DHL Sunday!

DHL Sunday!

Since 1926, Mount Lebanon has been working to bring the gospel to the families of our community through our school. This is how our story began:

“The little chapel-school was dedicated on October 17, 1926. There were three services and each one was well attended. On Tuesday, October 19, 39 children came to the Christian Day School…. An interesting note of that first day of school — the pastor opened the school day with the Lord’s Prayer, but not one of the children joined him because some did not know it or only knew it in German and did not wish to pray along. This incident showed the need of a mission in the community.”

We could say the same thing today. We have an incredible opportunity in our community and through our school to teach souls - children and adults - who do not know Jesus and his Word. We have the privilege of taking others deeper into his Word.

The same mission exists today! DHL Sunday is a celebration of that mission and the continuation of it. We hope you can come and wear your DHL gear. Scholars from our school will be singing and serving in worship. There will be a number of baptisms. It’s going to be a great day.

See you Sunday! Pastor Nate

Read on below for a preview of Sunday’s sermon.

Today in Worship: Inner Dialogue

There is no one more influential in your life than you because no one else talks to you more than you do. As self-talkers, we have an incredible ability to talk ourselves up or down depending on how we feel at the moment. But what is that talk based on? It can be based on our own evaluation and measurement of a situation. We value and evaluate everything we do, everything we experience, and everything that happens. We measure our value and identity by our best moments. We do the same with our worst moment. “I am good,” or, “I am bad.” “I am successful,” or, “I am a failure.” These are the conversations we have internally. It is the inner dialogue we are constantly having. No one talks to you more than you do.

There is another voice speaking life and breath into your hearts. It is the voice of our Father who says, “You are loved! You are loved apart from what you do and experience in your life.” It is the voice of our Savior who says, “You are loved! I gave myself for you that you might live with me for eternally. You are dearly and deeply loved.” It is the voice of his Spirit who whispers in your heart, “You are loved and sent. I have shaped you for service and have sent you into the world. Now, go!” The voice of our God rings out at our baptisms telling us that despite what our own inner dialogue says, we are loved.

All I have is Christ

Sunday in Worship: Places of Vulnerability

There is another lie that threatens our confidence and causes our identity to sink: “I am what people think or say about me.” We can assign so much value to the opinions and words of the people that their words cause us to rise or sink. We can even begin to identify ourselves by their words. Solomon is right, however, when he says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Prov 29:25). When we assign so much value to the opinions of people, we will only be caught in a trap. But trusting in the Lord and in his opinion of us only keeps us safe. This is God’s opinion of us in Christ: “You are my beloved child. I love you. And you are simply awesome. My masterpiece. Created in Christ Jesus to do good works that I have prepared in advance for you to do.”

Yet, believing this and living by it is more challenging than we imagine. How can we live for an audience of One, who simply thinks that we’re awesome?

We can live this way by entering places of vulnerability. We can open ourselves up to our closest friends, who some call their “3 am friends,” and by being truly transparent and vulnerable. As we enter these places of vulnerability, we will let our friends see all the way to the bottom of us (which isn’t always so beautiful). By being transparent and authentic with them, we can break through the idea that we have to put forward a façade that people will validate. But it’s not just that. Our best friends will confront us with our sins to break us of any pride remaining. And more than that, our best friends will preach Christ to us, genuinely consoling and comforting us with the promises of our Savior God.

More on this tomorrow as we study and look at Romans 1:1-13. For more details about tomorrow and other things coming up, check out “the Mount Weekly.”

See you tomorrow!

Pastor Nate

Times for Sabbath

Combatting the Lies

The Devil lies to us about our identity. We can even begin to believe him and start to think, “I am what I do.” He convinces us to think that the measure of our worth and our identity is tied up to our work, what we do and how well we do it. This is especially true in a consumer world where we are taught that a person is meaningful because of what they can produce. In fact, a person only matters if they can produce. The Israelites were only valuable to Egypt because of what they could do and Pharaoh worked them to the bone; his brick-making quota never ended.

