My family spent the past week at Sunset Beach for our annual post-Easter vacation. Sarah’s parents joined us, which meant Sarah and I could sneak out for nightly walks after the kids were in bed. Most evenings we’d start on the beach and walk until the sun had set.
One night, when the beach was particularly windy, we walked along the road and noticed several groups of people all heading to the same spot. The location— at a corner of a dead end street— seemed to be an odd place for these random groups to gather.
We quickly learned that they’d gathered to watch the sunset. This dead end road, at this particular time of year, presented the best vista on the island for the evening’s sunset.
In the picture attached to this email I intentionally kept some of the groups of people in the frame. To me, it was moving to see so many people gathering to enjoy the same sight. There was an unspoken acknowledgment that such beauty had to be admired and that it was worth stopping one’s routine, leaving one’s house, and seeking it out.
Of course, I knew what was really happening. Together, we were watching the glory of God on tremendous display.
The idea of multiple groups of people heading in the same direction got me thinking about the new preaching series we’ll be starting this week.
I believe God wants all people to be headed in the same direction, the direction of God. One way the Bible teaches us about God’s direction is by offering contrasts.
Not this, but that.
Don’t go that way, go this way.
When you think about it, we often teach like this today. We show what is true by also displaying the alternative. The Bible often teaches in this way.
I’ve titled the new series Opposites and we will explore the contrasts of the Bible.
Upcoming Preaching Topics for Opposites
April 23: Obedience or Independence?
Key Verse: Noah did all that the Lord commanded him.
—Genesis 7:5
April 30: Hope or Pessimism?
Key Verse: “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”
—2 Kings 4:28
May 7: Youth Sunday
May 14: Peace or Conflict?
Key Verse: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
—Romans 12:18
May 21: Honor or Shame? (Homecoming)
Key Verse: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…
—Romans 8:1
May 28: Spirit or Flesh?
Key Verse: We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.
—Romans 8:26
The Bible is full of contrasts that point us in one direction— the direction of God. Invite a friend and join us on Sunday.
Wednesday night dinner is back!
Join us tonight at 5:45 pm for dinner. My Bible study meets at 5 pm and is starting a brand new study: the exploration of Ephesians. All are welcome.
See you on Sunday!
—Pastor David
