Dayspring Fellowship Podcasts

Come and Live

 
In John 10:10 it says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” For the past two weeks we have been exploring together the life and rest we can experience by simply coming to Jesus, but the truth is life can be difficult at times. Our world, even as believers,can feel more like a storm than the green pastures we see in Psalm 23. So, how then are we to experience life and rest in the midst of the storm?
This weekend we will look together at the life we are invited to experience upon the waters as Christ calls us to come to Him. This life will require us to take a step of obedience as we continue to trust in the one who stands before us. It will ask us to name and lay aside the myths that often enslave us in order that we may embrace Christ’s truth for our lives. Join me as we explore the confidence, freedom and hope Christ offers as we step into the unknown. I can’t wait to witness how Christ will meet each of us there.
God Bless,
Nathan

The REST of the Story

Just Come
August 27 & 28,2016
 
For most of us summer is considered vacation time, a time to have fun, rest and refresh. So how come it is almost September and most of us feel anything but rested and refreshed? This weekend we will take a look at what is required for true rest.
Chris

Come As You Are

Just Come
August 20 & 21,2016
 
Recently I had a friend (a brutally honest friend) push back when I told him about the series we were exploring together as a Church these next few weeks. “Seriously Nathan, Just Come, you are doing a come to Jesus message at a Church full of Christians?”“Exactly”, I said in response.
“What are people supposed to do with that”? It was then that I realized my friend had bought into a myth that many, whether consciously or subconsciously, have bought into. That Jesus’ invitation to come is primarily aimed at the lost. Even as believers we can fall into the trap of believing that this invitation ceases at our conversion, so often this aspect of our walk is ignored or neglected.
This week we will look together at a prayer by Jesus out of Matthew 11:25-30which concludes with a powerful invitation for us all to come once more to Him. Together we will explore what this passage teaches us about how we come, who we come to and for what purpose.
It is my prayer that during this series we can come to Him together in order that we may experience true rest in our lives as He teaches once more how to live to the very fullest.
Nathan

Victory Through Surrender

August 13 & 14,2016
God’s Plan for Every Believer
 The news of ‘unconditional surrender’ was celebrated by those who lived through the Second World War. After years of brutal and bloody struggle, the defeated nations were compelled to accept the terms of the victors and adjust to a new post-war life. In this weekend’s message, Paul urges believers to willfully surrender in light of the goodness of God. A great victory was won at the Cross. A great price was paid in blood.But for God’s victory to be complete in us;we must surrender unconditionally. In love, He sets the terms and conditions for new life in Him. This weekend, we’ll consider a much quoted passage from Romans 12:1 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” We’ll look at the great motivation to surrender, the implications of surrender, and a strategy that guarantees we will continue to reign in victory with Him, our conquering Lord.
I look forward to sharing this message and seeing you this weekend.

Why Not Get Engaged?

August 6 & 7, 2016
A 3-E Perspective
 
For months I’ve been pondering the wording for the third step in our approach to making disciples: “We mobilize members so people will engage in meaningful ministry.” Only recently the word “engage” got me thinking in a new direction. 
     
We usually use that word in the context of getting married. Getting engaged means making a commitment to be partners in life and love. This weekend, I’ll be talking about how engaging in ministry is the natural outworking of our relationship with God and with others. Serving the Lord according to how he has equipped you is a similar sacred, God-ordained covenant.
     
In our lesson we’ll discuss why and how we should get engaged in ministry and why some of us shy away from involvement. If I understand the Bible, it seems to me that God has already proposed. Now we need to respond. 
     
Don’t miss the engagement party. 

Introversion Isn't A Place to Hide

July 30 & 31, 2016
A 3-E Perspective
 
When I talk to people about getting involved in groups, I sometimes hear the excuse, “No thanks, Larry. Group involvement isn’t for me; I’m an introvert!” Authentic Christian community isn’t only for extroverts. Every individual needs others –we are all people-people in that way. In fact, people who score themselves as introverts may enjoy deeper and more meaningful relationships than those who are social butterflies.
     
