I noticed several kids my daughters age this past Sunday. She’ll be 11 in May and has a “boyfriend”. They go to church funcutions together. Sometimes we (parents) take them to other outings together…SUPERVISED BY US! AND they hold hands!!! Is this ok at age 11? How do we get them to understand that you don’t tell someone you love them (like they have been caught doing over the phone) when we have taught them to love everyone without limitations. My husband & I as well as our daughter’s “boyfriends” parents have taught them about saving themselves for marriage, but my next question is how do we keep them from getting bored with hand holding within a year and moving on to kissing, then (uugghhh!) sex? Now do we back track and tell them they are too young to hold hands? Won’t it push them to then sneak around? This parenting thing is much harder than I thought and I call MY Mom about once a month to say “I’m sorry and I love you!” She has met a wonderful young man that has been raised the way that she has…but now what?!?!?
I was so distracted by the gentleman who answered when Luis asked the congregation “What is freedom” by saying “Military” this week at the Loft service. I am very anti-war and found this comment abhorrent and so very wrong. How can I prevent someone’s opinion from changing my experience of such a beautiful service?
I feel the same way as Jeri!! I have the same opinion!!...I had a wonderful time today in the sevice, the words of Luis where soo good,soo profund, I felt move inside …great service today!!!!
Luis You told us to ask about what we wanted to hear in the loft at the service, talk to us about marriage and the real deal of been in this kind of relationship, sumsion,real love real sacrifaices ,respect to adults from youth people,education of children, materialism, war Vs. Jesus, real love Vs. politeness,racism, compasion in the eyes of God, respect to others, drugs in the life of our children,real compassion…
I’m a young woman in her mid-twenties and I want to know if I am living the life that God wants me to. How does a person know that he/she is following the path that God has designed for him/her?
I’m fine with all of the questions posed above, as long as the questions are answered with “the Bible says…” rather than “I think…”
I have been reading (thanks to Luis) Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. I would like to hear a message on how we can live up to our potential in our daily lives and “seize our divine moments” as members of our church, community, family, group of friends… How can we live passionately and confidently in our faith without hesitation and fear of failure.
kindness and forgveness –what’s in it for me?; Stress and anger management; Integrity – in all aspects of life (ie the different faces we put on at home, at work, socially, etc.) ; KSBJ had a caller about living in the present – living day to day. Not just trying to get through the preparations for the event – ie getting kids ready, etc. – that is the event. Does that help any?
I totally agree with the subjects ??? listed above. I would like to learn the ‘How To’ become the person God created me to be.
Thanks for making this so interactive – thanks for Sunday’s message. It moved me!
I have a suggestion for a topic in the next sermon series. I grew up in a church going family and accepted Jesus as my personal savior at an early age. Since then I grown in faith and knowledge about God. However I remember a time when I was presented with a wittiness opportunity and asked a simple question “So what would I do in heaven?” I didn’t really have a good answer. At the time I was nervous and didn’t think to ask God for the right words. All I could say was “Praise God”. The funny thing is my church at time had done did a serise on this very topic but it was for the Youth so I missed it. So my suggestion is this. Just what does the Bible say people will do in heaven and hell? Thanks for making this so interactive. And sorry for the extra long post.
A few weeks ago I heard a sermon on not just living in the spirit but walking in the spirt. I would like to no more about walking in the spirit.
I’d like to hear more about the mission/core value: “Transforming the unconvinced into followers of Jesus Christ through a community of faith.”
I grew up in a family devoid of spiritual awareness and sense of community. I’ve always felt there was something more to life, spirituality, and the church community, but I didn’t know how to accept it into my life. It’s not that I’m unconvinced…I just need some help breaking through the barriers/stigmas/conditioning I’ve developed over the years. I’m realtively new at this, but I’ve really enjoyed coming to the Loft for the past five months.
I know I’ve already submitted my idea but whatever topic we cover can we please just make sure that we address the topic to the kids too. I am just at a point w/ my own girls (10 and 2 yrs) that I need to know if I’m doing the right thing with them.
Thank You (Again!!!)
How does a Christian discern God’s will for your life in every day decision making. I hear people saying things like, “I felt led by the Holy Spirit,” or “God spoke to me,” or “God opened or closed doors.” I looked in scripture and couldn’t find much except when God spoke to his prophets. Does God have a specific will for where I live or what job I have and I am supposed to discern it from the Holy Spirit through leadings and signs? I would just like to know.
How about the differences between denominations? Why are their differences between denominations? Is one right and all others wrong? Is one better than the other? Some seem to be more conservative and others seem to be more liberal. Is this because people want to pick or interpret only certain scriptures to fit their lifestyle as opposed to changing their lifestyle to fit scripture?