But, “I am not what I do.” Instead, “I am what Jesus has done for me.” Our identity is tightly bound up to the work of Jesus during his life, death, resurrection and even to this day (and beyond!)

Even after they left Egypt, Israel was left with the mindset of work matters. They had been rescued by God and had rest from him. God wanted them to remember it. So, He gave his people the Sabbath as a protest against Pharaoh’s never-ending brick-making quota. He taught them trust in the Lord for provision. He taught them to remember God’s care for them.

That’s what the intentional times of Sabbath are for us too. They are a protest against Pharaoh’s never-ending brick-making quota.

Don’t forget! This weekend, we kick off all of our Sunday morning studies and Connect Groups. Here is our Sunday morning schedule. We’d love for you to enjoy it!

8:45 am - Studies for all ages (Club 5:16 and At-a-Glance).

9:30 am - Worship

11:00 am - Connect Groups and The Mount Academy Classes kick-off. (It’s not too late to sign-up! SIGN UP HERE!)

See you soon!

PB

A Weekend for Community

A Weekend for Community

This weekend is all about community. We’re gathering as a community in our community to gather our neighborhood community together. We’re gathering as a community to support young members of our community as they confess their faith. It’s all about community - the community that God has gathered and will gathered. Here are the highlights:

Saturday at 8:30 am: Women’s Bible Study

Saturday at 10:00 am: Food Pantry/ Set up for Festival

Saturday at 4 pm: The Hampton Heights Festival. Learn more here.

Sunday at 9:30 am: Confirmation Sunday. Some of our young people will be confirmed in their faith. We hope you can stay after for a cake reception to give thanks to God for them and to encourage them in their faith.

We hope you can come and share in the fun. Read on below to learn a little more about our new sermon series below.

New series: Loved + Sent

We are constantly in search of identity and purpose. We’ll try to find it in all kinds of places. We’ll try to find identity and value in what we have or do. We’ll seek meaning and purpose in what people think or say about us. We’ll even define ourselves by our best or worst moments. What we find, however, is when we seek our identity and meaning in these places, we will only by wanting. Our God points us elsewhere. Instead of pointing us to our doing for identity, he points us to what Christ has done for us. Instead of highlighting the things that we have, he shows us what we share together with Christ.

You are loved and sent. This identity is not one that you are earn or deserve. It is an identity that is not measured by what you have in your life or by what people think about you. It is an identity given: loved. At the same time, this is a purpose that we do not seek out. It is a purpose given: sent. You are loved and sent.

In this series, we want to explore these two words and learn spiritual practices to be able to keep these two words at the center of our heart, life and faith.

1 Peter 1:17-21 - How much are you worth?

Who am I? Why am I here? At the heart of much listlessness and depression are questions like these. Do I even matter? As we kick off the series at the Hampton Heights Festival, we want to simply say this: Everything in life is empty and meaningless apart from the value and identity given by our God. This empty life is the one handed down to us from those around us. Yet, there is another life. It is a life for which we have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. In fact, he was chosen for that life. He was chosen to give his life for you, for me, even for the whole world.

Do you see what this means? This means that you have a God-sized value. How much are you worth? God! God himself was the price for you. This means that your identity is secure: Redeemed! Purchased for God and by God.

Deuteronomy 7:7-11 - A Tale of Two Words

There is a tendency, even and maybe especially for us, that we would start to find confidence in what we do or how things are going for us. We’re Christians; that’s why! God knew that this tendency and temptation existed for his people, the Israelites too. He knew that they might (even would) become self-confident. So, God reminded them: “Its not because of you! Its not because of your righteousness, or your size, or anything about you. Its because of me! I loved you. I am doing and giving this to you. And I have set you here so that you might live as my people in this world.”

Here are the two words for Christian life: Loved and Sent. Notice the passive. This is not something we do. It is something done to us and for us. God chooses to love us. God, then, in mercy sends us as his loved children into the world.

Unexpected Grace

Unexpected Grace

Pursuit.

