This first Sunday of Lent we began a series of messages titled: SEVEN WAYS TO MAKE SPACE IN YOUR LIFE FOR GOD. Today's sermon is titled "Worship: Valuing the Right Stuff. Together we explore what it means to "worship" and the importance of worship for the human spirit. The reality of "we worship what we value" causes us to ask what is important to us. We noted that it's possible to worship secondary things such as success, money, possessions, people and power among other things, and the dangers of such. We also noted that it's possible to attend a "worship service" and not worship God at all. As Jesus said, "You honor me with your lips but your hearts are far from me." (Matt 7)

The text for the day is from Exodus 7:14-8:3 which is the beginning of the story of Moses confrontations with Pharoah, and the 10 plagues. Each time Moses went to Pharoah he said, "The Lord God says, "Let my people go, so that they MAY WORSHIP ME." Worship was vital to God's people then as it was to Jesus later. During his temptations Satan offered Jesus the world, but he responded "It is written, Worship the Lord your God alone, and serve Him." (click here) http://www.seaviewbaptist.com/podcast/20070225.mp3

Today's sermon, "Discovering Your Greatest Desire" explores Jesus' question of the disciples "What do you want me to do for you? Jesus used this question of help him address the core values of the people he spoke to. The question is used several times in the gospels. If the question was asked of us (and it is) what would our answer be? The "greatest desire" is probably different for everyone, and yet according to Scripture, the greatest need (desire) we have is to have God in our lives - specifically a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As Psalm 42:1-2 says, "You Alone are my heart's desire."

How does one have this "living relationship?" By making space in our lives for God. The Bible offers dozens of ways (practices) to do this. Several are mentioned in this sermon, but during Lent ( for the next 7 weeks) we'll look in more depth at "Seven Ways to Make Space in Your Life for God." The reason this is important is because may people are so busy that they have all but squeezed God out of their lives all together. These "practices" will help us re-connect with God in life-fulfilling ways. (click here) http://www.seaviewbaptist.com/podcast/20070218.mp3

This week Rev. Ned Flexer is the guest speaker. His topic is: "An Invitation from the King." He reminds us that all followers of Jesus are invited to serve a Lord who loves them. Rev. Flexer says, "The doorbell is ringing... will you answer." (click here) http://seaviewbaptist.com/podcast/20070211.mp3

This sermon is based on Jesus' invitation to "Come unto me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-30. It's a reminder that "We Are Invited..." by the Lord to be His followers and that invitation is a privilege and an honor. The sermon explores the meaning of being "invited" and the promises that go with God's invitation. (click here) http://www.seaviewbaptist.com/podcast/20070204.mp3