I would love a sermon series on the Beatitudes presented during the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 1-12). I wonder how we would be transformed if we applied these principles daily.
-”Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
-Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
-Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
-Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
-Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
-Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
-Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
-Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I would love to hear more about forgiveness. How do you live it out? How do you know when you’ve forgiven? I ask because recently I had a situation come up that told me I hadn’t forgiven a person completely I thought I had.
Do you believe in signature sins? If so can you gain control over them?
I would love to hear more personal illustrations and Biblical references if time allows.
Hello, this my issue: we feel like we don’t fit in Woodlands churches because we are not conservative and do not agree with most of the conservative positions. How can we join a church, express our love for God, and still feel comfortable with our beliefs? Is The Loft the right place for us?
I would like to hear about how todays women still fixs into God plans as the women did in the bible. We are so far from the ruth or mary of the bibles. How should a Godly women look and act? Please don’t say we should be barefoot and with child, or that we should follow what our husband say. I would also Like to hear how a Godly man looks like. I know he should be the head of the family but what if he puts his what he wants over what God has planned for him and what is best for his family?
believing God. or maybe address the issue of un-belief. Jesus says that who i [truly] am and what i am [truly] able to do…is already in me, available to me. but i need to be reminded in community, in teaching…of the Truth.
How about not judging people on their appearance? It seems to me that a lot of people see a guy with long hair, or someone dressed goth or punk as not belonging in this church. It’s pure ignorance, even if Marilyn Manson came into the church decked out in makeup and whatever else he wears, he should expect nothing more than a courteous greeting and fellowship. The best place to start with this would be 1 Samuel 16:7.
Kyle, during the summer celebration we should encourage the lofters to come as they want. I’ll be sporting my colored hair for sure! We’ll have two different types of “blue hairs” at church. The young and old. From everything I’ve seen at TWUMC so far I’m willing to bet we’ll all get along fine! What great people we’re blessed to have!
It sounds to me like people are looking for specifics on how to live the Christian life in this day and age, with biblical references, not “I think…” How about a series titled “What the Bible says about …” women,childraising,appearance,etc?
I was recently re-reading Joshua and found God’s commands to be brutal in contrast to the life Jesus exemplified(sp?). This is definitely something that I would like to hear more about in service. Also – The similarity to modern day land disputes is striking. Multiple groups laying claim to the same land…
I love the idea of a sermon about being a “Godly woman” and/or even a “Godly man.” What are some “modern day expectations?” How are the expectations different between the two sexes? Maybe even a joint effort of a male and female preacher…???? I think it would be incrediably refreshing.
Recently I was reading a book that talked about the dangers of trying to transforming oneself spiritually through the building up on one’s own self-esteem. This supposedly causes a focus based upon one’s view of self versus one’s view on God. I think it would be interesting to discussed the difference between a “me” or “self” centered view of the world where one focus’ exclusively on their own needs versus Christ’s view of the world based upon a centering the oneself around God and focusing in on the needs of others and serving others.
Here is something to think about. Before we decide how church should be done we should first decide who is it mainly for? Should church service on Sunday be mainly for the unbelievers who are seeking or should it be for the born again believers seeking to worship God and fellowship with other believers? If it is for seekers then a strong gospel message should be preached each Sunday so that the unbeliever hears God’s truths from scripture as well as the good news and eventually become a born again believer. If church on Sundays is mainly for the born again believers (of course seekers are welcome) then the message is different. Born again believers are hungry for God’s word and are not offended by it. They want to hear God’s word exposited. Whether you are teaching on heaven, hell, marriage, or parenting, no apology is need for reading or speaking God’s truth from scripture. So who do you say church is mainly for?
Who church is mainly for? Interesting question…. I think that many people get caught up in the “how” we do church versus the “why” we do church. We worship God to enter into a relationship with Him. We go to “church” or in other words “gather together” with other believers to share in our relationship with not only Jesus and God but allow to fellowship with others who are in relationship with God. I think we get too caught up in the rites and rituals of worship instead of focusing on the true focus of our faith: our relationship with God. It is through this relationship that we are saved. That is what we should focus on whether we are sharing with a seeker or talking to “born again believers” filtered through the light of the Scriptures. The true question is: How is your relationship with God?
Church is “Boot Camp” for Christians preparing to do battle against the “enemy”, aka, Satan!
We need to remember that, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and againt the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
We need to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Jesus is our Lord Captain of the Host!
To arms!
Iam very glad for listening your message . Iam Bible college student . Iam the one who is always searching for the godly person who can sponcor me to study God’s word properly. Though Iam very poor in condition I have lots of zeal to study His Living word. Would u please tell me your name?