It’s in God’s nature. We see it again and again. We see him pursuing the lost sheep and the seeking after the lost coin. We see him rejoicing and throwing a heavenly party with all the angels over just one who believes.

We see him pursuing and chasing after Adam and Eve even when the wanted to hide in response. We see him shedding the first blood so that he could cover their shame with clothing. We see him eager to send Jesus, the snake crusher.

We see him pursuing and longing for two sons - both of them lost. One of them lost in self-righteousness. One of them lost in selfishness. Both of them lost. Both of them pursued.

God’s heart is the same for you. It is one of passionate love and pursuit.

Let me ask you this. What if you were the only one in the whole world who would ever believe in Jesus? Would God have still given up his only Son just for you? Would Jesus have still come down to suffer what he did if it was only you? You know that he would have.

There is so much unexpected grace in this. That God gave his Son for us. That his Son gave his life for you and me - for all! That his Spirit comes richly through Word and Sacrament to forgive, to strength, to give life and salvation.

Don’t forget. Shortly after worship tomorrow is our annual voter’s meeting.

See you Sunday! It’s just a day away.

Pastor Nate

PS. For other news and notes, check out the Mount Weekly.

"This is Us" Sunday

“This is Us” Sunday

Last year, we tried something and it was pretty great. We called it “This is Us” Sunday. We’re doing it again. It is a really special day. It won’t be a regular Sunday (even though they are all pretty special).

“This is Us” Sunday is a day for us to remember and give thanks to our God for the ministry we share. It is about our identity and our mission as a church. This is not something that we do alone. It is not “Jesus and Me.” Instead, it is “Jesus and We.” That’s why we call this Sunday “This is Us” Sunday.

Here’s what you need to know:

First, it’s a “Name Tag” Sunday. Part of tightening what binds us together is getting to know each other better. So, put on a name tag this Sunday, and let’s enjoy this day together. We have new teachers to install and new friends joining our church.

Second, it’s a “Super Snack Sunday.” Bring something to share. It’s like a potluck of snack foods. My favorite kind of potluck.

See you Sunday! It can’t come soon enough.

Pastor Nate

PS. For other news and notes, check out the Mount Weekly below.

Member Ministry Coordinator

Job Posting: Ministry Coordinator

Location: Mount Lebanon, Milwaukee, WI.

Position: Ministry Coordinator
Type: Part-Time
Salary: “Competitive”
Application Deadline: Until filled.

Are you passionate about faith, community, and making a difference? Mount Lebanon is looking for a talented and dedicated Ministry Coordinator to join our vibrant team! We are looking for an individual who is high in energy and eager to involve others in our important ministry work. We are also seeking someone who is highly organized with a keen eye for detail. The individual must also be committed to our mission and our ministry.

Read the job description posted below.

About Us:

Mount Lebanon is a vibrant Lutheran community dedicated to being a community for the community – nurturing faith, fostering fellowship, and serving our neighbors. We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Ministry Coordinator to join our team and help us continue our mission of making a meaningful impact both within and beyond our church.

Position Overview:

The Ministry Coordinator will play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing our church's various ministries. This individual will work closely with pastors, staff, and volunteers to coordinate and implement programs, events, and outreach efforts that align with our church’s mission and values.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter, and professional references to PastorNB@MtLebanonLuth.org with the subject line “Ministry Coordinator Application – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For more information about our church, please visit theMountMKE.com or contact Pastor Nate Bourman at 414-210-6167 or PastorNB@MtLebanonLuth.org.

Join us in our mission to spread Jesus’ love, faith, and service in our community. We look forward to welcoming a new member to our dedicated team!

Chiseled for War

Chiseled for War

I’ll invite you to walk with me into the Gallery of the Academy of Florence. This grand museum has a hallway that is perhaps one of the most famous in the world. Let’s spend some time there.

