"Converse w/ God"

con-verse [kuh n-vurs], to talk to another person about something.

con-verse [kon-vurs], a super cool brand name of tennis shoes.

We are starting a new series this weekend called “Converse w/ God.” Converse™ is a popular brand that has been around for well over a century. In fact, people of all ages know what Converse™ shoes look like. Today’s kids wear them like they were just created. My generation wears them because they still want to hold on to a little bit of their youth. The older generation remember saving up money to buy their first pair of Converse™ basketball shoes. But nonetheless people of all ages have some kind of attachment to this familiar brand.

During this series we’ll look at the importance of conversing with God. Prayer is a privilege that we often fail to employ in our personal life. During our talks I want us to be mindful of how important it is to “Converse w/ God.” Our sermons will be (1)Converse of Praise, (2)Converse of Request, (3)Converse of Intervention & (4)Converse of Faith.

The reason I chose the Converse™ logo as an inspiration is because we see people wearing these shoes all the time. Therefore, every time you see someone rockin’ a pair of Chuck Taylors I want you to be reminded of your need to “Converse w/ God.”

Happy CONVERSEing, Marc

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Hey everyone, I wanted you to know how much you’ll be missed this weekend (bunches and bunches). We are heading to Flint for our sister-in-law’s baby shower. Bianca & Brandon Squires will be welcoming the birth of their daughter Amari in the very near future. Therefore, I ask you to keep them in your prayers as they prepare for this wild adventure called parenthood.

I also wanted you to know that you’d be in good hands. Lauren Alexander will be leading our service on Sunday. She will be preaching on Matthew 13:45-46, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Come see what Lauren has to say about the “Pearl of a Great Price.” As you prepare for Sunday, I want you to ask yourself two questions:

·         How important is the kingdom of heaven?

·         What am I willing to give up in order to obtain it?

Have a great weekend and I can’t wait to see you next weekend!

Grace & Peace, Marc

Do You Love Me?

Do you love me?

Do you love me?

Do you love me?

I want you to remember what we talked about yesterday and think about it throughout this week. Our gospel reading (John 21:15-19) was about Jesus re-establishing Peter. You know Peter felt horrible about denying Christ three times; therefore Jesus helps to reaffirm Peter’s love by making him confirm his love three times, essentially erasing his betrayal. Remember that Jesus doesn’t do this because He is insecure about Peter’s love, but rather to help Peter know that He is aware of his love.

If Jesus never re-established Peter, Peter would have lived his life full of regret, guilt and shame. Jesus knew that this is no way to live. Jesus couldn’t use Peter if he was constantly stuck in his remorse and sorrow. Therefore, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter’s response was, “Yes!” Jesus knew Peter loved Him.

Jesus is asking you the same question today and if your answer is yes then there is something you need to do: accept His forgiveness. Jesus didn’t go to the cross in order for you to stay stuck in your sin. He didn’t die in order for you to hold on to the guilt of past decisions. He didn’t do all this so you could live with remorse and shame. If you love God, but still hold on to the shame of your past then you are allowing the work of the cross to be in vain. Don’t do that! Don’t allow the work of the cross be for nothing, but allow the humility of the cross stand for something in your life.

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6.14a).

Grace & Peace, Marc

"Hitting for Honduras"

Today was a great day!!! We raise enough money for our beans and rice campaign, plus some extra to pass out eggs and lard, yes lard (it's what they use).

A huge thanks to everyone who made this event a success, you are all amazing. Our church's willingness to serve never ceases to amaze me!!! My life is richly blessed because of our partnership in the gospel. A big thanks to all the teams who made up this tournament!!! And to those who bought a hot dog, ate a hamburger, drank a pop, took home a t-shirt...THANK YOU!!! Your donations made this event worth it all. And finally, a special thanks to Chad and Charity for all your hard work in organizing this tourney. You guys rock!!!

Check out some of the pics from "Hitting for Honduras."



Thanks again for all your support and love.

Grace & Peace, Marc

Have Regrets & Need Forgiveness?

Do you feel far from God?

Do you have regrets over past decisions?

Are you in desperate need of forgiveness?

If so, come out this Sunday to Spurgeon GBC to experience the gracious love of God. We will look at John 21:15-19 and see what a conversation between Jesus and Peter has to do with us.

http://youtu.be/k5xsEgF7gGY

Hope to see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace, Marc

Axel & Daniela

Received this from Faith Home, Honduras today

and thought I would share it with you all!

Dear Sponsor,

Thanks for helping share the love of Christ with the children of Faith Home!  As in the States, prices here continue to rise, but with your help, we are meeting the needs of the children.  We thought you would like a letter written by your sponsored child and a current picture. 

Thanks again, Your Faith Home Mission Team

Rodney & Teresa Walls

Robyn Shoulders

Amy & Andy Smith

Here are two beautiful children that we have the blessing of sponsoring. They drew us a couple of pictures!!!

Grace & Peace,

Marc

Jesus & Thomas (John 20:24-29)

Have you ever been told something you didn’t believe? You are not alone. I stand with you and so does our buddy Thomas. Check out this talk and see how you can apply this familiar story to your own life.
*If you were unable to make it Sunday, check it out so you’re not out of the loop. This is not from Sunday morning, but it is the same message.

Grace & Peace, Marc



Obtaining Faith & Asking Questions

This morning (08.14.2011) we talked about Jesus & Thomas (JN20.24-29). The reality is you and I are like Thomas. But guess what? It’s okay! It is okay to have doubts and questions. Once we ask the questions and bring voice to our doubts, our faith can strengthen and that really should be the goal. The problem is that we have been conditioned to believe that questions and doubts are bad, real bad.


When I think about this I consider my son’s constant desire to question everything I tell him.

Me: Mac, eat your green beans.
Mac: Why?
Me: Mac, don’t put your chair on the TV stand.
Mac: Why?
Me: Mac, don’t stand on the glass end table.
Mac: Why?
*every follow-up response is received with more whys.


You see, Mac doesn’t question me because he is trying to be disrespectful, but rather he asks in order to know and understand. In fact, as I wrote this Mac put a cap in his mouth and I told him to take it out and he asked why.


As you go throughout this week remember this: the only way to get answers is to ask the questions. The only way to obtain faith is to have your doubts settled. May your questions be answered and your faith strengthened this week.


Grace & Peace, Marc

Online Home of Spurgeon GBC

Welcome to the new website/blog of Spurgeon GBC! I have created this site as a means of connecting with you all throughout the week. We are in the process of looking at the possibilities of recording our Sunday service. This site will offer our members & guests an opportunity to see what they missed on Sunday.  So, here are some things we are going to use this site for:

*Video updates

*Sermon viewings

*Thoughtful writings

*Leaving comments and questions

Please feel free to look around our new site and see what it has to offers. Also, feel free to ask questions about how to best use this site.

Grace & Peace,

Marc