I noticed several kids my daughters age this past Sunday. She’ll be 11 in May and has a “boyfriend”. They go to church funcutions together. Sometimes we (parents) take them to other outings together…SUPERVISED BY US! AND they hold hands!!! Is this ok at age 11? How do we get them to understand that you don’t tell someone you love them (like they have been caught doing over the phone) when we have taught them to love everyone without limitations. My husband & I as well as our daughter’s “boyfriends” parents have taught them about saving themselves for marriage, but my next question is how do we keep them from getting bored with hand holding within a year and moving on to kissing, then (uugghhh!) sex? Now do we back track and tell them they are too young to hold hands? Won’t it push them to then sneak around? This parenting thing is much harder than I thought and I call MY Mom about once a month to say “I’m sorry and I love you!” She has met a wonderful young man that has been raised the way that she has…but now what?!?!?
I was so distracted by the gentleman who answered when Luis asked the congregation “What is freedom” by saying “Military” this week at the Loft service. I am very anti-war and found this comment abhorrent and so very wrong. How can I prevent someone’s opinion from changing my experience of such a beautiful service?
I feel the same way as Jeri!! I have the same opinion!!...I had a wonderful time today in the sevice, the words of Luis where soo good,soo profund, I felt move inside …great service today!!!!
Luis You told us to ask about what we wanted to hear in the loft at the service, talk to us about marriage and the real deal of been in this kind of relationship, sumsion,real love real sacrifaices ,respect to adults from youth people,education of children, materialism, war Vs. Jesus, real love Vs. politeness,racism, compasion in the eyes of God, respect to others, drugs in the life of our children,real compassion…
I’m a young woman in her mid-twenties and I want to know if I am living the life that God wants me to. How does a person know that he/she is following the path that God has designed for him/her?
I’m fine with all of the questions posed above, as long as the questions are answered with “the Bible says…” rather than “I think…”
I have been reading (thanks to Luis) Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. I would like to hear a message on how we can live up to our potential in our daily lives and “seize our divine moments” as members of our church, community, family, group of friends… How can we live passionately and confidently in our faith without hesitation and fear of failure.
kindness and forgveness –what’s in it for me?; Stress and anger management; Integrity – in all aspects of life (ie the different faces we put on at home, at work, socially, etc.) ; KSBJ had a caller about living in the present – living day to day. Not just trying to get through the preparations for the event – ie getting kids ready, etc. – that is the event. Does that help any?
I totally agree with the subjects ??? listed above. I would like to learn the ‘How To’ become the person God created me to be.
Thanks for making this so interactive – thanks for Sunday’s message. It moved me!
I have a suggestion for a topic in the next sermon series. I grew up in a church going family and accepted Jesus as my personal savior at an early age. Since then I grown in faith and knowledge about God. However I remember a time when I was presented with a wittiness opportunity and asked a simple question “So what would I do in heaven?” I didn’t really have a good answer. At the time I was nervous and didn’t think to ask God for the right words. All I could say was “Praise God”. The funny thing is my church at time had done did a serise on this very topic but it was for the Youth so I missed it. So my suggestion is this. Just what does the Bible say people will do in heaven and hell? Thanks for making this so interactive. And sorry for the extra long post.
A few weeks ago I heard a sermon on not just living in the spirit but walking in the spirt. I would like to no more about walking in the spirit.
I’d like to hear more about the mission/core value: “Transforming the unconvinced into followers of Jesus Christ through a community of faith.”
I grew up in a family devoid of spiritual awareness and sense of community. I’ve always felt there was something more to life, spirituality, and the church community, but I didn’t know how to accept it into my life. It’s not that I’m unconvinced…I just need some help breaking through the barriers/stigmas/conditioning I’ve developed over the years. I’m realtively new at this, but I’ve really enjoyed coming to the Loft for the past five months.
I know I’ve already submitted my idea but whatever topic we cover can we please just make sure that we address the topic to the kids too. I am just at a point w/ my own girls (10 and 2 yrs) that I need to know if I’m doing the right thing with them.
Thank You (Again!!!)
How does a Christian discern God’s will for your life in every day decision making. I hear people saying things like, “I felt led by the Holy Spirit,” or “God spoke to me,” or “God opened or closed doors.” I looked in scripture and couldn’t find much except when God spoke to his prophets. Does God have a specific will for where I live or what job I have and I am supposed to discern it from the Holy Spirit through leadings and signs? I would just like to know.
How about the differences between denominations? Why are their differences between denominations? Is one right and all others wrong? Is one better than the other? Some seem to be more conservative and others seem to be more liberal. Is this because people want to pick or interpret only certain scriptures to fit their lifestyle as opposed to changing their lifestyle to fit scripture?
