelms our limited senses with what could be, and what should be. Once you have “tasted and seen that the Lord is good” you will long for more of His presence in your life. And don’t underestimate the significance of the small things God does. Allow everyday moments to take your breath away and realize, “That was God.” Not only will you start to see Him everywhere, you’ll also begin to see the potential of all that He wants to do.

If you thought that beam of sunlight was cool, wait until you see the rainbow!

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord. Thoughts of good and not evil. Thoughts of hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not understand.” Jeremiah 33:3

“Who having not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him, and are filled with unspeakable joy, full of glory. 1 Peter 1:8

Blessings,

John

Challenge #7: Bring your Bible

Edgewood Challenge #7: Bring your Bible to Church

Probably the easiest challenge we could deliver! As a follower of Jesus, the Bible is your lifeline to God’s encouragement, instruction, correction, and entire worldview so that you and I can reach our full potential in Christ (2 Tim 3:16, 17). You wouldn’t even think of leaving the house without your cell phone. But going to church without your Bible… many people don’t even give it a second thought.

Now, to be fair, it’s partly our fault as church leadership. I mean, it was our idea to put those high-tech screens in the church with lights and videos, lyrics, and – not least of all – every Bible verse we intend to quote in the course of a service. But that was intended to benefit our guests and those who don’t yet have a relationship with Jesus, not the faithful who attend week-in and week-out. You need to bring your Bible because you need to see for yourself what the Bible says – not just take our word for it. We’re not trying to dupe anybody! God gifted you with the intelligence to read His word for yourself. Don’t sell yourself short by leaving it to the “religious professionals” to tell you what to believe. Learn from us, yes. But read it for yourself, and see what God has for you.

And hey, we’re hip to the 21st Century… bring the Bible ON your cell phone. Or your iPad. Or your iPod touch. If it gets you into the Bible on your own, we’re for it!

Blessings,

John

The phrase no pain, no gain has been a mantra for athletes and fitness junkies for years. And what they understand about physical pain needs to be broadened to a much more general use in all of our lives. Pain hurts. That's the whole problem. No one enjoys it, and if someone does, we rightfully

The Premium of Pain