As you walk down this hallway, there are, on both sides of the long corridor, four statues. These four statues are known as “The Florentine Prigioni.” And these four statues are both interesting and troubling to take in. On the one hand, it’s astounding to look at the level of detail that is included in what is finished on these four statues and to take in the story that the statue tells. When you look at them, you can tell that these are the beginnings of people. They’re not finished. They used to be hard and cold blocks of marble. But then, the sculptor began to work with these pieces of marble, and he started to turn them into something. They’re works of art in process. What they will be is not yet there.

On the one hand, it is an awesome thing to try to imagine the story that the artist was telling about these four slaves who remain bound in marble. And on the other hand, it is quite troubling. These four prisoners seem bound in some sort of spell by the White Witch of Narnia, freezing them in ice and binding them in stone. Struggling to escape from this bondage, unable to become what they were meant to be. It is a troubling scene to take in these four prisoners, bound in stone, unable to free themselves.

Can you see yourself in his trap? Caught in the Devil’s web. Trapped in the Fowler’s snare. Pierced by his flaming darts. Locked in his prison of despair and doubt and worry and fear. Do you feel the weight of these chains?

Remember. This is war. Paul is calling us to armor up so that we can take our stand against the Devil’s schemes. But how? How when we are carved into stone, caught in the Fowler’s snare, and locked up in his prison of despair?
Do you know what the master sculptor, Michelangelo, was up to? While it looks like Michelangelo carved four figures into stone, his commentary indicates that he was freeing people from stone. THIS IS JESUS! Using the school of life’s experience and the chisel of his Word, Jesus frees us from despair. He hammers away our rough edges. He reconstructs our hands, ears, eyes, and faces. Jesus comes and sets us free from stone, free from the Devil’s, extinguishing all of the Devil’s fiery darts.

This week, we’re back to “Armor Up.” We will consider the shield of faith that will extinguish the Evil One's flaming darts. When the Devil’s darts pierce us, Jesus is always right there to set us free.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Nate

PS. The accounting and interpretation of Michelangelo’s art are summarized based on the work of Reed Lessing in “Overcoming Life’s Sorrows,” pages 213-215.

Refresh my Heart in Christ

Relationship are tough. We keep saying that around here. Whenever you put two sinful people in the same room, there are going to be challenges, issues and even sin. Relationships are tough, mainly because the people in those relationship are sinful.

That being said, what kind of relationship do you want to have with me? With Pastor Chris? What kind of relationship with your pastors do you want and hope to have?

Let’s consider the options.

We could live in a contractual relationship. We work for you and have a contract of sorts with you. You agree to support us with your offerings. We agree to preach sermons, teach the Bible, and visit you when you’re sick. We promise agree to provide pastoral care to you and be faith in our use of God’s Word. We work for you. You could boss us around. You also work for us. You may not get paid for the work that you do around here, but you do work for us. We need you to get stuff done around here. There is so much that couldn’t and wouldn’t get done if you don’t do your part. You have an obligation, a duty, a responsibility. We could lay heavy expectations on you. On both of our parts, we could constantly be asking each other: What more can I get out of them? Yes, we could live in a contractual relationship. That’s one way we could live together.

OR, we could live in familial relationship. The same kinds of expectations and responsibilities exist. You would still promise to support us with your offerings so that we can give ourselves full-time to the gospel ministry around here. We would still work for you as your servants. The same expectations and responsibilities exist, but, to live in familial relationship, has such a different spirit. We would constantly be asking: How can I serve you? We would do what we could to be useful, supporting and loving relationship. A contractual relationship is not free. But a familial relationship is. Love drives it. There is no pressure, no guilt, no arm twisting. In this family, our service to the Lord and each other is sincerely and freely given. We could live in a familial relationship. This seems like a much better and freer way to live together.

This Sunday, we’re going to explore that pastor/people (shepherd/sheep) relationship. What is this relationship that we (PB&J) have with you? What is this relationship that you (all ya’ll) have with us (PB&J)? That’s what we want to explore this Sunday as we wrap up our series “Under God.”

See you Sunday!