I would love a sermon series on the Beatitudes presented during the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 1-12). I wonder how we would be transformed if we applied these principles daily.
-”Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
-Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
-Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
-Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
-Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
-Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
-Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
-Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I would love to hear more about forgiveness. How do you live it out? How do you know when you’ve forgiven? I ask because recently I had a situation come up that told me I hadn’t forgiven a person completely I thought I had.
Do you believe in signature sins? If so can you gain control over them?
I would love to hear more personal illustrations and Biblical references if time allows.
Hello, this my issue: we feel like we don’t fit in Woodlands churches because we are not conservative and do not agree with most of the conservative positions. How can we join a church, express our love for God, and still feel comfortable with our beliefs? Is The Loft the right place for us?
I would like to hear about how todays women still fixs into God plans as the women did in the bible. We are so far from the ruth or mary of the bibles. How should a Godly women look and act? Please don’t say we should be barefoot and with child, or that we should follow what our husband say. I would also Like to hear how a Godly man looks like. I know he should be the head of the family but what if he puts his what he wants over what God has planned for him and what is best for his family?
believing God. or maybe address the issue of un-belief. Jesus says that who i [truly] am and what i am [truly] able to do…is already in me, available to me. but i need to be reminded in community, in teaching…of the Truth.
How about not judging people on their appearance? It seems to me that a lot of people see a guy with long hair, or someone dressed goth or punk as not belonging in this church. It’s pure ignorance, even if Marilyn Manson came into the church decked out in makeup and whatever else he wears, he should expect nothing more than a courteous greeting and fellowship. The best place to start with this would be 1 Samuel 16:7.
Kyle, during the summer celebration we should encourage the lofters to come as they want. I’ll be sporting my colored hair for sure! We’ll have two different types of “blue hairs” at church. The young and old. From everything I’ve seen at TWUMC so far I’m willing to bet we’ll all get along fine! What great people we’re blessed to have!
It sounds to me like people are looking for specifics on how to live the Christian life in this day and age, with biblical references, not “I think…” How about a series titled “What the Bible says about …” women,childraising,appearance,etc?
I was recently re-reading Joshua and found God’s commands to be brutal in contrast to the life Jesus exemplified(sp?). This is definitely something that I would like to hear more about in service. Also – The similarity to modern day land disputes is striking. Multiple groups laying claim to the same land…
I love the idea of a sermon about being a “Godly woman” and/or even a “Godly man.” What are some “modern day expectations?” How are the expectations different between the two sexes? Maybe even a joint effort of a male and female preacher…???? I think it would be incrediably refreshing.
Recently I was reading a book that talked about the dangers of trying to transforming oneself spiritually through the building up on one’s own self-esteem. This supposedly causes a focus based upon one’s view of self versus one’s view on God. I think it would be interesting to discussed the difference between a “me” or “self” centered view of the world where one focus’ exclusively on their own needs versus Christ’s view of the world based upon a centering the oneself around God and focusing in on the needs of others and serving others.
Here is something to think about. Before we decide how church should be done we should first decide who is it mainly for? Should church service on Sunday be mainly for the unbelievers who are seeking or should it be for the born again believers seeking to worship God and fellowship with other believers? If it is for seekers then a strong gospel message should be preached each Sunday so that the unbeliever hears God’s truths from scripture as well as the good news and eventually become a born again believer. If church on Sundays is mainly for the born again believers (of course seekers are welcome) then the message is different. Born again believers are hungry for God’s word and are not offended by it. They want to hear God’s word exposited. Whether you are teaching on heaven, hell, marriage, or parenting, no apology is need for reading or speaking God’s truth from scripture. So who do you say church is mainly for?
Who church is mainly for? Interesting question…. I think that many people get caught up in the “how” we do church versus the “why” we do church. We worship God to enter into a relationship with Him. We go to “church” or in other words “gather together” with other believers to share in our relationship with not only Jesus and God but allow to fellowship with others who are in relationship with God. I think we get too caught up in the rites and rituals of worship instead of focusing on the true focus of our faith: our relationship with God. It is through this relationship that we are saved. That is what we should focus on whether we are sharing with a seeker or talking to “born again believers” filtered through the light of the Scriptures. The true question is: How is your relationship with God?
Church is “Boot Camp” for Christians preparing to do battle against the “enemy”, aka, Satan!
We need to remember that, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and againt the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
We need to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Jesus is our Lord Captain of the Host!
To arms!
Iam very glad for listening your message . Iam Bible college student . Iam the one who is always searching for the godly person who can sponcor me to study God’s word properly. Though Iam very poor in condition I have lots of zeal to study His Living word. Would u please tell me your name?
Hi Sir !