Guardrails are for your protection. God placed guardrails in His word to keep you away from spiritual trouble. This past week Bradley opened God’s word and encouraged us to guard our hearts from evil. He spoke out of Proverbs 4 that tells us to “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” That instruction is similar to the words of Christ who says to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” When you do this God adds to your stature. You grow in wisdom and knowledge and in so doing you protect your life.

This week we’ll look at God’s guardrails connected to money. Money is a vital asset in our current world and the system of this world. How does it work? Is there ever enough money? Should you pursue money at all? How should you handle the money you earn? The scriptures give us insight as to how to handle money and how to view money. We’ll be talking about these situations this weekend. 

On a personal note, the elders came and prayed over me Tuesday night connected to my upcoming surgery. They anointed me with oil and poured out their hearts before the Lord. What a joy it is to have godly leaders who try to live out the scriptures. Melody and I appreciate the prayers very much. 

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.

See you then,

Scott

It’s great to see God at work in the lives of so many people. It’s outstanding to see the church growing and thriving in the name of Jesus. This past Sunday we had the largest non-holiday attendance in Forum’s history. That’s the way to start off fall semester! To those who listened to the Guardrails sermon on sexuality, I hope it was meaningful to you. As you seek intimacy and the purity the Lord would have you to establish, the best insight I can share is this: “Live for Christ and His glory” and “Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness.” 

This week we continue in the Guardrails series focusing on God’s guardrails for your heart. In scripture we are instructed to guard our heart. It’s an important thing to do to guard your heart. Deep within a person’s being is the heart. Christ said,  “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Following Christ isn’t easy. Following Him takes our all. All that we are: heart, mind, and soul are to follow Him. We’ll be in Proverbs 4 this Sunday discussing a guardrail to your heart. 

And speaking of hearts, I’m going to be having bypass surgery on September 6 in St. Louis. I’d ask you to be in prayer for my family and me. That will mean I’m out of the pulpit again for several weeks, but know that we’re in good shape with Bradley, Tyler, and Blake preaching and teaching each week. I’m so grateful to have such a strong staff to fill the pulpit.

We’re on the cusp of getting into the new facility, which will mean ministry expansion once again. The parking lot will be accessible soon - including our entrance off of Nifong. This new family life center is going to add a new dimension to the ministry, beginning with the relocation of our youth areas as soon as the space is ready. Please be praying about all of the growth and movement occurring within the ministry. 

I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. Each Sunday Is very dear to me because I see life change each week. I see worshipers sold out to Jesus. I see families gathered around God’s word centering their lives on it. It’s a joy to be part of worship at Forum. 

See you Sunday! 

Scott

What a great day this past Sunday was! We kicked off our Guardrails series in strong fashion looking at wisdom as a guardrail. Dialing in to God’s wisdom is the way to go for this life. Seeking His Kingdom first is a great way to navigate life. Bradley did a solid job of pointing us towards God’s wisdom in Proverbs 1 on Sunday. 

We also had a great night as a fellowship at Wilson’s Beach Club. With over 500 people in attendance, it was a great night. The night was filled with water, sand volleyball, tennis, bounce houses, Kan jam, and hot dogs. It was truly a phenomenal night of fellowship. Thanks to our youth ministry team for putting it together.

This Sunday we look at the scripture guardrails connected to human sexuality and seek God’s wisdom for this. God created our sexuality. He’s the designer and author of life so it’s the righteous thing to listen to Him in these matters. We have an industry aimed at getting our attention through pornography. We have schools that hand out contraceptives. We have more people living together before marriage and “trying it on for size” (if they get married at all). Then there are the issues of same sex unions and alternative lifestyles. What does God say about all of this? We’ll look into these matters on Sunday. 

Let me encourage you to invite a friend to church this Sunday. The sermon topic will be relevant to people in our community, making it a Sunday filled with possibility. 

Looking forward to another stellar day of worship in God’s presence with you this Sunday! See you then,

Scott

P.S. It’s time for nominations for elders and deacons. There are forms at the Starting Point for you to fill out and submit in connection to these roles.