We are his! Pastor Nate

PS: Guys! Did you see the Meat Night? Make sure you sign-up. Sign up NOW

"Not the Place I remember..."

In the past few years, more than one person has said something like this to me: “This is not the _______________ I remember.” Sometimes, they’re talking about Milwaukee. They grew up here and know that this is not the place that it used to be. Other times, they’re talking about our country. They say to me, “This is not my country.” People mean many different things when they say this phrase, but, most often, they are discouraged and frustrated with how things are.

Sometimes, as I reflect on their description of the way things were and the way things are, I wonder to myself (never out loud) what was so good about those “good ole days.” At other times, I see the way things have degraded and ask a different question: What do we need to do about it?

While there are many possible and potential answers to those questions, I think one answer is simple: It starts at home. It has to start in the home. It has to start with moms and dads training their children in the way that is right, especially in knowing the Lord. It has to start with parents working with all their might to teach their children the way of the Lord so that they follow him.

That won’t change society or fix the problems “out there.” But then again, God never really called us to that. He called us to be salt and light in the world. He didn’t call us to change the world; that’s his job. He told us to preach the Gospel to everyone, not create a new and better Christian society. His job is to call us into his kingdom and make us royal citizens who are holy priests. He called us to be fathers, mothers, and children. He called us into families. In those families, he calls us to pass on the faith.

That is what we’ll be talking about this Sunday. Starting in the home, we will live under God and learn the habits of the faith. God has something to say about that to us this Sunday. We’ll be looking at Deuteronomy 6:4-12. This is a really important topic that is near and dear to my heart.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Nate

Under God

Many of us, including myself, share a common experience. We grew up reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, a national creed that declares us to be “one nation, under God.” This simple yet powerful phrase, “one nation, under God,” is a source of our love for the country we call home and a testament to our appreciation of the freedoms we enjoy.

But this same little phrase frustrates us when things in our churches, homes, and especially in our country waver from God's ways. We’re not living “under God” in this or that way.

Yet, even then, this phrase, “under God, “ can bring us great comfort and hope. We live under God no matter where we are or what we are doing, no matter what is happening around us. We always live under God. Our homes will always be under God, even when we struggle. Our church will always be under God. Our nation will always be under God, even when he is denied or mocked.

Sunday, we are starting a new series called “Under God.” In this four-week series, we want to explore and study two things. First, we want to consider the Second Petition of the Lord's Prayer in which we pray, “Your Kingdom Come.” That’s what we’ll do this Sunday. We will consider what it means to live under God. We’ll cry out with hope, “Long live the KING!" ALL CAPS as we study Psalm 72. Then, in the following weeks, we’ll consider the Fourth Commandment, in which God teaches us: “Honor your father and mother.” Here, we’ll consider what it means for us to live under those whom God has placed over us in the home, church, and state. What does it mean to honor and obey those in authority? To what does God call us as we live under him and under those whom he has placed over us?

This is an important topic since it touches on every part of our lives on earth and for our eternity in heaven. I can’t wait to dig into it with you. See you Sunday!

Pastor Nate

That they may know

Dear family,

The testimony is clear. Jesus is the Son of God, and he has overcome the world. The Spirit also testifies about Jesus. That is what this entire letter has been all about: “So that you may know that you have eternal life” (5:13).

We have the same desire as John. We want the world around us to know that they, too, have eternal life in God’s Son. What letter can we write with our words and actions so that others can have the same confidence? What can we do in our lives so that others will share in this confidence? In this way, like John, our joy will be complete.

We know! How can we live and talk and share our faith “so that they may know.”

We are his!

Pastor Nate

Weight Loss for Christians

Dear family,

John has been calling us to love one another throughout this little letter. Yet, this call to love is a difficult and tricky thing. How to do it is difficult to figure out in each given situation with each dear soul we encounter. How do I love this person? What should I do and how should I do it?

It is also difficult because of our sinful nature that constantly pushes against this command to love.

