Have you ever made a mess even messier? Maybe it was relational or financial. Or possibly it was family, work or school related. Every mess we get involved in comes with some bad options (borrow more, lie, run, hide, deny, avenge). When we choose a bad option, the mess gets worse. How we react to the mess - that becomes our story - that becomes what defines us - that’s what folks remember. In part 5 of his series, “What A Mess”, Simple Church St. Louis Pastor Russ Klenke looks at the choices we must make when we’re in messy situations, and what Jesus calls us to do.
What A Mess - Part 4
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, even if our neighbors are a mess. Jesus wants us to enter in to other people’s messy situations. But that’s easier said than done. It probably wont be convenient. It will most likely take place out of our comfort zone. And, we will not be in control. Most of us run from messy people. We forget that at one time we too were a mess, or we still are a mess, or we are just one decision away from being a mess. So what are the limits of our responsibility to others? We think the answer may surprise you.
What a Mess - Part 3
July 24, 2016 - SimpleChurchSTL Podcast
Philippians 1:6 says “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” In part 4 of his series, “What A Mess”, Simple Church St. Louis Pastor Russ Klenke looks deeply into the passage above, and comes to these conclusions: Christianity IS an inside out faith. God works inside of us-so that something good comes out. Christianity IS NOT behavior modification. We need to pay attention to, and participate in, what God is up to. Following Jesus isn’t all about avoiding something (messy situations); it’s about becoming something. As God is doing His thing in us, our job is to pay attention and to participate.
What A Mess - Part 2
July 17, 2016 - SimpleChurchSTL Podcast
Have you ever looked at your life and thought: WHAT A MESS!? Maybe you created the mess you are in. Maybe the mess is so big that you are thinking things like: Will this mess ever be cleaned up? Where do I even start? I can never get out of this mess alone... But the most famous verse in all the bible, John 3:16, can be paraphrased like this: “God loved the messy world, and all the messes in it, so much, He drew near to it" In part 2 of his series “What A Mess”, Simple Church St. Louis Pastor Russ Klenke looks at several messy situations that Jesus stepped in to and His instructions to those involved: Take your eyes off of the mess. Look at me (Jesus). Follow me out.
What A Mess - Part 1
July 10, 2016 - Simple Church STL Podcast
Whether we’re religious or not, we've all made some messes on our journey. When we a look at the messes in our own lives, and in the lives of others, we discover that there’s a powerful connection between our messes and our relationships with God. We also discover the importance of looking in the mirror before we become critical of someone else’s mess. Here’s Simple Church St. Louis, Pastor Russ Klenke teaching part 1 of his series, “What A Mess” Feel free to share this message with anyone it may help. Please offer to talk to them about their mess too. You might be just the person they need to talk too. We hope this helps! And we hope to see you soon!