This week we will begin with this pop quiz. I got these questions from the Women’s Ministry team, who adapted it from Quiet by Susan Cain, one of last year’s Summit speakers. Take the little test in advance.
Write your first thought for each: yes or no?
1. I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities.
2. I often prefer to express myself in writing.  
3. I enjoy solitude.   
4. I care about wealth, fame and status less than my peers.    
5. People tell me I’m a good listener.
6. I’m not a big risk-taker.
7. I enjoy working with few interruptions.
8. I like to celebrate birthdays with a few people. 
9. People describe me as “soft-spoken” or “mellow”.
10. I tend to think before I speak. 
     
How you score yourself provides an indication of your personality type. This weekend we’ll talk about how that comes into play with your interpersonal relationships and how getting involved with others can contribute to your spiritual growth. Our leanings need not hinder our ability to experience wonderful Christian community.

Direction Isn't Enough: We Also Need Directions

July 23 & 24, 2016
A 3-E Perspective
 
Imagine you want to go somewhere. You have a destination in mind, therefore your direction set. But if you have direction without directions (notice the “s”), that isn’t enough. In the same way, having directions without direction won’t get you anywhere either. Knowing how to proceed but not having any aim will result in pointless activity. We need to know not only what we’re doing and where we’re headed, but also how to get there.
    
For any organization, a mission statement provides the direction, the corporate aim, the target. Such summary statements answer the question: What? They are important, but they can’t generate the kind of activity that will move a person or organization forward unless some directions accompany the statement of direction.
    
We’ve stated and repeated that we lead people to follow Jesus. That’s the overarching mission guiding all we do. Having direction is crucial, but we also need directions. This week we’ll begin a mini-series of three messages on how we can accomplish what God has called us to do. I hope you will join us in worship.

A Footnote that Reveals Our Nature

July 16 & 17, 2016
Jesus in Action -Messages from Mark • Chapter 16
 
I asked a friend if his new role providing foster care would be just a short-term opportunity or a long-term responsibility? He said: You never really know. My next question concerned how he will be able to handle that uncertainty, not knowing how long they may have with this precious little child. We agreed that will be tough.
           
How do we respond to uncertainty? What do we do when our circumstances are more ambiguous than we would like? How does human nature react to open-ended situations that offer inadequate closure?
            
This week’s message from Mark 16 provides a launching pad from which we will dive into this topic. I’ve never taught or even heard a message like the one I’m preparing; it will be different. A footnote in the middle of this chapter will take us on a wild ride, leading us to consider these questions about closure and control. While most footnotes are inconsequential, this one reveals something important about human nature. Come worship with us and bring a friend. 

Good Friday in July

July 9 & 10, 2016
Jesus in Action -
Messages from Mark • Chapter 15
 
We’ve reached the point in our study through Mark that we’re at
Good Friday again.
Join us this weekend as we reflect on the Cross and the sacrifice of our King.
 
Pastor Chris

The Poster Child for Grace

July 2 & 3, 2016
Jesus in Action -Messages from Mark • Chapter 14
 The term ‘poster child’ originally referred to a person with an affliction used to raise awareness or solicit compassion. Mark 14 portrays Peter as the poster child for grace. Few of us have fallen as far & hard. He made a great boast in Mark 14:29 "Even though they (the other disciples)all fall away, I will not." Yet, just a few hours later,Peter denied even knowing his Lord & Savior. When we look at Peter, we see a great man who overestimated himself and underestimated grace. Sin knocks us all down from time to time. But praise God…His grace is greater than our sin! God’s grace picks us up, dusts us off, and puts eternal gratitude in our hearts.
 
Have you ever done something you’re ashamed of? Have you committed to something, then failed to follow through? Have you ever humiliated yourself in utter failure? If you’ve never felt ashamed, this message may not be for you. Mark 14 contains a message for those of us who have been unfaithful to the One who gave Himself for us.
 
Come this weekend and let’s talk about Jesus. He’s the one who predicted Peter’s fall; He’s the One who picked up the pieces of a broken.
 
See you this weekend.