Yet, John refuses to call this love a burden. But how do we lift the load? How does the weight of this command get lifted from our shoulders so that “his command is not burdensome.” This Sunday, we consider 1 John 5:1-5, and we’ll see how the burden of the commandment is lifted from our shoulders even as we put our shoulder into it to do love. This is weight loss for Christians, namely, that the weight and the burden of the commands of God is lifted up and in their place we carry a light load and lean into an easy yoke.

See you Sunday! Jesus will lift the load. I’m sure of it.

We are his!

Pastor Nate

Love with Skin On

“God is love” (1 John 4:10). Love is not just part of what God does. It is who God is at his very core. It is his essence. But how do we know? He showed his love among us by giving his Son (1 John 4:9)—Jesus, who is God in the flesh. We might say then that Jesus is “love with skin on.” He makes God known by putting on human flesh, wearing skin, and becoming fully human. The same might also be said about you and me. We are the body of Christ, the visible representation of Jesus in the world. Yes, just as much as Jesus is “love with skin on” so are we.

As we finish our look at John’s first letter, we want to shift our focus outward to those who do not yet know Jesus. What letter can we write with our words and actions so that others can have the same confidence in Christ that we have? Our welcome to those who are guests at Mount Lebanon is one way that we can be “love with skin on.” Our life in the world is another way. What does our letter say? What does our life show? God showed us his love by putting skin on it.

This Sunday, John teaches us to live with fearless love. We are, after all, at times, afraid to love. There are many reasons for this. We may be afraid that someone will take advantage of our love. We are afraid that our love may make us vulnerable. We are afraid that selfless, sacrificial love will leave us without enough. There are many reasons that we are afraid to love. “What if...” seems to be a repeated theme. Yet, John makes it clear: “Perfect love drives out fear....” Christ’s perfect and all-sufficient love for us drives out fear of God’s judgment and gives us security from God so that we will love others. 1 John 4:7-21.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Nate

Love for the Truth

We live in dangerous times. They are what Jesus called “the last days.” These are the days when there will be wars and rumors of wars. There will be signs in the skies, signs on the earth, and even signs in nature. There will be signs in the church and signs in the world. We live in dangerous times because these are the last days.

Yet, the danger I speak of is not necessarily the danger on the roads or streets. It is not the danger of violence on the streets or in our homes.

The greatest danger we face is the constant assaults against the truth. That assault has been happening since the Evil One rebelled and was thrown out of heaven. This is the danger that I’m talking about and that John writes about, too. It’s the assault against the truth. It’s the assault that even happens within the church; John tells us that there are those from us who went out from us.

Yet, we have an anointing from the Holy One, and we know the truth.  We know Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John writes: Remain in him, and we will be unashamed before him when he comes. 1 John 2:18-17.

Tomorrow is going to be a special day—we’ve had a bunch of those lately! The Wisconsin Lutheran High School freshman choir will be with us. (Can you bring some extra snacks for these young people and their families?).

See you in the AM! We are his!

Pastor Nate

An Either/or Love

In “City of God,” Augustine writes about a rightly ordered love. He means that we have to get our love for things in the right order. We should love the things that are to be loved. We should not love the things that are not to be loved. John speaks more directly and clearly about what and who should be loved and not loved. It is an either/or love. You cannot love the world or anything in the world. It all passes away; if you love it, it will destroy you. We are called to love our Father in heaven who has loved us before the world began and has shown that love in the person of his Son, Jesus. (1 John 2:15-17)

PS. Make sure you check out “the Mount Weekly” below. There is a LOT going on and you’ll want to be a part of it.

That you may know...

How do you know?

That is one of the questions John wants to help answer for us and in our hearts in this letter. Ten times in this letter, he states: “This is how you know...” He wants us to be sure and to know that we are remaining in God and walking in the light.

This weekend, Pastor Chris will be installed as our Mission Pastor here at Mount Lebanon. We’re celebrating and thanking God for the gift of a second pastor. It’s going to be quite a party. Extra pastors will bless him as he begins. Scholars will sing, dance, read, and serve to the glory of God. We will have an epic lunch together. It’s going to be quite a day. We hope you can be a part of all of it!

