Pastor Josh Lindstrom
Series: Exodus | Call to Community
Sermon: The Fourth
Passage: Exodus 20:8-11
| Come Thou Fount | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Everlasting God | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Forever Reign | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| The Solid Rock | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| What Joy Is Found | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Purify Me | Free Download | ||
| It Is Well | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
In episode 17 of the The Glass Table, dubbed The Lamp Edition, Pastor Josh and Pastor Dave take questions about staying connected with Life Group during the summer break and how to get involved with Crash The Dash. For more info on Crash The Dash, check out our website. And if this is your first time tuning into the The Glass Table, check out previous episodes.
In the series introduction we labeled our longing to have a positive reputation as Good Person Syndrome. Often followers of Jesus elevate public goodness to a position of authority in our hearts causing us to seek affirmation from the flawed litmus test of other people’s lives. Practically speaking, there are a number of causes, but I believe a leading contributor to this syndrome can be traced to church attendance characterized by passive listening to sermons.
If we tend to listen, but not respond; or listen, but not seek God’s Word ourselves; we come away with a skewed perspective that Christianity concerns itself primarily with behavioral modification. To be sure, our behavior will change, but the difference between a transformed life and a good person is akin to the difference between a Navy Seal and a Boy Scout. We must personally reach for God’s Word because in its pages, God speaks.
Jeremy Pattisall, Director of Salem Chapel Network
Sermon: The Christian Way
Passage: Ephesians 3:1-21
| 10,000 Reasons | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| O Worship The King | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| How Deep The Father’s Love For Us | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| In Christ Alone | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Saviour King | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Jesus You Are Worthy | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
The body of Salem Chapel sponsors a Children’s HopeChest CarePoint in Mpholi, Swaziland that feeds 210 children both spiritually and physically. In addition to financially providing for the children, sponsors are encouraged to write their “special friend” as often as possible. In the below post, Jude Pattisall, shares the importance of those letters to the children. For instructions on how to write a letter to your sponsored child, check out the Write Your Child page on HopeChest’s website.
We often say, “I sponsor a child” without much thought of the impact. I know. It is hard. We get a photo, set up the bank draft, and sometimes, the child slips from our thoughts. We may send a Christmas card, but for the most part, we tend to forget about our sponsored child. I am here to say, to beg of you, do not let this happen.
When I journeyed to our CarePoint in Mpholi, I knew it would be a special moment when I finally got to meet our “special friend,” Lindokuhle. I was truly unprepared for just how special. The first two days, Lindo was not at the CarePoint. I was getting worried, due to the fragile nature of life itself in Swaziland. Finally, on the third day, one of the Go-Gos asked me if I was still looking for Lindokuhle Mlambo. She pointed and when that little girl turned around and saw me, she knew me. SHE KNEW ME! We sent letters (not enough) and photos (probably enough – I love photos!) and Lindo and I embraced as I wept with joy. My sweet girl was alive!
Have you ever considered the greatest challenge that Christians face? Would you say jealousy of prominence? The covetousness of material things? The blatant sexualization of our culture? Personal hypocrisy?
I’ve been in the church a LONG time. I grew up in church. My Dad was in occupational ministry. I went to Bible college. I’m on staff at church now. After many years of exposure to the Christian faith and Christians in general, I’ve come to conclude that the single greatest challenge the followers of Christ face is our overwhelming desire to be a good person. I call it Good Person Syndrome.
How on earth could being a good person be a bad thing? Glad you asked. Here’s how I define a “good person.” A good person wants to be well thought of, reliable, and maintain a solid reputation. A good person likes to be considered a “nice guy,” a “sweet girl,” or “pretty cool.” A good person is a straight arrow who maintains their job, pays their bills and is a hard worker. A good person has a positive attitude and has mastered the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. A good person loves their kids and doesn’t get in trouble with the law.
Pastor Josh Lindstrom
Series: Exodus | Call to Community
Sermon: The Third
Passage: Exodus 20:7
| 10,000 Reasons | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Bless Your Name | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Raise Up The Crown | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Lay Me Down | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Carry Your Name | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
| Holy | iTunes | | | Amazon MP3 |