As we do all of this, John will help us know. Together we will apply some of John’s tests to our own hearts as we study 1 John 2:3-14. How do you know? John will help us be sure that we know.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Nate

10 Reasons to Attend

Ten Reasons To Attend

Christian Estate Planning Seminary

Saturday, April 21

10 am - 12 pm

Ten Reasons Why

1. You are a parent with minor children and do not have an estate plan.

2. You have a family member or potential heir with special needs.

3. You have a fully completed estate plan (last will and testament, living will, trust, powers of attorney, etc.) but haven't reviewed it in a while and may need to make updates.

4. You would like to maximize your giving under current tax law.

5. You would like to maximize your giving to your family and/or charities after you pass away

6. You'd like to understand the best way to specifically direct your giving after you pass away (scholarships, special projects, prolonged and specifically directed distributions to heirs).

7. You'd like to understand more about endowments and how they work/are supposed to work specifically the Mount Lebanon endowments including the Mahnke Student Aid Fund, Building Improvement Fund, and Memorial Trust Fund.

8. You like to get encouragement around stewardship principals and practices.

9. You like treats and fellowship😉

10. Because Pastor Nate and Jeff will be there!

    
    PS: If you can’t make the seminar, but would like more information. Let us know! We can still get you connected.

Walking Together

Walking with God

It must have been quite an intimate thing that Adam and Eve shared with God and each other. Reading the early verses of Genesis 3 leaves me with the impression that God often walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden during the cool part of the day. What an intimate sharing together with each other and God. I wonder to myself what they talked about, what joys they shared, what they anticipated. It must have been an intimate fellowship they shared with God and each other. They walked with God. They walked with each other. They enjoyed fellowship with God and each other.

Throughout the Bible, 'walking together' signifies more than mere travel companionship. It's about having a shared agreement, a fellowship. The prophet poses a rhetorical question: ‘Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?' (Amos 3:3). They embark on the journey together because they share an agreement, a fellowship, a sense of unity.

We share intimately in so much from our Savior. We share in the gift of the Holy Spirit. We share in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We share in access to the Father. We share in gifts that come from his heavenly throne. We share in so much and so intimately.

We are called, then, to walk with him in the light, to live in fellowship with him. But how do we do that when we’re sinful? How do we walk with him and with each other when so much sin exists in us and among us? How do we walk with him in such a close fellowship?

Walk in the light. That is John’s encouragement. This Sunday, we’ll continue our study of 1 John by looking at 1 John 1:5 - 2:2.
See you Sunday!

Pastor Nate

PS. Pastor Johnson’s installation is set for April 21 at 9:30 am. Can you help with the meal? Sign-up below or in church on Sunday.

PPS. Connect Groups kick off this Sunday. Sign-up below to get connected. If you haven’t tried one yet, check it out. You won’t regret trying even one or two of these studies.

Connect and Deepen your Fellowship

We are a community for the community. We are here to share and to show the forgiveness of God and the love of Jesus.

GROWING TOGETHER IN GOD'S WORD

The Mount is committed to helping people grow in their faith and in their relationship with God as we study the Bible together with fellow believers. In other words, we want to deep our fellowship - our relationship and connection to God and to each other. Solomon points out to us how important it is for us to walk together this way:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

People cannot grow in isolation.   We need each other. As we said in the sermon last Sunday, life and always better together.

We want to velcro people to the two things that they need in every season of life and especially when times are tough: God's Word and God's people.  We are all about “doing life together” filled with God's Word. Oh, and we love to have fun together too! One of the biggest ways that we want to help people grow is through CONNECT GROUPS:

Connect groups exist to connect God’s people to the two things they need for life and eternity: 1) God’s Word; 2) God’s people. 

We pray that first and foremost these connect groups will provide God’s people a safe and intimate place to wrestle with, understand and connect God’s Word to their life.

We pray that these groups will promote the development of significant Christian relationships centered around the study of God’s Word.

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